Thur 15 Aug 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Vol. 30, No. 12,649

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Troops kill Boko Haram’s deputy leader, 17 others From Madu Onuorah , Nkechi Onyedika , John Okeke (Abuja) and Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna) MID shock over the recent A massacre in Borno State, the Defence Headquarters yesterday disclosed the killing of 18 terrorists, includ-

• Confirm death of Bama, Shekau’s deputy • Sultan, others query effectiveness of emergency rule • Spain, CAN condemn Borno killings, U.S. pledges help ing Momodu Bama. Bama was the second-in-command to the leader of Boko Haram,

Abubakar Shekau. The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris

Olukolade, said in Abuja that Bama and the other 17 Boko Haram insurgents died dur-

ing encounters with special forces of the military and security services in Bama, a border community area. Olukolade also said that Bama’s father, Alhaji Abatcha Flatari, “who is also one of the spiritual guiding lights of the outlawed terrorists group” died in the attack. He said that

24 insurgents were arrested. The Defence spokesman added: “Momodu Bama has been personally leading the attacks against troops and innocent citizens in the communities of Yobe and Adamawa. A specialist in CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Cameroun takes final control of Bakassi Peninsula AMEROUN yesterday fiC nally took full sovereignty over the disputed territory of Bakassi after years of conflict over the peninsula. The Agence France Presse (AFP) quoted Camerounian radio as announcing yesterday: “The transitional period in the Camerounian peninsula of Bakassi has come to an end.” Nigeria formally ceded Bakassi to Cameroun on August 14, 2008, halting 15 years of border conflict. A United Nations (UN)backed period of transition agreed by the two countries followed to allow Cameroun to develop an administrative presence in the area. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nurudeen Mohammed, told AFP that the government had taken note of the landmark date. “This has been going on for 10 years. We are aware. We are part of the process,” he said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Super Eagles’ hero in yesterday’s Mandela Challenge contest against South Africa, Uche Nwafor (left), celebrates one of his goals with teammate, Nnamdi Oduamadi, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban. Nwafor’s two goals gave the Eagles victory over the Bafana Bafana. PHOTO: MTNFOOTBALL.COM

Egypt’s crackdown death toll hits 149 — Page 9

Amaechi gives terms for quitting as govs’ forum chairman From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt O douse the controversy T over the chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rivers State helmsman, Chibuike Amaechi, has offered to resign. But this is with a condition: If the 19 governors who voted for him asked him to quit. Amaechi like Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang is claiming to have won the election for the chairmanship of the NGF. The position of Amaechi was

disclosed yesterday by his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari. According to the governor, those who are accusing him of nursing a vice presidential ambition are mischievous since there has not been any formal declaration by him in that regard. Semenitari told journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday that Nigerians were aware of

• Denies bid for vice presidency the democratic process in which Amaechi emerged as the chairman of the NGF and that the governor is someone who does not treat a democratic process with levity. According to her, Amaechi remains the authentic chairman of the NGF, but if his colleagues, especially those who voted for him insist that he

should step down in a bid to pave the way for peace in the forum, he will step down. “If all the governors decide, especially those who voted for Governor Amaechi, that he should step down, naturally, he will concede to his colleagues,” she said. On the issue of reconciliation between President

Goodluck Jonathan and the governor, the commissioner stated that there had been meaningful discussion between both leaders. She denied an allegation that Amaechi was planning to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of his difficulties within it. According to her, irrespective of the governor’s suspension which is now before a court, he remains a bonafide mem-

DANA Air crash victim sues Lagos over alleged land revocation — Page 7

ber of the PDP. To Semenitari, the speculation that the governor is nursing a vice presidential ambition is the work of mischief-makers who are bent on creating disaffection between him and the Presidency. She said that the governor had never told anyone that he would be vying for vice presidency in 2015. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Leyii Kwanee, has urged youths to support Amaechi in what he deCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

NEWS

Lagos lists 14 grounds of appeal against Al-Mustapha, Shofolahan By Bertram Nwannekanma HE Lagos State GovernT ment has itemised 14 grounds of appeal at the Supreme Court against the verdict of the appellate court, which discharged and acquitted Major Hamza AlMustapha, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha and Lateef Shofolahan for the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. Lagos State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, had

informed journalists on Tuesday that his ministry had on Monday filed two separate notices of appeal against the judgments of the Court of Appeal but declined to give details. However, copies of the notices of appeal obtained by our correspondent yesterday showed that the state government had filed six grounds of appeal with respect to AlMustapha and eight with respect to Shofolahan, personal assistant to the late Kudirat, wife of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election,

Cameroun takes charge of Bakassi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The peninsula in the west of the country was formerly part of South Cameroun, itself an area of Nigeria, until inhabitants voted to join Cameroun in 1961. It has around 40,000 inhabitants, including many Nigerian expatriates. Nigerians living in the peninsula will now have to apply for a visa or apply for Camerounian citizenship, and Camerounians will have to register with the tax authorities. Mohammed said a committee had been set up to address a range of citizenship issues. In October 2002, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Bakassi, a 1,000-square kilometre (386-square-mile) patch of Atlantic coastal swamp, was part of Cameroun, not Nigeria. Cameroun originally took its claim over the sovereignty of the potentially oil and gas rich peninsula to the court in 1994. Nigeria relinquished any hope of legally reclaiming Bakassi last October, when the 10-year period to appeal the ICJ’s ruling expired. The decision not to appeal sparked wide media criticism in Nigeria, including from local leaders who alleged that Nigerians in Bakassi had been abandoned by the Federal Government. Rights groups have warned that Nigerians in Bakassi face discrimination. Much of the tension sur-

rounding Bakassi stems from the belief that it is resource-rich. Large chunks of the area have been gazetted for exploration, but energy firms have typically stayed clear given the uncertainty on sovereignty. The area has also been a prime target for Nigerian pirates due to its proximity to the unstable but oil-rich Niger delta region, where attacks and kidnappings are common. In 2009, the Cameroun government stepped up its fight against the pirates by deploying an elite army unit to Bakassi, and later establishing five military bases there.

Chief M.K.O Abiola. Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos High Court had on January 30, 2012 sentenced AlMustapha and Shofolahan to death by hanging for the murder of Kudirat. But the Court of Appeal, Lagos, on July 12, 2013, set aside the judgment and quashed the death sentence passed on both Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan. However, Ipaye argued that the Court of Appeal erred in law by discharging and acquitting the two men when the evidence linking them to the crime was not materially challenged. Ipaye said the contradictions

in the testimonies of the prosecution’s star witnesses; Barnabas Jabila (Sgt. Rogers) and Abdul Mohammed (Katako), were not sufficiently substantial to warrant the acquittal of both Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan. He said the testimonies of PW2 (Jabila) and PW3 (Mohammed), were detailed, graphic and consistent. Both witnesses had testified how they participated in the killing of Kudirat under the instruction of Al-Mustapha with Shofolahan’s assistance as an informant but later denied recanting the incriminating testimonies during cross-examination.

Ipaye, in the appeal notices, said the contradictions were immaterial and urged the Supreme Court to affirm the death penalty. He said: “DW1 (Al-Mustapha) provided the logistics for killing the deceased in Lagos. PW3 (Mohammed) was assigned as driver to PW2 (Jabila) because of his knowledge of Lagos and PW3 gave graphic evidence of how he drove PW2 to the scene of the crime and how PW2 shot the deceased severally. “PW2 admitted meeting DW2 (Shofolahan) to the killing of the deceased and testified that DW2 took them to the deceased’s house and provided

Amaechi denies bid for vice presidency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 scribed as a critical moment of his political career. He advised the leadership of PDP at the national level to disregard those who were feeding it with the wrong information that they could do without the governor. According to him, the option left for PDP if they are interested in Rivers State is to intervene and have an amicable solution because the people that are deceiving them are mere paper tigers in the state’s politics. He said that the House leader, Chidi Lloyd, was psy-

chologically tortured while in police detention. He disclosed that Lloyd’s doctors were working to stabilise him, after which the necessary arrangements would be made to fly him abroad for proper medical attention. “Honourable Chidi Lloyd was in a very bad state of health and there is the plan to fly him out of the country. Currently, the leader’s health is still unstable, that is why we have not been able to do anything as it relates to taking him overseas. The leader was not just physically tormented, he was also

psychologically tormented. So, he is not in a stable state. We do hope that the physicians that are currently handling him will be able to stabilise him,” he said. He added: “As soon as that is done, like I said before now, we intend to approach the same judge that has granted him bail to look at the issue of his international passport which he was ordered to deposit with the court and there is likely going to be a waiver because we need to get him out of this country so that he can be properly taken care of medically,” Kwanee said.

information about the identification and movement of the deceased. “The statements of PW2, PW3 and even DW1 tendered and admitted by the trial court showed that these three witnesses indeed met and had common intention to commit a crime. “It was an undisputed fact that Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was shot and died on June 4, 1996. PW2 admitted he severally shot the deceased on June 4, 1996. “There was unchallenged evidence that DW1 gave his gun to PW2 for killing the deceased and the insistence of PW2 that he would be surprised that he used 5.6mm gun instead of 9mm to kill the deceased. “There was circumstantial evidence establishing the fact that DW1 and DW2 participated and aided the elimination of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.”

Al- Mustapha

Spain, CAN condemn Borno killings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 manning the anti-aircraft guns of the group, he is known to be vicious and heartless with a penchant for personally slaughtering and executing his victims. Momodu Bama has been a most wanted terrorist with a N25 million bounty already placed on his head.” According to Olukolade, “as troops intensify pursuit of terrorists who have been unleashing mayhem in Borno and Yobe communities, the death of Momodu Bama, said to be the Second-in-Command to the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, has been confirmed by other arrested terrorists. This followed en-

counters with the terrorists around the Bama corridor. The troops are continuing the pursuit of the terrorists while intensifying aggressive aerial and land patrols to ensure better security cover for the communities, especially in the two states.” And worried by the killings in Borno State, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad III and other Islamic leaders of the Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI) have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the emergency rule imposed by the Federal Government on three northern states to curb insurgency. The Sultan who is the President-General of JNI, in a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday, said that his group, the apex Islamic body in the North, “ received with consternation … the senseless killings that occurred at police and military formations in Bama, Malam Fatori, Borno State, which was climaxed with senseless killings of innocent worshippers during early dawn prayers at a mosque in Konduga village, some kilometres away from Maiduguri, Borno State.” Yesterday too, Spain and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the killings in Borno State while the United States (U.S.) pledged assistance to curb insurgency. The Sultan, who expressed dismay at the inability of the emergency rule to address the increasing attacks by Boko Haram, remarked: “We are indeed perplexed that with the state of emergency currently in place in Borno State and with the visible security checkpoints at every nook and cranny of the state, it is hardly believable that such dastardly acts could still occur unabat-

ed,” he said. He added that “the JNI is seriously perturbed by it and calls for curtailing the proliferation of small arms.” According to the statement by the Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the Sultan said: “In as much as there is the need for restraint and caution on the part of the security men, in the affected areas, we are interested to know how the perpetrators gained access to the cordoned areas with such explosives and guns. “Who were they? Why were they not prevented or arrested? What were the motives behind such repeated orchestrated heinous acts? Indeed there is much more than meets the eyes. “In the light of the above, we call on government at all levels to do everything possible as a matter of urgency to stop these evil acts of unleashing terror on innocent and peace-loving souls, by restoring law and order. “Above all, the restoration of use of GSM in Borno State should be a topmost priority to those that matter. This is to facilitate security alert in a situation where insecurity has wreaked unprecedented havoc on innocent citizens. Even if it is to be restored, it must be to some selected/strategic government officials within the state. “In the meantime, as we commiserate with the families of the victims of those evil acts of terror and condole with the parents and guardians who lost their wards in the debacle, we call on all and sundry to continue praying for peace, progress and development of the nation.” While expressing condolences to the families of the affected victims and government of Borno, the Sultan stressed: “The

barbaric, callous, obscure and incomprehensible attack is utterly condemnable in its entirety, especially that over 50 persons were lost and the sacred month of Ramadan had just ended.” Abubakar added: “As with previous cases, the sporadic gunshots that ensued after the attacks and the setting ablaze of houses is very worrisome and calls for an immediate investigation that must bring an end to these repeated acts of terror on innocent souls.” The President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, condemned the killing of Muslim worshippers in Konduga, describing it as callous . He, however, commended the doggedness of the nation’s security agencies, particularly the Joint Task Force (JTF), for the professional ways in which they had been dealing with the insurgency since the state of emergency was declared in the three northern states. He urged security agencies not to relent in their efforts to combat the activities of Boko Haram in view of the fact that they adopt new tactics each day. In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Oritsejafor said the latest massacre was not only condemnable and bestial, but also a cowardly act perpetrated against the people fulfilling their spiritual obligations towards their maker. The statement by the CAN spokesman, Mr. Kenny Ashaka, read: “Nobody should be killed in the first place, not to talk of being killed at the place of worship. Whatever people may have learnt that makes them behave in such a manner should be condemned by all Nigerians. As a Christian body, we will continue to condemn these heinous acts…” Oritsejafor who stressed the need to respect the sanctity of

human life sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident, and prayed that God should grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. He said: “This is why we are calling on all well-meaning Muslim leaders across the country to be more circumspect and liaise effectively with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria in order to jointly forestall further occurrences. Terrorism is an international crime that must be crushed. Those betraying their fellow Muslims by working underground with enemies of the nation should also be fished out and dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.” The CAN president also urged Islamic religious leaders to muster the needed courage to expose those who are bent on tarnishing the image of Islam. Condemning the various attacks by the terrorist group in the country, Spain condoled with the Federal Government. It also urged the Federal Government to remain unshakable despite the mayhem by the insurgents. The Spanish government urged Nigeria to arrest and bring the culprits to book to serve as a deterrent to others. On its part, the U.S. reiterated its commitment to helping Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram. Besides, the U.S. said it had spent about N1 billion in the fight against corrupt practices in Nigeria. The U.S. envoy in Nigeria, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, who disclosed this in Abuja yesterday while fielding questions from journalists, stressed the need to assist security agencies to curtail the activities of Boko Haram insurgents.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

News FG, UK hold talks over restriction on travellers From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri HE Federal Government T has said it is not resting on its oars over the recent restriction placed on Nigerian travellers not to enter Britain until they have deposited £3,000. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Owerri, Imo State, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, said the Federal Government has opened talks with the British ambassador, adding that the Nigerian government is also engaging the ambassador on visa restrictions. Onwuliri who used the forum to highlight the achievements of the Federal Government within the past years on transformation agenda, also used the opportunity to urge the state governors to hold firm safety issues in their domains. According to her, the Federal Government is frowning at the countries that execute Nigerians who indulged on drug trafficking among others in foreign land, without the consent of the Nigerian government, maintaining that international protocols state that countries must know about such acts.

Commissioner of Health Ogun State, Olaokun Soyinka (left); Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation (MAMF) and Medical Director Ibadan Hypertension Clinic, Emeritus Professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe (second left); Chairman, MAMF, Chief Olufemi Majekodunmi; Medical Director; Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Ebute Metta, Dr. Yewande Jinadu; Medical Director, St Nicholas Hospital, Dr. Dapo Majekodunmi; Director MAMF Board, Dr Yinka Omololu; and Commissioner of Health Lagos State, Dr. Jide Idris at the first of joint programmes organised by MAMF in collaboration with St. Nicholas Hospital tagged ‘August Event,’ with focus on medical advances and health related Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives at MUSON Centre, Lagos... yesterday. PHOTO: CHUKWUMA MUANYA

FEC okays purchase of 40 vehicles for 2016 census From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja

NEMA seeks EU’s support HE National Emergency T Management Agency (NEMA) has called for the support of the European Union (EU) in the evacuation of vulnerable people from floodprone areas. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, made the call yesterday in Abuja when he received a 10man delegation from the EU on a 10-day visit to Nigeria. He sought the expertise of the union in convincing vulnerable people to vacate disaster areas to safer grounds. Sani-Sidi said the contingency plan for the prevention of a re-occurrence of the 2012 disaster was being bedevilled by the non-existence of functional state emergency management agencies in most states of the federation. He, however, said measures were being put in place by the agency through sensitisation and awareness creation in affected states on the need to prevent the reoccurrence. Sani-Sidi said that NEMA, in an effort to effect disaster risk reduction in affected areas, had high consultative meetings and advised governors of affected states on the need to prevent disasters. He said the contingency plan for the prevention of disaster was also being affected by the lack of functional fire service, absence of ambulance services and poorly-equipped hospitals across the country.

HE Federal Executive CounT cil (FEC) yesterday approved the request from the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Festus Odimegwu, for purchase of 40 new utility vehicles as part of the grand preparation for the 2016 head count. The vehicles are expected to be bought strictly from a Nigerian firm, Innoson Auto Manufacturing Company, based in Nnewi, Anambra State. Similarly, the council, at its weekly meeting, approved a fresh request by the Federal Ministry of Education for purchase of over four million textbooks on Mathematics, English Language, Basic Science and Technology and Social Studies for pupils in primary one to six and library resource materials for students in Junior Secondary School (JSS) in public schools across the 36 states and the FCT.

and its leaders in the return of democracy to the country, whose president just emerged. He said the out-going President of that country, Prof. Mouse Troure, would be in the Nigerian Abuja to confer Jonathan with the honour. According to Maku, the preference for Innoson motor company was part of the desire of the president to promote the patronage of local entrepreneurs with a view to creating jobs for the teeming Nigerian youth, in addition to boosting the nation’ economy. While he did not disclose the actual cost of the vehicles, promising to make it available to journalists at a later date, the minister assured that the award of the contract followed due process in line with the transparency and accountability drives of the Jonathan-led administration.

According to him, “ Innoson is being targeted to come into play in the course of helping the economy to grow in quality ands give Nigerians more jobs while encouraging the use of local materials to support the local and indigenous technologists.” Wike said the Federal Ministry of Education decided to procure additional books to be used in the public primary and junior secondary schools across the country as a follow up to the ones already distributed to the schools . It is expected to be supplied in about six weeks from the date of awards. Justifying the huge investments in the purchase of primary schools textbooks and library resource materials, Maku said the recent improvement in the performance of Nigerian students in public examinations was heartwarming. For instance, he said the 39

staffing. “It is rather absurd that in a nation of about 160 million population, the staff strength of NDLEA is still below 5,300 for the entire country with a lot of borders, legal and illegal entries, which have led to increase in criminality in the area of drug abuse,” he said. Ajayi noted that before now, Nigeria was just taken for a passage of drugs, but the NDLEA has discovered five different clandestine labora-

tories where drugs are being produced. According to him, in the last 30 years, Nigeria has moved from small player to major player in drug production and consumption. “Nigeria is now known for trafficking in drugs and production of the substances, and unless more money is pumped into the agency, drug control would be compromised, the work force would be compromised while the future of the youth is put in jeopardy.

• N8.6b text books, others for schools It was also learnt that the Council ratified the Defence pacts with the Republic of Niger and the United Kingdom on issues relating to the fight against terrorism in the country. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK has to do with training of armed forces personnel and sharing of experience of how best to fight terrorism, while the agreement with Niger is on cooperation between the two countries on the control of influx of undesirable elements crossing the borders. The Council also approved the contract for the supply of water to the Abuja Technology Village (ATV) and the surrounding settlements like Galadimawa to the tune of N2.18 billion, while another N436 million was approved for the design of engineering infrastructure for Kiami District,

one of those to be opened as part of efforts to open up the FCT. Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Information Minister, Labaran Maku, along with his FCT counterpart, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, and the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, said the approvals followed exhaustive deliberations on all the memos submitted by the affected ministers to the council presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan with the Vice President, Namadi Sambo in attendance. Maku told journalists at the briefing that Jonathan would today in Abuja, be conferred with the highest National Honour of the Republic of Mali, in appreciation of the critical role played by Nigeria

DG laments poor funding of NDLEA By Isaac Taiwo HE Director-General, T National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Femi Ajayi, has lamented the various challenges confronting the agency, saying as long as it continues to suffer adequate funding, the drug menace, as a threat to peace and national security, would subsist. Delivering his address yes-

terday at a business meeting of the Rotary Club of Lagos which took place in Ikoyi, Ajayi said the problem of underfunding has continued to cripple the activities of the agency despite all powers granted to her to control drug abuse. “Despite the fact that Section 41 of the NDLEA Act Cap. N.30 empowers the agency and her officers to enter into any premises and conduct search without warrant in the course of their duties

upon a reasonable suspicion of the commission of a drug offence as well as Sections 4 and 43 of the NDLEA Act that empower the agency to, on the respective approval of either the President or Attorney-General of the Federation, investigate anybody who appears to be living beyond his apparent source of income, the NDLEA has always been confronted with various challenges which include poor funding, inadequate equipment and poor

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

4 | NEWS

ASUU faults govt’s claim on N92b demand From Iyabo Lawal (Ibadan), Gordi Udeajah (Umuahia) and Nkechi Onyedika (Abuja) HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said yesterday it never demanded for N92 billion as earned allowances in the 2009 agreement it reached with the Federal Government, describing government’s claim as false. The Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, earlier in the week declared that the Federal Government couldn’t meet the N92 billion allowances being demanded by ASUU. However, ASUU in a statement by the University of Ibadan (UI) branch chairman, Dr. Olusegun Ajiboye, described the N92 billion mentioned by Okonjo-Iweala as a figment of imagination of the minister. Ajiboye explained that the earned allowances jointly calculated with the Federal

Rights group, Rep urge settlement of dispute Government in the 2009 agreement amounted to N87 billion and covers allowances for three and half years for thousands of lecturers in the nation’s universities. According to him, the N87 billion was a compromise made by ASUU to scale down from N127 billion to N87 billion. He disclosed that the N87 billion was computed based on 15 per cent of the yearly recurrent expenditures of some Nigerian universities. “I want Nigerians to ask the minister where she got her figure of N92 billion from. There was never a time that ASUU made a demand that is up to N92 billion. I think the N92 billion is just the imagination of the minister. But that is not to say that this government did not enter into an agreement with us. This is a government that signed an

agreement with us on January 24, 2012 to the effect that they will inject N100 billion as funding into the universities in the first one month and that before the end of 2012, they will inject another N300 billion. The same government did not put down a kobo to any of these universities. So, it is a sad story that we are hearing now that the government cannot meet a demand of N87 billion whereas the government said that they will keep on putting N400 billion yearly for three years consecutively to the tune of about N1.2 trillion and if the government is now saying they cannot meet N87 billion, Nigerians should know that this is not a government that can be trusted for anything. “The total amount of earned allowances for academic staff in Nigerian universities for the three and a half years

computed together with the government was N87 billion. And that was agreed at based on negotiations because we started from N127 billion and it was reduced to N107 billion before we now got to 15 per cent of salary payment of each. It is called earned allowances and it is the sum total of the excess work which academic staff had done for the past three and a half years. Meanwhile, a civil rights organisation, Anti-Corruption Network, has given the government Monday next week as deadline to release the money being demanded by ASUU or face nationwide unrest. The organisation threatened that if government fails to settle ASUU at the expiration of the deadline, it would mobilise students and youths across the country to

protests against the nonchallant attitude of the federal and state governments towards the striking lecturers. Briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the group’s Director, Outreach Services, Chief Timi Frank, vowed that “state and federal ministries of education would be occupied by civil society organisations and students by Monday next week. Also, House of Representatives member for Isiala Ngwa North and South Constituency, Abia State, Chief Chinenye Ike, has expressed worry that the recent negotiations between the Federal Government and ASUU to end the lingering two months’ old strike action embarked by ASUU have failed to cause the suspension of the strike. Ike, who spoke with The Guardian yesterday, urged the Federal Government and ASUU to shift grounds to save the country’s tertiary education from complete collapse.

‘We’ve not removed Kaduna Speaker’ From Bashir Bello, Kaduna HE Kaduna State House of T Assembly yesterday denied claims that it has concluded plans to impeach its Speaker, Alhaji Mu’azu Usman Gangara. The rumour mills went round that Gangara had been impeached and the lawmakers were deliberating on who should replace him. Speaking to reporters shortly after the lawmakers’closed door meeting, Chairman House Committee on Information, Yakubu Yusuf, confirmed that there was a crisis in the Assembly, but had been resolved amicably. Yusuf added that the Assembly would address a press conference today to brief the public on the development in the House. He said: “We have leadership crisis which lawmakers are not happy with. We sat down and we are trying to make some changes. However we have resolved the issue amicably, tomorrow we will resume our plenary sitting and details of the issue will be communicated to you.”

Shema speaks at leadership forum on Monday ATSINA State Governor, K Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, is Guest Speaker at a fo-

A cross section of women and children protesting against child marriage at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State… yesterday.

PDP drops two, clears 15 aspirants for Anambra governorship polls From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh (Abuja) and Tunde Akinola (Lagos) HE People’s Democratic T Party (PDP) yesterday announced the disqualification of two persons from participating in its August 24, 2013 primary election. Chairman of the PDP Gubernatorial Screening Appeal Panel for Anambra State and a former governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Mahmud Shinkafi, told newsmen at the party’s National Headquarters that Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo and Onwuanyim Damian Afamaefule were disqualified because they could not provide valid tax clearance. The committee said of the four aspirants referred to it for investigation, only two were cleared. They are Ugochukwu Okeke and Tonye Nwoye. The Ambassador Aminu Wali screening committee had last week cleared 13 aspirants for the Anambra gubernatorial primaries of the party and disqualified four

Ubah urges focus on culture, tourism for development because of unresolved tax issues. Shinkafi said: “With the disqualification of the two aspirants, only 15 candidates have been cleared to contest the August 24 primary in Anambra State.” He clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) used to clear aspirants but the task has since been pushed down to the political parties. He said: “We don’t want to present any candidate who after winning election their opponents would go to court to upstage their victory.” Shinkafi said those cleared have given their words that they would abide by the outcome of the primary and support whoever emerges the candidate. Similarly, the Anambra Ward Congress Committee chaired by the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Udeh Okoh, submitted its reports to the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Presenting the report of the committee, Okoh stated that the committee exhausted all avenues to ensure a credible exercise. He, however, lauded PDP-controlled south eastern state governors during the exercise. “By God’s grace we went there, we have done the job, we saw and we conquered”, Okoh said. Okoh explained further that though the job was a difficult one, the support of governors of the PDP-controlled states in the South-East simplified it. Meanwhile, a female aspirant for the position of the PDP National Publicity Secretary in the forthcoming Special National Congress, Dr. Carol Nwosu, has said that adopting a consensus candidate for the position would only deepen the crisis in the PDP in Anambra State. Nwosu, who clamoured for more female representatives in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), insisted that democratic process must be followed in

the selection of party’s executive. She argued that the inclusion of women in election and appointive positions would bring stability and the much awaited peace in the party and polity. Nwosu said women participation in the nation’s politics would help in wiping out all manners of corruption and anti-social activities, especially among the youths. On his part, a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in the election, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, stressed the need to develop culture and tourism in the state. He said culture and tourism were the major keys that can bring development to the state’s economy if government could tap into the potentials of the industry. Ubah, who is the Chairman, Capital Oil and Gas Ltd, in a statement issued yesterday, said his administration, if elected, would encourage private sector operators to build and run tourist sites.

Ubah, who bemoaned the neglect of the industry, said it had left redundant the talents of the people, noting that sincere focus on the sector could in a way address unemployment among the talented youths. Ubah said: “Our government will build a film village of international standard at a convenient place in the state to develop movie industry with a view to boosting the entertainment industry in Anambra. “This will encourage talent hunt of our people. Our government will build recreational and entertainment centres in all the urban cities. This together with the film village will bring tourists, holiday-makers and patrons who will inject money into the local economy,” Ubah said He added that his administration in conjunction with the operators of the film operators in the film village would project the state’s cultures to the world and also promote the Igbo language.

rum to be hosted by the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) with support from First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) on August 19, 2013 in Lagos. The Guest Speaker Forum is aimed at utilization of practical experiences for information sharing with invited guests. Moreover, through the series, future Nigerian leaders benefit from experiential learning from seasoned guest speakers who have had to tackle critical issues and taken tough decisions in their past leadership roles. Past Guest Speakers included Dr. Christopher Kolade, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Professor Oba Nsugbe and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Past fora were held in Lagos, Abuja, and London. According to Mr. Yinka Oyinlola, NLI’s Chief Executive Officer, “leading in difficult and complex situations and times implies being able to come up with lessons that can be applicable for others in different circumstances. It is expected that at the end of the forum, participants would have benefitted from the rich discussions on management of leadership from different standpoints: political sector, business world and private leadership.”

Shema

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

NEWS | 5

APC chief, cleric task govt, ASUU on strike From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City

ETIRED Catholic Bishop R of Benin Diocese, Patrick Ekpu and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Folly Ogini have called on the Federal Government to parley with the Academic Staff Union of Universities on ways to end the over two months old strike by university teachers. Speaking to The Guardian in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Council on the new party, Ogini urged his followers to join the new party just as he said he was sure if the opposition was in control of the central government it would have since resolved the ASUU crisis. Speaking to journalists on his 50 years as a priest and other issues in his residence, Bishop Ekpu said: “I would humbly request them to sit down and talk over their differences and when decisions are reached, they should be followed and carried. Government should endeavour to carry out agreements it reaches with ASUU.”

Peace returns to Delta community after installation of monarch From Chido Okafor, Warri N air of unrest which enveloped the sleepy Ukpedi community in Ughelli South council, Delta State, following the alleged secret installation of an unpopular king is gradually clearing following Tuesday’s installation of a more popular one, His Royal Majesty Tony Evwiroro Maka Oviri (JP) MosumorOginibo-Okwagbe 1 (JP), Ovie of Ukpedi. The monarch shortly after his installation bestowed chieftaincy titles on leaders of the clan, which include notable activist, Chief Zik Gbemre and former Minister of State for Education, Kenneth Gbagi. According to the new monarch, “the problem started as a result of struggle for the succession of the throne of the kingdom after the death of the late king, His Royal Majesty, the Okugbaro.

Physically challenged persons task public over assistance By Adebisi Olonade IGERIA Society for the Blind (NSB) has urged the general public to always provide assistance to the visually impaired. Chairman of the executive council of NSB, Biola Agbaje said at a press conference yesterday in preparation for the White Cane Walk held Lagos that “It is a pity that in Nigeria, members of the public still do not assist the visually challenged”. Agbaje made it known that the organisation is celebrating her 8th white cane day walk and public enlightenment programme on Saturday, August 17, 2013, which simply means “when you see a person with a white cane, you should recognise him/her as being visually impaired or blind and it is everyone’s responsibility to lend a helping hand.”

Representatives of Oba of Benin and Uso of Benin Kingdom, Chief Nosa Omoregie Egharevba (left) and the Obadolaye of Benin Kingdom, Chief V. Osa Uzamere (right) signing the condolence register opened for the late Pa Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola during their condolence visit to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola over the death of his father, at the State House, Marina on Tuesday.

JTF, vigilance group arrest two women with arms From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri

• Forum warns against diversion of relief materials

HE Joint Task Force (JTF) T and members of the Borno Vigilance Youths Group

cles. Speaking on the increased arrest of women, Chairman of BVYG, Abubakar Mallum lamented to The Guardian that some women now are not only smuggling arms and ammunition to terrorists, they also poison water points and ground water reservoirs of residents in reclaimed areas of Budum, Abaganaram, Kaleri, Gambouru and Zinnari wards of Maiduguri.

(BVYG) yesterday announced the arrest of two women with arms strapped with their baby on their back in Ruwan Zafi and Zajeri wards of Maiduguri metropolis. The women, according to the vigilance group were arrested during routine “stop and search” operations in the two affected wards, while commuting on the Dikwa road in tricy-

He said the two female suspects with their babies, have been handed over to the sector commanders of JTF for further investigation. Spokesman of JTF, Lt. Col Sagir Musa confirmed the incident. Meanwhile, members of the Northern Youth Unity Forum (NYUF) in the North East sub-region of Nigeria have warned political parties and politicians against the diversion of the 650

How to build virile democracy, by SSS chief From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin USTAINABLE security, Ssocietal poverty reduction and advancement are the fulcrums of a virile democracy in Africa, the Director-General, Department of State Security Services, Ita Ekpeyong has said. Ekpeyong, who spoke yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State at the third biennial international conference organised by the University of Ilorin Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies on the theme, ‘Democratisation, development and security in Africa: Challenges and options’, said: “A well equipped and trained security personnel may be necessary for national security and development but is never sufficient. All national resources human and material must be deployed to achieve the

desired change. “Nation-building and security are too important to be left to politicians and core security experts alone. To attain the desired result, the entire society has to be involved,” the SSS boss said. He added that despite the “growing wave of democratic governance, corruption, insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment remain endemic and widespread and continue to threaten the democratisation process.” The DG, who was the chairman of the occasion, said, “As matter of fact, security is the superstructure for the building of an enduring democracy and development. Suffice to say that this task is a collective one in which each part of the society has a definite role to play.” Represented by a Professor

of Sociology, Etamibi Alemika said: “The security of the people and the security of state are mutually reinforcing. This new concept of security has the potential to empower and emancipate individuals by putting them at the centre of security policy and addressing problems they face in their daily lives. “Africa like most parts of the world has experienced issues of conflicts, underdevelopment, failed state and regional insecurity. Since the attainment of independences from colonial rule, the continent has been embedded in crises with many nations grappling with simple challenge of democracy, development and security. These challenges have seriously undermined Africa’s efforts, entrenching stability, prosperity and peace for its people.

trucks (19, 500 metric tonnes) of assorted grains recently donated by the Federal Government for distribution to residents in three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa currently under the state of emergency. The youths gave the warning at a press conference yesterday led by NYUF coordinator, Mallam Usman Mustapha at La Maraj Hotel, Maiduguri. The relief materials, according to him, were to cushion the devastating effects of the four-year Boko Haram insurgency in the three affected states in the Northeast sub-region of the country. Mustapha warned: “The

N500 million being donated along with the 19, 500 metric tonnes of grains, are not to be diverted or misappropriated by selfish politicians, but shared among the affected residents of the three frontline states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. While thanking President Goodluck Jonathan for the relief materials and cash donations, he warned: “We wish to caution all those unpatriotic political elements that attempt to cause a diversion to the minister’s commendable selfless effort in the name of opposition to desist from seeking political capital on the tears of orphans, widows and the physically, psychologically and economically distressed.

NAF, 15 varsities, institutions partner on research, development From Karls Tsokar, Abuja

O bring out creativity in T personnel of the Nigeria Airforce (NAF), an intercommand competition for the most innovative research and development (R and D) project is being organised in collaboration with 15 selected universities and institutions. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Force and about 15 selected universities and other public research institutions is to “see how we can move the

service forward.” At the inauguration of a Committee on Inter-Command Most Innovative Research and Development Project Competition yesterday in Abuja, the NAF Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Air Vice Marshall Sadique Abubakar said: “We have gone into R and D with many resource persons from these universities in so many areas and we are beginning to see that we are gaining from this collaboration, this partnership is yielding results.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

6 | NEWS

Experts seek law on organ transplant • Ask NHIS to cover kidney failure patients By Chukwuma Muanya S part of efforts to save A over $200 million lost annually to medical tourism, prevent the death of over 20,000 Nigerians that need kidney transplant and halt illegal human organ trade, medical experts want Organ Transplant Act enacted. The experts include the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu; Head, Renal Transplantation at St. Nicholas Hospital, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye; Eminent Urologist and Transplant Surgeon at Fortis Hospital, Bangalore, India, Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy; Consultant Nephrologist and Medical Director, Ibadan Hypertension Clinic, Emeritus Professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe The medical experts yesterday at the first joint programmes organised by St. Nicholas Hospital in collaboration with Dr. Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation (MAMF), also called for the inclusion of treatments for end stage renal failure patients as one of the services offered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). They also sought the establishment of a viable kidney transplant programme by the Federal Government and provision of free or/and subsidised immuno-suppressive drugs for patients who have undergone kidney transplant. Chukwu, who was represented by the Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Metta, Dr. Yewande Jinadu, said: “Medical lectures like these provide a forum for update

knowledge and networking crucial for continuous professional development. “… We at our country’s apex Ministry of Health appreciate the private sector in healthcare delivery and recognise the role our hospitals need to play to abort medical tourism. I believe a great deal of good shall come out of MAMF and I have taken note of today’s choice of topics.” Bamgboye said: “20,000 Nigerians need kidney transplant and many more people have various stages of kidney disease. The kidney problem we are seeing now is a tip of the iceberg. “There is a clear association between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and the number of kidney patients on dialysis or can afford transplant. GDP is also linked to life expectancy. “There is need to enact Organ Transplant Act and establish renal registry. The NHIS should be extended to support patients with renal failure. There is also need for subsidy for some of the drugs. We should borrow a leaf from Sudan where once a patients is transplanted, the government provides the immunosuppressive drugs for free.” He said St. Nicholas Clinic has done 125 out of the 174 transplants conducted so far in Nigeria and that transplantation is better than dialysis, because the latter can only perform 10 per cent of the normal kidney function. Bamgboye said St Nicholas Clinics would offer 10 per cent discount in all its services within the next one month as part of the ‘August Event.’

Wife of the former Head of State, Ajoke Murtala Muhammed (right) and First Lady, Patience Goodluck Jonathan, during a condolence visit to Mrs. Jonathan on her mother’s demise at State House, Abuja…on Monday PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Igbo community in Bauchi commends Yuguda From Ali Garba, Bauchi HE Igbo community in Bauchi State has commended Governor Isa Yuguda for giving the Igbo in the state equal opportunity to participate in all government’s activities. The Ezeigbo of Bauchi, Igwe Jude Umezika, told The Guardian that many Igbo people, who were under contract employment with the state government, have been converted to permanent and pensionable jobs. Igwe Umezika said the issue of non-indigeneship had been expunged from the State Civil Service Rules and regulation, adding that every citizen was

considered as indigene and enjoyed equal rights and privileges. He said: “The government pays examinations fees for all

students in public schools irrespective of their states of origin; not like before that the fees varied for indigenes and non-indigenes”.

He further added that the state government also offered political appointments to over five Igbo since the inception of the Yuguda administration.

Jonathan lauds Odili at 65 From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan yesterday congratulated the former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, on his 65 birthday, which comes up today. In a congratulatory message on his behalf by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr.

Reuben Abati, President Goodluck Jonathan, on behalf of himself, his family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, congratulated Odili for attaining such age and prayed for his long life to continue to impact on the people of not just his immediate community, but Nigeria at large.

“I pray that Almighty God continues to guide, guard and prosper you, even as he blesses you with abounding health and many more years of personal fulfillment and distinguished service to humanity and our dear country, Nigeria,” the President wrote. President Jonathan wished the former governor very happy birthday celebrations.

C’River to spend 600m on roads From Anietie Akpan, Calabar HE Cross River government has earmarked about N600 million for the reconstruction of urban roads in the state. Briefing reporters in Calabar yesterday, Director General of the Cross River Roads Mainte-

nance Agency (CRRMA), Mr. Tom Agi, said the agency gets N50 million monthly drawn from the N600 million estimate to repair roads. He said for now, the agency was working on 40 kilometres of roads across the state, including the reconstruction

of the highway median in Calabar. Agi said the agency had divided the roads rehabilitation and reconstruction project according to the three senatorial zones comprising Northern, Central and Southern Urban Development

Areas (UDAs). He said: “To this end and in addition to the southern cluster, contractors have been mobilised to sites in the central and northern UDAs; Ugep in Central and Ogoja in the North, thereby bringing government closer to the people”.

Court discharges Rivers PDP chief of impersonation, others From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja N Abuja Chief Magistrate’s A Court yesterday discharged a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Charles Amoefule, of charges of impersonation and incitement, which allegedly led to the breach of peace and breakdown of law in Rivers State. Meanwhile, the state PDP chapter has passed a vote of confidence on the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, saying it was satisfied with the manner he has continued to pilot the affairs of the party. According to the First Information Report (FIR) upon which Amoefule was charged, the police alleged that “you, Charles Amoefule, Godwin Onwukwe and Leo Anyanwu

• Party passes vote of confidence on Wike now at large, conspired among yourselves” to announce that the state chapter of the PDP has been dissolved and reconstituted with him (Amoefule) elected as new chairman. The offence, according to the FIR, was tantamount to “Criminal conspiracy, false statement in declaration which by law receivable in evidence false personation, inciting disturbance and criminal intimidation contrary to Section 97, 164, 179, 114 and 397(b) of the Penal Code.” Although Chief Magistrate Anthony Ogboi had fixed yesterday to rule on the accused person’s bail application, which was argued last Monday and not opposed by the

Police Prosecutor, ASP Usman Jubril, Jubril urged the court not to proceed with it, but to transfer the case to a sistercourt. The prosecutor predicated his request on the fact that a similar case in which Amoefule and Anyanwu had been charged was on-going at a sister-court and it would, therefore, be neater to have it in the other court. But when the court would not accede to his request, Jubril soft-pedaled, asking the court to, in the alternative, strike out the charge because he said the police were still investigating him. Accordingly, Chief Magistrate Ogboi discharged the accused and signed the

discharge papers to enable him leave, having been detained since last week. The party, in a statement by its state chairman, Felix Obuah and signed by his, Special Adviser on Media, Jerry Needam, said Wike’s support and leadership had ensured the success and growth of the party in Rivers State, a record that cannot be faulted or challenged by anyone in the area. “It is in the light of this that the party appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to discountenance unfounded claims and speculations by a faceless group on Wike and continue to trust and encourage him even with higher responsibilities in acknowledgement of his contributions to the party and sustenance of our democracy”, Obuh said.

NEWS 7

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Abiola’s daughter hails appeal over Mustapha By Tunde Akinola AUGHTER of the slain political activist, Kudirat Abiola, Hafsat AbiolaCostello, has described as “right and good” the decision by the Lagos State government to challenge at the Supreme Court the acquittal of former Chef Security Officer (CSO), Major Hamza AlMustapha, over her mother’s murder. She said the Supreme Court presents the last opportunity for justice within Nigeria’s system for her mother and the family at large. Abiola-Costello, who is a Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDG), in a statement yesterday, said the article she read, following a month of thorough review of the Appeal Court July 12 ruling, the Lagos State government found that there were very good grounds for an appeal. “As the Attorney General files an appeal to the Supreme Court, I am reminded of Martin Luther King’s admonition that when evil men plot, good men must plan.

IGP petitioned over land seizure By Bertram Nwannekanma LAGOS-BASED businessman, Alhaji Muraina Oyinloye, has sought the intervention of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, over alleged attempt by some persons who claimed to be officials of the Lagos State government to take over his property. In a petition to the IGP written by his counsel, Goke Olakulehin, Oyinloye, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Muras Iron & Steels Limited, alleged that some persons, in a bid to take over his business premises located at No. 29, Adekunle Banjo Street, Magodo, Lagos, at all cost, sponsored a “kangaroo complaint of armed robbery and illegal gun-running” against him. The lawyer, who addressed the media on the incident yesterday in Lagos, alleged that one of the masterminds of the plot was a notorious land grabber, who has been masquerading as an official of Lagos State government to terrorise his client since June 2010.

Kano orders demolition of illegal structures From Murtala Muhammed, Kano ORRIED by persistent cases of flood and its attendant consequences, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has directed the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KNUPDA) to pull down more structures, including fuel stations, private schools, shopping malls and residential buildings, illegally erected and are obstructing waterways in the state. Kwankwaso gave the directive yesterday shortly after inspecting water logged areas along Maiduguri road in Kano metropolis. He assured that relevant agencies and machinery would be deployed to assist the victims and prevent recurrence. He further stressed: “A committee has been set up to ascertain the level of damage and advice government accordingly”.

Dana Air crash victim sues Lagos over alleged land revocation By Wole Shadare NE of the ground victims O in the ill-fated Dana Air crash of June 3, 2012, Pastor Daniel Omowunmi, has sued the Lagos State government over alleged take-over of his land. The Lagos State government had allegedly taken possession of the land, which housed his newly completed six bedroom duplex, fish ponds, printing press, among others, for which he was claiming N500 million from Dana Air. A cenotaph and a memorial arcade had been erected on the large expanse of land that he once occupied before the accident that claimed over 153 lives in Iju-Ishaga, a Lagos suburb. Omowunmi, through his counsel, Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN), had filed a writ of summons in a High Court, Holden at Ikeja, dated July 23, 2013, but made available to journalists yesterday. The writ was issued by Victor Okotie of Dele Adesina and Co. Joined in the suit, as defendants are the Governor of Lagos State, Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lagos State. The claimant (Daniel Omowunmi) is seeking a declaration that he is still the lawful owner of all the four plots

of land situate and lying along No. 8/10 Popoola/Olaniyi Street, IjuIshaga, Lagos State, “particularly delineated in a registered survey Plan No. LA/237/2009/131 and also covered by a certificate of occupancy dated September 28, 2011, and registered as Number 40 at Page 40 in Volume 2011T of the Land Registry office, Ikeja, Lagos State”. He is equally seeking a declaration that the defendant’s revocation of the claimant’s right of occupancy and taking over possession of the said four plots of land without payment of appropriate

compensation to the claimant is wrongful, arbitrary, unjustifiable, illegal and unconstitutional. He is also praying the court to direct the defendants to pay the claimant compensation in the sum of N45 million being the value of the claimant’s land before any valid or legal revocation and acquisition of the said land. In the alternative, the cleric is seeking an order of “this honourable court, directing the defendants to immediately allocate to the claimant another land commensurate in size (four plots) and location to the claimant’s land before any

valid or legal revocation and acquisition of the land. He also sought an order of injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, privies and or anybody claiming through them or acting on their behalf from further trespass on the land until the order of this honourable court as in prayer (iii) above is fully complied with by the defendants. Omowunmi also seeks for general damages in the sum of N20 million, including cost of the suit. Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Omowunmi narrated his ordeal since a plane

crashed into his home, destroyed his means of livelihood and rendered him homeless. He stated that all entreaties to the Lagos State government to provide him with another piece of land proved abortive, hence the suit. He equally chided Dana Air for not doing enough to ameliorate his suffering. But in a swift reaction, the airline’s authorities said they were trying to resolve issues concerning compensation both for the ground victims and families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.

Adventist Church wants end to polls, exams on Saturdays From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City OR the Seventh Day AdvenFelections tist Church, conducting on Saturdays and writing common entrance examinations like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) and others, are infringements on the freedom of worship of its over 500,000 members in Nigeria. The church has, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several examination bodies to change the days of election and tests from Saturday, which is their

day of worship. Addressing a press conference in Benin City yesterday as part of activities to mark its 3rd Adventist Men’s Organisation Convention, President of the North-Western Nigeria Union Mission of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Leke Owolabi, who was represented by the President, Benin Conference of the church, Michael SenneAya, appealed to the National Assembly and the Federal Government to fix election dates during the week to enable its members exercise their civic responsi-

bilities. He said the leadership of the church had made several efforts to inform the authorities on the need to review the dates for elections in the country so as to suit members of the church but none of its efforts have been successful. “The only area we got concession was writing JAMB exams in our Babcock University, what they did was to adjust the time from 8 a.m. but we still have the challenge of transport for our members travelling to far places. But we are still ap-

pealing to JAMB to do something because we have other members in different states of the country that attend worship every Saturday and it still affects them during JAMB. “It is there in the Bible that Sabbath is on Saturday, so we are appealing to government to shift the day of election to week days. We have over 500,000 members and they are being disenfranchised during elections. Let us take example from places like Tanzania, Ghana and even South Africa where elections are conducted on week

Insecurity stalls polio eradication in northern Nigeria, says report By Wole Oyebade ROTARY International yesterday blamed security challenges in northern part of the country for the slow progress Nigeria made in its polio eradication programme. In an August 2013 Polio Update report, presented in Lagos yesterday, it was noted that Nigeria had though reduced incidences of Wild Polio Virus from 70 cases recorded this time last year to 43, 84 per cent of the current burden still comes from four northern states, most burdened with security challenges. Besides, the Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee (NPPC), under the aegis of Rotary Club, has planned to hold a two-day massive polio immunisation programme this weekend in some endemic local councils in Kano, being one of the states with high polio risk. Others are Borno, Yobe and Bauchi. Presenting the report, Chairman of the Polio Plus committee, Dr. Tunji Funsho, observed that activities of the Boko Haram sect in Borno and Yobe had denied children in those states the much-needed routine immunisation in the last five months. Consequently, Borno and Yobe have recorded the highest number of Type 1 polio cases of 11 apiece. Kano had in the last three weeks recorded two cases, much like Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba states. Funsho said the statistics place Nigeria in the same league with Pakistan and Afghanistan, as the three countries in the world where

polio virus is still endemic. He added that it remains a challenge for the country that no fewer than 200,000 children are still missing the three doses of polio vaccine needed to prevent the deadly virus. According to him, “The danger is that for every polio in-

fection that we allow to happen anywhere in the country, it puts the whole country and the world at the risk of new spread. “Yes! No case has been recorded in the South so far, but new cases in the North equally put us all at risk. Which is why we are still ap-

pealing for collective support to tackle polio disease through continuous routine immunisation and fund support,” he said. Funsho said further that Nigeria, with abundant resources, has no business belonging to the league of countries like Pakistan (en-

tirely dependent on foreign aids) and Afghanistan (just emerging from civil war). “This is why we at Rotary are committed to eradicating polio from the surface and ensure that Nigeria is not the last to be declared polio-free country in the world”, he added.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

8 PHOTONEWS

PHOTONEWS

A cross-section of some Yoruba traditional rulers during the unity meeting at Premier Hotel, Mokola, Ibadan yesPHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM terday.

Borno State Governor, Alhaji. Kashim Shettima, assessing houses torched by Boko Haram insurgents, in Kondunga Local Council Area of Borno State, when the governor visited the place

Vice President, Data and Digital Airtel Nigeria, Nitin Anand (left) his counterpart from NOKIA West and Central Africa, Nick Imudia, General Manager, NOKIA Nigeria, Chris Brown and Chief Sales and Distribution Officer Airtel, Inusa Bello at the Nokia and Airtel Nigeria partnership for the Launch of Nokia Asha 501 and 201 smart phones in Lagos. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

The winner of N5million in the ongoing Glo “Recharge to Stardom” promo, Timothy Asianya (second left) collecting his cheque from the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Disun Holloway, Senior Manager, Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement of the NCC, Lawrence Abang and the Assistant Director, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Fidelis Ajibogun during the prize presentation ceremony to the winners

Dele Osawe of the Village Headmaster fame,(left); Chief Tunde Oloyede and his wife Bimbo,trumpeter prince Eji Oyewole Taiwo and Olu Okekanyi at the 70th birhday of Dejumo Lewis at the Freedom Park Broad Street Lagos. PHOTO:CHARLES OKOLO

Human Resources Executive, MTN Nigeria, Amina Oyagbola (left); Sales and Distribution Executive of the Company, Omatsola Barrow and Customer Relations Executive, Akin Braithwaite at the relaunch of MTN Virtual Top Up (VTU) Plus in Lagos. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

BOD Member, HDI Youth Maketeers Ltd, Dennis Ogi (middle) presenting the Coolest Malt Drink in Nigeria Award to the Brand Manager, Malta Guinness, Wole Adedeji (right), while Chief Executive Officer, HDI Youth Maketeers Ltd, Joko Okupe (left) looks on at the BusinessDay Generation Next Survey Awards in Lagos

General Overseer, Global Success Ministry, Dr. Chima Okereke(left); Publicity Secretary, Global Success Ministry, Glory Orji; and Coordinator Success Television, at the press briefing on “Greater Nigeria; Beyond 2015”. held in Lagos yesterday. PHOTO; SUNDAY AKINLOLU

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

WorldReport Ghana’s Supreme Court to rule on electoral suit August 29

Egypt’s crackdown on Morsi’s supporters sparks global outrage

LOODY crackdown by HE highest court in Ghana, B Egyptian security forces on • Interim rulers impose state of emergency as toll hits 149 T the Supreme Court, will of ousted decide whether to overturn supporters the results of 2012 presidential polls on August 29, the nine-judge panel said yesterday. In a case that has gripped the West African nation, the largest opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is challenging President John Dramani Mahama’s win last December. The NPP has said the vote was marred by irregularities and that their candidate Nana Akufo-Addo was the true winner. “The petition is adjourned to the 29th of August 2013 for judgement,” Justice William Atuguba, the presiding judge, said at the close of a hearing yesterday. Final arguments were heard on August 7. Ghana’s electoral commission said Mahama earned 50.7 percent of the vote to AkufoAddo’s 47.7 percent. International observers generally praised the polls. The NPP filed their case shortly after Mahama was declared the winner. Deliberations, which began in April, are broadcast live on television and radio, and have been closely watched in the nation of 25 million people.

President Mohamed Morsi yesterday triggered widespread condemnation as the international community reacted with alarm to what some termed as a “massacre”. The tragic development attracted strong condemnations from United Nations (UN), the United States (U.S.), Britain, Iran, Qatar and Turkey, especially on the use of force by the militarybacked interim government to clear two protest camps in Cairo. As at the time of going to the

• Vice president, Mohamed ElBaradei, announces resignation press, the action, which was followed by the declaration of a month-long state of emergency, has resulted in about 149 deaths, while the UN said the death toll could run into the hundreds. The Egyptian Health Ministry confirmed that 149 people were killed in clashes across Egypt yesterday. It said another 1,403 people were injured as violence roiled several provinces. Meanwhile, following the incident, Interim Vice

President and Nobel laureate, Mohamed ElBaradei, announced his resignation in a letter to the interim president seen by Agence France Presse (AFP). “It has become too difficult to continue bearing responsibility for decisions I do not agree with and whose consequences I fear,” ElBaradei said. He said his conscience was troubled over the loss of life, “particularly as I believe it could have been avoided”.

“Unfortunately, those who gain from what happened today are those who call for violence and terror, the extremist groups,” he said. However, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who had urged both sides to exercise restraint, expressed regret that “Egyptian authorities chose instead to use force to respond to the ongoing demonstrations,” according to a statement issued by his spokesman. Also, the United States,

which had offered qualified backing to the interim government, “strongly condemns” the violence against protesters and urges the military to show restraint, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. “The United States strongly condemns the use of violence against protesters in Egypt,” Earnest told reporters. “Violence will only make it more difficult to move Egypt forward on a path to lasting stability and democracy and runs directly counter to the pledges by the interim government to pursue reconciliation,” he said.

UN officials warn Central Africa becoming ‘failed state’ officials of United StheENIOR Nations (UN) have called on international community to act to keep crisis-torn Central African Republic from becoming a “failed state.” The officials, who spoke before the UN Security Council yesterday, called on the body to support the African Union’s efforts to restore order in the country, plagued by insecurity and humanitarian crisis. “The Central African Republic is not yet a failed state but has the potential to become one if swift action is not taken,” the UN’s under-secretary-general and emergency relief coordinator, Valerie Amos, said. According to the United Nations, 1.6 million people in the Central African Republic are in need of urgent help. The crisis has forced 60,000 people to flee to neighboring countries and has displaced 206,000 individuals. Amos called for the Security Council to support the new International Support Mission to Central Africa (MISCA). The 3,600-person force, under the auspices of the African Union, is tasked with helping the Central African government secure its territory. She also called on the international community to provide “funds and logistical support” for the country, noting that only 32 percent of $195 million requested by the United Nations has been provided thus far.

Egyptian Muslim brotherhood supporters of Egypt’s ousted president Mohamed Morsi overturn a police vehicle during clashes with riot police at Cairo’s Mustafa Mahmoud Square after security forces dispersed them…yesterday. INSET: A PHOTOS: AFP female supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood gather stones during clashes with police in Cairo.

Muslim brotherhood supporters hold AK47 and riot police shields during clashes with riot police at Cairo’s Mustafa Mahmoud Square … yesterday.

Israeli, Palestinian negotiators meet under new settlement cloud MID discords over plans to A build thousands of new homes for Jewish settlers on land which the Palestinians claim for their promised future state, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met late yesterday in Jerusalem for a new round of direct peace talks after a three-year break.

But there was no confirmation from Israeli or Palestinian officials who were maintaining a news blackout on details of the encounter. Palestinian officials had earlier told Agence France Presse (AFP) that negotiators would meet in the prestigious King David hotel, but reports in

Haaretz newspaper and on Israeli public radio did not name the location. However, Israel freed 26 Palestinian prisoners yesterday but also pledged to keep up the pace of settlement building on occupied land. Those released from jail were the first batch of 104

prisoners, most of whom had been serving life terms for killing Israelis, who are to be freed in stages depending on progress in the talks. But as Palestinians celebrated the releases, Housing Minister Uri Ariel cast a pall over proceedings. “We will build thousands of

homes in the coming year in Judaea and Samaria,” Ariel told public radio, using the biblical Hebrew term for the West Bank. “No one dictates where we can build... This is just the first course,” he added, hinting at more building to come.

18 feared dead in Indian submarine explosion IGHTEEN sailors on board an E Indian submarine which exploded and sank yesterday are feared dead with the nation’s navy admitting the incident had left a “dent” in the country’s defences. According to agency reports, the fully-armed INS Sindhurakshak, returned by original manufacturer, Russia, earlier this year after a major refit, exploded in flames in Mumbai shortly after midnight yesterday and sank in a military shipyard. The disaster is thought to be the Indian navy’s worst since the sinking of a frigate by a

The disaster is thought to be the Indian navy’s worst since the sinking of a frigate by a Pakistani submarine in 1971. Pakistani submarine in 1971. However, Defence Minister A.K. Antony described the explosion as the “greatest tragedy in recent time”. “I feel sad about those navy personnel who have lost their lives in service of the country,” he told reporters in New Delhi. Also, Chief of naval staff D.K. Joshi said no sign of life had been detected on board even after divers managed to enter through the main hatch in a

bid to refloat the vessel. “While we hope for the best, we have to prepare for the worst,” he told reporters in Mumbai, adding that there was a possibility some crew might have found air pockets but “the indicators are negative”. “It is certainly a dent on Indian navy’s submarine capabilities for the time being,” he added. The blast came days after

New Delhi trumpeted the launch of its first domesticallyproduced aircraft carrier and the start of sea trials for its first Indian-made nuclear submarine. The world’s biggest democracy has been expanding its armed forces rapidly to upgrade its mostly Soviet-era weaponry and respond to what is perceived as a growing threat from regional rival China. Amateur video footage showed a fireball in the forward section of the Sindhurakshak, where torpedoes and missiles are stored as

well as the battery units. “There were two to three explosions and the night sky lit up briefly,” eyewitness Dharmendra Jaiswal told AFP. Joshi said there had been an initial fire, which appeared to have sparked a big explosion as weaponry ignited. “The basic question is what caused the fire and explosion. We do not have an answer to that question as of now,” he said. A board of enquiry would probe all possible explanations including sabotage, but “the indicators at this point of time do not support that theory”, he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Politics Delta 2015: Those who want to succeed Uduaghan By Seye Olumide HE 2015 elections are almost 20 months T away but the Delta State political landscape is already astir with an avalanche of aspirants, who want to succeed the third civilian governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. The aspirants, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, are currently strategising, consulting, mobilising, aligning and realigning to gain advantage at the polls. They are also deploying their pedigree — educational, economic and network of contacts into the race. There is also the question of zoning and ability to deliver. Since the creation of the state, Delta North has not produced the governor while Delta Central and South have had turns through Olorogun Felix Ibru, Chief James Ibori and Uduaghan. Among those mentioned as jostling for the Asaba Government House are Chief Great Ogboru, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, Chief Godswill Obielum, Mr. Victor Ochei, Elder Godsday Orubebe, Clement Ofuani, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Comrade Macaulay Ovuozourie Others include: Prof. Pat Utomi. Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chief Ned Nwoko, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, Mr. Ovie OmoAgege, Chief Solomon Ogba, Mr. Leo Ogor, Ngozi Ulejeme, Prof. Saliba Umukoro, Mr. Sam Obi, Chief John Kpokpori and Mr. Obaro

Uduaghan Unuafe. Continuation of Uduaghan’s legacy Giving the horde of aspirants, analysts have stressed the need for Deltans to elect a credi-

ble and capable person, who has the wherewithal to take the state to the next level after Uduaghan. As the governor of Delta State since 2007, Uduaghan, in spite of the re-run hiccups in 2011 against Chief Ogboru and others with high profile disparagement, has been able to bring some giant strides and dividends of democracy to Deltans, his supporters claim. Through his three-point agenda, Uduaghan has made efforts to leave Delta better than he met it. Essentially, he says he wants to prepare Deltans for life after crude oil. The governor used the last Democracy Day celebrations to advise Delta youths to channel their minds towards entrepreneurship skills as opposed to dependence on crude oil and natural gas. On this score, some stakeholders say the way forward for Delta State is for the people to look well and elect a governor, who will build on the developmental strides of past administrations; a man of excellence who has the interest of development (human, material and capital) of the state as the centre-piece in his mind. In doing this, they want Deltans to take into account the qualities of the candidates, and not their tribe, sectional interest or religion. In other words, they should base their choice of candidate and eventual governor on excellence. So, for 2015, the stakeholders say that Delta State needs a decisive change. They claim that over the years, highly placed cabals in the

state had directly controlled Delta politics. The resultant effect is that the state resources have been politically mismanaged by imposed and conscripted leaders, who never sailed through the choice of Deltans but selected by cabals of the state. To this school of thought, Delta needs a fearless man to stop the rot, halt the slide into hopelessness and re-direct Delta to the course of recovery, growth and development. Such a person, they say, should be someone who is unblemished and principled and has not risen to prominence through government jobs and appointments. He should also be a man of means with huge investments, especially in the state; a man who is looking for the top most seat to offer service and not to amass wealth. And to ensure a free, credible and violencefree election, some observers have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to be vigilant and do the needful by beaming their searchlights on Delta. Reacting to these issues, Olorogun Gbagi, an Urhobo, said Delta deserves to get the best in 2015. He urged all qualified sons and daughters of to join the race, to enable Deltans pick the best at the polls. He frowned at calls for zoning of the governorship seat, saying it was counter-productive and infringes on the rights of citizens to aspire to higher offices in the state.

Ekiti 2014: ‘Too many jokers vying for governorship’ Otunba Reuben Ilemoboye Famuyibo, former presidential aspirant under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and now a governorship aspirant in Ekiti State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, spoke to Dele Fanimo about his ambition and what he intends to bring to the table. HY are you in the race, and what are you W bringing to the table? I think I have all it takes to be the governor of Ekiti State. Don’t forget I was at the forefront of the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State, along with notable traditional rulers such as the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti and the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti. They are all living witnesses to the struggle. But ironically, those who were not partakers of the struggle are now at the corridors of power as major beneficiaries. Well, I must say here that what we have now was not the Ekiti State of my dream. I had prepared a blueprint, after due consultations with elders of the state. You can find out from people like Chief Afe Babalola, Chief Bode Olowoporoku, among others. But what you have today is a deviation from the right path. You have people who don’t have respect for elders that participated in the struggle. These Lagos boys just came to power, oblivious of the dream of the state and what you see today is the result of lack of planning. I could remember that when I wanted to contest for the governorship of the state in 1999 on the platform of Alliance for Democracy (AD), I had a blueprint and manifesto. The documents are still there for anybody to see. I had a plan that can transform Ekiti into a model state for others to emulate. What did successive administrations not done right that you have the Midas touch to correct? A critical view of Ekiti State will reveal to you a family state that is close knit. Apart from EfonAlaaye, every other town in the state has Ekiti as its suffix such as Ado-Ekiti, Ifaki-Ekiti, IkereEkiti and Awo-Ekiti. There are things that needed be done that these people have not done. When you look at our set up in Ekiti State, the basic thing that I think we are enjoying is education. But education without industry to work is just as good as

not having any education. Everyone knows that Ekiti prides itself as the ‘Fountain of Knowledge’, but it is nothing without anywhere to practice it. That is why you find all our graduates going into politics. A sensible governor should know what to do to industrialise his state. I could remember what Governor Fashola of Lagos told them when they were envying him about Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He told them that the IGR in Lagos did not just materialise overnight; it started from the vision of the people that had governed Lagos by way of creating industries and attracting investors. I am not saying that Ekiti State should be at par with Lagos, but we have to start from somewhere. The whole of Ekiti cannot boast of three or four industries. In my manifesto in 1999, I brought in the Chinese to Ekiti to spend 12 months, stayed in my house in Ado-Ekiti and went round Ekiti to see what they could bring as cottage industries. There are a lot of things that we can do to employ our youths. I said in my manifesto that I doubt if anyone would still want to have a public holiday, because on every holiday, I’ll fashion something for the children to do. We have farms in Ekiti State. Why don’t we encourage the children on long vacations to work in them with stipend of about N10,000? I planned to have farms in schools that can feed the population and more. We should make it compulsory for the children to have farms; make it so big to encourage them and part of the revenue can go to assist the school to develop. There is need for new industrial towns to be created. In Ikole, for example, why not have about 20 hectares of land and in the set up, meet the elders, the people that matter in the Ikole local government to be members of the board and also encourage their children. Tell them you are borrowing money to build 100 houses and when their children buy the 100, you will build another 100. Another 50 can be used for industrialisation. We don’t need billions to industrialise. It is unfortunate that because they have godfathers, people will just come here without anything to offer. It is when they get here that some civil servants would corner and advise them to borrow money to build roads. We are borrowing to build roads now and the people

Famuyibo are suffering. Are they going to eat the roads? I had a meeting in my house some couple of days ago; you’d be surprised that of the 85 of them, 72 were graduates and chairmen of wards. Ekiti is 32 in the hierarchy of IGR and in terms of allocation. With the meagre resources, how are you going to transform Ekiti? There are 1,001 ways to kill a fowl. I have told you that in 1998 to 1999, I brought some Chinese that were ready to bring their investment here. That time, we were planning for 177 cottage industries and they are still there. We don’t have to borrow. (Governor Kayode) Fayemi went aborrowing without taking into cognizance that we have meagre resources and in number 32. These are things that I want to change. IGR can improve. We are not buoyant and not at par with many people but we are contented with what we have. We know that it is the way you are able to manage one million that you will manage one billion. If the little is well managed, we can cut our clothe according to our size. I know for a fact that the governor’s security vote is in excess of N125 million monthly, out the said meagre amount that we have. That amount can give me three cottage industries. These are my researches. I know we can bring people to work and we pay them per month

and as our revenue comes. The people we will get to run the place will also be shareholders, having their investments secured and at the same time creating jobs for people, not like this one (Fayemi administration) that is borrowing money to construct roads. In the area of electricity, the light project done by Segun Oni, you came overnight and remove it; that is another N450 million project wasted. Now you are using generators to power instead of solar. These are some of the wasteful spending that I want to correct. IGR or no IGR, if your priority is right, you can make headway. Look at what Rochas Okorocha is doing. I thought he was making noise, until I went there to see what he is doing. See our own Textile industry. You allow it to go down and said you were training manpower there. But having trained them, what will they do? These are the kinds of leaders that we have in Nigeria because of godfathers that are busy planting people around. Of all the leaders we have had in Ekiti State, only two have vision. Yes, (Ayo) Fayose tried his best with the dualisation of roads in Ekiti and other minor things. But Oni was focused, showing signs of exposure. Quite different from someone that is constructing roads and demolishing houses. What for? If I become governor, I will not demolish any house. Create new plans and expand these roads. How feasible is your aspiration, given the number of people that are contesting? The more the merrier. I have been in politics before anyone of them in Ekiti. The only senior that I have is Dr. Olowoporoku. All these people are just jokers. I know their style. Some people just want to be known; some want to be commissioners. Out of the 27 you are talking about, I know three of them don’t even know their local governments. Some of them cannot tell you the number of local governments in Ekiti State. One pasted posters last week and said he is from Ikere. But when I asked, they said they had not heard of his name in Ikere. I cannot pin point one serious aspirant among them. The only one that I think has a little bit of exposure is Ayo Fayose, who had been in control before. Others are just jokers! I have an unblemished record among the people. They know me as much as I know them.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

POLITICS 11

There’s need for a security summit, says Fayemi Dr. Kayode Fayemi, prodemocracy and rights activist, and a security expert faced a battery of related questions from political editors in Lagos recently. Specifically, he was grilled on the security situations in the country, the controversial issue of state police, and, of course, the 2014 governorship poll in Ekiti, in which he’s a candidate, reports Group Political Editor, Ehichioya Ezomon. HAT do you make of the level of W insecurity in the country, particularly in the Northeast? We are almost moving to a point where our leaders need a serious strategy: an economic cum security strategy. I don’t know how that is going to come about but the Council of State and opinion leaders might need to step back and look at the possibility of organising a Security Summit. One, there is a body led by the Minister (Turaki) talking to the various players in this unfortunate development. But I do think what we are confronted with now is poverty insecurity complex. That is the challenge that we must address, which has been affected by political development. The last time, I spoke about five sides to issue of Boko Haram. The most prominent one is the religious angle but it is not devastating like the economic strand. It is when people feel they have nothing to lose that some of these things happen. We ought to pay more attention in involving the military in civilian affairs. I know the implication is that you (government) are not in charge and that they should come and rescue you. That rescue can be defined inelastic by involving military in civilian matters. You are sending a sub-minimal message to the military that you cannot take good charge of the situation and that must be worrisome in the light of what we have seen in Egypt. It should worry us that we are playing with fire. What is our youth development programme in Nigeria? We have 60 per cent population under 25, and majority of these young people are totally fed up with the Nigerian state. For one to be young and idle, other forces will find use for you. That’s the part of the country’s major problem and we are not dealing with it the way it should be done. Those who are in the power corridors seem to be totally detached from their people. We certainly need coherent strategy and that strategy must almost be a Marshal Plan. State of emergency should have been a component of the comprehensive Marshal Plan that we need in this country. And the plan must be based on special economic security because we must be able to cut off the oxygen that is fuelling what is going on. If you don’t cut off that oxygen, it will continue to get to other parts of the North. I happen to know the governors of Borno and Yobe very well. The governor of Borno, Kashim Shettima, is one of the smartest governors we have in this country and it’s been so sad that Boko Haram has diminished the impact of the work he is doing in Borno State. People know what the governor is made of. I think there is a fifth columnist in this government that is desirous of this crime being perpetrated because of politics in 2015, or it helps to put the President in bad light. It could be either way: Those who are out to get the President and destroy him and those who seek to protect him and protect his agenda of return. Maybe their thinking is that if we keep the North perpetually busy with these crises, elections may not take place there in 2015 and that we can

• We must beware of a fifth columnist in government annex the area that is, likely, where our own will come from. I’m throwing this out as my reflection rather than certainty. But we are not the only country afflicted by this kind of challenge but it refuses to go because of little attention we pay to intelligence. Up till now, the police intelligence unit is virtually zero; military intelligence is not as impressive as one expects. We are just left with the State Security Services (SSS) that seems to have a bit of the arm of it. And that leaves us with enormous challenges. It’s almost coming to the reality of the National Security Intelligence report, as we go near 2015. Maybe there is something the Americans saw, which we didn’t see: that Nigeria may disintegrate by 2014. But we don’t need to resign ourselves to fate. We need to make a clarion call to Mr. President and all of us in the leadership position to begin to respond to issues. This is one of the issues discussed at the NGF: that we should make resources available to the afflicted states. In our view, you cannot have about 10 million children there outside and not see the correlation between helplessness and hopelessness of these young people. There is correlation somewhere; poverty and violence are related and we must do certain things to separate them. We can take specific steps. Right now, the bulk of what is happening under the state of emergence is being paid for by those states the rule is in place. So, you can see what is happening that if Borno State gets a monthly allocation of say N5 billion every month and it devotes N2.5 billion to keep the Joint Task Force in place; that is zerosum in economics. The economic and development opportunity that should benefit from that money is lost to security and yet, there can’t be development without security. My heart bleeds because I am yet to see any one punished for Boko Haram related offences. Those arrested are still in court and no one knows for how many years they will be in court. It’s unfortunate that we can’t find one person till now that has been made to face the music, and one begins to think there is someone behind the Boko Haram. Have you made any suggestions to the President on how to curb the challenges posed by Boko Haram? Absolutely yes! I do because I am on the security committee of Nigerian Governors’ Forum. Following particularly the happenings in Rivers State, do you consider state police playing a role in law and order in the country? Well, my position is that I am an advocate of multi-level police. I’ve always consistently argued for driven agenda but the only way you can be your brother’s keeper is if you know your brother. If you don’t know your brother, you can’t be his keeper. If you bring me from Ekiti to go to Zamfara and you dumped me at Talata-Mafarawa and you give me gun to protect people, who am I protecting at the place where I don’t have a clue about the language, I don’t have any connection with the people? It will be difficult to have multi-level police from the university, local government, state and federal, and you will have a unit that connect all the branches both in terms of training and sanction. That is the area we need to work on. We can have multi-level police and an independent arm that will be responsible for sanctioning aberrant behaviour on the part of men and women of the police in various levels. I see multi-level police having a key role to play in the country. In the light of what we have also seen in Rivers State, I can tell you that some of our colleagues, who are opposed to multi-level policing, are changing their views now because they could see blatant abuse of federal police within a local entity simply because somebody is not on the right side of

Fayemi the debate or their side of the debate. Many of us are setting up alternative security forces in order to protect our environment. That is what Zamfara State wanted to do that led to the debate at the National Assembly. The governor decided to take the bull by the horns because 48 of his citizens were killed in one day and our police could not do anything about it. Governors have come to conclusion that if the police cannot help their states after they have bought uniforms, patrol vehicles, bullets, some electronic equipment and APCs for the police, they will look for alternative way to protect their citizenry. We are actually running this body (police). Many of our colleagues trained police personnel. If we’re doing all these, how can someone turn back and talk about federal police? What is federal about our police? In an attempt to save that, some of them said they wanted to take one per cent of our allocation from the Federation Account, to go and support the police. Of course, many of us will go to court over this. It’s distortion of the clear federalism as stated in the Constitution. Did all the governors agree to this one per cent deduction? Not all the governors agreed to the idea. Some governors came out to address the media on it. I’m sorry; I have raised it with the Chairman of the NGF. I wasn’t there when the idea was tabled to governors and I know that some governors, who were there, did indicate they would go to court. Ekiti people elect me. I cannot subscribe to that deduction without going to my people first. It’s their money. Do you just sit at one Economic Council meeting and decide on your own to accept the deduction even though they put a

paper before you to agree one per cent from the Federal Account? What is the modality for that? Will one per cent deduction from our allocation address Ekiti State security challenges? Who dictate what happens with the one per cent, is it Abuja or Ekiti? Do I have total control over what the Commissioner of Police does in my state? Despite all what we bought for the police, we don’t have total control on them. In this country, we just keep dodging fundamental issues, which are structural. It is the nature of Nigerian state that we must address. Once we do that, even if everything will not fall into place, we’ll begin to get a direction. How did you take the endorsement by your party for a second term? I have come to be very wary about this term, endorsement. It has become a bastardised word courtesy Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). Seriously speaking, I think it is a burden when people say that you have done well. The burden of doing more becomes enlarged. That is what has come out of the endorsement that our leaders gave to me last December and the affirmation by Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. I also think seriously that what we have learnt from Lagos and Edo experiment is that if good governance is entrenched, it will be useful and helpful for the parties not to change candidates arbitrarily unless there are compelling reasons to do that and those reasons should include conditions listed in the Nigerian Constitution like temporary or permanent insanity, ill-health and others like that. If we are to consolidate on things that we have achieved, then, it makes sense unless the candidate chooses not to contest. Our Constitution

allows a second term. Obviously, you cannot legislate against ambition. With the endorsement, I felt a sense of elation on the one hand and surprise on the other because it imposes enormous burden on one not just to do well and protect the things that have been made, but to also protect our people because I am sure Abuja is eyeing Ekiti State very interestingly. They consider those of us in the Progressive Forum as governors to be taken out at all cost. But they will discover on the ground that they will have very little to sell to our people. As far as we are concerned, there are clear and consistent changes in all of these states. What will the opposition be bringing to the market to sell to the people at the end of the day? The important point here is that endorsement is not an election. We have a lot of work to do. It’s great that our leaders recognised the work that we have done so far but the election is not going to be a child’s play. We have prepared for a very tough election because we know full well that the other side will not sit idle even before 2015; and the elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun will be a dress rehearsal for 2015. What’s your perception of other governorship candidates in the state? They are about 20 running but we would not underestimate anyone of them. Whoever is running is important to us because it is an election. Everyone is important and I take them very seriously. I take election as a scientific process in which you cannot ignore anyone, no matter how inconsequential the person might appear because you are dealing with human beings who have a way of doing things. We have all sorts of people, whether it is in Accord Party, PDP or Labour; all of them will meet us on the field.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday August 15, 2013

TheMetroSection Protocol may delay repair of Eko Bridge By Godfrey Okpugie, Deputy Lagos City Editor EPAIR of the split on the Eko Bridge, which is causing anxiety among motorists, may take some time to mend. Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser on Media to Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, told The Guardian that the governor was already aware of the development and that efforts were already being made to remedy the situation. According to him, work would have started on it immediately but the State government’s recognition that it was not its statutory duty to work on the bridge because it is a federal government road, had accordingly sought approval from the Federal Ministry of Works, and that approval was being awaited. He, however, added that the government of Governor Fashola had placed order for the materials needed to do the repairs ahead of the approval of the Federal Ministry of Works. An alarm has been raised on the split at the Aaka/Iponri end of Eko Bridge. The crack, which has been described as a disaster waiting to happen, is already causing motorists to slow down when they get there and it is causing a lot of traffic. The Bridge, which is the shortest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island, to the mainland, the other two being the Third Mainland and Carter bridges, starts from Ijora on the mainland and ends at the Apongbon area of Lagos Island. The lagoon section of the bridge spans a distance of 430 metres. Julius Berger Plc constructed its landward extension of 1350 metres

Briefs Anyaoku’s biography for launch today PICTORIAL biography of A former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief

Emeka Anyaoku, titled: “Footprints of An Iconic Diplomat ”, will be launched today at 12 noon at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. According to a statement by Leverage Multi Global Concept, the event will be chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and will have President Goodluck Jonathan as special guest of honour. Other special guests expected at the ceremony include, exSouth African President Thabo Mbeki; Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, his Lagos State counterpart, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), among other eminent personalities.

Madu, 72, for burial HE death has occurred of T Mr. Chris Madu of Umuduruogba, Okwudor, in

A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN: Faces of delapitation on Eko Bridge

in phases between 1965 and 1975. It serves as the preferred access point for vehicular traffic approaching Lagos Island from the Apapa and Surulere areas of Lagos. For some years now, the dilapidating state of the bridge had become a source of worry to myriads of motorists and commuters plying it daily. Many averred that the dilapidating state of the bridge has been responsible for prolonged traffic jam, damage to vehicles and the

stress commuters encounter on the bridge as they commute to and from Lagos Island. Many motorists have also complained bitterly that gaps in the expansion joints, the most notorious one being the one at old PHCN Ijora Power Station, have spoilt their car’s shock absorbers, ruptured tyres, posing imminent danger for them. The bridge has apparently been lacking maintenance for a long

time. A tour of the bridge revealed that some of the expansion joints that were exposed had further widened while the iron coverings for the joints had fallen off, creating gaps as wide as six inches at intervals that motorists have to drive over. Some of the railings at one section on the pedestrian side of the bridge are also missing, while the few remaining ones have been damaged and have not been replaced.

Njaba local council of Imo State, who passed away on July 7, 2013, aged 72. A Christian wake holds in his honour in his compound today, August 15, while a funeral mass holds tomorrow at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Okwudor, at 10.00a.m. Interment follows immediately after at his compound, followed by burial rites. He is survived by his wife, Veronica, seven children and many grandchildren.

Police rescue two children from kidnapper at Seme From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin PERATIVES of the Nigerian Police Force at the Seme-border between Nigeria and Benin Republic have rescued two children allegedly stolen from Idi-Ape- Quarters of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The two children, a boy and a girl aged between five and six years, were allegedly abducted in the

early hours of Tuesday in Ilorin when they were sent on errand to dispose some refuse at the nearest refuse dump. After endless search, information filtered into the town that they have been found at the Seme border around 3pm. It was gathered that the alleged trafficker of the children stopped over at a filling station in Seme border to fuel his car when the children regained

Madu

Ekakitie, 88, for burial HE death has occurred of T Madam Ititi Felicia Ekakitie (nee Ekurume), aged 88.

Why bomb explosion is rampant, by Anti-bomb boss partments (EOD) with useful information whenever strange obATE information to the Nigejects or unexploded ordinance is ria Police Explosive Ordidiscovered. This will lead to rapid nance Department (EOD) by response to point of Improvised citizens has ascribed to be top among factors militating against Explosives Devices (IEDs) discovthe war on incessant bomb explo- ered on time to disarm and remove them to safe places for sion across the country. The Commissioner of Police, EOD demolition. Command popularly called “Anti- “Instead of allowing massive deBomb Squad,” Mr. Abdulmajid Ali struction when they detonate beyesterday told reporters that late fore we are informed,’’ Ali stated. The police boss noted that the information to police has been a command has embarked on dilemma they are battling to Bomb Threat/IEDs awareness curb. He insisted that it was one of the major factors responsible for bomb explosion in the country. Ali spoke in Lagos during the passing out parade of 140 AntiBomb Police Technicians and Investigators at the Ikeja headquarters of EOD, adding that timely information would assist his men in detonating any explosive. “The Nigerian society should support this command or our States Explosive Ordnance DeAbdulmajid

By Odita Sunday

standard procedure training and response techniques for the Armed Forces and some corporate institutions. This, according to him, would help the people to have better idea of what constitutes Bomb threats and identification of basic IED components. Ali said that the command was also carrying out regular inspection and monitoring of the movements from point-to-point, handling, storage and usage of explosives. He called on individuals and organizations to partner the command in the area of corporate and institutional support for procurement of explosives equipment and logistics. He lauded the Inspector-General (IGP) for the increase in personnel strength of the command from 600 to about 1,100, stressing that 1,000 more men had been approved for the command. He urged the graduating officers and men to live up to their creed and make the police proud.

Police Inspector General, Abubakar their consciousness and screamed for help. The alarm was said to have attracted the attention of a police patrol team in the area and some members of the community to the scene. On sensing danger, the trafficker was said to have zoomed off, abandoning the children with about four others, also in his captivity. On investigation, the victims were said to have given useful information that enabled the police to trace their homes in Ilorin and reunite them with their family members. The development might have prompted members of the Idi-Ape Quarters to comb the area and descended heavily on some destitute lurking around believed to have aided the kidnapping. During the raid, a pistol was reportedly found on a man pretending to be a mentally deranged person. When contacted, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Femi Fabode, Deputy Supritendent of Police, said he was yet to be officially briefed on the development.

Christian wake-keeping for her will hold on tomorrow August 16, 2013 at Ekurume’s Compound, Orhono Village, Eku at 4:00 pm. The funeral service will hold on Saturday, August 17 at the Orhono Baptist Church, Orhono Village, Eku at 10:00 am, and will be followed by interment. There will be a thanksgiving service at the same church on Sunday, August 18th, 2013 at 10:00 am.

Ekakitie

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Kids get busy at robotics summer academy By Tope Templer Olaiya ORTY-FIvE secondary school students have been enrolled in the Exposure Robotics Academy (XRA), previously known as the Exposure Robotics League (XRL), for its summer academy at Grange School in Ikeja, Lagos. The programme, which is in its second year is being taught by five talented instructors from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and three talented teaching assistants from Columbia University and the University of Ibadan. Robotics, a branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. is a combination of hard science, mathematics, computer programming, and mechanical engineering, among others. The XRL cultivates Nigerian creativ-

ity and technical problem solving skills by exposing young minds to robotics. Students, representing 14 different states across Nigeria are currently participating in the enriching, five-week programme, which organizers say is aimed at teaching kids how to think creatively and apply theoretical knowledge to practical life situations. According to the students, the programme has been entertaining, educative and also enlightening. “This programme is a stepping stone for my career as a mechanical engineer,” said one of the students. “With the advent of robots in our modern day industries, especially in the engineering sector, it would give me a preliminary concept about robots.” There will be a festive grand finale to conclude the five-week summer coaching

on Saturday, August 17. The students will compete against one another in a final bout and demonstrate the skills they have acquired through the programme. Some of them have gone from never having used a computer to writing code in the space of a week. The event, which will be hosted at the Grange School and open to the public, will feature appearances by various representatives of the different partner companies including Shell Oil Plc, Katchey Company Ltd, Interswitch and Schlumberger Nigeria, as well as celebrities such as DJ Obi and Lynnx. The robotics initiative was found by a group of MIT students of Nigerian descent led by Obinna Ukwuani and included Obinna Okwodu, Chika Ugboh, Onyinyechi Okeke, Zainab Lasisi and Nnaemeka Opara.

MD/CEO, Exposure Robotics Academy, Obinna Ukwuani (left); Business Development Manager, Katchey Co. Ltd, Philip Ayogu; President, Exposure Robotics Academy, Obinna Okwodu and the academy student, Uzosike Augusta, at the briefing to announce the grand finale of the summer camp on Tuesday.

Their inspiration was a desire to give Nigerian students the opportunities they had while growing up to be exposed to the exciting things they could one day accomplish with their edu-

cation. They also desired to spark change in the Nigerian education system from one dominated by rote memorization to one that encourages learning, problem solving and real world

application. To date, the initiative has transformed the lives of 80 young boys and girls from over a dozen states in Nigeria, and from Ghana.

visually impaired citizens seek help with White Cane campaign Youth have potential to By Adebisi Olonade HE Nigerian Society for the Blind (NSB) has urged the general public to always provide assistance to the visually impaired. The appeal was made yesterday by the chairman of the society, Biola Agbaje, at a press conference to herald the annual White Cane Walk. The White Cane Safety Day is a day set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who are visually impaired and the white cane is an important symbol

known worldwide for blindness. Everyday, millions of the visually impaired use a white cane or dog guide to get to work, school, shop and travel. In the United States, the White Cane law requires drivers to come to a complete stop when approaching pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog. “Once you see a person with a white cane, you should recognize him/her as being visually impaired and it is everyone’s responsibility to lend a helping

A policeman and volunteers help visually impaired students cross an intersection during a march to commemorate the ‘White Cane Safety Day,’ in India.

hand. It is, however, a pity that in Nigeria, members of the public do not assist the visually challenged,” Agbaje said, adding that the society would be celebrating its 8th White Cane Day, a walk and public enlightenment programme on Saturday, August 17. An executive member of NSB, who is also visually impaired, Lanre Adebayo, explained that the assistance they seek is not in alms giving or mere pitying, but helping a visually impaired person cross the road, warn him/her of obstacles or dangers ahead, assist in getting in and out of vehicles and other little assistance that might be necessary. The NBS is a vocational training centre for the blind, which runs a two-year course for visually impaired adults and adolescence in Braille reading and writing, typing, mobility, handcrafts, soap making, home economics, tie and dye and computer training. Agbaje commended members of the public and organizations who have contributed to the micro-credit scheme opened for graduates of the centre, who wish to be self-employed. “The fund is well over one million Naira and we are still appealing for more donors to support the scheme,” she said. Chairman of the planning committee, Olu Falomo, said though the state government is rendering assistance, more could be done to assist the organization.

Youths warn politicians from diverting relief materials meant for states under emergency rule From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri

“the N500 million being donated along with the 19, 500 metric tons of grains, are not to be diverted or misappropriated by selfish politicians, but shared among the affected residents of three frontline states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. While thanking President Goodluck Jonathan for the relief materials and cash donations, he said: “We wish to caution all those unpatriotic

MEMBERS of the Northern Youth Unity Forum (NYUF) in the North-east sub-region of the country have warned political parties and politicians against the diversion of 650 trucks (19, 500 metric tons) of assorted grains recently donated by the Federal Government for distribution to residents in three states currently under the state of emergency. The youths gave the warning yesterday at a press conference lead by NYUF coordinator, Mallam Usman Mustapha at La Maraj Hotel, Maiduguri. The relief materials, according to him, were to cushion the devastating effects of the four-year Boko Haram insurgency in the three affected states in the Northeast sub-region of the country. Mustapha also warned that, Borno State governor, Shetima

political elements that attempted to cause a diversion to the Minister’s commendable selfless effort in the name of opposition to desist from seeking political capital on the tears of orphans, widows and the physically, psychologically and economically distressed.” “We tell them that it is unacceptable everywhere in the world for parties and their politicians to throw away decorum and humanism in

the name of opposition by attempting to divert the relief materials and cash donation to affected residents, he stressed.” He said the youths in the Northeast sub-region; would ensure that all the relief materials and cash donations N500 million, reach all the affected residents that live in the states under emergency rule declared by the President on May 14, 2013.

Yobe State governor, Geidam

Adamawa State governor, Nyarko

advance global wellbeing, says Otenuga GUN State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Olugbenga Otenuga said that the youths have the potentials to advance the well being of the human race. Otenuga, who made this known at a press briefing to commemorate the year 2013 International Youth Day held at NUJ Press Centre, Iwe Iroyin House, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta noted that the mobile nature of the youths make them key to the development of the world. Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward’, the Commissioner said that young people make up a significant share of the world’s international migrants. Migration, according to him, can offer valuable opportunities for youths to contribute to the development of communities they find themselves. He also said that migration had its risks and challenges, which includes discrimination, loss of lives in an attempt to cross borders illegally, while some are forced into prostitution and undue exploitation. Otenuga enumerated lack of good education and skill, low level of income, salary and wage, unemployment, disenfranchising of youth

from political, social and development process as some of the reasons why the youth migrate from one place to another. He also spoke on some of the activities of Governor Ibikunle Amosun to discourage youth from engaging in unnecessary migration. “I make bold to say without contradiction that the present administration led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun has done quite well in discouraging youth from illegal migration by the instituting programmes to develop the youth of the state,” he said. The commissioner noted programmes like making education free, infrastructural development, provision of employment for youth through modernised agricultural programmes, grassroot sports development and other youth development programmes are some of the ways the government the state is employing to discourage youth migration. President of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Adeniyi Adenekan noted that youths migrate in search of better opportunities since successive government at all levels have neglected rural development.

TheGuardian

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 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 Stiffer penalties for human traffickers HE move by the National Assembly (NASS) to prescribe stiffer penalties for persons involved in human trafficking is most desirable against the backdrop of the worsening scourge. Human trafficking has tarnished Nigeria’s image and subjected thousands of victims to inhumanity. Many have died in the process of being trafficked across international borders. Any measure to combat the menace and punish culprits deserves support. The federal legislature’s decision to prescribe a 10-year jail term for persons convicted of human trafficking is commendable. The House Committee on Human Rights had noted that fines alone were no longer an option for convicted traffickers. National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) now estimates that eight million Nigerian children are engaged in exploitative child labour, hence, the need to provide legal and institutional support for the agency. The issue of human rights is covered in relevant international conventions to which Nigeria is signatory. Besides, the Constitution has human rights provisions enshrined in it. Human trafficking, therefore, is a clear violation of both the Constitution and international conventions that are binding on Nigeria. It is, however, important to appreciate that there is a nexus between poverty and human trafficking. Lack of education and poor enlightenment are also critical factors. Above all is the collapse of family values. Some parents encourage their children to be trafficked. In extreme cases, oath-taking to cement the deal is even organised, taking advantage of traditional beliefs. Human trafficking has grown into big business run by cartels around the world. Like drug trafficking, it has become complex and therefore, requires both tough measures and wellcoordinated international cooperation to combat. Governments around the world have a crucial role to play in combating the crime. Worsening economic hardship in most developing countries has contributed immensely to this problem. Experience shows that people are trafficked from poor, economically depressed countries to the developed world and not the other way round. It is modern day slavery. Good governance and stronger economies would stem the tide of human trafficking and Nigeria should not relent in the effort to curb this menace. The legal approach which the NASS is considering should therefore be encouraged, while public enlightenment is stepped up to create awareness among the populace.

...And rapists GAINST the backdrop of rising rape cases in Nigeria, the Minister of Women A Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina recently vented her outrage over the light punishment given to perpetrators and convicts of the dastardly act by the law courts. The minister’s outburst is justified. Considering that rape victims go through lifelong trauma arising from their awful experience, perpetrators deserve stiffer penalties. One way to deter rapists and reduce the crime is to pronounce tougher penalty on convicts under the law. A life imprisonment would do. Rape has remained a recurring decimal across the country. Teenage girls, primary school pupils and even elderly women are raped. Last year’s reports of the serial rape of elderly widows in their 70s and 80s in Opi, Nsukka in Enugu State by a band of thugs in the community shocked everyone. And earlier in 2007, then Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili decried the reported rise in cases of sexual molestation of children in primary and secondary schools by some of their teachers. Sadly enough, all these reports went without prosecution or conviction. That encouraged would-be rapists and child molesters. The Lagos State House of Assembly, the other day, joined in the campaign for more severe sanctions for those who defile minors and rapists, to stem the act in the state. The lawmakers want to amend the Child Rights Law 2007 to accommodate sanctions and preventive measures for criminal acts that have gone viral in Lagos. No fewer than 678 cases were recorded in 2012 by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. None made it to prosecution. The situation in Lagos is not different from what obtains in other states of the federation. As a matter of fact, some states are deeper into the rape crime and yet, little is heard about prosecution or conviction. The truth is that many cases of rape and child abuse are actually not reported. The culprits get off scot-free, thereby, constituting a greater threat to the female folk. At the same time, most of the reported cases are not prosecuted due to the attitude of parents and guardians who would prefer not to pursue the case for fear of possible stigmatisation of the victim. Rape victims are exposed to all sorts of dangers, including the dreaded HIV/AIDS disease, sexually transmitted infections, psychological trauma and unwanted pregnancy. The odds are many. It is however worrisome that people prefer to suffer in silence, having been victims of offences that have legal sanctions. The law has made provision for the prosecution of rapists and imposition of appropriate sanctions. Victims and their families should therefore be willing to come out to seek legal redress, which is in their own interest and that of society at large. The time has indeed come for Nigerians to change their neglectful attitude towards sexual offences.

LETTERS

NDDC and the gender agenda IR: While governments arrowhead Sgreater across the world pledged through affirmative action to ensure that women assume greater leadership roles at the Beijing Conference, not much happened in Nigeria’s political landscape until now. It is, therefore, gratifying to note that under the Jonathan administration “one in every three members of the Federal Executive Council is a woman” and Nigerians have witnessed the impressive outing of women in these and other high-profile offices in various sectors of the economy. Conversely, it is worrisome to note that since the inception of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2001, only one female, Dr. (Mrs.) Georgiana Ngeri-Nwagha from Bayelsa State has sat on the board as a State Representative; this implies that out of the nine states that constitute the board, eight have not fielded a female representative and that no female has held the position of Chairman, Managing Director or any of the executive directorships. Alongside this neglect of the womenfolk, we note that the blueprint by those who dreamt the dream that culminated in the establishment of the Commission was jettisoned and those who put their lives on the line in that process were brushed aside once the Commission came on stream; this is without prejudice to the recognition of Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, who was the

of the struggle, naming the Commission building after him. Arguably, the lack of human kindness of the feminine touch and the neglect of those who dreamt the dream and committedly pursued the establishment of the Commission may not be unconnected with the intractable squabbles and infighting in the board. A locale that produced Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Diezani Allison-Madueke and their ilk cannot be said to lack quality leadership materials on the feminine side of the gender hedgerow; to think otherwise is to be blind to current events in the Nigerian polity. As the Niger Delta nurses its gangrened

wounds from decades of exploitation and the unfortunate socioeconomic and security effects of militancy, matters affecting that locale, which produces more than 80 per cent of the nation’s wealth, should be given serious thought so we can have peace, progress and sustainable development in Nigeria. In view of the above, I hereby implore President Jonathan to further tap into the innate powers, talents and moral virtues of women by extending the essence of the highly successful Transformation Agenda to the board of NDDC through ensuring a semblance of gender balance in constituting the incoming board. • Nosa Jiaso, Warri, Delta State.

Amosun’s infrastructural revolution To exit is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly – Henri Bergson.

ancient states with little infrastructure before the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration. In the last two years, the IR: The above quote clearly story has been a total turnpictures the on-going his- around from what it used to be in a bid to bringing about toric infrastructural revoluindustrialisation that would tion in Ogun, which many boost the state’s economy as eminent Nigerians have the government is commitdescribed as ‘phenomenal’. ted to the construction and Many residents of Ogun are expansion of about 14 major fast becoming the biblical roads and bridges. Philip who confidently told It is amazing in Ogun that his friend, Nathaniel, ‘come the state is indeed becoming and meet my Jesus.’ a centre of attraction, as all It is true that the 37 year-old the road projects are 70 per state is among the famous in cent near completion. Nigeria but sad to note that it • Femi Onasanya, was one of the so-called Abeokuta, Ogun State.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Business Appointments P35 International Youth Day focuses on migration

Nigeria’s new GDP methodology underway By Chijioke Nelson

IGERIA may be inching N closer to a new method of calculating its yearly Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a move aimed at reflecting the realities on ground. The move may have also been strategic given the persistent arguments over reports by international organisations on Nigeria’s development efforts, particularly the recent one from

Naira sustains sliding profile the African Development Bank (AfDB). For example, AfDB scored the country’s efforts to halving poverty by 2015 as weak, which the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku has faulted on the basis of “outdated data.” According to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), plans are in top gear to release new figures that

would help in calculating the Nation’s GDP in December, with changes in the way they are calculated. The move, which probably would boost the reported size of its economy, will also ensure that the country updates its GDP base year to 2010, to give a better indication of the size and composition of its economy. Currently, Nigeria’s GDP is

based on production patterns in 1990. The data, now slated for publication on December 10, 2013, which NBS confirmed yesterday, that it was also considering 2012 as a possible base year, after consulting experts from inside and outside government. But the likelihood that 2010 would be used as the new base year was there, according to Yemi Kale, the Head of NBS. Several attempts have been

made before now to schedule the release of the new GDP data, but have all failed. In May, Kale had expressed doubt that the release may not happen until next year, even though the bureaus’s website still mentions a target of October 24, this year. Nigeria’s economy, the second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa, was estimated at $268.7 billion last year and forecast to expand 7.2 percent this year by the

Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (left); Group Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, UAC of Nigeria Plc, Larry Ettah; Managing Director, MDS Logistics Plc, Solomon Aigbavboa; and Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Logistics, Marius Swanepoel at a dinner held by MDS Logistics Plc to familiarise its new partners, South Africa based Imperial Logistics with its stakeholders in Lagos.

International Monetary Fund. The true size and composition of the economy hasn’t been properly reflected in the yearly calculations of the GDP, which do not capture the activities of companies created since 1990, according to Kale. This may be one of the irregularities that casts doubts over the nation’s figures, data quality, reliability and outcome of projections made on their bases. According to the AfDB report, “the proportion of people living below the national poverty line has worsened from 65.5 per cent,” and this inference was based on data between 1996 and 2010. The questions still remain whether the data for 2010 till date are available, reliable and accessible. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s currency sustained its sliding profile yesterday, as it headed for its weakest level against the dollar since July 23 against rising. The Naira, though retreated 0.2 percent to 160.85 per dollar as of 1:02 p.m. in Lagos, the lowest on a closing basis in more than three weeks, as the central bank’s second foreign-exchange auction of the week was sold. The naira weakened 2.9 percent this year, the worst in West Africa after the Ghanaian cedi and Liberian dollar, among 24 of the continent’s currencies tracked by Bloomberg. The Central Bank of Nigeria, which will sell dollars to lenders at an auction today to support the local currency, sold $221.6 million on August 12, the lowest since May 15.

Stakeholders lament inadequate power supply By Roseline Okere OVERNMENT’S claim of improved electricity supply following repairs on the damaged pipelines feeding the three major power plants in the eastern part of the country may have been pooh-poohed by industry stakeholders who hold a contrary opinion. The affected power stations, which include Afam IV, Afam VI, and Rivers Independent Power Plant (IPP), all shut down last week due to gas constraints arising from condensate issue on Trans National Pipeline (TNP). The drop in generated electricity, according to the Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, was as a result of severe leakages in the supply of gas to some strategic power plants across the country. Already, electricity supply situation in Lagos, has become unbearable to small scale industrialists which has little means for private power generation. The minister had said in a statement that: “Total grid generation as at 6am on Saturday is 2,628.6MW. With this low level generation, management of the grid is currently a big task, necessitating a nationwide load shedding.” Lamenting the current cut in electricity supply, the

Managing Director of Stintex Industries, Afolabi Isiyemi, wondered when the Federal Government would be able to boost of constant power supply, as it is killing businesses in the country. Isiyemi stated: “This present administration is not sincere about solving the energy deficiency in the country. Despite government’s effort to ensure that there is constant power supply, we continue to go from bad to worse. The government had in the past few years, been assuring us of providing regular electricity. We are still waiting for that promise to be fulfilled. Government kept on

giving excuses for its failures, we hope this whole unpleasant drama will end soon”. A small-scale industrialist at the Isolo industrial estate, Babatunde Apata, doubts the Federal Government’s ability to solve the power crisis in the country. According to him, “the situation on ground shows that the country is far away from meeting the demand for electricity in the country. “We heard that the banks in the country are not ready to lend funds to the preferred bidders of the 11 privatized Electricity Distribution Companies due to uncertainty associated with the settlement of entitlements of the

Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers. With this latest development, it is difficult for us to believe that the country is close to meeting electricity demand”. Expressing worries over the constant electricity crisis in the country recently, National Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said in spite of the recent high tariff charged by PHCN, electricity supply is yet to reduce the dependence on private generators for businesses and homes since the government’s intention to meet the promised 6,000MW to

10,000MW has been difficult. “This has contributed as always, to the high cost of doing business estimated at about 40 percent since real sector operators and citizens alike depend mostly on own provision of alternative sources of electricity through own generating plants,” it said. NACCIMA therefore counseled that Government should continue to collaborate with private sector to intensify their commitment towards sustainable power supply of 10,000MW by end of 2013, as well as make provisions for sufficient pre-paid meters to consumers to ensure that every citizen pay

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

16 BUSINESS

Governors want N’Assembly to decide revenue formula From Msugh Ityokura, Lafia OVERNORS of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday met in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital to deliberate on national issues and the chances of the party winning in the future elections, where they canvassed that the National Assembly be vested with the power to decide how the nation’s revenue should be shared. The governors also deliberated on ways to tackle the nation’s economic woes, noting that the only way out of the regrettable solution is for the masses to lend their support to the APC which they promised will serve as an alternative to misrule. After about five hours of closed door deliberations at the State House in Lafia, Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi said the ongoing dialogue of members of the newly formed party was

aimed at salvaging the nation from misrule and strengthening the party for brighter chances ahead of the forthcoming challenge. Also in attendance were Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Kashim Shetima (Borno), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo). Others were Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and the host, Tanko AlMakura of Nasarawa State and his deputy, Damishi Luka. Governors of Yobe and Imo states, Ibrahim Gaidam and Rochas Okorocha were absent. Okorocha’s deputy, Prince Eze Maduemere stood in for him. In a statement read out to journalists after the meeting by Fayemi, the APC governors commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for taking a bold step to register the APC as a party despite

the series of hurdles and frustrations encountered in the process. They also expressed confidence in the national leadership of the party, even as they

recommended that power for revenue sharing formula should be vested in the National Assembly as against the current formula situation in which the presidency

decides. The APC governors condemned what they described as repression in Egypt, and expressed reservation over the ouster of the president,

Mohamed Morsi. They also kicked against autonomy for local councils in the country, insisting that such a provision would be a total violation of the tenets of federalism.

U.S. envoy optimistic of increased foreign investment in Nigeria HE outgoing Economic T Officer to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Rob Folley, yesterday expressed hope of increased foreign investment in Nigeria. Folley said in Lagos that Nigeria’s environment was conducive for future foreign investment. ``I foresee more foreign interest and investment in Nigeria in the future,’’ he said. The envoy said that his twoyear official assignment in Nigeria, covering 17 states, had exposed him to the country’s enormous trade and investment opportunities”. According to him, during his two-year assignment across Nigeria, he realised the yet to be harnessed investment environment of the richly endowed nation. ``Nigeria has a huge population, arable land, natural resources, and human

resources that will continue to attract foreign investment.’’ Folley said that his assignment had also afforded him the opportunity to know the country’s challenges in the areas of infrastructure deficit, insecurity and power supply. The envoy, on transfer to Canada, urged the Federal Government to address the challenges and diversify its economy from its dependence on crude oil. Folley said that the U.S. Government would continue to support Nigeria in creating the right investment environment for local and international investors. ``The U.S. Government, through the U.S and Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC), will consistently engage with Nigeria in creating the right investment environment.

Human Resources Executive, MTN, Amina Oyagbola (left); presenting the prestigious Investor in People (IiP) certification to the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki, while the Corporate Services Executive, MTN, Akinwale Goodluck, looks on.

Alakija accuses Italian of defrauding Nigerian firm WO members of the popuT lar Alakija family have dragged an Italian, Stephano Onnis before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a Nigerian firm, Dys Trocca Valsesia (DTV) & Company Limited. The plaintiffs - Olawole Alakija and Mrs. Dora Alakija, who are DTV's major shareholders, alleged in the suit, that after the expiration of the appointment of Onnis as the acting Managing Director of the company, the Italian alongside others have continued to illegally occupy their positions in the board of the company. Apart from Onnis, other defendants are Guido Giachetti, Ernest Aisubeogun, Anthony Kalu, Deloitee Corporate Services Limited and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). They stated in a supporting affidavit that the first defendant (Onnis), while acting as the sole Director of DTV and without owning a single share, purportedly reconstituted the Board of Directors

of the company and appointed other persons as Directors without following the procedure laid down in DTV's Articles of Association as well as the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). The action, according to the plaintiffs, was done even while there was pending requisition by members of the company to reconstitute the board of DTV. The plaintiffs further averred that the defendants (apart from CAC) have been fraudulently expending the funds of the company on businesses not in line with its core business as well as over inflating of bills and invoices. For instance, the plaintiffs alleged that Deloitee Corporate Services Limited was paid N105 million to file Form 7 at the CAC, which cost just N200. They are, therefore, seeking an order setting aside all actions taken by Onnis and other purported Directors so far and another order restraining them from further parading themselves as

Directors of the company. Meanwhile, DTV's Deputy Managing Director, Adetokunbo Alakija has petitioned the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Philips over alleged abuse of judicial powers by a Chief Magistrate in the State's Judiciary, Mrs. A.K Shonubi. Alakija, in the petition through his lawyer, Deji Sasegbon (SAN), wants Justice Philips to investigate the circumstances leading to how Magistrate Shonubi curiously struck out a criminal charge against Onnis and another Italian who also double as DTV's Purchasing Manager, Mauro Monta. Onnis and Monta were charged in a criminal matter for allegedly making false statements to the police. The duo had petitioned the police alleging that Adetokunbo Alakija stole the original certificate of occupancy of DTV in respect of a parcel of land and jetty belonging to the company. Investigations by the police however proved the claim to

be false, a development which brought about the criminal charge instituted against the Italians before Magistrate Shonubi of the Apapa Magisterial Division. The Italians were arraigned before Magistrate Shonubi on June 7, 2013, and granted N50, 000 bail with two credible sureties each, while the matter was adjourned to June 21, 2013. Sasegbon alleged that the counsel to the accused persons was given a specimen copy of the application for bail, an application that should be on the letterhead paper of the lawyer. It was further alleged that the address of the sureties as well as their tax status were not verified as required by criminal proceedings law of Lagos State. To cap it all, Sasegbon alleged that on getting to court on the adjourned date (June 21, 2013), they found out that the charge had been struck out on June 11, 2013 without any notification to them as counsel to the com-

Nigeria, Japan move to deepen trade ties By Femi Adekoya S part of measures to deepen relations between Nigeria and Japan, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), has concluded plans to partner with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) to boost exportation of value-added products. Speaking at a workshop for Nigerian exporters in Lagos, yesterday, the Acting Zonal Coordinator, NEPC, Lagos, Mrs Evelyn Obidike said the forum was aimed at exposing the latent opportunities in the Japanese markets. According to her, both establishments had perfected arrangements to hold a food and beverages exhibition in

March 2014, noting that Nigeria was yet to maximise exports across countries of the globe. Obidike explained that the move was part of the agency’s efforts at increasing exportation of value-added products to other climes while boosting earnings from non-oil exports. “The trade exhibition, otherwise known as Food fair is in line with NEPC’s objectives of promoting the development and diversification of Nigeria's export trade; assisting in promoting the development of export-oriented industries in Nigeria; provide technical assistance to local exporters in such areas as export procedure and documentation, transportation,

financing, marketing techniques, quality control, export packaging, costing and pricing, publicity and in other similar areas”, she added She however enjoined local manufacturers to take advantage of the exhibition to promote made-in-Nigeria products, noting that it would enable them to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the export market. Trade Commissioner, JETRO, Lagos, Taku Hiroki, cited inadequate packaging as one of the barriers to export goods from Nigeria. According to him, effective pricing of export goods would be hinged on the quality of products, packaging, product profiling and star-

dardisation certification. He added saying: “There are many opportunities for us in Nigeria that our companies might be interested in. In order to harness the opportunities in the Japanese markets, it is important that Nigerian exporters partake in this food fair. “Before starting business, Japanese companies tend to do a thorough research about the profiles of the companies and the products involved. The fair will also give us a good opportunity to enhance interaction between the two parties. It is better to encourage exporters to start with semi-processed raw agricultural products in order to enhance market penetration”

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Govt opens talks on Britain’s visa restriction From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri HE Federal Government has opened talks on the recent visa restriction by Britain on Nigerian travellers to that country to deposit 3,000 pounds before they could enter the country. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union

of Journalists (NUJ), Owerri, Imo State, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, said the Federal Government has opened talks with the British Ambassador, adding that it was not closing its mouth on the restriction, adding that government was also engaging on visa restrictions.

“We are engaging them on visa restrictions. The Federal Government is not folding arms,” she said. Onwuliri who used the forum to highlight the achievements of the Federal Government within the past years on Transformation agenda, urged the state governors to hold firm safety issues in their domains.

She said that the Federal Government was frowning at the countries that execute Nigerians who engaged on drug trafficking among others in foreign lands without the consent of Nigerian government, maintaining that international protocols state that countries must know about such acts. On fiscal policies, the minis-

ter said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led government under the headship of President Goodluck Jonathan was friendly to Igbo people contrary to the accusations by some people that raise false alarm against the President, adding that the Federal Government was working in synergy with the states to

ensure deliverables of democracy were made. The minister used the forum to thank all those who sympathised with family of Onuwuliri over the death of her husband, Prof. Celestine Onuwuliri, in air mishap last year. She also sympathised with the NUJ over the death of three of the officials of the union recently in an auto

CPSS, IOSCO issue report on access to trade repository data By Bukky Olajide HE Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems (CPSS) and the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) yesterday, published a report on Authorities’ access to trade repository data. Trade repositories (TRs) are entities that maintain a centralised electronic record of over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives transaction data. Specifically, the report sets out possible approaches to addressing procedural and legal constraints to data access as

well as confidentiality concerns. According to the report, authorities and TRs are encouraged to develop and maintain access policies and arrangements informed by the guidance and mapping outlined in the report. The report read in part: “OTC is believed to be a major building block for the rapid transformation of an economy via the provision of stable long term funding for the industries and infrastructure. “Besides, it is a technologically driven financial market platform where instrument, such as shares, bonds and com-

mercial papers that are not listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) can now be bought and traded by stakeholders.” Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission in Nigeria provided a platform for the development of OTC trading platform within the Nigerian Capital Market. Global focus after the recent economic meltdown has shifted to the management of risks, corporate governance and stronger oversight of institutions and markets, transparency and liquidity in the various markets. The International

Organisation for Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has been consistent that regulators should adopt and emphasise more of risk-based supervision as opposed to the traditional method of supervising markets. Also, the G20 countries with advanced OTC markets that thrive more on derivatives are reaffirming their commitment to managing the manner of trading and associated risks more effectively and efficiently. The European Union has also introduced changes to its derivative market that institutionalise more transparency and liquidi-

ty in order to achieve a more robust and effective risk management. Meanwhile, Trade Repositories play a key role in increasing transparency in the OTC derivatives markets by improving the availability of data to authorities and the public in a manner that supports the proper handling and use of the data. The report said, for a broad range of authorities and international financial institutions, it is essential to be able to access the data needed to fulfill their respective mandates while maintaining the confidentiality of the data pursuant to

the laws of relevant jurisdictions. The purpose of the report is to provide guidance to TRs and authorities on the principles that should guide authorities’ access to data held in TRs for typical and non-typical data requests. The report describes the expected data access needs of authorities using a functional approach complemented by an illustrative data access mapping that aligns each function to the minimum level of access authorities would typically require in support of their mandates and responsibilities.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

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‘Low awareness bane of mobile money initiative’ By Chijioke Nelson HE assessed difficulty in T the penetration of the mobile money scheme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been attributed to low level of awareness of the initiative among Nigerians. According to a survey by NOI Polls Limited, about six in 10 Nigerians, representing 59 per cent were not aware of mobile money services, while only 13 per cent of those that are aware of the services currently use it. However, 93 per cent of those that use the service are

banked and operate their mobile money account in connection with their bank accounts. This also showed the implications of the level of the unbanked public, as adoption of this service was skewed in favour of the number that are already in banking relationship. The survey indicated a positive experience by the users of the service, highlighting ease of use, security, cost saving and time saving as factors that enhanced the scheme. The CBN’s initiative was scripted to provide basic

financial services and create payment access, especially to Nigerians without bank accounts, as well as to help drive financial inclusion in the country, with 16 banks and other financial institutions already licensed to establish the services all over the states of the federation as at August 2011. Explaining the rationale for the scheme, NOI Polls said that “mobile money is a real tool for economic growth and development, if fully explored. It enables monetary transactions to be done on mobile phones through

text messaging. It serves as an alternative way of storing money, for both account and non-account holders. It reduces the risk of theft and loss of money as it does not involve the handling of cash. “Through this service, an individual can make money deposits, pay bills, transfer funds and pay for goods and services purchased. Mobile banking gives the individual more freedom in managing their finances with the benefits of greater access to financial services, better cash management, improved personal financial planning and

greater ability to save.” According to the company, analysis based on geo-political zones on the level of awareness showed that the South-South is 54 per cent, South-West, 46 per cent and the North-Central, 43 per cent. Conversely, the North-East, is 70 per cent, South-East 64 per cent and the North-West, 63 per cent of those that are not aware of mobile money services. Measuring the level of awareness based on age revealed that the age category with the highest number

of awareness of the scheme was 35 to 44 years, representing 48 per cent. This was closely followed by respondents within the age category of 45 to 54 years (46 per cent). The 65+ years group had the highest proportion of respondents, representing 79 per cent of those that are not aware, closely followed by the 18 to 21 years age group (78 per cent). It also noted that the major sources of awareness about the scheme were banks, media and family and friends, polling 36 per cent, 29 per cent and 27 per cent respectively. However, the provision of the services showed that banks are solely running the scheme in the North-East, North-West and the South-East, while the ceedings and the reported South-West zone had the highconviction. He described the est proportion of mobile Guardian’s story as without a money agents driving the initiative. semblance of truth.

‘I have no link with convicted stockbroker,’ says Asunmo By Joseph Onyekwere ORMER employee of FAsunmo Zenith Securities, Mr. Idris has thrown more light on the circumstances in which his name was referenced in a news report over the appeal lodged by a convicted stockbroker, Adewale Adegboyega. Asunmo particularly refuted allegation that proceeds of shares fraudulently obtained from the account of Mr Dapo Apara was paid into his personal account or that of his family members. The Guardian online had on July 22, 2013 in a story on the appeal filed by a stockbroker, Adewale Adegboyega who was convicted by a Lagos magistrate court in respect of the fraud, reported, based on claims by Apara, that Adegboyega perfected the alleged fraud by using (crediting) the accounts of some people, including Asunmo. But Asunmo said the allegation is untrue. Writing through his lawyer, Oye Akintola, Asunmo said neither him nor his company or family members colluded with Adegboyega to defraud Intercapital Securities (now Morgan Capital Securities Limited) of any shares or fund. The lawyer emphasised that “the said Adewale Adegboyega or any other person never credited the shares of Intercapital (Morgan Capital Securities Limited) or that of any other person or persons into the account of our client, his company, siblings or spouse.” “Our client (Asunmo) was a customer of Intercapital, a member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, with whom he opened a stock account in his personal name on the 7th of August 2006 for the purpose of buying and selling

shares” his counsel stated, adding that sometimes in August 2007, he (Asunmo) discovered that Intercapital had sold 50, 000 units of his First Bank shares from his account with the company without his knowledge, consent or authority. He further said: “Upon discovering the unlawful sale of his shares, our client immediately wrote petitions dated 30th August, 2007 against Intercapital to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which said petitions were copied to the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) and Zone 11 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos. The EFCC and SEC promptly and separately responded to our client’s petition by inviting Intercapital. “The antifraud agency and SEC investigated our client’s petition independently and both organizations found that indeed, Intercapital unlawfully and in criminal breach of trust sold our client’s shares without our client’s knowledge, consent or authority. Upon this finding, Intercapital pleaded with EFCC and undertook to restore to our client the unlawfully sold shares together with the bonus and dividends thereon. “Intercapital restored the unlawfully sold shares with the bonuses and dividends to our clients; the company executed necessary share transfer instruments in favour of our clients and handed over our client’s entire stock to him with apologies at the EFCC office, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi Lagos”, he explained. The lawyer also emphasised that since the matter was concluded six years ago, Asunmo had no dealings

whatsoever with Intercapital (Morgan Capital Securities Limited), and he was not a party to whatever transpired

between that company and Adegboyega; neither was he or his company or siblings a party to the criminal pro-

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

28 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Eurozone escapes recession, debt crisis clouds outlook HE eurozone, led by T Germany and France, on Wednesday finally escaped an 18-month recession which tested the single currency to the limit and imperilled global growth, but the debt crisis still clouds the outlook. The European Commission was quick to warn that tough structural reforms, including unpopular austerity policies which many argue have helped contribute to the millions of job losses, must be pursued without let-up if the recovery is to last. "There is still a very long way to go before we reach our ultimate goal of sustainable growth model that delivers more jobs," said EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn." The 17-country eurozone, home to about 340 million people, grew 0.3 percent in the three months to June, topping analyst forecasts for 0.2 percent. In the first quarter, the economy had shrunk 0.3 percent, extending the recession -- defined as two consecutive negative reports -- into a record sixth quarter. The data, widely anticipated, left stocks slightly higher

and the euro flat. Behind the headline gains, other figures showed how much ground still needs to be made up -- the eurozone contracted 0.7 percent compared with the second quarter of 2012, the Eurostat statistics agency said. Analysts expect the economy to shrink by around 0.5 percent for full-year 2013, slightly worse than the Commission's 0.4 percent forecast, followed by a modest expansion next year. "A sustained recovery is now within reach but only if we persevere on all fronts of our crisis response," Rehn said. Eurozone states must "keep up the pace of economic reform, regain control over our mountain of debt ... and build the pillars of a genuine economic and monetary union with no loopholes where irresponsible bankers or short-sighted policy makers can thrive," he warned. In Germany, which faces polls in September, Chancellor Angela Merkel has made a virtue out of the need for austerity as an essential foundation for a return to growth.

France, however, has led calls to put the emphasis on growth and jobs, with the EU seeking to find a difficult middle ground between the two. The data showed that Germany, Europe's powerhouse economy, grew 0.7 percent, while France expanded 0.5 percent, way ahead of forecasts for just 0.2 percent. The French figures were the best since the first quarter of 2011 and significant given how the eurozone's second-ranked economy has struggled for momentum, burdened with heavy debt and an increasingly uncompetitive export sector. Analysts were positive on the figures but cautious on the outlook -- the eurozone may be returning to growth but its performance is anaemic compared with other major economies and the debt crisis refuses to go away. Unemployment too remains at a record high 12.1 percent and lurking in the background are concerns the debt rescue programme for twice bailed-out Greece could unravel. The "indebted countries of

the periphery are still mainly in recession and a very long way from the rates of expansion needed even to begin to eat into their enormous debt burdens," said Jonathan Loynes of Capital Economics. "The eurozone's recession may be over -- for now at least -- but the debt crisis in the periphery is decidedly not," he said.

For Tom Rogers, senior economic adviser at EY Eurozone Forecast, the northsouth divide remains a key concern, "potentially undermining efforts to deliver eurozone-wide solutions and further pressurising national governments." Equally worrying, the pace of recovery in the strongest economies "is unlikely to be

sustained in the second half of the year," Rogers said. "More needs to be done if the apparent recovery of the past few months is to be more than simply a bright spot in an otherwise difficult few years." In a separate note, Capital Economics said the growth data so far this week confirms a global uptick.

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Appointments International Youth Day focuses on migration From Kanayo Umeh, Abuja HE observance of this T year’s International Youth Day 20013 draws attention to the fact that while migration can sometimes offer valuable opportunities and contribute to the development of communities and society at large, it can also pose risks and lead to unacceptable situations, including discrimination and exploitation. Marking International Youth Day, United Nations officials and stakeholders in the youth sector highlighted the plight as well as the contributions of young migrants, who often face hard conditions away from their homes. “It is important to emphasize the positive contribution young migrants make to societies of origin, transit and destination – economically and by enriching the social and cultural fabric. Most work hard to earn a living and improve their circumstances,” SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon said in

his message for the day. “The remittances they send to support families in their home countries are a major contributor to economies worldwide,” Ki-moon said. “When they return home, young migrants often enhance development by applying skills and ideas acquired abroad. And, in many cases, women are empowered through migration as they gain financial and social independence.” Following a recommendation from the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, the General Assembly declared August 12 to be International Youth Day in 1999. The theme of this year’s day is “Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward.” Of the annual total of some 214 million international migrants, young people constitute more than 10 per cent, yet too little is known about their struggles and experiences. They are often accused by communities and politicians of taking jobs

from local people, exposing them to further risk of discrimination. In other cases, young people left behind by migrating parents face psychological and social challenges and greater vulnerability. “Poverty, crowded and unsanitary living conditions and the challenges of finding decent employment are regular features of the migrant experience. These challenges are exacerbated by the current global economic and financial crisis,” Ki-moon said. “In transit and at their final destinations, many young migrants face equal or greater struggles, including racism, xenophobia, discrimination and human rights violations. Young women, in particular, face the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse,” he added. Ki-moon urged member states to consider the issue of youth migration during the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, which will be

Midwest Zone IPMAN crisis deepens From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE crisis rocking the T Midwest Zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) made up of the Benin and Warri depots deepened as the association alleged that its office situated at Agbor Road was burgled by persons believed to be sympathetic with the course of a faction of the leadership. The ugly development which has since been reported to the police runs contrary to an Industrial Court ruling two weeks ago that restrained the two groups claiming leadership of the union not to be involved in any activity that would threatened the peace in their areas of operation pending “the determination of the Motion on Notice.”

Recalled that there are two sets of leadership claiming the zone: one led by Acting Zonal chairman, appointed by the national leadership, Solomon Ogbewe and another led by Sylvanus Idanwekhai. And in the face of the crisis, members of a faction on 26th July 2013 conducted election into the Benin Depot executive office of the Association were David Ikhuoria purportedly emerged the elected IPMAN chairman, Benin Depot as they alleged that the leadership of Victor Ighile led EXCO for the depot had expired. But speaking with new newsmen yesterday, General Secretary IMPAN, Benin Depot, Monday Irabor noted that the tenure of Victor Ighile led executive was billed to expire in 2015 as entrenched in the association’s new constitution.

He said that they were only waiting for the national body to resolved the leadership crisis when he said on Thursday morning some persons suspected to be members of the group broke into the factional administrative office under key and locked. “On Thursday morning, I was surprised to receive call that those party who had an agreement with AIG to maintain peace broke into our administrative office. We met the door opened, the keys were with us, they broke the door, changed the keys to the entrance door.” He said that they had earlier petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5 who compelled both warring groups to sign an undertaken to maintain peace and order and equally to be held liable for any break down

RMG lauds W’Bank’s moves against poverty, unemployment By Felix Kuye civil society organisation, A Rights Monitoring Group (RMG), has canvassed partnership among the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Federal Government towards realising the goal of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) and Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN) as well as making the programmes sustainable. National Coordinator of the group, Olufemi Aduwo, who

said that the happenings in the Arab spring had shown that issues affecting young people could no longer be taken for granted, stressed the need for greater commitments and actions towards tackling the growing challenge of youth development in Nigeria and other African nations. Aduwo lauded the World Bank’s efforts at reducing unemployment in developing countries, particularly the FADAMA agricultural project aimed partly at checking poverty in the rural Nigerian communities, noting that if

properly executed, the project was capable of boosting food security in the country. In a statement, the RMG said that the “these Jonathan’s programmes are laudable and capable of reducing youth unemployment. We believe that, in partnership with the bank and IMF, the anti-unemployment initiatives will deliver the envisaged benefits. We also urged all World Bank Country Offices to involve the civil society in the process of federal and state governments securing loans and grants to ensure proper monitoring.

held in October during the General Assembly session. “I encourage member states, youth-led organisations and other stakeholders to act to promote the rights of all young migrants and maximise the development potential of youth migration.” The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Guy Ryder, said that the day provides an opportunity to highlight the economic boost and social development that youth migration can bring to countries when it takes place in conditions of freedom, equity and security. However, he warned that when these conditions are not met, many young migrants are trapped in exploitative jobs. “And too often, they –like other migrants–become scapegoats for the shortcomings of economic and social systems,” Ryder said, adding that both host countries and countries of origin should undertake measures to protect migrants and create adequate job conditions for them. “Shaping effective policies for decent work for young

people – at home and in the context of migration – requires the engagement of governments, employers’ organisations and trade unions in social dialogue,” he said. Deputy Director of the Programme Division at the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Christian Salazar, disclosed that young migrants had great potential to contribute to the populations they leave and join, and migration presents myriad positive opportunities for young persons, as well as for countries of origin and destination. “However, a lack of protection, respect and fulfillment of human rights within migration makes them vulnerable to human rights abuses and prevents them from contributing their energy and skills to development,” Salazar stated. “Only by recognising and addressing these vulnerabilities can the full potential of youth migration be realised.” Speaking at a press briefing on the occasion of the 2013 Youth Day in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-

Kadir stated that the theme of this year’s celebration “Youth Migration; moving development forward” is apt and reflects the positive contribution of young people towards nation building. Abdul-Kadir said: “This 2013 International Youth Day is very special to us; as it coincides with preparations for the centenary celebration. In line with this, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development is partnering with the Presidential Committee on Nigeria Centenary Celebration, to come up with a deserving national celebration. “The partnership will not only reflect the significance of the international youth day celebration in 2014, but also commemorate Nigeria’s 100th years of nationhood. ” He said that poverty, poor sanitary living conditions and the cause for finding decent employment were responsible for young people migrating from one region to another. He observed that the practice by young migrants taking jobs from locals in other communities exposes them to risks of discrimination.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

36 APPOINTMENTS

Union Homes workers protest over salaries By Toyosi Ajayi

OLLOWING the infighting Fat which paralyzed activities one of nation’s financial and Mortgage Institution, Union Homes, workers of the bank have vowed, to sustain their action seven days after it began. The workers who began the protest last week Tuesday at the bank head office in Lagos, said that they would

maintain their stance until their demands are met. As at yesterday when The Guardian visited the head office, workers were seen protesting outside the building. Speaking on the development, the Association of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSIBIFI) and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) noted that the problem snowballed due

to the alleged nonchalant attitude of the management. They explained that the situation further escalated which the workers, embarked some months ago. Public Relations officer of the staff union Bola Ajayi, disclosed to The Guardian that Union was picketing the establishment to force the management to pay up bequested funds of N1.3 billion as directed by National

Pension Commission. But The Guardian also learnt that most of the workers were being short paid, while over 400 employees were laid off in an unlawful way within five months and other sundry issues. He said the situation wouldn’t have generated to the level of closure if the management had responded to the agreement signed earlier by the workers.

15,000 for women empowerment, peace rally in Abuja From Terhemba Daka, Abuja VER 15,000 Nigerian O women cutting across diverse socio-economic backgrounds will converge on Abuja today for a mega rally and award ceremony to advance the cause of peace and women empowerment in the country. The epoch-making event is being organized by the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with the office of the First Lady of the Federation, Dame Patience Jonathan. The mass rally and carnival would take stock of the gains recorded so far in the empowerment of Nigerian women and the quest for peace in the country.

The National President of the NCWS, Mrs. Nkechi Mba in Abuja on Sunday said that the event with the theme: “Celebration of Nigerian Women for Peace and Empowerment,” would go down as the first of its kind in the country. The event, according to the NCWS President, would feature performances by popular artistes, including Onyeka Onwenu, Yinka Ayefele, Iyanya and Sani Danja. Those expected to be conferred; with awards are eminent public officers who have contributed to empowerment of women and peace enhancement. Mba in a statement signed by her Public Relations officer, Mrs. Ann O. Okechukwu, and

Celebration of Nigerian Women for Peace and Empowerment would go down as the first of its kind in the country made available to The Guardian in Abuja yesterday enjoined Nigerian women to come out “en-masse to take stock, celebrate and honour those who have demonstrated commitment to our cause as women as agents of peace, unity and development in the country. The NCWS President reeled out the highlights of the daylong event to include a road show/rally and an award dinner. She explained that the

carnival float by women from all spectra across the states of the federation and the FCT would start at 7am from the Old Parade Ground, Central Area through designated routes in the federal capital city centre and terminate at the Eagle Square, Abuja for the mass rally. The climax of the event is an award dinner scheduled for 7pm at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, just as Mba called on the women to be part of the historic women movement in Nigeria. The First Lady, Patience Goodluck Jonathan, is the mother of the day at the event while the Special Guest of Honour is the Vice President, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo.

Okoli moves to Vitafoam R. Gabriel Okoli has M been appointed Vitafoam Nigeria Plc’s head, Sales and Marketing. Okoli, an award winning multi-dimensional professional brings a wealth of experience spanning over two decades to Vitafoam Nigeria Plc. Until his new appointment, Okoli was the head, Government Business and Export-Fast Moving Consumer Group (FMCG) and Pharmaceuticals Divisions of May and Baker Nigeria Plc. He had at various times served as May and Baker’s head Sales and Marketing (Logistics and Warehouse) FMCG Division and National Sales ManagerFMCG Division. Okoli had also worked for blue chip companies such as Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc and SKG Pharma Limited among others. He has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with specialty in

Okoli Marketing from Imo State University, Post- graduate degree in Business Management from University of Calabar and Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from University of Benin. He is a member of many professional bodies including Nigerian Institute of Marketing, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria etc. Okoli has won many performance awards. He has attended many professional training programmes in Nigeria and abroad. He is happily married and has children.

CITN elects new officials HE Chartered Institute of T Taxation (CITN) recently elected new officials to steer the ship of the institute for the next two years. Specifically, the institute in a statement explained that the officials were elected at its Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting held recently in Lagos. To this end, Mark Anthony Chidolue Dike was elected as

the institute’s 11th President, Dr. Mrs. Teju Somorin as Vice President, C.I Ede as Deputy Vice President, while Adesina Adedayo was returned as the Honorary Treasurer. Dike, a director of tax policy at the Federal Inland Revenue Service, has a B.Sc in Economics from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Police establish own Pension Fund Administration From Karls Tsokar, Abuja N a bid to check the seemingly unending predicament associated with pension administration in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police e has established its own administrator to supervise the scheme for their officers and men. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar stated this in Abuja recently at the opening ceremony of the Capacity and Human Resources Training for Police Pension Desk Officers on the Management of Nigeria Police Pension Scheme in the New Dispension. He said that the

management of police pension needs had become burdensome which had led to “various inefficiencies our retirees are experiencing from existing providers.” He said that a proper pension administration system was critical to improving the lives of the personnel of the force both serving and retired. “The creation of a Police Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), as one of the biggest organisations in terms of staff size” is imperative, because “when it comes to police pension, morale is low,” he said. Pointing out that “our PFA which will be designed and operate in line with the Pensions Reform Act 2004 will address specific issues

to ensure the current challenges associated with our pensioners is a story of the past.” Abubakar said that besides pensions, issues of staff welfare that were associated with plight of widows and children of police officers who died in the line of duty, “inefficiencies in capturing promotions and staff redeployment data, some conditions of accessing the fund after retirement are not uniform as different PFAs have different systems and processes” among others. The IGP said that though the president had directed that the police should continue to be covered under the contributory pension scheme he approved the

Varsity lauds Heritage Bank’s MSMEs capacity building scheme By Chijioke Nelson HE Entrepreneurship T Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan African University has recommended the Heritage Bank’s Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clinic to the banking industry, as a way of bridging the gap caused by dearth of knowledge among operators of SMEs in the country. Deputy Director, EDC, Mrs. Nneka Okekearu, who made this recommendation on the sidelines of the launching of Heritage Bank SME clinic in Lagos, noted that the bank’s

approach to providing funding support is based on knowing and understanding MSMEs so as to identify their needs and then design appropriate financial solutions to address the needs. She said that that was quite unlike most banks, which requested that MSME placed deposit with them, before they could enjoy funding support, adding that that unique approach compelled the EDC to partner with Heritage Bank to operate the bank’s MSME clinic. Heritage Bank SME Clinic is the initiative of the financial institution to bridge the iden-

tified dearth of knowledge among operators of SMEs in the country, which is a major factor that had affected their growth. The initiative offers free financial advisory services to address perceived capacity needs of SME, which include ICT solutions (e-banking) and entrepreneur training, which is done in collaboration with Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan African University, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

establishment of a Police own PFA. Noting that it would be designed in line with the law to complement the Police Community Bank Plc and Police Cooperative Society, which had both contributed significantly to the welfare of the officers.

Leadership centre trains 300 NPA workers By Babatunde Oso ITING the need to build C capacity to enable the organisation sustain port reforms, the Ken Nnamani Centre for Leadership and Development, KNCLD, has undertaken a three-day training for 300 workers of Nigeria Ports Authority The workshop commenced Monday and ended yester-

WIMBIZ appoints new executive director HE Executive Council and T Board of Trustees of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has appointed Ms. Mosun Layode as its new executive director. Chairperson of the Nigerian-based non-governmental organisation, Adeola Azeez, said that the Council and Board of Trustees were delighted to welcome Layode on board, “for continued impact and growth of the organisation.” Layode is a development sector professional with extensive experience in Nigeria, specialising in initiatives that support entrepreneurs, youth and social innovators. She comes to WIMBIZ with specialised skills in nonprofit management, project management, talent management, as well as strategy development and execution. Prior to joining WIMBIZ, she served in various capacities at LEAP Africa, ris-

ing through the ranks to serve as the organisation’s executive director for five years. She also worked as an independent development consultant for non-profit organisations and founded Social Runway, a non-profit organisation that supports social innovators.

Layode

day in Victoria Island, Lagos. Executive Director of KNCLD, Professor Ebere Onwudiwe said that under the transformational leadership of the present Managing Director, Habibu Abdullahi, the NPA had witnessed tremendous progress because on his assumption of office he identified the need that for the country to realise its economic potential, there must be an uninterrupted flow of goods and services to and from the country, for which an efficient port system was a must.

NITAD conference holds in Abuja By Ujunwa Atueyi N its continuous effort to INigerian meaningfully engage the workforce in the exchange of knowledge, skills and experience through manpower development training, the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), has concluded plans to hold its yearly trainer’s conference. The Chairperson, Conference Planning Committee, Ifueko Bello-Fadaka, who announced this in Lagos recently, said that the conference themed: “Training and Development: A Tool for Developing Future Workforce”, is designed to address critical issues of manpower development as it affects the nation, adding that for Nigeria to be among the best world economy by 2020, its workforce must be properly trained.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

ScienceGuardian Scientists closer to battery-free wireless devices • Synthetic polymers enable cheap, efficient, durable alkaline fuel cells • Novel cathode material has outstanding performance

Using ambient backscatter, these devices can interact with users and communicate with each other without using batteries. They exchange information by reflecting or absorbing pre-existing radio signals. CREDIT: IMAGE COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

By Chukwuma Muanya with agency reports CIENTISTS are one step closer to battery-free wireless devices and cheap, efficient, durable fuel cells. University of Washington (UW), United States, engineers have created a new wireless communication system that allows devices to interact with each other without relying on batteries or wires for power. The researchers published their results at the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Data Communication 2013 conference in Hong Kong, which began August 13. They have received the conference’s best-paper award for their research. The new communication technique, which the researchers call “ambient backscatter,” takes advantage of the TV and cellular transmissions that already surround us around the clock. Two devices communicate with each other by reflecting

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the existing signals to exchange information. The researchers built small, battery-free devices with antennas that can detect, harness and reflect a TV signal, which then is picked up by other similar devices. The technology could enable a network of devices and sensors to communicate with no power source or human attention needed. Previous study published in March promised that wireless charging will soon be available for more and more mobile phones. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is working with the industry’s leading technological companies and standardisation bodies to expand the scope of application of wireless charging technology to other, smaller portable devices, such as mobile phone accessories, wrist devices, wireless mice and sensors. This can be done by combining wireless power transmission with NFC connectivity technology, which enables cost-effective and compact design.

Consumer need to recharge the batteries of various kinds of portable devices, whenever and wherever, continues to grow. Over the next five years, wireless charging will be available for more and more mobile devices. The first mobile phones with wireless charging capability are already on the market. Examples include recent smartphone releases by leading mobile phone manufacturers, many of which have wireless charging either built in or available through a special cover accessory charging case. Meanwhile, a new cost-effective polymer membrane can decrease the cost of alkaline batteries and fuel cells by allowing the replacement of expensive platinum catalysts without sacrificing important aspects of performance, according to Penn State, United States, researchers. The researchers report their findings in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society. “We have tried to break this

paradigm of tradeoffs in materials (by improving) both the stability and the conductivity of this membrane at the same time, and that is what we were able to do with this unique polymeric materials design,” said Michael Hickner, associate professor of materials science and engineering. In solid-state alkaline fuel cells, anion exchange membranes conduct negative charges between the device’s cathode and anode – the negative and positive connections of the cell - to create useable electric power. Most fuel cells currently use membranes that require platinum-based catalysts that are effective but expensive. Also, research team of Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Georgia Institute of Technology, and Dong-Eui University developed a novel cathode material, which has outstanding performance and robust reliability even at the intermediate temperaCONTINUED ON PAGE 42

The new communication technique, which the researchers call “ambient backscatter,” takes advantage of the TV and cellular transmissions that already surround us around the clock. Two devices communicate with each other by reflecting the existing signals to exchange information. The researchers built small, battery-free devices with antennas that can detect, harness and reflect a TV signal, which then is picked up by other similar devices.

ASTRONOMY With J.K. Obatala

The singularity is upon us (6) TTESTING to this are the world’s oldest astronomical A observatory at Nabta del Playa (Egypt), the Wadi el-Hol script (Egypt) dating to 1800 B.C., South African cave drawings (70,000 years) and two-million-year-old stone tools at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania (known as the “Cradle of Humanity”). The Olduvai tools are profoundly instructive. In an essay entitled “Two Million Years Ago: The Origins of Art and Symbol,” American archaeologist James B. Harrod, argues that “the Oldowan tool maker was the originator of the first concrete representation of the mind’s capacity for dialectic”. The making of tools with which to make tools and the keeping tools for tools sake (as opposed to creating them only when needed, as chimpanzees do), marked the beginning of art and metaphor: A critical juncture, in the evolution of modern humans. “The Oldowan dialectic in stone,” he writes, “tells us something fundamental, something about the origins of the human mind itself, the distinctively human mind. In seeking to grasp this, the fundamental ground of philosophy itself becomes raised into consciousness”. What he means, is that the dynamics of human thought, the mental processes we refer to as “intellectual” activity, originated in this early African dialectic. Keeping tools for tools sake is the logical template for abstract learning –knowledge for knowledge sake. Conceived in the Olduvai womb as well, was the human sense of beauty. Aesthetics is not only an active force in Earth biology, particularly in reproductive behavior of some higher organisms, but it is also the incubator of art, philosophy and science. In all likelihood, it was from marveling at the munificence of the night sky, that early humans gleaned their first awareness of order and structure in the physical environment – leading to the use of celestial bodies for time-keeping in Africa and, ultimately, to Astronomy, the progenitor of all the sciences. “Science,” noted U.S. astronomer, Forest Ray Moulton, in 1916, “started in astronomy. Many astronomical phenomena are so simple that it was possible for primitive people to get the idea from observing them that the universe is orderly and that they could discover its laws”. Herein lies another sad irony: The rightful heirs to the Odowan legacy, to the intellectual heritage of Olduvai now eschew abstract thought. They have degenerated into crass spiritualism, characterized by incessant praying, “miraclemaking” and a pathological obsession with the “afterlife”. They have renounced the Olduvai ethos – an ethos that leads logically and inexorably to the singularity. Artificial intelligence is, after all, an extension of human intelligence. It is the apotheosis of the two-million-year-old dialectic, the intellectual process, which Oldowan toolmakers set into motion. Through migrations that began 100,000 to 150,000 years ago, this process spread from the Rift Valley, first to Western and Southern Africa, then to Europe, Asia and all the other continents except Antarctica – ushering in a new phase in Earth’s biology. Hence the migration of our people out of Africa has become a veritable metaphor for the singularity. Appearing on an Intel panel in 2010, futurologist Ray Hammond said computers were approaching human levels of intelligence and described the new era as “almost a virtual walk out of Africa”. The human brain—including the cerebral cortex, where most intellectual activity occurs – evolved in Africa. In evolutionary terms, therefore, the Black race invented both the brain and the intellect: Both the human “computer” and its “software”. Indeed, the fossilised “frames” of Earth’s primordial “supercomputers” are strewn up and down the Rift Valley, in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya. These hominid and early Homo sapien skulls are the calcium encasements in which human intelligence was ignited and nurtured on our planet. John von Neumann (who introduced the term “singularity”) built one of the earliest computers, using that of the Olduvai tool makers, and their progeny, as a prototype. “To design the machine,” his wife explained, in her preface to “The Computer And The Brain,” von Neumann’s classic essay, “Johnny… tried to imitate some of the known operations of the live brain. This is the aspect which led him to study neurology…” The implications are clear and, despite all that I’ve said, encouraging: We are not out of the loop for evolutionary reasons – not because of any intrinsic deficiency in our genetic inheritance. Quite to the contrary, that inheritance is the key to our resurgence. It is our assurance that we can not only to survive the singularity but also master it.

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

SCIENCE HEALTH

U.S. funds over 80% of Nigeria’s free AIDS treatment programme • Spends 57.4% of 2013 foreign assistance on health By Chukwuma Muanya N another confirmation Igrammes that most health sector proin the country are donor driven, the United States Consul General (CG), Mr. Jeffery Hawkins, said that his country funds anti-retroviral treatments for over 400,000 Nigerians, as well as over 250,000 orphans and vulnerable children impacted by the disease. Hawkins at a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), human rights activists, union officials, journalists, academics, religious leaders, business leaders last week in Lagos said that this year’s U.S. Foreign Assistance to Nigeria is $697 million, of which about $400 million (that is about 57.4 per cent) was dedicated to fighting Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or other health programming. The event was one of the activities planned prior to the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) working group on Regional Security Cooperation to be held today in Abuja. However, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in a telephone chat on Tuesday told The Guardian that over 500,000 Nigerians were on HIV/AIDS treatment. This means that over 80 per

cent of the cost for the treatment of PLWHAs is borne by the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Agency (USAID), President’s Emergency Preparedness Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other funded Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the country. Hawkins said: “Another demonstration of our commitment to Nigeria is our significant financial assistance to improve the lives of average Nigerians, most of which is provided through non-government entities. For example, since 2004, the American people have invested over three billion of their tax dollars into combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. “We support anti-retroviral treatments for over 400,000 Nigerians, as well as over 250,000 orphans and vulnerable children impacted by the disease. Since 2010, we have made testing and counseling possible for over two million others. “This year’s U.S. Foreign Assistance to Nigeria is $697 million, of which about $400 million is dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS or other health programming. “We are proud of the help that we have been able to provide and we will continue to work with our NGO, private sector and government partners in Nigeria to support

policies that help steer the country down the path to stability and prosperity.” He said that the U.S. Government and American people are invested in Nigeria’s success because they recognise Nigeria as a strategic centre of gravity in its own right. The Consul General further explained: “But we also recognise some broader truths. Across the continent, communities are struggling to find productive paths for growing youth populations, to defeat corruption, to turn a corner in improving governance, infrastructure and public health, to hold together different faiths and regions and to take on the drivers of extremism. “In other words, Nigeria’s challenges are Africa’s challenges. And if we can help Nigeria chart a secure, prosperous and democratic

course, then Nigeria’s successes can be Africa’s as well — successes we can measure in improved lives, livelihoods, and leadership in the region.” Hawkins said that the BNC would mark a milestone in this important bilateral relationship. “On August 15, in Abuja, I will join a senior U.S. delegation led by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Wendy Sherman – one of our highest-ranking diplomats – the next meeting of our U.S.-Nigeria Bi-National Commission. The BNC is our flagship strategic dialogue to expand mutual cooperation and build partnerships for tangible progress on critical issues of mutual interest,” he said. The Consul General said that the U.S. Government maintains a limited number of Binational Commission relationships with nations

demonstrating a high degree of friendship, trust and cooperation. “As one of our most important partners in Africa, Nigeria is one of those nations.” He further explained: “Created in 2010, the BNC is composed of five working groups, which collectively address issues of governance and democracy, regional security, energy and investment, agriculture, and the Niger Delta. The BNC’s working groups have met periodically over the past three years in Abuja, Washington, and most recently in Port Harcourt last October, when we convened the Niger Delta Working Group. Next week’s meeting in Abuja will involve the Regional Security Working Group. “While the discussions… will thus be largely focused on security-related issues, the participants will take into account the many critical aspects of U.S.-Nigerian

relations: trade and development links that are creating new jobs here and in the United States, partnerships that promote stability throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and the shared imperative of defeating violent extremism – not merely through the disciplined use of force, but also through a sustained effort to deliver good governance. We intend to include Nigerian civil society in this dialogue as much as possible, because you deserve to play a central role in shaping the public discourse. “Three years after its inception, we can proudly say that the BNC has grown into a forum for frank conversations to keep our bilateral relations on track; into a convening point for the many committed actors in both our governments; and into an expansive dialogue to turn common cause into creative thinking and coordinated action.”

Pharmacists hail Jonathan on Okoli, Zagbayi appointment By Chukwuma Muanya HARMACISTS under the P aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) have hailed President Goodluck Jonathan on the appointment of Mrs. Stella Okoli, chief executive officer of Emzor Pharmaceutical, as the chairman of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical

Research and Development (NIPRD) and Dr. Nuhu Zagbayi, chairman of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). PSN in a statement signed by the President, Olumide Akintayo, said: “The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria wishes to convey its appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan, on the appointment of Mrs. Okoli, chief executive officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals as the Chairman of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development and Dr. Zagbayi, chairman of the National Health

Insurance Scheme. “These appointments of distinguished fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria are laudable and very well deserved. “The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria wishes to assure His Excellency that these great Nigerians will take the respective organisations they lead to the next level in true pharmaceutical spirit.” Akintayo, on behalf of PSN, in a letter of congratulations to Okoli and Zagbayi said: “I wish to congratulate you on behalf of the entire membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria on your

recent appointment as chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD). “We pray to God to grant you the wisdom, knowledge and courage to lead the Board to enviable heights. Your impressive pedigree and antecedents confirm you will always succeed in running one of the most formidable organisations in Nigeria. “Once more, we say congratulations. May your tenure continue to bring peace and progress.”

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

NaturalHealth Garlic, mango, bush candle may provide cures for lung cancer, diabetes

Mango CASSIA alata also known as Senna alata is a shrub from the leguminosae family. It is called Asunrun Oyinbo in Yoruba and Ogalu in Ibo. Mango is botanically called Mangifera indica and belongs to the plant family Anacardiaceae. Garlic (Allium sativum) is of plant family Liliaceae. It is called Ayuu Ibo and Ayu in Yoruba. Mango and lung cancer The active ingredient in mango, mangiferin, has been found to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, and also in treating already established cases. The study published in June 15, 2013 edition of International Journal of Biomedical Science concluded: “In conclusions, mangiferin showed a potential as one of the immunomodulatory agents. These results suggest that mangiferin exerted a strong immuno stimulant effect.” The study is titled “Immunomodulatory Effect of Mangiferin in Experimental Animals with Benzo(a)Pyrene-induced Lung Carcinogenesis.” “Our present findings can thus possibly explain the immunomodulatory effect of mangiferin, as they revealed an antioxidant effect of mangiferin that a m e l i o r a t e d Benzo(a)Pyrene (abbreviated as B(a)P) -induced immunological damage,” the researchers wrote. Mangerin is a naturally occurring xanthone glucoside. It is found widely distributed in plants such as Anacardiaceae and Gentianaceae families (example Mangifera indica,

Bush candle

Can regular intake of food replete with extracts of garlic (Allium sativum), mango (Mangifera indica) and bush candle (Cassia alata/Senna alata) provide the elusive cure for lung cancer and diabetes? CHUKWUMA MUANYA examines the answer. mango), especially in the fruit, leaves, bark and bark root. The pharmacology of mangiferin has gained increased attention in recent years owing to its modulatory actions on oxidative mechanisms in various disorders, and on antitumor, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and radioprotective activities under different experimental conditions. B(a)P, a proven carcinogen, is the most prevalent member of the Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) family. PAHs such as B(a)P constitute a major class of widely distributed and persistent environmental contaminants. PAHs are among the most common classes of chemical contaminants found at hazardous waste

sites. Previous study by the researchers found that mangiferin significantly reduced the malonaldehyde (MDA) level, a marker of lipid peroxidation, in different tissues, example, lung and liver, under oxidative stress, thus offering protection against B(a)P-induced carcinomas in mice. The current study was aimed at determining the link between the effects of mangiferin on oxidative stress caused by reactive intermediates specific to the immune system and its protective role against immune dysfunction. B(a)P was used in vivo to produce reactive intermediates toxic to the immune system. The ability of mangiferin to

reverse the reactive intermediate-induced immunological deficits in antibody production and cellular responses was investigated. The mechanism by which B(a)P induced immunosuppression through oxidative stress on the immune system and the protective role of mangiferin against such stress were demonstrated. The team of Indian and Japanese researchers studied the immunomodulatory activity of mangiferin in various groups of animals. For this study, adult Swiss albino male mice were treated with B(a)P at 50 mg/kg body weight orally twice a week for four weeks; and mangiferin was also given orally (pre- and postinitiation of carcinoma) at

100 mg/kg body weight. Immunocompetence and immune complexes as measured by phagocyte index, avidity index, and soluble immune complex (SIC) levels (p<0.001), as well as NBT reduction, were decreased in the B(a)P-treated animals; whereas increased levels of immunocompetence were noted in the mangiferin-treated animals given B(a)P. The researchers wrote: “This study confirms the immunomodulatory effect of mangiferin and shows an immunoprotective role arbitrated through a reduction in the reactive intermediate-induced oxidative stress in lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages.” Another study published recently in Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has established

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

‘Walking to work lowers diabetes, hypertension risk EOPLE who walk to work P are 40 per cent less likely to develop diabetes and 17 per cent less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who drive, according to a new study. Researchers analysed data from 20,000 United Kingdom (UK) residents to examine how the ways they travelled to work affected their health. Walking, cycling and using public transit all were linked to a lower risk of being overweight than driving or taking a taxi. People who bicycled to work were about half as likely to have diabetes as

those who commuted by car. The study also found that 19 per cent of people who used private transport – such as cars, motorcycles or taxis – to get to work were obese, contrasted with 15 per cent of those who walked and 13 per cent of those who cycled. Modes of getting to work varied widely in different parts of the United Kingdom. For example, 52 per cent of people in London used public transit, compared with five per cent in Northern Ireland, according to the study appearing August 6 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

High blood pressure, diabetes and being overweight all are major risk factors for heart and circulatory disease. The new findings show that people could reduce their risks of serious health problems such as heart attacks by avoiding car commutes, the researchers said. “This study highlights that building physical activity into the daily routine by walking, cycling or using public transport to get to work is good for personal health,” Anthony Laverty, of the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, said in a college news

release. “The variations between regions suggest that infrastructure and investment in public transport, walking and cycling can play a large role in encouraging healthy lives, and that encouraging people out of the car can be good for them as well as the environment,” he said. Although the researchers uncovered an association between walking or cycling to work and decreased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, they did not necessarily prove a cause-andeffect link.

Fuel smoke linked to heart diseases URAL households in R developing countries often rely on burning biomass, such as wood, animal dung and waste from agricultural crops, to cook and heat their homes. The practice is long known to cause lung disease, but a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States, links the resulting smoke to cardiovascular problems, including an increase in artery-clogging plaques, artery thickness and higher blood pressure. “In these homes, you can hardly see your hand in front of your face when families are cooking or burning fuel for heat,” said Washington University cardiologist Victor DavilaRoman, MD, professor of medicine. “Everyone in the household is affected, but women in particular take the brunt of it because they are home much of the day and do the cooking.” The researchers, including the study’s first author, Matthew Scott Painschab, MD, a School of Medicine graduate who did this work as a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fogarty Scholar, studied 266 men and women in Puno, Peru, and the surrounding rural communities. People in the city, which has a population of about 100,000, primarily use cleaner fuels including liquid propane gas, kerosene and electricity to cook. In contrast, people in the surrounding communities use open-fire stoves. Reporting their results recently in the journal Heart, the investigators found that indoor particulate matter measured 20 times higher in the rural homes. Comparing the two groups, they also found significantly thicker carotid arteries – the vessels that feed blood to the brain – in the rural study participants, even after adjusting for age, gender, cholesterol levels, body mass index and other factors known to affect cardiovascular health. The rural residents also had more plaque buildup in the carotid arteries and higher blood pressure than their citydwelling counterparts. Such factors are known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. “Our study brings attention to the fact that reducing biomass fuel smoke through improved cook stove programs could potentially decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke in resource-limited settings,” said Johns Hopkins University pulmonologist William Checkley, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, who comentored Painschab with Davila-Roman.

42 SCIENCEGUARDIAN

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

‘Laser test to tell us when we will die’ ‘DEATH test’ that could A tell you how long you • Measures how body will decline with age have left to live is being developed by scientists. • Wristwatch-style device used to analyse blood cells through skin The wristwatch-style device, which has been created to encourage users to • Gives length of time before death, can test for cancer stay healthy, uses laser beams to analyse crucial cells lining blood vessels under the skin. These tiny endothelial cells are a key indicator of a person’s health, and the device’s inventors say that by monitoring them they can identify those who are ageing more quickly than normal. But once the test has been refined, they claim it should eventually be possible to tell a person how many years they have left. For instance, someone could be told that if they do not change their lifestyle, they are likely to die in 20 years. The £3.95 moisturiser that makes you an inch slimmer in just a month: Is this proof expensive wonder creams are a big fat con? The analysis of the endothelium – the layer of endothelial cells in tiny blood vessels called capillaries – could also suggest whether someone has cancer or dementia. The Lancaster University physicists who invented the technique hope people will use the information to improve their health. But there will be concerns that while some will alter their lifestyle to stay in optimum condition, others may take a

fatalistic approach. Insurance and pension companies could also use the information to alter premiums and payouts. Having created a bulky experimental device, the inventors are designing a smaller prototype that can be worn on the wrist. They say that with enough funding they could have the miniature version on the

market with a year. Costing a few hundred pounds, it could be used by people at home to monitor their health, as well as in GP surgeries and hospitals. Doctors can use the device to compare a patient’s biological age with their chronological age and give them a readout of how quickly they are ageing. In tests on 220 healthy peo-

ple, it was clear that some had aged more quickly or slowly than expected. Prof. Aneta Stefanovska, the project’s leader, said: “Not very far from now, a £200 to £300 device will be available to everyone for home use. I hope we are developing something to encourage people to take care of their health.” She has patented the device

with her fellow researcher Professor Peter McClintock, who said yesterday: “We would like to see one of these in every GP’s surgery. It would be an immensely valuable piece of equipment for a GP. “Everything that goes on in your cardiovascular system, whether you are going to have a stroke or heart attack, starts off as something

going wrong in the endothelium. It also produces all sorts of chemicals that affect the rest of the tissue. It is a major organ, but people just don’t appreciate that.” McClintock acknowledged that not everyone would put the information to good use, but added: “You might think that you are ageing too fast and do something about it. You might improve your lifestyle, have fewer deepfried Mars bars and go out for a run.”

Battery-free wireless devices developed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

ture range. The research titled “Highly Efficient and robust cathode materials for low-temperature solid fuel cells: PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2-xFexO5+ ” was published in Scientific Reports on August 13. As high power density devices, fuel cells can convert chemical energy directly into electric power very efficiently and environmentally friendly. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), based on an oxide ion conducting electrolyte, have several advantages over other types of fuel cells, including relatively inexpensive material costs, low sensi-

tivity to impurities in the fuel, and high overall efficiency. To make SOFC technology more affordable, the operating temperature must be further reduced so that substantially less expensive materials may be used for the cell components. Also there will be more choices of materials for other components with lower operating temperature. However, at the low operating temperature, the problem is that the efficiency drop by the cathode is especially dramatic than the one due to the anode and/or electrolyte. It means that the cathode, as a key component of SOFC, contributes the most to the

polarisation loss during intermediate temperature operation. As a result, the development of feasible low temperature SOFCs requires the generation of highly efficient cathode materials. A UNIST research team tried to co-dope Sr and Fe and succeeded in yielding remarkable out-performance to present materials at lower operating temperature. The optimised composition has facilitated excellent oxygen reduction reaction and the novel structure has created pore channels that dramatically enhance oxygen ion diffusion and surface oxygen exchange while maintaining excellent compatibility and stability under operating conditions. Lead researcher and UW assistant professor of computer science and engineering, Shyam Gollakota, said: “We can repurpose wireless signals that are already around us into both a source of power and a communication medium. It’s hopefully going to have applications in a number of areas including wearable computing, smart homes and self-sustaining sensor networks.” Smart sensors could be built and placed permanently inside nearly any structure, then set to communicate with each other. For example, sensors placed in a bridge could monitor the health of the concrete and steel, then send an alert if one of the sensors picks up a hairline crack. The technology can also be used for communication – text messages and emails, for example – in wearable devices, without requiring battery consumption. The researchers tested the ambient backscatter technique with credit card-sized prototype devices placed within several feet of each other. For each device the researchers built antennas into ordinary circuit boards that flash an LED light when receiving a communication signal from another device. Groups of the devices were tested in a variety of settings in the Seattle area, including inside an apartment building, on a street corner and on the top level of a parking garage. These locations ranged from less than half a mile away from a TV tower to about 6.5 miles away. They found that the devices were able to communicate with each other, even the

ones farthest from a TV tower. The receiving devices picked up a signal from their transmitting counterparts at a rate of 1 kilobit per second when up to 2.5 feet apart outdoors and 1.5 feet apart indoors. This is enough to send information such as a sensor reading, text messages and contact information. It’s also feasible to build this technology into devices that do rely on batteries, such as smartphones. It could be configured so that when the battery dies, the phone could still send text messages by leveraging power from an ambient TV signal. The applications are endless, the researchers say, and they plan to continue advancing the capacity and range of the ambient backscatter communication network. Hickner and his research team are conducting tests on membrane electrode assembly fuel cells in their Reber Building laboratory on Penn State’s University Park campus. Hickner’s new polymer is a unique anion exchange membrane – a new type of fuel cell and battery membrane – that allows the use of much more cost-efficient non-precious metal catalysts and does not compromise either durability or efficiency like previous anion exchange membranes “What we’re really doing here is providing alternatives, possible choices, new technology so that people who want to commercialise fuel cells can now choose between the old paradigm and new possibilities with anion exchange membranes,” Hickner said. Creating this alternative took some intuition and good fortune. In work spearheaded by Nanwen Li, a postdoctoral researcher in materials science and engineering, Hickner’s team created several variations of the membrane, each with slightly different chemical compositions. They then ran each variation under simulated conditions to predict which would be optimal in an actual fuel cell. The researchers report their findings in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Based on these initial tests, the group predicted that the membranes with long 16-car-

bon structures in their chemical makeup would provide the best efficiency and durability, as measured respectively by conductivity and long-term stability. Chao-Yang Wang, William E. Diefenderfer Chair of Mechanical Engineering, and his team then tested each possibility in an operating fuel cell device. Yongjun Leng, a research associate in mechanical and nuclear engineering, measured the fuel cell’s output and lifetime for each material variation. Despite predictions, the membranes containing shorter 6-carbon structures proved to be much more durable and efficient after 60 hours of continuous operation. “We were somewhat surprised…that what we thought was the best material in our lab testing wasn’t necessarily the best material in the cell when it was evaluated over time,” said Hickner, who added that researchers are still trying to understand why the six-carbon variation has better long-term durability than the 16-carbon sample in the fuel cell by studying the operating conditions of the cell in detail. Because the successful membrane was so much more effective than the initial lab studies predicted, researchers are now interested in accounting for the interactions that the membranes experienced while inside the cell. “We have the fuel cell output -so we have the fuel cell efficiency, the fuel cell life time – but we don’t have the molecular scale information in the fuel cell,” Hickner said. “That’s the next step, trying to figure out how these polymers are working in the fuel cell on a detailed level.” The new material developed by the UNIST research team led by Prof. Guntae Kim, could be used at significantly low temperature SOFC with higher efficiency and solid reliability than the previously reported materials. This new novel cathode material enables the fuel cell designers have more flexible choices on the materials of fuel cell components, which leads to the lower fuel cell cost and, finally, to the step closer to the highly efficient and reliable fuel cells.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

SCIENCE HEALTH

Baby Gilead: Osun State’s first test-tube baby By Olumide Adenmosun R. Alexander Owolabi, the D Medical Director of Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital/IVF Centre, Ilesha, Osun State and an Associate Prof. at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Obafemi Awolowo University/Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex has successfully conducted a first conventional IVF treatment in Nigeria. The indications for IVF with the case managed were combined male and female factor

infertility – severe oligospermia and blocked fallopian tubes. Both couple who were advanced in age (44 and 45 respectively) only attempted a trial at assisted conception after 12 years of infertility. Following a comprehensive initial assessment, the husband’s sperm parameters less than 10 million spermatozoa per milliliter and a poor motility matrix were washed and concentrated in a gradientdensity column which separates the seminal fluid and other impurities from the sperm button. The wife’s inves-

tigation following hormonal analyses, sonography and tests to check for tubal patency revealed both fallopian tubes were blocked. Initial down regulation (an ovarian stimulation protocol) for the wife yielded less impressive results as her ovarian reserve at such an advanced age were almost exhausted. She therefore had to be placed on a third party assisted protocol where donor eggs were used. With the washed and re-concentrated sperm from the husband, harvested donor eggs were fertilised in small

Conference moves to stop new HIV infections in children, save mothers 2012, more than 200 000 IedNchildren were newly infectwith Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) among the 21 countries in sub-Saharan Africa where almost 90 per cent of the world’s HIV transmissions to children occur. While this was a 38 per cent decline from 2009, it still means that nearly 600 children were newly infected each day. As part of on-going efforts to improve the health of women and children across Africa, the African Union recently convened an international conference on maternal, newborn and child health in Johannesburg, South Africa. The conference, which was held penultimate week, addressed a number of important issues including service delivery and quality of service, access to medicines, family planning and task shifting. It also looked specifically at the impact of HIV on women and children and how to ensure increased access to essential HIV services. “As leaders we have the power to ensure that no woman dies giving life. We also have the power to ensure that no child dies from an avoidable cause,”

said the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma during the opening ceremony of the conference. According to a statement from the Joint United Nation programme on AIDS (UNAIDS), stopping new HIV infections among children and ensuring their mothers have access to HIV services including treatment for their own health is a top priority for the organisation. In 2011, UNAIDS and United State President’s Emergency Preparedness Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) spearheaded a new initiative which has been embraced by the global community. The Global Plan to eliminate new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive (Global Plan) has set the ambitious goal for 2015 of reducing new HIV infections among children by 90 per cent and reducing AIDS-related maternal and paediatric mortality by 50 per cent. As leaders we have the power to ensure that no woman dies giving life. We also have the power to ensure that no child dies from an avoidable cause. To highlight the urgent need to scale up progress, UNAIDS

Cost of managing moderate kidney disease soars VEN early stages of kidney E disease come with steep medical costs, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). The study found that expenses related to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) cost Medicare tens of billions of dollars each year. Approximately 60 million people globally have CKD. Most of the costs of CKD are thought to arise when the disease progresses to kidney failure, also known as stage 5 CKD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded investigators from RTI International to study whether people who had early stages of CKD also incurred considerable medical costs that could be attributed to their disease. “It was difficult to answer this question, because early stages of CKD often go undiagnosed. However, by using a sample of participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, or NHANES III, we were able to obtain lab measurements and estimate stages of CKD for persons in the sample,” explained first author Amanda Honeycutt, PhD. The researchers then received per-

mission to have Medicare payment data merged with the NHANES III data to determine the impact of diseases and other factors on Medicare spending. The lab data used in the analyses were from 1988 through 1994, and they were linked to Medicare costs for 1991 through 1994. Among the major findings: • medicare spending attributable to CKD stages 2 through 4 is likely to exceed $48 billion per year; and, • medicare costs attributable to stage 2 CKD amounted to $1,700 per person per year. Costs attributable to stage 3 CKD were $3,500 per person per year, and for stage 4 CKD they were $12,700 per person per year, adjusted to $2010. “This study is important because we were able to identify that even early stages of CKD—before people progress to full end-stage renal diseasecontribute to high Medicare costs,” said Honeycutt. The findings suggest that efforts to prevent the development of CKD may lead to significant savings. In addition, the study highlights the need to identify CKD in its earliest stages to prevent disease progression and avoid the high medical costs attributable to the latter stages of the disease.

held a special session at the conference to build on momentum around the Global Plan and address bottlenecks in the African countries where most new HIV infections among children occur. During the session UNAIDS reported that while seven countries have shown a rapid decline in new HIV infections (50 per cent or more decline between 2009 and 2012), six others are showing signs of stagnation (less than 30 per cent decline), and the remaining seven show moderate performance (30 to 49 per cent decline). UNAIDS Executive Director, Mr. Michel Sidibé, said: “We need to reflect on how we shift the paradigm of how we are working today. The paradigm is a disease approach, but we need a holistic approach. We cannot afford to have women coming in to the facility and being addressed for TB on one day; HIV on another day... We need to consider her as a woman – a whole human being – who needs holistic support.” The African Union is a strong supporter of the Global Plan and has actively advocated for increased efforts to expand access to HIV services for women and children. “The focus on maternal, newborn and child health is not expenditure, it is an investment. It is an investment in our common humanity and our common survival… We can do it, we must do it. We have no choice,” said African Union Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

petri dishes earlier pre-filled with suitable IVF-growth media. More than eight M2 eggs with distinctly formed polar bodies were fertilised and all yielded two pronuclei after twenty-four hours in special CO2-incubators. At day five of continued embryonic development, three embryos distinctly developed to blastocysts and an embryo transfer was scheduled, where all three embryos were transferred into the woman’s uterus through the vaginalcervix route – with the aid of an ultrasound guided embryo-transfer catheter. A pregnancy test was conducted after two weeks of embryo transfer, which yielded a strong positive result. There began the nine-month gestational term towards the delivery of Baby Gilead – the first successful IVF-baby at Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital. After six weeks of a first ultrasound scan following the establishment of pregnancy, two gestational sacs were initially seen, but during a subsequent check, just one gestational sac remained during the progress of the preg-

nancy. The mother’s ante- and postnatal care was managed at the Federal Medical Centre in IdoEkiti where the live birth of a baby boy was reported in March, 2013. Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital and IVF Centre has reported several other pregnancies since they kicked-off services as an IVF center in Ilesha, Osun State Nigeria. Other than Lagos and Kwara states in the Southwest where a number of IVFcentres are clustered, the Dr. Alexander Owolabi led centre has spread its tentacles to shore up the reproductive health needs of numerous families around Osun, Oyo and Ekiti states. The epidemiological statistics on infertility still reports one out of every ten couples as being unable to achieve pregnancy after one year of continuous unprotected sexual intercourse. With Nigeria’s increasing population, and a socio-cultural significance of child-birth seen as a mark of fruitfulness and security in marriage, affected couples would continually seek the best medical expertise there is

in their locality. This therefore informed the establishment of Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital and IVF Centre at the centre of the south-western region – Oyo, Osun and Ekiti states. The Medical Director of the institution also doubles as a fertility specialist having bagged a Post Graduate Award in Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) at Warwick University, United Kingdom. With impressive success rates being improved upon from the prevailing national average of 30 per cent for IVF treatments, the centre further hopes to begin more advanced fertility treatment services to treat both male and female factor infertility with the purchase of her new high-end micro-manipulator for Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) treatments, to give hope to affected families scattered across the South-Western states of Nigeria. • Dr. Alexander Owolabi can be contacted on alexandrerowolabi@yahoo.com

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

44 SCIENCE HEALTH

Metformin may lower prostate cancer death risk • Diabetic men using drug had higher survival rates in cancer study ETFORMIN, a widely M used diabetes drug, may reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer, according to new research. A study of nearly 4,000 diabetic men found that those taking metformin when diagnosed with prostate cancer were less likely to die of the cancer or other causes

compared to men using other diabetes drugs. “We demonstrated that metformin is associated with improved survival among diabetic patients with prostate cancer,” said Dr. David Margel, a uro-oncologist at Rabin Medical Centre in Petah Tikva, Israel, who conducted the research

while at the University of Toronto. “It’s associated in a doseresponse manner,” he said. “The longer you were on metformin, the less likely you were to die of prostate cancer and of all causes.” But whether metformin can prevent prostate cancer progression in people without

diabetes remains to be seen, experts say. Diabetes and prostate cancer are common in the United States (U.S.). This year, about 239,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed, and more than 29,000 men will die from it, according to the American Cancer Society.

United States (U.S.) Consul General (CG), Mr. Jeffery Hawkins (middle); Associate Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, Fred Aja Agwu (right); and Political Officer, Office of the U.S. Consular, Lagos, Mr. Ben Lazarus, at a meeting of the U.S. Consul General with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), human rights activists, union officials, journalists, academics, religious leaders, business leaders in Lagos…recently.

Type 2 diabetes is rampant, and metformin is the drug most commonly prescribed to treat it. More than 61 million metformin prescriptions were filled in the U.S. last year. Brand names include Glucophage and Glumetza. The drug, in its generic forms and certain brand names, is relatively inexpensive. Previous research has focused on whether metformin might reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer, but most studies were negative. Some experts believe the drug instead works to improve survival once the cancer occurs. In the new study, published online August 5 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Margel looked at more than 3,800 diabetic men aged 67 or older who lived in Ontario. About one-third were taking metformin at the study’s start. Others were using different diabetes drugs. The men took the metformin for a median of 19 months (half longer than that, half shorter) before the cancer was diagnosed and nearly nine months after. During roughly four years of follow-up, Margel found those who took metformin had a 24 per cent reduction in risk from prostate cancer death for every additional six months of use after their can-

cer diagnosis. The risk reduction of death from other causes was initially the same but declined over time. In both instances, although an association was found between metformin and survival, a direct cause-and-effect relationship was not established. No reduction in death risk was seen for patients taking any other diabetes drug. Although other diabetes drugs work by increasing the body’s insulin production, metformin is an “insulin sensitizer” that works by making the body more sensitive to the insulin already produced. Insulin is needed to move glucose into cells for energy. Some research suggests that high insulin levels can influence cancer growth. Metformin, by not increasing the body’s insulin production, may decrease cancer cells’ growth, some experts say. Typical side effects of the drug are mild diarrhea and stomach problems, Margel said. “Usually they subside after one or two weeks,” he said. In their next study, the researchers plan to test metformin in patients with prostate cancer but not diabetes. “Metformin is very safe to use among nondiabetic patients,” Margel said.

College of Alternative Medicine not illegal institution, says provost HE Federal College of T Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM), Isheri-Olofin, Lagos is not an illegal school. Therefore, the Medicine and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has no reason whatsoever to close it down. This was contained in a statement issued in Lagos by the National Association of Physicians and Complementary Alternative Medicine (NACAPAM) by the provost of the college, Dr. Idowu Ogunkoya. The college was reportedly closed down recently by the HOD Inspectorate of MDCN, Dr. Henry Okwuokenye, alleging that Ogunkoya had no practice licence to act as the provost and that there was no accreditation of faculty and curriculum of training for the school. Giving reasons for the closure, Okwuokenye was quoted as saying that before anyone could practice in Nigeria, he or she must register with the Medicine and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). But reacting to the abrupt closure of the college, FEDCAM said that MDCN was informed about the school’s operations, activities and purpose. According to NACAPAM: “The Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM), was set up for the purpose of training people for traditional and natural medicine and not to award degrees or doctorate degrees. Originally, the college started as National College for Natural Medicine, teaching mostly herbal medicine.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Garlic, mango, bush candle may provide cures for lung cancer, diabetes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 that polyphenolics from several mango varieties exerted anticancer effects. The researchers from the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States, found that nany polyphenolics contained in mango have shown anticancer activity. The objective of the study was to compare the anticancer properties of polyphenolic extracts from several mango varieties (Francis, Kent, Ataulfo, Tommy Atkins, and Haden) in cancer cell lines, including Molt-4 leukemia, A-549 lung, MDA-MB-231 breast, LnCap prostate, and SW-480 colon cancer cells and the non-cancer colon cell line CCD-18Co. Cell lines were incubated with Ataulfo and Haden extracts, selected on the basis of their superior antioxidant capacity compared to the other varieties, where SW-480 and MOLT-4 were statistically equally most sensitive to both cultivars followed by MDA-MB231, A-549, and LnCap in order of decreasing efficacy as determined by cell counting. The efficacy of extracts from all mango varieties in the inhibition of cell growth was tested in SW-480 colon carcinoma cells, where Ataulfo and Haden demonstrated superior efficacy, followed by Kent, Francis, and Tommy Atkins. The results of the study showed that At 5 mg of GAE/L, Ataulfo inhibited the growth of colon SW-480 cancer cells by approximately 72 per cent while the growth of noncancer colonic myofibroblast CCD18Co cells was not inhibited. The researchers said the growth inhibition exerted by Ataulfo and Haden polyphenolics in SW-480 was associated with an increased mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic biomarkers and cell cycle regulators, cell cycle arrest, and a decrease in the generation of reactive oxygen species. “Overall, polyphenolics from several mango varieties exerted anticancer effects, where compounds from Haden and Ataulfo mango varieties possessed superior chemopreventive activity,” they concluded. Mango and diabetes The results of another study published in Phytotherapy Resident indicated that the aqueous extract of the leaves of mango possess blood glucose lowering (hypoglycaemic) activity. The researchers from the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, assessed the leaves of mango were for antidiabetic properties using normoglycaemic, glucoseinduced hyperglycaemia and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice. They wrote: “The aqueous extract produced a reduction of blood glucose level

in normoglycaemic and glucose-induced hyperglycaemia, but did not have any effect on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The hypoglycaemic effect of the aqueous extract was compared with that of an oral dose of chlorpropamide under the same conditions.” A more recent study published in Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research found mango to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. The Indian researchers from the Department of Biochemistry, Sengamala Thayaar Educational Trust Women’s College, Sundarakkottai, Mannargudi, Tamilnadu, India, wrote: “Present investigation was undertaken to evaluate antihyperglycemic, activity of ethanolic extract of Mangifera indica leaves in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Alloxan produced a significant increase in serum glucose, creatinine, urea, uric acid, ALT, AST levels. “Treatment with Mangifera indica extract produced decrease in alloxan induced glucose, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. There was a significant decrease in total protein, haemoglobin, body weight, albumin and globulin. Administration of Mangifera indica to diabetic rats reduced the effect of alloxan and increased the levels of above parameters. The results suggest Mangifera indica to be beneficial for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.” Garlic and lung cancer Also, a new study claims that eating raw garlic twice a week can nearly halve the risk of developing lung cancer, even lowering the danger for smokers. According to the study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, Chinese researchers found that those who consumed raw garlic as part of their diet were 44 per cent less likely to suffer the disease. Even when they allowed for whether people smoked - the biggest single cause of lung cancer, the scientists found garlic still seemed to reduce the dangers by around 30 per cent, the ‘Telegraph’ reported. Previous research has suggested that the popular herb can ward off stomach cancer and colon cancer, and a study at the University of South Australia suggested that it could reduce the risk of bowel tumours by nearly a third. Scientists at Jiangsu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention compared 1,424 lung cancer patients with 4,500 healthy adults. They found that those who ate raw garlic at least twice a week were significantly less likely to get lung cancer, even if they smoked or were exposed to high-temperature cooking oil fumes, which is thought to be another trigger for the disease. The key ingredient behind this effect seems to be a chemical called allicin,

released when the clove is crushed or chopped, according to previous studies. It is thought to dampen down inflammation in the body and act as an anti-oxidant, reducing damage from so-called free radicals to the body’s cells. However, it is not clear whether cooked garlic would have the same effect. “Garlic may potentially serve as a preventive agent for lung cancer,” researchers said. Garlic and diabetes Researchers have also shown that intake of garlic could prevent diabetes. The researchers from Bingham University, Karu Nasarawa State found that pre-administration of garlic extract before alloxan induction prevents the elevation of blood glucose in alloxan induced rats. The study was published last year in ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science. The researchers wrote: “This study was carried out to evaluate the possible protective effects of garlic extract on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The rats were divided into four groups: group 1 serves as diabetic control; group 2 served as normal control; group 3 received garlic extract seven days before alloxan induction and 14 days after the induction while the last group received normal saline before induction and garlic extract after induction.

“The blood glucose levels of the rats were determined before the treatment and at regular interval till the end of the study. The result obtained showed that preadministration of garlic extract before alloxan induction prevents the elevation of blood glucose in alloxan induced rats.” Another study published in Pakistan Journal of Pharmacological Science showed that garlic supplementation with standard anti-diabetic agent provides better diabetic control in type 2 diabetes patients. The researchers from the Department of Pharmacology, University of Karachi, Pakistan noted that garlic has been used safely since ancient times as both food and medicine in human populations, but studies of its efficacy in the management of diabetes have yielded conflicting results. The study evaluated the potential hypoglycemic effects of garlic in type 2 diabetic patients. The researchers wrote: “The study was conducted in diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients (n=60) with fasting blood sugar level above 126 mg/dl to evaluate the effects of adding garlic tablets with standard antidiabetic therapy on blood sugar. Patients were divided randomly into 2 groups. Group 1 (n=30) was given tablet Garlic (KWAI) 300 mg thrice daily +

Metformin 500 mg twice daily and Group 2 (n=30) was given Placebo+Metformin 500 mg twice daily respectively for 24 weeks. Serum lipids and fasting blood glucose were measured at week 0, 12 and week 24. Group1 showed significant reduction in fasting blood sugar at week 24 with a percentage decrease of as compared to group 2. “At the end of week 24, GR1 group also showed considerable decrease in mean total cholesterol, Low Density Lipo-protein (LDLC)/bad cholesterol, triglycerides while High Density Lipo-protein (HDL)/good cholesterol was significantly increased as compared to GR2 group. “Combination of garlic with typical antidiabetic remedy has shown to improve glycemic (blood glucose) control in addition to antihyperlipidemic (reduces blood cholesterol) activity. Garlic may be a good addition in the management of patients with diabetes and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats). Cassia alata and lung cancer Cassia alata (Bush candle) is employed in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. It grows in tropical region of Nigeria and can also be found in other countries. Its common name is bush candle because of the orientation of the flowers like the shape of a candle flame but it is more popularly called Ringworm plant because it is known to be very effective in

the treatment of ringworm infection. Researchers have also established the anticancer properties of the leaves of Cassia alata. The study published in Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Preview is titled “In Vitro Antitumor Properties of an Isolate from Leaves of Cassia alata L.” The researchers evaluated the leaf extracts of Cassia alata, traditionally used for treatment of a variety of diseases, for their potential antitumor properties in vitro. MTT assays were used to examine the cytotoxic effects of crude extracts on five human cancer cell lines, namely MCF-7, derived from a breast carcinoma, SK-BR-3, another breast carcinoma, T24 a bladder carcinoma, Col 2, a colorectal carcinoma, and A549, a non- small cell lung adenocarcinoma. Hexane extracts showed remarkable cytotoxicity against MCF-7, T24, and Col 2 in a dose-dependent manner. This observation was confirmed by morphological investigation using light microscopy. Further bioassay-directed fractionation of the cytotoxic extract led to the isolation of a TLC-pure isolate labeled as f6l. Isolate f6l was further evaluated using MTT assay and morphological and biochemical investigations, which likewise showed selectivity to MCF-7, T24, and Col 2 cells with IC50 values of 16, 17, and 17 µg/ml, respectively.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

SCIENCE HEALTH

Lagos doctors blame sudden death, stroke on poor attitude to health By Wole Oyebade ORRIED by the upsurge W in sudden death scenario in the country, doctors in Lagos State have again blamed poor attitude to healthcare and personal wellbeing for the worsening trend in Nigeria. The doctors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos branch, noted that the circumstances in which these cases present showed that Nigerians have not placed premium on health. Chairman of the association, Dr. Francis Faduyile said it was important to note that besides the poor people that cannot afford to see the doctor for check up, there is the other group of people that are though rich, but just too busy to see to their health needs. According to him, this accounts for why there are several victims of sudden death in the white-collar cycle, which either had sud-

den death in the line of duty or shortly after arriving home. “These are the people we also need to target. They are the chief executives and people working in government cycle among others. They are the type of people that would have hypertension and not know,” Faduyile said. The chairman told reporters at a free medical mission held at Alausa secretariat that the worsening indices in sudden death among others, is not entirely new, though there is an upsurge. He stressed that it is about the amount of premium Nigerians place on their health. His words: “We are not looking too closely on our health, which is why we are seeing these cases of sudden deaths that has come up and higher. “As a pathology, I can tell you that we are not seeing deaths from hypertension as the normal ones that result in stroke, but we are

having people that are now dying from direct heart attack. “There are people that slump behind the wheel and die. Some just place their heads on the table in the office and just die. These are the cases that we are seeing just because people are not paying the maximum attention to their health.” He added it was important to know that it is not only the bed-ridden that is sick. “We have some of us who are looking healthy but very ill, and until you do screening, you cannot know that you are having a sinister illness in your body. “That is why it is important for us to have regular health screening, so that we might know what are those things that are occurring in our body and can be very devastating.” Publicity Secretary of the Lagos NMA, Dr Peter Ogunnubi added that it was in respect of the alarming trend that the doctors deemed it fit to bring the

medical outreach (a feature in the yearly general meeting) to the seat of government, “to ensure that people ruling us healthy.” Ogunnubi gave kudos to the Lagos State government for reviving Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state, adding that PHCs is the most important sphere of care to address the serious health conditions among the public. He said: “We must really get the PHCs working, as the centres that are the closest to the community, and addressing the illness before they get complicated and help prevent them. Then the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) can be achieved and bring a lot of ease to other levels of healthcare delivery.” Ogunnubi stress that simple tests like the blood pressure; blood sugar test; checking of body max index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, eye test and dental test for some people are all important to safeguarding better health.

Self-monitoring blood pressure improves results, study finds RACKING your own blood T pressure at home can help you control hypertension, a new research review finds. And if you have a clinician’s help in monitoring your blood pressure, you’ll likely do even better, at least in the short term, according to the study, which was published August 6 in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. Lead researcher Dr. Ethan Balk, from the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, said: “For adults with hypertension who are willing and able to monitor their blood pressure at home in conjunction with their health care center, self-monitored blood pressure can be a useful tool to lower blood pressure, and possibly lower the risk of cardiovascular events, at least for the short term.” Whether the benefits extend beyond one year needs further research, said Balk, whose team looked at more than 50 studies on the effectiveness of home blood pressure monitoring. Self-monitoring includes keeping a record of the readings so a physician can determine if your blood pressure medicine is working effectively or needs tweaking. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, eye and kidney damage, heart disease and disability. Exactly how home monitoring keeps blood pressure levels low isn’t clear, Balk said. “Likely reasons are improved monitoring and tailored treatment of blood pressure by both the clinician or nursing staff and the patient, and increased incentives to control one’s diet and increase physical activity,” he said. “But these explanations are purely conjectural.” Also, it isn’t clear to what degree additional support enhances the benefits or

which methods of additional support are best, Balk said. “An important caveat is that the evidence refers to selfmonitored blood pressure used in conjunction with clinicians and/or nurses who are using and monitoring the information,” he said. The results don’t apply to people who decide on their own to measure their blood pressure at home without consulting medical professionals, he said. The findings support current health care guidelines, said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a professor of Cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a spokesman for the American Heart Association. “National and international guidelines, including those from the American Heart Association, recommend that patients with hyperten-

sion measure and monitor their blood pressure in the home setting, and a number of studies have shown this can result in better blood pressure control,” he said. “These findings ... highlight the importance of actively engaging patients in the measuring, monitoring, goal achievement and goal maintenance of their blood pressure,” he said. Blood-pressure-monitoring devices available in drugstores and other shops range in price from $30 to more than $100. When choosing a device, the American Heart Association recommends an automatic, cuff-style, upperarm monitor. Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended because they yield less reliable readings. Monitors for the elderly or pregnant women should be

validated specifically for those purposes. For the current report, Balk’s team reviewed 52 published studies in which patients monitored their blood pressure with and without assistance. Such help ranged from educational materials to contact with a nurse or pharmacist or counseling over the telephone. They found some evidence that monitoring blood pressure at home improved control at six months, but not at 12 months. When patients got help, either through educational material or direct contact with medical professionals, home monitoring improved blood pressure control at both six and 12 months. From this data, Balk’s group concluded that home blood pressure monitoring is effective in the short term.

Children born through induced labour have higher autism risk HILDREN whose mothers “We’ve found an association C needed drugs to start giv- and more research is needed. ing birth are slightly more This allows us to focus on the likely to have autism, United States (US) researchers say. A study of 625,000 children, published in JAMA Pediatrics, showed the autism link was stronger in boys. Scientists have called for more research to explain the difference, as it is not clear why there would be a link. Doctors said inducing labour was safe, necessary and could save a baby’s life. Autism is thought to be caused by a combination of family, or genetic, risk and conditions in the womb and early life while the child is developing. The study of births in North Carolina showed 13 out of every 1, 000 boys born, and four per 1,000 girls, developed autism. However, the rate was a third higher in boys when their mother needed drugs to induce or assist the pregnancy, while any effect in girls was more muted. Researchers said that two cases of autism in every 1, 000 births might be prevented by stopping induction. However, they warned this would come at significant cost as the procedure could be life saving. Professor Simon Gregory, of Duke University, said there had been a lot of conflicting evidence on autism and inducing labour, but this study was the largest to look at the issue. He told the BBC: “We don’t want mothers to say, ‘Under no circumstances do I want to be induced because I don’t want a kid with autism’. That would be plain wrong.

factors around birth that may affect autism and how it develops.” The study only shows that the rates of autism are higher after being induced. It could be down to the drugs used to begin labour or something else influencing the pregnancy that leads to women needing to be induced and also affects the developing brain. Labour is often induced when the pregnancy has gone on too long and the mother has missed the due date, normally by at least a week. Michael Heard, of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists spokesperson, said: “We induce to improve outcomes. You reduce the chance of losing the baby and the chance of mum and baby getting unwell. “This is a preliminary statistical overview, with no clear reasoning why the two things should be linked. “Induction is very common and is offered for good medical reasons and is extremely safe. But like most medical processes there is a small risk associated. “This is another thing to consider in a long-term study, but not something I’d consider in my practice.” Carol Povey, of the National Autistic Society, said: “Autism is a complex condition and is thought to be the result of many different underlying physical and genetic factors. Its exact causes are still being investigat-

High blood glucose levels linked to dementia IGH blood glucose lev- University of Washington in H els appear to be associ- Seattle and his colleagues ated with an increased risk of dementia in older people, a new study finds. Paul Crane at the

recorded blood glucose levels in 2,067 people an average of 76 years old who initially had no signs of dementia. After five years, roughly one-fourth of the participants developed some form of dementia. Among people without diabetes, the risk of developing dementia was 18 percent greater in those with high blood glucose levels than in those with low levels. In people with diabetes, the risk of dementia was 40 percent higher in the high-glucose group, the scientists report in the August 8 New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers took into account differences in age, gender, education, heart disease, blood pressure, smoking history and exercise level. While the study doesn’t establish a biological link between high blood glucose and dementia, the researchers speculate that the association could be explained by either glucoserelated damage to tiny blood vessels in the central nervous system or insulin resistance – in which cells lose the ability to efficiently process sugar.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

52 SCIENCE & HEALTH

26 per cent of all children under five stunted, says FAO By Chukwuma Muanya WENTY six percent of all T children under five are stunted and 31 percent suffer from Vitamin A deficiency, according to The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) published last week by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). The document also noted that two billion people suffer from one or more micronutrient deficiencies, while 1.4 billion are overweight, of whom 500 million are obese. To address the huge social and economic costs of malnutrition, the Director-General of FAO, José Graziano da Silva, has called for resolute efforts to eradicate malnutrition as well as hunger from around the world. Graziano da Silva in a press statement marking the launch of FAO’s flagship annual publication, SOFA, said that although the world has registered some progress on hunger, one form of malnutrition, there was still ‘a long way ahead.’ “FAO’s message is that we must strive for nothing less than the eradication of hunger and malnutrition,” he declared. The report, Food systems for better nutrition, noted that although some 870 million people were still hungry in the world in 2010 to 2012, this is just a fraction of the billions of people whose health, wellbeing and lives are blighted by malnutrition. Also, FAO said understanding the potential role of animals in the emergence and spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) requires further investigation, analysis and study. Current evidence is not sufficient to identify the specific source, whether animal or otherwise, of the coronavirus that is causing MERS in humans. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that affect primarily birds and mammals. Some strains cause mild disease, while a limited number are more harmful example the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus. The MERS coronavirus has been shown to cause acute respiratory illness in humans. It has not yet been shown to cause disease in animals. Meanwhile, a new FAO guidance document published on Monday noted that with the consequences of climate change for the world’s food production systems becoming increasingly clear, more needs to be done to capitalize on agriculture’s potential to mitigate global warming. According to the FAO document, agriculture is directly responsible for over 10 per-

• Too early to draw conclusions on MERS infections in humans • Releases guidance to help countries reduce global warming

Malnourished children cent of all human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but improved farming practices offer the possibility of reducing those emissions and sequestering atmospheric carbon, while at the same time increasing the resilience of production systems. The document, “National planning for GHG mitigation in agriculture,” was published by FAO’s Mitigation of Climate Change in Agriculture Programme (MICCA). However, FAO cautioned that despite progress in drawing up agricultural GHG mitigation plans - as well as in allocating financing to climate change projects in the agriculture sector - is falling short of what is needed. Meanwhile, the cost of malnutrition to the global economy in lost productivity and health care costs are “unacceptably high” and could account for as much as 5 percent of the global gross domestic product — $3.5 trillion dollars, or $500 per person. That is almost the entire annual GDP of Germany, Europe’s largest economy. In social terms, child and maternal malnutrition continue to reduce the quality of life and life expectancy of millions of people, while obesity-

The cost of malnutrition to the global economy in lost productivity and health care costs are “unacceptably high” and could account for as much as 5 percent of the global gross domestic product — $3.5 trillion dollars, or $500 per person. That is almost the entire annual GDP of Germany, Europe’s largest economy. In social terms, child and maternal malnutrition continue to reduce the quality of life and life expectancy of millions of people, while obesity-related health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, affect millions more.

related health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, affect millions more. To combat malnutrition, SOFA makes the case that healthy diets and good nutrition must start with food and agriculture. The way we grow, raise, process, transport and distribute food influences what we eat, the report says, noting that improved food systems can make food more affordable, diverse and nutritious. Specific recommendations for action include: • Use appropriate agricultural policies, investment and research to increase productivity, not only of staple grains like maize, rice and wheat, but also of legumes, meat, milk, vegetables and fruit, which are all rich in nutrients. • Cut food losses and waste, which currently amount to one third of the food produced for human consumption every year. That could help make food more available and affordable as well as reduce pressure on land and other resources. • Improve the nutritional performance of supply chains, enhancing the availability and accessibility of a wide diversity of foods. Properly organized food systems are key to more diversified and healthy diets. • Help consumers make good dietary choices for better nutrition through education, information and other actions. • Improve the nutritional quality of foods through fortification and reformulation. • Make food systems more responsive to the needs of mothers and young children. Malnutrition during the critical ‘first 1000 days’ from conception can cause lasting damage to women’s health and life-long physical and cognitive impairment in children.

Malnutrition during the critical ‘first 1000 days’ from conception can cause lasting damage to women’s health and life-long physical and cognitive impairment in children. Giving women greater control over resources and incomes benefits their and their children’s health, the report says. Policies, interventions and investment in labour-saving farming technologies and rural infrastructure, as well as social protection and services can also make important contributions to the health and nutrition of women, infants and young children. Giving women greater control over resources and incomes benefits their and their children’s health, the report says. Policies, interventions and investment in labour-saving farming technologies and rural infrastructure, as well as social protection and services can also make important contributions to the health and nutrition of women, infants and young children. Projects that have proved successful in raising nutrition levels include enhanced production, marketing and consumption of local vegetables and pulses in East Africa; promotion of home gardens in West Africa; encouragement of mixed vegetable and animal farming systems together with income-generating activities in some Asian countries; breeding staple crops such as sweet potatoes to raise their micronutrient content; and public-private partnerships to enrich products like yoghurt or cooking oil with nutrients. Making food systems enhance nutrition is a complex task requiring strong political commitment and leadership at the highest levels, broad-based partnerships and coordinated approaches

with other important sectors such as health and education, according to SOFA. The report reads: “A great many actors and institutions must work together across sectors to more effectively reduce undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overweight and obesity. “Food systems governance that is providing leadership, coordinating effectively and fostering collaboration among the many stakeholders, is a first priority.” FAO Chief Veterinary Officer, Juan Lubroth, said: “It is not yet clear how people are becoming infected, or where the virus might come from. We do not have enough information to identify with certainty the virus’s origin. Confirming the source and mechanisms of transmission and spread are key to developing ways to reduce the risks posed by this virus to humans or other countries.” A study led by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands and just published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal provides some additional information. The study found antibodies for the MERS coronavirus or a similar virus in camel blood

samples. The samples were taken in areas where human cases have not been reported. In some cases, the tested camels have been isolated from other camels for many years. These antibody findings indicate that the MERS virus, or a similar coronavirus, occurs in some camels and potentially other species. However, the only way to know with any certainty if the virus affecting humans is the same as the virus possibly affecting camels (or any other animal) is to isolate the virus in different species and compare them genetically. To date the MERS coronavirus has only been isolated in humans. Investigation and research in animal species must continue to shed light on potential animal sources. If and once identified, veterinary and public health authorities could better communicate how to prevent infection or institute specific control measures. Authorities in the affected region are investigating the situation. FAO is in close communication with national authorities as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). FAO and its partners stand ready to support national and regional efforts to identify the environment and context or which animal species might serve as a reservoir and to address the virus in animals in order to protect human health, animal health and animal-related livelihoods. Meanwhile, the Organization’s new guidance document aims to help address these shortfalls by providing step-wise advice and examples of national planning for GHG mitigation in food production systems, as well as highlighting opportunities for developing countries to secure climate financing for agriculture. Examples from existing mitigation planning processes in developing countries illustrate options for addressing key planning elements in country-specific ways, and approaches to involving smallholder farmers in the planning process are highlighted as well. Although opportunities and planning processes will vary from country to country based on local circumstances, a number of general principals hold true, FAO says. First, mitigation actions in agriculture should be pursued within the context supporting agricultural development and food security, with planners clarifying from the start how mitigation can contribute to national development goals. Participatory planning and cross-sectoral cooperation will be important to the success of mitigation plans, the report adds. Farmers and other stakeholders should be involved in setting objectives, actions and targets, both to generate support for and to improve the effectiveness of planned policies. To access international and domestic financing, plans should be very specific regarding how to assess the mitigation potential of proposed policies and measures. Sound systems for measuring the impacts of policies and reporting other performance metrics are also necessary when seeking financing for projects.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

54 SCIENCE HEALTH

Nutrients that support fertility, improve sexual performance

week Thursday, I preLentsAST sented four of the nutrithat support fertility and improve sexual performance. These are folic acid, zinc, Larginine and omega 3. Today, I bring you some more of these nutrients, but before I do so, I want to reiterate the fact that child birth and sexual performance go together and that sexual intercourse is a gift given to man for his pleasure. Even though some have gotten pregnant without experiencing the pleasure inherent in sexual intercourse, does not mean we should continue to do so. Every effort must be put in, to ensure that both the man and his wife enjoy sexual intercourse. Also, we must all realise that to be fulfilled in the art of sexual intercourse, complete wellbeing of the individuals involved comes into play. This includes total absence of physical, mental and emotional diseases and optimal functioning of the other organs in the body. If that be the case, we should also consider certain nutrients and herbs that help to maintain the health of those organs that may not be considered as sexual organs. On the other hand there are certain nutrients that seem to be directly connected to the reproductive system but play some other health promoting roles in other organs. The male sexual hormone, testosterone for example, is the primary hormone which gives the man the desire for sex, it has also been found to be an important hormone for the maintenance of overall health. Feeling generally well as we know is conducive for good sex. A deficiency of testosterone is associated with conditions such as reduction in muscle bulk and strength, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis [loss of bone density], the bones becoming brittle and can fracture easily. Other related conditions are fatigue, depression and obesity. Understanding that these are conditions associated with low testosterone in the body, prevention and management should eventually lead to better sexual performance after the conditions would have been eliminated. Managing such conditions should either be by hormonal replacement with testosterone supplements or administering nutrients that enhance testosterone production in the body. Even though there are testosterone supplements for hormonal replacement therapy, enhancing testosterone production have been found to be a better option for management. Nutrients that sup-

port testosterone production are zinc, folic acid and omega 3, which I have already written about. Others are vitamins E and B6. Vitamin E Vitamin E has been dubbed the “sex vitamin.” It stimulates production of testosterone and other sex hormones and also improves the quality of sperm cells and their motility. Furthermore, this vitamin increases the circulation of blood and increases sensation. Vitamin E is an antiaging vitamin and said to be the most effective antioxidant in the anti-aging fight. It helps to prolong one’s sexual lifestyle. Sources of Vitamin E are walnut, cashew nuts, pumpkin seed, flaxseed, spinach, mango, tomato and vegetable oils. Vitamin C It is an antioxidant, which works closely with Vitamin E. As an antioxidant, it prevents fatty deposits on the wall of the blood vessels and helps to improve blood circulation all over the body. Vitamin C improves sperm count and motility and it is said to have the ability to restore fertility in a man that is infertile. Vitamin C is highly concentrated in the citrus fruits. Other sources are peaches, mango, red pepper, broccoli, parsley, blackcurrant etc. Certain other nutrients support fertility and improve sexual performance by increasing blood flow to the genitals and to the rest of the body. Some, such as L-arginine increase blood flow by causing a relaxation of the blood vessels through enhanced production of nitric oxide. A substance citrulline found in watermelon can be converted to the amino acid arginine, which increases production of nitric oxide for blood vessel relaxation. Oatmeal and whole grains also contain L-arginine and resveratrol from red grapes and red wine directly cause production of nitric oxide. An herb, known as Ginseng also stimulates nitric oxide production, which relaxes the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the organs. It enhances sexual desire, increased sensation and stamina for performance and orgasm. Other herbs that have a similar mode of action are Gingko biloba (for men only) and Peruvian Ginseng. The nutrients that increase blood flow by fighting against plaque formation on the walls of the arteries include, omega 3 from fish oils, walnuts, flaxseed, sunflower seed and pumpkin seed. Also in this category are the antioxidant, vitamin C, catechin from green tea and anthocyanins found in black currants and raspberries.

Eating big breakfast prevents diabetes, high blood pressure

Big breakfast... ‘big breakfast’ group were found to have significantly lower levels of a hunger-regulating hormone, an indication that they were more satiated and had less desire for snacking later in the day IETERS have long been calories daily over three that they were more satiatmise weight loss and genertold they should break- months. ed and had less desire for al health. fast like a king, lunch like a The first group consumed snacking later in the day, Jakubowicz said: “Eating prince and dine like a pau- 700 calories at breakfast, than their counterparts in the right foods at the wrong per. 500 at lunch, and 200 at din- the ‘big dinner’ group. times can not only slow Now scientists have con- ner. The ‘big breakfast’ group down weight loss, it can firmed the principle...and The second group ate a 200 also showed a more signifialso be harmful. Our study even quantified the differ- calorie breakfast, 500 calo- cant decrease in insulin, glufound those in the big dinence it can make to your rie lunch, and 700 calorie cose, and triglyceride levels ner group actually weight loss. dinner. The 700 calorie than those in the ‘big dinincreased fat levels in their Researchers gave women breakfast and dinner includ- ner’ group. More importantbody, despite their weight most of their calories either ed the same foods. ly, they did not experience loss.” at breakfast or dinner, then By the end of the study, par- the high spikes in blood gluShe suggests that people monitored the two groups ticipants in the ‘big break- cose levels that typically could improve their health over 12 weeks. fast’ group had lost an aver- occur after a meal. significantly by cutting out The researchers, from Tel age of 17.8 pounds each, and Peaks in blood sugar levels late night snacking. Aviv University, found there three inches off their waist, are considered even more She said: “Mindless eating were other health benefits compared to a 7.3 pounds harmful than sustained in front of the computer or as well. The breakfast group and 1.4 inches for partici- high blood glucose levels, television, especially in the saw their levels of ghrelin, pants in the ‘big dinner’ leading to high blood preslate evening hours, is a huge an appetite hormone, dra- group. sure and greater strain on contributor to the obesity matically decrease. According to Professor the heart. epidemic. It increases not And they say it’s not only Jakubowicz, those in the ‘big The findings suggest that only poundage, but the risk the food that we eat, but breakfast’ group were found people should adopt a well of cardiovascular disease when we eat it that can have to have significantly lower thought-out meal schedule, making that midnight a big impact on our health. levels of a hunger-regulat- in addition to proper nutrisugar rush more costly than So the time of day we eat ing hormone, an indication tion and exercise, to optiit appears.” impacts the way our bodies process food, says Professor Daniela Jakubowicz, of Tel Aviv University in Israel. At the end of the study, those on the breakfast plan in-treated group showed a remarkable human lost an average of 19.1lbs. But 250 mg of curcuminoid or lower level of HOMA-IR clinical study published the people eating most of placebo capsules for nine (3.22 vs. 4.04; P < 0.001) their calories at the end of in the journal Diabetes months. and higher adiponectin Care, the journal of the the day lost just 7.9lbs. Type 2 diabetes progres(22.46 vs. 18.45; P < 0.05) Diabetes The body’s metabolism is American sion was assessed by measwhen compared with the governed by the circadian Association, revealed that uring a wide range of placebo group. rhythm - the biological turmeric extract was 100 parameters, including The researchers concludprocess that the body fol- per cent successful at prechanges in the insulined: A nine-month curcumventing pre-diabetic lows over a 24 hour cycle. producing cells within the in intervention in a prediThe breakfast group lost an patients from becoming pancreas known as -cells, abetic population signifiaverage of 3.3in from their diabetic over the course of insulin resistance, and the cantly lowered the numwaistlines, compared to a nine-month intervenanti-inflammatory ber of prediabetic individ1.5in for those eating a big tion. cytokine known as uals who eventually develPerformed by Thailand dinner. adiponectin, at four differoped T2DM. In addition, These results, published in researchers, the study’s ent times: baseline, 3-, 6-, the curcumin treatment the journal Obesity, indicate primary object was to and 9-month visits during appeared to improve overthat proper meal timing can assess the efficacy of curthe course of intervention. all function of -cells, with the primary make an important contri- cumin, The results were reported very minor adverse effects. bution towards managing polyphenol in turmeric, as follows: After nine Therefore, this study obesity and promoting an which gives the spice its months of treatment, 16.4 demonstrated that the golden hue, in delaying overall healthy lifestyle. per cent of subjects in the curcumin intervention in To find out the impact of the development of Type 2 placebo group were diaga prediabetic population meal timing on weight loss diabetes mellitus (T2DM) nosed with T2DM, whereas might be beneficial. and health, Professor in a prediabetic populanone were diagnosed with Considering that at least Jakubowicz and her fellow tion. T2DM in the curcumin40 per cent of the United The study design was a researchers conducted a treated group. In addition, States population ages 40 study in which 93 obese randomized, double-blindthe curcumin-treated to 74 are believed to have women were randomly ed, placebo-controlled trial group showed a better prediabetes, according to assigned to one of two including 240 subjects overall function of -cells, Center for Disease Control who met the American groups. with higher HOMA- (61.58 and Prevention (CDC) staEach consumed a moder- Diabetic Association’s crivs. 48.72; P < 0.01) and tistics, the health implicaate-carbohydrate, moder- teria for prediabetes. All lower C-peptide (1.7 vs. tions of this study are proate-fat diet totalling 1,400 subjects were randomly 2.17; P < 0.05). The curcumfound. assigned to receive either

Turmeric extract 100% effective in stopping Type 2 diabetes, study finds

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Education NUC, DOF, 12 varsities plan new postgraduate disciplines in Gerontology

Some elderly citizens protesting the non payment of their pension. By Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi OTHING has, indeed, amplified the high N level of injustice against the elderly in the country, more than the recent revelations of large-scale diversion of pension funds by some top government officials, who had been entrusted with the task of paying the retired civil servants what is due to them. And across the states, the story is the same: older citizens, who had served their country diligently in their youthful years, are being owed or denied their pension. At regular intervals, they are asked to present themselves for verification, during which they queue up for long hours, resulting in nothing. Several senior citizens have collapsed and died as a result. Some courageous ones have carried placards in protest, spewing out curses on perceived thieves. The few lucky ones, who have caring and well-to-do children, are better off. Even at that, there are concerns that older citizens are not receiving the care, love and respect they deserve. Nigeria’s population figures have always been dogged by controversies. However, it is being projected that the country may rank 11th among the world countries with the largest population of older persons by 2015, just three years away. At the moment, various estimates put the population of the elderly in the range of 5.4 to 5.6 percent. There is no concrete evidence of any plan for them at the federal level. In terms of understanding the peculiarities surrounding the care for older persons, universities that offer medicine do not yet teach the dynamics of Gerontology. According to Wikipedia, Gerontology encompasses the study of physical, mental and social changes in people as they grow old. It also involves the investigation of: the aging processes itself; interface of normal aging and age-related diseases; effects of an ageing population and the application of the knowledge so derived in putting policies and programmes in place, to deal with all known perspectives. The medieval Islamic world is reputed to have produced several physicians who wrote extensively on issues related to Gerontology. For instance, there was the Arabic physician, Ibn AlJazzar Al Qayrawani (898 – 980), who wrote on the aches and conditions of the elderly. His scholarly work had covered sleep disorders, forgetfulness and how to strengthen memory. But the proper organization of Gerontology into its different fields began in the 1940s, with pioneers like Michel Eugene Chevreul, who believed that aging should be a science to be studied. He died at 102 years. Dr Emem Omokaro, who specializes in aging population, has been engrossed with creating the awareness on the need for Nigeria to give Gerontology the attention it deserves. With a doctorate (Ph.D) in Development Sociology from the University of Calabar and a post-doctoral certificate in Social Gerontology from the

International Institute on Ageing, United Nations in Malta, Omokaro initiated the first conference of stakeholders in the care for the elderly in the country. As Executive Director of the Dave Omokaro Foundation (DOF), a Private Trust, committed to the research and programme design in the field of ageing, Omokaro is currently a visiting scholar at the National Universities Commission (NUC), to help develop a curriculum in Gerontology and Geriatrics for Nigerian universities. It all started with her doctoral thesis on Some Non Cultural Determinants of Adult Children Care of Elderly Parents, at the Department of Sociology, University of Calabar. “The findings were disturbing,” she said. “People always talk about the family caring for the elderly, that the children are there, but nobody ever asks questions about the quality of the care. We discovered that the care of parents was at the bottom and that opened up a whole window for poverty and neglect, because about 85 percent of the parents we interviewed depended on the income from their children. The findings were disturbing because, although the emotional bond of children and parents is there, the social reality is that, yes they love their parents, but they have priorities.” According to Omokaro, children don’t know what to do with their parents, because there are no programmes, trained hands and community facilities. She queried: “If you had an aged parent who had a terminal or protracted illness or even needed company, what about those with dementia, what do you do?” Her thesis eventually won the Nigerian Universities Doctoral Theses Award, organised by the NUC in 2005, igniting a series of activities. Impressed by her findings, her late husband, Dave Omokaro, a Professor of Botany after whom the DOF was named, organized a stakeholders’ conference where a lot of interest was generated. Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof Julius Okojie, who takes the issues concerning the elderly quite seriously, invited Omokaro and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the commission and the DOF on all aspects of Gerontology. Explaining why the assignment is so important to both parties, Omokaro observed: “Gerontology is relatively new in Nigeria, with no structured programmes being offered in public universities.” Besides, she noted that the traditional notion, that care for the elderly is strictly a family affair was still prevalent. “The work of NUC and DOF is not just to sit down and review curriculum, then develop programmes and run them,” she explained. “The first is to sensitise people, so that they know and see that there is a demand for experts in the field. They have to realise the neglect, inequity, the international framework

Omokaro for action that Nigeria acceded to and that these must be translated into policies and programmes. They have to know the targets and indicators of the well being of older persons. The relevant MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies) also have to know that it is part and parcel of their mandates. Then, you can enroll students, if not, if you just say ‘come and study Gerontology,’ they (students) will ask you, ‘where am I going with it?’ That is why we are organising workshops, conferences and seminars.” Underscoring the importance of taking the issues that concern the elderly seriously, Omokaro said: “The sad thing about old age is that it is irreversible. You can control population, you can reduce mortality by improving medical health facilities and maintaining healthy lifestyles, but no matter what you do, you age every day. “With the current low birth rate, a time is coming when our population pyramid will look different from what it is today. In every country, population issues and demographic trends are factored into national planning, human resource development, health policies, education, everything.” Surprisingly, Omokaro revealed that some government agencies, saddled with the responsibility of initiating programmes for the elderly in the country, have largely been nonchalant. “There are many MDAs that have mandates on older persons, which have gathered dust,” she stated. “We write proposals to remind them about their mandates and how we can help them translate such mandates into programmes and activities. I can’t tell you how many proposals I have written, how many times have they waved me off, saying, ‘look, we have better issues to deal with.’ And these are people who are (also) ageing. “I always call their attention to the fact that this is for them too. Unfortunately, Nigeria is at a stage where we have challenges of infrastructural development (and) unemployment. People are looking for good roads, clean water, power. Entrepreneurs are looking for facilities to start their businesses; youths are looking for employment, and then, you go and tell state governments to look after their older persons? “A lot of people have negative perceptions about older persons. You will not believe how someone, in his 60s, in some parastatal that has a mandate to build capacity, mobilise the citizenry to understand the issues of ageing and develop information on education and communication materials, looked me in the face and said, older persons were the ones who spoilt this country! “What percentage of older persons had the opportunity to be in policy making or implementation, considering that the informal sector accounts for 84 percent of older persons, who would do menial jobs, until they cannot do anymore; who have no social safety nets,

Okojie because they have no pension?” As a first step, the NUC, DOF and some 10 selected universities, recently held a consultative meeting where the framework for the delivery of postgraduate programmes in Gerontology and Geriatrics was discussed. Geriatrics is a sub – specialty of internal and family medicine, that focuses on the healthcare of elderly people. Several issues were considered, such as, how to develop a sustainable foundation for the delivery of the programmes in the universities; the structure of the programmes, where it should be hosted and which faculty and department should host it. “Gerontology is inter-disciplinary,” Omokaro explained. “There is Psychiatry, Public Health, Family Medicine, Community Medicine, Sociology, Occupational Therapy, Psychology and so on. The discussions were about what kind of structure to put in place, so that one programme does not overwhelm the other. “Then of course, Geriatrics, since it is a Master’s programme, which department will host it? Is it Family Medicine or Public Health? What should be the core courses? We also discussed the credit hours. The fundamental thing for the NUC is that, a postgraduate degree in Gerontology and Geriatrics should not be paper qualification. From the beginning, there should be hands-on skills, so any university that is running these programmes must show the community service aspects, such as older persons’ centre, with an inter-disciplinary team of medical doctors, nurses, gerontologists and so on. We needed to consult different experts to arrive at a framework. We also talked about funding, how to access funds, outside the budgetary allocation to the universities, so that it does not get stuck somewhere.” She continued: “In March, we invited a group of experts to deliberate on curriculum development, so as to produce a preliminary draft benchmark statement on Gerontology and Geriatrics. This involved some international experts from the University of Valparaiso, Indiana, United States of America and several Nigerian professors in different fields. We deliberated on the limitations of the present curriculum in Nigerian universities that barely mentions ageing and then sat down to look at the core courses that are required for a graduate in Gerontology. It was resolved that it could not be thrown to every university. We had to look at some universities that had some academic departments in certain fundamental programmes and also had depth in infrastructure and community service, so that we could harvest what was already in existence.” The institutions penciled down for the initiative were: The University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ahmadu Bello University, Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Bayero University, the Universities of Benin, Jos, Calabar, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Nsukka.

The GuARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

eDuCATION

ZODML unveils BookCorner in public secondary schools By Mary Ogar ITh the level of success W achieved in stimulating a book reading culture among

Deputy Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji S.A. Sunmola (4th from left, back row), intiator of 1Child 1Book, Tosin Jegede (right), Co founder of Jumia.com, Tunde Kehinde (second right) and pupils of Emmanuel Primary School, Ojota, Lagos at the donation of books to 230 pupils by the Tosin Jegede Foundation recently.

British varsities woo elite students with cash, iPads OP universities are to offer inducements including free mini iPads and laptops, tickets to celebrity lectures and rent rebates as they prepare to battle for Britain’s brightest students According to the Sunday Times of London, when the Alevel results are announced today, those with high grades will find themselves in a buyers’ market as many of Britain’s elite universities will, for the first time, enter clearing — the process whereby students are matched to spare places. Scholarships worth thousands of pounds will also be dangled in front of teenagers, to persuade them to trade up from lower-ranking universities. Vice-chancellors at leading universities such as Keele, Southampton, exeter and Sussex will be taking advantage of a ministerial decision to allow them to recruit unlimited numbers of applicants with grades of ABB and above. A survey of universities by Deloitte reveals that more than a quarter have ambitious plans for expansion. Others, however, will be trying to fill half-empty courses shunned by students who want certainty about getting value for their £9,000-a-year fees. Don Nutbeam, the vicechancellor at Southampton, said: “We are competing with 20 or 30 other universities for the most talented. It will be a genuine market place with

students using it to try to get a better offer.” One insider predicted cutthroat rivalry: “The universities will be fighting like cats and dogs. On law courses in particular, they are trying to pile students up high because it’s a way of enrolling good quality students and they can teach them relatively cheaply. But not all these students will be able to get jobs.” At Sussex, the high-flying students who qualify are being offered scholarships worth £5,000; at Coventry the offer to top students is a £1,000 scholarship or £1,500 off university accommodation and the chance to attend star lectures; Southampton will waive up to £3,000 of fees; essex will be offering access to bursaries of £2,000; Coventry will be offering tickets to lectures by star speakers as well as free laptops on some courses. Places will be available on degree courses that usually attract a high level of competition, including law and psychology. Some courses, such as languages and archeology, are said to be “on their knees” with too few students to fill them. The competition will be heightened because vice chancellors do not believe the lifting of caps on students numbers will last long. The cost to the government, which underwrites each student’s £9000 fees is thought to be too high. Nick Foskett, the vice chan-

cellor at Keele, said: “universities want to grow and there is a small window of opportunity. In theory, w can recruit unlimited number of AAB students and the Treasure will pick up the tab. That will not continue.” Michael Farthing, the vice chancellor at Sussex, said the biggest long term threat was if lots of pupils decided not to go to university. Last year, 40,000 with good A-levels chose no to study for a degree. Some low-ranking universities will struggle. In a YouGov, a poll for The Sunday Times, 52 percent thought an Oxbridge education was worth £9000 a year in fees while 29percent disagreed. By contrast, almost two thirds said tuition at the universities outside the top 20 was not worth it. Sixth formers who have failed to get the required Alevel grades for their chosen course will still be accepted by leading universities if they achieve high scores in an essay qualification. Almost 30,000 pupils have taken an extended project with their Alevels. The mini-dissertation is popular with private schools. Applicants to Bristol who fail to achieve an AAA grade offer will be accepted on some courses of they achieve AAB plus a good grade in the extended essay. essex will take it into account of an applicant’s results “fall short by a small margin, such as one grade.”

holmes decries frequent policy changes From Chuka Odittah, Abuja Briton, Susan holmes, has A said that incessant policy changes and lack of adequate planning have, among other factors, contributed to what she described as “a decline” in Nigeria’s educational standards. holmes pointed out that no country could achieve development, unless it first laid the foundation of its education system on merit and consistency. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Olumawu Basic education school, Abuja, holmes expressed worry over the frequent changes of education policies in the country, saying it had sent the wrong

signals, even when government had the best of intentions . “In Britain, where I’ve worked and taught for a considerable length of time before coming to Nigeria,” she noted, “you do not have the type of frequent policy changes that one has seen here in Nigeria. Good planning is central to success of any policy. So planning, and planning well in advance cannot be overemphasized. They need to ensure that things run on time and on target. It’s so frustrating, sometimes, to see that when we have to launch a new curriculum given by the government and one just can’t find a copy of that curriculum to enable you

study it. You sometimes have to wait may be up to a year or later to find one. It’s just not possible to achieve the right results with such a strategy, even though it is obvious the authorities mean well. Sometimes these things do happen, but in a situation where they happen too often, it gives room for concern. “In Britain, how it’s done is that, if government planned to launch a new curriculum, say, in 2010, everyone is given at least one full year to work on and study it. Appropriate authorities will be consulting broadly as well, meeting people and introducing the new system. It takes about two or three years before such a policy is finally launched.”

students in some Lagos public schools, the Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries (ZODML) has unveiled the BookCorner project in some selected public secondary schools in Lagos state. The project is an offshoot of the library projects, pioneered in some selected public primary schools, in order to sustain the reading habits already acquired by pupils who had graduated from primary to secondary schools. Speaking at the formal launch of the initiative at Girls’ Junior Secondary Grammar School (GJSGS) in Keffi, Lagos, the co-chair and member of ZODML’s Board of Trustees, the Mrs. Ifeoma esiri said: “Today, we doing something very significant. We started by making libraries available in some selected primary schools. But we later found out that a lot of these pupils have moved on to secondary school and because they are already used to going to the library and borrowing books, they are rather finding it difficult to get books to read.” She also lamented that part of the challenge the pupils face in having access to books was related to a change in school administration, which does not allow the sustainability of some projects.

explaining the concept of ZODML, a non-profit organisation founded in 1998, esiri said: “Our mission is to provide channels through which people can freely access information and learning tools to acquire knowledge. To achieve this, we establish community and school libraries, libraries in prisons as well as online libraries and other resources.” With contemporary books that students can relate to selected for the BookCorner, she averred that the desire to continue to make books available to secondary school students, informed the reason for the initiative. Already, the benefiting school has appointed the BookCorner prefects to moni-

tor the books and how they will be maintained. Soliciting for partnership with publishers to get the BookCorner established in more schools, esiri said the initiative is expected to ignite the passion to read in children. The BookCorner ambassador, Miss Kene Rapu, who was chosen because of her passion for reading, urged the students to understand the importance of reading early to get far in any endeavour. Rapu also took the students through three of her favourites books namely: “helen Keller- A photographic story of a life by Leslie Garreth, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Girls in Love by Jacqueline Wilson.”

St. Gregory’s old boys elect Okogie, Omolayole patrons he St. Gregory’s College T Old Boys Association has appointed its former proprietor, Cardinal Olubunmi Okojie and an industrialist Chief Michael Omolayole, as Chairmen of the newly constituted Boards of Trustees and Patrons, respectively. According to a statemebt by the association’s spokesman, Mt oladipo Okubanjo, the appointments and ratification of members of the new boards were made at the well attended bi-annual general

meeting of association, held in Lagos recently. The association’s president, Dr. John Abebe, while reeling out names of members of the two boards, said “the distinguished Gregorians have all indicated their acceptance to serve on the boards”, adding that he was very happy to complete the task bestowed on him and his executive to select and convince the selected personalities, to carry out specific assignments for the association.

BookCorner’s ambassador, Miss Kene Rapu (third from left), co-chair and member, Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries’ (ZODML) Board of Trustees, Mrs. Ifeoma Esiri (right) and students, at the formal launching of the BookCorner Library initiative, at Girls’ Junior Secondary Grammar School, Keffi, Lagos, recently.

Do-Estdot college seeks assistance for deaf students By Ujunwa Atueyi OuNDeR of Do-estdot FcialCollege, Idimu, Lagos, a speschool for both normal and hearing impaired students, Mrs. Modupe Ogunbayo, has appealed to Lagos State Government and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the school. Ogunbayo, in an interview with The Guardian during the second valedictory service of the school, said getting dedicated and committed teachers that could patiently impart knowledge to group deaf students was a big problem. her words: “You know that teaching deaf students requires a lot of commitment. You need strength, 100 per cent concentration with your mind, body gesture and signs. So, sometimes, these teachers get tired and move to normal teaching. We need teachers

and caregivers, we need instructional materials, special learning facilities and practical equipment. We have plans in our quest to provide 21st century learning facilities for these special children, but money is our challenge. We want state government and well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid”. She revealed that two deaf students of the school, Alaraba Sodiq and Abass Rukayat, who recently won gold medals for Lagos State at the 18th National Sport Festival (eko 2012), are presently undergoing training in Bulgaria. Ogunbayo warned that a neglect of deaf students in the society would amount to segregation, which would lead to dejection and perpetual suffering among the hapless students. She advised parents not to limit deaf children by keeping them at home. Such stu-

dents,she insisted should also b sent to school, “where their talents can be identified and nurtured for optimum result.” The school’s outgoing head boy, Adeniran Musadiq, while narrating his experience of learning alongside deaf mates, affirmed: “The deaf are very brainy, because nothing distracts them unlike us that listen and can hear. They always concentrate in all class work. What is expected of us is to accept and show them love. They are humans like us and the only way to communicate is to learn their signs. The only task required of us is to be calm with them. They can be a little bad tempered when they feel they are not being accepted, but when you show them love and care, they are fun to be with and they are very caring too.”

EDUCATION

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Bowen varsity celebrates outgoing vice chancellor By Mary Ogar T inception in 2002, Bowen A University commenced academic activities with only 506 students, spread across degree progrmames in three faculties: Agricultural science, science Education, social and Management science. But today, the fledging institution boasts of a student population of 4, 650, now spread across 35 undergraduate, nine Master’s and doctorate programmes respectively. Besides, within the last three years, additional new faculties of Humanities, Law and Medicine have been added. This steady development was ascribed to the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Timothy Olagbemiro, who had been in the saddle for the past 10 years, at a impressive send off ceremony organized last week in his honour. Bundles of tributes by students, staff, colleagues and the Bowen University Community filled the air at the gathering, with Olagbemiro assuring that he would now go back to his first passion – teaching Chemistry. Guests at the event, comprising former classmates and teachers and coach from his former secondary school – Baptist High school, Jos,

which he attended between 1961 and 1966, commended Olagbemiro for his humility, friendly disposition and winning ways, which the confessed had made him a enterprising manager of human resource. Pro-chancellor and chairman, Governing Council of the university, Dr Gamaliel Onosode said: “Today, we celebrate one of those very few people who have not bowed to the power of money, but has strived for excellence in education, human values and development of infrastructure. We pray that the in coming VC would embark on a journey even more glorious than this.” Prof Theophilus Aro, in his goodwill message said: “Prof Olagbemiro was never an arm chair VC. He is always working. He is endowed with wisdom, business acumen and decency. His list of endearing characteristics are comprehensive and he has epitomized all these in the values and ethics he stood by.” Dr O.E. Atobatele from the Department of Biological sciences said, “I came to Bowen as a young academic but the VC has inspired and stimulated me and my colleagues to go further and a lot of us are now PhD holders. He was an inspiration in terms of research and has facilitated

the visit of other lecturers. He believes strongly in assessment by the students. He is a mentor, an inspiration and a father.” Vice President of the alumni association, Mrs. Yinka Oroniran said the Vice Chancellor charted a great path for others to follow, having facilitated the employment of about 25 to 30 Bowen Alumni members into various departments and units of the University. Her words: “He is a Vice Chancellor who listens and attends to the welfare of students, no matter what it is. Whenever there is a call or pressing need at the hostel, he would be there. And he is always energizing us to work hard all the time”. The institution’s Bursar, Mrs. Elizabeth Adeleke said: “Prof Olagbemiro has been my boss for 10 years. Money matters are not easy, but the Vice chancellor was able to accomplish so much because he is a man chosen by God for the Bowen project. His performance in the last 10 years has been passionate and committed. He has a clear vision on the standard he wanted. He is a courageous man, because it takes courage to lead a crowd and in spite of it all, he has not allowed himself to be overburdened.” Former Registrar, Mr.

Pro Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council, Bowen University, Iow, Osun State, Dr Gamaliel Onosode (left) presents a plaque of honour to the out-going Vice Chancellor, Prof Timothy Olagbemiro while his wife, Florence looks on, during a special Appreciation Service for Olagbemiro, at the school chapel, Iwo, Osun State. Biodun Olawale stated: “I want to appreciate the VC for his passion for the development of the university. He is a man of great strength and his tenure as VC has been successful. Also, the occasion featured the launching of a book authored by Olagbemiro, titled “ Building lives at Bowen University: The Baptist Heritage”, which highlights his activities and stewardship

in the institution. In his response, Olagbemiro thanked for all those who believed and stood by him during his tenure, stressing that the support from the governing council, staff and students was responsible for the all laudable feats he achieved. Olagbemiro who bagged a Bachelor of science degree in Chemistry from stetson University, a Baptist owned University in Deland, Florida,

United states of America in 1971, also obatained a Master’s degree and a doctorate in Chemistry, at both Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee and Howard University, Washington DC. He returned to Nigeria in 1978 and joined Bayero University, Kano, as a lecturer. He was appointed Professor of Chemistry in 1984 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi and joined

Rainbow college graduates 98 By Mary Ogar s youths grapple with sociA etal problems ranging from restiveness, peer pres-

Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) Prof Akpan Ekpo (centre, front row), Mr. Alvaro Manoel (third from right), Ms Lillia Razlog (third from left), both facilitators from the World Bank Economic Policy and Debt Department (PREMED) and other participants at the WAIFEM/WORLD BANK training on Debt Management Performance Assessment (DeMPA) Tool, held in Lagos recently.

WAIFEM partners World Bank on capacity building By Mary Ogar O develop the competenT cies of auditors and other stakeholders in the financial sector in the application of the Debt Management Performance Assessment (DeMPA), the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), in collaboration with the World Bank, has organized a capacity building programme for participants, drawn from Anglophone West African countries in Lagos. speaking at the opening ceremony recently, the Director General of the institute, Prof Akpan Ekpo, explained that the DeMPA evaluates strengths and weaknesses in public debt management, through a comprehensive set of 15 performance indicators, covering six core areas. some of these indicators, according to him, include; governance and strategy development; coordination with macroeconomic policies; borrowing and related financing activities; cash flow

forecasting and cash balance management; operational risk management; and debt records and reporting. He explained that DeMPA could also help guide the design of actionable reform programmes and facilitate monitoring of performance over time. He said: “The delivery methodology for the training includes: presentation plenary, hands-on case studies and discussions on operational application of the tool. At the end of the course, the participants would have acquired a thorough understanding of the scope and methodology of the DeMPA tool, including the inter-linkages between the Debt Performance Indicators (DPIs). They will also be trained on the use of evidencebased information for assessing debt management and the associated scoring techniques”. Considering earlier results of DeMPA missions in WAIFEM, and the growing demand by countries to build capacity of auditors in public debt management, Ekpo said WAIFEM

found it necessary to give more slots to auditors, in order to address the identified capacity gaps. About 40 participants, drawn from The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and sierra Leone with the Republic of Guinea, attended said fiveday intensive programme. Expressing the institute’s appreciation to the World Bank for partnering with WAIFEM over the years to build capacity of public sector officials in West Africa, he disclosed that the recent evaluation of debt management practices the West African region and some subnational entities through DeMPA missions, have indicated divergent results. He further revealed that the lack of thorough understanding of public debt management among the principal audit institutions; lack of clarity between the separation of monetary policy operations and debt management transactions, as well as the absence of cost-effective cash management policies in many countries, constitute the factors affecting the system.

sure, drugs, cultism and other vices, stakeholders who gathered at Rainbow College, Ogun state for its Valedictory speech and Prize Giving ceremony recently, have attributed Nigeria’s current problems to the inability of its leaders to transfer and sustain values. The ceremony, chaired by legislator Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also featured the maiden presentation of leadership awards to deserving students by the Nehemiah Aromolaran Foundation, as part of steps to inaugurate youth leadership clubs in secondary schools. speaking at the event, Mr. Nehemiah Aromolaran observed that while some peoples blame the country’s woes on leadership, he was of

the view that the inability of the current generation of leaders to sustain the values handed down by the founding fathers should was a greater problem. According to him, the founding fathers of the country had handed down values, which the successive generation of leaders had thrown to the wind, in the quest for power and money. “Our desire should be to inspire the current generation to work hard towards restoring a society that is based on values,” he said. “I believe that this nation will get better if we address the problem of leadership. Leadership is not an instant fix, but a deliberate process to make things work. Part of our problem in Nigeria is based on identity crisis and our goal through the leadership club is to build a sense of patriotism in these young children,” he added.

Founder of the College, Mrs. Oludolapo Odunlami in a chat with journalists said: “Our aim is to build capacity in the area of leadership. What the foundation has done today is to encourage the students so that as they leave the school environment, they can also bring their leadership skills to bear on the society. One of the valedictorians (boarding), Dumebi Okwuosa said: “Once upon a time, we were at home eating and drinking and like a shock, we were taken from our comfort and thrown into a secondary school which to us, was like prison at the time. We cried and some never stopped crying and all our cries fell on deaf ears. But today, we feel proud for having emerged victorious after six years. We are particularly grateful to our parents because without them, we won’t be here and we owe them a never ending debt”

Tejuosho links insecurity to govt’s poor handling of education sector By Mary Ogar s families and friends join A Mictec International school, Lagos to celebrate the graduating class of 2013, its Director, Mr. Michael Tejuosho has called for a shared commitment between dedicated teachers, motivated students and enthusiastic parents in order to an achieve good quality education. speaking at the school’s 12th valedictory and prize giving ceremony, held recently in Lagos, Tejuosho maintained that the inadequate attention the education sector suffers from, remains the primary

cause of insecurity in the country. According to him, a government that fails in its responsibility to provide high standard education for its citizenry should be ready for the collapse of institutions. He said: “We cannot continue to ignore the high rate of criminality such as kidnapping, child trafficking, robbery and economic instability due to lack of good leadership.” He disclosed that Mictec’s deep concern for good leadership traits led to the school’s decision to send its students abroad for leadership programmes. He said: “We are proud of our products. Our

yearly exchange programme integrates leadership skills, academic excellence; imbibes love and fear of God, while also stimulating and creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning.” Tejuosho also affirmed that good education should also encompass character building, disciplined lifestyle, goals, good morals, hard work, creativity and the fear of God. He insisted that with government’s seemingly abandonment of qualitative education and the refusal of successive administrations to pay adequate attention to education, it has become imperative for parents to partner with success driven schools.

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

The kabukabu renaissance By Tope Templer Olaiya, Assistant Lagos City Editor IkE it was chanted by LGeorge protesting animals in Orwell’s famous satirist classic, Animal Farm, “four legs good, two legs bad,” the stark reality of this axiom has dawned on transport operators in Lagos State. The new transport policy in Governor Babatunde Fashola’s mega-city is ‘two legs bad, three legs fair, but anything on four legs good’; which is in relation to motorcycles (Okada), tricycles (Keke NAPEP), and vehicles respectively. Nothing else explains the agenda, being released in phases, to turn Lagos into an elitist society. First, it was the gradual phase out of okadas, now the clampdown has been switched on to another means of public transportation – commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep or Keke Marwa. Few weeks back, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. kayode Opeifa, disclosed at the 2013 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa to mark the sixth anniversary of Fashola’s administration, that the state government has “agreed with the operator’s unions to outlaw the operation of tricycles on some Lagos roads.” Some of the roads captured in the ban include the entire Victoria Island, Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Ikeja and Ikoyi, Awolowo road, Awolowo way and Alausa in Ikeja, and the entire major roads in Surulere Local Government. Opeifa had warned that tricycling isn’t a replacement for Okada in the state, quoting Section 3 of the 2012

New face of Lagos...Kabukabus prowl the street Lagos Road Traffic Law, which outlawed the operation of tricycle in the state. He said: “It isn’t a sustainable means of transport for the state, especially Lagos that is a megacity. I learnt that some Okada riders have began to sell their motorcycle to buy tricycle, but they can no longer operate on these major roads again.” Operators and users of Keke NAPEP went to town and cried themselves hoarse

PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

about how the governor was trying to aggravate poverty, which the scheme was meant to eradicate, in the hope that the mob effect would cause government to rescind its decision. Immediately, several factions of the operator’s unions engaged government officials in endless close-door sessions. Mute was the word from the lips of the operator’s representatives after each round of

meetings, while hopes were raised on how the policy would either be jettisoned or implemented with a human face. However, while the supposed interregnum lingered, the policy, last week, rode to town in full force, as Keke NAPEP became haram in all the proscribed areas. This left passengers, who had slowly grown accustom to the absence of Okadas, stranded. Many resorted to

trekking long distances, a few joined available taxis, while some others just turned back or board a bus, ready to roam the city in circles until they are closer to their destination. But trust bustling Lagosians, who are always quick to see opportunities in every problem, an old means of transportation was revived to ease the situation and few days after Keke NAPEP disappeared from VI,

GRAs and Surulere, Kabukabus have suddenly emerged from nowhere to fill the void. Kabukabu or Bolekaja (meaning come down and let’s fight) is a form of shared taxi, which is the transportation system prevalent in most Nigerian cities and villages. These cabs, which are mostly rickety, pose even more problems than Keke NAPEP, which it has come to replace. In the mega-city dream of the governor, these old wobbly vehicles, whose sounds could wake the dead while their exhaust fumes blind the view of vehicles in their rear, should actually not be found in 21st century Lagos. They not only pose environmental hazards, placed under scrutiny, they are bound to fail every facet of roadworthiness test. Curiously, LASTMA and VIO officials look the other way when sighted on the road. Their gaze instead is turned on SUVs and decent-looking vehicles. An angry Lagosian, who has had to report late for work no matter how early he left home, told The Guardian “Keke NAPEP is the least of our problems in Lagos State. “It was wrong for the governor to keep pushing out his anti-poor policies without providing alternatives. This new policy will only increase criminality and unemployment. Fashola should know that fingers are not equal and Lagos does not belong only to owners of Range Rovers and Land Cruisers. More importantly, he should not destroy the platform and party that brought him to power through his antimasses policies.”

‘Govt should rescind tricycle restriction in interest of masses’ By Toyosi Ajayi have made a pasLStateAGOSIANS sionate appeal to the Lagos government to reconsider its policy on the prohibition of tricycles, which is a source of livelihood to thousands and a reliable means of commuting across communities in the city. The lingering poverty level and sufferings Lagosians encounter commuting in Lagos has been elevated to new heights with the implementation of the restriction order on tricycles in the state’s commercial business districts of Ikeja, Victoria Island and Surulere. An aggrieved tricycle operator, John Emeka, said Fashola is making the masses regret voting him into office for second term. “The PDP sounded the alarm bell then, but we thought it was all political campaign and propaganda for us to vote PDP. Now, it is very clear to us how Fashola is making us suffer.”

Another operator, Matthew Oliver, said government’s reason that the GRA residents are complaining of insecurity is false. “We all agreed with the decision on Okada, which was being used to perpetuate crime, what sort of crime can be perpetrated in a GRA with a Keke NAPEP that has its flanks all open, with nothing hidden. “Government should come up with a better excuse. Governor Fashola must have been listening to bad advisers, who are caught off from the reality on ground. Since they are always driven around in tinted SUVs, they won’t know the problem an average person faces commuting in Lagos,” he said. Mr. Bassey Sunday, a tricycle operator, begged government to rescind its decision because it would have negative effect on not only the commuters but also the riders. Using himself as an example, he said that he used to ride motorcycles but when it

was banned he was still riding because he had no alternative means of providing for his family. According to him, it was only about two months ago that somebody stood as a surety for him to allow a microfinance bank in Ogba to finance the purchase of a tricycle on loan to be repaid through a weekly contribution. He further said he was shocked by the news because he has only worked two months and had paid back less than N100,000 to the microfinance firm. “Not everybody can afford to buy a car and even for those who have one, it’s not every time you want to put it on the road. I have a friend who doesn’t take his car anywhere else except his office and church because of the problem of parking space in the city. Why won’t the roads be congested when the means of transportation between communities are being phased out?”

Keke NAPEP...the people’s choice

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Lagos explains why Kalu’s House was sealed HE Lagos State government has T responded to their decision to seal the home of the former Abia State governor,

No go area...blcked expressway leading to Apapa port

PHOTO: GODFREY OKPUGIE

Dreadful gridlocks at seaports repel motorists from Apapa By Godfrey Okpugie Deputy Lagos City Editor OTORISTS, scared by the dreadful gridlock often caused by frightening container-laden heavy-duty trailers going to the sea ports in Lagos have decided to stop going to Apapa for fear of being trapped for hours in a suffocating traffic snarl. The Guardian’s investigation revealed that even the drivers of the trucks are also suffering the adverse effects of the holdup which have been traced to the snail-speed offloading of the containers by the port terminal operators and acute shortage of space for the trucks to park while waiting to discharge their consignment. A visit to the place, last week, showed a long queue of trucks, which completely obstructed movement on one side of the expressway leading to the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. The traffic snarl at the Tin Can Port was further worsened by the bad portion of the highway which had degenerated into deep gullies that cause drivers to slow down, almost to a standstill, to carefully maneuver through the place. Some of the drivers who spoke to The Guardian said they were always reluctant to come to the ports to drop containers because of the valuable time often wasted on such venture.

John Chukwu, one of the drivers said: “I don’t normally like to come to this place. Any time I come, I always waste time. In transport business movement is money. Time wasted in a traffic jam means loss of money.” Another driver, Imudia Ogieriakhi, while blaming the ugly development on government’s failure to provide spacious parking lot for the trucks, said everything in this country is always the opposite of what obtains in developed countries. He asked: “Is it the duty of individual truck owners to arrange for a parking place for their trucks to stay while waiting to offload empty containers? Is it also the duty of the terminal operators, who are tenants at the ports to acquire a place here with huge amount for trucks to park? It is the duty of government to provide garage and collect levies from any person that wants to use the place.” Attempt to get AP Moller, one of the major Terminal operators at Apapa Port and who was accused to be contributing to the gridlock through tardy offloading of trucks was not successful. The security at the port entrance refused to allow The Guardian into the port because of lack of port entry permit. But an official of the firm who was at the port gate said the company could not do more than it was currently doing in

the area of taking delivery of the returned containers because the exercise was being carried out turn-by-turn on the trucks. He explained that to avoid accidents and ensure that no mistake was made in the arrangement of the boxes, every container offloaded was carefully and securely positioned in place before another truck is called in. He disclosed that the company pays huge amount as wages to those in charge of taking deliveries of returned containers, adding that the staff involved do shifting job of morning, afternoon and night. At the Tin Can Port, the same explanation was obtained from one of the security operatives at the front office, who also insisted that port entry permit must be produced to access the Tincan Island Containers Terminals Limited (TICT)’s top officers. However, available reports indicate that the gridlocks could have serious implications for the security and economy of the country and that the additional costs incurred by the truckers as demurrage are usually passed down to the final consumers of the goods, which tend to worsen the inflationary trends in the country. Some shipping companies were also accused of contributing to the problem as they failed to provide holding bays for their empty containers, which is the

global standard practice. Mostly affected are the companies located along the road where the traffic jam often occurs. A worker in one of the companies on Creek Road, Apapa, Mr. Stephen Ocheme, said the situation is worst during the rush hours, especially in the morning and in the evening, when people are resuming work or going home. Apart from the slow offloading and lack of space for trucks to park, Ocheme identified indiscipline, lack of enforcement and corruption as other factors that used to give rise to the traffic jam. He disclosed that truck drivers ought to follow government’s directive to park on only one lane so that the other lanes can be free for other motorists. But during rush hours desperate drivers often grease the palm of traffic officials who turn their face the other way and pretend not to see them (drivers) park on all the lanes on both sides of the road. A manager in one of the Clearing and Forwarding firm in Apapa, Mr. Sunday Aba said he had decided to abandon his car at home and resorted to boarding commercial buses to work to avoid the stress associated with driving in the traffic gridlocks in Apapa area. He said it is very stressful and traumatic for motorists to come to Apapa.

Gen. Umahi recounts how juju failed him at warfront

Chief Orji Uzor Kalu in Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Aderemi Ibirogba, said Kalu’s failure to pay statutory annual land use fees was the reason they sealed his house. Kalu had accused the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, of pursuing a vendetta mission because of his threat to sue the state over the deportation of Igbo from Lagos. “When I said I vowed to take him to court over his deportation of Ndi Igbo from Lagos, he told some people that he would seal my house for threatening to take him to court.” But the state government through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy stated their side of the story: “The attention of the Lagos State government has been drawn to a misleading claim by a businessman, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu, that his Ikoyi home has been sealed off following a threat to sue the Lagos State government over an unrelated matter. “We wish to state, for the avoidance of doubt that nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that Kalu’s property in Park View Estate, Ikoyi was distrained pursuant to Section 40 of the Revenue Administration Law of Lagos State for failure to pay the statutory annual land use charge despite three separate notices delivered to the said property. “As a government driven by law and process, the Lagos State government will ordinarily expect all law abiding residents to discharge their responsibilities to the state. If, in spite of failing to do so, Kalu wants to give ethnic colouration to a routine performance of its duties by an agency of government, which in this case is the Land Use Charge Office, under the Ministry of Finance, he is welcome to do so. “However, it should be noted that when the issue was brought to the attention of the governor on Tuesday evening, he directed the agency to unseal the property and that an additional 14 days grace period be given to Kalu to pay the said charge.”

Kalu‘s house of controversy

… Megacity of about 10,000 $1m-worth residents

IGHT months after assuming the service under his watch. blessing,” he said. why the church is publicly E leadership as General Officer He also used the occasion to AGOS has the third highest number of millionPastor of the King’s Court rejoicing and celebrating with Commanding 81 Division, Niger- recount his bittersweet experi- Parish and Commissioner for him. He has often acknowlL aires on the continent. This is according to the latian Army, Major-General Obi Abel ences in service spanning close Economic Planning and Budget, edged that the height he has est annual New World Wealth report, which revealed Umahi, was last Sunday treated to a welcome reception in his honour by the King’s Court Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victoria Island. Held at the cozy Panoramic Hall of Civic Centre, eminent dignitaries were drawn from the armed forces, politics, church and the entertainment circuit to an evening of music, comedy and spiritual edification. Before his new posting, General Umahi was Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City, Edo State. Umahi, who claimed he was not a stranger to the hustle and bustle of Lagos, maintained that the people of the state would have a smooth relationship with officers and men of

to three decades, one of which was how the juju his father gave him for protection failed him at the war front. He was among Nigerian soldiers who helped to restore peace in Liberia as part of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). Umahi disclosed that during the mission, a bullet hit and injured his left hand side where the juju was placed. The army top shot, who is now very religious and is a serving pastor of the Redeemed Church, contrasted this with what happened after he stopped trusting in juju. “In 1991, I went back to Liberia, but by then I had burnt those juju. The battle was fierce this time but God delivered me. I am today, a living witness of God’s

Lagos State, Ben Akabueze, described the celebrant as a brother-in-Christ and a worthy representative of Jesus. “This is

attained in his career has not been due only to his efforts and hard work, as important as they are, but that it has pleased God

Wife of the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Mrs. Chinyere Umahi (left); Major General Obi Umahi; and Lagos State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Ben Akabueze, during the welcome reception in honour of Umahi in Lagos... on Sunday.

the Nigerian city has 9,800 millionaires. Lagos, which has a population of about eight million, is third behind Johannesburg (South Africa) and Cairo, the Egyptian capital, in the list of cities with the largest concentration of millionaires. Johannesburg topped the list with 23,000 millionaires at the end of 2012, followed by Cairo with 12,000 millionaires. Four South African cities were placed in the top ten of the rankings. The report further stated that although the number of millionaires in other African countries was growing at a fast rate, South African cities were still expected to dominate the top 10 list in 2020. By 2020, it is projected Lagos would have 15,800 millionaires. The New World Wealth’s list includes high-net worth individuals with net assets of $1 million or more, including their primary residence, also providing information and customized products to Africa’s wealth sectors such as luxury goods companies, private banks and fund managers among others. It has a sample of more than 120,000 individuals on its database.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Opinion Understanding the current situation (2) By Edwin Madunagu

could not have been) of equal strength. The strength of a centre is measured and fully apNE of the central propositions of last week’s preciated in times of internal party crisis; but opening segment of this new series may be re- each centre had remained a centre nonetheformulated and expanded: To understand the cur- less. I am also assuming that the multiplicity of rent rapidly developing political situation in our centres did not, could not, and was not excountry, Nigeria, you have to understand the cri- pected to, dissolve or neutralise the power sis in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); blocs. In fact the reality of Nigeria’s power blocs and to understand the latter crisis, you have to go (which reduced to two through the Civil War) back to the origin(s) of the party, particularly the lies at the root of the inequality of the centres. ideological conceptions of “national unity”, “national movement” and “national party” that inAs expected, or perhaps with the benefit of formed PDP’s methods of organisation and the hindsight, this regime of multiplicity of centres structure of leadership and control it adopted. of power and control that emerged in the PDP The last part of this proposition can be put differ- (as it did in the NPN 20 years earlier) soon-even ently: the current crisis in PDP is bound up with before the 1999 elections – ran into several conthe party’s foundation and structure; the crisis tradictions and internal crises. The party leadercannot therefore be resolved – or, rather, it can be ship responded to the most immediate and resolved only to be replaced by another crisis of open contradictions or problems (as the NPN greater seriousness – unless and until the very did) with the dual principle of “zoning” and foundations of the party are revisited. This is a log- “rotation” of party and government positions. ical condition, but not the end of practical possi- This was a theoretical resolution which, even if bilities. In the meantime, while the party is it was strictly and honestly followed, could not, battling with its problems, the other political nor could it have been expected to, resolve the forces cannot “wait”. In fact, PDP’s crisis accelerproblems continuously thrown up by primitive ates developments in other political forces (espe- capitalist accumulation, ethnicity, religious cially in the opposition forces). The emergence of bigotry as well as personal “attributes” of philoAll Progressives Congress (APC) is a testimony. sophical cynicism and insincerity. The core of PDP’s ideology, said to have been Every serious political party is expected to be strengthened by the lessons of the Civil War, can conscious of the fact that Nigeria is a multi-ethbe expressed as a compound formula: “National nic nation which is, additionally, endowed with unity – the unity of the ruling classes; and the multiplicity of religions. It is also expected that, unity of the ruling classes is rooted in equitable in every serious party, these national characterand fair distribution of, or access to, the national istics will be reflected – even if instinctively, wealth”. In this ideology “classes” – which are even if the country’s constitution does not rooted in the political economy or the mode of mandate it – in its organizational structure and production and distribution – are reduced to, or leadership. Such a party is also expected to rather disguised as, “leaders” and “elites”. In Niger- know that if it wins power at any governmental ian political lexicon “national wealth” is rendered level, these national characteristics will be reas “national cake”. flected in the composition of the government it In the course of examining this proposition, an runs – even if this is not explicitly demanded by effort which began last week, we saw the logical the Constitution as the latter actually does. The emergence in the PDP (just as in the party’s andifference between PDP (and NPN before it) on tecedent, the Second Republic’s National Party of the one hand, and other postwar mainstream Nigeria, NPN) multiple centres of power and control, ruling class parties, on the other hand, is that rather than single centres (as in most of the other the former announced to the world that it had mainstream ruling class political parties). We may raised this constitutional requirement (which add here – for analytical completeness – what may the Constitution calls “federal character”) to be taken as obvious: the multiple centers of power the level of core and irreducible ideological and and control that emerged in the PDP were not and organizational principle. The history of PDP’s

zoning and rotation principle is well known. A protocol on the other hand, is a secret addendum attached to an agreement. It is a secret “explanatory note”: the contents are known only to the authors who are the powers behind the agreement. A protocol tries to indicate what should be done in case the agreement runs into difficulties; this secret clause may, in essence, differ from the letter and spirit of the agreement; in extreme cases, a protocol directly contradicts the agreement to which it is attached. There may also be one or multiple protocols to an agreement. To illustrate from world history: During the Second World War (1939 - 1945), the Allied Powers (America, the Soviet Union, Britain and France) signed several agreements on how to guarantee “world peace” after the war. But attached to the agreements were protocols on carving the world into “zones of control”. Just before that war broke out the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed an agreement called a “non-aggression pact”; but attached to that agreement was a protocol on how to divide between them, and absorb, Poland and the Baltic states of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. The Nigerian Constitution of 1999 was an agreement rapidly put in place to meet the requirements of General Abdulsalami Abubukar’s short transition programme. The protocol attached to it was a series of secret agreements on transfer of power from the military regime to a civilian administration to be headed by General Obasanjo and how this country would be run after military disengagement. Behind the protocol were the military high command, fractions of the power blocs and our foreign “friends”. The 1999 Constitution was necessary but not too important at that stage. I joked to a late comrade about a year after General Olusegun Obasanjo assumed the office of President on May 29, 1999, that the retired army general might not have read or even seen the Nigerian Constitution. Long after this the comrade publicly said that what I thought was a joke was not a joke after all, that he was convinced the President had not read the Nigerian Constitution. But he was a key signatory to the protocol. Like other party constitutions, the PDP’s 1999 constitution was also an agreement. Attached to it, however, were several, mutually - contradictory protocols. The party con-

stitution talked about “federal character”, “zoning” and “rotation”. But it would appear that either the drafters of this constitution were oblivious of the country’s new Constitution especially the two-term provision and the article on unanticipated vacation of the presidential seat. The PDP began its life as a ruling party in May 1999. Before the party’s core leadership were two agreements – the country’s Constitution (the supreme law of the land) and the party’s Constitution. Beyond these there were two sets of protocols: one set attached to the country’s Constitution, and the other attached to the party constitution. In and between all these were many contradictions and silences. For instance, the country’s Constitution had, and still has, no provision for zoning and rotation. It talks of federal character and maximum of two terms for President and State Governors, but nothing more. The party protocols that are by definition secret created the most difficult problems: the protocols, rather than the party Constitution, rule the party in actuality. But since they are secret, the existence of some or all of them can be denied, and disputes between them only be resolved by the creation of new protocol whose existence can also be denied as soon as it is cited. Most of the committees or individuals often appointed to settle party disputes are completely ignorant of the existence or contents of the protocols from whose interpretations disputes had arisen in the first place. In consequence, they achieve nothing. So, whenever you hear or see that a serious dispute between party centres or important personages has been “resolved” what had happened, in effect, was that a new protocol had been created. Finally: All the power centres in the party publicly accept the supremacy of the country’s Constitution. But in practice the PDP and, indeed, in all the existing successful mainstream political parties operate, with disdain, on routine violation of the letter and spirit of this same “supreme” Constitution. Yet the political system continues to ride! • Concluded.

NdIgbo: The misplaced hysteria on Fashola By C. Don Adinuba HE Abia State government last year came up with an ingenious T policy. All non-indigenous employees in the state public service, including teachers, were to be relieved of their duties because the government’s resources were meant for the indigenes. Over 80 per cent of the people affected are from Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra and Enugu states. Most leaders maintained a conspiracy of silence on this policy, which for long will remain one of the greatest impediments to Igbo unity. Abia State was actually treading the path of the Enugu State government, which had in the late 1990s decided to sack all non-indigenes in the state’s public service in order to “save resources”. Almost every casualty is Igbo. Some politicians who are determined to make political capital out of the so-called repatriations have been busy simulating the hysteria. But perhaps, unbeknownst to these people, they are hurting in a most profound manner strategic Igbo interests. No people can survive – let alone – progress on a diet of lies and emotions, or by allowing politicians to create and sustain a culture of paranoia or siege mentality, otherwise called persecution complex. The Lagos State government launched a few year ago an ambitious project to turn Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve centre with a population of some 16 million, into a true megacity. This entailed, among other things, the enthronement of a new social order and a different aesthetic regime. Consequently, the state began to clear thousands of homeless people, beggars and urchins from the streets. Thus, a large number of “area boys” who are mostly Lagos Island indigenes, like the governor, are to this day still arrested and hounded into “Black Maria” trucks by Kick Against Indiscipline (KIA) officials. Borrowing a leaf from such places as New York and Hawaii, Lagos initiated a programme of returning many destitute individuals to their home states. Over 3,000 of such people have been relocated back to northern states where they have now been reintegrated with their families. When about 80 were sent to Oyo State in November 2009, the governor screamed to the high heavens that “they were dumped on Molete “Bridge” in Ibadan. About 14 destitute people from Anambra State were sent to Onitsha last week because of the failure of the State’s Ministry of Social Welfare to arrange for the arrival of these people, unlike those of

Akwa Ibom and Katsina states which made proper logistic arrangements for their own people. A section of the media has since gone to town with the extremely dangerous propaganda that the Lagos State governor is driving Igbo people out of Lagos through “brazen deportations and repatriations”. Even professionals and scholars expected to be more thoughtful and strategic in their actions have capitulated so easily to the mind poisoning reports and have been responding exuberantly. A man who introduced himself as a professor from Nnewi called me on the phone on Thursday morning to assert with so much authority that “only Anambra indigenes are being targeted for expulsion from Lagos because all Nigerians know that Anambra is the leader of the Igbo nation”. A lawyer in Maryland, United States, wrote that Fashola dare not relocate beggars of northern extraction, alleging that the Igbo are the whipping boy of Nigerian politics. He is blissfully ignorant of the thousands of northern beggars taken away from Borno Street in Ebute Metta and environs. How did the industrious, highly republican and intelligent Igbo people embrace, all of a sudden, this level of groupthink that has made us look like a people with unimaginable amnesia? Only last month, a very big plaza in Olodi, Apapa, belonging to Igbo entrepreneurs and housing hundreds of Igbo traders was burnt at night. The next day Fashola was at the site and promised to rebuild it at Lagos State’s expense. No Igbo governor has visited the place up to this moment, and none has promised to assist the victims. Last December, Ngozi Nwosu, an actress, was reported to be down with a serious liver ailment, so an appeal fund was launched. No Southeast government, including her home state of Imo State, responded, just as no wealthy Igbo men and women did. Only N1.5 million out of 6 million needed for treatment in the United Kingdom, could be raised. Fashola provided the remaining N4.5 million. And now some so-called Igbo activists are accusing him of anti-Igbo sentiments. Two months ago, Fashola completed the biggest housing estate he has built and named it for Emeka Anyaoku, an erstwhile Commonwealth secretary general from Anambra State. At a time some Igbo people cannot be hired as teachers or civil servants in South-eastern states, Fashola recruits them in large numbers, with some becoming judges and magistrates. His Commissioner

for Economic Planning and Budget, Ben Akabueze, is from the Southeast. The chief executive of the state Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency, Joe Igbokwe, is an engineer and publisher from Nnewi. Mac Duruigbo, from Imo State, is Fashola’s Personal Assistant on the Media. Fashola gave Ikemba Nnewi practically a state burial last year in Lagos, the only non-Southeast governor to accord the famous Biafran leader this high honour. He was the only governor who attended last March the Chinua Achebe colloquium at Brown University on Rhode Island, United States, where he praised Achebe for his monumental achievements at a time the great writer was the butt of criticism by the Yoruba political establishment following Achebe’s unflattering remarks about Obafemi Awolowo in his new book, There Was A Country, a personal account of the Nigerian civil war. So, how did some of us come about the brainwave that the dynamic and cosmopolitan Lagos State governor is anti-Igbo? Simply because his government relocated some Igbo elements to their home state, some of whom came to Lagos to do business but instead took to hard drug consumption and became urchin, better known as “area boys”! Interestingly when Fashola began to crack down on “area boys”, most of whom are from his state, Igbo traders were over the moon, rejoicing that the governor had saved them from the miscreants of “area boys” who had for decades been tormenting the traders daily, extorting huge sums from them and viciously assailing those who refused with dangerous weapons. There are more Igbo people in Lagos than any other state. There are so many investments in Lagos because Lagos has for long welcomed the Igbo people, enabling NdIgbo to prosper in Lagos more than any other state. And no governor in Nigeria’s history has demonstrated as much affection to our people as Fashola. Commonsense dictates we protect in a strategic manner the interests of our people and reciprocate the friendship of well meaning individuals and groups. It will be a colossal tragedy if we savour the dishes of salacious lies and terrible propaganda, which we are being served by opportunistic politicians and garnished by hysterical Igbo social activists. We must be guided at all times by truth and reason. • Adinuba is head of Discovery Public Affairs Consulting. This article was first published during the last Sallah holiday under the caption ‘Gov. Fashola and Ndigbo.’

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Opinion Summing-up Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) (2) By Abiola Irele HERE is obviously a fuller account to be heard T of the development of modern African literature, but even the bare evocation of the emergence of a new literature in Africa serves to generate our understanding of this literature as testimony of our responses to the pressures of the African experience as it was defined by a new and distinctive phase of evolution. In this sense, the summary account above provides an important perspective on the work of Chinua Achebe, for it brings into view the considerable expanse of literary creation within which this work was to find its special place – in other words, the broad stage upon which Achebe stepped out with the publication in 1958 of Things Fall Apart. As we are well aware, the novel rapidly assumed an innovative significance, one which it has never lost, going on to lend to modern African literature as a whole the world-wide resonance that derived from its status as a modern classic. It is instructive of the uncertain destiny of the literary work that, despite its eminent status, Things Fall Apart continues even now to encounter reservations of the kind voiced by Adewale Maja-Pearce, who seems to have assumed the role of resident cynic among us. It is of critical interest in this regard to quote his summary of Achebe’s novel: I have always considered Things Fall Apart a bad book, although its suffocating sentimentality about a vanished kingdom where men were virile and women virtuous – the past is always a better place, in Nigeria no less than elsewhere – presumably accounts for its 10 million readers in 50 languages who evidently like their literature to be uplifting, in this case that Africans once had cultures of great depth and beauty. This seems an indictment which we are invited to take seriously, especially as it has been echoed by other readers, in terms that may be less gross but which lend credence to the view expressed by Maja-Pearce. It must be said, however, that the summary of the novel that he offers reflects a superficial reading of Achebe’s novel. What it misses

is not only the narrative power evident in the work but also the artistic integrity that informs Achebe’s fashioning of his fictional world. For, contrary to the dismissive view expressed in the summary, Achebe’s novel does not offer a romantic and unilateral image of the African past of the kind presumed by Maja-Pearce but presents itself rather as a reconstruction that is both complex and challenging. It must of course be recognized that the revaluation of the African past certainly represents a major element of the ideological project that underlies the novel, and Achebe has all along been quite explicit about this point in his essays, right up to his last work, in which he returns again and again to a statement of his purpose as a writer –the vindication of Africa as source and bearer of human values. In the circumstances, the novel’s restatement of an African coherence before the colonial intrusion cannot but be considered legitimate, given the negative image that was presented to us of our own world in the discourse of empire, as it came through especially in colonial literature. There is perhaps no aspect of Achebe’s novel that undermines this discourse more effectively than its creative recasting of the African experience in terms that resonate with our own indigenous sense of location within a specific universe of being and expression. But it must be stressed that ideology inheres in the novel essentially as a theme that grounds the narrative structure rather than as a defining mode of imaginative thought. It functions as an element of its formulation that also entails a comprehensive re-appraisal of African historical and cultural antecedents, a task compelled by the encounter with Europe and its unsettling consequences for African existence. Thus, while the polemical intent that the fiction subserves arises clearly from the colonial context of its elaboration, this aspect of the work emerges ultimately as secondary to the effort of meditation on the African experience in which the past and

its ambiguities are central to the organizing vision that informs the novel. This element runs through the work as a tension between the system of obligations and solidarities that constitute the bedrock of social experience in the pre-colonial, traditional society, on one hand, and on the other, the stresses exerted by the severe imperatives of material existence in an environment entirely dependent on a rudimentary technology. As one reads his first novel, one senses the contrary pulls of this tension within Achebe himself, who is writing as a westernized, educated African, caught between an identification with the social and moral values that animate and regulate collective life in Igbo society –considered here as a paradigm of pre-colonial Africa – and responding to the appeal of the aesthetic and symbolic order that serves to establish and to consolidate the affective bonds that make for its solidity, while he is obliged at the same time to assume an ironic and discriminating attitude towards certain defining traits of the human world that is the object of his immediate attention. We come to understand that this is an attitude inspired by the realization of the disabilities that the traditional community displays to a modern consciousness, evident in its harsh impositions on individuals and groups alike, a cultural orientation inherent in its limited understanding of the world, as judged in the light of an alternative intelligence – an expended vision – already available to Africans of Achebe’s generation and education. Thus, when Maja-Pearce speaks of the novel’s recreation of a “vanished kingdom where men were virile and women virtuous,” we sense a hasty reading based on a misrepresentation of Achebe’s intention, for this is a novel that in fact projects a critical stance, amounting to a disavowal in the specific context of the novel, toward the ideal of virility. Indeed, a fundamental aspect of its narrative progression is its deliberate “deconstruction” of the masculine ethos enacted within the very dynamics of the novel. It is

not without interest in this regard to observe that Things Fall Apart is an account of the tragic undoing of its hero, Okonkwo, the very embodiment of this ethos – a fate that derives as much from the inflexible cast of his character as from the unfolding of an implacable destiny. Moreover, far from manifesting an excessive valuation of virility as has so often been asserted, the novel reflects in its tone and movement the balance of gender values that obtains in the sphere of lived experience upon which it is focused. This aspect of the work is registered as a subtle but insistent emphasis on the feminine sensibility as a mode of social intercourse in traditional Igbo culture, and this, not so much in opposition to the masculine ethos as rather its essential complement. Thus, while the immediate functional significance of masculinity is avowed, given expression in the physical exertion required to ensure survival in the natural setting depicted by the novel –the paean to yam being the most eloquent testimony to this burden of nature – the centrality of femininity to the affective life and to the conceptual horizons of the society as registered by the novel are no less given their due. This is a theme that comes to the fore in the evocation, which occupies part two of the novel where we are afforded a clear and endearing image of the womenfolk – the umu-ada – in Okonkwo’s maternal village. We must add that throughout the novel’s charting of the specificities of communal life in Umuofia, the figure of Chielo is accorded a prominence that reflects her distinctive status as the priestess of Agbala – in other words, as the spiritual voice of the community. Thus, in Achebe’s novel, the feminine principle represents not only the province of domesticity and sensibility, but also an inviolable realm of the sacred. • To be continued tomorrow. • Irele is Provost, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete.

Deconstructing Peter Odili at 65 By James Ume EMOCRACY would lose its defining egalitarianism if it foreD closed the benefit of hearing the other side. The absence of this feature would have consigned many of the adherents of this unique Grecian totem to fates worse than death. It is this redeeming dimension that the former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Otunuya Odili keyed into in his recent autobiography: “Conscience And History – My Story,” where he brushed away the fog and told the story of his stewardship, aspiration to the presidency, how some ‘trusted’ forces scuttled it and more. Today, August 15, the ex-governor turns 65. At the level of small talk, you could hardly get the better of Odili. But for a scientist, a sturdy doctor of human medicine more at home with analysis and action, this trend of dialogue palls easily. His affable disposition belies an inner steel that has enabled him ride out one of the most compelling and intriguing political saga of recent times. The man who swapped his stethoscope for the political podium has certainly proved that both medicine and politics fundamentally address human development? Up close, the vibration of energy he emits is reminiscent of that from an active volcano. In a sense, he is one. But this dimension could only fairly be applied to the customary intensity of his mission focus. Is Odili by any chance on the Vatican’s radar as that conservative Roman Catholic Church vanguard shops for new candidates for sainthood in its more recent effort? He is not. But significantly, the stern, quiet-spoken doctor has not been heard pitching for that esoteric privilege. But buffeted by the circumstances of his political ascendancy, challenged – fairly and often unfairly – the medicine man trained in Nigeria and UK stands tall and holds firm. According to the English sage, George Bernard Shaw, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” True to type, Odili, simply never bordered with finding himself. He bought unstintingly into Shaw’s insight and simply created himself. Apparently this Shawian philosophy formed his navigational Northern Star and a key vehicle of his life’s odyssey. Over the years, he has evolved a style that uses reasoned facts and perhaps alarming frankness to set his political agenda, provoke enemies and court genuine friends. Perhaps, this derives from his professional training. A doctor of human medicine can’t afford undue sentimentality. The healing turf requires a scien-

tific approach to navigate its exacting arena safely. Notwithstanding the often incendiary animosity targeting him and which peaked during his legitimate presidential quest, it cannot be denied that the depth and sweep of his contributions to the medical - and for good measure – political ferment, bespeak the eloquence of old school discipline, commitment and panache. These ingredients that define professionalism, for some reasons, are largely missing in current political engagements and discourse. Against this backdrop, Nigerians should then appreciate professionals and politicians who by sheer vision, dint of self-discipline and diligent application of the power of thought have achieved that delicate, firm balance between reasoned governance positions that leverages society and humdrum perspectives that diminish and stunt. Amidst contrived political chaos, human misery and governance deficits that continue to define our democracy, many Nigerians are wont to lose faith in the polity. This may be understandable. But history shows that mere loss of faith, a pathway to surrender is taking the easy course. The path of courage is to interrogate the policies, concepts, leadership vision or visionlessness and sociopolitical triggers that generate regression using reasoned, temperate logic and candour. Next is to offer alternative governance vision to resolve extant human development and socio-economic challenges. In seeking the presidency, Odili consciously sought to change his milieu. His detractors of course would violently disagree. They are entitled to their views. Tracking back, Odili, born 15th August 1948, in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State is the thirteenth governor of the state – from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He is a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He graduated from the Medical School of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and pursued post-graduate work in Tropical Medicine at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. In 1988/89, he was elected member and leader of Rivers State Delegates to the Constituent Assembly and in 1992, was elected as the deputy governor of the state. After the Third Republic ended, he was again elected to the National Constitutional Conference and became the Conference Committee Chairman on State Creation. He thereafter became the National Secretary of the defunct Dem-

ocratic Party of Nigeria (DPN). He was elected governor of Rivers State in April 1999, and reelected in April 2003. In June 2008, Odili had cause to defend his record before the Rivers State Truth and Reconciliation Commission, denying the charges that had been made against him. Then in March 2009, the same Truth and Reconciliation Commission, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Kayode Eso largely exonerated Odili and blamed the crisis during his period of office on both the state and the Federal Governments, particularly the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. The report further outlined interwoven problems of governance, chieftaincy tussles, cultism, politics of acrimony and insurgency. In November 2006, he announced that he would run for president in the 2007 election under the ruling PDP. However, a day before the PDP’s presidential primaries held on December 16, 2006, Odili stepped down from the contest, paving the way for fellow governor Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to emerge as the party’s flag bearer. He captured the gripping story in his autobiography, a must read. In this riveting literary work under reference, Odili captures the core of the puzzling script that brazenly derailed his presidential quest in 2007: “What was the genesis of the fight against the possibility of an Odili presidency? Who was threatened by that possibility and why? Whose decision and when was it made to stop Odili by all means possible? Who was the fulcrum of the execution of that decision? “How come that for seven and half years, nothing was raised by the EFCC or any relevant agency against Odili’s government in Rivers State and suddenly on the ‘eve’ of the PDP presidential primaries, all conceivable vile allegations were unleashed? When did we Nigerians acquire such meteoric and forensic expertise and competence to produce a report within 36 hours of instruction to investigate? Just in time for the dateline – December 16th 2006. These are questions yawning for answers. God’s time will tell.” With the love of his life, Justice Mary Okaego Odili by his side, and lovely children gifted by a merciful God, the intense dreamer from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State marches on with an immense faith in the timeless principles of his creator. Happy birthday sir. • Ume wrote from Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at Wednesday PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 14/08/2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

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APR completes acquisition of UAC Registrars By Helen Oji FRICA Prudential A Registrars Plc (APR), a leader in the Nigerian share registration industry, has completed the acquisition of the oldest non-bank affiliated registrar in the Nigerian Capital Markets, UAC Registrars. The Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (SSPA) between Africa Prudential Registrars and UAC of Nigeria Plc was executed by both parties at the corporate head office of UAC of Nigeria Plc in Lagos . UAC Registrars’ proven track record in the industry and its

quality customer service and timely response to market trends made it an attractive acquisition target. The ground-breaking deal will integrate the resources of both companies and drive the deployment of even more robust information technology platforms to further reduce operating expenses and increase overall profitability. UAC Registrars currently manages the registers of six client companies, including UAC of Nigeria Plc (uacnplc). In addition, the acquisition will open up new opportunities for the entity, not only in Nigeria , but across the African

continent. Speaking after the transaction signing ceremony, Chief (Mrs.) Eniola Fadayomi, Chairman of Africa Prudential Registrars Plc, explained that the acquisition was part of the company’s strategy to achieve dominance in the share registration business in Nigeria . “Africa Prudential Registrars Plc is a thoroughbred in this sector. It has close to four decades of share registration experience in the Nigerian Capital Market, and is ranked number one in terms of automation and innovation among corporate registrars in Nigeria . The acquisition is

part of our business expansion and growth strategy to deliver value to all our stakeholders.” Peter Ashade, Managing Director/CEO of Africa Prudential Registrars Plc added; “In addition to championing the consolidation of Nigeria ’s share registration industry, we are also driving improved service delivery in the country’s Capital Markets, and opening up new frontiers to deliver value-added returns to investors. We complement traditional registration with e-share registration. This has helped grow our clientele base from 17 companies at the

end of 2006 to over 32 in 2013.” Africa Prudential Registrars which has several local and international investors, the most prominent of which is Heirs Holdings, the panAfrican investment company is the first and only share register administration firm to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). It has been a pacesetter in the introduction of technology to the conventional share registration market and the first company to launch an online real-time share registration portal in Nigeria . It has succeeded in making registration quicker and easier through the use of

innovative interactive systems that enable shareholders, stockbrokers and client companies to monitor their portfolio remotely. UAC Registrars Limited was formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria Plc and a Capital Market Registrar. It is licensed by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) to perform share registration functions licenses it. UAC Registrars is known for its pioneering approach to the industry, as demonstrated by its fully automated share registration/data management and ICT infrastructure.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

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Focus Counting the cost of pipeline vandalism power sector of the economy. She said: “It is clear that the incessant crude oil vandalism, theft and their illegal, what I call firewood distillers, which are not only taking away our oil from us, but are also greatly endangering and impacting the environment in those areas which the country may not recover from in the next 20 years or more. “And it is clear that we have to do something very aggressive and very quick. We have worked very hard with multinational companies, security agencies and then we have put together a committee on this.”

By Roseline Okere IPELINE line vandalism and crude oil theft P have become serious challenges to the country’s oil and gas industry. The oil companies and the Federal Government seem to be loosing the battle to the perpetrators of the illegal trade, as they are not perturbed by the various efforts being put in place to curb this menace. Just last week, Royal Dutch Shell attributed the decline in its earnings in the second quarter of 2013 to the rising costs and a surge in oil theft in Nigeria, among other factors. Also, the latest decision by Shell to sell at least four more oil blocks in Nigeria was said to be as a result of constant stealing of the company’s crude oil and series of damage to its pipelines. For instance, between last year and this year, vandals have repeatedly vandalized pipelines in Ije-Ododo community in Lagos, Arepo community in Ogun state and other vulnerable areas in the country. Ije-Ododo and Arepo communities have witnessed unprecedented cases of vandalism in the past, resulting in death of a number of people and ecological destruction on the areas where the incident had occurred. The Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, stated that if pipeline vandalism is left unchecked, the nefarious activities the crunubaks could cripple the smooth operation of the downstream sector of the industry. “We had over 774 break points since August 2012 from Atlas Cove to Ilorin depot. Between Atlas Cove and Mosimi depot, we recorded 181 break points, from Mosimi to Ibadan, we had 421-ruptured points and from Mosimi to Ore, we recorded 50 vandalized points. Also between Ibadan and Ilorin we had a total of 122 break points,’’ the GMD stated. He disclosed that though the NNPC is working hard to ensure effective distribution of petroleum products across the country through increased trucking, the trucking option comes with enormous cost, which is totally unsustainable. “Records indicate that with the incessant attacks on the nation’s vast artery of pipelines about 70 per cent products distribution is through trucking or what is known in the industry parlance as bridging into the hinterlands. This requires massive fleets of petroleum product trucks of up to 1,212 trucks load out from the depots every day to meet the daily estimated national consumption”. The country is losing so much to pipeline vandalism the such covering. human, financial and environment spheres. The Executive Director, NNPC and Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Gbenga Komolafe, explained recently that the financial loss to pipeline vandals would have been able to take care of the budget of two states in the country. Komolafe stressed that the situation has worsened geometrically and even as he however dismay at the unscrupulous act. “Our records shows that the nation has lost a total of about N163 billion from crude oil and petroleum products pipeline losses from 20092012 alone not adding associated costs. This

There is no political will from the government in dealing with the incidence of crude oil theft in the country. “If there is political will to deal with this problem of economic sabotage which should ordinarily be visited with swift and the severest punishment, the country may continue to witness this terrible issue

Jonathan must not be allowed to continue. We cannot allow few bad people destroy what is collectively ours,” he said. He added that the effect of pipeline vandalism is in three fold, which include economic sabotage, environmental degradation and destruction of national asset (pipeline). He pointed out that despite its efforts at deterring the vandals from attacking the pipelines, the situation has not abated over the years, but said it had led to massive crude oil theft, disruption in pumping operations and environmental degradation. This according to him has constituted a huge drain on the running of its operations and indeed, of the nation. He stated that pipelines are renowned the world over as environmentally friendly, safest, cheapest and most efficient means of transporting crude oil and petroleum products, adding that in order to find a lasting solution to pipeline vandalism, PPMC will be deploying the use of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology, which has been proven to be a more durable and effective method of burying pipeline especially through swarms and difficult terrain, as it provides a more attractive alternative to conventional methods, which are easy targets for vandals, especially in swampy areas. He said: “Horizontal directional drilling is an innovative trenchless construction method utilising equipment and techniques from horizontal oil well drilling technology and conventional road boring. As an environmentally friendly, safe and efficient alternative to conventional construction methods, HDD construction is used to install petroleum pipelines where conventional open trench construction is not feasible or difficult.” These vandals operate with high sophisticated equipment to carry out their criminal activities. The Guardian gathered that the vandals have association, which organises activities and remit money (bribe) to security personnel that they regard as threat to their operation. The Guardian learnt that these vandals have ruptured several points in the pipeline, which they seal off immediately after siphoning fuel. A suspect arrested recently, confessed that: “we work (vandalize pipeline) at least four times a week depending on the demand of the market. We already have different spots that were ruptured and sealed up at the end of each day’s work. With the aid of a long pipe and our own pumping machine, the products would be transferred to the gallons inside the water”. The Edo state governor recently destroyed

eleven petrol tankers, two cars and jerry cans used by pipeline vandals arrested by the Army. Deputy Corps Commandant of the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ferdinand Esiegwu, blamed the incessant vandalism of crude oil pipelines on the attitude of highly placed individuals and businessmen in the society, who frequently stormed its office to effect the release of their friends and relatives arrested in connection with the illicit act. According to him, what is baffling is that when some of these arrests are made, highlyplaced individuals storm the Ugbor road office of NSCDC to say, “please assist me and release them, they are my boys. “They range from businessmen, persons in government both at the federal, state and local governments. One may then ask ‘Are these people ruling or ruining us’?” While indicting some of the highly placed members in the society for the increase in the cases of vandalism of petroleum products among others, Esiegwu said the perpetrators were not the ordinary persons in the society or the man in the field work alone. He alleged that behind the work of syndicates hooked to the quick returns from the filthy money were highly placed Nigerians, influential members of oil bearing communities including traditional rulers as well as youth leaders and even security personnel. He disclosed that about 200,000 litres of petroleum products were confiscated in the past six months, while 13 tankers were burnt on the directive and supervision of the government, adding that a total of 24 different cases with 37 suspects unlawfully dealing with petroleum products were also recorded by the state command. The Federal Government has been lamenting the incessant pipeline vandalism and the implication to the economy. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Alison Madueke said that Nigeria may not recover from the setback caused by the current vandalism of oil and gas installations in the next 20 years. She said beside the concomitant challenge of crude oil theft from vandalism, the perpetrators have created an unending environment peril in the country. She said for the nation to quickly arrest the situation, the ministry has been working with multinational companies and security agencies. The minister added that Federal Government has also raised a committee to tackle the challenge in the sector which has also affected the

However, to curb the menace of pipeline vandalism, the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the need for the National Assembly to prescribe stiffer penalties for crude oil theft and pipeline vandals in the country. The President and Chairman of Council, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, said that the seeming helplessness of government in dealing with the spate of what he described as organised, coordinated crude oil theft leaves no one in doubt that the menace is the business of the well connected in Nigeria. Adefulu believed that there appears to be a conspiracy of silence because the tactics of oil bunkerers and thieves are well known and should not be a problem for the security forces in the country. According to him, there is no political will from the government in dealing with the incidence of crude oil theft in the country. “If there is political will to deal with this problem of economic sabotage which should ordinarily be visited with swift and the severest punishment, the country may continue to witness this terrible issue “. Adefulu stated: “There is need to re-establish a full accountability and transparency in the oil and gas industry. The government should introduce metering technology for monitoring of oil production and export; increase monitoring of the network of crude oil pipeline and infrastructure in the Niger Delta”. He also called for implementation of Nuhu Ribadu report and other task forces’ report on the challenges in the country’s oil and gas sector. Adefulu said it is necessary for the Federal Government to strengthen the local institutional, legislative, security capacity for dealing with the menace of crude oil theft. He stressed the need to reach out to other friendly government as well as to the International Oil Companies to engage them in finding appropriate solutions to the problem.

Allison-Madueke

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

For The Record Programme evaluation: Back Identifies and directs to resources Model Develops professional behaviour and valuescognitive, affective and experiential behaviour. Reflects. Analyses. Expresses feelings. Role plays. Listens empathically. Empathizes Socializing agent/Gate keeper Prepares learner for entrance into profession Coaches. Transmits values Group worker/ Mediator Encourages learner interactions with each other, Encourages learning through group interaction. Enables Listens Clarifies Draws out. Guides. Monitor of activities Assures adequate performance. Grades. Evaluates

By Oluwayemisi Obashoro-John Continued from Tuesday, August 13, 2013 Andragogy and Pedagogy N 1833, a German grammar school teacher named Alexander Kapp coined the term andragogy (Van Enckevort, 1971). Kapp used the word Andragogik to describe the educational paradigm employed by Plato, the Greek philosopher. Using the terminology, in 1926, Eduard C. Lindeman wrote extensively about andragogy (Gessner, 1956) quoted in (Ozuah, 2005). In describing his theory of adult learning, Lindeman stated that: ...the approach to adult learning will be via the root of problem solving, not subjects. I am conceiving adult education in terms of a new process by which the adult learns to become aware of, and to evaluate his experience. To do this, he cannot begin by studying “subjects” in the hope that this information will be useful. On the contrary, he begins by giving attention to situations in which he finds himself, to problems which include obstacles to his self-fulfilment. Facts and information from the differentiated spheres of knowledge are used, not for the purpose of accumulation, but because of need in solving problems. In this process the teacher finds a new function. He is no longer the oracle who speaks from the platform of authority, but rather the guide, the pointerout who also participates in learning in proportion to the vitality and relevance of his facts and experiences” (Lindeman, 1926 in Ozuah,2005) Around the end of the Second World War, scientific evidence on adults’ learning abilities and interests as they differ from those of children were established. Merriam (1993) points out that pedagogy and andragogy could represent a continuum, ranging from teacher-directed to learnerdirected learning depending on the situation. Merriam concludes that andragogy may not define the uniqueness of adult learning, but it does provide a set of guidelines for designing instruction for learners who are self-directing. These guidelines for Andragogical Process Design (according to Knowles, 1984) are: • Climate setting for conducive learning; • Involving learners in mutual planning; • Involving participants in diagnosing their own needs for learning; • Involving learners in formulating their learning objectives; • Involving learners in designing learning plans; • Helping learners carry out their learning plans; • Helping learners in evaluating their learning. These show that adults learn best in informal, comfortable, flexible and participatory settings. Participatory methods which will enlist and coopt the learner should be promoted. The Wole Soyinka Theatre of the 1980s is a good example where actors search out a problem or crisis facing a community, and the community act their problem themselves. Asobele (2004) also tried this in his plays directed at community theatre for social mobilization during the MAMSER years. The Andragogical model is based on some assumptions, these are: • The need to learn: The adult learner needs to know why he is learning before he undertakes learning. This knowledge makes him to invest energy with a view of benefiting from it. The role of the facilitator is to help the learner become aware of the need to know. This is what Paulo Freire calls conscientization, or to raise consciousness, in his book – Pedagogy of the Oppressed (1970). • The learner’s self-concept: The adult learner’s self-concept consists of being responsible for his own actions and decisions. He wants to be seen as self-directing. He resents any attempt by others to impose their wills on him. The facilitator needs to create opportunities to move from dependency to self-directedness. • The role of the learner’s experience: By virtue of age, the learner has accumulated more experience than a child. Each learner brings these different types of experience to the learning environment and the learning activity. Most times, adult learning groups are heterogeneous in terms of backgrounds, learning styles, motivations, interests, needs and goals. Thus, teaching and learning strategies need to be individualized. Experience should be valued and accepted. • Readiness to learn: The adult learner is ready to learn the things he needs in real life situations. It

Source: Sonnheim, M. and Lehman, S (2010) For any adult education programme to be meaningful, the facilitator must be seen to be firmly in control of his environment and integrated into the roles described above. These roles separate him from the individual who merely provides learning information to a set of learners, whether young or adults.

Obashoro-John is imperative that learning coincides with developmental tasks needed for his development stage. The facilitator may induce readiness through relevant techniques, career and vocational counselling, and simulation exercises. • Orientation to learn: The adult learner is lifecentred and is motivated to learn what he perceives as being enough and relevant to solve life challenges. He learns better when content, new knowledge and skills are presented in real life situations (Community Theatre Technique), not in abstract contexts. • Motivation: The adult learner is often motivated to learn because of intrinsic factors – self-esteem, recognition, better quality of life. External factors (parental desire, peer pressure choices), witnessed in the case of child learning are non-existent. Pedagogy In contrast to andragogy, pedagogy is derived from the Greek words ‘paid’ – child (same stem with paediatrics) and ‘agogus – leader of...’ Literarily, it is the art and science of teaching children. The concept is teacher-directed, because it gives the teacher total control in terms of what is to be learned and when it should be learned. The learner’s role is to follow teacher’s direction and instruction. Pedagogical model is based on the following assumptions. The need to know: The learner only needs to know that he must learn - what the teacher teaches. He does not need to know how to apply learning to his life. The learner’s self-concept: The teacher sees the learner’s personality as dependent. The learner’s self-concept, hence, becomes that of dependency. The role of experience: The learner is deemed to have little or no experience. The experience that counts is that of the teacher and or textbook writers and audio-visual materials’ producer. Readiness to learn: The learner is ready to learn what the teacher offers, if he wants to pass examinations and move to the next class. Orientation to learning: Orientation for the learner is subject centred while learning is acquiring subjectmatter. Motivation: Learner is motivated to learn because of grades, teacher’s approval or disapproval and parental pressures. There are no internal motivations.

Justification for Facilitator The concepts of andragogy and pedagogy present the teacher as either an andragogue or a pedagogue. These two basic teaching styles are opposing terms but stress varying degrees of status, characteristics, control, power, authority and roles. The facilitator is one who makes learning easier and promotes a positive learning environment. Burgess (1992) defines the teacher of adults as a facilitator. A facilitator is a person who has the role of helping participants to learn in an experiential group. He starts by being active and directive and becomes a consultant, less active and less directive, using non-didactic teaching styles. This is the stand of Paulo Freire concerning a social transformation model that emphasizes erasing “the tradition of knowledge flowing down to students to one in which, the learners take responsibility and become creators of their own learning process”. The understanding of the facilitator’s tasks, the adult learners, and their needs will lead to the behaviour that makes the facilitator stand out as an agent of self-directed learning. He performs the roles listed below. Table 1: Andragogical Roles Description Task Behaviour Facilitator Increases motivation to learn. Creates learning climate. Involves learners in mutual planning. Involves learners in diagnosing their own learning needs. Involves learners in formulating their learning objectives. Involves learners in designing learning plans. Involves learners in evaluating their learning. Develops learning process. Develops problem solving ability. Provides learning framework. Clarifies educational needs. Helps learner acquire skills. Develops open expression of feelings. Develops self-direction. Relates Gives feedback Provides positive or negative reinforcement Counsels Guides Encourages Evaluates Content expert Increases knowledge social work skills, techniques and values. Transmits knowledge. Transmits technical skills. Resource Increases ability to use resources. Increases self-direction.

Programme: Clarifications A programme is a strategy or an intervention that has been planned for, and conducted on a group of people to achieve some desirable consequences (Smith, 2010). A programme typically refers to the organized components which make up a specific set of content and activities over a defined period of time. It is an action or a series of activities supported by resources to achieve specific outcomes among target individuals, groups and communities. The intention of all programmes is to address the challenges of change, knowledge acquisition and sustainability in the interest of higher productivity, satisfactory achievement of desired goals, evidence-based outcomes and appreciable impact. A programme could be small, simple, narrow, limited or big, complex or broad in scope. For example, Mass Literacy Programme; National Immunization Programme; Oral Rehy-dration Therapy Programme; Water and Sanitation Programme and skills acquisition programmes like soap making, are all programmes of varying sizes. A programme can also be defined in terms of services provided such as: • a job training programme - teaching skills to people to make them more employable; • a re-skilling or re-tooling programme exercise; • direct service intervention; • community mobilization efforts (MAMSER model, courtesy of Jerry Gana); • a substance abuse programme especially an attempt to get people off drugs and alcohol addiction; • a preventive-service programme - trying to assist parents in keeping their families together; • research initiatives; • an advocacy programme for developmentally challenged people; • a health-related programme; • counselling programme; • social work and community development programme; • sanitation and hygiene programme (Sanitation Day). In adult education, programme connotes short term learning experiences that are responsive to adult learners’ needs and are implemented outside the traditional educational delivery system. It differs in some ways from the traditional notion of curriculum, although related to it. Programmes are not always non-formal and highly flexible, but they certainly include the elements of variability, flexibility and inclusiveness in their organisation and management.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

to the future (2) Programme management includes • dentifying, teaching and learning goals, establishing standards of performance; • identifying and deploying resources (financial and human); • implementing the delivery of the programme within a budget; • monitoring actual performance; • comparing actual achievement against targets (both learning and financial); • taking corrective actions to align goals and performance; • developing insights into, and understandings of, the delivery and management of the programme for continual improvement. Evaluation in perspective Evaluation means different things to people because it largely depends on how the individual intends to use the evaluation information. To evaluate means to assess the merit, value or worth of an entity against some criteria and standards. It is a systematic process to determine the relevance, effectiveness, outcome and impact of an activity, in order to provide enough information for its improvement. It is viewed as a process to describe, plan and understand activities. It is an essential phenomenon in human existence. It is some kind of inquiry based on logic or a general pattern of reasoning as described by Michael Scriven as referred to in Rossi, Lipsey & Freeman (2004).This general logic is as follows: • Establishing criteria of merit – on what dimension would the ‘evaluand’ (the thing being evaluated) do well? • Constructing standards – how well should the ‘evaluand’ perform?

• Measuring performance and comparing with standards – how well did the ‘evaluand’ perform? • Synthesizing and integrating data into some judgement of merit or worth- what is the merit or worth of the ‘evaluand’? Evaluation is also setting up a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting information about teaching and learning in order to make informed decisions that enhance learner achievement and the success of an educational programme. It is about placing value judgement. In essence, it is a systematic investigation social intervention initiatives and programmes as well as their effectiveness on social actions for improving social conditions. All these show that evaluation implies some sort of judgment, measurement, assessment or appraisal of an activity, entity or something for decision making and accountability. Usually, the evaluation exercise may be carried out with external promptings or by inward examinations of actions, time, resources or energy expended on something. When that ‘something’ is a programme, the process is ‘programme evaluation’. Programme evaluation Programme evaluation is a dynamic, rigorous, sophisticated and useful activity. It is the orderly selection, analysis and reporting of information which should assist decision-making. It operates in the real world of activities and human services. It involves real people, real programmes, real situations and experiences. Evaluation activities include planning, selecting, describing, judging and reporting. Often, all of us assess our efforts, actions, activities and values when we ask questions, consult

others for advice, make judgements as a result of received feedback without necessarily calling it evaluation. Programme evaluation as an integral part of any programme should really be used to plan programmes, document what happened during the execution of the programme, improve programmes and measure programme effectiveness. It should flow from the self-reflection and self-evaluation of practitioners, who provide goods and services about the satisfaction of their clients. It should be used to demonstrate accountability in terms of funding and sustainability; an opportunity to share ineffective and effective strategies as well as lessons learned. Rossi et al. (2004) stress that programme evaluation must not only describe performance, it must assess and judge along the lines of the following standards: • The needs or wants of the target population or participants; • Degree of participation; • Stated programme goals and objectives; • Professional standards; • Programme protocols and procedure; • Customary practice; • Expected performance and estimates; • Norms of the other programmes; • Performance by similar and previous programmes; • Legal requirement: mandates, policies, regulations and laws; • Ethical and moral values: social justice, human rights and equity; • Past performance: historical data; • Targets and fixed criteria of performance set by programme managers; • Expert opinion and judgement by reference

Education Minister, Prof. Ruggayatu Rufa’i groups; • Pre-intervention baseline levels for the target population; • Conditions expected in the absence of the programme; • Cost and resource efficiency; • Political ideology and will. Evaluations help describe and elucidate how

TO BE CONTINUED

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Diplomatic Interview Expectations from resumed Middle East talks, by Palestinian envoy The task of bringing the final peace to the Middle East is again on the global front-burner this week after initial talks between Israel and the Palestinian authority were put on hold until the end of the Ramadan fast. Negotiators from both sides met late yesterday in Jerusalem for a new round of direct peace talks after a three-year break, as pessimism ran deep. Direct talks broke down in late September 2010 when an Israeli partial moratorium on new settlement construction in the West Bank expired and leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, refused to extend the freeze unless the Palestinian Authority recognised Israel as a Jewish State, while the Palestinian leadership backed out of continuous negotiation unless Israel extended the moratorium. But with Israel’s approval of 1,200 new settlement homes just days before the new peace talks resumed, is there any chance that the freeing of 26 Palestinian prisoners would encourage the Palestinians to continue negotiations after yet another flouting of an agreement on new constructions in the disputed areas? The ambassador of the state of Palestine to Nigeria, Dr. Montaser Abuzaid, fielded questions from Foreign Affairs Editor, OGHOGHO OBAYUWANA, in Abuja. Excerpts: N the vexatious backO ground to the talks WE think the new negotiations between Palestine and Israel would define the struggle that has gone on now for decades. United States (U.S.) Secretary of State John Kerry has managed to get the two sides to talk again. In fact, real negotiations stopped after the Oslo talks in 1993. The expectation is that the parties would be guided by the disturbing outcome of United Nations (UN) Resolution 242 of 1967 and Resolution 338 of 1973 which were supposed to caution Israel’s excesses. If a country occupies another country like what Iraq did in Kuwait, the whole international community rose up against Iraq. International law ought to belong to everybody, not just the jungle acquisition by the strongest animal. It is the non-implementation of the UN Resolution by the General Assembly and the Security Council that is the reason for the protraction of the conflict. We have been dismayed that Resolution 194 of 1948 which states that all parties have full rights to go back to Palestine has not been implemented, yet the man who did a lot for peace, Ritzhak Rabin, was killed. The hope this time Confidence is being rebuilt now. First of all, it has to be remembered that East Jerusalem was under Palestinian control before 1967 while the West belonged to Israel. Now what happened to Resolution 181 of 1947? The resolution called for two states and that they go back to original borders. Let me admit that there is confidence in the new round of

negotiations. We have faith in the process and that’s why we are involved in it. The Palestinian State just wants justice done. We want the wrongs of the past to be righted. We desire peace with our neighbours. Today, we want our friends to put Israel under pressure to respect UN Resolutions, not to encourage them to continue defying the will of the global body or to incite them. The undying issues There are a number of issues, which the current talks, must deal with for any progress to be recorded. We have made it known from the very beginning. Number one: The release of prisoners who were arrested before the Oslo agreement and Israel accepted this in principle (Has already started releasing the prisoners). Both sides have their demands. It will be difficult. We have our principles Secondly, the issue of the border before 1967. We want to work with the status quo that was, before things started going wrong. Israel wants to give our state without an army. And it wants to buildup all the occupied territories. It says: we give you a state without weapon and army. But there is no state without army. In this matter of border and settlement, it is in accordance with international law that all settlements in the West Bank be removed. Now Israel has maintained it cannot revert to the 1967 border. We now have 360,000 people (Jews) I’m the West Bank. They have come in from all parts of the world – Russia, etc. This is for business. They live in Haifa and put settlements there.

The third one concerns the status of Jerusalem. The demand here is that East Jerusalem be made the rightful capital of the state of Palestine. As it was before 1967. The fourth business has to do with the refugee problem. There were 760,000 in 1948. Today, there are as much as six million Palestinians in the Diaspora. Resolution 194 of 1948 talks about the right of Palestinians to return back. You cannot have peace if you cannot give right to people. I am glad that a country such as Nigeria voted for all the resolutions in favour of the just demands of the Palestinian state. And as an ambassador, I cannot remove anything from Resolution 194. What it calls for, is the right thing. Then you have the very serious issue of water resources. Much has not been said about it but it is a very serious matter. The water resources of Palestine, most are in the West Bank and most of them are now under the control of Israel. It is currently in the ratio of 90 to 10 per cent. That is why you have a situation where a bottle of water goes for as much as $3 per bottle. Today, we have a very bad situation whereby up to $160 million is being collected as taxes at borders and other points from persons and companies. The demand is that 97 per cent of this should be returned to the state of Palestine. What is happening now is in breach of the Paris agreement of 1995. Like I said, It is now the responsibility of the international community to put Israel under pressure to release Palestinian and Arab territories by respecting all of the previous UN resolutions regarding the ArabIsraeli conflict, especially the UN resolutions 242 passed in 1967; 338 passed in 1973 and 181 passed in 1947. If Israel is ready to implement these resolutions, it will be the end of the Arab-Israeli conflict. There is a peace proposal from the Arab world. It was proposed by King Abdullah Ibn Abdullaziz, the King of Saudi Arabia, in Beirut, in 2000. This peace proposal was for Israel to have full diplomatic relations with the 22 Arab nations and the 22 nations

‘

Abuzaid to have full diplomatic relations with Israel on the condition that Israel implements all UN resolutions concerning the Arab- Israeli conflict and to have a Palestinian State with the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, because before, East Jerusalem was under our control. The Israelis threw out the Palestinians from their lands in 1948 and replaced them with Jews from Russia, Ukraine, Canada and different countries around the world. We have different refugee camps in different Arab countries. Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan. Every family still

has the keys to their houses to go back to Palestine. I believe the implementation of UN resolutions is the end of Arab-Israeli conflict. It is good that all parties remember this and to seek remedies. It is the way out of the old mess created. And the demands around these issues are just. They are what we call just expectations. The influences that can affect the talks positively When people ask me what it is that can help make the talks successful, I say the confidence depends on the pressure from the U.S. government. But we have seen that the U.S. government is afraid of the Congress because

The expectation is that the parties would be guided by the disturbing outcome of United Nations (UN) Resolution 242 of 1967 and Resolution 338 of 1973 which were supposed to caution Israel’s excesses. If a country occupies another country like what Iraq did in Kuwait, the whole international community rose up against Iraq. International law ought to belong to everybody, not just the jungle acquisition by the strongest animal. It is the non-implementation of the UN Resolution by the General Assembly and the Security Council that is the reason for the protraction of the conflict. We have been dismayed that Resolution 194 of 1948 which states that all parties have full rights to go back to Palestine has not been implemented, yet the man who did a lot for peace, Ritzhak Rabin, was killed.

majority of the members are Jews. Now, the success of this talks will depend on the U.S. position on Israel. For instance, the European Union and South Africa have resolved not to import goods manufactured in the West Bank. It is a good way to maintain that the settlements there are illegal and they are doing illegal business. The decisions of the EU and South Africa in this regard has to be commended and is an example for all peace loving people and countries to follow. Palestinians seek the peace within the Middle East. The peace of the neighbour and the peace of the world. That is why on the Al Quds Day (celebration of the concentration of the last Friday of the Ramadan), it is dedicated to all- Christians, Muslims and Jews. It is the Day of Jerusalem. A call to all, to come together to liberate Jerusalem. For all to pray together. And I am hoping one day to see this in Nigeria. I feel pain when I see somebody throwing a bomb into a church, etc. We say that Jerusalem is under occupation. It is not free. It has to be an opportunity for Muslims and Christians to pray together.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Sports Chelsea doctors operate on Omeruo’s troublesome shoulder

NFF, Lagos pick Sept. 15 for Federation Cup final From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday met with representatives of the Lagos State government, the official host of the Federation Cup, and agreed that the 2013 final would hold on September 15 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. The meeting, according to the Federation’s Director of Competitions, Mohammed Sanusi, agreed to hold the grand finale of this year’s Men and Women Federation Cup competitions on Sunday, September 15, 2013, adding that they also harmonised the prize money for the winners of the Federation Cup, as well as, the Runner-Up, Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer in both the male and female competitions. Sanusi also disclosed that the Federation scrapped the third place match beginning with the 2013 edition because it was wasteful since it did not add any value to the eventual winner. He added, “we have ironed out some of the problematic areas like crowd control, medical, VIP movement, ticketing arrangement and other things that we all are expected to do to ensure a hitch free finals. “At the meeting, we agreed on a number of programmes that will add glamour and essence to the grand finale. You know we are having the finals of both the male and the female event on the same day and venue for the first time. So we have agreed to have an enlarged meeting that will include all the members of the organizing.”

On the scrapping of the third place match, the NFF director of competition said, “when you have a knock out tournament, we know that two teams will emerge eventually and they are the ones that will play in the finals. The issue of third place match does not even arise because there is absolutely no place for them in representing the country in any continental championship. We know that only the winners of the Federation Cup represent the country at the CAF Confederation Cup. So there is no need for the third place match.” He disclosed that the women’s final would start by 1.30pm, while the men would kick off at 4pm, with the presentation of medals for both events taking place immediately after the men’s Final. The semi-final matches of both the men and women competitions will hold on August 21. In the men’s event, Enyimba will tackle Lobi Stars in Benin City, while Warri Wolves would be up against Enyimba and Nasarawa United vying for a semi-final ticket at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta. The final of the Akwa United in Bauchi. Federation Cup will hold on September 15 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI.

Moscow 2013 IAAF World. Championships

A focused Okagbare can win more medals, says coach LESSING Okagbare is “B Nigeria’s only realistic hope of getting medals at the on-going IAAF World Athletics Championships and the burden of expectation is weighing down on her, but she can fulfill her potential if she remained focused.” That is the submission of

Glo Nigeria Premier League Week 25 Results Lobi Stars 1 Wikki Tourists 2 Dolphins 1 Kwara United 1 Kano Pilars 3 Bayelsa United 4 Kaduna 2 Gombe United 1 Warri Wolves 0

OCTORS at a Chelsea priD vate clinic in London yesterday operated on Super

Sunshine Stars 0 3SC 1 Sharks 2 Rangers 0 ABS 0 Akwa United 1 Nasarawa United 1 Heartland 0 Enyimba 0

Gad Onumaegbu, a retired athletics coach, who wants Okagbare to put behind her the disappointment of her sixth position finish in the 100m event, and focus on her other events. Onumaegbu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on telephone that if she had participated in the 100m event before the long jump, the result would have been different, adding that she would have to be professional in her approach in her buildup for her other events in the championships. “The 100 metres should have come before the long jump, it is

“Other athletes are being overlooked it should not be so, emphasis should not be on her alone,’’ Onumaegbu said. Meanwhile, Sule Oladimeji, a long jump coach, noted that the long jump event might have weakened Okagbare, but refused to blame her 100m loss on that. “The long jump might have taken a bit of steam from her, but that will not be the sole reason for her poor performance in the 100m race. “Sometimes it is not just the form of an athlete but luck that can lead to an athlete’s success in a race,” he said.

Cross River urges FIFA, NFF to ignore Malawi’s protest over stadium security From Anietie Akpan, Calabar HE Cross River State government has called on FIFA and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to disregard the Malawian soccer federation’s protest over the suitability of the U.J. Esuene Stadium as venue for the September 7 Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier. The Flames are billed to meet the Super Eagles in Calabar in their last group World Cup qualifier. The state government through the Commissioner for Youths and Sports

Developments, Patrick Ugbe feels that the Southern African nation is being mischievous and insincere in categorising Calabar as security risk. The Malawian National team reportedly lodged a protest with FIFA calling for the shift of venue to Abuja or Lagos. Malawi, which trails Nigeria by two points, is citing unsubstantiated security concerns as an excuse not to play in Calabar, Cross River State, which is rated the most peaceful state in the Nigeria.

Seven teams jostle for honours at Swingman basketball tournament teams drawn from SvieEVEN Delta and Lagos states will for honours at the yearly Swingman Basketball Summer Competition, which dunks off today at the Ilupeju Sports Ground in Lagos. According to the co-ordinator of the tournament, Taye Adeniyi-Mash, two teams from Delta will join five Lagosbased teams in the three-day championship, which will dunk off tomorrow. The competition ends on Saturday. She said, “SBSC is an allfemale playoff that is designed to foster a strong grooming and participation of women in the big stage of basketball. By this, formidable female competitors can emerge and give basketball a much-desired variety in Nigeria.

Cross River promises ‘best ever’ National Sports Festival From Anietie Akpan, Calabar ROSS River Sate governC ment says it has concluded plans to host the best ever

Ahead Brazil 2014 World Cup Qualifier

Super Eagles defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe

better to do the sprint before the long jump. “She has to show how dedicated she is in her approach to the other events ahead of her, and possibly pick up more medals,” he said. The retired coach also decried the undue burden of expectation that was placed on her shoulders by the leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), and blamed them for her inconsistencies. “It is quite unfortunate and the blame falls squarely on the leadership of the AFN who have over relied on her to deliver the goods.

Eagles’ defender, Kenneth Omeruo, to correct a shoulder problem. Omeruo’s adviser, Chika Conleth Akujobi informed MTNFootball.com: “Kenneth has undergone surgery for his shoulder problem today. “I spoke to him before he went into the theatre, he’s in good hands because that is one of the best hospitals for such surgery.” The player’s shoulder pulled out during the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil and it relapsed during training at Chelsea recently. Omeruo will now be sidelined for at least eight weeks, meaning he will miss next month’s 2014 World Cup qualifier at home to Malawi and he could also miss even the final qualifying fixtures should Nigeria advance to that stage.

Ugbe, who debunked the phantom security claims from Malawi in a chat with some newsmen on Tuesday, said, “we understand that Malawi protested to FIFA, saying that they do not want to come to Calabar. I personally believe their fear is on the fact that the Super Eagles have never lost a match in Calabar and it will be a tough one for them. “They need outright victory if they must stay in contention, while Nigeria needs, at worst, a draw in that match for us to proceed to the next stage.

National Sports Festival in 2014. The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Patrick Ugbe, who gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sports Committee led by its Chairman, Judex Okoro, in his Office, said “we have 2014, which is the big year for us, we have the biggest one, which is the National Sport Festival coming up sometime in Nov. 2014. “We are working very hard towards that and we are soliciting your support to ensure that our people get to know about the events and maximise the opportunities that the national event will bring. Ours is not just to host the event, but to ensure that the people benefit largely from it.

92 SPORTS

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

Lagos International Table Tennis Classics

Lagos journalists tackle rot in Nigerian league AGOS sports journalists media officers and rights ownL have set aside two days in ers such as the LMC and the September to look at the prob- NFF.

Tosin Oribamise….will spearhead Team Nigeria’s quest in the junior event of the Lagos Classics

Players shape up for qualifiers, Lithuania, Cameroun, Senegal confirm participation By Olalekan Okusan IGERIAN players hoping N to take part in the qualifiers of the first Lagos International Table Tennis Classics have continued to sharpen their skills in readiness for the event. From Lagos, Ogun down to Cross River states, the tempo of preparation has heightened as players strive to make it to the main draw of the competition, which would serve off on August 26. More than 20 states and clubs have confirmed their participation in the qualifiers while some retired players are also using the tournament to relaunch their careers. Also, the list of foreign play-

ers and teams confirming their participation increased, as the trio of Lithuania, Cameroun and Senegal joined. According to the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the tournament, Lithuania’s flag will be flown by one of its national players, Matas Skucas. Also, the Secretary General of Cameroun Table Tennis Association, confirmed his country’s participationm Moutien Eugene, who listed the quartet of Emmanuel Ngwe Nikeng, Jague Ken Jiotsa, Nguepi Euidioum Dimitri and Ndikum Asaah Prosper. The team will compete in the senior and junior events. President of the Senegalese Table Tennis Federation, L. O.

Balla, who confirmed his country’s participation to the MOC, listed the duo of Hamidou Sow and Dame Ndiaye Junio for the singles and doubles events. The team is coached Mamadou Salif Niang. However, the President of African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled ElSalhy, has expressed hope that Nigeria would stage a befitting tournament. “It seems the event would be a remarkable success due to value of entries and approved ranking validity. With Nigeria hosting such tournament, I want to say that it is going to create a good image for the game in Africa and a good platform for players to improve themselves,” the ATTF boss said.

El-Salhy said the quality of players the tournament has attracted “shows the quality of the organisation put together by the MOC. On plans to consider Nigeria for a major ITTF competition in 2014, he said, “yes for sure that Nigeria can host ITTF tournament and we are discussing this for 2014, maybe the second edition of the Lagos Classics is going to be part of ITTF World Tour in 2014.” He admitted that the Classics would surely afford Nigerian players the opportunity to showcase their talents. “They (Nigerian players) have traditional strength, and for sure they will try to use the chance of playing at home to gain more experience and ranking.”

Goldashe protests exclusion from All Stars League OLDASHE United FC of Port G Harcourt, a football club made up of former internationals, has protested their exclusion from the zonal championships and the annual All Stars league. The club, which sent a 35man squad to South Africa yesterday for an international football friendly against a crack All Stars Club of Johannesburg, said their counterparts in Lagos and Abuja have not been fair to them. Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt at the weekend, the President of Goldashe United FC, Warisenibo Fubara Kingsley Hart described the situation as unfortunate, wondering what informed the decision to sideline his organisation from a league which, according to him, had no pecuniary interests but is solely intended to encourage social interaction among retired footballers, keep fit and stay healthy. Hart, who is the director of

Finance and Administration at Government House, Port Harcourt, disclosed that Goldashe was legitimately registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and constitutes a membership of people of impeccable qualities, some of whom plied their professional careers abroad and also represented the nation at different age capacities in their playing days. “We appreciate the fact that the All Stars League does not attract any monetary or pecuniary prize, but what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander. “Goldashe is an All Stars assemblage and we all know ourselves whether in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu or Calabar. We are one and the same,” the president declared. He said the outcry also became necessary as so many questions were being asked by friends and associates in All Stars clubs in other parts of the country.

“I recall that only last month Goldashe FC engaged the Enugu All Stars in a friendly at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the questions from the lips of our hosts was why we do not participate in the all stars league. Our answer, of course was that we were not invited. I do not know what could have been lacking in a club like Goldashe. We have exprofessionals like Cyril Levi, who was captain of

Di Matteo

Iwuanyanwu Nationale FC, ex Nigerian international, Albert Chinwo, Benjamin Duru, Joseph Duntoye and many others,” he said. Asked whether the non-invitation of Goldashe for the All Stars League would not have been a consequence of proliferation given the view that recognition is accorded only one All Stars club in a city, Hart quickly dismissed the suggestion as not only belated but lacking in merit.

lems bedeviling the Nigerian football league and search for solutions to such ills. According to the journalists, the conference and workshop would examine the factors that may have contributed to the depleting fan base of domestic football and to proffer solutions towards rebuilding public interest and enthusiasm in this aspect of the nation’s sporting culture. They said the programme is especially targeted at rekindling and sustaining attraction to the Globacom Premier League, organised by the League Management Company (LMC) and the Federations Cup, organised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), besides other notable domestic football events. They also say that the conference and workshop slated for September 19 and 20 will seek to bring together various stakeholders in the media, corporate Nigeria and football industry to build consensus, strategic plans of action and commitment towards resolving the challenges of the low public enthusiasm and disappearance of fans from domestic football venues. According to leader of the group, Fred Edoreh, the workshop will hold over two days and will seek to have in attendance representatives of media proprietors in print, radio and television, the Guild of Editors, sports editors, reporters, club owners, club

“We are adopting a holistic approach that will represent a radical shift from the previous efforts as we have identified some of these challenges and we will actually be talking with decision makers across various stakeholder platforms that will contribute to achieving the objective of increasing followership of our domestic football,” explained Edoreh. He noted that the domination of European football news on almost all media is a huge challenge to winning back Nigerians to the domestic football and added, “we believe that at this workshop, we will be able to find ways to improve coverage and reportage of our own domestic football to elicit the greater interest, attraction and enthusiasm of the majority of our football spectators and also increase the awareness and enjoyment of the domestic game by football enthusiasts.” Edoreh urged support for the initiative from corporate partners of domestic football and the right holders as according to him, “an improved followership for domestic football will translate to bigger returns on investment for sponsors, increased value of the football assets for rights owners and generous revenue at the gates and from endorsements and merchandising for the clubs all of which will help to create and sustain a robust and vibrant domestic football atmosphere.”

Glo Nigeria Premier League

Nasarawa United cut players, officials’ salaries, gives Dike two-match ultimatum From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja their unimFtheOLLOWING pressive performance in 24-week old Glo Nigeria Premier League, the management of Nasarawa United has placed the players and officials of the club on half salaries pending when they lift the club from the bottom rung of the league ladder. Nasarawa United were held to a 1- 1 home draw by Warri Wolves in a Week 24 Globacon Premier League game. The club has also threatened to sack their chief coach, Alphonsus Dike, if he failed to win their next two home matches. While announcing the deci-

sion to place the players and officials on half salary, the club regretted that despite all the incentives from the state government, the latest being the donation of a brand new bus to the club by the state Governor, Tanko Al Makura, the team had not reciprocated the gesture with their performance on the pitch. Chairman of the club, Isaac Danladi, said the management took the decision because it was not satisfied with the performance of the players in the team’s recent matches, stressing that they have received enough motivation from the government to make them wake up for the task ahead.

Guinness brings former Chelsea boss, Di Matteo, to Lagos OBERTO di Matteo, who R led Chelsea to their first ever UEFA Champions League trophy, is expected in Lagos on Friday courtesy of Guinness Nigeria. According to a release by the brewers, the UEFA Champions League winning is coming to Nigeria for an exclusive announcement, as GUINNESS continues to deliver amazing football experiences to his consumers. They added that the Italian football icon in Nigeria would launch a brand new

Guinness football campaign that is set to excite fans across the nation. Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Austin Ufomba expressed his excitement over the visit and promised more of such experiences for their consumers. “We are so excited to be bring Roberto Di Matteo to Nigeria as he really is a player and manager who has proven over the years that like Guinness, he is ‘Made of More,” Ufomba enthused.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

CricketWeekly NCF meets to review WCL performance, plans for Division Five tourney • Guernsey may host championship next year By Christian Okpara HE board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation will soon meet to review Nigeria’s performance at the Jersey 2013 World Cricket League (WCL) Division Six Championship and also pan for the 2014 Division Five tournament, which venue is yet to be decided by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Nigeria was promoted to the Division Five of the WCL following its sterling performance in Jersey, where it placed second to gain the elevation ticket alongside the hosts. A member of the NCF technical committee, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian yesterday that the board would meet in Abuja to look at those things that nearly marred the country’s promotion and find ways of avoiding such occurrence in the future. “We have not properly received the team after the success in Jersey, so we will use the opportunity of the meeting to thank them and look for ways to improve on our performance. “Aside gaining promotion to

the Division Five, Nigeria’s performance in Jersey has also placed a burden on the board to ensure that the team maintains the winning streak despite the fact that in Division Five we will be meeting teams with superior quality and techniques than those that confronted us in the last outing. “So, the board would look at the general and individual performance of the players and proffer ways of making the team better.” He disclosed that the players have been given the permission to return to the their clubs and are being encouraged to continue training pending when the team reconvenes later this year. Meanwhiule, there are indications that Guernsey could host the 2014 World Cricket League Division Five Championship. The Chief Executive of the Guernsey Cricket Board, Mark Latter, says the island has formally put in a bid to host the event next summer. The Division Five Championship will involve Guernsey, Cayman Islands,

Malaysia, Tanzania, Jersey and Nigeria. Guernsey last hosted a world tournament in 2009 when they were promoted from World Cricket League Division Seven. Both Tanzania and Malaysia have also hosted events, the African nation had the WCL Division Four tournament in 2008 and Malaysia hosted Division Six in 2011. Cayman Islands has never hosted an event but has just two cricket pitches, while Guernsey has a good track record of hosting major events. The island has also played host to the 2008 and 2011 European Division Two tournaments and jointly hosted Division One of the European Twenty 20 World Cup qualifiers with Jersey. Every World Cricket League Tournament is hosted by one of the teams that are playing in it and Latter feels Guernsey is the best-placed nation. “We’re one in four and we’d be disappointed if we failed,” he said. “In terms of the island economy there’s a serious amount of money spent in terms of airlines, hotels, shops and restaurants.

Osita Onwuzuruike was one of Nigeria’s stars at the Jersey 2013 WCL division Six Championship.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, August 15, 2013

TheGuardian

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Emmanuel Ojeifo

mind are guilty bystanders to the collective oppression of our people.”

HE integral human development of any nation T is always dependent on its ability to pool a critical mass of individuals whose insights enable the

To create the basis for decency, prosperity and democratic government and to guard against the abuse of power and the arbitrary use of legitimate authority, these are the unchanging role of the intellectual in politics and nation building. That is why the intellectual must strive to lay a foundation by creating a moral mirror by which our leaders and citizens can constantly look at themselves and reflect on their duties and responsibilities towards seeking the attainment of the common good. In this light, it is easy to understand the distinction made by Hussein al-Attas, the Malaysian philosopher, who divided the world of intellectuals into two: The functioning and non-functioning. For al-Attas, “functioning intellectuals are repository of the hopes and potentials of their nation. They are constantly burdened by the malaise, the disjuncture and fissures in their society.” Functioning intellectuals are harbingers of hope in the possibility of a better future. In virtue of their varied professions, functioning intellectuals are called to be visionaries, dreamers and prophets in the society. Prophetic imagination is a major plank of intellectualism. Intellectual prophets are the visionaries of their time. When all others are blind or close their eyelids to the doors of memory and imagination, intellectuals who are social prophets are the ones granted to see the handwriting on the wall, to interpret the signs of the times and to analyse them in the light of the superior knowledge and perception. Intellectuals who are social prophets refused to be defiled by the corruption of the moment; they refuse to be engulfed by the darkness of the surrounding environment. They possess the vision of life as it ought to be, and it is this vision that propels them in their difficult assignment. They are endowed with the rare courage not only to denounce systems of evil and injustice in general, but also to name the specific human agents of evil and injustice in society. They warn evildoers of the inevitability of nemesis, while giving the much needed hope to the suffering people. Intellectuals who are social prophets give reason for the poor, defenceless and helpless people to hope that all is not lost; that history is capable of being re-written and turned around for the better. We need a good dose of this prophetic imagination in our own country Nigeria where millions of citizens groan under the heavy weight of corporate amnesia and grope under the darkness of collective myopia. We cannot afford to be a nation of more historians and less visionaries; of people whose eyelids are open only to the failures of the past but are closed to the possibilities of the future; of intellectuals who are abundantly gifted in the art of public complaint but deficit in the science of public imagination. We have men and women of learning who are renowned for intellectual gymnastics, but who see no connection between knowledge and problem solving. There is today in our country an acute shortage of moral vision, intellectual rigour, critical thinking and a discerning conscience, especially among our elite. A widespread epidemic of thoughtlessness seems to have infested every aspect of our national life. What appears to be in place instead is a cult of mediocrity. Many of those whom Nigerians look up to for a sense of direction, have often become corrupt officials or sycophants, praise singers, bootlickers and propagandists for the government in power. In the face of this national malaise, Nigeria is in dire need of intellectuals with sufficient prophetic imagination to champion the cause of national rejuvenation, leading men and women of our country from the present valley of tears to the promised land of justice, peace and prosperity. Those sterile and non-functioning intellectuals who revel in the art of fruitless intellectual gymnastics need to be reminded of the famous postulation of the great German philosopher, Karl Marx, who said: “Hitherto, philosophers have interpreted the world. The point, however, is to change it.” This needed change in the way we apprehend the world will only come about when thinkers, policymakers and intellectuals try to bridge the current gap between knowledge for its own sake and knowledge for the sake of the common good. As Tunji Olaopa has said, “Transforming the world ranges from aligning scholarship to the amelioration of the human condition, subordinating knowledge to human progress and making theories socially responsible to human needs.”

nation to come to grips with how the vital interplay of theory and praxis can contribute to nation building, and whose contributions can enhance the greatness of the national project. No nation can enjoy the full range of human possibilities that guarantee the material prosperity of its people if it neglects the unassailable role played by intellectual capital in fast tracking development and improvement in the standard of living of its people. For intellectuals to function effectively in the public life of a nation they need an alternative space that affords the possibility of not only exposing the failures of leadership and government but also the recipe that could bring about national transformation. In other words, being a progressive intellectual, as Tunji Olaopa, one of Nigeria’s intellectually formidable permanent secretaries, once wrote “does not translate into merely lifting the radical cudgel of criticism against power without also applying the balm of recommendations that could point at the right direction that resolves the identified problems.” The intellectual speaks the truth to power. He exposes, criticises, analyzes, and judges; but he does not stop there. He also dreams, envisions, imagines, innovates and constructs. He does not simply argue, quarrel and complain about how and why things are not working, he also points to an alternative mirror, envisions an alternative pathway and constructs an alternative model for social transformation. For the intellectual, the beauty of his art does not just lie in the satisfaction of human curiosity but in its ability to stimulate and generate cutting edge ideas that can meet the template of social transformation. Where social critique fails to bridge the gap between theory and praxis, the intellectual fails in his duty to society. This means that after speaking the truth to power, the intellectual does not simply go to bed and sleep. He takes up his social responsibility of opening up the horizons of imagination and the pathways of innovation that gives issues into a better future. According to the ethical theory of social responsibility, an entity – be it a corporate organisation or an individual – has an obligation to act to benefit society at large. This responsibility can be passive, by avoiding engaging in socially harmful acts, or active, by performing activities that directly advance social goals. Writing on the responsibility of intellectuals in society, Noam Chomsky, American linguist, philosopher, political critic and activist, once said: “Intellectuals are in a position to expose the lies of governments, to analyse actions according to their causes and motives and often hidden intentions.” While in the Western world intellectuals have the power that comes from political liberty, from access to information and freedom of expression to act on behalf of society, it is not so in other parts of the world, including Nigeria, where intellectuals sometimes suffer proscription at the hands of the ruling power. In Nigeria, this phenomenon has been largely responsible for the poverty of thought, that critical shortage of intellectual content to public policy conceptualisation, articulation and formulation. This seminal absence of intellectual rigour to leadership and governance, as Chinua Achebe wrote in his1983 monograph, The Trouble with Nigeria has led to the institutionalisation of the cult of mediocrity especially in the choice of people appointed into public and political offices. “Nigeria,” Achebe wrote, “is a country where it would be difficult to point to one important job held by the most competent person we have.” Nearly 30 years after, Achebe repeats expressed the same frustration in his memoir, There was a Country when he talks about “the manner in which the leadership of our country is selected.” He goes on to say that the institutionalisation of failure “will end only with the dismantling of the present corrupt political system and banishment of the cult of mediocrity that runs it, hopefully through a peaceful democratic process.” It is in this context that he draws a link between politics and intellectualism. The role of the intellectual in society, for Achebe, “depends on the state of health of his or her society. In other words, if a society is ill the writer has a responsibility to point it out. If the society is healthier, the writer’s job is different.” Whatever the state of health of the society, the overriding goal of the intellectual must be to seek through his art new ways of creating and sustaining an environment of good order and civilisation. For the privileged class of intellectuals in the West, democracy provide the leisure, the facilities and the training to seek the truth lying hidden behind the veil of distortion and misrepresenta-

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Social responsibility of the intellectual in nation building

Achebe tion, ideology and class interest, through which the events of current history are mediated and presented to us. But in Nigeria beyond the fact that many intellectuals lack the enjoyment of these privileges, the few who enjoy them do not appreciate them. At other times, instead of staying on the side of the people, these intellectuals align themselves with the government in power, thus becoming imperial apologists and supporters of the status quo and devising disingenuous arguments to justify the distasteful accoutrements and trappings of power. It is not new in Nigeria’s political history that intellectuals, for the sake of selfish material interests, distort the truth in their analysis of the actions of governments in terms of motives that are unexpressed in official propaganda and perhaps only dimly perceived by those whose acts they govern. Having succumbed to the patrimonial philosophy of the ruling class, these intellectuals now stand as forerunners to the moral and social degeneration of the polity. The lucky part of the tale is that it usually does not take long before such intellectuals fall out with the government in power, and then it is easy to see the hypocrisy concealed behind their official rhetoric and utter disregard for the suffering and misery of the people.

This long tradition of naiveté and self-righteousness that disfigures our intellectual history, however, must serve as a warning to present day intellectuals as to how our protestation of sincerity and benign intent are constantly being interpreted by those who look forward to a greater involvement of academic intellectuals in politics. “It is the responsibility of the intellectual to speak the truth to power and to expose lies,” says Noam Chomsky. This, at least, may seem enough of a truism to pass over without comment. Not so, however. For the modern intellectual, it is not at all obvious. Thus, we have Martin Heidegger writing, in a pro-Hitler declaration of 1933, that “truth is the revelation of that which makes a people certain, clear, and strong in its action and knowledge.” It is only this kind of truth that one has a responsibility to speak. It may be of no particular interest to us that one man is quite happy to lie on behalf of a cause that he knows to be unjust and detrimental to the common good; but it is significant if such events provoke so little response in the intellectual community. For as Matthew Kukah has said in his recent book, Witness to Justice, “if we are unable to hold our leaders accountable for their promises to us… then there is a sense in which those of us who claim some level of literacy and possess a critical

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• Ojeifo is a Catholic Priest and the Personal Secretary to Cardinal Onaiyekan.