Mon 09 Dec 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

Muanya is newspaper journalist of 2013, Ojo best education reporter From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Ado-Ekiti) and Temitope Templer Olaiya (Lagos) CORRESPONDENT with A The Guardian, Chukwuma Muanya, has emerged the newspaper journalist of the year. This was disclosed at the 2013 Nigeria

Media Merit Award held on Saturday in Ikogosi, Ekiti State. Another journalist with The Guardian, Olawunmi Ojo, won the Ibrahim Shekarau Prize for Education Reporter of the year. Ojo’s “Yaba ‘University’ of Technology: A dream in limbo” gave him

the award. . Muanya won the Ernest Sisei Ikoli for Newspaper Reporter of the Year and Cecil King Memorial Prize for Print Journalist of the Year. His story, “Deaths from measles drop, anti-malaria project threatened,” beat The Nation and National Mir-

ror to win the coveted Ernest Sisei Ikoli Prize for Newspaper Reporter of the Year. Muanya again defeated the TELL’s duo of Adejuwon Soyinka and Mordi Raymond to win the Cecil King Memorial Prize for Print Journalist of the Year with

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Muanya

Ojo

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Monday, December 9, 2013

Vol. 30, No. 12,765

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Adieu, Khulu! Mandela: 1918-2013 HE death on Thursday of T Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, at 95, finally put an end to a long, anxious period of hospitalization, recuperation, speculations as well as prayers and wishes by citizens of the world who all revered the anti-apartheid fighter and first President of free South Africa as something of the world’s very wise, loving father. It was indeed a long goodbye. . And the world has certainly lost its father figure and

MORE ON EDITORIAL PAGE 14

President Goodluck Jonathan (left) and Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church, Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah, during a memorial service for the late icon of Africa, Nelson Mandela, at the Aso Villa Chapel, Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday. Inset: South Africans with flowers as they pay homage to their late president outside his home in Houghton, Johannesburg... yesterday. PHOTOS: PHILIP OJISUA AND AFP

Again, ASUU defies govt as ultimatum ends today From Abba Anwar, Murtala Muhammed (Kano) and Chido Okafor (Warri) S the Federal GovernA ment’s ultimatum to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resume work ter-

•Wants FG to confirm deposit of N200b in CBN minates today, the teachers may not return to classes soon. A source close to the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union said

there was no communication yet from the central body of the union to other local branches. “Nobody can intimidate us over our genuine strike. No

local chapter is ready to go back to classes as at today. Our union is focused and we work by rules and regulations,” the source said. The source said ASUU did

not close schools; it only said its members would not go to classes. He said that if the vice chancellors thought they could open schools without teachers, they should go ahead as they deemed fit. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

moral compass. God made man in His image. Nelson Mandela, his human failings notwithstanding, was closest to the original. In Salzburg, the famous Italian conductor, Arturo Toscanini, once said to the singer, Marian Anderson, a contralto: A voice like yours is heard once in a hundred years! Mandela, in life and lifestyle, earned the Toscaninian compliment. Tenacious in battles, magnanimous in victories, wise in leadership and graceful allround in style, his was the kind of life seen only once in a hundred years. .

London court reopens Ibori’s assets seizure suit - Page 3 Anxiety in Adamawa as S’Court rules on Ardo’s appeal against Nyako tomorrow - Page 5

OPEC reviews market outlook, appoints Alison-Madueke as alternate President

- Page 71

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

Muanya is newspaper journalist of 2013, Ojo best education reporter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the story “When ignorance, ill-equipped hospitals complicate breast cancers in Nigeria.”

The Guardian also did well in other individual awards, narrowly losing the News Photographer of the Year to Sunday Olufemi of TELL. Ayodele Adeniran Olushola and

Emmanuel Arewa of The Guardian were the first and second runners-up in that category. Also, the Assistant Lagos City Editor, Temitope Templer Olaiya, finished first runner-up in two categories namely Bukola Saraki Prize for Agriculture Reporter of the Year and Nigerite Prize for Real Estate/Construction Reporter of the Year with the stories “Mile 12 Market and the ugly story of food waste” and “Jakande Estates: A lofty idea crippled by neglect.” At the event which attracted leaders of the media industry, The Nation was declared winner of the Babatunde Jose Prize for Newspaper of the Year while Channels Television won the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Award for Electronic Media. Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi described the nation’s media as a vital tool of peace and development. The governor, who lauded the media practitioners for their courage and untiring efforts, said: “Yours is a profession charged with the noble responsibility of informing and enlightening the public and carrying out oversight of the social and political processes of the society. “The Nigerian press has come of age as the beacon of hope and renewal in our national experience. “Despite the various challenges that appear to have come to bear upon it in more recent times, the Nigerian media has always been at the progressive vanguard of an ethos that continually seeks to advance and preserve the cause of our society, its systems and the institutions from its earliest incarnation to the present.

“I have equally observed, first-hand, how a vibrant and effective, particularly print media, can crusade against injustice and lend its weight behind the cause of truth, whilst advocating the best for the good of the people. “This has been the honourable tradition upon which the media has thrived through the years in our environment. “Being the only formal institution granted an oversight function on government, its activities, organs and departments in the Nigerian Constitution through several decades, the media has a very sacred role in enabling the attainment of the Nigeria of our aspirations… “The Nigeria Media Merit Award is considered as one of the most reputable prizes for media excellence in our country, instituted by some of the great veterans of the Nigerian press to encourage and reward distinction in the practice of journalism, while promoting a symbiotic relationship between the media industry and the society…” Recalling his role during the military era as a broadcaster at Radio Kudirat, he said: “I have always considered myself as a student and practitioner of journalism having

had a stint both in print and electronic media…” Describing the NMMA as a celebration of media excellence in the country, he said: “It is a celebration of remarkable openness that our country has achieved where journalists can carry out their duties to some extent without the fear of intimidation. “Three years ago, you probably wouldn’t have considered coming to Ekiti. It is no longer a state of one week one trouble. Stability is the rule of the game now in Ekiti State. Evidence of our work abounds in our infrastructural drive.” Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Vincent Maduka, described Fayemi as a true example of intellectual heritage of Ekiti. He said that he felt “unhappy that media professionals in the country are not adequately recompensed.” The other winners of the 2013 NMMA Awards are Henry Boyo of The Punch, Alade Odunewu Prize for Columnist of the Year; Arukaino Umuroko, Bashorun MKO Abiola Prize for Sports Reporter of the Year; Adekunle Yusuf of TELL won the Lateef Jakande Prize for Political Reporter of the Year; and Odu-

tola Abiola of Business Street Journal got the Olu Aboderin Prize for Entertainment Reporter of the Year. Others are Kujenya Saidat Ajoke of The Nation, Peter Odili Prize for Power Reporter of the Year; Stella Sawyerr-Oghale, Bukola Saraki Prize for Agriculture Reporter of the Year; Akaeze Ubaka of TELL won the NAFCON Price for Environment Reporter of the Year; and Akpan Eyo of National Mirror, Conoil Prize for Energy Correspondent of the Year. The News Photographer of the Year Award went to Sunday Adedeji of TELL; Gani Fawehinmi Prize for Human Rights Reporter of the Year, Isioma Madike of National Mirror; and Adejuwon Soyinka of TELL won the Olusegun Mimiko Prize for Foreign News Reporter of the Year. Present on the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; former Minister, Ayo Ogunlade; former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ronke Okusanya; Dare Babarinsa; Prof. Raf Akinfeleye; Taiwo Ajayi-Lycette; Dele Adetiba; Dr. Victoria Eziokoli; and Mr. Yemi Akeju.

Lessons from Mandela’s death, by Jonathan, Mark, Kukah, others From Mohammed Abubakar (Abuja) and Yetunde Ebosele (Lagos) RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan, Senate President David Mark, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church, Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah and the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, were yesterday unanimous that Africa would be better socially and

economically if their leaders imbibed the character traits of the late South African President Nelson Mandela. Besides, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described Mandela’s death as an irreplaceable loss. Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan will today leave Abuja to join other world leaders in South Africa at events leading up to the burial of Mandela.

The President and others spoke at the special inter-denominational church service organised in honour of Mandela at the Aso Rock Chapel, State House, Abuja, that with the departure of Mandela from the world, the continent was truly in search of a servant leader who would serve as a beacon of hope for the people of the continent. Of specific importance to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

ASUU wants govt to confirm deposit of N200b in CBN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Last week, a Presidential Adviser, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said the Federal Government deposited N200 billion in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). But the source said that ASUU was yet to confirm that the funds were actually in the CBN as claimed by Okupe. “As a body, ASUU is yet to be informed officially about the said deposited fund into the coffers of the Federal Government”, the source said. The branch of ASUU at the Bayero University, Kano, has said that the union is ever prepared to dare the Federal Government. The Federal Government had earlier shifted the day for ASUU to resume work from December 4 to 9 to allow the union bury its former President, Prof. Festus Iyayi who was killed in an accident on his way to Kano for the teachers’ meeting. The Chairman of ASUU-BUK, Dr. Mahmud Lawal, told The Guardian on phone yesterday that ASUU would not be intimidated to withdraw from the ongoing strike. Mahmud insisted that ‘’our position still remains hence the strike is ongoing and we

do not panic over the position of government to sack us.” However, our correspondent confirmed that a logbook has already been opened at all departmental offices compelling academic members of staff to register. When asked on the reaction of ASUU to this development, Mahmud denied knowledge of such a book. The university’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammed Zaharadeen, insisted that BUK had always remained open even in the absence of academic activities. On how prepared was the management to start normal academic and administrative activities in the university, Zaharadeen maintained: “I would not want to comment on that and any matter that has to do with ASUU. I will not also want to say anything about that.” Besides, the Delta State University (DELSU) chapter of ASUU yesterday accused the Federal Government of not being transparent over Okupe’s claim. The ASUU-DELSU chairman, Dr. Emmanuel N. Mordi, told The Guardian on phone that the Federal Government was merely playing to the gallery

over Okupe’s media announcement that N200 billion had been deposited in the CBN. He said: “As far as ASUU is concerned, there is no evidence so far that such deposit has been made at CBN. I think the government is merely playing to the gallery in order to make the public see ASUU as inhumane, which is not fair.” Mordi, who described Okupe’s announcement as propaganda, said if the money had actually been deposited in the CBN, government would have invited the ASUU leaders to verify the claims so that the appropriate structures would be established to manage the fund and the strike called off. He described the threats of sack, opening of registers, deployment of the armed forces in university by government as undemocratic. The ASUU-DELSU chairman said: “Not even in pre-1917 Czarist Russia were such bare-faced autocracy and arrogance of power so flaunted. It is even more worrisome that these panic measures being chanted as solutions by the government were tried and found wanting in the not-too-distant past of our history.

“By its actions, government is attempting to repudiate the recent Memorandum of Understanding of November 4, 2013 by mere subterfuge. It is clear that government, as usual, had no intention of implementing the latest agreement, and of restoring normalcy to public universities. We cannot allow the government to succeed in this escapist ploy. It has a duty to revitalise Nigeria’s public universities. “For far too long, the Nigerian government has paid lip service to the revitalisation of public universities which in a clear reversal of their status up to the early ’80s now rank among the least in the world. All Nigerians of goodwill should prevail on the Federal Government to conclude its commendable conciliatory meeting with ASUU by endorsing its November 4, 2013 Memorandum of Understanding so that our dear students can resume their interrupted academic activities without delay. “For now, it will be foolhardy for any student to return to any campus for lectures which are non-existent. No lecturer will teach at the point of bayonet. The strike is for the provision of teaching/learning/laboratory and hostel facilities for students.”

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

News London court reopens Ibori’s assets seizure suit From Tunde Oyedoyin, London HERE are strong indications that the Southwark Crown Court, London will today reopen the suit on the confiscation of the assets amounting to about £80 million belonging to former Delta State Governor, James Ibori. A court official confirmed this to The Guardian at the weekend, saying: “It’s for mention around 10.30am today . As this is the last chance for all parties – particularly the prosecution and the judge – to finally get this case right, the Crown may drag Oando Plc back into the hearing if they feel that will help their case.” Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and his successor, Ibrahim Lamorde may both give evidence, particularly since Ibori’s team had submitted in October that their client may have been set up by the Federal Government, with the $15 million cash bribe given to Ribadu. The asset seizure suit was stalled early October after the scheduled three-week

hearing at the instance of the Crown prosecutor, Sasha Wass, after Ibori’s counsel Ivan Krolick made submissions to the effect that the former governor may not have been guilty of the money laundering offences for which he is currently serving a 13-year jail term. Among his submissions, Krolick had argued in his

final remarks that his client didn’t really benefit to the tune of the over £80 million loot which he corruptly acquired during his eightyear reign as governor of the oil rich state. After listening to Krolick’s arguments, not only did the prosecution see that as a window of opportunity to prove the case, the Judge, Anthony Pitts, confessed

that he couldn’t do a good job without giving thought to seeing all the necessary evidence in the case. Crown prosecutor, Sasha Wass, then told the court that the Crown had always wanted to call evidence, but that if the case goes back to square one, “it will include getting witnesses from Nigeria : “As a result”, Wass told the Judge,

“we would ask that these proceedings be brought to a halt and the case be listed to when we get our witnesses here.” After consultation between both the defence team and Crown prosecutors, a new date was then fixed for December 9, 2013 for preliminary hearing. Today’s hearing will set the tone for the direction the

suit will take. At today’s hearing, it is not just both the prosecution and defence that will come out with all they need to bring the case to a conclusive end, the judge too will want to ensure that all the evidence he needs to make an informed ruling on the loot are tabled before him. This may include dragging back Oando Plc into the hearing.

Akwa Ibom to print own laws From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo O update, standardise and consolidate the laws of the land into one document for easy accessibility and understanding, the Akwa Ibom State Government has concluded plans to publish its revised laws. Coming 26 years after its creation, the state plans to spend N458,000 in publishing the revised laws, according to the decisions reached after a three-day executive retreat in Abuja. Addressing journalists in Uyo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aneikan Umanah, said the exercise is meant to bring to update the revised laws and make them available to the public. Apparently to ensure that it no longer bears marks and logo of the old Cross River State, from it where it was carved out in 1987, the government will also spend N60 million to procure grading tools and equipment for its Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The retreat also agreed to the deployment of chaplains in 60 public secondary schools in the three senatorial districts, to be later extended to other schools after a review of the pilot phase. More so, the council approved the change in nomenclature of the state’s surveyor-general, accountantgeneral and auditor-general of local councils to permanent secretaries, but with no additional financial implication for government.

Director of Operations, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dave Herron (left); Financial Director, Wolfgang Koleman (middle), Director of Administration, Alhaji Zubairu Bayi (right), presenting an award to Akinola Isiaka Adisa and wife during the 40 years Long Service Award ceremony by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in Abuja ... yesterday. PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY-ELUKPO

Plateau set for Solomon Lar’s burial From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos VER 10,000 visitors are expected this weekend in Jos at the burial of the first civilian governor of the Plateau State, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Yiljap Abraham, told journalists yesterday. He explained that Lar, having made “clearly discernible impact on our national life as Nigerians in the course of his political life,” Governor Jonah Jang had constituted a National Funeral Planning Committee, chaired by the former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, to plan the burial ceremony. According to him, its membership comprises officials from the Presidency, Plateau and Nasarawa states govern-

ments, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, the family, the church, the Taroh community, the media and close associates and friends of the late Lar. “Governor Jang had earlier announced to the family and the nation that Chief Lar would be given state burial, and in consultation with the Presidency, his Nasarawa State counterpart and the family, approved a full week of activities that will usher in the funeral itself,” Abraham said. “The funeral programme, as drawn up and released by the National Planning Committee, is being diligently executed. A clear indication is that the corpse was flown into the country last Friday morning and was received by Governor Jang in company of a representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, the late

Lar’s family and the PDP National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur,” among others. He further disclosed that today in Abuja, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotel, his friends, associates and admirers would hold a memorial lecture and tributes in his honour, while tomorrow, Lar, having been a former member of parliament, would be honoured in a special session in the morning by the House of Representatives. Abraham further explained that same day, the body would lie in state in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where a special programme would be held in his honour as governor of old Plateau State. Afterwards, the body would leave to Langtang, his home place, where his kinsmen, on Wednesday, will pay their last respects, culminating in a

church service at the COCIN Central in Langtang, from where the corpse would leave to Jos. “On Thursday, there will be three major activities in Jos: A valedictory session at the Jos High Court premises at 11a.m, a lying in-state for the general public at the Government House Chapel in Rayfield at 1p.m. and a service of songs by the family at the COCIN Headquarters Church at 3.00 p.m.,” he added. The ceremonies would peak on Friday with a state funeral service at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium at 10 a.m., the commissioner said, stating: “The state is expecting to host over 10,000 people, dignitaries from far and near and the masses, who had always been the primary concern of this emancipator. “It is from the stadium that the corpse will be taken on its

final home journey to Langtang for the interment.” Meanwhile, Jang has approved the repair of the over 200 kilometer road stretching from the PlateauNasarawa border to Shendam, and from Heipang to Langtang for a hitch-free ride, since the body will be coming in through Nasarawa. More so, massive renovation work is ongoing at all nine venues where funeral activities will be holding, Abraham said. However, he stressed that the general public might experience some inconveniences due to the tight security arrangements, therefore, he appealed to indigenes and visitors to bear it for the sake of overall security, co-operate with security personnel and set out for any of their destinations well ahead of time.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

Oyo to build parking lots for tanker drivers S part of the move by the A Oyo State Government to address the perennial snarl caused by indiscriminate parking of fuel tankers within the Ibadan metropolis, particularly on the highways, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has pledged to build parking lots for tanker drivers in the city. When provided, he said that the parking spaces would remove the impediments to traffic flow on the highways and other parts of the state capital. The governor gave this indication while receiving a delegation of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) that paid him a courtesy call at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan at the weekend. Besides, he also pledged his administration’s support to the union through the provision of logistics that would improve the profitability of the members. This, the governor

said, would curb oil spillages and pilfering, reduce the health hazard associated with oil spillages and increase economic activities in the state, adding that two more buses would be presented to the union very soon. He also lauded the collaborative efforts of the union with his administration, pointing out that these had contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the state. “We are very proud of you; you are a major player in the socio-economic development of Oyo State; virtually everywhere, you see service station springing up; so you are adding a lot of value to the development of Oyo State; this is highly appreciated. “Even when there appears to be a friction, you have always taken a supportive way out; your union is a good partner in the progress and development of Oyo State,” Governor Ajimobi remarked.

Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke (fourth right); his wife, Obioma (fifth right); members of the Bankers’ Committee including senior officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), cutting the anniversary cake at the 5th edition of the annual Bankers’ Retreat in Calabar…yesterday

Lessons from Mandela’s death, by Jonathan, Mark, Kukah, others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 President was Mandela’s humility, selflessness and his ever-forgiving spirit as well as his capacity to unite all the peoples irrespective of their race and colour. He noted that even in his stature as an international statesman, he remained humble till death, as he never took personal credits for all that he had achieved in his life time as the leader of the struggle to free his country. Taking turns to pay their tributes to the late antiapartheid hero, Jonathan

said Mandela transcended the border of South Africa, noting that he had indeed become a global leader that his death had such a tremendous impact across the globe. He further stressed: “Even in one of his write-ups, he made this statement that ‘Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.’ “So, many leaders do not believe that they do fall, sometimes we even play God because of the privileges we have holding political offices. What can we learn from that? What can we learn from Mandela? People would ask, was he a great man? Yes, Mandela was great by all standards. But this maybe interpreted differently. “We do have big names in the political circle, without the greatness. Charles De Gaul, the former President of France, once said that nothing great would ever be achieved without great names and men are great only if they are determined to

be so. The question is, will some people be determined to be great and others determined not to be great? “But I always look at the word greatness with some kind of pessimism, because making a great name is not just enough because even at the political circle, we have so many great names that are dictators, ran a very repressive and oppressive governments that sent a lot of people into repression, some people became extremely notorious but they have made big names, so to be truly great is key, and Nelson Mandela is one rare person. “He became the President in 1994 at the age of 76. By the time he ended his first tenure in 1999, he became 81. Even though he was pressurised to continue to complete his two terms, he would have ended up may be at 86, but on his own, he said that there are younger people, I have served my term, brought freedom to South Africa, let younger persons take over. If we were to compare Nelson Mandela to quote a number of leaders across our continent Africa, very few people even at the age of 81 will still want to be there. “So, Mandela was a rare character that those of us who are politicians need to learn from so that we will imbibe some of his trait and quality and put them to use of our country. In fact, if you listen to those of us who are politicians, from all political parties, the way we talk, some of us speak as if Nigeria is in their personal bedroom that they have control over. Speaking in the same vein, Mark in his intervention said because of the honesty and sincerity in which he executed his anti-apartheid struggle and the selfless manner in which he led the people of South Africa, Mandela became more popular even after he left the Presidency than he was while in the saddle. “And that again is a good lesson that we should leave behind legacies that people will

be proud of, legacies that can withstand the test of time,” he said, adding that tomorrow, the Senate would hold a special session to honour the icon of South African struggle accordingly. Mark believed that if the fight for a united Africa was spearheaded by Mandela instead of the late Libyan dictator, Col. Muammar Gadaffi, a lot of people would have bought into it and that the continent would have made more progress, because “we would have believed him that he was genuine with what he was doing.” For Kukah, Mandela’s death had left lots of questions on the fate and direction of Africa. According to him, “but really, there are still a few questions that remained unresolved, and we as Africans must also try to live with those problems. The problems relate to whether we have the capacity and the ability and disposition to dismantle the persisting institutions of injustice that are still remaining in our continent.” According to him, while the globe was on the same page celebrating the personality of Mandela, Africa and Africans should be reminded that the future of the continent and its people belong to them and not outsiders. “Now, it is very interesting that rest of the international community focus have rewarded South Africa even beyond what most of us would have expected. Then the same white community that was responsible for apartheid has ended up being those providing the cure. “While celebrating Mandela and we have right to do so but President Mandela would never had been what he had become today were it not for the dogged struggle and commitment of black African people. According to the labour body, Mandela was a rare and uncommon breed whose demise “will certainly create a void difficult to fill not only in South Africa but around the

world.” A statement by the NLC president, Abdulwaheed Omar, said Mandela’s contributions to peace was priceless, adding that “Mandela was the rallying point of an inimitable and unstoppable moral force with which world leaders with a conscience sought to identify.” The NLC leader added: “Mandela’s contributions to the struggle against the obnoxious apartheid regime was not only legendary, he became the symbol of the struggle that earned him 27 cruel years in prison in Robben Island. “It was a fitting tribute that he came from prison to be president of a multi-racial South Africa. The genius in Mandela was clearly etched in his policy of national reconciliation through the instrumentality of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The world was spellbound. But Mandela was not yet done. He left office after one term, sending a strong signal to sit-tight rulers, especially in Africa. “Mandela was a remarkable man. In spite of a turbulent

political career and a tumultuous family life, he created happiness for himself and inspired millions of others.’’ A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan, who would be accompanied by the Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, is expected to attend the Memorial Service for Mandela tomorrow at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. “The President will, in the company of other Heads of State and Government, also pay his last respects to Mandela at the anti-apartheid hero’s lying-in-state on Wednesday at the Union Building in Pretoria where he served as South Africa’s first democratically-elected President. “At the conclusion of the event in Pretoria on Wednesday, President Jonathan will leave for Nairobi to honour a long-standing invitation to be a guest of honour at Kenya’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. “President Jonathan will return to Abuja on Thursday,

‘N69.3b platform to displace Eagle Square’ From Terhemba Daka, Abuja PON completion in a couU ple of years, the new Abuja National Square, a component of the Nigeria Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower project located in the Central Area, would displace the Eagle Square as the preferred national event centre, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed, has disclosed. Mohammed told newsmen at the weekend during an inspection of the project that the 40,000 square-metre platform is meant to host national and other symbolic events. Located between the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre, the

project forms the roof of a two-level basement car park built to accommodate 1,200 cars. According to Mohammed, the Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower project, which comprises four major components, was conceived as a multifunctional edifice with facilities for cultural exposition, tourism, socialisation, recreation, hospitality and commercial activities. He further listed the four components of the project as the Cultural Centre, National Square and Underground Car Park, the Millennium Tower with a revolving Restaurant, and Belvedere and a Commercial Tunnel.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013 NEWS

Yoruba in Bauchi praise Yuguda for peace, development

Military adopts new strategy to protect Borno border communities

From Ali Garba, Bauchi

From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri UTHORITIES of the 7 A Division of the Nigerian Army in Borno State have

RESIDENT of the Yoruba P Community in Bauchi State, Olaoti Adetunji Shehu, has described the state as a peaceful environment for business, saying the people are accommodative, loving and hospitable. Shehu said Governor Malam Isa Yuguda has contributed immensely to the development and continue growth of Bauchi through his economic empowerment policies. Speaking during the 2013 Yoruba Day celebration and fund raising for renovation of the Yoruba Community House in Bauchi at the weekend, Shehu said some of Yuguda’s achievement include construction of an international airport along Kano road, establishment of state university at Istas Gadau with two campuses in Bauchi and Misau, facilitating the establishment of teaching hospital and construction of medical college, construction of new specialist hospitals and upgrading of Yankari Games Reserved to a world class tourist centre. According to him, the purpose of celebrating Yoruba Day is to foster unity among the people living in Bauchi and boost relationship with their host community.

Group seeks support for pro-disable projects By Adeniyi Idowu Adunola S the world celebrates the A International Day for People with Disabilities, the Ephaphata Hope Foundation, a group committed to distributing wheelchairs to the disable and creating awareness on issues affecting wheelchair users, has called for support to enable them to execute their projects. Speaking at the event tagged: “I am a flower”, the Chief Executive Officer of Ephaphata Hope Foundation, Rita Nkechi Ofili, who is also physically-challenged, said the greatest concerns of persons with disability is that they feel insecure, emotionally temperament and loss of self control and confidence in themselves. “Most parents with disable child(ren) are afraid of what people will say or call them, hence they tend to abandon, kill or hide such child with disability,” she said.

The scene of the multiple accident yesterday at Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Anxiety in Adamawa as S’Court rules on Ardo’s appeal tomorrow From Emmanuel Ande, Yola HE political temperature in Adamawa State has risen as the Supreme Court tomorrow decides the political fate of Governor Murtala Nyako, who recently dumped the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The apex court will rule on the suit filed by Umar Ardo challenging the nomination of Governor Murtala Nyako as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2012 governorship election in the state. Nyako was chosen during the PDP governorship primaries held in the state prior to the Supreme Court ordered February 2012 election. Ardo filed the suit, No. SC 35/2013 against Nyako, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC). Ardo is accusing the PDP of not conducting the mandatory congresses to elect three ad-hoc delegates per ward for the nomination exercise. He had earlier lost a case he instituted in a Federal high Court

sitting in Yola on the same matter. He had approached the High Court to declare as null and void the procedure adopted by the PDP for the nomination of Nyako as its gubernatorial candidate on the grounds that it was in breach of the party’s electoral guidelines. He also asked the court to de-

Nyako

clare that there was no validly nominated PDP candidate for the 2012 gubernatorial election in Adamawa State, and that the court should order the PDP to conduct fresh gubernatorial primaries between him and Nyako. Justice S. M. Shuaibu had on January 20, 2012 dismissed Ardo’s claims.

He appealed the judgment at the Court of Appeal Yola Division. However, the Court of Appeal also dismissed his appeal on February 26, 2013. Ardo then approached the Supreme Court and filed an appeal against the judgment of the lower court on Thursday, March 28.

Ardo

adopted a new strategy to protect the border villages and towns against attack by suspected Boko Haram gunmen. It was learnt that residents of the border communities are cooperating with troops by providing them with more information on the modus operandi of insurgents who usually flee into Sambisa Forest after their attacks and killings. The Guardian learnt that the new strategy will also be used to protect towns and villages in both the Sambisa Forest and its peripheries, comprising six local councils of Bama, Konduga, Damboa, Chibok, Uba/Askira and Gwoza, located 135 kilometres south of Maiduguri. Speaking yesterday on the military strategy, the spokesman of the 7 Division of Nigerian Army, Col. Mohammed Dole, in an interview in Maiduguri, said the military has to change its tactics and strategy of protecting life and property in the state. His words: “As the insurgents continue to change tactics of attacking our people in these border towns and villages, including the ones that are sited on the peripheries of Sambisa Forest, our men have to change tactics with the adoption of new strategies to contain the incessant attacks and killing of innocent villagers. Already, several villages and communities in central and southern Borno State have been affected by the Boko Haram insurgency since the declaration of state of emergency on May 14, 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan. “The new strategy that we will immediately adopt is the patrol of Borno towns and villages on their market days, including the 454-kilometre Maiduguri-Damaturu, BiuMaiduguri, and MaiduguriGwoza roads of Central and Southern Borno State. The local people will furnish us with information on these market days, particularly on which they hold.” He noted that most of the Boko Haram terrorists’ attacks and killings in towns and villages are carried out on market days. He listed Kirawa, Damboa, Barawa, Nguroshoye, Madayi, Gambouru/Ngala, Kawuri, Banki, Mainok, Mafa, Alagarno and Bulabulin Ngarnam as some of the 20 towns and villages attacked on their market days.

Afenifere Renewal Group tasks Jonathan, INEC on 2015 poll From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo YORUBA socio-cultural orA ganisation, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has said that the conduct of free, fair and credible election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2015 is cardinal to the survival of the nation. ARG therefore urged the electoral empire, police and President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure the rule of law is strictly adhered to in all future polls, saying doing so would put the nation on steady path to growth, development and rediscovery.

The group restated its support for the convocation of a sovereign national conference, saying such would enable all the geo-political zones, including the Yoruba ethnic nationality, to fashion out the way forward for themselves within the context of the Nigerian State. ARG, which made its feeling known at the weekend in Osogbo at a press briefing on its Governance Assessment Report on Osun State, emphasised that the 2015 poll is critical to the collective survival of the nation, adding that the President owes it a duty to Nigerians that issues pertain-

ing to election be handled in accordance with the best practice of democratic norm accepted globally. According to ARG, much hope is place by Nigerians on the outcome of the 2015 general election, nothing negative should be allowed to affect its conduct if Nigerians are to continue to have confidence in the democratic institutions. In its assessment report, the group endorsed a second term for Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, “in view of his outstanding performance”, urging the people to support him to enable the

governor complete his ongoing policies and programmes. The national chairman of ARG, Mr. Wale Oshun, who led other leaders of the group to the venue, said findings by an assessment committee set up by the group discovered that the current administration in Osun has impacted positively on the lives of the residents in the past three years. He said Osun government passed the assessment test, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare delivery, water supply, infrastructural development, wealth cre-

ation, urban renewal, civil service, governance and regional integration. “Indeed, our blessed heritage in the Western Region shapes our philosophy about governance. Any Yoruba man knows that governance is not just haphazard award of contracts and implementation of projects done just to massage ego and encourage exhibitionism. It is a laborious and complex process of thinking and planning for the greater good to create such an environment that unleashes the potentials and prosperity of the people,” ARG said. The group passed the verdict

that Aregbesola has met the criteria and deserves to be given another chance to enable him continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the people. “With what we have seen in the last two days, Afenifere Renewal Group believes that it will be a great disservice to young and even unborn generations of Osun State if Aregbesola is not re-elected to oversee the complete implementation of ongoing projects . We are not just talking about projects and contracts, but policies that will positively shape the future prosperity of this state for generations.”

6 NEWS Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

World leaders laud Nigeria over first global trade deal FOR helping to facilitate the lreform first ever international trade agreement, which has

conclusion today started from MC8, the Rwandan Minister of Trade and Investment, Francois Kanimba, said. On her part, the Minister for Trade and Industry for Botswana, Hon. Dorcas Makgato-Malesu, said one of the important outcomes of the MC8 was the courage to focus on key deliverables after over 10 years of negotiating the Doha issues. “Minister Aganga, who chaired the MC8, is one of the key people helping Nigeria, and Africa as a whole, on all fronts. He has been instrumental in trying to bring together divergent views to achieve convergence in a way that everybody’s interest is protected with permissible flexibilities,” she said. The entire 159 member countries of the WTO came to Bali for the MC9, knowing well that it was either a deal was struck regarding the three packages on the table or the WTO lost its integrity. Ministers therefore worked very hard with Nigeria, in particular, mediating to ensure that key areas constituting major imbalances in the multilateral trading system were ironed out. “For the first time in our his-

the potential to add $1 trillion to the world economy, Nigeria was lauded by world leaders at the weekend. Delegations from many countries said the success recorded after five days of negotiation in Bali, Indonesia, was an offshoot of the work done at the World Trade Organisation’s (WTOs) Eight Ministerial Conference in Geneva. There, it was agreed that the WTO should end the fruitless years of negotiations and identify key elements of the Doha Round where agreements could be reached with a view to delivering a package in those areas. The world’s trade ministers agreed that the ‘helpful’ leadership of the Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga (who chaired the MC8), drew the path for success at the justconcluded Ninth Ministerial Conference (MC9). The Swiss delegation commended Nigeria’s leadership of the MC8, which they said had helped in no small way to reach the MC9 consensus. The delegation, who have again invited Aganga to Davos in January, said members would want to continue engagement with him in view of the quality of leadership he had displayed, adding that his wealth of experience would help in the completion of many of the outstanding issues. From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu “The fact that Minister Aganga, HE Senator representing who is the past chair, is well Enugu-East Senatorial versed and experienced in global issues, helped a great Zone, Gilbert Nnaji, has said deal to reach a consensus. It is a he would honourably withgood thing that the positive draw from the race to represent the zone at the Senate in

tory, the WTO has truly delivered. This time, the entire membership came together. We have put the ‘world’ back in the World Trade Organisation,” the DirectorGeneral, WTO, Roberto Azevedo, told exhausted ministers after the long but fruitful talks. There were three main items in the package - trade facilitation (to streamline customs procedures and minimise unnecessary border delays, deliv-

ering jobs and opportunities in times of unemployment and slow growth); agriculture and development issues, which apply mainly to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Cuba, which was later supported by Bolivia, Nicaragua and Venezuela, had almost blocked a consensus at the last minute when it refused to accept a deal that would not help pry open the US embargo of the Caribbean Island, forcing negotiations to drag all

through the night, with the delegations wide awake in the meeting hall, until Saturday morning. However, largely favourable agreements were reached at the end, including the reaffirmation of the non-discrimination principle of Article V of GATT 1994; public stockholding for food security purposes; duty-free and quotafree market access for least developed countries, among others.

Ozekhome urges public, private partnership in policing From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba S a way out of the present state of insecurity in the country, human rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, has called for a private/public partnership in the policing of the country. Ozekhome, a recent kidnap victim in his home state, Edo, said this in Asaba, Delta State capital, at the weekend during the presentation of scorecard by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar. He said he was supremely confident that with private investment in the Nigeria Police, there would be an efficient and effective policing across the country.

He lambasted the office of the Minister of Police Affairs for keeping a retinue of aides, which he insisted, are unnecessary, arguing that the retention of that ministry was depleting the funds voted annually for the police. The constitutional lawyer added that private entrepreneurs must invest in the police so as to make the force more effective and efficient. Over two months after he was released from the den of his abductors after allegedly paying a handsome ransom, Ozekhome said he was still reeling from the death of the four policemen killed by the kidnappers in the process of trying to se-

cure his release. Ozekhome was, therefore, full of praises for Abubakar for positively changing the image of the ordinary Nigerian policeman, saying: “The police we have now appear to have a human face because how they managed to get my wife’s phone number, I did not know. And they were calling her always to encourage her that I would be released. Four officers were gunned down while coming to rescue me and as soon as I was released, I made this known to the IGP and he immediately ordered that a cheque be raised for the families of the gallant officers.”

Controversy over Enugu-East Senatorial seat T

2015 if there is a proof of the alleged agreement he reached to vacate the seat for Enugu governor’s Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, after his present tenure. He also denied sponsoring negative publications in the media against any official of the Enugu State government, stressing that he does not engage in bitter political battle. Nnaji, who had for some time now been embroiled in war of attrition with Mrs.

Nwobodo over who occupies the position of the Enugu East at the Senate in 2015, said there was no iota of truth in the allegations that he reached an understanding to vacate the position after 2015. Nnaji said: “Is Chief of Staff the people of Enugu East Senatorial District? How can I reach an agreement with only one person? It is not one person that can give mandate for the position of Enugu-East; it is the people of

the senatorial zone. If anybody said I reached any agreement with her, let the person provide it and if it is true, I will just withdraw honourably”. The senator, who had before now suffered some political humiliations apparently over the development, including the disruption leading to the denial of his senatorial zone of opportunity to participate at the public hearing on the constitutional amendment, said the power to appoint and anoint rests squarely in the hands of God. Speaking with reporters at the weekend at the maiden edition of the convocation ceremony of the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Nnaji also denied any misunderstanding with Enugu Governor, Sullivan Chime. “That allegation is baseless; there is no atom of truth in it. There is no love lost between the governor and I. After all, I came back for my educational fund on Thursday (last week). I went to the governor to invite him and stayed with him for over three hours discussing and he promised that he was going to send his Commissioner for Education and the commissioner was actually at the event. So, it is just ordinary politics, people are trying to put heads together”, he said. He said as part of efforts to assist the university, part of his 2013 constituency projects was allocated to the rehabilitation of the NkwuboUgwuomu road, where the permanent site of the university is located, stressing that he would do more to promote the school. Nnaji commended the management of the school for the effort at keeping to the aspirations of the founding fathers, stressing that four years after, the school was making history of graduating her first 100 students.

Kwara chiefs pledge loyalty to Saraki From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin traditional rulers in SStateOME Ilorin Emirate of Kwara have pledged their loyalty to the political leadership of the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Bukola Saraki. The development might not be unconnected with the recent decamping of Saraki from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Some members of the PDP, however, refused to follow Saraki to the new party, boasting of their ability to deliver the state to the PDP despite the departure of Saraki come the year 2015 general elections. Addressing a news conference in Ilorin yesterday, the monarchs said Saraki’s huge contributions to the development of the state in the past one-decade eminently qualified him to be the state’s political leader.

National Library organises two-day seminar on Dec 12 From Anthony Otaru, Abuja HE National Library of T Nigeria is holding a twoday sensitisation seminar on legal deposit aimed at creating awareness for book publishers, authors, musicians, film producers, printers and librarians on the National Library Legal Deposit obligation. In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the seminar, slated for December 12, in Ibadan, will be attended by eminent personalities including Prof. Aderemi Raji Oyelade, president, Association of Nigerian Authors and Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, who is expected to deliver a keynote address. Scholarly papers will be presented by eminent scholars in the book and entertainment industries at the seminar.

NAWOJ Week opens today in Abuja From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja HE 2013 National T Association of Women Journalists’ Week (NAWOJ Week) kicks off today in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Already, states’ officials and delegations have arrived for the one-week celebration. National President of the association, Asabe N. Baba, told journalists at the weekend that this year’s outing is anchored on the theme: “Peace and Good Governance Prerequisite for Democracy: The Role of Female Journalists.” According to her, the week is loaded with activities including seminars, advocate programmes and interdenominational services. The highlight of the event is the launch of the association’s strategic work plan and compendium of members. Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, would present a paper on the role of female journalists in deepening Nigerian democracy.

Monday, December 9, 2013 NEWS 7

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

SON decries lack of co-operation among stakeholders

Ghana’s President to speak on road safety HANA’S President, John G Mahama, will be guest speaker at the Federal Road

From Itunu Ajayi, Abuja HE Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, at the weekend lamented the lack of partnership among stakeholders in the food processing industry. At an event marking the CODEX 50th anniversary with the theme: “Safe good food for everyone” in Abuja, Odumodu lamented that the progress made by the country in food safety is gradually slowing down. He noted that there seemed not to be enough synergy between regulatory bodies as each is working at variance and competing with the other in what looked like a game of unhealthy competition. He noted that the process is slowing down because the organisation responsible for safety of food seemed to be working at different rate and at different directions.

Edo deputy gov, senator laud NUJ’s fairness From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City DO State Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu and the senator representing Edo-North Senatorial District, Domingo Obende, yesterday commended the professionalism of the media operating in the state. Odubu, who was special guest at the closing ceremony of the one-week long Press Week of Edo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, said the media had given a fair reporting of the Adams Oshiomhole-led administration in the state. He said: “I want to appreciate the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, for its adequate coverage and fair reportage. I have always tasked them to report the truth and not their opinions. From my assessment, they have done us proud. I want to commend them and I want to charge them to continue to report the truth, what they see and hear and not what they were told.”

ANCO’s induction holds tomorrow HE Minister of T Communications and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson and PostmasterGeneral of the Federation, Malam Ibrahim Mori-Baba, are among important government functionaries expected at the Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO) induction slated to hold tomorrow At a press briefing in Ilupeju, Lagos on Thursday, Chairman of ANCO Organising Committee, Mrs. Tolu Omamadaga, said about 20 new members would be admitted into the association, while the out-going president, Mr. Toyin Olufade, would hand over to the incoming one, Mr. Siyanbola Oladapo. The Director of Shipping and Commercial Services of Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Mrs. Dabley Shall-Holma, will deliver a lecture on “Harnessing the Investment Opportunities in Shipping for the Courier Industry”.

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) (third right); Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Olusola Oworu (second left); her Establishment and Training counterpart, Florence Oguntuase (left); Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola (second right) and other members of his entourage being conducted round by Vice President, Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co. Ltd. Zhu Zhiyong, during an inspection of the production factories of the Dalian Group in Dalian, China, on Thursday.

Safety Commission (FRSC’s) fifth Annual Lecture Series, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja. With the theme, “Safer Roads: A 21st Century Development Challenge,” this year’s lecture “is in continuation of the need to stimulate public discourse and action on the developmental challenges towards realising set goals for safer roads on the African continent in the 21st Century,” according to a statement by Corps Public Education Officer, Jonas Agwu. “The annual lecture will focus on review of Africa’s growth prospect, analyze the growing incidents of road traffic crashes and attendant deaths arising from this and challenging Africa to view road safety as a development issue. The forum will further re-energise the campaign to create safer roads in Africa. “An eloquent champion of the under-privileged, President Mahama was first elected to the Parliament of Ghana in 1996 to represent the Bole/Bamboi Constituency for a four-year term. In April 1997, he was then appointed as deputy minister of communications. He rose to become the substantive minister of communications by November 1998.

How to revive North’s economy, by ex-finance minister From Karls Tsokar, Abuja ITH declining economic activities in northern Nigeria as a result of the insurgent activities, a former Finance Minister, Shamsudeen Usman, has urged the Federal Government to come out with a ‘Marshal Plan’ to turn the situation around. Usman, the immediate past minister and vice chairman, National Planning Commission, made the call at the just-concluded NorthEast Economic Summit, where he delivered a keynote address entitled: “Challenges of and opportunities for sustainable development in a crisis environment.” He said leaders in the region needed to adopt strategies that would turn the crisis ravaging the region into opportunities by focusing on modern, commercial and knowl-

edge-driven agriculture. The one-time deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria urged states in the North and the Federal Government to institute a Marshal Plan for both the troubled North-East and the entire North as a means of rebuilding the economy of the region, which has been grossly devastated by the ongoing security crisis pervading the zone. Usman commended the Federal Government for restoring sovereign authority in the region. He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, however, must lead by instituting a sort of Marshall Plan for the North-East in particular, and the North in general, to address the underlying causes” of the widening inequality, which is helping to fuel the crisis.

“Such a plan should be worked out jointly with the state governors and integrated with the states’ plans, as well as the international development partners. Most notably, the European Union (EU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), have all expressed their willingness to come on board, but are waiting for the Federal Government leadership,” he said. In a statement issued by the Head of Information in the Ministry of National Planning, Salisu Habib, Usman noted that there are also many corporate and other social philanthropists both domestic and foreign that will readily contribute to such a fund, when the Federal Government and the states

show the necessary leadership. The former Minister of Finance in the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration described agriculture as a low hanging fruit for the NorthEast zone, stressing that emphasis must be placed on “modern, commercial, knowledge-driven agriculture, led by a new crop of modern farmers providing leadership and guidance to the larger group of small to medium scale farmers.” He further advocated that a pride of place should be given to what he described as the three ‘Es”; education, entrepreneurship and employment, pointing out that the challenge of out-of-school children in the North is also a time bomb, waiting to explode. He also noted that the issue of creating jobs must be pri-

oritised, stating, “Here, one must sound a word or two of caution. First, attention needs to be paid not only to enabling people to have jobs, but also the sort of jobs they do and their roles in those jobs. The northern governors, as a group, need to confront the issue of where, in the Nigerian and global job market, they want their citizens to be. “Is it only as gate men and or as the large pool of (innocent), northern youths, that are roaming the streets of Abuja carrying diggers and shovels, looking for labourer work on construction sites?”. He pointed out that the region, which is ravaged by crisis, had a most formidable past, with many of its historical kingdoms and societies contributing greatly to commerce, the economy, culture and governance.

Ondo communities declare support for suit on NDDC board’s composition From Niyi Bello, Akure IL-PRODUCING communities in the Ilaje coastal stretch of Ondo State have thrown their weight behind a case filed by their representative in the state House of Assembly, Gbenga Edema, at an Abuja Federal High Court, challenging the composition of the new board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The state legislator had sued the Federal Government to court over the non-inclusion of an Ondo State indigene on the NDDC Board as stipulated by the Act setting up the intervention agency, which recommends that the positions of the managing direc-

tor and two executive directors should be rotated among oil-producing states of the federation. A communiqué issued after a meeting of the Ilaje Leaders of Thoughts, a platform of political, traditional and business leaders, as well as the intelligentsia of the Ilaje nation, which comprises the four kingdoms of Ugbo, Mahin, Aheri and Etikan, at the weekend, said Edema’s suit is in the best interest of the Ondo people. A communiqué signed by Oyekan Arije, a foremost labour leader and former national president of Egbe Omo Ilaje and Henry Ojagbohunmi, “commended

Edema for the legal action filed by him at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against further marginalisation of Ondo State by the Federal Government in the appointment to executive positions at the NDDC.” The leaders said the noninclusion of an Ondo State indigene among holders of executive positions of the NDDC since the establishment of the Commission, is a violation of Section 12 of the NDDC Act, which stipulates that “there shall be for the Commission, a managing director and two executive directors who shall be indigenes of oil-producing areas starting with the member-

state of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate among member-states in order of production.” The leaders further alleged that executive positions of the board were being rotated among the four states of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa since 2000 when the Commission was established and that Ondo, which is the fifth on the list of production quota, has been left out. According to them, “the executive cartel now being created in the monopoly of the three executive positions by the first four states is also offensive to the spirit of equity, fairness and inclusiveness

most desired for the unity, peace and development of the region in that neither the National Assembly nor the NDDC Act ever contemplated or permitted any of the member-states to have held any of the three positions more than once while others remain excluded.” They also claimed that the state’s two oil-producing local councils of Ilaje and EseOdo, out of the 18 councils in the state, accounted for 30 per cent of the total votes cast for President Goodluck Jonathan during his election in 2011, stating that they believed in the President doing justice to their request.a

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Congrats at 76 sir!

Taraba State The Government and People of

hereby felicitate with our renowned illustrious Son and distinguished Nigerian and a national leader, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Y. Danjuma, as he clocks 76 years today. Sir, we pray that Almighty God will continue to protect and guide you with more wisdom as you help in stabilizing our state and great country. Your contributions to national development are unquantifiable! Once again, congratulations sir!!!

Signed: Mr. Kefas Sule Chief Press Secretary to the Acting Governor

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

10 |

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

www.ngrguardiannews.com

PHOTONEWS

Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Umar Manko (second right); immediate past CP in Lagos, Yakubu Alkali (middle); the representative of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Mamman Tsafe, DCP Biodun Ige (second left); the Managing Director, CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Company Limited, Kelechukwu Mbagwu (right) and the Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Ikoyi, Sylvester Ngini (left) during the commissioning of the Yakubu Alkali Centre built and donated to the Nigeria Police by CMB in Lagos… yesterday

Chairman, Publicity Committee, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Pastor BankOlemoh (left); Head of the Legal Team, MFM, Bolaji Onilenla; member, Legal Team, John Jacobs and Regional Overseer, Southeast 1, Enugu, Pastor Rotimi Olugbule, during a press conference at the church headquarters, Yaba, Lagos.

AfricaMagic Viewers Choice Awards Nomination show and AfricaMagic 10th Tinsel Casts & AfricaMagic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) Winner and Second time Nominee in group Photographs at the AfricaMagic 10th Anniversary in Lagos

John Iseghohi, Creative Designer (left); Lekan Olakanmi, Vice President, Merchant Services/Purchasing; Ruby Chuku, Head Of Customer Service; Onyeka Akumah, Head Of Marketing, Nokia Representative; Gabriel Gab-Umoden, Strategic Marketing Manager; Ifeanyi Abraham, Public Relations Strategist; Sola Masha, Head of Retail Services; Yeside Asekun, Online Marketing Manager, Konga.com, and Lanre Sonola, Social Media Manager at Marketing World Awards 2013

Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Council, Ayodele Adewale (left); Council Manager, Segun Ajayi and Alado of Adoland, Oba Lateef Olayiwola Ado at the 2014 Budget Consultative Forum of the Council in Lagos PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

National President, Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners & Practitioners, Micheal Ale (left); Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Tanwa Koya and Managing Director, Davechem Industries Ltd, David Adeyemo, at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos.

Medical Director, Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. Imosemi Doland (left); Producer, Health Wise Programme, Temitope Adesegun; and Project Manager, HWP, Fatima Adeoje, during a health advocacy programme in Lagos. PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

National President, Junior Chambers International (JCI) Botswana, Kabo G. Garechaba (left); President-elect, JCI South Africa, Linda Ben and President, JCI Eko, Jide Adeyemi, at the 2013 National Convention of JCI South Africa in Johannesburg.

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

WorldReport Cuba reforms seen as changing ideals, values

Central African fighters defy order to stand down

T’S not dog-eat-dog. Not just Iislanders yet. But as more and more go into business for

HE mostly Muslim fightT ers who control Central African Republic patrolled neighborhoods across its capital on Sunday despite an order to return to their barracks, reflecting the sectarian tensions still rippling across the impoverished nation. Aid officials reported Sunday that the fighters had abducted at least nine wounded men from a hospital in Bangui last week and then killed them, all part of the spasm of violence that has engulfed the capital. French forces are leading a U.N.-sanctioned intervention launched Thursday to stem violence that the French foreign minister said Sunday had killed at least 394 people in the past few days.

Refuges fleeing fighting in Central African Republic

Why Nigeria, others must stop N50b yearly illicit financial flows, by Mbeki, stakeholders By Bola Olajuwon EMBERS of High Level M Panel (HLP) on Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) from Africa led by former President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa have joined stakeholders from West and Central African countries in seeking concerted and broad-based actions through continentalwide political will, participation of every citizen, global partnership and cooperation among others in fighting the menace that drains $50 billion yearly. Addressing delegates from the two regional groups at the end of a two-day consultative forum in Accra, Ghana last week, Mbeki asserted that curtailing the illicit financial flows would allow the continent to address its developmental challenges and retain such funds that illegally evade the continent each year to the developed and developing countries, an amount he added has hit over $850 billion since early 1970s. His words: “Being able to stem illicit financial flows would for instance help Africa bridge the infrastructure gap and address its huge development challenges.” According to him, the financial loss has had detrimental effects on African countries, a situation that has made them to be unable to garner the domestic resources needed to address their developmental needs. However, Mbeki reasoned that illicit financial flow is an African problem with a global solution and therefore, “solutions need to be found at the origin and destinations of

funds.” Meanwhile, IFF is money illegally earned, transferred or used. At origin, or during movement or use, the flow of money has broken laws and is thus considered illicit. It is different from capital flight, which is understood as the movement of funds abroad to secure better returns, often as a response to an unfavourable business climate in the country of origin. Moreso, United States,Europe, Canada, Japan, Korea, China and India are said to be major destinations of IFFs. But with new tough legislations in western countries, perpetrators are turning to Mauritius and United Arab Emirate (UAE) as major entry points. The Mbeki panel, which includes nine other members, was established by Joint African Union Economic Commission for Africa

Conference of Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and inaugurated in February 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa with the aim of consulting and sensitising stakeholders on the issue across the continent. With the conclusion of the consultations, the panel will submit its report to a meeting of the ministers coming up in Abuja in March next year for consideration before final submission to summit of heads of states of AU. The chairman of the panel said the job of the committee could not have been completed without the input of stakeholders. On the question of multinational companies being responsible for 60 per cent of the IFFs, he disclosed that the panel has not identify any particular company. He emphasised that all multinationals are involved and also added that his said the panel is con-

cern about the entry points. According to him, Nigeria as exporter of oil and five others are being understudied by the panel and lessons drew out of this would be used for general applications. The South Africa’s ex-president noted that political will at the level of AU was important and that his members would ensure interventions by African heads of states through protocols, conventions among others. He said it is also necessary to mobilise the youths, civil societies, women to ensure mass ownership of the reports and decisions. In a presentation on IFFs, a member of the committee and chair of International actionaid, Irene Ovonji-Odida, said IFFs can be classified into three main categories and these include proceeds of theft, bribery and other forms of by government officials; proceeds of criminal activities,

including drug trading, racketeering, counterfeiting, contraband and terrorist financing and proceeds of tax evasion and laundered commercial transactions. In Africa, cumulative estimate of IFFs stands at over $854 billion between 1970 and 2008 - an average of $22 billion yearly,Ovonji-Odida disclosed. The trend, according to her, has increased between 2000 and 2008 with about $50 billion being lost to financial outflows every year. However, at the end of the consultation, delegates from the 17 African countries comprising of public officials, civil society and private sector from across the West and Central Africa regions that attended the IFFs consultation asserted that the levels of inequality and poverty have continued to rise while Africa’s vibrant economic growth continues to benefit very few people.

themselves under President Raul Castro’s economic reforms, the ethos of capitalism is increasingly seeping into Cuban daily life, often in stark conflict with fundamental tenets of the Cuban Revolution. These days it seems there’s a mom-and-pop snack shop or pirate DVD stand on every other block in parts of Havana. The chants of cart-pushing vendors echo through residential streets. Farmers line up before dawn at an open-air market to jockey for the best spot to sell their produce. After decades of being urged to report any black market activity in their neighborhoods, some Cubans now find themselves looking at their neighbors’ legal businesses and worrying that they’re falling behind. The free market is still limited in Cuba, but already it is altering lives and reshaping attitudes in palpable ways. Some fear — and others hope — that values anathema to a half-century of Communist rule are taking root more with each passing day: It’s OK to make money, within limits; workers can reap the benefits of their own labor directly, instead of seeing it redistributed; individual enterprise is rewarded. “There have been changes, and as the country grows there will be more,” said Luis Antonio Veliz, proprietor of the stylish, independent cabaret-nightclub Fashion Bar Habana. “It’s a very positive thing, but some Cubans are having difficulty understanding that now not everything depends on the state.” While many new entrepreneurs have failed, undone by a lack of supplies, a limited customer base and scarce resources, many of those who have succeeded have entered a glamorous world that disappeared after Fidel Castro’s arrival in Havana put an end to the freewheeling 1950s. It’s on display at Fashion Bar Habana, where Veliz has draped the walls in luscious silver and gold brocade. He’s done well enough that he recently was able to relocate his business to prime real estate in the colonial quarter that draws well-heeled tourists.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

Politics How 2015 unsettles APC, PDP in Ebonyi From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki ONCERNS about which zone gets what, as C well as designs by prominent actors to control political structures ahead of the 2015 general elections are possible reasons behind the current disquiet in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State. Unless the speculated political tinkering with the tenures of incumbent governors and president takes effect in the polity, 2015 will mark a turning point for Ebonyi State, created about 17 years ago. The state is made up of two broad socio-political strata, namely the old Afikpo and old Abakaliki blocs. Though a prospective Charter of Equity that defines the sharing of political positions and spread of developmental amenities between the two blocs exists, it has never been implemented. The non-implementation could be traced simply to the insistence by some powerful elements from the old Abakaliki bloc that it should not be since, they argue, that it was never ratified and authenticated. The issue of the charter featured prominently during the 2007 elections, and it also affected the outcome of the 2011 elections in a way. Influential politicians from the old Afikpo bloc declined from contesting the 2011 governorship election in a bold and a strategic move to compel power shift to their area in 2015. It was gathered that most of the politicians from old Afikpo that found their way into the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) decided to withhold full support for the party’s governorship candidate in that election, Senator Julius Ali Ucha. Sources said that somehow, the zone bought into the argument of the PDP that if Ucha was supported to win the 2011 election, old Afikpo may have to wait till 2023 to have a go at the governorship seat. However, with the registration of the APC, and especially the current waves the party is making on the national turf, all eyes are reverted to 2015. And within both platforms - APC and PDP, scheming is high, leading to subdued tensions among party stalwarts. Yet, concerns for 2015 seem to be accentuated in the APC than in the PDP. While the PDP is burdened by the number of potential governorship aspirants positioning themselves for the coveted post, the APC has the same challenges in addition to organisational and parochial interests to contend with. For instance, as part of the APC ongoing process to raise membership and leadership structures in the states and at the federal level, state interim committees are being set up. In Ebonyi, the development has pitted two powerful figures against each other. While some party faithful feel that the former national chairman of the ANPP, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, should call the shots in the state, others, especially those from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), led by Senator Ucha, insist that internal democracy must dictate decisions, as well as selection of the interim officers. The interim officers or what the party calls harmonisation committee is expected to be in place to channel the party towards effective political action in the state. There are fears, though, that the seeming squabbles between Onu and Ucha may throw spanner in the works, thus stalling the effective take off of the party in Ebonyi. Even at that, party faithful that joined the APC from the defunct ACN hold the view that Onu should remain a national officer of the new party, maintaining that before Ucha and his group crossed over from the PDP to ANPP, the party lacked momentum and cohesion. “It is therefore like a case of one claiming to be what he is not, for Onu to be dragged down to Ebonyi to call the shots in the state when it is obvious he has a very weak following,” said an APC source that pleaded anonymity so as not to be caught in the crossfire between his two leaders. “That is why some of us from the former ACN think that democracy, which is a game of numbers, should apply.”

Tukur

Akande

The source added that, “the mutual suspicion that both Onu and Ucha are interested in the 2015 governorship election was behind the restrained friction within the Ebonyi APC fold.” It was by virtue of the defection of Ucha and his group that the opposition ANPP produced two members of the State House of Assembly and the member representing Ishielu/Ezza North federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Peter Edeh. It could not be ascertained whether the need for a neutral figure threw up the former deputy governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Sunday Jacob Chukwu, as the national officer of the APC in the state. In the ensuing contest for control of the APC structure in Ebonyi, both Chukwu and Edeh seem to divide their loyalty between Onu and Ucha. Sources revealed that the nominations of interim committee chairman and secretary by Chukwu (under Onu’s inspiration?) and Edeh did not go down well with the two leaders. “It is just like trying to mix oil and water,” a source said. A former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly in APC, Mr. Patrick Mgbebu, told The Guardian that the desire by Ebonyi people for change is total, adding that contrary to speculations engineered by the PDP, the APC was committed and cohesive enough to cause regime change in 2015. “We have come to take over from the PDP state government and nothing will stop that because people of Ebonyi State want change; they are yearning for change and that change is coming through the enthronement of an APC government in 2015,” Mgbebu said. While denying that there was any friction in the party in the state, he said “some people see the interplay of party politics as friction.” “There is no friction; rather what is permanent in politics is interest. Onu, Ucha and other party leaders are working in one accord. At the end of the day, you know the APC is an amalgam of political parties with different backgrounds. So, what is happening is natural and over time, just as the name implies, harmonisation committee, every interest will be harmonised.” Mgbebu noted that the time set by the national interim committee for us to inaugurate the state interim committee was not yet past. “The programme of inauguration set up by the interim national committee is state by state and I must tell you it is not yet our time,” he said. “By the time it gets to our turn, you will see that there is no friction at all. “At the end of the day, the leaders will sit down and harmonise the issue of interest. There is enough room for leadership positions in APC. They would sit down to harmonize who gets what, when and where.” IF harmonisation is the challenge before the APC, for the PDP in Ebonyi, the question is more of how to cage disparate interests. Recently, attempts by the state working com-

However, with the registration of the APC, and especially the current waves the party is making on the national turf, all eyes are reverted to 2015. And within both platforms - APC and PDP, scheming is high, leading to subdued tensions among party stalwarts. Yet, concerns for 2015 seem to be accentuated in the APC than in the PDP. While the PDP is burdened by the number of potential governorship aspirants positioning themselves for the coveted post, the APC has the same challenges in addition to organisational and parochial interests to contend with. mittee of the party to set up a developmental agenda for newly inaugurated chairmen of local government councils nearly put the organ at cross purposes with the leader of the party, Governor Martin Elechi. Investigations revealed that after a meeting between the new council helmsmen and the PDP State Working Committee (SWC), a member of the SWC, who was bitter that the party chairman contracted out the purchase of official vehicles for the party functionaries, approached the governor with the allegation that the party was trying to extort N2 million each from the council chairmen and N1 million from each of the 65 coordinators of the Development Centres. However, a source within the PDP disclosed that senators on the party platform had donated N2 million each to the party. “It was after getting that information that Elechi invited the State Chairman, Prince Ugorji Ama-Oti, for clarifications,” the source said. “The chairman explained that what was sold to the new council chairmen was a subsisting arrangement for the compilation of projects done in their councils for publication in a compendium form to market the achievements of the PDP government.” It was also gathered that during the meeting with the council chairmen and coordinators, the SWC threatened to sanction any of them who failed to provide democratic dividends to the people, as contained in the party’s manifesto. At the meeting held at the PDP secretariat, AmaOti disclosed that the party had provided guidelines for evaluation of projects and achievements in their respective areas, without which the party may be forced to blacklist them. He informed the council officials that the party had embarked on project assessment tour of their predecessors, to make sure that they actually rendered the needed democratic dividends to Ebonyi people. According to him: “We have called you today to tell you that our great party does not give chances to charlatans. Whatever we do must be in line with the party’s manifestoes and that is why we always call our members, especially

Elechi

those in office, to intimate them on the dos and don’ts of the party. “The Ebonyi PDP has provided guidelines for the evaluation of projects and achievements. The areas of emphases are agriculture, education, finance, health, security, works, employment cum economic empowerment and relationship with PDP.” The state PDP Chairman served as the zonal chairman for Ebonyi South senatorial district, which falls within the old Afikpo bloc. During that tenure, the current deputy governor, Dave Nweze Umahi, was the state chairman and upon his nomination by Elechi to serve as his running mate in the 2011 elections, Ama-Oti was elevated to the post of Acting State Chairman. Though he was elected substantive chairman during the PDP state congress in March 2012, some political heavyweights in the state saw the Edda-born former member of the State House of Assembly as a protégé of Umahi. Some entrenched political interests had suggested the zoning of the party chairmanship position to Ebonyi North, so as to provide a level playing field for aspirants if the governorship slot should go to the southern zone. But Elechi rejected such suggestions, thus giving the impression he had an anointed candidate. Though it is being speculated that Umahi may run for the governorship post in 2015, a lot of aspirants are lining up for endorsement or adoption. Some of the names being associated with the governorship ambition from the old Afikpo bloc include former Minister of Education, Dr. Igwe Aja Nwachukwu; Dr. Paul Okorie; former Deputy Governor, Professor Chigozie Nkwo Ogbu; Senator Elder Anyim Ude; Ambassador Maurice Okafor; Senator Azu Agboti; and current Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu. But there aren’t indications that certain interests from Ebonyi South are also angling for the governorship, and it is being argued in political circles that in the absence of the Charter of Equity, voters should determine where the next governor would come from in 2015!

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 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 NELSON MANDELA 1918 - 2013

Adieu, Khulu! Mandela: 1918-2013 HE death on Thursday of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, at 95, finally put an end to a long, anxT ious period of hospitalization, recuperation, speculations as well as prayers and wishes by citizens of the world who all revered the anti-apartheid fighter and first President of free South Africa as something of the world’s very wise, loving father. It was indeed a long goodbye. And the world has certainly lost its father figure and moral compass. God made man in His image. Nelson Mandela, his human failings notwithstanding, was closest to the original. In Salzburg, the famous Italian conductor, Arturo Toscanini, once said to the singer, Marian Anderson, a contralto: A voice like yours is heard once in a hundred years! Mandela, in life and lifestyle, earned the Toscaninian compliment. Tenacious in battles, magnanimous in victories, wise in leadership and graceful all-round in style, his was the kind of life seen only once in a hundred years. Mandela symbolised the struggle against apartheid regime in South Africa and the historic platform for that titanic struggle was the African National Congress (ANC) founded in 1912 signaling the phase of non-violent struggle against racist rule. The rise to power of the Afrikaner Nationalist Party accentuated the contradictions of alien rule in South Africa. The nationalists who won election on the key issue of ‘separateness’ known as Apartheid introduced the Group Area Act of 1949. Also introduced were the population register in 1950 which provided for racial classification. It was in these reprehensible conditions that Mandela discovered his own mission. The Freedom Charter articulated by the ANC, the coloured and white’s Congress of Democrats envisaged the South Africa of the future: We, the people of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know: that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.” Further resistance to the apartheid policy led to the Sharpeville massacre on March 21, 1960. This redefined the resistance and Umkhonto we Sizwe (The Spear of the Nation), the armed wing of the African National Congress was born. On December 16, 1961 it struck at such institutional symbols of apartheid as the pass offices and racial departments. Simultaneously, the world became seized in ways never before of the evil that apartheid was and condemned it. In that long fight against apartheid, Nigeria and many other African countries became members of the frontline states opposed to the apartheid regime and the United Nations began to condemn the evil. The fight against apartheid was a struggle which Mandela was willing to die for. He underlined this fact in his allocutus at the Rivonia trial on April 20, 1964. “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” The struggle indeed, was his life. Upon his release from 27 years of incarceration and subsequent election as president of his country, he was magnanimous and worked for the reconciliation of all South Africans – blacks, whites, Indians and the coloured – instead of exacerbating animosity and vengeance. This uncommon grace earned him the Nobel Peace prize which he shared with the last President of apartheid South Africa, Frederik Willeim de Klerk with whom he worked for a successful transition to a majority rule in the country. In and out of office as President, Mandela’s voice was a heavy thunder against any evil. In solidarity with Nigerians, he lent his voice against military rule during the despotic reign of General Sani Abacha in ways that led to the suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth in 1995. After leaving office as President of South Africa, he seemed to have given up power only to become more powerful and influential. He became a global moral icon so much so that the United Nations declared July 18 of every year, his birthday, as Mandela International Day, to be observed in his honour by the performance of community service. United States President, Barack Obama, once hailed him “as beacon for the global community, and for all who work for democracy, justice and reconciliation.” His life epitomised the struggle for freedom and justice all over the world. Anywhere forces of reaction, oppression and injustices hold sway, Mandela’s example would remain a guide and inspiration for forces of freedom and justice. While out of office, Mandela became a social crusader and a key moral voice for social problems plaguing the global community. He spoke up on the war in Iraq; he campaigned for the HIV/AIDS cause, railed against the scourge of poverty and organised charities for children. Ingeniously, he set up The Elders, a group of respected global leaders to provide wisdom and solutions to complex global problems. The death of Mandela, the world’s most influential statesman, marks the end of an era for the global community, Africa and in particular, South Africa. He was a man who combined organisation loyalty with resilience. Only few people would not give in or give up under the repressive apartheid machine. But even without the prospect of a respite, Madiba held on to the liberation charter of the ANC as an article of faith for which he was prepared to pay the supreme price. When under the full weight of international sanction and ostracism and sizzling internal agitation, the Apartheid regime entered into dialogue with him, he held on to the fundamentals of the liberation struggle and refused to renounce armed struggle until his eventual release in 1990. In life, he was not enamoured of power. He was philosophical and recognised the transient nature of power. His uncommon grace accounted for his decision to step aside after the completion of a single term in office against the notorious practice of self-perpetuation in power of most African rulers. He handed over power to a generation of new leaders. The consequence was a rise in status and placement on the kind of moral high ground never occupied by any other. His grace in power knew no bounds. In one instance, he handed over presidential powers to Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi of Inkatha Freedom Party in acting capacity even to the consternation of the beneficiary of his gesture. Since 2004, when he retired from public life, Mandela had maintained a low profile, only punctuating his graceful ‘retirement’ with occasional public appearances and sagely admonition on world affairs. This he did stoically until the natural debilitation of old age caused him to be hospitalised with respiratory infection in February 2011. From then, his somewhat annual medical check-up had attracted international attention. He was a philosopher king who taught forgiveness and preached love embodied in the ubuntu principle. In the 23 years, since his release in 1990 from his 27 years of incarceration for being Apartheid South Africa’s public enemy number one, Mandela has fostered an overwhelming leadership capacity that has made him a global mentor. A man of good humour and forgiving spirit, Mandela was a racial and ideological bridgebuilder. Notwithstanding his middle name, Rolihlahla , which in his native Xhosa language colloquially translates as ‘trouble maker’, he found welcome in the multifarious divides of the human community. World leaders tapped from his sagacious leadership and moral fortitude, while statesmen see in Mandela the one the world has made its moral leader, and regarded his

remonstrations with a disciple’s trepidation. Many years after retirement, Madiba , the clan name by which he was respectfully and affectionately called, cultivated a larger than life image and became the moral conscience of a beleaguered human society entrapped in a deviously reifying social order that tramples on the weak and disadvantaged. Besides his overshadowing influence on the world stage, his enviable statesmanship as president saw South Africa extricated from the abyss of political darkness and colonial barbarism into a pedestal of hope. Born on July 18, 1918 in the village of Mveto, Umtatu in the then Cape Province of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was nurtured under the bucolic protection of the traditional African setting of the Thembu royal family and serenading landscape of the Transkei region. Like many enlightened Africans of his time, he grew up in a culturally eclectic environment, wherein Christianity and polygamy, illiteracy and western education, rural life and colonial domination, were clashing bedfellows. Amidst this cultural tension, young Mandela had his early education in Thembuland before proceeding to Fort Hare University and the University of Witwatersrand, where he studied law. While living in Johannesburg, he got involved in anti-colonial politics, joined the African National Congress and became a founding member of its youth wing. But long before then he had exhibited an inherited tendency for “proud rebelliousness and a stubborn sense of fairness”, which was to blossom into his characteristic lifestyle. When in 1948 the white minority National Party came to power and began implementing the apartheid policy, the auspicious moment came: After years of mobilizing nationalities and groups against the discriminatory legislation of the apartheid regime, Mandela rose to prominence in 1952 during a powerful speech delivered in an ANC-led joint protest termed the Defiance Campaign. He was later elected President of the Transvaal ANC Branch and oversaw the 1955 multi-racial coalition called Congress of the People. To nurture the ANC’s political ideology of African nationalism, Mandela opened his mind and heart to the edifying influences of great philosophers and social exemplars of left-wing persuasion, even though he retained his bearing as a democrat. From Karl Marx’s dialectical materialism and scientific socialism he drew insights that fanned his sympathy for nationalization of state assets and equal distribution of wealth, as well as opposition to capitalism, private land-ownership and money-power. In the anti-colonialist thinking of former Indian Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mandela saw a motivation for his march of struggle. From Mohandas Gandhi, a man for whom Mandela had profound respect, he adopted the non-violent resistance as a pragmatic approach against apartheid to protest mobilization. With Oliver Tambo, a fellow ANC comrade and professional colleague, Mandela found, in the black’s resistance to southern Africa’s atrocious apartheid regimes, a justification for violent uprising as a strategy for social transformation. Through a Programme of Action that brought about militant activism into mass protests, the new helmsmen of ANC were said to have transformed the ANC from a moribund elitist association into a radical movement for the social emancipation of the South African oppressed. Their revolutionary legacy, as enshrined in ANC major policies formed during their regime, became the framework of the new democratic South Africa. In all of this, Mandela offered himself as a conduit for entrenching new values for a unified South Africa devoid of apartheid. In the years that followed, while working as a lawyer, Mandela was repeatedly arrested for ‘seditious’ activities. When peaceful protests failed and repression continued, he reasoned that “it is the repressor who defiles the nature of the struggle; in the end we would have no alternative but to resort to an armed resistance”. Consequent upon his co-founding of the militant Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) in 1961, Mandela, alongside seven co-accused, was arrested, convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government, and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Rivonia Trial. As Mandela languished in prison for 27 years, he initiated talks with the apartheid government while refusing to renounce armed struggle. With international pressure, the apartheid regime faced imminent collapse. And all of his efforts and worldwide pressure bore fruit with his eventual release in 1990. Upon his release, Mandela became the ANC President. He then led negotiations with President Frank Willeim de Klerk to abolish apartheid and establish multi-racial elections in 1994, in which he led the ANC to victory. As the first elected President in a multi-racial democratic South Africa, Mandela formed a Government of National Unity, established a new constitution and initiated the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights abuses, while introducing policies to encourage land reform, combat poverty and expand healthcare services. After a pacesetting first tenure as the first democratically elected black president in a multi-racial post-Apartheid South Africa, Mandela then did the unexpected. Contrary to norm and right, he declined to run for second term, but rather passed on the baton of leadership to Thabo Mbeki, a veritable associate and son of his former comrade, Govan Mbeki. By this gesture, he became an elder statesman and moral compass not only for Africa but for the world. Charity work in combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through the Nelson Mandela Foundation then became his only passion. At six feet four inches, Mandela’s gangling strides and towering height are complemented and ornated by a lavishly endowed audacity. Even at old age, when the throes of life and inescapable frailty had infringed on his mortality, he loomed larger than life like the gentle giant that he was, denouncing atrocious regimes and obnoxious policies. And for his exemplary life and lifestyle, he received over 250 awards, notable among which are the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom and Mandela’s lifestyle rebuked the needless extravagant celebration of self that typical African leaders thrive in. Mandela pursued a life of utmost sacrifice, unwavering hope, relentless tenacity, incredible patience and long-suffering, all of which climaxed in the iconic pedestal he occupied and the triumphal blessings that his heroic existence bestowed on him. His awards and accolades, tributes and memories, gleaned from different institutions from the length and breadth of the planet, attest to the indelible mark he has left in the sands of time. He spoke truth to power while reaching out in compassion. His meritorious life is the nemesis of African leaders today. While Mandela’s illustrious years became the manure for a fledgling nation to metamorphose from apartheid to an enviable regional luminary of democratic governance, the unconscionable and inept leadership of many African leaders have condemned the continent to the most disadvantaged station. Mandela gave a novel meaning to commitment by stripping the term of its egoistic adornment and parochial individualism. In this form, commitment suggests duty and obligation to enhance the freedom of others and extricate them from the shackles of sub-human living. Mandela also exemplified in superlative magnitude the long forgotten voice of conscience and truth. He was a fearless and courageous leader, a selfless and dependable friend. He once defied an international ban on air travel to Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya, going by road to show gratitude to a man who had helped the ANC in the years of struggle. He re-invented the exemplary model of how to live a life to the enhancement of the common good. His message was that, any genuine transformation of the African continent demands sacrifice from her leaders. He was indeed the man who stimulated humanity with vision and grace. His greatness even now in death is beyond compare. Mandela, Khulu, remains imperishable.

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Opinion Mandela: A true African leader By Vincent Bamigboye HEN beggars die there are no comets “W seen. The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”– Calpurnia (Shakespeare in Julius Caesar) IT is no longer news that former South African President Nelson Rohlihaha Mandela died on the 5th of December 2013 at the ripe age of 95. World leaders have been paying tributes to this African rarity – selfless, honest, hardworking, peace-loving, unifying, single-term African President. It is not everyday one hears an African leader being described in such glowing terms. What one hears mostly are stories of corrupt, sit-tight, selfish, destructive, and lazy African leaders who would work for self-succession or manipulate their own children into succeeding them . One was born at the time of gradual emancipation of the African countries from the yoke of colonialism. One grew up watching helplessly how each African country, almost without exception, degenerated into utter chaos after independence mainly due to the inability of the leaders to grapple with post-colonial issues. Tyranny and corruption were the order of the day as was also the inability to quit office when the people or the constitution demanded change. Apart from Botswana, which is the African longest multi-party democracy, nearly all African countries had witnessed post-colonial convulsions because of the paternalistic attitude of their so-called leaders. The situations were so bad that some of these African leaders were violently toppled by their military. Nigeria, Ghana, Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia etc fell into this category. Even those that delayed in this show of madness, such as Kenya, were later caught in it. Quite a lot of African countries, such as Central African Republic, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo, are still battling in-

stability years after independence. A lot of African countries are still under one-party rule or have the same man as President for decades. In Zimbabwe, men and women born after 1980 or immediately before it (1980 was the year of independence and transition from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe) have not known any other national leader beside Robert Mugabe! Then came the great Madiba, Nelson Rohlihaha Mandela. One is not going to go through his life history in this write-up because the space will never be enough. Madiba fought injustice and paid a heavy price for it in all fronts – personal liberty, family separation, loss of income, etc. He was incarcerated for 27 years, the most famous political prisoner in history. His jailers appreciated that they had to release and deal with him or otherwise they would be doomed. He emerged the colossus and the ultimate winner from the prison. The thought of small-minded leaders would have revolved around a ‘pound-of-flesh or an-eye-for-an-eye’ mentality. Not Madiba’s. He confounded his jailers and adversaries by preaching peace and tolerance. His tormentors lost; Madiba won and emerged the People’s choice for South African Presidency. One must not forget the ignoble role of the likes of the then American Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in Madiba’s persecution. These ultra- conservative duo failed to listen to their people, labelled Mandela a Communist and a terrorist, thus prolonging his years of agony. They lost as well. Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 as well as the South African Presidency. At his inauguration as South African President, on the 10th of May 1994, the whole world stood still for the man of peace as he reached out through all the South African divides. His humility and humanity were legendary. In the 1960s, at the height of prosecution and

Mandela was never implicated in any corrupt practice. He had a small house in his native Qunu which was built from the proceeds of his bestselling book- Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom. The rest of this went to fund his Charity on AIDS. He refused to join the league of African leaders who looted their countries’ treasuries, built mansions, bought choice properties in London, New York, Paris and starched the rest in numbered Swiss accounts. persecution by the apartheid South African regime, nobody could have written that script. Mandela’s everlasting legacy, from one perspective and African leadership profile, is in his honesty and ability to appreciate that political leadership is transient. He told the whole world that he was going to be a single term President. True to his word he stepped down at the expiration of his single term. Mandela could have concocted excuses and hung on to the South African Presidency. I don’t think anybody would have had the effrontery to confront this African icon if he so wished. Not Madiba. In 1997, three years into his Presidency, he resigned the leadership of his African National Congress, elevated his younger deputy and Vice President Thabo Mbeki and gradually transferred power to him. He actually jokingly described himself as de facto President and Thabo Mbeki as de jure President during the

time they both served. Mandela appreciated that the future of his country belonged to the youth who needed to be groomed and left to carry the burden of leadership. He did his job of stabilising his country and left with the ovation of the entire world ringing in his ears. This is one message that is lost to a lot of African leaders at all levels. One hopes and prays that the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and those Nigerian state Governors who are fighting tooth and nail for second term in office would learn valuable lessons from this African Statesman. Simple lesson – it is not how long one is in office but the memory one lives behind that defines political greatness or otherwise. Mandela was never implicated in any corrupt practice. He had a small house in his native Qunu which was built from the proceeds of his bestselling book- Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom. The rest of this went to fund his Charity on AIDS. He refused to join the league of African leaders who looted their countries’ treasuries, built mansions, bought choice properties in London, New York, Paris and starched the rest in numbered Swiss accounts. Mandela didn’t erect statues or monuments of himself anywhere in South Africa because there was no need for him to do this. Self-celebration in monuments or statues do not always stand the test of time as attested to by those of Saddam Hussein, Lenin, Stalin etc. His monument, funded by British tax payers, stands alongside those of British heroes in front of the House of Commons in London. He has streets and schools named after him worldwide. All these were done by people who appreciate what he was and what he stood for. Will Africa ever have another Mandela? Time will surely tell. • Bamigboye is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based in the United Kingdom.

Homosexuality: Between love and compromise By Pius Isiekwene OMOSEXUALITY, once a rarity in decent society, is so comH monplace now many people hardly see it as an abnormality. Homosexuals and lesbians, emboldened by societal indifference and indulgence, seem to be winning the battle. At least in the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa and other parts of the world. Some of the world’s most powerful men – USA’s Barack Obama and Britain’s David Cameron – are the loudest advocates of sexual rights, the euphemism for unnatural sexual relations. In all of these nations, same-sex marriage has become legal. Nations like Nigeria where same-sex relations and marriage have been outlawed are increasingly pressured to accede to the new Euro-American export of pervert sexual liberty. Before long, a developing nation’s ability to attract foreign aid may be determined by its disposition to same-sex marriage. The main argument of the advocates of sexual liberty is that it is an extension of fundamental human rights. It should thus, according to the Obamas and Camerons, be ranked with such other rights as the right to life, freedom of association, human dignity and freedom of worship. Homosexuals and lesbians themselves justify their perversion with claims that they are responding to natural tendencies. Yet others argue that they were “trapped” in the wrong bodies and can only find sexual expression in their fellow men or women. Quite expectedly, the church has been drawn into the debate on sexual freedom. For the orthodox and Pentecostal congregations, it is a huge dilemma. While major sections of the church in Europe and America have embraced same-sex marriage with gay clergy in their midst, there remains a stiff resistance in many parts of Africa and Asia. Even in the USA, Britain and Canada, some churches oppose same-sex marriage and the retention of gay priests. The Anglican Communion in Nigeria has boycotted the global body’s Lambeth Conference in an unprecedented protest against the church’s support for same-sex marriage and protection of gay priests. An eventual pull-out by the Nigerian church may not be ruled out if the Archbishop of Canterbury persists in his ambivalence on the matter. The Archbishop is the proxy of Queen Elizabeth II, the traditional head of the Church of England. Sooner or later, the exact form and scope of Pope Francis’ reforms would be unveiled. The expected reforms have been described as “surprise,” “radical” and “fascinating” by some Catholics and non-Catholics. As a first step, the Pontiff is said to

have initiated a survey of the world’s estimated 1.2 billion Catholics. In a document reportedly sent to every nation’s conference of bishops, he seeks to ascertain the disposition of the church to same-sex marriage, single parenthood, surrogate maternity, child adoption, divorce and re-marriage, among other related concerns. It is too early to predict the outcome of the survey but there are hints of a Papal re-think on some of the controversial issues. Particularly noteworthy is the issue of same-sex marriage which has already brought division to many congregations. Earlier media reports portrayed the Pope as implying that the church should soft-pedal on homosexuals and be more accommodating of them in the spirit of love. This Papal disposition does not suggest an impending recognition and acceptance of same-sex marriage but homosexuals may misconstrue it to be so. One of the early respondents to the Pope’s survey is Marianne Duddy Burke, the executive director of the gay Catholic organization Dignity USA who saw the Papal initiative as “pretty astonishing.” But to even have “Catholic” or “Christian” affixed to a same-sex organization is a misnomer. One cannot be gay and Catholic or Christian at the same time. Just as it would be absurd to speak of “Christian rapists, murderers or robbers.” The Nigerian Catholic community is obviously in a dilemma, torn between the strong national opposition to same-sex marriage and liberal, pro Euro-American theology. The wind of sodomy which has been ravaging the church in the United States, Britain, Canada, France and some other nations of the world seems to be seeping into the Vatican. It was bound to happen given the influence of the small but vocal and aggressive global minority community of homosexuals. They seem to have finally found their way to the seat of the Catholic Church. For the Nigerian Catholics, it is a pretty easy choice: a wise and firm No to sodomy by whatever name it may be called without breaching Papal infallibility should the Pope be swayed into compromise. In matters like this, it is better to obey God. Nigerian Catholics can follow the example of the Anglican Communion. The Anglican leadership has remained unequivocal in the local congregation’s opposition to same-sex marriage. The whole world knows where Nigerian Anglican community stands. If any aside has to back down, it would be the helmsman at Canterbury and the rest of the pro-gay clergy. Thankfully, the Catholic Bishops forum in Nigeria is blessed with current and past fearless and vocal leaders like Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, Cardinal Anthony Okogie, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Adewale Martins, Bishop Matthew Kukah

and a host of others. They are bound by their vows, not only to defend and propagate the word of God, but also a national and continental obligation that embodies the opposition to samesex marriage by Nigeria and most other African nations. The dilemma of the church universal is complicated by the varying dispositions of church leaders and their congregations on what is a manifest sin against God. Sodomy is forbidden by God and cursed. While the Bible is quite clear on the sin of homosexuality and lesbianism, the seeming tolerance and acceptance of the malaise is borne out of the refusal to accept the word of God as the final authority on every aspect of human life. They conveniently substitute “sexual preferences” for sodomy – the true Biblical name of the evil deed for which ancient Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed. One of the wiles of the devil is to re-name sins and make them more tolerable and fashionable. Thus, fornication – sexual act between unmarried people – is characterised as “pre-marital sex.” Other deadly sins such as lying are classified into “small,” “big,” “black” and “white.” It is not uncommon to hear some so-called Christians tell “white lies.” A major argument of homosexuals, lesbians and those who prod them on is that they deserve love and not condemnation. In this, they are right. God loves all and expects Christians to do the same. It was the love of God that sent Jesus to the cruel cross for the redemption of sinful man. Yet, God never compromised His standard. He looked away while Jesus yelled “Eli, Eli, Eli, Lama Sabatchtani” on the cross because His eyes do not behold iniquity. Jesus had to die because there is no remission of sins without the shedding of blood. The church must therefore re-affirm and demonstrate God’s love. But without compromise. Homosexuals and lesbians must be loved for whom they are – deviant, sick and sinful. They need deliverance and prayers, not compromise. To compromise on homosexuality is to part-take in the evil and incur the wrath of God. Paul’s injunction to the Ephesian Christians to eschew all uncleanness is quite apt: “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Eph 5:6,7. No one should ever forget. The God of love is also the Consuming Fire. The God who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah has not changed and never will. Sodomy is forbidden and sodomites are cursed. It does not matter what fashionable name it is called by the present generation. The only way to avert divine wrath is genuine repentance by the sodomites themselves and the indulgent or ambivalent church and clergy.

16 | Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Opinion Irreverence of Mandela, Achebe, Fela, Obama By Nebeolisa Anako T was a Friday morning. And sleep, that tempoIing.rary relief from the boredom of it all, was fleetAs I roused myself, the breaking news on radio jolted away whatever lethargy remained. Nelson Mandela is dead! There was no escaping the deep sadness and feeling of ominous darkness that followed. Only a few months ago, Chinua Achebe, that Eagle on the Iroko had passed on, eliciting an avalanche of grieving ululations from the people. Determined to pen my tribute then, I set before me a blank sheet of paper and a pen. That proved to be a big mistake, for months later, the paper has remained blank, even after the mourners had dispersed, and the market place bereft. It was not different years ago when the Abami Eda and prophet of the people, Fela Anikulapo Kuti passed on to glory. These ruminations further cascaded an inescapable sense of gloom, inaction, and shame, like the morning dew of a dark variant. Leave me alone Agwu! You unrelenting Igbo god of prevarication and ambiguity. The Yoruba god Eshu will not be as capricious. Will you not be sated even with the falling comets – I muttered as I sat down to the task of paying tribute to the quartet of Mandela, Achebe, Fela, and Barack Obama who have shown irreverence to the forces that seek to degrade the dignity of man. These quartet I say, endowed with originality, intellect, selfless courage and leadership actions – battled events and principalities to enhance the best abiding tenets of humanity, and in the process emerging as world icons and exemplars. Not that they emerged unscathed in the bruising battle with events. But they triumphed. For Fela, it was the ambient dirt and disease of the land that led to his exit through AIDS. Achebe, crippled by the cavernous forces on

Nigerian roads, sulkingly fled abroad. As for Mandela, it took 95 long years before brutal prison incarceration ended matters through fatal lung infection. Obama now retains the flag, even if suffused with bruises in no-holds-barred encounters with the new inheritors of the previously visionary Grand Old Party. As Albert Camus posited, man becomes man and exists, when he faces an irrational world and rebels against it. So it is, that humanity was created in God’s image, and endowed to continually develop and excel. Thus great civilisations continue to flourish among the nations of the world, in religion, the arts, science, and technology. In the ensuring competition, the West, and now Asia, appears to have acquired an unbreachable lead, leaving Africa in the backwaters of conundrum, confusion, domination, and despoliation. But this quartet understands that this was not always so, and is not irredeemable. Humanity is one family all equally endowed, whose only sacred duty to each other is love. It is understood by the world intelligentsia that civilisation started from Africa, and no one people or race can lay sole claim on its further development. All peoples of the world have at one time in their history been enslaved by another, and the more recent history of slavery of the black man has led to their dispersal to most corners of the earth were they made invaluable contributions in the development of those nations; especially in the West, where they remain undisputed cofounders of their modern societies. So everything works out for the good, in line with admonitions of the Good Lord. Nevertheless, this widening development gap, pitilessly enforced in Africa by colonialists, by enslaving the mind through their stories as told via their economic might, cultures, languages, and religions, is resulting in mental enslavement and

upsetting the natural order of things, where the falcon can no longer hear the falconer, leading to mere anarchy, as things fall apart. Peace is more difficult in a world of sheer imbalance. How hard, how bitter indeed, to become a man in the circumstance where you communicate through a foreign language, pray to God through foreign Saints, and live day to day on imported comforts. These then, are the sorts of events akin to the postulations of Ikpachi of Agukwu-Nri, that sends a man into repeated slips and falls as he battles a muddy earth even though in reality, or at least apparently, he is standing on firm ground. On-lookers watch, bemused, not knowing he is battling the elements. If you stand, its power will manifest before you. If you flee, it will still happen behind you! Come back here and fight, you African intellectuals sitting on the fence or about to flee. Chineke! Don’t you know that labour will toil before victory is attained. Look at Mandela, look at Fela, look at Achebe, and get courage. These big masquerades entered the world village square and destroyed sacred totems erected out of ignorance that seeks to enthrone ignorance and undermine world peace through subjugation. And the Heavens sing for Joy. But freedom is unconditional and innate in man, and must be fought for. In the circumstances, an unexamined life is not worth living; and maintaining the status quo is the same with regression. This is the fight that Achebe and Mandela engaged to the end. This is the fight that Fela ably fought. And Obama is striving to advance the frontiers in this quest to restore the dignity of man. This is also the fight that I have failed pitifully, to contribute meaningfully to. When I was a boy, I dreamed of physical exertions, to contribute to the restoration of the dignity of man. When I became a man, the oppressive nature of

events and circumstances continue to battle me to a state of startled stalemate and inaction as I watch the years roll by mockingly – a state of affairs I say, that has made me to become so ashamed. Sadly, this is also the fight, which thousands of Africa’s political and intellectual leaders did not even understand, let alone engage. What then can I do, but to simply pen this tribute to the three world heroes who have translated to immortality, first Fela, then recently Achebe and Mandela – who have returned as saints to God. Moreso as I do not aspire to write a masterpiece, but merely to express my feelings using the humble talents at my disposal. As I reminisced on these contemporary and authentic sages of all time, and the luck Nigeria has of having two of these once-in-a-lifetime guests, a sudden sadness enveloped me when I remember the ambivalence of the rulers. Oh Nigeria! Killing your prophets and ignoring the straight path! Even now, new stories are emerging from the West. They talk of gay rights. They talk of unbridled market forces. And they talk of pollution, where green becomes hip, as you conserve your developable land, forest, and animals – including the snake in the bush at your backyard! Please folks, were you fooled? Leave the gods alone. They are not to blame. The fault is not in the stars. It is in you. Man from all nations has the power to ensure a better world. And this is the precept of Mandela, Achebe, and Fela – that we must stop amplifying the Western story. We must build up, and tell our story ourselves. But will Nigeria understand? Will Africa and the World understand? I greet you, Mandela! I greet you Achebe! I greet you Fela! When will your types come again? • Anako is a Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Abuja.

Learning from EU on tobacco regulation By Franklin Cudjoe HE fight against tobacco consumption which commenced T decades in some jurisdictions and became a global phenomenon, is taking a different dimension and approach. Unfortunately, over the years in Africa, we have become a symbolic laggard. However, we can take centre stage and lead the policy reforms that will show that we have indeed learnt from the mistakes and experiences of the advanced countries and continents who decades ago “cracked the whip” harder on tobacco usage and in the process created more harm than perceptive good. The main schools of thoughts on the control and regulation of tobacco have been polarised along the lines of “pro” and “anti” tobacco lobbyists. Suffice to say that both schools of thought have successfully identified sufficient scientific evidence to support their claims, making it difficult for the policy maker to sift through critical details concerning regulation. The challenge of the policy maker is not the scientific evidence available, but the cause and effect of “cracking the whip” and whether it is the most appropriate mechanism of dealing with tobacco. The European Union, and States such as California in the US were among some of the first jurisdictions to have instituted strict measures to control the display of tobacco products, institute advertising bans, and introduce high taxes on the industry among others as measures to protect their societies from the “devastating” effects of the use of the product. After decades of such draconian mechanisms globally, the evidence to support the effectiveness of these measures, appear not to be completely supportive of them. In fact, in jurisdictions where there has been marginal improvement in the consumption of the product, these could not completely be attributed to the strict impositions. The mixed nature of the evidence with majority tilting towards the spurring of illicit drug trade, crippling the industry calls for a further interrogation of the evidence across major jurisdictions and how Africa can learn from them. In New York for instance, an average of $12 tax per pack on cigarettes has sparked and grown the illicit trade far beyond measure, meaning the state government is losing out on the projected tax revenue estimated at about $80 billion, without preventing the consumption. Throwing into the mix the links between smugglers and terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, AlQaida and Hamas, makes the cycle of loss to the state an unending one as besides the loss in revenue, expenditure on security provision will increase and crime rates will be on the ascendancy. Thus tighter regulations with the pious objective of saving the youth, practically drive illicit trade, where the smugglers don’t check ID’s for minors, thus making them an alternative supply source for the youth. The concomitant effects are just grave. Garry Grant, retired Toronto police officer and spokesperson for National Coalition against Contraband Tobacco, laments “its [illegal tobacco] also sold through a criminal distribution network that connects cigarettes to kids without the hassles of

checking for ID or travelling out of the way. This dangerous combination of low price and easy accessibility has made illegal cigarettes a prime source for youth smoking.” In a case where proceeds from the sale of illegal tobacco funds over 175 gangs in Ontario, Canada, means strict measures of control could not be the way out. What if it was legalised and regulated? Will the outcome be different? Ireland has had its fair share of negative effects of tight regulation and control despite being one of the countries in Europe to pursue them. The Irish Times reports that close to 29 per cent of all tobacco products in the country are illegal, and costs the country about €250 million per year. Despite the evidence staring the regulators in the face, the country still focuses on increasing resources to the authorities to go after smugglers. Why spend so much as a country on something that has not been eliminated under the strict supervision of wardens in prisons and penitentiaries? Perhaps the evidence is signalling that alternative measures should be resorted to. The challenge is not for just the developed countries. In Pakistan, it is alleged that one out of four cigarettes sold is either smuggled or counterfeit, and this is as a result of strict and rigid control mechanisms instituted purportedly to save consumers of tobacco and its related products. With a tax rate per packet of cigarette hovering around 70 to 80 per cent, it does not follow that the government will lose close to $1 billion by 2017, unless of course the unintended consequences are as real as can be. The consistent increase in tax on the industry of the five-year period from 2007 to 2011 of about 60 per cent seldom translated into decline in consumption which remained constant over the period1. The illicit trade is costing both industry and government, limiting their revenue accruing from the industry as a result of draconian regulations. The European Union Parliament recently relaxed some proposed tighter regulatory directives spearheaded by governments in the region. The move, according to some analysts, is victory for pro-tobacco lobbyists. Here is the thing; both pro-tobacco lobbyists and anti-tobacco crusaders want the same thing – decrease the negative effects of tobacco, however they propose different approaches. The “war” on the negative externalities will not be won when we perceive changes in regulations as victory for one group and the defeat of the other. At best, one approach, draconian methods, has done little over the past decades in dealing with the problem, than to cost governments and industry money, and scarce resources, with the UK government loosing close to £2 billion. This leaves one no choice than to question the extent to which the World Health Organisation’s framework convention on tobacco control has helped the situation. Countries that have ratified the convention such as those mentioned have not seen the perceived benefits thought to have been realised. For instance, Article 6 of the convention proposes price and tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco. The evidence from across Europe shows that, demand and consumption has been on the ascendancy only through

illegal/black markets, where the dangers thought to be prevented are more onerous. The proposition by other groups has never been considered and even the industry has not been fully engaged in this debate, despite the fact that it still remains a legitimate industry across the globe. It is said that winning strategies are never changed but improved, whiles failing ones are changed. It only means another approach to solving this problem be resorted to, and it is quite progressive that the EU is beginning to engage the industry to identify ways by which the menace could be dealt with and to some extent shy away from draconian principles, which have made the region lose resources; a bad experience. This could only mean one thing for African countries, who have less resources to throw away to smugglers, peddlers, illicit traders, and most of all to fight the nuances of draconian policies; review current systems/policies for fighting tobacco, maybe rethink strict and tight regulations including high taxes, and engage the industry more in resolving this challenge. Lessons for Nigeria and other African Countries It is obvious that with all the propositions and conventions present today, the “whip” has not been an effective tool in dealing globally with tobacco. The fundamental fact that the main actors, industry and consumers, have not been directly engaged in the debate has been a fundamental flaw to virtually all approaches that have been used. From 2003 for instance when the World Health Organisation passed the convention for tobacco regulations, and called for stricter mechanisms through price and tax controls, non-price and tax controls, public education about the risk of consumption, advertising and display bans, training of public officials to deal with the issue effectively, the world has little to show for such draconian measures. At best, high cost of dealing with externalities of the implementation of these policies, loss of revenue to both governments and industry, increase in drug and tobacco related crimes and increase in tobacco consumption is what these countries have to show. This is why the debate is changing globally, and the fear is that, Africa which has always been a laggard on some of these issues might miss out on an opportunity to shorten its learning curve. It has taken the developed countries decades to have this experience, but Nigeria and other African countries have their experience to learn from. Nigeria does not have the resources to splash around for the next 60 years before it realises this is not the way to go. Even if we had the resources, we do not need to waste them, and most importantly put more lives in danger by helping the illegal market to flourish. It will be imprudent not to review current systems, and engage industry and consumers to find appropriate mechanisms such as co-regulation, to protect the youth and prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors. • Cudjoe is a public affairs analyst. He wrote this as a review of IMANInsight, a platform for researching and advocating common sense public policy. It is part of IMANI Ghana.

Monday, December 9, 2013 | 17

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TheMetroSection ‘Help! Hoodlums are occupying our houses’ • Displaced residents of Ikorodu community protest at Lagos Assembly, allege police have connived with thugs to sack them from their homes

A cross -section of protesters at the Assembly Complex...on Thursday genes of the community in the night raid. By Wole Oyebade Till date, the displaced indigenes, homeowners and their tenants have deserted the T was the typical case of “a hunter that community with all their belongings at the has become the hunted” for some resimercy of hoodlums who have taken possesdents of Imowo Nla community, along sion of their houses. The community has Ijede Road in Ikorodu area of Lagos State. well over 100 houses. And on a day they would never forget, When the displaced residents showed up November 25, 2013 to be precise, at 2. at the Lagos Assembly Complex, Ikeja, last 00a.m., some hoodlums, land grabbers and week, it was all tales of sorrow, tears and policemen allegedly stormed the commugrief. nity in a violent raid. Their placards read: “Will there ever be jusThere were violent bangs on doors and tice for us?”; ‘Governor Fashola save-our-soul”; windows; scary gunshots gave them a rude “Right in the presence of police, hoodlums awakening and helpless cries of both brandish guns”; We don’t know if we still have young and old rent the November night. It police as our friends; We are now endangered was a community under siege! species in our house; I have not seen my wife Barely an hour later, all residents had for 11 days… fled for their lives, escaping with degrees of Imowo Nla, like several communities in injuries. Men of the Police Area Command, Ikorodu, has also been enmeshed in land Ijede, Ikorodu – alleged to have accompadisputes and violent conflicts. This particunied the invading hoodlums – also took lar crisis dated back to 2010 when an unaway no fewer than 21 residents and indi-

PHOTO :WOLE OYEBADE

named hoodlum allegedly killed an indigene in a violent rage. While investigation was still ongoing, another assassination was carried out; this time, killing two policemen in May 2013. A member of the community, Idowu Olaribigbe Odusefo noted that the community had for so long had to cope with invasions of some hoodlums into the community, with several of those cases reported to former Lagos Commissioner of Police (CP), Yakubu Alkhali. Matters, however, got to a head in 2010, when the hoodlums trooped into the community, “hired cultists, held meetings and disturbed our peace with gun shots.” Among the invaders were some indigenes that make a living out of land grabbing. Odufeso said: “Many of the residents that could not cope fled to the town. During a carnival, they killed a boy and police

‘Why we arraigned a Togolese for photographing policemen’ ‘By Odita Sunday HE Lagos State Police Command is still trying to fathom the reason behind a foreigner taking photographs of some policemen on duty without due clearance from the Command. The Lagos State Police Command boss, Alhaji Umar Manko’s query is: “Why should a Togolese go on a photo spree of Police officers? What is he going to do with the photographs?” Abragahu Aminu, a Togolese, was recently arrested for taking photographs of policemen on duty at the Ketu area of Lagos and arraigned at the Magistrate’s Court after he failed to provide sureties for his bail. For taking pictures of traffic police officers who were doing their job at their duty posts, policemen attached to Ketu Divisional Headquarters arrested Aminu, a schoolteacher.

Manko He was arrested and immediately taken to the office of the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ngozi Braide, where he was said to have admitted his wrongdoings and asked for forgiveness. According to him, his attempt to snap the policemen was borne out of the fact that a commercial bus driver had attempted to run over a traffic police officer that was stop-

ping him. After begging the police PPRO for forgiveness, the woman who was not satisfied with his explanation, was said to have taken the suspect to the Xsquad Unit of the command for further investigation, with a view to unraveling the motive behind the photographing of uniformed personnel. The X-squad men, who were said to have suspected foul play sequel to the explanation given by the Togolese, were convinced that the suspect had ulterior motive. “We are working on the theory that either the suspect is a spy or was planning to blackmail the Nigeria Police. Terrorism is a serious issue bedeviling our country now and as policemen, we have been ordered to be at alert. We are being careful because someone can’t just start taking photographs of policemen on duty without clearance from

the authorities. He said he is a Togolese and a woman came here to say he is a Northerner. That is why we are suspecting foul play.” The senior Police officer said the Commissioner of Police Umar Manko ordered that the man should be released on bail if he would provide two sureties but since he could not provide the sureties he was charged to the court accordingly. The man has been arraigned before a Lagos State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yaba on three-count charges. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in the like sum. The trial magistrate, Mrs. Ladipo, also ordered that the defendant should deposit his entire travel document at the court while the matter has been adjourned to Monday, December 16 2013 for trial.

started harassing our people.” “We wrote a petition to the then CP on the matter in 2011. Along the line, the criminals wrote counter petitions that the community was responsible for the killing. But the perpetrator was eventually arrested, coupled with the discovery of two AK-47 guns in his house. The CP also ordered that a police post be mounted in the community.” “On May 24 this year, these boys made a return into the community again and killed two policemen. We were told that Oba of Egbinland was involved in the crime. Both parties were caught and arrested. About eight of the boys are in Kirikiri Maximum Prison now; the Oba was recently released. Several members of the community went to the State Command in Ikeja to make statements as witnesses in this crime.” “But on November 25, we just saw that policemen came to the community around 2: 00 a.m. and started arresting anyone they could lay their hands on. The following day, some of us reported to the State Commander. It took the intervention of the IPO, who recognized us as police witnesses, to have our people released after three days.” “The issue now is that the yet-to-be-arrested hoodlums who killed the two policemen have come back with the police to drive everyone away from their houses. We went to the CP, he said he would look into it, but since then, we have not seen any step. Criminals who killed policemen want to turn the matter against the community.” “These hoodlums are the ones occupying our houses right now, in company of the police. None of us is able to enter our houses. These are the only clothes I have been wearing in the last 10 days. Police are with them, drinking beer and enjoying themselves. This is the situation we find ourselves where witnesses are being turned into criminals,” Odusefo lamented. Isiaka Aborisade, 60, was also sacked from the community, after his house was destroyed. “The state government has to help us. All our people are outside now squatting or gone into hiding,” he pleaded. Bisi Yusuf, a member of the Lagos Assembly who received the protesters on behalf of the House, assured the displaced residents that the lawmakers would immediately look into their petition. He urged the complainants to keep calm and return to where they feel safe, till the matter is addressed. Yusuf said: “I can assure you that this House is yours and it will look into your pleas. We’ve heard matters of this nature and have been able to resolve it. This would not be an exception.”

Briefs

Mami Market online shop debuts NEW online retailer, Mami Market, is set to debut this A month ahead of the end-of-year shopping spree. The Mami Market mobile platform allows subscribers to set up an online shop in as little as five minutes and offers visitors to the site access to limitless products they can choose from. Online shopping is one of the trends that have left the world with a huge impact. This electronic commerce excitedly allows consumers to buy goods, products as well as services over the Internet, eliminating any kind of intermediate body. According to the promoters of this new site, the online shop would be available 24 hours all day of the week. This means there is no off, holiday or any vacation, which suits well to the people who have busy schedules and have time only in odd hours.

Pentecostal Power Mission celebrates CTIVITIES to mark second anniversary of the Pentecostal A Power Mission will start from Wednesday, December 18 through Sunday, December 22 at 5.30am and 5.40pm respectively. Friday, December 19 is Praise/Testimony Night from 10.00pm till dawn and grand finale is on Sunday, December 22, at 10.00am at the Defense House, off Ife-Oloruntola Street, Zion Estate, Ishasi Akute, Ogun State.Host is Apostle Adeleye Zerubbabel

18 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Group urges govt to protect women against violence By Joseph Onyekwere HE Working Group of Eight on Violence against Women popularly known as (WG8 on VAW) has called on Nigerian government to ensure that all human rights treaties to which it has signed up to are domesticated and implemented, especially the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African charter on the Rights of Women in Africa. Speaking at a press conference to mark the “16 days of Activism against Genderbased violence” 2013, in Lagos, the group which comprises eight civil society organizations in Lagos State, urged the National Assembly to pass into law “the Violence against Persons Bill”. In a statement endorsed on their behalf by Oluwatobi Asekun, the group said: “WG8 strongly appeals to State Governments to demonstrate their support by passing and implementing gender based laws that seek to protect women and girls from harmful practices, violence, discrimination and injustice.” They noted that there was the need for the government to establish centres nationwide where sexual assault referrals could be dealt with immediately. “This will require having trained police officers, medical personnel, counselors and therapists in place so that victims of sexual aggression can be assured that they will be dealt with sensitively and not be subjected to ridicule and discrimination. “The government should demonstrate its total intolerance for gender-based violence by establishing special courts and separate court registries to fast track cases of sexual assault, rape and defilement of underage girls and ensure the successful prosecution of the perpetrators of this heinous crime”, they said, adding that WG8 is committed to addressing issues of sexual assault, rape and domestic violence. In the same vein, WG8 called on Lagos State Government to further improve its action against the rising scourge of domestic and sexual violence through its justice sector institutions by ensuring the full implementation of the Domestic Violence Law of the State 2007.

Briefs Alice Odok dies at 83 COMMUNITY leader, Madam Alice Isaiah Udoh Odok is dead. Madam Alice popularly known as Mmamma Isaiah died at the age of 83. She was a very famous women leader in Ibiakpan II, Otoro Clan, in Abak Local Council, Akwa Ibom State and was conferred with the title of Ono Item Iban Ibiakpan II due to her commitment to peace and advancement of course of Ibiakpan women. She was also the wife of the late Obong of Ibiakpan II, Obong Isaiah Udoh Odok. A statement from the family said the funeral service will hold on Saturday, December 21 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Ikot Osom at 10.00 a.m. She will be buried in Ibiakpan Ikot Ata Ekpe.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Lagos provides social amenities for communities ETERMINED to continue D in its efforts at improving the standard of living and also discourage rural urban drift in Lagos State, the state Ministry of Rural Development has begun improvement on existing infrastructure, and provision of new amenities in some communities. Some of the communities where the ministry recently provided and commissioned some amenities are IkotunIgando, Otto-Awori, Olorunda and Badagry West, Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). The projects commissioned and handed over for the community use include electricity transformer, mini water works, roads and footbridge. Speaking during the commissioning of the rehabilitated Ijegun-Olorunshogo Micro Water Scheme to Ikotun-Igando LCDA, Commissioner for Rural Development, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi said the government was passionate about the sources of water taken by the people to avoid diseases associated with unclean water. He said the ministry would continue to manage the water project for a period of

Ojelabi during the commissioning of Ikotun-Igando mini- water project... two years while the commuthe Lagos State Residents Regnity understudies and pays a istration Agency (LASRRA) token for maintenance. He According to him, “The regisurged community members tration is necessary to enable to sustain and maintain the government to get statistical water project and also partdata of residents in the comner with the state governmunity to help in the proviment by mobilizing sion of social amenities for themselves to register with

them. While appreciating the government, the chairman, Community Development Association (CDA), Pa Adeola Adegbite, assured that the water project would be put into good use as a committee

had been set up mainly for the maintenance of the water scheme. He, however, asked for government’s intervention concerning their road. The commissioner also commissioned electrification projects at Igbanko and Shoko Communities in Olorunda and Badagry West, LCDA, explaining that the projects were achieved through direct labour. He urged the people on the need to form a cooperative society for the purpose of expanding the coast of their trade and also boost their economic activities At Ese-Ofin community in Otto-Awori LCDA, a concrete footbridge of 240 metre length by two metres width was also commissioned for ease of water transportation in the community. The project, which was completed within four months, was based on request from the community to the government to replace the old dilapidated wooden footbridge. Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi in his address said that the State Government is set to reduce rural urban drift by providing basic social amenities to rural people.

Nigerian Air Force walks for zero-AIDS infection, stigmatisation By Wole Oyebade O commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day, the Nigerian Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos, recently staged an awareness walk to sensitise officers and the public on the disease. The two-hour walk, led by Hospital Commandant, Air Commodore Saleh Shinkafi, touched the nooks and crannies of the Lagos Base, with the messages of AIDS prevention and testing, coupled with distribution of condom. Also represented in the walk were members of the Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA); Nigerian Army Officers Wives (NAOWA) and senior officers of the mess. Shinkafi, during the walk, said the yearly walk was necessary to further create awareness among the public, “towards getting to zero new infections, zero stigmatisation and zero AIDS- related deaths.” Shinkafi, a medical doctor, noted that Nigeria was still one of the countries with the highest HIV/AIDS burden in the world, despite lots of work that had been done by the Federal Government and its partnering agencies. He observed that while the prevalence rate had dropped from 5.8 to four per cent in Nigeria, “there is still a long way to go given our huge population.” “It is, therefore, necessary to stage the walk and keep the flag flying because the race is not over yet,” Shinkafi said.

He added that the military was well positioned to drive the campaign, given progress it had recorded in combating transmission of the deadly disease. “The Force has dropped prevalence rate among its officers more than the civilian public is doing, which is why we must continue to campaign towards reaching zero prevalence,” he said.

Site Team Leader, Dr. Esther Omokhuale added that the two main drivers of AIDS disease were low self perception of infection risk and stigmatisation. Omokhuale observed that though many Nigerians were aware of the disease, they still had the illusion they could not be infected. She added: “But the truth is that everyone of us is at risk of AIDS infection, which is why we need to feel

concerned and put end to stigmatisation. There is a lot that counseling and confidentiality can do to tackle discrimination, especially when we take it upon ourselves to love our neighbours as ourselves. “All hands must, therefore, be on deck in this task, if we must reach zero new infections, stigmatisation and AIDS-related deaths in Nigeria,” she said.

A cross-section of participants at the event

PHOTO :WOLE OYEBADE

Final burial for Monruf Bello

NAFRC to graduate 134 retiring military personnel

HE death has occurred of Alhaji Monruf Ayoola Bello, former Chairman of the Nigerian Peoples’ Party (NPP) in old Oyo State in 1983. He died on November 3, 2013 at the

By Odita Sunday HE Danjuma Hall of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi will on Friday, December 13, host 134 retiring military personnel, who have served their fatherland for 35 years. The military personnel comprising the Army, Navy and Air force, would all clad in their ceremonial uniforms and receive certificates after undergoing several trainings at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi as part of the resettlement plan by the Nigerian Defence headquarters. The retiring personnel, who initially enrolled for the retirement training, were 135, but one of them withdrew due to health challenges. The Centre’s mandate,

age of 80 and has been buried according to Muslim rites. Final funeral rites hold on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Technical College Osogbo Playing Ground, at 10.00a.m. He is survived by many children, grand children and great grand children among whom are Mr. Waheed Bello and Mrs. Taiwo Akingbesote.

Bello

Akinsanmi amongst others, is to enable retiring service men integrate into civil society and enjoy post-service life. To actualize this, NAFRC came up with training objectives aimed at helping retirees establish their own businesses and to adequately prepare them for gainful employment after retirement, as well as to prepare them psychologically

for resettlement into civil life. According to the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Moses Akinsanmi: “In the course of the six months training, the retirees were trained on Management Courses such as General Management, Security and Safety Practice, Management and Entrepreneurship and General Studies. “Other areas of training included fashion designing, comprising shoe making, barbing, tailoring, laundering and weaving workshops.” They were also trained in fine arts and printing, soap and cosmetics, agriculture, wood work, building and civil works, electrical and electronics, auto mechanic, fabrication and welding, music, Information technology and food and beverages, depending on their areas of specialization.

19 MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

F www.ngrguardiannews.com; www.theguardianmobile.com

Power outages linger despite rising generation claims By Roseline Okere AYS of relief to electricity consumers in the counD try may have been postponed, as outages, occasioned by low transmission from the national grid and capacity constraints on the part of power distribution companies, continued on a more worrisome dimension since the privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Curiously, the Transmission Company of Nigeria claimed that power generation has risen to 4,000 mega watts (mw). The Presidential Taskforce on Power however put the figure at 3,108mw. The Guardian gathered that the new generating compa-

nies are facing serious capacity constraints, which may have affected their ability to effectively send out electricity. Of the almost 4,000mw, currently being generated in the country, about 2,859mw continued to be unutilised due to distribution challenges in the national grid. One of the greatest challenges facing the national grid remained the issue of inadequate gas supply to the electricity plants, due to vandalisation of the pipelines. Reacting to the issue, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKDC) attributed the current power interruption being experienced to the shortfall from the national grid.

It said in a statement that the company was putting in efforts to ensure that the allocated power to Ikeja is equitably distributed amongst its customers, hence the rationing of power so that none of its customers will be consistently out of supply. It stated: “It will be recalled that during the handover ceremony, the company promised to strengthen the distribution network for adequate and sustainable power supply and therefore appealed to customers for cooperation, patience and understanding”. Also, Eko Electricity Distribution Company said that the present power outage is as a result of system collapse of the national grid. According to the company, as

a result of these collapses, Eko Disco, like other distribution companies, receives very limited power from the national grid for onward distribution to our customers. It noted that the Ministry of Power has already explained to the general public that the grid collapse is itself partly due to disruptions in the supply of natural gas required for electricity generation through vandalism. It said: “We have been reliably informed that all efforts are being made to rectify the situation and we expect normal service to resume in the quickest possible time. “All these issues have led to a very significant drop in the power received by Eko Distribution Company to dis-

tribute to our esteemed customers from an average of 321mw two months ago to 195mw in November after our company - West Power and Gas Limited - took over the management of the Disco. “Eko DISCO regrets the inconvenience to our customers and we ask for your understanding over a situation that is totally outside our control. We restate that the new owners of the business are irrevocably committed to ushering in a new era of reliable power supply in our areas of coverage. “At Eko Disco, we take such service interruptions seriously and it is very unfortunate that our customers have had to be inconvenienced in this way. Please be assured that we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the network is able to receive power efficiently and deliver electricity to our customers, as soon as proper power has been restored. We are also investigating other power sources that may alleviate power supply issues in the future”.

The Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Benjamin Dikki, had said: “Changes will not be immediate. Investments in the power sector will take time in order to achieve results. Construction of new generation capacity to achieve most of the results envisaged will take two to five years. “Expectations will need to be managed for the public to understand that a power sector cannot be built overnight and that this country is recovering from decades of underinvestment and corresponding crumbling infrastructure.” He expressed optimism that the private sector-driven power sector would, over the next few years, go through a period of rapid transformation, adding that capacity would increase. The BPE boss, however, said investments being made in the sector would lead to some degree of unpredictability for the regulator, the government, the private sector and the public.

Exchange Rates as at Friday, November 29

FGN Bonds Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Services, Tunde Fowler(left); Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, Oyo State, Princess Oyefunke Oworu; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Aderemi Bello; and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ogun State, Bimbola Ashiru, during the yearly dinner/ investiture of Bello as the new President of the chamber, in Lagos. PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

African govts, firms’ Eurobond debts hit $9.68b By Chijioke Nelson FRICAN governments and A corporate organization may have raised their debt obligations through the Eurobond window to $9.68 (about N1.6 trillion). The figure, which was jerked up to the current level, was sequel to the Gabon’s entrance into the global debt market to raise $1.5 billion, as part of an exchange and buyback of existing debt. The Eurobond transactions, which Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, among others have explored, however, have been put on the need for increased investments in infrastructure and other developmental projects by governments. For the corporate organisations, the reasons have ranged from financing new and capital intensive projects, acquisition of new busi-

nesses, expansion programme to financing consortium deals. Nigeria recently, raised $1 billion in its return to the Eurobond market, since 2011, taking advantage of a short period of relative calm in otherwise uncertain global markets to issue both a long and shorter maturity debts. The country issued a $500 million five-year bond at a

yield of 5.375 per cent and a $500 million 10-year bond with a yield of 6.625 per cent, which were respectively claimed to be over-subscribed. Also, following the creation of a sovereign benchmark in the international capital market by the Federal Government, four Nigerian banks explored the opportunity by issuing Eurobonds

valued at $1.45 billion cumulatively, between January 2011 and July 2013. The banks include First Bank of Nigeria Limited$300 million Eurobond in July 2013; Fidelity Bank Plc$300 million Eurobond in May 2013; Access Bank Plc$350 million Eurobond in July 2012; and Guaranty Trust Bank- $500 million Eurobond in May 2011.

Description 4.00% 23-Apr-2015 13.05% 16-Aug-2016 15.10% 27-Apr-2017 16.00% 29-Jun-2019 16.39% 27-Jan-2022 10.00% 23-Jul-2030 ! NIBOR Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365 !

TTM 1.37 2.69 3.39 5.56 8.14 16.63

Bid Price 89.16 100.18 106.02 112.48 117.92 80.03

Yield 12.81 12.94 12.84 12.79 12.78 12.95

Offer Price 89.31 100.33 106.32 112.78 118.22 80.33

Rate (%) 11.0000 11.5000 12.0000 12.3750 12.6667 13.0417 13.3333

Yield 12.68 12.85 12.73 12.72 12.72 12.90

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

FINANCIAL GUARDIAN

www.ngrguardiannews.com

FGN bonds record N74b transactions in five days By Helen Oji HE Over-The-Counter market for FGN bonds, last week, recorded a turnover of 75,036 million units valued at N74.045 billion in 322 deals, in contrast to 142.973 million units valued at N154.976 billion in 771 deals recorded in the preceding week ended November 29,

2013. Similarly, a turnover of 2,266 billion shares worth N19.008 billion in 25,853 deals were traded last week by investors on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), in contrast to 2,168 billion shares valued at N24.442 billion that exchanged hands last week in 26, 443 deals.

GLOBAL COMMODITIES EXCHANGE

LIGHT CRUDE CON1

97.82

+0.27

+0.28%

NATURAL GAS CON1

4.13

-0.02

-0.44%

100 OZ GOLD CON1

1,230.90

-2.90

-0.24%

SILVER 5000 CON1

19.40

-0.12

-0.61%

HG COPPER CON1

3.26

+0.00

+0.08%

CORN CON1

424.00

+1.25

+0.30%

ETI, PROPARCO seal $50m loan deal Specifically, the financial services industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1,398 billion shares valued at N8.989 billion, traded in 11,930 deals, thus contributing 61.67 per cent and 47.29 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The conglomerates sub-sector followed with a turnover of 493,947 shares worth N2.225 billion in 3,200 deals, contributing 21.80 per cent and 11.71 per cent to the total equity turnover and value respectively. The third place was occupied by the oil and gas industry, with 90,408 million shares worth N941.272 million in 2,728 deals. Trading in the top three equities, namely, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Unity Bank Plc and WAPIC Insurance Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 1,044 billion shares worth N2.550 billion

in 3,645 deals, contributing 46.08 per cent and 13.41 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. Also traded during the week were 1,710 units of NewGold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) valued at N3.230 million, executed in five deals, compared with a total of 1,800 units valued at N3.445 million transacted last week in six deals. Similarly, 8,307 units of FGN bonds valued at N8.354 million were traded last week, in six deals, compared with a total of 19,520 units valued at N21.374 million transacted last week in five deals. The NSE All-Share Index declined by 0.47 per cent to close on Friday at 38,738.15 points. Similarly, the market capitalization depreciated by 0.47 per cent to close at N12.390 trillion. Four of the indices appreciated during the week, while four also depreciated- NSE

Insurance, NSE Oil/Gas, NSE Industrial Goods and NSE ASeM indices rose by 2.02 per cent, 1.84 per cent, two per cent and 0.25 per cent respectively. However, NSE 30, The NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Banking and NSE Lotus II indices slipped by 0.87 per cent, 2.70 per cent, 0.92 per cent and 1.09 per cent respectively. Also, 50 equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than 34 equities of the preceding week, while 26 equities depreciated in prices, lower than 48 equities of the preceding week, with 122 equities remaining unchanged, lower than 116 equities of the preceding week. Meanwhile, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the holding company of Ecobank Group has notified the Exchange that it signed an agreement with PROPARCO on a $50 million loan facility, with a 10-year maturity. This transaction, according

to the Exchange, has taken place against a background of fundamental changes in Africa’s banking sector. “Pan-African banking groups such as Ecobank are developing alongside traditional players and are entering new market segments, targeting those previously excluded from the banking system. “They are opening more branches and are providing innovative and low-cost services tailored to communities, which lack access to banking services. These groups are driven by economic growth, which is gathering pace in Africa, and their activity is increasing steadily. “PROPARCO’s loan will allow Ecobank to strengthen its long-term resources and will support the development of its local banking network. Indeed, the Group has become the first pan-African banking group to have an integrated regional banking network in sub-Saharan Africa.

‘Foreign investors wary of developing countries’ By Sulaimon Salau HE World Bank has disT foreign that closed investors across the world are now wary of investing in developing countries owing to continued global economic and political turbulence. The World Investment and Political Risk 2013 report published by the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) revealed that macroeconomic instability and political risk rank neck-andneck and are top concerns for investors as they plan over the short and medium terms. MIGA is a member of the World Bank Group, created to promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in developing countries in the face of continued global economic and political turbulence. Despite low investment

trend, the survey showed that nearly half of respondents expect to increase their investments in developing countries over the next 12 months, with that number increasing to 70 per cent when the horizon is extended for three years. The fifth yearly MIGA-EIU Political Risk Survey also noted that that breach of contract and regulatory risks top survey respondents’ political risk concerns. Survey results showed that these concerns are based on actual experience as well as sentiment. The report noted that the continued level of investor caution has been a boon for the political risk insurance industry. “The dramatic increase in political risk insurance issuance of recent years has

continued, rising 33 per cent in 2012 and on track for similar growth in 2013,” “Political risk insurance issuance has once again exceeded the pace of increase in FDI flows into developing economies over the same period,” it stated, adding that the ratio of FDI to PRI now stands at 14.2 percent for developing economies, an increase on the low-water mark of nearly five per cent in 1997. MIGA Executive Vice President, Keiko Honda, said: “These findings support the increased interest we are seeing in MIGA’s risk-mitigation products. We’re happy to play a role in helping investors get comfortable as they navigate today’s turbulent markets. This allows good projects to move forward that benefit lives across the globe.” According to him, the report offers an innovative analysis of

breach of contract risk, combining deal and country specific causes of breach for the first time. “The study finds the risk appears to be higher in middle income countries than lower income ones. It also found that investors are more likely to face higher risk in contractual relationships involving public utilities than in other sectors. It noted the presence of a multilateral or development financial institution in a deal is likely to enhance the chances of contract success. “It also noted that the risk of a public contract is still significantly related to the age profile of that contract. Overall, the results identify a number of key focus areas for investors and insurers when considering a contractual relationship with a public, developing economy counterparty.”

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

FINANCIAL GUARDIAN

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Experts advocate IFRS compliance, seek periodic review By Helen Oji INANCIAL experts under the aegis of SIAO; a financial solution provider and advisory firm have reiterated the need for effective compliance of private firms to the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) and strict compliance to a national code of corporate governance by operators in the country’s business environment. this, according to the group is part of efforts to offer insights on the forthcoming 10th annual corporate financial reporting confab. According to them, the total compliance of these policies would tremendously grow business, create an enabling business environment and further boost the country’s economy. Speaking to a select group of journalist in a media briefing yesterday in Lagos, the team noted that the need for a periodic revision of the IFRS is also important adding that if the business environment is dynamic there is a corresponding need for reporting standard to be reviewed periodically. “If business change over time, there is a need for the reporting standard for these business to reviewed,” David Raggay, head, IFRS, SIAO said, adding that changes took place in various industries, it was important that IFRS was tweaked to meet these expectations. “Part of this is what we do at SIAO, helping business entities migrate to IFRS compliance,”

he further mentioned. Comparing the Nigeria GAAP to IFRS, Raggay highlighted a significant difference in both systems, crediting IFRS with an edge as it boosts of more financial instruments, comparability, verifiability, understandability and transparency.

Raggay, however, highlighted a need to revise the conceptual framework that forms the basis for the recognition and measurement requirements in IFRS saying that some areas are not covered with little guidance on measurement, presentation and how to identify a reporting entity.

Enterprise Bank, others get risk management award NtERPRISE Bank Limited, E at the weekend, was recognised as second best in the country at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Risk Awards (NRA), for building a sound financial institution was. the award was organised by Conrad Clark Nigeria Limited in collaboration with BusinessDay newspapers and United Kingdom (UK) Institute of Risk Management. In the same vein, the Head of Operational Risk Management of Enterprise Bank was also nominated in the “Risk Manager of the Year” category, which was eventually won by the head of Operational Risk Management at Access Bank. NRA is dedicated to recognising and rewarding organisations and individuals who have achieved measurable results through the effective implementation of enterprise risk management principles among other parameters. the panel of judges was co-

chaired by Dr. Divid Hillson, known globally celebrated scholar from the United Kingdom and Mr. Victor Odozi, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Enterprise Bank emerged first runners up in the “Banking and Investment Service” award category after a careful and prolonged evaluation procedure in which the judges looked at how risk management enabled the bank not just to survive, but to thrive. Also considered by the panel is how risk management contributed to the development of innovative approaches and the successful achievement of business objectives in the bank as well as the difference enterprise risk management skills has added to the strength of the bank since it came into being on August 11, 2011. Other banks that were nominated alongside Enterprise Bank in this category include Access Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and Skye Bank Plc.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

MarketReport EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

PRIMERA AFRICA AS AT 06=12=2013

www.primera-africa.com

Monday, December 9, 2013 MARKETREPORT

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 06=12=2013

PRIMERA AFRICA

BondWatch DLM BOND WATCH: December 9, 2013

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Published in association with

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013 31

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Homes&Property AHPAN partners AFDB, UK group on UNILAG's Centre for Housing Page 32 Studies

Supreme Court okays verdicts on Anambra family estate

Gran Imperio launches two luxury estates in Lagos Page 33

Page 45

Investors begin $182m ‘Wings’ twin tower project The commercial development, which would be delivered sometime in 2016, will noticeably redefine the landscape of Victoria Island, Lagos, as well as throwing up job opportunities for professionals within the construction industry

Projects By Emmanuel Badejo WO private investors, Messrs Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) and Standard Bank are raising the bar in commercial and retail property development, with the launch of an $182-million office complex project in Lagos. Christened, Wings, the project is located along the waterfront of the upscale Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, in Lagos. Designed by the firm of Stauch Vorter Architects, the A-grade high-rise office towers on Victoria Island, will berth between Lagos Island and the Lekki Peninsula, may be completed and delivered on or before March 2016. RMB Westport, Nigeria, Oando Plc, Vante Property Asset management Services, Standard Bank, midwifed the ambitious project, which sod turning was done last week in Lagos. To ensure the project is successful, both RMB and Stanbic IBTC have committed $100m development and long-term debt funding for the complex. At the sod turning ceremony, Chief Executive Officer, RMB Nigeria, Michael Larbie, said that the development

represented RMB’s commitment to use its expertise and resources to support landmark projects in Nigeria. “With the launch of RMB Nigeria, earlier this year, we expect to structure and fund more projects in real estate and, indeed, across other sectors of the Nigerian economy.” He added: “We are equity investor, we are going to own a third of the development and Oando is going to be one of the anchor tenants in one of the wings and the tenanting of the project would be done by RMB Westport.” The development, according to Larbie, had been designed to ease traffic. “To ease traffic, the development was designed to have basement parking spaces, inline with international standards. Due to its location, though an advantage, that is the ocean view, this project, which is the first grade A in Nigeria, will be properly reinforced.” He said that RMB, together with Standard Bank, has committed $100-million debt into the development and long-term debt funding for the 25 500 m2 office development. Each office tower would offer space of more than 12 000 m2, with one of the two

Illustration of the proposed twin complex designed by Stauch Vorter Architects

being let to Oando, the largest indigenous oil company in Nigeria. When confronted with the challenges with the construction industry, Larbie responded saying his company was no new entrant into the sector. “RMB Westport is no newcomer to Africa. Some of RMB Westport’s biggest projects include: Icon House and Accra Financial Centre (Agrade buildings in Ghana);

the largest shopping mall in Nigeria, Ikeja City Mall and Osapa Retail Phase I among others.” He added that Wings Oando would be developed and project managed by the RMB Westport Real Estate Development Fund. Rand Merchant Bank, a division of FirstRand Bank Ltd, is a leading investment bank in South Africa and boasts an exceptional track record of activity in other African

countries, with strong market positions in its four primary businesses – financial markets, investment banking, advisory and principal investments. RMB Westport opened its doors in 2008 when Rand Merchant Bank (RMB)‚ through its Real Estate Investment Banking division entered into a joint venture with the Westport Property Group to combine west African property develop-

ment skills‚ capital and investing expertise to enable the construction and development of high-grade retail‚ commercial and industrial property assets in key growth nodes of sub-Saharan Africa. Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Ms. Sola David-Borha, the take off of the project was with great delight, as the project, before

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

NIQS urges govt to set up infrastructure bank, picks Aliyu as President Professional Practice The institute is calling on government to focus By Chinedum Uwaegbulam ROJECT cost managers have made a clarion call on the federal authorities for the establishment of an Infrastructure Bank that will raise long-term lower interest funds through bonds and other instruments for investment in infrastructure. The gap between Nigeria’s current infrastructure endowment and what is required to attract investment, undertake competitive economic activities and provide jobs is calculated at $2.9 trillion. The flow of investment into core or hard infrastructure from the Nigerian financial sector has been poor. Telecommunications and

more on packaging good deals that can easily attract private financing rather than seek to contribute land or provide cash equity participation in PPP programme. They are also advocating for a pool of funds structured as Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility

oil and gas sectors have attracted 84 per cent of the $100 billion raised by Nigerian banks through syndication between 2006 and 2013. Members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) made the appeal in a Communiqué after its 25th Biennial Conference, recently in Abuja. The theme was “Nigeria’s Quest for Investment and Growth:

Releasing the Potential of Infrastructure Public Private Partnerships.” They say that quantity surveyors should be involved in Private-PublicPartnerships (PPP) projects in order to assure the public of transparency and value-for-money. “Quantity surveyors as cost economics and managers of cost and quality on construction projects play a critical role in project planning

and execution in all economies where PPPs are transparently packaged and successfully delivered.” PPP can make a significant contribution to closing this gap, creating wealth and improving the quality of life of Nigerians. Though PPPs will finance only between 15 to 20 per cent of required infrastructure investment, the projects financed through PPPs are likely to be high-profile critical infrastructure that make the Nigerian economy significantly more productive and enhances its capacity to attract other investments. NIQS noted that “PPPs could help reduce corruption in infrastructure procurement because many more parties are involvedthe government, develop-

Aliyu ers, financiers and users rather than just Government and Contractors that are involved in Government procurement. All parties normally have access to all information-pricing, technical specifications and quali-

ty standards. They recommended that a pool of funds is required for Federal MDAs and States to conduct studies, which are often very expensive, on the viability of PPP projects. This would make it easier to develop projects that are very attractive to private investors. Such funding could be structured as a Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility. Furthermore, the body argued, “Private financiers have no interest in overpaying for construction work. Private infrastructure investors also have an incentive to complete projects on time and not invest in projects that will be abandoned, as they cannot charge users for projects

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

HOMES & PROPERTY

www.ngrguardiannews.com

AHPAN partners AFDB, UK group on UNILAG's Centre for Housing Studies Housing By Chinedum Uwaegbulam RESH building blocks were again laid unto the housing sector, last week, when experts converged in Lagos to kickstart the University of Lagos Centre for Housing Studies, which will provide research into the field and act as a model for three other countries in the continent. The Centre, domiciled in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, has been initiated as a partnership between the University of Lagos, African Housing Professionals Association of Nigeria (AHPAN) and Nigeria-UK Housing Society (NUHS). Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), through the Department for Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the project involves developing Housing Centres of Excellence in Nigeria and Ghana in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in the United Kingdom. The principal partners in the pilot project include the University of Lagos (Nigeria) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana). The project will expand to Uganda, Kenya and South Africa. The Housing Centre of Excellence at University of Lagos, which had been assiduously pursued by Prof. Timothy Nubi of the Estate Management Department of UNILAG is the first operational centre funded with the AfDB grant and pro-

The visiting Head of Education, Chartered Institute of Housing, Mr. Roger Keller, members of the African Housing Professionals Association of Nigeria (AHPAN) and Nigeria-UK Housing Society (NUHS), including Head, Estate Management Department, Prof. Timothy Nubi and Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Kole Odusami during the opening of the University of Lagos Centre for Housing Studies, last week Michelle Adeyinka noted that According to her, the vision is The centre will harness expertise, knowledge and “We are working with the UK that AHPAN will be the platInstitute of Housing form for the proposed skills from different parts of the world in the area of Chartered to bring home some of the les- Nigerian Institute of Housing housing development as well as develop and sons, experience and expertise (NIH). "Indeed our vision is that our members have gained dur- the permanent Centre will proimprove professional housing standards in the ing the course of contributing vide a location and secretariat to housing management and for AHPAN members and evensub-Saharan region of Africa. development in their roles as tually, the proposed NIH." vides the model for other under the project. Housing Practitioners in the AHPAN Chairman, Mr. Speaking at the well-attended Housing Centres of Excellence Nojeen Jimoh said that the ceremony, NUHS President, UK.”

University of Lagos is making efforts to build a permanent site for the project. Nubi explained that the centre is equipped to provide specific training and manpower development in affordable housing provision and management. “Learning options in the centre has been designed to be flexible to suit economic demands; facilitated by technology to enable long Distance/e- Learning options. The Centre would also provide grants for research in affordable housing development and management. “Our partnership with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is to provide avenue for practitioners to be members of the institute to enable them stand the chance of expanding their skills. It is a centre that stands to broaden knowledge of practitioners, academics and investors about the industry,” he said. “Holders of certification from the housing centre have the advantage of acquiring International Certification to practice affordable housing management both within and outside Nigeria as programmes will be duly certified by the CIH.” To ensure that learning was tailored to the needs of Nigerians, the CIH head of Education, Mr Roger Keller was on hand at the event to consult stakeholders on the draft specification of programmes to be run by the Centre. Nigerians will benefit from networking resources from the over 22,000 membership base of CIH spread over 20 countries.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

Prime Estates

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Gran Imperio launches two luxury estates in Lagos Housing By Emmanuel Badejo OISED to reduce Nigeria’s increasing housing deficit, Messrs Gran Imperio Projects Limited, has unveiled two upscale but affordable residential estates in Lagos. Christened the SouthPointe and Lake View Park II, the estates are located within the prime land of Lekki corridor, at Lafiaji off Lekki-Epe expressway, and the duo will further reduce the nation’s housing gab, as over 300 housing units would be provided. Specifically , the SouthPointe, has been designed for the development of an affordable luxury residential community, spiced with detailed finishing, security and leisure in a conducive environment. Features of the estate made up of 36 units of three bedroom bungalows with boys’ quarter, 44 units of two bedroom bungalows with boys’ quarters, are club house and swimming pool, commercial area, purified water supply, security services among others. The Lake View Park (LVP) II consists of 226 housing units. This is made up of 30 units, three bed terrace bungalow, 36 units four bed semi detached, 120 units of three bed block of flats and 40 units of three bed terrace, altogether occupying 87 plots of land.

LVP is a gated residential community with distinguishable design, construction, amenities, site services and security, coming with a unique central of 1000 sqm private recreational centre with panoramic waterfront views, suspended over a two and half acre lake. While infrastructure to be provided include fire services, alternative power generation and supply, central sewage system, well-maintained access and service roads, the amenities with the estate are retail shop to service the residential community, areas and facilities for sports and recreation, restaurant, bar, clinic, grocery store, swimming pool and well landscaped park. At a press briefing announcing the projects recently in Lagos, Managing Director, Gran Imperio Projects Limited, Mr. Adeyeye Ogunwusi said, following the government’s initiative to establish Mortgage Refinancing Corporation, his company has evolved new strategy to further provide upscale but affordable housing for Nigerian. “We are trying to position ourselves strategically by downsizing in terms of pricing of our housing developments. Currently, we have stocks of housing in the range of N40million to N60million but what we are doing now is

Illustration of the proposed South Pointe, Lagos, as at last week to start developments within 2014, construction work the range of N25million and would commence with the N35million.” development of the infraTo achieve this goal, structure. Ogunwusi said his firm has In conjunction with its over the three years been banker, GTHomes, Ogunwusi working to increasing his said that there are various landed property, and now has arrangements for would be in its stocks robust land bank homeowners in the upcomin choice locations both on ing estates. the Islan and the Mainland. Senior Manager, GTHomes, He added that by January

Mr. Kazeem Owolabi said his company is desirous to making affordable housing stocks a reality by partnering with developers, who build pocket-friendly homes, and his company would provide mortgages convenient for intending buyers, thereby creating housing solution through effective and effi-

cient funding. Sales and Marketing Manager, Gran Imperio Projects Limited, Mr. Isaac Etim, said these estates, though upscale, are within the reach of the medium class as GTHomes is on hand to offer mortgage services.

He said there are two attractive payment plans offered including 20 percent pay-

DECEMBER 9, 2013

HOMES & PROPERTY

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Aluko urges NIESV inductees to uphold professional standards Professional Practice EWLY inducted members N of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) have been urged to uphold the best professional ethics and standards in order to make a successful career in their chosen field. The Dean of Faculty of Environmental Design and Management at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Prof. Bioye Tajudeen Aluko gave the advice in a lecture at the annual induction ceremony for 242 newly registered estate surveyors and valuers in Abuja last week, where he listed six skills required to achieve an accomplished consulting practice. Aluko, who spoke on the topic, “Estate Surveying and Valuation Profession in Nigeria- Unbundling Latent Competencies and Developing New Frontiers”, defined estate surveyor and valuer’s competence as the application of theoretical knowledge to carry out estate surveying and valuation projects. He told the inductees that by their admission into associate membership cadre, “it is a signal to employers that you are ready for employment being technically competent and commercially aware”. The six broad categories of competencies and skills required are technical knowl-

edge, business competence, cognitive competence, communication skills, time management skills and ethical and professional competence. Aluko, a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court commended the leadership of NIESV under Mr. Emeka Eleh for their consistent emphasis on capacity building through continuous and mandatory development programs. “Training is the key to professional development and this is one area the leadership of NIESV has excelled because the quality of programs and the resource persons are such that the junior members cannot easily afford outside”. Eleh congratulated the new Associate Members and admonished them to practice within the bounds of the ethics of the profession. “In Estate Surveying and Valuing, you will have the temptation to cut corners just as in any other calling but the long term benefits of acquiring the right skills and competencies cannot be quantified”. He promised that NIESV will continue to provide opportunities for development. Chairman of the Induction Planning Committee, Mr. Victor Ayeye expressed delight at the turn out of members and described it as “unprecedented in the annals of NIESV Induction ceremonies”.

The Richmond Gate project

Haven Homes completes off-plan sales on Richmond Gate estate Projects IVEN the low demand for G varying high end products on the shelves of property developers, the promoters of exquisite life style homes, Messrs Haven Homes Limited announced at the weekend that it has secured a two years off-plan commitments from prospective buyers in the Lekki corridor. Haven Homes said it achieved the remarkable feat on their Richmond Gate

project located at Alma Beach in the Lekki Peninsula due to its consistency with its brand and high standard of quality. Richmond Gate is located precisely in a prime location between the third Round about and the new Oando Filling station along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Celebrating the firm’s achievement, the managing director / chief executive officer, Mr. Tayo Sonuga remarked: “We are deeply humbled by the soaring demand for our houses

which have become very appealing among the celebrity class, but it does not come to us as surprise, because the pattern has been building up over the years with our home brand. To have celebrities queuing up for our products is absolutely humbling and remarkable, we give all the glory to God.“Sonuga enthused at the thought that the Haven Homes brand could now be compared to some preferred auto brands for which many prospective

buyers all over the world wait several years to get delivery. The company’s immensely appealing brand has enabled the firm grow tremendous good will to consistently roll out units off plan on several projects over the years. The difference this time is that whilst previous developments were on smaller scale, Richmond Gate, comprises 50 units of four- bedroom homes built in two phases is of a higher magnitude.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

HOMES & PROPERTY

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Property owners urge Lagos to reverse stand on Odoragunsen acquisition An action by the Lagos government on the site alleged to be earmarked for Motor Vehicle Assembly in Epe; may have incurred the wrath of the some residents who claim to be landowners. They are clamouring that their rights to own land/property as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be restored directed all the agencies Land Matters involved in the matter stay

By Tunde Alao EVEN months after officials of State’s Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development effected the demolition of 106 houses in Odoragunsen in the old Epe Local Government Area (LGA in Lagos State, the dust raised is yet to settle. The victims of the demolition, under the aegis of Residents and Property Owners at Odoragunsin (RPOO), are appealing to the Lagos House of Assembly to come to their rescue. Besides, the group has gone to the Lagos High Court to seek legal redress. Their grouse arose from the discriminatory approach government officials in conducting the demolition exercise. It was alleged that some homes belonging to influential persons in the community were spared. The community’s lawyer, Wiseview Legal Consultancy explained “sometime in July 2012, the Epe Regional Development Agency served contravention and quit notices as well as meeting invitations on our clients. At the scheduled meeting, our clients via their duly acquired title documents and building plans informed the Agency that they were in no way or manner contravening the Physical Planning Policies of the government. “Upon a petition forwarded by our clients to Governor Babatunde Fashola and the State House of Assembly, a meeting was arranged on March 1, 2013 by the House Committee on Land and Physical Planning between our clients and officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as well as the Land Bureau. At the said meeting, the House Committee amongst other resolutions

action until further investigation and rescheduled another meeting for March 13, 2013. “To our clients’ disdain and disappointment, a demolition exercise was carried out on the March 5, 2013 just before the next scheduled meeting”, said the letter. This action by the government impinges painfully on our clients’ rights to own land/property as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pleading that the land should be restored. “But when the plea fell on deaf ear, the matter was taken to the House of Assembly, who for the second time yet to meet with the victims, thus propelled the writs of summon to court. At the said meeting held in one of the committee rooms of the State House of Assembly and presided over by Mufutau Egberongbe, the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Toyin Ayinde, stated that he wasn’t aware of the happenings at Odoragunshin and suggested that officials from the Lands Bureau be invited. The meeting was adjourned to the March 13, 2013 with the house resolving that action be further stayed and that all other persons involved such as officials of the Lands Bureau, etc be present at the next meeting. The Claimants hereby pleaded and shall at trial of this suit rely on the reports of the said meeting dated March 1, 2013. “That to our surprise and disappointment on the March 5, 2013, officers of the Lands Bureau accompanied by men of the Nigerian Police Force (Rapid Response Squad led by CSP Hakeem Odumosu), Lagos State Task Force (led by Bayo Sulaimon), etc came in armed and demolished over 200 houses situate, lying and being on the property. I shall at the trial of this suit rely on.”

Advancing the reasons for the demolition, Ayinde, noted that the exercise was not in any way intended to punish anybody, but rather, to ensure that government meets its statutory obligations to the people. Reacting to the Odoragunsen incident at the time of demolition, Ayinde noted that the site had been earmarked for Motor Vehicle Assembly Plant for long and that residents cannot claim ignorance of the plan. However, the Commissioner challenged any of the affected house owners to produce approved plan if they have any. Although, The Guardian’s investigation confirmed that certain numbers of the victims have no approved plan, but a significant numbers produced approval, letter, certificate of occupancy and other relevant document that officials claimed that were victims of professional fraudsters who produced “fake document”. Besides, Ayinde hinted that government is trailing the syndicates behind the issuance of fake document, adding that the ministry has put in place, a strategy that would expose official collaborators.

The guest speaker and Dean of Faculty of Environmental Design and Management at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Prof. Bioye Tajudeen Aluko (left) Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, 1st Vice President, James Omeru, NIESV President, Mr. Emeka Eleh, Second Vice president, Dr. Bolarinde Patunola-Ajayi at the annual induction ceremony of Associate members in Abuja, recently.

EFCC seeks confiscation of former Oyo officials’ property Litigation From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked an Ibadan High court to grant interim forfeiture of the properties of the former Oyo State Head of Service, Alhaja Kudirat Adeleke and others pending the hearing and final determination of the fraud suit pressed against them.

Other suspects the commission is seeking the confiscation of their property are: Muili Hakeem Aderemi, Iyabo Giwa, Adesina Jimoh Ayoade, Oguntayo Banji, Adebiyi Musendiq Olasunmbo, Adeduntan Johnson, Johnson Bosede and Kareem Rasheed. The anti graft agency premised its prayer on the ground that the accused persons conspired and fraudulently obtained sums of money running into

several billions of naira from various accounts of Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board domiciled in different banks. The commission said that the proceeds realized from the crime was channeled to the development and purchase of their personal property .The court however, observed that some of the property in question are not strictly owned by the suspects.

FOCUS ON REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS IN NIGERIA

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

HERE is a general consensus in the society T that among the three principal channels of Stakeholders Canvass Injection of More Funds into Housing investment namely: the stock, money market and real estate, the later is considered by many as the best option because it is glaringly enduring, better in terms appreciation and attracts huge return on investment. However, one cardinal thing that is certain about the real estate sector is that globally, it is known to be notoriously expensive to embark upon .Hence, owning a house is generally beyond the reach of vast majority of the people. Even, most developers usually make the mistake of embracing the platform of serving the interest of the few rich ones alone with the belief that they are high-earners with the ability to spend more. The construction companies also take delight in handling their skyscrapers because of the profits which they stand to benefit from their labour. But interestingly, majority of real estate developers have come to realise that the low-cost housing project are at times the saviour of the business venture tapping into the budding consumer base at the bottom of economic pyramid is much better option if only there can be development of a long-term debt market and equally, pension funds that typically have resources which they can invest for long periods should be allowed to lend for mortgages or serve as mortgage guarantee funds in which investors pool together their resources to lend to mortgage companies . Simultaneously, if federal the government like is done in some foreign countries can help out by giving out a one-time equity grant so as to aid people access mortgage. It can acquire and allocate at no cost to developers. It can equally waive some taxes as a way of giving incentives while approvals are hasten up because if the risk is minimal, the financial institutions will be willing and eager to come in very fast. Concurring with this line of thought, Deacon Chidozie Nwankwo, the Chief Executive Officer of Wichtech Nigeria Limited added that once there is an enabling environment for private property developers to thrive, the developers who are expected to engage in mass housing construction for low income group will build housing units that are affordable . According to him, the reason for the scarcity of houses for the masses emanates from the fact

that the nature of houses being displayed for lease or outright sale is far beyond the reach of majority of Nigerian masses. To own a house, there is a need for recourse to mortgage as it is practised in foreign countries where government practically creates mass house for her citizens as majority of Nigerians are still struggling to survive economically and do not have money for long term investment in home ownership. Indeed, according to Chief Omo Aisagbonhi, the managing Director of Omais Investments Limited, the need to fill the gap for those who are workers but has no time for site assignments or omonile trouble formed part of the reasons why they are out to provide them with the succour of relaxing while Omais invest-

ments and their money work for them. Commenting further, he is of the opinion that it is not necessary for every Nigerian to own a plot of land because of the cost attached to it. Hence, he believes that one can buy a flat within a nice house where buyers meet people of similar profession and tastes

Confidential Realtors Offers Comprehensive property Service

HE company that has â&#x20AC;&#x153;to offer at all times, and to all stakeholders â&#x20AC;&#x153; as their mission T statement is out to carve a niche for itself in the property sector by providing complete property service to all

customers. Incorporated as a wholly indigenous firm, the organisation has been able to wax stronger in the property business because they have seasoned professionals who know what is best for their company at any time. At the moment, they are into several businesses . Besides, they are equally into construction of both private and commercial houses. According to Ade Onanuga the managing Director, Confidential Realtors is also into renovation as well as refurbishing of assets in order to enhance the value of clients property .Onanuga simultaneously believe in giving property investment guide, valuation and viability studies.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013 HOMES & PROPERTY 39

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Ogun new town projects, urban scheme to gulp N26.7 billion Urban Development LANS by the Ogun authorP ities to make the state a beehive of construction activities may soon be a reality with the allocation of N26.74 billion for affordable housing and urban renewal programme in the coming year. Governor Ibikunle Amosun revealed the development during the presentation of the state’s 2014 budget proposals to members of the State House of Assembly. The sum representing 12.72 per cent of the overall budget size would

ensure creation of enabling environment for housing development, urban renewal and tackling challenges in the environmental management. In the proposed budget, the state’s Ministry of Housing would embark on major projects including the Kobape residential estate, a 50-hectare mixed development with full infrastructure including water, power sewage systems and internal roads in the greater Abeokuta axis. The scheme would sell serviced plots as well as fully furnished houses at various

Surveyors want FG to establish infrastructure advisory facility CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 until they are completed. PPPs have improved the capacity of the public sector in many countries to deliver infrastructure assets and services as skills improve through the extensive interaction with the private sector that PPPs require.” They further recommended, “Governments should focus more on packaging good deals that can easily attract private financing rather than seek to contribute land or provide cash equity participation in PPP deals. The government however has a useful role to play in subsidizing user fees where they are unaffordable or could be severely r e s i s t e d . “Some States in Nigeria have been able to develop very strong capacity in packaging PPP projects by recruiting outstanding professionals from the private sector. They often recruit professionals who are not indigenes of their states. This should become the practice in all states in order to realize the potential of PPPs in delivering socio-economic developm e n t . ” A major highlight of the conference is the election of Murtala Muhammad Aliyu as the 22nd President. Other NIQS new executive council members are Mrs. Mercy Iyortyer (deputy

Investors begin $182m ‘Wings’ commercial development CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 getting this stage had encountered some challenges, which she said were now over, adding that the success of the complex depended largely on all the stakeholders. When completed, DavidBorha, said the project would definitely change the skyline of Lagos and would be a reference point to other commercial properties in the country. Oando’s Chief Executive Officer, Adewale Tinubu, who was full of appreciation for all the partners, revealed that the land on which the complex is sitting, was acquired from Agip Oil, which he said had gone some court cases, but now resolved.

president), Gbemibo Ogunfidodo (Vice President), Femi Balogun (Secretary General), Mr. Ruya Fadason (treasurer), and Jide Oke (secretary, marketing and corporate Affairs), and Mr. Kolapo Adeyemo, (Secretary, International Affairs), Mr. Ejike Anosike( Secretary, P r o f e s s i o n a l Development/library and Mallam Abubakar Alkali, Assistant Secretary General.

price ranges, similar to the scheme already being developed in the Sagamu and Ota metropolis, just as the Ministry would undertake the New Town Development and Abeokuta city Centre Projects. Similarly, the duo of OPIC and Housing Corporation would focus attention on the execution of Agbara Urban Renewal and Housing Programme, Ijebu Ode New GRA Projects, Orange valley, Abeokuta Urban Renewal project, New Makun City projects at Sagamu Interchange, Isheri Commercial City Projects as well as building of over 500 houses for civil servants. He said: “We see housing as both a social necessity and an economic opportunity. Our policy is focused on creating the enabling environment for housing development as well as directly undertaking interventions through the Ministry of Housing, Housing Cooperation and OPIC.” On environmental management, Senator Amosun said compactors; waste trucks and other equipment would be procured for direct use, while about 4,000 environmental marshals would be engaged for local enforcemen.

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

HOMES & PROPERTY

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Builders call for eradication of substandard plumbing materials Materials’ Watch incessant complaints and defects in buildFingOLLOWING arising from poor plumb-

ing works, professional builders have called on the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to eradicate the influx of substandard plumbing materials into the buildmarket. ing The builders under the aegis of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) noted that the big challenge associated with plumbing works have made many builders to exclude it in their estimate and area of responsibility. NIOB third Vice President, Mr. Kunle Awobodu who spoke at the seminar on New Face of Plumbing Services in Lagos State organised by Association of Professional Plumbers of Nigeria and Lagos State Association of

Plumbing Contractors in collaboration with Beachland Resources Limited, said the problems keep one on perpetual call of the client while anticipated profits turns out mirage to the contractor. “The situation has become worsened to the extent that plumbers themselves buy fake products unknowingly. The sophistication of manufacturers of low quality products could mislead the socalled expert. It is extremely becoming difficult to distinguish between genuine and substandard plumbing products,” Awobodu said. On the problems of conduit plumbing system, he disclosed that most buildings in the country lack design or drawings on services, which makes it difficult to trace pipelines during maintenance. “Conduit piping cre-

ates insidious danger. Leakage of water might take time to notice until damage becomes obvious. This can corrode the reinforcement or weaken the wall or slab. “Plumbers break wall indiscriminately to lay pipe. This could weaken the walls and cause structural failure. The inability to deter in the points of contract flexure where pipes could be passed is also a big challenge. Loss of water in the ground, especially in the compound and dampness in the foundation or wall robe areas.” Earlier, the Association President, Dr. Femi Awotoye said that the forum provides an avenue for interaction between the plumbers and the broad spectrum of clients in public and private sectors as well as the build confidence and trust between the plumbers and beneficiaries of their services.

Firms to showcase newest equipment at CONEXPO-CON/AGG Exhibition Nigerian contractors FingOR and professionals searchfor the newest equipment, technology and groundbreaking innovations in the construction industry, the place to be is the CONEXPOCON/AGG in Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA holding early next year. The show is a mix of confer-

ence and expo, organized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The international trade group provides innovative business development resources to advance the off-road equipment manufacturing industry in the global marketplace. The 2014 edition will feature over 2,400 exhibitors showcasing new products and technologies from every major

construction industry including asphalt, aggregates, concrete, earthmoving, lifting, mining, utilities and more. Over 130,000 attendees that range from contractors, to dealers and distributors, to service providers, engineers and producers will be present at the exhibition. There will be a comprehensive education

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

44 Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

HOMES & PROPERTY Supreme Court okays verdicts on Anambra family estate www.ngrguardiannews.com

Projects By Emmanuel Badejo OT pleased with the arguN ment canvassed, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed a claim by four Anambra women who sought to partition a disputed inherited property, located at No 25, New American Road, Onitsha, Anambra State into equal parts among the siblings. In a judgment delivered recently, the apex’s court, endorsed two earlier verdicts of the lower courts, saying: “One does not need a soothsayer to know that from the claim of appellants…, they were bound to fail on their proposed formula, which in clear terms goes against the provisions of the Will, thereby in violation of the intention of the testator.” The intra-family dispute involving the children of late Pa Michael Amanchukwu Atuanya of Anambra State had become a matter of litigation following unresolved differences within the family. Led by Mrs. Paulina Asika, who was supported by Mrs. Catherine Osemeka, Miss Cordelia Atuanya and Mrs. Felicia Edemany, a suit had been initiated against the only direct surviving son in the family, Charles Chukwuma Atuanya. The appellants, Asika and others, commenced the action as plaintiffs by a writ of summons sometime in May 2003, subsequently followed it up with a statement of claim. They had claimed against the defendant that the court should declare that under the Will of their late father, they, inclusive of the estate of their father, represented by his executors, I.B Asika, and Fidelis Atuanya, represented by his executors, Victor Olisa Oranye and Nnabuienyi Edmund I.B. Asika, and Fidelis Atuanya, represented by the defendant, are the beneficiaries in equal shares of the property No.25 New American Road, Onitsha. Consequently, they sought an

Awka in Anambra State, recently

At the centre of the legal battle, which ended recently is an Anambra property, located at No 25, New American Road, Onitsha, which the appellants sought an order for partitioning into six but the apex court has turned that request on the premise that it does not conform with the provisions of the Will of their father order directing the partitioning of the disputed property into six nearly equal parts, as shown in survey plan no PA/AN/D002/2004, among others. The plaintiffs are female children of Michael Amanchukwu Atuanaya, who died sometime in 1954. On his death, six children – the plaintiffs and two male children – Michael and

Fidelis survived him. Fidelis, the second son died sometime in 1984, survived by the respondent who is the only child and a male. The first son, Michael later died also, in 1985 though childless but left a Will. The respondent then became the only surviving male descendant of the late Michael Amanchukwu Atuanya.

On his death, the late Michael Amanchukwu Atuanya, was seized of the land in dispute. He died testate having made a Will, which was admitted to probate in 1956. In the Will, the testator gave and bequeath in equal shares into the children, all his possessions except the landed property, 100ft by 200ft, situate at Awka Road, which should be commonly used by his sons Michael and Fidelis. The land in dispute is situated at No.25. New American Road, Onitsha formerly No. 27, which is different from the land mentioned in the Will. It is the appellants’ case that by the Will of their father, they are beneficiaries of the land in dispute together with the estate of their late brothers. They therefore instituted this action for declaratory order

that under the Will of their father, they, together with their brothers became beneficiaries of the disputed property. The respondent’s case however, was that as the sole surviving male child of Atuanya, he is the head of the family of his paternal grandfather and testator, the late Michael Amanchukwu atuanya. As such, the property in dispute belonged to him alone. The reason he gave was that, Will or no Will, the appellants, being women are not entitled to a share and cannot inherit their father’s land. After the trial, the court found, as proved inter alia, that under Onitsha Customary Law, women and that includes the female children of a deceased person could not inherit their father’s

Stakeholders task FERMA on failed roads in Lagos Projects By Tunde Alao ONCERNED about the deplorable state of some of the federal roads in Lagos State, stakeholders, including residents are calling on Road Federal the Agency Maintenance (FERMA) to expedite action towards fixing these roads. Particularly, they drew the attention of FERMA to some of the roads along IkoroduItoikin-Ijebu-Ode-Epe, in Lagos. For instance, from Ikorodu Roundabout to Parafa, before a section of the road was patched few months ago, the entire stretch to Agbowa- a distance of less than 15 kilometres would take nothing less than one hour. Whereas were it not for the deplorable condition of the road, it should not take more than 20 minutes for the traffic approved speed limit. From Agbowa to Itoikin, it has been another tales of

The road users and traffic managers are calling for immediate intervention to upgrade or overhaul most of the failed federal roads in Lagos, more so, as the festive period, which often attracts increased vehicular movement, is here again suffering, especially, anytime it rains. However, the worst aspects are the Itoikin-Ijebu-Ode, Itoikin Epe road. At the Itoikin intersect, one leads to Ijebu Ode and the other leads to Epe on the right side. These two roads are 45 and 23 kilometres respectively. But to get to Ijebu-Ode from Itoikin, a journey of 45 minutes would take two hours, while from the same place to Epe, would take close to one hour. “In essence, the journey from Lagos to either Ijebu-Ode or Epe is between three and four hours respectively”, said Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, the traditional ruler of Epe, who appealled to government to see to the rehabilitation of

the road. Apart from productive hours being lost to the traffic, accident along the route has become a rule rather than exemption. A senior member of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), who spoke with The Guardian anonymously, said apart from traffic accident, the condition of the road makes it easy for criminals to perpetrate their evil acts against unsuspecting passengers, especially, during the weekends when a large number usually travel out of Lagos. “It would be better if the road can be repaired now that Christmas and New Year are approaching. Reason is that the road normally witnesses huge traffic

at that time because many East bound travelers usually ply the road, by avoiding Lagos-Ibadan Expressway”, said the Corp Marshall. Appealing to Lagos government to join hands with the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), to ensure that something is done on the road before yuletide, a resident in Ikorodu, George Umeji, asked for urgent action. “Someone at the Lagos State Ministry of Works as well as Environment should come to our aid. The rains are not here yet, but the IkoroduIjebu Ode Road is in a very deplorable condition, not fit for a mega city like Lagos. When the rains would have fully come, we won’t be able to come out again. This is a passionate appeal to those concerned to look towards those of us not fortunate to live in the upscale areas of the state such as Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Surulere where the development efforts of the government seem to have been concen-

trated”. Speaking on the condition of the affected road, the Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, said government is aware of the condition of the road. “Though, the road belongs to the federal government. But based on our policy, we do not discriminate against our people. Our agency, Lagos Public Works Corporation has been doing the necessary rehabilitation across the state. But the reality is that we have much to contend with”, he said promising that something will be done especially, the portion that within the Lagos territory. It would be recalled that, four months ago, a section of the road in Parafa, near Lucky Fiber Industry, was in a very bad shape but when the pressure was much, FERMA deployed its men and materials to the site, but since abandoned the remaining section.

land, which is in the inland town. It is only male children that can inherit such land. Where the deceased has no surviving male child, the closest male relation inherits the land to the exclusion of the deceased female children. The trial court also found that the reasons for the above discrimination, so to speak, include, the fact that the land belonged to the family whilst the family members are mere allotees of such land. Hence, such land cannot be inherited by women, as the land may end up being inherited by non member of the family upon marriage by the female members of the family. However, evidence revealed that the land in dispute is not located within the inland town and it was agreed by the parties that a different consideration apply. The trial court found and accepted it as true, and correct Onitsha Customary law on inheritance, that where the land is situate outside the inland town, the testator can device it under his Will to all or any of his children, irrespective of gender. In the final analysis, the trial court, after reviewing the totality of the evidence adduced by both parties, concluded thus: “It is my view that on a calm reading of the Will, it is clear that other than the property, at Awka Road, all the testator’s possession including the property in dispute were divided to all his children to in equal shares. I therefore hold that the plaintiffs are beneficiaries of the property at No. 25 New American Road, Onitsha, jointly with their deceased brothers as represented by their estates. As much as I am convinced that the property ought to be partitioned in the interest of peace, I am of the view that the proposed mode will not achieve peace and justice. In the circumstances, the claim for partitioning of the estate as proposed by the plaintiffs as well as the other reliefs consequent thereon are hereby struck out.

2,400 exhibitors for CONEXPOCON/AGG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 programme during the fiveday expo with sessions emphasizing industry issues and trends. The exhibition provides an improved marketing opportunity and an excellent way for contractors, producers, dealers, distributors, government, mining, manufacturing, service providers and equipment users to establish a business relationship and learn more as it will feature the latest construction materials equipment, and technologies. A Lagos-based Public Relations company - Niche PR, commissioned by the AEM to recruit and lead the Nigerian Delegation to the event, is promoting Nigeria’s attendance. Some Nigerian companies who have benefited from the event in the past include the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), MCC Construction Company in Port Harcourt and Urban Shelter Limited.

46 Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013 HOMES & PROPERTY 47

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Construction firm, others in court over Ogun land Litigation By Yetunde Ayobami Ojo LLEGING fraud, a construction firm, Aku Construction Company Limited, has asked an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, to set aside a default judgment and warrant of possession entered against it over a six acres of land located at Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Arepo in Obafemi Owode Local Government area of the state The alleged controversial judgment was obtained by the duo of Zaccheus Olajitan and Abel Olajitan, about two years after the original suit was struck out on June 23, 2011 for lack of diligent prosecution on the part of the claimants. According to a motion on notice filed by counsel to Aku Construction Limited, Odiana Eriata, praying for extension of time within, which to set aside the final judgment entered in favour claimants, in the re-listed suit AB /242/ 2010 on 11th day of March, 2013. The claimants prayed court for an order to declare that they are entitled to a statutory Right of occupancy in respect of over six acres of land situated and being at Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Arepo in Obafemi Owode Local Government area of Ogun State covered by survey plan no WAT/OG308/92 and WAT/OG309/92 both dated 2108-92 drawn by surveyor W.T Adeniji a registered surveyor. Also, the claimant prayed for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defen-

dants, their servant or agents from further acts of trespassing and doing anything on the said land, and N100m as general damage, which was granted by the court. But the defendant grounds for the application contended that the procedures of obtaining the judgment was patently defective as the applicant was not duly served as required by the rules of the court and Company and Allied Matters Act. Justice Majekodunmi had on March 13, 2013 given the judgment sought to be set aside in default of appearance of defendants in the suit. Other defendants in the suit who are also contending the judgment are Step Development Limited, Coleman Wire, Cables Limited and unknown persons. The third defendant applicant urged the court to take judicial notice of the manner the claimant default judgment creditor abandoned the original suit even when the defendant was ready and willing to defend the suit as evidence in the prompt attendance of court proceeding by defence counsel. The defendant also noted that the proof of service, as contained, in the case file after search was conducted at the court registry did not bear any name known to Aku Construction Company, its agents or proxy. The defendant contended that contrary to the principle of fair hearing, Aku Construction was kept in darkness throughout the proceedings that led to the

default judgment At a press briefing, Eriata said that search conducted showed that upon an application by Kabril Akingbolu, the court had struck out the suit for lack of diligent prosecution when the matter was originally instituted as at 2011. He said his client was surprised that the matter was relisted seven months later without serving the defendant necessary court’s processes, stressing that the defendant, as a matter of rights should be given fair hearing in determining the matter on merit. “It was a surprise that my client was only aware of this action in the Punch Newspaper publication of 6th November, 2013. Aku Construction Company Limited did not have anything to hide that was the reason why they entered defence immediately the matter was instituted in 2010. “Upon hearing of the default judgment against our client in the said publication, we conducted a search in the court and we discovered that the matter was listed seven months after it was struck out over lack of diligent prosecution by the claimants. “Our client did not have anything to hide because the land was bought from the World Evangelism Incorporation with a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) registered as No. 25 at page 23 volume 676 and it is not to the knowledge our client that the government of Ogun State has revoked the C of O nor had court set it aside.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

TheEnvironment

Anyim

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Sani-Sidi

Cocco

Govt plans national integrated flood warning system as 2012 losses hit N2.6 trillion Disaster Management By Chinedum Uwaegbulam, Assistant Housing & Environment Editor OLLOWING last year’s Fengulfed flood disaster that major cities, a new report on the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) has recommended the developing of a national integrated flood warning system as means of ensuring disaster risk management in the country. The report by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), with the support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Bank claims that the estimated loss and damage caused by the flood is about N2.6trillion, which is equivalent to 1.5per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The findings covered 12 states out of the affected 20 states, namely Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Nassarawa, Rivers, Taraba and Benue. According to the report, the floods killed 363 people while 5,851 persons were injured. Furthermore, a total of 3,891,314 persons were affected and 3, 871,530 persons were displayed due to the resulting floods. It also identified the housing sector as the sector that recorded the highest damage, closely followed by agriculture and education. Other sectors affected include

The report findings covered 12 states, and identified housing as the worst hit during the 2012 flood disaster. It also noted that prevention and resilience is a long term endeavour that require movement from a culture of response to a crisis to strategic management of risks health, commerce, oil, industry, manufacture, transport, electricity and environment. Speaking at the presentation of the 2012 Flood Post Disaster Need Assessments, PDNA, and Disaster Risk Management to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Pius Anyim, NEMA Director General, Mr. Mohammed Sani Sidi said the government should be concerned with disaster management because Vision 20:2020 is at risk from exposure and vulnerability to natural hazards, and revealed that the agency had taken a number of pre-flood actions, proactive and post-flood response measures to address the impact of the 2012 flood disaster. He stated that disaster risk management is a way of protecting gains of development, and must be integrated in policy, planning and budget processes. “Disaster prevention and resilience is a long term endeavour that require movement from a culture of response to a crisis to strategic management of risks. Early warning must lead to early action through linking warnings with mechanisms for preparedness, response and recovery.

According to Sani-Sidi, minimizing negative impacts of disasters on the economy requires effective management through addressing linkages with key economic management variables such as growth, consumption, investment, fiscal regime and debt. “The increasing complexity of emergencies confronting us at both national and communal levels, calls for sustained collaboration between stakeholders to strengthen humanitarian operators to cater for the most vulnerable group among us including children, women, people with disability and the elderly. Such emergency challenge requires all stakeholders to work up to the responsibilities by mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into all concepts, planning and implementation,” he said. Alhaji Sidi, who described the 2012 flood disasters as unprecedented, noted that the recurring floods and their attendant hazards should serve as a warning call to the government and communities to take responsibility for disaster risk prevention, stressing that disaster management was everybody’s responsibility. “Floods are natural phenomena which should not neces-

sarily result in disasters if people and their property are not vulnerable. We must, therefore, ensure that people don’t build on flood plains, all drainage are cleared and all impediments to free flow of rivers and flood water are removed,” he said. Anyim, who noted that the mainstreaming of disaster management in every day activities has become critical, said that the report is an international document, which meets international best practice on post disaster situations. “The document also could have put areas where partners can indeed complement the local effort to ensure that necessary strategies are put in place for managing future disaster,’’ he said. He recalled that the federal government provided assistance, and worked the relevant state governments to provide relief to the actual victims. “ We also took steps to rescue the infrastructure that was badly impacted. Major bridges collapsed and some roads were washed away and relevant government agencies were enabled to restore those facilities. As we realized we needed to know more about the flood, President Goodluck Jonathan set up an inter-

ministerial committee, which among its recommendation is that long term measures must be put in place to avert future occurrences.” He said that with the report submitted, the government would be better equipped in applying its scarce resources. “Since it is not a government report, a joint document put together by development partners, we will be expecting further assistance from your agencies to help us in making progress in disaster management. We have also interfaced with Cameroon authorities in the managing water from the Lagdo dam. Our ministry of Water Resources have reached basic understanding with them.” The UNDP Deputy Country Director for Programmes, Mr. Bernardo Cocco noted that the PDNA findings on the attendant unprecedented devastation occasioned by the impact of the 2012 flood disaster in Nigeria is enough compelling evidence of the degree of vulnerability and exposure of the country to disasters arising from flood and other hazards. “This is why we need to act now, and urgently prioritise concrete actions, such as investing in the institutional capacity development for DRR at all levels, mainstreaming of DRR into national development planning and strengthening the framework for effective coordination.” He said that UN System in Nigeria as a partner in

progress to the Nigerian government and in response to the request for support on the 2012 flood was privileged, along with other development partners to provide technical and financial support to the development of the PDNA, which is one of the most challenging and complex one to date in Africa. “ We are therefore, encouraged at the level of reception that the report has received today and hopeful of concrete follow up actions. This is because we strongly believe that there is a real opportunity to leverage it to proactively put appropriate mechanism and safeguards in place to strengthen resilience against disasters, which will save untold numbers of lives and property and also importantly preserve the legacy and precious development gains of this administration. “As a direct offshoot of the PDNA, UNDP earlier in the year worked with NEMA to develop a National Disaster Recovery Strategy Framework and a 2012 Flood Action Plan. Both documents have been validated by stakeholders (including Federal, state, MDAS, CSOs etc) and are now at the publication stage, again with NEMA. We have also just recently concluded plans to roll out a DRR project as a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to DDR in Nigeria. We will therefore like to assure you of our commitment and support in moving this agenda forward.”

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

HOMES & PROPERTY

www.ngrguardiannews.com

WSA launches fund to boost water, sanitation Water Resources From Joke Falaju, Abuja S a commitment towards A boosting provision of quality and safe water and

An oil spill site, recently

Environmentalists seek oil spills clean-up in Odioama community The Environment By Wole Oyebade O stop the further spread T of oil spills in Odioama community, Bayelsa State, a group of environmentalists have called on the Federal Government to press Agip Oil Company, which is linked to the spills to spearhead the cleanup exercise of the community. The said the cleanup became necessary, as the spills constitute danger to lives and means of livelihood in the riverine area. An impact assessment conducted by the activists, under the aegis of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), confirmed oil licks, spreading along the Odioama coastline on the fringes of the Atlantic Ocean. Odioama is a Nembe-speaking Ijaw community in Bayelsa State with several satellite settlements. The main occupation of the locals is fishing. Odioama is one of the communities affected by the 2011 Bonga spill incident blamed on Shell. The group has also urged the Federal Government to

compel Agip to clamp its leaking oil facilities that have ravaged the community, and also oblige the company to embark on cleanups and compensation of affected communities. ERA/FoEN in a statement yesterday stated that its’ field monitors, following a ‘save our souls’ from the community, detected a major spill from facilities belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company/ Eni on Friday November 29, 2013, with “impact on the environment and local sources of livelihoods.” “Community folks who conducted ERA/FoEN field monitors around some sites/ fishing camps showed impacted vegetation along the community sand banks soiled with crude oil in many areas,” the statement read in part. ERA/FoEN Executive Director, Godwin Ojo described the November 29, 2013 spill as “one pollution too many”, and demanded

the Nigerian government investigate the “endless spills caused by Agip facilities in the Niger Delta,” compel the company to clean up the environment and compensate victims without delay. Ojo said: “The spreading spill in Odioama is not only inexcusable. The failure of Agip to stop the leaking pipes is indicative of complete disregard for the people and environment. This incident adds to the growing number of spills traced to Agip facilities that continue to degrade the environment and local livelihoods. This is totally unacceptable,” he said. Ojo explained that the Odioama community is under siege, having suffered massive impacts from Shell’s Bonga Spill in 2011. Fishermen in the area were also reported to have suffered low catch, forcing many to abandon their means of livelihood and move to other parts of the Niger Delta. Chairman, Odioama council

Judging from an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a community in Bayelsa State, Odioama, is said to be ravage by an oil spills, which is poses threats to lives and means of livelihood within the riverine area

of chiefs, Francis Ikagi said: “We started noticing the signs of crude oil from as far as the Nembe route from Yenagoa, which is 35 minutes to Odioama Creek by speed boat. We wrote to Agip and the company confirmed that it was an oil spill. After writing a report that they demanded we are surprised that till now nothing has been done to contain the spill.” Ojo said ERA/FoEN is in solidarity with community folks demanding that the National Oil Spills Detection and Remediation Agency (NOSDRA) and other relevant government agencies ensure a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) be carried out in concert with the local community folks to ascertain the cause of spill as well as volumes spilled in the environment. Ojo added that, “No more excuse for this systematic ecocide perpetrated by Agip is acceptable. It must own up to its negligence, remediate the polluted environment and compensate the local community folks whose livelihoods have already suffered an abrupt termination for no fault of theirs. Nothing short of this makes sense,” Ojo insisted.

U.N. opens Green Climate Fund head office in South Korea Climate Change HE Green Climate Fund, T designed as the United Nations’ most important funding body in the battle on climate change in developing nations, launched its headquarters in South Korea, but uncertainty over finances clouded the event. The launch was largely symbolic, as the Fund, set up by developed nations to channel most of the $100 billion they aim to spend each year by 2020, is not expected to be fully operational until the latter half of next year. Rich nations, reluctant to stress their already fragile

economies, have not paid up as scheduled. Now the Fund has just $40 million at its disposal, a sum promised by South Korea that must also cover administrative expenses. “The Fund is on track to start its resource mobilization next year with a rapid and substantial initial capitalization, so that we can get the money flowing to the countries in greatest need,” said Jose Maria Sarte Salceda, co-chairman of the fund’s board. The Fund will help pay for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and projects in poor nations to protect communities at risk from the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, prolonged droughts and dam-

age to food crops. Rich nations promised in 2010 to provide $10 billion per year in fast-start climate finance over 2011 to 2013, and scale funding up to $100 billion annually by 2020. But inflows have fallen far short of expected levels, with new finance even dropping by more than two-thirds in 2013 from 2012, Britain’s Overseas Development Institute says. Most of the climate finance that has emerged so far will be distributed by national governments or private funds run by multilateral organizations such as the World Bank. Germany and Sweden have signaled willingness to contribute, Executive Director Hela

Cheikhrouhou told reporters at last week’s opening ceremony, with Sweden intending to pay $45 million into the fund. “The office opening is both a symbolic and practical demonstration that the Fund is ready for business,” she said. The fund was set up at UN climate talks in Mexico in 2010 in recognition that climate change has historically been caused mainly by greenhouse gas emissions in developed countries. At climate talks in Poland last month, developing nations pushed for a detailed plan to scale up funds, and proposed a target of $70 billion in 2016, but failed to win over developed countries.

sanitation throughout the continent of Africa, a pan African organization, Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA) last week launched fund for the development of the sector. The fund would help entrepreneurs in water and sanitation sector gain access to financial resources and also provide rapid and more affordable financial resources that would help them offer efficient and affordable services to people. The Water and Sanitation for Africa Chairman Council of Minister, Wassailke Boukhary, who stated this recently during the launch of the fund at the just concluded high-level forum for Water and Sanitation said the fund would also help promote investment in the sector. Highlighting the importance of the fund, Boukhary said the fund would help promote investment of small and medium scale enterprises operating in the water and sanitation sector and also assist communities to actively take part in the efforts of ensuring that bet solutions are provided to meet their need. “The main interest of the Sanitation and Water Initiative Support Fund (SFWSI) is to ensure that

enterprises and companies get rapid and affordable access to funding to help them improve and expand their services, promote the investment of small and medium scale enterprises operating in the water and sanitation sector”. While pointing out that challenges in the sector were immense, which requires mobilization of more funds and increase collaboration, he pointed out that dependence on charity and aid would not help to accelerate access to water and sanitation. According to a communiqué issued at the end of the conference, the council of minister noted that that the SFWSI is a brilliant initiative that must be supported by all African government s for it to succeed, they however advised the body to intensify stakeholder engagement on the fund so as to promote ownership, interest and transparency They also called on the member countries of WSA to show massive commitment and support to the funding in order to help it achieve the full potential it presents. The conference while noting that most water and sanitation facilities provided under various fixed-term projects in Africa do not last their potential lifespan, they called on African countries to look beyond piecemeal approaches and explore more innovative and financially sustainable approaches.

Group urges passage of water-well bill Water Resources From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan standardization, Sof EEKING the Nigerian Association Water-well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) has called on the National Assembly to approve the Code of Practice Bill for Water Well Drilling in the country. AWDROP said the passage of the bill would guarantee safe potable water supply for the citizenry and also checkmate the upsurge of cholera outbreak across the nation. Addressing reporters in Ibadan, the National President of AWDROP, Mr. Michael Ale, emphasized the need for the Government at all levels to put high premium on standardization in the drilling of potable water boreholes all over the Federation to meet the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He noted that the absence of the Code of Practice in the country presently has created a loophole for unwholesome practices and racketeering in the water borehole drilling activities whereby some foreign drillers had already filtered Nigeria with obsolete drilling equipment, thus making the

country a dump yard. While insisting that failure to uphold all necessary sanitary activities in the water borehole drilling may result in cholera outbreak, Ale stated that, “non professional boreholes drilling contractors are on suicidal mission if they are not operating to Health Safety and Environmental standard and Best suggested sanitary and hygienic Practice.“ He then urged government at all levels as well as members of the public to help in stopping quackery in the drilling profession by patronizing only certified practitioners who are knowledgeable of the Nigerian terrain. This, the association said, is also desirable to guide against imminent natural disaster in unprofessional drilling practices such as earthquake. It will be recalled that the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, recently read riot act to water borehole drillers across the federation to strictly embrace the code of practice in order to ensure provision of potable ground water for Nigerians. Ochekpe had also charged the borehole-drilling practitioners to initiate a monitoring programme with a view to fishing out members who are not complying with the existing laws.

50 Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

BusinessInterview

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Human capital development imperative

Koledoye

Ganiyu Koledoye is the President and Chairman of Council of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN). He is also the Chairman, Dharmattan Limited, an oil services company; Chairman, Greylands Farms and Auto Care Services Limited in Ogun State; and Chairman, Ceekay Recycling (Nigeria) Limited. Besides, he is Consultant/Lecturer at the Executive Business School (EBS), Ikeja Lagos. In this interview with ROSELINE OKERE, he emphasised the need to strategically focus on human capital development as a veritable strategy for sustainable economic growth. Excerpts. HAT does the National Institute of W Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) represent in the Nigerian economy? The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria was enacted by Act of Parliament number 25 of 2003. Prior to the enactment, there were two contending bodies catering for the training and association needs of professional marketers. These were Nigeria Institute of Marketing (NIMARK) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (CIMN). Since the enactment of the Act, NIMN has been responsible for implementing the role mandated as embodied in the Act no 25 of 2003. Primarily, the institute was established to educate every Nigerian on the importance of marketing in their business and ordinary lives and most importantly, support developing professionals and organizations in the acquisition and practice of marketing knowledge and skills. Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to enact the marketing body is in appreciation of its confirmed role in the economic development and transformational programmes. The government is aware that Nigeria is unlikely to be a major manufacturing nation in comparison to technologically advanced countries. It will however, always remain a major bulk breaking, packaging and distribution hub in Africa. This in a nutshell was the anticipated critical role of marketing. Apart from its huge internal market, Nigeria is a major hub for distribution of goods and services, particularly in Africa. The perceived role of marketing is to add value

to goods and services within and from outside this shore for effective business transaction. Apart from the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s endowment in crude oil and other untapped mineral resources, the country is expected to generate a high degree of its GDP from consumption internally and externally, which will be effectively realized through professional marketing skill. As the country grows in the practice of marketing, so will the quality of service delivery in tangible and intangible products originating or imported and marketed within and outside our shore. In order to achieve this enormous responsibility, National Institute Marketing of Nigeria is engaged in professional educational development, leading to awards of chartered certificates, diplomas and postgraduate diplomas. This is one of the assignments given to us by the government. We have developed vocational and professional marketing courses to meet the needs of different cadres of the society so that they can embrace marketing concept and marketing approach in the way they run their businesses. The government of Nigeria knows the importance of marketing and that was why it deemed it necessary that an Act of Parliament should be passed recognizing marketing as a profession and as a way of developing people and promoting its economy. Would you say the institute has been able to play its role in the development of the economy since its inception? It is not possible to say we have achieved our

purpose. The environment has not been very conducive. There are many policies which make it difficult for marketing professionals to play their active role in the development of the economy. It is worthy to note that in the last couple of years, government has been opening up more opportunities in various spheres of the economy and when you open up the economy, there will be competition. It is when you have competition that you can talk about marketing. So, from the environmental perspective, we have not had a good environment to educate people adequately and to enable people to want to consider an alternative approach to what they are used to. Recently, the government has been working in areas of youth employment, small and medium scale enterprises and it is worthy of note that marketing has a critical role to play in this policy area. Small and medium scale enterprises are not all about finance alone; it is also more about marketing. This is why we are working with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to ensure that marketing plays its role in business transformation. What would you say have been the achievements of the institute so far? We have trained substantial number of professional marketers who are now managing multinational, international, big and medium scale industries with well 500 brands of products all over the country. The institute has also been able to train the required man-

power to fit into the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service industry. The service industry employs professionals in Marketing for their senior cadre staff and the institute has been contributing greatly in this regard. However, we still have a lot of work to do with middle to lower level cadres in the financial and hospitality industries. The institute has presence in the manufacturing sector and other important sectors of the economy too. Our efforts are however, ongoing, because of the ever-changing dynamics in marketing skills and environment at local and global levels. The mission of the institute is to ensure that every institution is managed by marketing professionals at all levels and also array of opportunities availed through marketing practices within the society. Marketing driven environment and society would make it possible for society to acquire products and services and always come back again for them. As stated earlier, the institute was granted chartered status with the passing of the Act of Parliament No. 25 in 2003. Consequently, it now has the mandate to certify professional marketers as well as providing forum for them to acquire professional marketing knowledge and skills. The chartered status conferred on the institute, responsibility to regulate and standardize marketing professional practice through the conduct of comprehensive examinations, training, retraining and consultancy activities geared towards ensuring that members adopt profes-

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

MONDAY, December 9, 2013

BUSINESS INTERVIEW

www.ngrguardiannews.com

for economic growth, says Koledoye sional approach in marketing and other related areas of marketing activities. Whilst new entrants into the profession are being developed through an intensive programme of formal learning in marketing structured courses in various institutions across the country on full and part-time basis, qualified members are being retrained to enable them adapt to the ever changing demands of marketing situations at work and society at large. With effect from January 2014 students pursuing diploma and degree courses in Marketing and Business Administration in Polytechnics and universities would be able to combine their academic development with professional qualifications when they enroll for a combined programmes currently being offered by the Institute. There are two factions of NIMN in the country. What is really the issue on ground and how do we differentiate the fake from the original body? The issue of faction is a Nigerian phenomenon. We have set up a committee to look into this issue and find out the reason behind this problem so that people will not continue to sabotage the profession. It is the profession itself that is suffering. We will interact and find out the real reasons behind some of the actions, which will presently consider to be an internal affair. Of course, as one journalist told me, bad news is good news for him. Well, I have nothing to add other than to urge journalists to pay more attention to good news. I am hopeful that the situation will be resolved. A lot of people of goodwill and the Federal Government believe in the profession. The chartered status has given us mandate to change the face of marketing in Nigeria. We shall overcome! The institute has been at the forefront of promoting education at the professional level. What is your perception about the country’s educational sector? You will recall a 17-year old Briton, who was identified this year to be most sophisticated user of Microsoft office software. He emerged from 10,000 contestants throughout the world to become the best Microsoft office user. When the boy was asked how he became a specialist in the field, he said that he understood it from his brain. This shows that there

are some things that cannot be taught in the classrooms. The British environment is conducive for the boy to excel. The emphasis is not on paper qualifications. Besides, in better organised economies, educational institutions work at all times. Government invests heavily on its people to rule the world. Our educational system leaves a lot to be desired. I honestly feel we are damaging the future of our children, hence our future. I do not have confidence on the operatives and the operators. The situation is pathetic. It is a deliberate and systematic retardation of a race. It is tragic. The institute seems to be doing a lot with Nigerian universities. What is the extent of the institute’s relationship with the tertiary institutions? The partnership, which we have started with the tertiary institutions, is an opportunity for students to be given the basics of professional marketing while still an undergraduate of Business Administration and Marketing. We have offered tertiary institutions opportunities to ensure that students can study professional marketing alongside their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. With this arrangement, it would be possible for some students to get the NIMN professional chartered qualifications alongside their undergraduate and postgraduate university degrees. We have started joint programmes with 12 universities and eight polytechnics. We hope to raise this to 50 tertiary institutions by March next year. This, we believe, would enable the graduates secure jobs without much delay or better still, become an employer of labour. How can the industrial dispute currently assailing the nation’s tertiary institutions be resolved? Strike action is not good for the country’s educational system. During these strikes, the students are forced to go home to become burdens on the parents who would have wished their children were in school. Many parents believe that the cost of taking care of these children while they are at home is more than what they spend on the child at school. I think that the Federal Government should find out a way to resolve the recurring issues with Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This is necessary because whenever the government and ASUU have face-off, it is the students that suffer.

The environment has not been very conducive. There are many policies which make it difficult for marketing professionals to play their active role in the development of the economy...So, from the environmental perspective, we have not had a good environment to educate people adequately and to enable people to want to consider an alternative approach to what they are used to.

Koledoye

Our educational system leaves a lot to be desired. I honestly feel we are damaging the future of our children, hence our future. I do not have confidence on the operatives and the operators. The situation is pathetic. It is a deliberate and systematic retardation of a race. It is tragic.

Koledoye We need honesty and sincerity. We need alternative model of running our institutions. The present model, which has been in use for a long time now, is no longer working. Government should develop new models that will work. There are new ways of doing things. The government should be concerned about funding the institutions and ensure that the lecturers are updating their knowledge through regular training. It will not be out of place to say some lecturers do not have access to internet facility. Some of them cannot use the equipment provided for them. These lecturers need to be taught how to use modern technology. The development of Nigerian schools should be the Federal Government’s priority. The model has to be changed completely and some of the programmes in universities have to be reviewed. There is this notion that Nigerian graduates are unemployable. What do you think should be done to raise their profile? In Europe, you don’t need university education to work in oil and gas industry. There are special skills such as welding and fabrication, which the students can acquire from the Polytechnics and Technical institutions. These are areas, where technical competences are required. There are people who obtain degrees in electrical or engineering without actually knowing how to engage in practical aspect of their field of study. There was a student, after his Higher National Diploma certificate and was posted to serve in my organization. When I took him to the engineering department where he was posted to, the manager asked him to give him a certain instrument and he was not able to identify it. But, this is a very bright young graduate with good certificate who did not have practical knowledge of his profession. Yes, Nigerian graduates may be very good in verbal or written communication and mathematics, the educational environment does not give them the necessary opportunity for practical exposure. They are taught only theories. Polytechnics and technical education should be revamped to enable people acquire technical skills. These schools have been there and have not been given ade-

quate funding by the government. Besides educational crisis rocking the nation, the perception about Nigeria in the international community has not been too favourable. Are you not worried about this? Well, you may be shocked to hear this from me. Whatever bad perception of people about Nigeria is just a passing phase and it will not last for too long a time. The moment the Nigerian economy begins to do better than it is right now, the perception about the country and its citizens will change automatically for the better. Although, corruption has to be addressed so as not to destroy economic gains, however, I know that the phenomenon is not peculiar to this country. It is a global problem. People are struggling to leave the country to face humiliation in other countries because many of them felt they do not have options. Once the economy takes off as it is expected in the next couple of years, no one will want to go and enslave himself in a foreign country. The Federal Government recently handed over power assets to new owners, but there is still the issue of transmission, which many people are too comfortable with. What is your assessment of the country’s current electricity supply profile? It is too early to be complaining about transmission. If after some time, we start generating enough electricity and transmission now becomes the problem, people can then raise issues about that. Apart from that, there are private power generational facilities, which would help reduce pressure on the national grid. We should understand that things would come in stages. The Federal Government’s ability to have been able to conclude the privatization of generation and distribution companies is a major milestone for the country. I believe that when the power is generated and we get to 20,000 megawatts, then we can begin to worry about what to do with the amount of power generated. It is out of fear that people are complaining about transmission. I assure you that the government’s transmission formula will not fail because the distribution and generation companies have invested so much money into the power sector.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

60 Monday, December 9, 2013

Insurance NAICOM reassures policyholders of premium safety By Joshua Nse HE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has reassured policyholders in the insurance industry that premiums collected by insurance companies are safe, and claims arising from the risks would be paid

• Vows to revoke licence of erring operators promptly. The Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel, gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit to Gbong Gwom Jos and his chiefs in Jos, Plateau State that the era

of insurance companies collecting premiums and not paying claims was over. Besides, he reiterated that the Commission not only had the power to regulate but also the legal backing to disci-

pline any erring insurance company that did not operate according to the rules, including revocation of its operating license. He advised any policyholder who believed an insurance

Group Managing Director, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, Biyi Otegbeye (left), Chairman of the company, Justice Godwin Adolphus Karibi-Whyte and Company Secretary, Mrs. Anu Shobo at the company’s yearly general meeting held in Lagos. PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

company had wrongly treated him should feel free to approach the Commission in any of its zonal offices for redress. He explained to the monarch and his chiefs the usefulness of insurance as an important tool of risk management. He said that insurance was one of the “cheapest means of managing risk but it is largely misunderstood among the populace”. As a result, he added, the Commission was in the process of embarking on an awareness drive that would enable the people know insurance as one of the means of managing their risks. “We believe that one of the platforms we can use to reach the people is that of traditional rulers and that is one of the reasons we have come to visit His Royal Majesty. “We believe if we can get the buy-in of His Royal Majesty, we will be able to get the message across to the grassroots easily,” he said. The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, in his remark said that much of the public misgivings about the insurance industry in Nigeria are due to ignorance and lack of proper understanding of insurance mechanism as a tool of risk management by the people. He noted that the misgivings

might have been due to the activities of a few operators that had engaged in sharp practices in the past but said that such practices were not peculiar to the insurance industry. “Just like any other sector of the economy, the activities of a negligible few may have given rise to such negative perceptions. But that was not enough to over look the good the industry has to offer the people.” According to him: “The people will derive more value from the services of insurance as the industry grows.” He, therefore, appealed to insurance operators to be more forthright in their dealings with the public so as to erase the negative perception of the people about the sector. He therefore advised NAICOM to embark on aggressive public enlightenment campaigns to educate the people about the benefits of insurance, adding such enlightenment campaigns should be organised in Jos. The monarch assured that he would not only support the campaign but would also appeal to the state government to align with the insurance literacy awareness drive to enable the people know the benefits of insurance in managing their risks.

Regency Alliance announces N2.28b premium For the group, the contri- mium, no cover” policy Law Union settles EGENCY Alliance by eight per cent, when R Insurance Plc recorded compared with that of last bution of the subsidiaries to effective January1, 2013, will the group’s profit after tax, no doubt change the insurimproved performance dur- year. ing the year ended December 31, 2012, as the gross premium written increased by 13 per cent from N2.023 billion to billion. N2.280 The underwriting profit also increased by N274.2 million from N786.1 million (as adjusted using IFRS) to N1.060 billion. The management expensed increased

The chairman of the company, Hon. Justice A.G. Karibi-Whyte, addressing shareholders of the company at the 19th yearly general meeting held in Lagos, said that overall, the profit after tax for the company improved from an adjusted loss of N21.015 million in 2011 to N391.081 million in 2012.

after deducting that attributable to non-controlling interests, increased from N9.352 million in 2011 to N38.685 million in 2012. In his remark, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Biyi Otegbeye, assured shareholders that the outlook of the company in future is very bright, the enforcement of the “no pre-

ance industry terrain. The company is enforcing the policy and there are indicators that enforcement of the policy by the industry has improved the liquidity position of the insurance sub sector. The company is geared to ensuring that premiums receivable for businesses written in prior years are collected.

Sovereign Trust drives operation on innovation, efficiency OVEREIGN Sdemonstrated Insurance

Trust Plc have that there are great prospects for the company in the years ahead, going by the performances last year as the company seemed to have put in place a very effective and efficient operational mechanism. According to the yearly report, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc with a Shareholders’ Fund of N3.1billion was able to underwrite a gross premium of N7.5 billion, representing a 17.09 per cent growth increase over a sum of N6.4 billion recorded in the previous year. What this

portends is that the company’s performance indicates proficient utilisation of resources during the year under review and the trend is likely to continue in that regard in subsequent times. The return on capital employed, (ROCE) is put at 47.04 per cent while gross revenue on capital employed, (GROCE) stood at 2.39 per cent. Commenting on the performance, the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Wale Onaolapo, noted the fact that although the company recorded a profit after Tax of N1.4 billion, the dynamics of the market place in

entrenching efficient service delivery and better returns on Shareholders investment in the years ahead necessitated the decision to plough back the profit into the business for the next financial year; a move that has received the blessing of the shareholders at the just-concluded AGM of the company. Furthermore, he attributed the performance of the company in 2012 to the deliberate knack for operational efficiency at all levels of the organisation. In his words, “the organisation parades an assemblage of vibrant, purposeful and result-oriented profession-

als that are fully poised and determined to achieve the company’s objectives and vision of becoming the leading brand, providing insurance and financial services of global standards while creating exceptional value for its shareholders. He stated that Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc would continue to develop new strategies that would be executed in a proactive manner in exploiting the under-developed areas of the market to further position the company as a pacesetting brand in the industry and the preferred choice when it comes to qualitative underwriting.

N1.56 billion claims

AW Union Insurance Plc L has disclosed that the claims it paid to its policyholders rose by 22.8 per cent from N1.27billion in 2011 to N1.558 billion in 2012 financial period. The Managing Director of the firm, Mrs. Toyin Ogunseye, said that the company was committed to claims payment because that is its purpose of being in business. A breakdown of the claims paid revealed that fire insurance was the highest with a figure of N581 million, followed by motor insurance million. at N529.99 The firm paid N161 million on claims that emanated from general accident, N130.3 million on marine & aviation insurance, N101.14 million on engineering policy while N77 million was paid on oil & gas insurance policy. The firm also revealed that it paid N1.2m to claims, which emanated from Bonds, the portfolio that recorded the least claims. All claims paid were to Law Union & Rock Insurance’s policyholders from different parts of the country.

Ogunseye said that prompt claims settlement was paramount to Law Union & Rock Insurance as the firm always aims to restore its customers back to their original position by settling their claims on time, so that they do not go through any hardship. According to her, the firm had put in place processes to make it easier for the insuring public to do insurance with ease. “We have put a number of processes in place like the introduction of various epayment platforms. We have also gone digital in our marketing activities,” Ogunseye said. The managing director said that this was done in order to effectively reach out to both its potential and existing clients and to make premium payment stress free for them. “It will also enable Law Union to drive awareness and increase visibility. On the E-payment platform we have the POS, Pay Direct (in any bank branch), Quickteller (Interswitch) and Webpay,” she said.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 INSURANCE 61

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Leadway Assurance increases focus on retail market N line with strategic plans ILeadway for the medium term, Assurance Company Limited is taking on and coaching new Independent Business Associates to work the retail insurance business territory as part of concerted efforts towards entrepreneurial engagement, insurance penetration and awareness. According to Tunji Amokade, head of Retail (General Business Commercial), Leadway was taking advantage of the huge potential in the insurance market to invite entrepreneurial members of the public to join their Retail Commercial team via a platform known as “The Opportunity”. With insurance penetration in Nigeria at less than one per cent especially for retail business, Leadway recognises the huge potential in the

retail insurance market and plans to work with over 1000 associates within the next few months, coaching them to grow market share in the retail insurance business territory. He explained further that new associates might or might not have prior experience but must train to become certified Independent Business Associates (IBAs), over the next year. IBAs will receive training on practical insurance, sales leadership, personal effectiveness in the classroom and on-the-job throughout their career. This is being done in collaboration with BPMSE Consulting to accelerate acceptability and growth through the distribution of best-for-value retail insurance solutions for the individual and SMEs. So far three Open House events have held in Lagos,

the first having held at the National Theatre, Iganmu on October 11, 2013. Other events held at the Company’s Training School in Iganmu, Lagos on December 04 and another will hold December 11, 2013 respectively and interested persons could send their

names and contact emails to theopportunity@leadway.com. From January 2014, Open House events will also hold in other parts of the country including Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano to present “The Opportunity” at these locations also.

Precise dates for these other events will be communicated. Leadway Assurance Company Limited is one of Nigeria’s foremost insurance service companies, with a reputation for service efficiency and customer reliability. For over 40 years,

A. M. Best rates Custodian stable .M. Best Europe – Rating A Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating of B (Fair) and issuer credit rating of “BB” of Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc. The outlook assigned to both ratings is stable. The rating affirmations reflect A.M. Best’s expectation that Custodian’s riskadjusted capitalisation will continue to remain sup-

portive of its current rating level. Additionally, the company’s competitive profile and operating performance are expected to remain solid. Custodian’s risk-adjusted capitalisation is expected to remain at a strong level and going forward, A.M. Best expects the company’s riskadjusted capitalisation to be supported by the robust earnings of the group.

Prospective operating performance is expected to remain solid. The Custodian Group announced profit before tax of N2.5 billion for the unaudited third quarter ended 30 September 2013. This indicates an increase of 89.5 per cent over the N1.3 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2012. Profit after tax increased by the same proportion from N1.14 billion to N2.1 billion,

ADIC partners down syndrome foundation DIC Insurance Company A Limited (An NSIA company), as part of her corporate social responsibility partnered with Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria to improve the living conditions of those living with Down syndrome. This was recently demonstrated, as the company partnered with the Save-ALife Project to sponsor the corrective heart surgeries of two babies diagnosed with

congenital heart defects. According to Stanley Nwogu of the Human Capital department said that the surgeries were successful. He noted that the desire to further improve the livelihood of the children living with this condition led the company to partner with the foundation in fund raising novelty match and awareness week recently organized by the foundation. He stated that ADIC

Leadway has honoured its underwriting commitments and has earned its reputation of excellence in claims handling. The reputation enjoyed today by Leadway has been attained by the continuing pursuit of improvements to maintain competitive advantage.

Insurance was awake to the need to promote corporate social responsibility in ways that affected lives directly, stressing that that was one character of global best places to work, which ADIC belonged. A workplace that provides a healthy work environment, motivates employees and contributes to the society is truly a great place to work. He said that Down Syndrome Foundation

Nigeria was a non-governmental, not-for-profit association of children with Down syndrome as well as parents, caregivers and other interested stakeholders. As a mission, the foundation seeks to improve the opportunities offered to young people with Down syndrome by discovering their potentials and identifying how to support their personal development most effectively through scientif-

ic research and global communication. It will interest you to know that Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It’s the most common chromosome abnormality in humans and is typically associated with physical growth delays, a particular set of facial characteristics and a severe degree of intellectual disability.

while the Group’s asset base increased from N40.9 billion to N47.2 billion, indicating 15.3 per cent growth within a ninemonth period. The gross written premium was N19.8 billion from N9.4 billion. Commenting on the ratings, the Managing Director, Custodian and Allied Insurance, Wole Oshin said: “This is a welcome development. A. M. Best is the world leader in Insurance Ratings, and we are pleased with the stable outlook given the company. We will continue to address our operations to benchmark against the best in the world, with the view to improve this performance in the near future.” Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc is quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and is approved by the regulatory bodies in Nigeria to offer insurance services, and provide services that extend beyond national frontiers.

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013 63

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Focus Endless search for good quality leadership By Bankole Shakirudeen Adesina HE search for true leadership in Africa appears endless. It T is becoming a rare commodity to get transformational leaders in the continent. This disillusionment is further exacerbated by the inability of any African leader to clinch the coveted Mo Ibrahim Foundation prize for leadership for two consecutive years. Back home in Nigeria, the situation is not too far from the continental picture, as corruption, crime, terrorism, among other continue to take shine of leadership. In the 2012 Human Development Index, Nigeria was rated among the most poorly governed countries in the continent. The statistic is the manifestation and vindications of the overwhelming public frustrations and anger against constituted authority over it consistent failure at meeting the basic expectations of the citizens, especially in the context of good governance and quality representation. Indeed, among the indices used in arriving at last year’s Human Development statistics included: Rule of law, Accountability, Personal Safety, National Security, Participation, Rights, Gender; Public Management, Business Environment, Infrastructure, Rural Sector; Human Development: Welfare, Education and Health. Top 10 countries rated for good governance in the 2012 edition include, Mauritius in the first position with 83 score; Caper Verde with 78; Botswana 77, Seychelles, 73; South Africa 71; Namibia 70; Ghana 66; Tunisia 63; Lesotho 61; and Tanzania 59. And 10 Bottom and worst governed countries in 2012 are: Nigeria with 42 points, Equatorial Guinea 41, Guinea Bissau 50, Cote d’Ivoire 39, Zimbabwe 34, Central African Republic 34, Eritrea 33, Chad 33, Democratic Republic of the Congo 33, and Somalia with lowest score, seven. This, obviously, cannot escape the searchlight of well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations. Specifically, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) dedicated its 2013 yearly conference to discussing paradox between rich country, quality leadership, good governance and poorer and unhappy citizen, with the aim of providing result-driven solutions to government. The theme of the conference, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom and under the leadership of the President and Chairman of Council of NIM, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, was ‘Essentials of Good Governance in the Progressive Transformation of Nigeria,’ and delivered by the state governor, Mr. Godswill Akpabio. Former Consultant to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on pro-poor fiscal policy management for the five Nigerian states, Dr. (Mrs.) Pat Adamu and Dr. Aderemi Teriba were the sub-theme speakers at the parley, while the Chairman of NIM Academy of Management, Professor Fola Lasisi, and Professor Ben Osisioma were paper discussants. A renowned transformation strategist and past President of NIM, Chief (Dr.) Lugard Aimiuwu and another past President of the institute, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar both chaired the paper sessions. The moderator of the colloquium was the Managing Director of Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Emeka Izeze, and discussants included Obong Umana Okon Umana, Prof. Olakunle Iyanda, Prof. Munzali Jibril, a professor of English language and former Provost of Nigeria Defence Academy, and Elder A.A. Onukogu. In his lecture, Akpabio agreed with the definition of scholars that good governance is a social contract given unto politician(s) to execute on behalf of the governed, to promote the wellbeing of the latter. Akpabio explained that good governance has several characteristics, which included participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective, efficient, equitable, and inclusive and to the rule of law. According to him, at a minimum, good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially by an independent judiciary and its decisions and enforcement are transparent or carried out in a manner that follows established rules and regulations. He said also that good governance therefore, is judged by the totality of activities, responsibilities, relationships and accountability of the government to the governed at all times. “A government exhibits good governance when there is transparency and accountability. When nobody is above the law; and there is respect for mankind and the fundamental human rights of every citizen. Good governance occurs when people exercise their fundamental human rights and, at the same time, actively participate in planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of societal responsibilities, he said. Akpabio, who in his papers, said good governance remain the bedrock of a sustainable and progressive transformation in any given nation, added by quoting a former United States of America’s lawmaker, Lee Herbert Hamilton, who said, “aid

Akpabio can only work where there is good governance, and usually fails where governments are unable or unwilling to commit aid to improve the lives of their people.” Akpabio, who in his lecture, wholly subscribed to the reasoning behind the philosophical seven blunders of the modern world, as posited by the legendary Indian leader and philosopher, Mahatman Gandhi, noted that: “Wealth without work; Pressure without conscience; Knowledge without character; Commerce without morality; Science without humanity; Worship without sacrifice; and Politics without principles can only spell more dooms to the world. He stated that “these are the issues governments should keep in mind to achieve good governance. Wealth must come from work – not corruption. Pleasure should not be at the expense of our neighbours – it must come with conscience. Knowledge is subject to abuse, if it comes without character. Politics must be guided by principles because what is morally wrong cannot be politically right. Commerce must be run on moral precepts and we must always remember that a good name is better than god. Companies must be responsible corporate citizens and cater for their host communities. Science ought to save life – not devise ways of destroying mankind. Worship should be in the sacrifice of self for the common good. “To this list, Arm Ghandi, his grandson added an 8th blunder – ‘rights without responsibilities.’ The Government should discharge its duties with a responsibility to protect our people, our democracy and our nation. This Democracy is not a gift; it is a right. It in an inheritance bequeathed to us through the blood and sweat of our fellow citizens. We can only destroy it ourselves if we fail to set our sails right, protect it with our heart and might, and keep our sights on justice and equity,” he added. In his lecture, titled ‘Challenges of good governance in Africa: IIAG 2012,’ a former Provost of the Nigerian Defence Academy, said the major characteristics that played out in the successfully governed countries on HDI were that: “these countries are typically small; never been ruled by the military, or if they have, they have since transited into stable democracies; and typically not oil producing. “And the common trends in the unsuccessfully governed countries are observed to be: typically have been ruled by the military or a civilian dictatorship for a prolonged period of time and are still in a pre-democratic transition/post-traumatic political stress; may be oil-producing; May have experienced civil war among others,” he added. He added that, “In spite of the improvements recorded in the quality of governance in Africa, the picture remains bleak. African elites have failed to hold their public officers to account thereby permitting impunity to flourish unchallenged. The potential of Africa for greatness will continue to be a mirage until the people demand accountability from their leaders.” In his own remarks, Dr. Teriba, who spoke on Human Development as an index of Good Governance in Nigeria, explained that, “Good governance is indicated by many

Olawale-Cole

These are the issues governments should keep in mind to achieve good governance. Wealth must come from work – not corruption. Pleasure should not be at the expense of our neighbours – it must come with conscience. Knowledge is subject to abuse, if it comes without character. Politics must be guided by principles because what is morally wrong cannot be politically right. Commerce must be run on moral precepts and we must always remember that a good name is better than god. Companies must be responsible corporate citizens and cater for their host communities. Science ought to save life – not devise ways of destroying mankind. Worship should be in the sacrifice of self for the common good things in the minds of people. If you survey a community on why they think their governor is good one you will get different answers depending on their aspirations. Aspirations of people include good roads provision of jobs; portable water; alleviation of poverty among others. He added that there was urgent need to address massive unemployment in the country, brain drain in the key sectors, promotes social safety and implement education with specific focus on girl child in the Northern region of the country, Health support for maternity and child health and expansion of childhood immunisation particularly polio vaccination. Teriba said: “Surely, the Nigerian Human capital should be nurtured and developed by Education Health Security of life and jobs reduction of extreme poverty. This is where Good Governance comes in All these Human attributes that Nigerians already possess in abundance can only be developed on a mass scale by Good Governance. For instance, on Foreign Direct investment, Nigerians bring more money from Abroad to this country than all the foreign aids and charities received all put together. That is a great potential that can be converted for economic prosperity. “Significant progress has already been made in areas of education health reduction of poverty and security but all these need to be deepened and expanded. This can only happen if good governance is encouraged at all level,” he added. In his earlier speech, the organiser, Olawale-Cole noted that, “the problem of Nigeria has never been that of paucity of funds and resources but lack of the political will to do the right thing. The best democracies of the world thrive on good governance.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

Media ‘Why media, security agencies should work together’ Workshop By Abdullahi Yunusa T was an interactive session that would forIthose ever remain indelible in the memory of present. The meeting had in attendance major spokespersons of security and response agencies on one hand and media practitioners that have shown a keen interest on covering and reporting security situations in the country. As a representative of Journalists Against Disaster Initiative (JADI), it fell to my lot to serve as one of the rapporteur at the occasion. The event provided an ample of opportunity of not just meeting cerebral media men, but a one-on-one encounter with some of the personalities superintending over Nigeria’s intelligence community, especially Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), who was chief host and guest speaker at the forum. Apart from setting the tone for the healthy but tough debate between media practitioners and security personnels over challenges of reporting security issues, Dasuki’s humble disposition completely changed longheld but erroneous perception of about our elite. He did not behave like those who see themselves as demigods and therefore have no single regards for ordinary men. Indeed, Dasuki proved incurable cynics like me wrong that most political elite are snubs, as many want us to believe. For an event that was slated for 10 am, the NSA had already arrived much earlier only to meet a relatively empty meeting room. Surprisingly, Col. Dasuki didn’t behave like the typical Nigerian ‘big man’, who would have ordinarily called off the meeting. No; instead, he returned to his office for a while to return

Sambo later. Those meeting him for the first time were struck by his rare display of humility. Obviously, his resolve to wait patiently for expected guests to arrive underscored his commitment and readiness to frontally address rising insurgency and other security challenges in some parts of the country, which he strongly believe the media had a great role to play in building public confidence and boosting the morale of security personnel.

When the stage was finally set for the event to kick off, the organisers wasted no time in ushering the proverbial big masquerade into the meeting room. As soon as the NSA came in, the event started in earnest. Though a man of a few words, who would rather work behind the scenes to achieve success than granting press interviews, he urged the participants to feel free to offer any advise on issues they are convinced about. According to him, the media parley was a platform to rub minds on topical issues that pertain to winning the war against insurgency and other criminal activities across the country. He reminded participants that all individual efforts were geared towards achieving a common goal and therefore, there shouldn’t be room for mutual suspicion and rivalry. Through his presentation, you could really tell that the NSA truly understands the job he is saddled with. He spoke candidly and brilliantly on issues and impressed on those present to promote national interest above other considerations. He was faultlessly frank in his submission and cautioned participants against passing the buck in the resolve to make Nigeria a more secure, safe and friendly nation. Dasuki also appealed to media practitioners to promote national interest, security consciousness and peace for the attainment of national goals and aspirations, and dismissed critics of the security deployed during the Anambra State governorship election, saying it was to ensure public safety. He stressed on the need for improved and sustained working relationship among stakeholders in the nation’s security sector to achieve more results, saying that the media remained a critical partner in addressing insecurity. While commending Nigerian media for its

contributions towards the sustenance of democracy in the country, Dasuki urged the media to be professional and guard against becoming willing tools in the hands of trouble-makers in their quest to promote selfish ambitions. He said: “The nation is at a very critical stage; we should be wary of individuals and groups whose selfish agenda may affect our security through dirty politicking, negative activism and other acts of criminality. There are many lessons to be learnt from happenings across the globe so that our nation will remain peaceful and well-secured.” On the role of the military during elections, Dasuki, who maintained that while it was not the responsibility of security agencies to monitor electoral officials during election, noted that security officers were only mandated to provide maximum security for the protection of lives and property, adding, “As security agencies, we are not to be partisan and bias but professional in our conducts”. Undoubtedly, the NSA’s submissions at the event were strong indications that he had both the managerial and acumen needed to overcome the prevailing security problems in some parts of the country. According to him, efforts should be channeled into fighting insurgency and not on trivial issues that would further “divide us as people”. The strategic media interface, which was the first of its kind, was an eye opener for representatives of security establishments, media and a select member of civil society bodies to work towards the goal of promoting and protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria. • Abdullahi Yunusa contributed this piece from Imane, Kogi state (meetprofwills@yahoo.com)

10 years on, community radio campaigners still hopeful of licence By kabir Garba HE National Broadcasting T Commission, (NBC) has been called upon to start implementing the directive made by President Goodluck Jonathan 13 years ago that community radio licenses should be issued. This was one of the submissions at the end of a two-day national seminar on community radio in Nigeria held in Lokoja, Kogi State. The participants, who were drawn from different sectors, noted that the delay in giving effect to the October 2010 pronouncement by President Goodluck Jonathan that the broadcast regulatory body, NBC, should start issuing community radio licenses has continued to be a major source of concern to stakeholders. They claimed that the delay in the issuance of community radio licenses has denied effective access to the media for large sections of the population of Nigeria, limited their right to freedom of expression and deprived government of effectively taking its development agenda to the grassroots. The communiqué read in part, “It is heart-warming that several agencies of government are willing to explore the potentials of community radio as platform for reaching rural and grassroots communities

with government policies and programmes. “That the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and other regulatory instruments of the broadcasting sector, have continued to make positive and elaborate provisions for the development of community radio in the country”. They recommended that the NBC should begin the licensing process of community radio by partnering with stakeholders to develop the licensing framework and make the document, which emerges from the exercise widely available and accessible. The participants suggested that in partnership with stakeholders, the NBC should put in place a broader framework for monitoring community radio in view of the anticipated expansion, which will follow the emergence of the sector. They also believed that if NBC works with other relevant agencies and authorities within the Federal Government to address any outstanding concerns that may affect the issuance of community radio licenses, it would help to smoothen the process, and added, “Government agencies which wish to partner with grassroots communities should continue to liaise with other community radio stakeholders such as

the Nigeria Community Radio Coalition (NCRC) to generate appropriate framework for partnership”. As part of the way forward, it was suggested that the Nigeria Community Radio Coalition (NCRC) should strengthen existing alliances and build new ones with the regulatory bodies, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to achieve a successful advocacy for community radio in Nigeria. It was also recommended that the NCRC should intensify and extend capacity building efforts to more grassroots communities across the country. They also believed that exploring the possibility of facilitating a programme of experiencesharing between the Nigerian government officials and their counterparts in other West African countries which have well developed community radio systems and were using them for development purposes is important. The participants urged international development agencies and partners to lend their strong voices to the advocacy efforts by constantly raising the issue of licensing community radio stations whenever they engage the regulatory body, NBC, and other relevant government agencies or authorities.

Akin Akingbulu of Institute for Media and Society and Dr. Ayo Oyebode of Department of Communication and Language Art, University of Ibadan at the event.

Members of the communique drafting committee in session during the Seminar.

Monday, December 9, 2013 MEDIA 65

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

EFCC chairman, DUFIL MD speak at BJAN conference HE Executive Chairman of Economic And T Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde has indicated his interest to

Participants at the Broadacting Organisations of Nigeria, (BON) General Assembly held in Abeokuta, Ogun State

NAWOJ Week 2013 opens today in Abuja From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja HE 2013 National Association of Women T Journalists’ Week (NAWOJ Week opens today in Abuja. Already, states officials and delegations have arrived for the one-week celebration. National President of the association, Comrade Asabe N. Baba told newsmen over the weekend that this year’s outing is anchored on the theme, Peace and Good Governance Prerequisite for Democracy: The Role of Female Journalists. According to her,

How digitisation will open up huge opportunities, says Mba By Gbenga Salau HE Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC), Mr. Emeka Mba, has said that the transition to digital television broadcasting would open up huge opportunities for a wide range of new services such as more channels, better pictures and sound, High Definition (HD), interactive services, deepening local production plus the added use of the digital dividend spectrum for broadband service deployment across the country. The NBC Boss said this in Abeokuta, Ogun State during the 59th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON). It had as theme, Digital Switch Over: Milestones and Bridges. Also speaking at the forum was the Director general of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo. In a goodwill message, she observed that most information sent out by BON member stations to the public daily should be retuned, re-defined, re-skilled, refocused and re-thought in a way to project positive perspective to enhance Nigeria’s image either locally or internationally. The host governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who declared the assembly open, urged BON to brace up for the challenges posed by the change over from analogue to digital platform come 2015. The governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, noted that the General Assembly was apt in view of the current trend in modern broadcasting, which is digitisation. The assembly, however, noted that the broadcast industry had an important role to play in the constitutional review by emphasising national issues and acting as the conscience of the nation, and further observing that most government-owned stations are not well-funded for the 2015 digitisation transformation. The body resolved that copyright issues be seriously and immediately addressed by members, while also affirming its commitment as a body to the payment of royalties for musical and creative rights as a matter of policy and principle. It, however, called for amendment in the constitution to enable BON member stations to benefit from radio and TV license’ set fees.

the week is loaded with activities including seminars, advocate programmes and interdenominational services. The highlight of the programme is the launch of the association’s strategic work plan and compendium of members. Minister of Information, Labaran Maku would be presenting a paper on the role of female journalists in deepening ofNigerian democracy. “This is with a view to developing the capacity of members professionally for effective and efficient service delivery”. The National President believed that it would could create an impact in national development, hence, the aggressive campaign for fair representation of women in positions of authority at both federal and

state levels. “The leadership of the association is living no stone unturned in ensuring that it achieves its objective of promoting excellence among women in the profession, encourage positive portrayal of women as well as highlight contributions of women towards national development through collaboration with other international media organizations. NAWOJ is also out to promote the educational and economic advancement of women in Nigeria and violence free society. NAWOJ as an association came into bring 24 years ago to among goals, provide a network of communication among members for a continued growth and enhancement of women journalists.

Why we suspend airing of music of COSON members, by BON Issue ROADCASTING Organization of Nigeria (BON) hereby informs the General public that in support of independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN), the music of all registered members. Artistes of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) are hereby suspended from being aired or broadcast on our member stations with effect from December 15, 2013. Based on records available to BON, the following artistes are purported to be members of COSON: Tuface Idibia, D’Banj, Inyanya, Olamide, Dr. Sid, Sammie Okposo, Banky W, Wiz Kid, Olu Maintain, 9ice, Sunny Nneji, Flavour, Chidinma, Rugged Man, Keffee, Midnite Crew, Eldee De Don, M.I, Azeezat, Jazzman Olofin, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, KC Presh, X project, Asha, Konga, African China, Owen Gee, Dekunle Fuji, Lord of Ajasa, Zoolezoo, Ekwe Original Stereoman, Danfo Drivers, Rhymzo, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kofi, Jedee, Muma Gee, AY, Com. ID Cabassa, Klever H, Zidon Poperella, Eva, Terry G. Nomoreloss, Mike Okri, Weird MC, Mode 9, Timaya, Sound Sultan, Waje, Mo’Cheddah, Jay Martins, Slam, Djinee, Solid Star, Omawunmi, TWO, W4, Omotola Jelade Ekehinde, Yinka Ayefele, DJ Stramborella, Ebenezer Obey, Victor-Uwaifor, Onyeka Onwenu, Dan Maraya Jos, Tony Okoroji, Stella Monye, Floxxy bee, Funmi Adams, Majek Fashek, Daniel Wilson, Alex Zitto, Sir Shina Peters, Ras Kimono, Wale Thomspon,

Kollington Ayinia, Adewale Ayuba, Wasiu Ayinde Mashal, Chris Ajilo, Emmanuel Ntia, Orlando Julius, Eddy Remedy, Mr. Kool, 2 Shotz, Baba Dee, Bouqui, Rooftop MCs, Kenny Saint Brown, Klever J, OJB Jezreel, Danny Young, Dipp, Frank D’Nnero, Ojo, Tim Godfrey, Kween, Bankole Wellington (Banky W). BON is unable to verify the purported membership of COSON, therefore any Artiste who is listed about but is not a member of COSON and who wishes to have their music aired on BON-member stations should please inform BON Secretariat via email:bonorgng@yahoo.com on or before December 15, 2013 in order to have their music reinstated. All new COSON registered artistes/members not stated above shall also have their music, withdrawn/suspended from airing on our stations with effect from December 15, 2013. Let it be clearly known BON is not at war with the respected community of Nigerian artistes and musicians, we see them as partners in the broadcast industry. BON has the utmost respect for Nigerian artistes in their individual and collective capacities and have indeed contributed more than any known institution to the promotion of Nigerian music and the development of the entertainment industry as a whole. BON is however constrained to take this step principally as a result of COSON’s attitude of hostility, antagonism, grandstanding, intemperate language, veiled and real threats and harassment of broadcasting stations. No person or organization,

particularly a collecting society such as COSON has a monopoly of authority over any other, especially at this time when all hands should be on deck in building a sustainable copyright system. While BON is well aware of COSON’s penchant for media sensationalism, name-calling, mudslinging and cheap blackmail in this and other related matters. BON wishes to reiterate that its members are ready and willing to pay royalties for works used but will not be railroaded into arbitrarily imposed and concocted fees which are not based on any agreeable and verifiable tariff and standards. It is very clear from the last public hearing conducted by the House of Representatives that the majority of musicians and artistes do not belong to COSON. Therefore, BON is taking steps in liaison with all stakeholders in the country to address all the contentious issues and hopefully come to a fair, just, all inclusive and reasonable resolution of this unnecessary and clear avoidable COSON – indeed crises. All artistes are hereby assured of our complete, unwavering and continued support. Accordingly, BON calls on the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to urgently intervene in this grave matter in order to avoid the looming anarchy and avoidable face-off in the budding Nigerian entertainment industry which broadcasters, under the aegis of BON are in the forefront of promoting.

speak at the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, (BJAN), conference with the theme: Repositioning Centenary Brand to Align with Modern Ideals in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital. The conference, which holds between December 12 to 13, 2013, will have the EFCC chairman speak on the topic Cyber Crime and Management of Nigeria Image alongside other speaks from the financial and manufacturing sector. The following papers will be delivered: Technology and the future of Nation Building and Business Development by the Executive Director, ICT aBanking of Zenith Bank Plc, Growing the Economy Through Excellent Financial Services Management by the CEO/Managing Director of Mainstreet Bank Others Include: Retaining Youth in an old brand by Head, Marketing Communications of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Branding National Diet, Building a bonded Nation by the Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods Limited and Repositioning Nigerian image through effective Implementation of local content and manufacturing by the Executive Director, Dangote Group. The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON Chairman Lolu Akinwunmi will be chairman of the occasion. Other special guests expected include: Mrs. Bunmi Oke, President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, President, Advertising Association of Nigeria, ADVAN, Mr. Kayode Olagesin, President, Experiential Marketing Association of Nigeria, EXMAN, Mr. Tolu Ogunkoya, President, Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria, MIPAN, Mr. Chido Nwankanwa, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, PRCAN and Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, Registrar, APCON. Also, Zenith Bank, First Bank, DUFIL Foods, makers of Indomie noodles and United Bank for Africa, UBA, have thrown their weights behind the conference and Awards night.

UBA launches new TV commercial NITED Bank for Africa (UBA), the panU African banking and financial services group, has launched a new TV commercial (TVC). The commercial, which will enjoy globally airplay, comes with the theme ‘the world in your pocket’ and designed to inspire and reinforce the brand UBA’s appeal across all customer segments particularly Africa’s fast growing middle class and youthful population. The corporate commercial dwells on the story of an emerging Africa, a continent that is now finding its true potential supported by a bank that is there to make the aspirations of the continent’s more than 800 million residents come true. It presents UBA as the bank that is positioned to help the people reach their full potential backed by UBA’s strong balance sheet and dominant African presence. While commenting on the new TVC, the Deputy Managing Director UBA, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, said the new TV commercial is contemporary, informative and inspirational, adding, “It underscores the bank’s pan-African credential, showcasing it as the bank of choice for financial transactions across Africa”. With presence in 19 African countries and global financial centers in New York, London and Paris, UBA is providing banking and financial services to Africans and Africa-related businesses. The new TV commercial further confirms public awareness of the UBA’s superior offering in e-banking services. With its U-Mobile and U-Direct banking platform, the UBA Group has one of best e-banking platforms in Africa offering customers the ability to seamlessly carry out their banking transactions on their phones, tablets, laptops and desktops without visiting a bank branch. “The young protagonist in the UBA commercial plays up our e-banking services and use of electronic channels just as it accentuates our Africa spread,” said Mr. Charles Aigbe, Divisional Head, Marketing & Corporate Relations. Underlying the theme of the new ad is the subtle message that success is achievable with the many opportunities opening up on the continent. From technology start-ups, industries to innovative business initiatives, young Africans are finding successes. Over the years, UBA has expanded its advertising beyond the traditional channels to engage better with the increasing number of Africa’s tech savvy youthful population. UBA has an active social media presence comprising a twitter handle, a Facebook page and a corporate blog through which the bank’s customers are constantly engaged.

66 Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013 NEWSEXTRA

OPEC reviews market outlook, appoints Alison-Madueke as alternate President HE 164th Meeting of the Conference of the T Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was concluded in Vienna, Austria, last week, under the Chairmanship of its President Mustafa Jassim Mohammad Al-Shamali, who is also Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil and Head of its Delegation. According to Opec.org, “the Conference congratulated HE Eng Bijan Namdar Zangeneh and HE Mustafa J.M. Al-Shamali on their appointments as Minister of Petroleum of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Minister of Oil of the State of Kuwait, respectively, and thanked their predecessors in office, HE Eng Rostam Ghasemi of Iran and HE Hani Abdulaziz Hussain of Kuwait for their contributions to the work of the Organisation. “The Conference elected HE Dr. Abdel Bari Ali Al-Arousi, Minister of Oil and Gas of Libya, as President of the Conference for one year, with effect from 1 January 2014, and HE Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke CON, Minister of Petroleum Resources of Nigeria and Head of its Delegation, as Alternate President for the same period. “The Conference reviewed the Secretary General’s report, the report of the Economic Commission Board (ECB) and a number of administrative matters. The Conference also exchanged views on developments in multilateral environment negotiations, including: the outcome of COP19/CMP9 held in Warsaw, Poland, in November; the status of the Organisation’s ongoing energy dialogue with the European Union (EU); its continued cooperative work with various other international organisations for the G-20; and its energy dialogue with the Russian Federation. “The Conference reviewed the oil market outlook, as presented by the Secretary General, in particular supply/demand projections for 2014. The Conference also considered the global economic outlook, again noting: the high sovereign debt in the Euro-

zone; high unemployment in the advanced economies, especially the Euro-zone; and slow growth, coupled with inflation risk, in the emerging economies. Indeed, the biggest challenge facing global oil markets in 2014 is this global economic uncertainty, with the fragility of the Eurozone remaining a cause for concern. It was also noted that, although world oil demand is forecast to increase during the year 2014, this will be more than offset by the projected increase in non-OPEC supply. “Nevertheless, in the interest of maintaining market equilibrium, the Conference decided to maintain the current production level of 30.0 million barrels a day. In taking this decision, Member Countries re-confirmed their readiness to swiftly respond to developments which could have an adverse impact on the maintenance of an orderly and balanced oil market.” It added: “Agreeing on the need to be vigilant, given the uncertainties arising from the enduring weaknesses in the world economy, the Conference directed the Secretariat to continue its close monitoring of developments in supply and demand, as well as non-fundamental factors such as speculative activity, keeping Member Countries well informed of developments. “The Conference appointed Dr. Ali Obaid Al Yabhouni, the United Arab Emirates’ Governor for OPEC, as Chairman of the Board of Governors for the year 2014, and Dr. Bernard Mommer, Venezuelan Governor for OPEC, as Alternate Chairman for the same period, with effect from 1 January 2014. “The Conference decided to extend the tenure of HE Abdalla S. El-Badri as Secretary General for a period of one year, with effect from January 1 2014. The Conference approved the Budget of the Organisation for the year 2014. “The Conference decided that its next Ordinary Meeting will convene in Vienna, Austria, on Wednesday, 11 June 2014. “Finally, the Conference reiterated its appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Austria, as well as the authorities of the City of Vienna, for their warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting.”

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (right); Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant, Miss Anna Barnner; Director General, Bayelsa State Tourism Board, Ebizi Brown; popular music artists, Timi Dakolo and Timaya during the Bayelsa State International Jazz Festival in Yenagoa,

Dickson releases N200m fund for musical talents • Jonathan lauds Bayelsa for honouring Mandela RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has com- Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti, Lekan Babalola, P mended the Bayelsa State government for Ego Ogbaro and host of others to Mandela the honour bestowed on the late freedom who was said to have won over 250 awards, fighter and the first black President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Noting the contribution of Mandela to the development of black race, the state Governor Seriake Dickson while announcing the release of N200 million for the development of musical talents in the state, dedicated the International Jazz festival held at the weekend in Yenagoa to the memory of the departed great African leader. Represented by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke, the President noted that the Federal Government had earlier declared a-3day mourning period in honour of Mandela who devoted his lifetime to struggle against racism. The dedication of a festival of such magnitude which had in attendance the likes of

according to the President, has further confirmed the laudable leadership qualities of Governor Dickson. His words: “I am extremely delighted that this government dedicates this evening of Jazz to celebrate an icon whose struggle, vision, quality, courage, passion, commitment, belief, and whose integrity, is definitive of the new and emerging leaders of Africa. “For once, an African leader is celebrated in North and South America, Asia, United Kingdom and we are also celebrating tonight with Jazz: the music of celebration, commemoration and dedication, the re-discovery of that kind of music that our brothers and sisters from the continent and in the Diaspora used to communicate the spirit and feelings and truly the vision of what makes us one people.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

NEWSEXTRA Monday, December 9, 2013

Obi kicks off construction of Agulu Lake resort From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka N his efforts to boost tourism in Anambra, Governor Peter Obi yesterday kicked off the construction of Agulu Lake Hotel, which is within the state capital territory. Obi said the project, to be built at a cost of N2.2 billion, is in fulfillment of his promise to construct two major hotels in the state, as well as provide recreation centres for the citizenry and visitors. However, he disclosed that although the flag-off ceremonies were performed yesterday, the hotel had reached about 60 per cent completion. Obi emphasised that both the Onitsha hotel and Agulu hotel resorts were borne out of need to have befitting hotels to host important events and many dignitaries, including expatriates that work in numerous facilities that are coming up in different parts of the state. He assured that “the money for the hotel projects, as well as other projects such as the shopping malls at Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, the three Arms Zone, among others are already set aside. Also, the salaries for two years of the 7,000 persons the state is currently recruiting were already set aside in order not to encumber the in-coming governor”. The Senior Special Assistant to Obi and the Project Manager, Chinelo Ofoche, an architect, explained was in line with the governor’s practice of kickingoff projects already begun to avoid the past practice of doing so and abandoning same. Commissioner for Housing,

• College lauds governor Patrick Obi, also an architect, said that the project was originally conceived in the early 70s, when Nike, Oguta and Agulu lake hotels were planned. While Oguta and Nike had been realised, he said, Governor Obi is set to accomplish that of Agulu. He said the siting of the hotel was not because the governor was from Agulu, but because of the need to execute a project that was conceived at the time the latter was still in primary school. Meanwhile, the Acting Provost of the College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu, Dr. Nneka Mefoh, has attributed the recognition and accreditation of its courses to the massive provision of infrastructure at the institution by the present administration in the state. Speaking yesterday at the school premises, during the 5th and 6th matriculation ceremony of the institution, Dr. Mefoh stated that after close to 30 years of its existence, the College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu has finally been recognised by various bodies, including the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), for the award of National Diploma (ND). A total of 76 students matriculated and were awarded certificates. She recalled that at the relocation of the school from Igbariam to Mgbakwu, the school had only one dilapidated building, which served as administrative building,

accusing past administrations of neglecting the institution. She added: “Everything changed under Governor Peter Obi, he had not only visited the school five times, but had also erected 15 buildings in the school, including two hostel blocks, classroom blocks, laboratories, academic staff offices, as well as provided the school with borehole, internet facilities, six different categories of vehicles, installation of transformer, among others. “Besides offering six courses at ND level and enlistment by JAMB, we would commence HND programme in the next academic session”, he said, and thanked the governor for his continued support and called for the full implementation of the law setting up the institution. In his own remarks, the gover-

nor, who commissioned some completed projects, inspected on-going ones and laid the foundation for new ones, assured that the state would continue to pay attention to the school to achieve its full potential and contribute in training the people for food security and self-employment. He urged them to remain good ambassadors of the college and the state in their future endeavors. The governor also inspected the ongoing Isuaniocha, Achalla- Urum road, where he charged the contractor handling the N2 billion road project to increase the pace of work or face sanction. He also inspected the ongoing Isiagu bridge. He said he was always happy inspecting such projects because such towns as Isiagu did not enjoy government’s presence until he came and built roads, bridges, rebuilt schools and provided them with other infrastructure.

Obi

Ex-deputy gov, Omoyeni, tasks Ekiti politicians on governance OLITICIANS in Ekiti State, P South-West, Nigeria, have been called upon to balance personal ambition with enthronement of public interest in the run up to the next year’s gubernatorial election. A former deputy governor of Ekiti State, Bisi Omoyeni, made the call in Abuja, while fielding questions from reporters at the 2013 Call to Bar ceremonies. His wife, Mrs. Ayoade Omoyeni and daughter Oluwayemisi Oritsejafor, who had the rare privilege of being called to the

Bar together on the occasion, stressed that public good should supersede personal ambitions. He said: “I am very pleased at the plethora of political aspirants jostling for positions in Ekiti State. On the surface, it is a healthy development. The concern is that a good number of the aspirants tend to be placing personal interests above the common good, which might backfire. “As an elder statesman, I want the best for Ekiti State and I

enjoin all political leaders to place common good above personal interests. Particularly, I would love to see leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) close ranks so that we can deliver Ekiti people from the political misdemeanor that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the political party currently occupying the State House, has subjected them to. “We must not forget that in politics, the people come first. So whatever positions to which we aspire, must be to serve and

our mandate must derive from the people.” He added: “The 2014 governorship election is coming at a very good time for our great party because Ekiti people are already disenchanted with the inept leadership of the APC in the state. “The clamour for change is understandable and I fully identify with it. Politics is a game of numbers and we must join hands to chase away a common enemy, the enemy of the people.”

Monday, December 9, 2013 NEWSEXTRA 73

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Firm denies authorising letters for fake clippers LUE Diamond Freights, a B firm based in Guangzhou, China, has denied giving any authorisation letter to any company for the production of such items. In recent media reports in Nigeria, it was alleged Yongkang Wonderful Electrical Appliance Company based in Yongkang City, China, was raided by agents of Economic Inspection Brigade of the Yongkang Administration for Commerce and Industry, the Jinghua Municipal Administration for Commerce and Industry and officials of the Yongkang Public Security Bureau. During the raid, it was alleged that 10,000 fake WAHL clippers were seized from the company, including “a fraudulent authorisation letter signed by a Festus U. Mbisiogu of Blue Diamond Freight LLC (Blue Diamond).” However, in a press statement by Blue Diamond Freights, Mr. Mbisiogu, said: “I did not give any authorisation letter to Yongkang Wonderful Electrical Appliance Company for the Production of WHAL “I also do not remember, officially or unofficially, freighting any WHAL Products from China or any part of the world to Nigeria.” He urged the general public to disregard the publication as it was aimed at tarnishing his image, that of his wife and Blue Diamond Freights. Meanwhile, Yongkang Wonderful Electrical Appliance Company, China, has debunked reports that a letter bearing the name of Mr. Festus Mbisiogu and Blue Diamond Freights was allegedly seized from them. In an apology letter to Blue Diamond Freights and signed by MRY Celine on behalf of Yongkang, the company said Mbisiogu and Blue Diamond Freights did not give it any authorisation letter to produce fake WHAL clippers. It urged the public to disregard such information, as it did not emanate from it.

‘N69.3b platform to displace Eagle Square’ From Terhemba Daka, Abuja PON completion in a couple of years, the new Abuja National Square, a component of the Nigeria Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower project located in the Central Area, would displace the Eagle Square as the preferred national event centre, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed, has disclosed. Mohammed told newsmen at the weekend during an inspection of the project that the 40,000 square-metre platform is meant to host national and other symbolic events. Located between the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre, the project forms the roof of a two-level basement car park built to accommodate 1,200 cars. According to Mohammed, the Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower project, which comprises four major components, was conceived as a multifunctional edifice with facilities for cultural exposition, tourism, socialisation, recreation, hospitality and commercial activities.

Fashola, others in China, seek direct PPP financing for infrastructure projects ETERMINED to sustain the D tempo of infrastructural development in Lagos, Governor Babatunde Fashola led some members of the State Executive Council to meetings with major Public Private Partnership (PPP) financial institutions and construction firms in Beijing, China. Dominating the various meetings and inspections, which they held during the three-day visit, was the financing of infrastructure in Lagos through PPPs especially in the areas of housing, roads and bridges, as well as the Lekki Free Zone. At each of the meetings with such major Chinese institutions like the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), the ExportImport Bank of China and the Industrial and the

Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Fashola underscored the investment opportunities inherent in the highlighted areas of infrastructure and the role direct financing through such institutions could play in bringing identified projects to reality. During a high profile meeting with the management of the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited led by its President, Mr. Zhan Zongyan, Fashola commended diligence and commitment of successive leadership of the affiliate company, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which has led to significant progress being made in Lagos on such landmark projects like the Lekki Free Zone and the Blue line of the Lagos Mass Transit

Rail. “Essentially, you have very, very wonderful representatives in Nigeria and I think you must be very proud of them because not only have they contributed to the development of the state, they have also shown a clear understanding of the local challenges and they have been able to work with us to overcome them,” he said. Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Fashola said one of the immediate priority areas is the Lekki Free Zone where progress is being made and industrialists are beginning to make commitments that they would want to start building their factories as a first step towards building industries. Identifying real estate development as another area of pri-

ority, the governor said the best way to describe the opportunity and the problem is that 21 million people in Lagos need about four million homes and that the investment in Lekki and the planned investment in Ikoyi are probably appealing to a smaller market rather than a larger market. He emphasised that the real demand is with the working class people who require homes, which in an ideal situation, would be to give them through some types of deferred financing of around 10 years. “What we are doing now as a government is building apartment blocks. And those apartment blocks have one bedroom, two bedrooms and three bedroom flats. And the one bedroom flat is about 60

square metres, two bedrooms is about 75 square metres while three bedroom is 120 square metres and what we are planning to do is sell those houses on a 10-year repayment mortgage”. “I know that there are other demand levels where people may be able to probably pay over five years but there are also those who can pay immediately but to me, the real sustainable plan is a minimum of 10 years,” Fashola stated. The governor explained that what the present administration is offering now in terms of real estate development is to take benefit of the investment that the state has made along the Badagry corridor where it is building the expansion of the road and also building the rail.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

TaxWatch ‘

By Taiwo Oyedele

Despite the NTP, there seems to be an uncoordinated approach to the implementation of the relevant tax policies. For instance, a new law, the Employee Compensation Act, was enacted to introduce a compulsory monthly payment by all employers.

’

HE Nigerian economy has T been growing steadily at over 5% per annum for some years now. This has raised the focus of both international and local investors on the business climate in the country, including taxation. As Nigeria continues to seek ways to diversify her economy and achieve further development, government at all levels and the population are beginning to recognise the importance of a dynamic tax system that is not only geared towards raising revenue, but addresses the sophistication of today’s business environment with the attendant complexities. Taxation and fiscal policy matters are therefore now of greater interest and as the Nigerian Government and regulatory agencies observe trends in developed economies, they in turn are focusing their attention on enforcing total compliance. On the other hand, taxpayers

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Nigeria and the ease of paying taxes A country in need of a coordinated approach to tax reform are finding smarter and better ways to manage their tax affairs to ensure full compliance at minimum cost, and to balance tax planning with corporate responsibility and long term sustainability. Now in its ninth year, the Paying Taxes 2014 report, a joint study of tax regimes in 189 economies by PwC and the World Bank, found that 32 economies continued to take steps during the period from June 2012 through June 2013 to make it easier to pay taxes. The report finds that on average globally a medium-sized company has a total tax obligation of 43.1% of profits (52.9% for Africa), making 26.7 payments (36.1 payments for Africa) and needing 268 hours (320 hours for Africa) to comply with its tax requirements. The report shows that the case study company for Nigeria has a total tax rate of 33.8%, makes 47 payments and spends 956 hours annually to comply with tax obligation. This means that Nigeria is globally and regionally competitive in terms of tax rates but needs significant improvements in terms of number of tax payments and time to comply. The time to comply and the number of payments account for the very low overall ranking for Nigeria of 170 out of 189 economies worldwide. This is also a decline from the country’s 2013 ranking of 155 out of 185 economies. Over the years, the Nigerian Government, especially through the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Joint Tax Board, has been making efforts to reform the tax system in a structured and coordinated manner. One such initiative was the development of a National

Tax Policy (NTP) aimed at simplifying the tax system, eliminating multiple levels of taxation and ensuring tax transparency. Despite the NTP, there seems to be an uncoordinated approach to the implementation of the relevant tax policies. For instance, a new law, the Employee Compensation Act, was enacted to introduce a compulsory monthly payment by all employers. This new tax resulted in an increase in each of the Paying Taxes subindicators – the Total Tax Rate, number of tax payments and the compliance time, hence the downward trajectory for Nigeria on the Paying Taxes sub-indicator in the 2014 report. While the introduction of new taxes is one option for increasing tax revenues, this should be discouraged as more could in fact be achieved through increased compliance with existing laws. We welcome any measures that make tax systems more efficient and easier to follow thereby increasing voluntary compliance. One positive step by the FIRS is the on-going effort to introduce an electronic tax system called the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS). The new system is expected to automate tax filing and documentation of taxpayer information. If properly implemented this should significantly reduce the compliance time. Also, a new transfer pricing regulation was introduced in 2012. While this is likely to increase the compliance time, it provides more certainty to investors and is therefore expected to have an overall positive impact on the tax system. There was also an improve-

ment in the approach to tax dispute resolution. The government speedily reconstituted the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) tasked with the role of adjudicating over disputes arising from the operations of the tax laws and regulations. This is a marked improvement from the past where the tax appeal tribunal was not constituted for a long time leaving many tax cases unresolved for many years. That said, the recent development in which different divisions of the Federal High Court gave

conflicting judgements regarding the constitutionality of the TAT is capable of eroding this gain and must therefore be urgently addressed. Like everything else, tax justice is about fairness to all stakeholders including taxpayers and tax authorities, and not about ticking boxes or focussing only on the letters, rather than the spirit of the law. Various tax incentives are being introduced such as tax exemptions on interest from all bonds and treasury bills for a period of 10 years. Incentives have also been granted lately for companies that provide infrastructure for public purposes and companies that employ inexperienced graduates and those that retain them for at least 2 years. However, important legislative changes that would make the incentives more effective

‘

About PwC PwC firms help organisations and individuals create the value they're looking for. We're a network of firms in 158 countries with close to 169,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com/ng

There was also an improvement in the approach to tax dispute resolution. The government speedily reconstituted the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) tasked with the role of adjudicating over disputes arising from the operations of the tax laws and regulations.

’

have not been addressed, such as the law that imposes corporate income tax on dividends distributed out of tax exempt profits. This is capable of misleading uninformed taxpayers while creating uncertainties for the informed. The speed with which tax legislation is passed also affects taxpayer certainty. There is a balance to be struck between ensuring that legislation is properly scrutinised and giving taxpayers sufficient certainty on timing to allow them to properly plan for the introduction of new legislation. There are a number of tax bills, including the Petroleum Industry Bill, that are currently pending leading to yet increased uncertainty among taxpayers. Overall, Nigeria is taking some positive steps to reform the tax system, but to achieve the desired result in the shortest possible time, these efforts need to be coordinated rather than being implemented at cross purposes. The greatest fiscal incentive to businesses is simplicity and certainty of the tax system.

Taiwo Oyedele is a Partner and Head of Tax and Corporate Advisory at PwC Nigeria. He is a regular writer and public speaker on accounting and tax matters. To get regular updates and in-depth analyses on tax matters visit Taiwo’s blog to subscribe at www.pwc.com/nigeriataxblog. Subscription is free!

The GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

MONDAY, DeCeMBeR 9, 2013 75

OIL&GASWEEKLY Remi Aiyela, Editor-in-Chief

editor@NOGintelligence.com www.NOGintelligence.com

UPSTREAM NEWS

DPR Marginal Fields Road Show Begins T was a full house on Wednesday when the IResources Director of the Department of Petroleum (DPR), Mr George Osahon kicked off the road show for the 2013 marginal fields licensing round at eko hotel with a clear, short and succinct presentation. If the numbers in the room served as an indication of the kind of numbers of bid applications that DPR is likely to receive then the DPR must expect to be inundated for it seems like everyone wants a marginal field. And, if the nature of the presentation is anything to go by, then you can expect the process to be conducted with equal efficiency and clarity for this is a Director who doesn’t mess around. he expects to get the whole thing done in 4 months even in spite of their expectation of some initial 1-2,000 applications. What is clear from that is that a good many applications will go in the bin without a second glance. It is therefore important to ensure that the application form is filled out to the letter and all the requirements met to avoid being one of those that land in the bin. NOGintelligence has prepared a Briefing Note that is based on Mr Osahon’s presentation and his comments as well as some of the published information from the DPR website. Please go to www.NOGintelligence.com for a copy of our Briefing Note and the DPR Guidance Notes. The DPR website is www.dprnigeria.org.ng.

Shell Shortlists Bidders for OML Sale hILSTthe oil and gas world has been transW fixed by the kick off of the 2013 marginal fields licensing round, Shell has quietly been shortlisting bidders for its eastern Niger Delta asset sale. The company, which has already sold off assets in Western Niger Delta is now looking to sell off its interests in Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 18, 24, 25 and 29. The four OMLs, which Shell operates, and in which together with its partners Total and eNI it owns a 45 per cent interest, are located in Rivers State. The current round of asset sell-off confirms Shell’s determined exit from onshore Nigeria. To kick off the sale, Shell had written to a small number of companies, for an expression of interest. however, with the shortage of government bid rounds and the numbers waiting to jump on the exploration and production (e&P) bandwagon, news soon got out and NOGintelligence understands that Shell received close to 500 applications. Keen to avoid a protracted bidding process, Shell, with the help of FBN Capital, which is advising on the sale, has now trimmed the numbers to a more manageable figure. NOGintelligence understands that as further evaluation continues, the figure will still be cut to around 10-15 of the most credible bidders who will then be allowed into the data room for more in-depth analysis of the assets before the submission of final bids takes place. The assets up for sale together produced 70,000 barrels per day last year. The Shell joint venture has sold a series of blocks since 2010 for more than $2 billion, but the latest sales will represent the largest so far in terms of production. The theft-plagued key pipeline, Nembe Creek Trunk Line is also up for sale. Financial analysts believe the sale should fetch between $2 billion and $3 billion for Shell and its partners. Shell is also looking to sell off OMLs 71 and 72 and as it continues its determined onshore exit.

The company continues to maintain that it is not leaving Nigeria, insisting that “Nigeria remains an important part of Shell’s portfolio, where we will continue to have a significant onshore presence in oil and gas, and which has clear growth potential, particularly in deepwater and onshore gas.” It has however pulled back on a $30 billion deepwater investment, which it says is now on hold pending while it awaits the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill into law.

Oando Gets Extra 60 Days to Complete ConocoPhillips Acquisition ORONTO Stock exchange listed Oando T energy Resources (OeR), the upstream business of Oando PLC has won a reprieve from ConocoPhillips as it continues to look for finance to close the ambitious deal. ConocoPhillips had given Oando a longstop date of 30th November to close the transaction, which Oando was unable to meet. Fortunately, ConocoPhillips has now agreed to extend the closure date by 60 days. That means that Oando now has until the end of January to complete the acquisition. Oando remains bullish about its chances of closing the deal. The downstream giant which is now looking to change its upstream game says it has $815 million in committed credit facilities from local and foreign banks and having already paid $435 million deposit, is now in a good position to finalise the finance necessary to close the $1.68 billion purchase. To get the extension, Oando had to agree to pay an additional $15 million making a total deposit of US$450 million by December 6, 2013. OeR will fund the extra deposit by borrowing from its parent Oando Plc at an interest rate of 5%. In addition to the extra deposit, the price of the assets will be increased by $10 million per month but calculated pro rata if completion occurs before the last day of the month. The acquisition is a complete game-changer for Oando. The company says the acquisition is expected to be a “transformational milestone” which will make Oando the largest indigenous e&P company in Nigeria with 50,000 boepd in production, 236 million in 2P reserves and over 500 million in contingent resources. This, Oando says, will be an unprecedented achievement by an indigenous player in the Nigerian oil and gas space. Dr Alex Iruna, head, Corporate Communications, Oando Group Plc. said: “OeR looks forward to the closure of this transaction in the New Year.” On another note, Oando PLC has announced that it has broken ground on the proposed site for its new head office along Ozumba Mbadiwe Drive in Victoria Island, Lagos. The company has dubbed the project, “The Wings Project” saying it envisions a monolithic, but innovative 21st century structure which will comprise of two identical 15 storey glass towers sitting on a plinth that houses several car park floors, restaurants, gymnasiums, and a jetty. Rand Merchant Bank Wesport and Stanbic IBTC have both providing long term debt funding while Argentil Capital Partners provided specialised financial services. The project is scheduled for completion in 2015 according to the 30 month construction plan developed by Cappa & Dalberto.

NPDC Signs Cooperation MoU With Petrofac, Taleveras for OML 119 Development he Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Petrofac Ltd and Taleveras energy Resources under which they will provide financial, technical, and capacity and capability building support for the further development of NPDC’s offshore block OML119 in a risk-based support agreement. The ownership of the licence will be retained by NPDC. In addition, under the MoU Petrofac, a FTSe 100 London Stock exchange listed oil and gas services company will, along with Talveras, an African oil and gas service company, also explore other options that include funding, technical support, training services, and asset development/management support on a risk service contract, production enhancement or similar contract basis. Petrofac explained that the extendable fiveyear MOU was reached as part of the promotion of Nigerian oil and gas industry content. The UK based company says the deal is expected to support NPDC’s aims to further build indigenous capacity and technical capabilities of NPDC and its affiliates. Total’s Ofon Phase-2 Process Platform Sets Sale for Nigeria from Korea The Ofon Phase 2 process platform (OFP2) is

in association with on its way to the Ofon field located in the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 102, 50km off the coast of Nigeria in 40m water depth. The field is owned by Total e&P Nigeria Limited (TePNG) 40% in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) 60%. The sail-away ceremony for the OFP2 was performed at the hyundai heavy Industries (hhI) yard in Ulsan, South Korea on Friday. The main objectives of the OFP 2 project are to stop flaring, monetize the gas to NLNG plant at Bonny via Amenam (another TePNG facility), develop additional reserves while producing the remaining reserves in Ofon phase 1 and perform water injection to re-pressurize the different reservoirs. The Ofon Phase 2 Process Platform (OFP2) project was initially sanctioned in December 2006 and two contracts awarded in 2007: the ePCC1 to hyundai heavy Industries (hhI) of Korea for the construction of the OFP2 deck, and T&17 to Technip for the deck’s transportation and installation. In September 2011, the remaining five ePC contracts were awarded to Niger dock (ePC2: Wellhead Platforms), Subsea-7/Globestar (ePC3: Sealines), eiffage (ePC4: Living Quarters), Ponticelli (ePC5: Tie-ins to existing platform) and Saipem (ePC8: OFP2 jacket). Under the OFP 2 project, the following new facilities are to be added to the existing Ofon Phase 1 facilities. Total says the Ofon phase 2 project will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s local content policy, in terms of not only construction works (with five ePCs located in Nigeria) but also of training for Nigerian personnel, especially engineers and technicians. Gas flare-out and First Oil from Ofon Phase 2 Project are planned for 2014.

According to Reuters and Bloomberg surveys, OPeC’s November output is the lowest since May 2011, and leaves supply below OPeC’s nominal target of 30 million bpd for a second month. Supply from OPeC averaged 29.64 million bpddown from a revised 29.70 million bpd in October. The supply outages have left global spare capacity at its lowest in five years driving prices higher. It had been generally expected that the OPeC Ministers would leave production targets uncut with prices being well above the $100 mark and given the reliance of many of the members nations on high oil prices to meet their annual budgets. Following the meeting, Saudi Arabia’s oil minister, Ali al-Naimi said: “We have rolled it over. We are all satisfied.” The next OPeC meeting is scheduled to take place on June 11, where once again, production cuts will be on the agenda, particularly if Libya and Iran are back in the market by then. Also, at the meeting, the tenure of Libyan representative, Abdalla el-Badri as SecretaryGeneral was extended by one year, following the oil Ministers’ failure to pick a successor at its last meeting in December when three candidates were presented.

FiNANCiAL NEWS

Agip Extends Abo FPSO Contract IGeRIAAgip exploration, a subsidiary of eNI N has extended the contract for the Floating Production, storage and offloading unit ( FPSO) Abo with BW Offshore, a provider of floating production services to the oil and gas industry. This means the FPSO will remain in place till the end of Q2 2014. The extension has been agreed to secure operational continuity while joint work to detail longer-term programs for investment and production is completed. Abo FPSO has a storage capacity of 930,000 barrels of oil and oil treatment capacity of up to 45,000 bopd, a water injection capacity of 30,000 bwpd and a gas compression capacity of 48,4 mmscfd.

DOWNSTREAM NEWS

OPEC daily basket price stood at $108.92 a barrel Wednesday, 4 December 2013 he price of OPeC basket of twelve T crudes stood at $108.92 dollars a barrel, the highest it has been since mid-September, having jumped nearly $1 compared with the price of $108.08 on Tuesday. Introduced on 16 June 2005, is currently made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (ecuador), Iran heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait export (Kuwait), es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAe) and Merey (Venezuela).

OPEC Leaves Output Unchanged at 30 MiLLiON BARRELS PER DAy INISTeRS from the Organisation of M Petroleum exporting Countries (OPeC) meeting in Vienna on the 4th of December at their quarterly gathering have agreed once again to leave their official production target at 30 million barrels per day (bpd) until at least June next year. The Ministers from 12 member nations of the OPeC, which together supply 40 per cent of the world’s oil agree that leaving production uncut will keep prices high, something they are keen to maintain. Crude oil output from OPeC had dropped to 30 million bpd its lowest in two and half years. Geopolitical tensions have led to a drop in production in Libya, Iran and Iraq. Nigeria is also contributing to the production outage as oil theft continues to spiral out of control.

Arco Petrochemicals Profits Rose 166.96% ISTeD engineering company, Arco Lrecorded Petrochemical engineering Company has a profit of N1.7 billion for the year ended March 31st 2013. Profit before tax shot up from N636.79 million in the previous financial year to N1.7 billion for the period under review representing an increase of 166.96 per cent over the preceding year. The chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Joseph Akpieyi revealed the financial statement at the company’s 31st Annual General Meeting held in Lagos recently. he pointed out that the company has already adopted the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) for its financial reporting. The financial statement for the year was prepared in compliance with the IFRS. Mr Akpieyi said that the company would be embarking on a five-year development plan to strengthen the growth already experienced across its subsidiaries. Arco Petrochemical engineering Company Limited provides maintenance engineering support, marine logistics, and pipelines and facilities inspection services to the oil and gas industry.

LOCAL CONTENT NLNG Finance Scheme To Enhance Local Content he Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited T (NLNG) Limited has announced the launch of a $1 billion financing scheme to aid local vendors. The scheme will enable registered contractors to have access to funding at competitive rates. Five banks are involved in the scheme after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company to provide the finance. The banks involved are Access Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Standard Chartered Bank, United Bank for Africa and Zenith Bank. The scheme enables contractors registered with NLNG to apply for the soft loans as long as they have a purchase order or contract document from NLNG. Managing Director of NLNG, Mr Babs Omotowa explained the rationale behind the acquisition. “NLNG recognises the many challenges limiting the sustainable growth and development of local content in Nigeria, a key one being lack of access to adequate funds. A significant number of willing contractors struggle to get financing. Banks in Nigeria often find it challenging acceding to loan applications from local contractors with little or doubtful assurances of repayment. An enterprise may have little track record, credit history or illiquid collateral and thus risks are therefore perceived to be high and this makes it more difficult for local contractors to find finance,” he said.

Monday, December 9, 2013

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, December 9, 2013 77

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Sports Weightlifting federation goes for Bulgarian coach Opens camp next week

Ahead Brazil 2014 World Cup

Keshi free to chose base camp, says NFF

Team to camp in Sao Paolo UPER Eagles’ Head Coach, Sgiving Stephen Keshi, has been the permission to look for any camp of his choice for his team’s preparations for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed yesterday. According to NFF’s Media Officer, Ademola Olajire, the team would be based in Sao Paolo, adding, “Keshi is currently inspecting a number of possible camps in the South American nation, and specifically around Sao Paulo.” Keshi, who captained Nigeria in its first appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals, the USA 1994 edition, said he cherished the opportunity given him by the NFF and would always strive for the best for Nigeria. “I am happy to have been given the free hand to select the Team Base Camp. You may think it is a small gesture but not every Head Coach has that privilege. I am certainly going to use the opportunity to select the best for our team.” Nigeria will contend with two-time world champions, Argentina, BosniaHerzegovina and Iran in Group F. Most of the 32 participating member associations are

also looking around Sao Paulo for their team base camp. A total of 83 TBCs were offered in the final TBC Brochure. A Team Base Camp comprises a Team Base Camp Hotel and a Team Camp Base Training Site. All participating member associations must confirm their Team Base Camp before the end of next month. All teams must report at their Team Base Camp no later than five days before their first match of the tournament. In the case of Nigeria, that means no later than June 11, five days before the Super Eagles clash with Iran at the 41,000 –capacity Arena da Baixada in Curitiba – a city of 1.7 million people in the south of Brazil. The Eagles will then tackle Bosnia-Herzegovina at the 42,000 –capacity Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, a city of approximately 550,000 people in the centre west, on Saturday, June 21, before flying to the south again to play Argentina in what is Group F’s most anticipated game. That match comes up at the 48,000 –capacity Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, a city of more than 1.4 million people, on Wednesday, June 25.

Sodje filmed narrating how he rigged English Football League matches OLICE has moved to arrest three men after former Portsmouth player, Sam Sodje was filmed by undercover reporters claiming he deliberately got sent off for £70,000. In a secretly filmed footage, Sodje described how he deliberately got sent off while playing for Portsmouth against Oldham in February 2013 and could arrange for footballers in the Championship to get themselves a yellow card in return for tens of thousands of pounds. He even claimed he could help to rig World Cup 2014 matches. A spokeswoman said, “an active National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation is now under way and we are working closely with the Football Association and the Gambling Commission. “Three people are in custody and are being questioned by NCA officers. We cannot comment further at this stage.” Sodje has had a journeyman existence in Football League, playing for Brentford, Reading, West

Bromwich Albion (loan), Watford (loan), Leeds United (loan), Charlton Athletic, Notts County and Pompey, as well as a short spell at Greek side, Skoda Xanthi. The NCA is already carrying out a separate investigation into an alleged international illegal betting syndicate. Speaking about the latest reports, Football League chief executive, Shaun Harvey said, “we treat any allegations of criminal activity in our competitions with the utmost seriousness. “Given that there is an ongoing police investigation into this matter, we cannot comment further at this time. Although, we would encourage anyone with any evidence to report it to the Police.” In a statement, the Football Association said, “the FA has been made aware of a number of arrests in relation to an NCA (National Crime Agency) investigation. We are working closely with the authorities in relation to these allegations.”

From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja O prepare the country’s weightlifters adequately for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have concluded plans to hire the a Bulgarian technical adviser to work with the federation’s local coaches in training the nation’s athletes for the games. The NWF has also concluded arrangements to commence a one-week seminar and workshop for its coaches, which is aimed at encouraging them to acquire more knowledge and techniques in the technical aspect of the sport. NWF President, Chibudum Nwuche said in Abuja at the weekend that the team will also begin early camping in Asaba, Delta State to keep the athletes fit for the Commonwealth Games. Thanking President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Sports/NSC Chairman, Bolaji Abdulahi and the NSC director general, Gbenga Elegbeleye, for their support to the development of sports in the country, Nwuche said the foreign technical adviser would soon join the team to prepare the athletes for the games, adding that Team Nigeria has good prospect of winning medals in weightlifting in the 2014 Commonwealth Games going by the impressive performance of the lifters at the just concluded championship in Penang, Malaysia.

Lille’s Vincent Enyeama (right) tries to stop Marseille’s defender Souleymane Diawara during their recent French Lique 1 match. The Nigerian goalkeeper finally conceded his first goal in 14 matches (1,062 minutes) when Bordeaux’s Landry N’guémo beat him to hand his club a 1-0 win…at the weekend. PHOTO: AFP.

English Premiership

Battling Everton peg back Arsenal 1-1, Fulham beat Aston Villa HEN Arsenal fans W thought their team had finally sealed the win they needed to go seven points clear of Liverpool in the Barclays English Premiership, up pops young Spaniard, Gerard Deulofeu with an individual strike to earn Everton a 1-1 draw in a thrilling encounter at the Emirates. The 19-year-old smashed past Wojciech Szczesny from inside the box to cancel out Mesut Ozil’s close-range finish two minutes earlier. Everton’s Tim Howard denied Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud, before

Szczesny thwarted Kevin Mirallas. Giroud hit the bar in injurytime, but the point moves Arsenal five clear of Liverpool at the top of the table. Everton followed up their victory at Old Trafford in midweek with another impressive performance but it was Arsenal who looked set to emerge triumphant when Ozil struck in the 80th minute. However, Deulofeu fired in a terrific finish four minutes later and the Gunners were unable to restore their lead as Olivier Giroud struck the

woodwork in the dying seconds. The result leaves Everton fifth and they have still only been beaten once in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal draw Tottenham in FA Cup, Man United get Swansea RSENAL will host A Tottenham at Emirates Stadium in the pick of the FA Cup third round ties to be played on the weekend of January 4. The draw will conjure memories of the last time the sides met in the FA Cup; on that

occasion the Gunners edged past Spurs 2-1 in the 2001 semi-final at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Chelsea must negotiate an away trip to Derby’s iPro Stadium while Swansea City travel to Old Trafford to face David Moyes’ Manchester United side.

Class of ‘94 to serve as major spur towards Brazil 2014 HE year 1994 was best year T ever in the annals of the Nigeria’s football history, and is now set to serve as a major spur to even better performance by the Super Eagles in Brazil 2014. A series of activities to celebrate the achievements of the Nigerian Super Eagles in 1994 are expected to serve as a major inspiration not only to the unfolding new crop of Super Eagles to represent Nigeria in Brazil 2014, the Class of 2014, but also to challenge and inspire Nigerian youths to aspire to win laurels for self and the nation. This was disclosed by President of “The Class of ’94 Incorporated,” Tony Nnachetta, in a news briefing in Lagos at the weekend. Nnachetta, a former vice chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA)

and Chairman of erstwhile ACB Football Club, pointed out that “in April 1994, Eagles Super Nigeria’s achieved an unprecedented landmark by winning the African Nations Cup in Tunis. Later in June, they were excellent at the FIFA World Cup held in Foxboro, USA, and by the end of World Cup ’94, Nigeria got ranked fifth in the world by FIFA. “That victory in Tunisia ’94 was epochal as it marked the very first by Nigeria on foreign soil, while the World Cup appearance was the nation’s first.” As part of the celebration marking the 20th anniversary of Nigeria’s success in 1994, Nnachetta said, “we plan to have a week long series of activities including the the unveiling of a book and a documentary. The story of

The Class of ‘94 is being introduced in an all gloss 120-page Coffee Table book and a 120minute Television Documentary. “The book brings for the record the exploits and efforts that led to this ascendancy and it tells the direct stories from The Class Of ‘94 as never published before.” He disclosed that the celebration would take place in the first quarter of 2014, “to relive and honour one of the most triumphant moments of Nigeria Football. It will provide a reunion for members of the World Cup ‘94 squad, as well as serve as impetus to the Squad aspiring for the Class of 2014 World Cup. “The celebration will afford the young generation of Nigerians and footballers to behold their heroes and

enable a grateful Nation renew itself with opportunity to rally for Brazil 2014 and create a legacy of the 1994 era of Nigeria football.” Nnachetta added, “the 120minute documentary would be a four-part television series, which would be screened on television stations in Nigeria and across Africa. In addition to our proposal for a FIFA Grade A testimonial match, we are inviting outstanding ex-footballers, managers, referees, football administrators from across Africa and the rest of the World as Resource Persons at an International Symposium on Nigeria Football to include a Technical Panel Review of ’94 World Cup and Atlanta ’96 matches and preview of Brazil 2014 Group F matches. We plan to have the symposium broadcast live across Africa.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

SPORT Monday, December 9, 2013

Mohammed cries out, as age cheats flood National Youth Games From Ezeocha Nze,Abuja HE National Youth Games (NYG) is a project of the Ministry of Sports aimed at unearthing fresh talents and giving the youth the opportunity to compete in an environment akin to what they will get in international meets, but the competition has been taking over by overaged athletes. Yesterday, president of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Ibrahim Mohammed, who is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that only eligible students participate in the

maiden NYG in Abuja, could not hide his frustration at the antics of states’ directors of sports, coaches and some parents, who have flooded the games with over aged athletes. Mohammed said most directors of sports at the states level didn’t follow the instructions given to them to collaborate with officials of the NSSF, NSC and ministry of education in their respective states resulting in the embarrassing outcome of several over aged athletes. Lamenting the situation at the screening centre,

Olamide is one of the artistes billed for the 2013 Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tourney.

Mohammed said, “the states directors of sports are to blame for the large number of over aged athletes. During our technical meeting before the games we agreed and the sports minister directed that the directors should collaborate with NSSF officials at the states level and NSC and the education ministries to help identify and screen athletes but they refused embarrassing parade of over aged athletes. “Had they complied, this would not have happened. Coaches are another big problem because they want to win at all costs. The minister has good intention and he has made it clear that the essence of this games is to discover talents under 17 years to be nurtured for future international engagements but they want to kill his dream and vision.” He said the essence of insisting on athletes only under the ages of 17 and in school was to ensure discovery of future talents that will be showcased to the world as from 2016. As at yesterday morning before the official opening ceremony of the games, over 611 athletes in 14 sports were screened out by the screening committee headed by the Mohammed. The biggest casualty was athletics, which had 124 male athletes screened out while 227 scaled through. Almost 4,000 athletes were expected to participate from the 36 states, including the FCT. Two combat sports, boxing and taekwondo, were also hit by the age scandal, with 75 male boxers disqualified while 45 made it and taekwondo having 43 males disqualified..

Nollywood stars, musicians, others gather for beach football fun OPA Lagos is destined to be a hive of celebrity activity as comedian Ali Baba, football legends, including Jay Jay Okocha and Victor Ikpeba, top models, singers, fashion icons and Nollywood stars gather for Africa’s biggest beach soccer event. The amazing three-day event offers additional quality entertainment such as a fashion show, parties and musical concerts. The beautiful coastline of Eko Atlantic, venue for the tournament, now hosts a 4000-seater stadium, concert stage, fashion runway and private VIP Lounges and cabanas. For those who have come to watch the sensational sport, a total of six matches will be played at the competition by Nigeria, Lebanon, Senegal and Germany, meaning an estimated 10,000 fans will be watching the iconic three-day event live. At half time, Spanish cheerleading sensation, Personal Plus, will wow the crowds with an exclusive, high-energy routine and post- match activities include beach parties, exotic cocktails, finger foods and Nigerian delicacies. Beach soccer is one of a growing number of recre-

ational activities that is changing the sports entertainment landscape of the city of Lagos. With massive international and local media/press coverage, TV Coverage reaching an estimated 250 million households (including Super sports) the yearly event has contributed not only to the Nigerian economy but has also created temporary jobs. The benevolent climate, better road links, good governance, and a growing middle class that appreciates quality entertainment are fueling the boom. Some of corporate Nigeria’s biggest names are booking cabanas within the VIP lounge to entertain guests and A-list artist like Olamide have confirmed they will be performing at the concert. All you need is a ticket to get in that cost between =N=1500 - =N= 2000 for regular and between =N=10,000 – =N=15,000 for VIP tickets which are available at the following locations Chocolat Royale, the Palms Lekki, designated Sweet Sensation outlets andNairabet.com outlets as well as online at Ariya Tickets, Afritickets.com and Jumia.com

Banking giant, FCMB is one of the corporate bodies throwing their weight behind this event and is confident those who attend will experience the excitement of world-class beach soccer as well as the other event activation the tournament has to offer. Other sponsors include, Eko Atlantic, Cool FM and the Lagos state government

Obinna Ebere of PFA Owerri U-15 team celebrating the equalizing goal against PFA U-15 Kaduna during their Pepsi Festival of Youth game at Agege Stadium, Lagos… recently.

Pepsi Academy unveils new stars of Nigerian football ith a rich list of Pepsi W Football Academy alumni plying their trade both at home and abroad, including John Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie, Elderson Echejile, Sunday Mba and Onyekachi Apam, amongst others, the Academy has been taking stock of its achievements since it admitted the first set of cadet footballers 21 years ago at the Agege Stadium, Lagos. Last week, a new set of players got together to show Nigerian soccer fans the type of talents they should expert in the national teams in the near future. The fiesta featured teams from the zones in matches at the Agege Stadium, Lagos. At a gala night also in Lagos to mark the end of the Academy’s activities for 2013, Consultant to Pepsi Football Academy, Iain Nelson, who

helped in midwifing the project, lauded the sustained commitment of Seven-Up Bottling Company to the Pepsi Football Academy, saying it is “a remarkable achievement in any country but especially in Nigeria with the challenges facing her as an emerging market.” He said the Pepsi Academy has grown from one centre with few students to about 14 centres across Nigeria with over 3,000 enrolments. Nelson said Pepsi Academy has a pool of talents from which lots of players from age grade competitions in Nigeria such as the Nigeria Under- 17, Flying Eagles and the Under -23 Olympic team have been drawn from. He recalled that when Nigeria won silver in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Holland in 2005, eight members of the team were prod-

ucts of the Pepsi Academy. Besides, Nelson said the academy has also connected with football lovers through exciting TV football shows such as Pepsi On The Ball, Pepsi World Challenge, Only Through Pepsi reality TV programme among others. This is in addition to international partnerships with organisations such as St Bedes School and Brooke House College in the United Kingdom, which has enabled 12 students of the Pepsi Academy to enjoy two year academic and football scholarships in the two schools. Director of Pepsi Football Academy, Dr. Kasimawo Laloko said the foremost academy has put measures in place for training and retraining of the coaches both locally and abroad to acquaint them with the current techniques in coaching especially young people.

Superforce FC-sponsored ‘Naija Freestyle Football Competition’ kicks off in Lagos By Eno-Abasi Sunday HE maiden edition of T Naija Freestyle Football Competition, organised by the Superforce Football Club, got underway over the weekend at the Ikeja Military Cantonment, Lagos. The event is featuring over 300 participants, who are testing their proficiency in different aspects of football including ball handling, joggling, endurance, creativity and general ball control. At the end of the week-long tourney, the winner in the boy’s category will go home

with the sum of N50, 000, while the winner of the girl’s category would cart home N30, 000. According to the Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of Superforce FC, Remi Olukoya, the competition was only its way of popularising this variant of football. An elated Olukoya, who was deeply impressed by the turnout of participants and the skills displayed by them, added that the competition has been an eye-opener as well as a medium to reveal the sheer magnitude of foot-

Marketing and Communications Manager, Smartmark, Segun Ogunleye, second third place winner (men) Adeyemi Olaoluwa and music producer, Sarz at the presentation of prizes to winners of the Nike We Run Lagos…at the weekend.

ball skills possessed by Nigerian youths. Insisting that there was so much talent waiting to be harnessed in the country, Olukoya informed that the tourney would henceforth be a yearly event. “I am very impressed by the turn out of players in spite of the heavy rains. We were actually expecting over a thousand participants but because we started a bit late, the number shrunk to just a little over 300 boys and girls,” Olukoya said. Describing the Superforce FC as an outfit dedicated to taking the Nigerian youth away from drugs, violence and all other delinquent activities associated with youth and engaging them positively in human development projects, Olukoya stressed that “S.F.F.C. is organising the freestyle football in a way it has never been organised before in the country. S.F.F.C.’s strongest point, no doubt, is its being a grassroots outfit and it is exploring that avenue to the fullest. The outfit is taking the game straight to the grassroots where it belongs. The final of the competition is slated for the legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The competition is supported by Promasidor, Sona Tusk, UAC foods, Coca Cola and Fast Forward Freight.

Monday, December 9, 2013 SPORT 79

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

ITTF World Junior Championships Fallout

Nigerian players list challenges, gains in Morocco From Olalekan Okusan, Rabat, Morocco FTER played against the A world’s best at the just concluded International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Junior Championships in Rabat, Morocco, Nigerian players have admitted that despite the difficulties they had, attending the tournament has indeed benefited them. In Morocco, Nigeria made a return to the zenith of the game at junior level after more than one decade absence. The players, who spoke to The Guardian at the championship, were thrilled with their outing in the tournament, but said that with more training and facilities, they can compete favourably with their European counterparts in the game. Captain of Team Nigeria, Olajide Omotayo, whose performance helped the country to finish 15th in the world in the team event, said he was particularly happy being part of the team. “I am happy that I made it to this competition and I can say that I have acquired new skills which I hope to work on when I get to Nigeria. From the way we played, it was obvious that we were not too far from the Europeans in terms of standard, but the gap between us and the Asians are still far. So I believe that if we have the opportunity to train well under a good condition with the latest equipment, we can be among the top players in the world. “When we were coming to

Morocco, I thought we would be easy meat to other teams, but it was not like that because most of the matches we lost were just too close and this alone has given us confidence that we are not behind at all,” Omotayo said. He agreed that the Asians are still too good for Nigeria, especially in their speed and service. “This goes to show that we still need to improve on our service while we also need to go scientific in our game. “Table tennis has gone beyond depending on strength and skills alone, you need a lot of techniques and accuracy to be able to compete among the world’s best. Also we need to attend more competitions especially Pro Tour and Junior Circuit so that we can get stronger with each competition. “In all, we are grateful to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) for giving us this privilege to be part of this tournament. It was a worthwhile experience.” Ajoke Ojomu and Agnes Onoja said events in Morocco has opened their eyes to the fact that more techniques are needed by Nigerian players to do well at world stage. Ojomu said: “I think my coming to this competition is not a waste because I thought I was a good player before coming to Morocco, but after playing series of matches, I now realized that I need to continue to work hard. “My target is to be the best player in Nigeria, but I need a lot of hard work. For the

country, I think facilities and regular coaching are required for junior players because what we are used to in Nigeria is not what obtains at world level. I found out that it was not that the European players are better than us… it is only that we were inexperienced. We played them very well but whenever we were leading, we get nervous and this most times caused us the victory.” The Abuja-based player added: “One other thing that I took away from Morocco is that most of the top players don’t give up easily even when you are leading them like 10-0 unlike us that believe that when your opponent is leading you by three to four points, the game is over. “The foreign players will even be playing as if they are on same points with their opponent whenever they are down by big margin. So for me, this alone is something I will take away from Rabat. It was a good experience and I hope to make use of it when I get to

Onoja

ITTF tips Nigeria’s Omotayo for greatness, calls for players’ exposure From Olalekan Okusan, Rabat, Morocco IGERIA’S Olajide N Omotayo stood out at the just concluded International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Junior Championships in Rabat, Morocco, with his style of play particularly thrilling ITTF’s Publication Editor, Ian Marshall. Marshall, who singled out Omotayo for praise from the

Nigerian team, described the player as the driving force for the country’s new generation of players. In his write up on ITTF website, Marshall said: “The result against United States’ Kanak Jha means that it is the end of the road for Olajide Omotayo but undoubtedly it is not the last we will hear of the 18 year old; he is a very stylish right handed attacking player, who displays both footwork

and balance of a high standard. He has good style but I think his strokes are slightly too long and he needs to be better over the table.” He added: “He is exciting to watch but his safety play needs to improve, blocking skills. He needs to vary to play more, the top spin play is very much the same; change the rotation on the ball.” The ITTF official, however,

Kidsport Soccer Fiesta delights street children By Sereba Agiobu-Kemmer got an unusual invitation IStreet from a charity organisation, Child Care and Welfare Initiative, founded by a young lady, Bukola Martins Edem, to be a guest at the annual soccer fiesta for underprivileged children in Lagos and its environs. The event known as the ‘Kidsport Charity Cup’ is a soccer competition organised for underprivileged children. For the past four years, Kidsport has been promoting the idea of no kid being left out to the sidelines and deprived of the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organised sports. Kidsport appears to be an interactive kids community using sports and entertainment as a uniting thread for athletes, kids and families, though the emphasis seem to be on bringing the opportunities first to the less privileged. Speaking on her initiative, Edem said the quality of childhood is critical as a help or hindrance in later life. “What sets the stage for our future development – loss or hurt, or love and respect? Although we all know that childhood is decisive, children are still ignored, manipulated, abused and abandoned.

“The organisation’s goal is to protect and improve the rights and lives of street children in Lagos and its environs. The Kidsport Charity Cup soccer competition between orphanages in Lagos took place last week at Campos Mini Stadium. Seven homes slugged it out in the keenly competed games and at the end of the day, Citadel of Grace Igando won this year’s edition of the competition, Street Child Care of Yaba took the second

place, while the former champions, Project Friendship Initiative Isheri were in third place. SOS, Isolo lost on penalties to Project Friendship Initiative to be 4th, Arrows of God, SOS, Owu (Ogun State) and Habitation of Hope played well too, but their best just wasn’t good enough this season. Also the two highbrow colleges and traditional rivals, Kings College and St. Gregory’s College played a friendly match with St.

Gregory’s College surprising beating King’s College, the current Lagos State Champions by 3-2. At the end of the event, there were gifts and souvenirs for all the participating kids aged between 10 to 13 years. The winning team in addition to the championship trophy were presented with a LED TV donated by Clear View Optics. Support for the event came from other companies, including Nigeria Bottling Company, Promasidor, Eboo Small Chops, Flour Mills of Nigeria

(Golden Penny Noodles), Melrose Publishing, and the Lagos State Government among others. The special guests for the occasion were. Mayowa Ikuforiji, wife of the speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly and Agboola Pinheiro, former Chairman, Lagos State Sports Council, among other dignitaries, families and well-wishers. At the end of the day, the children were so thrilled that they are looking forward to the next edition already.

called for more exposure for Nigerian players, which he says would help the country to compete favorably at world stage. Speaking with The Guardian after his game at the weekend, Omotayo said he is pleased with his performance in Morocco because “there are a lot of good players in this competition and it was a good outing for us finishing 15th. “I played seven matches and won five. With this, I am impressed because this is my first time of participating in the World Junior Championships.” He added: “I played well against the Korean player but I think he was faster and more mobile than me. I could not cope with his service and this really affected me to lose a lot of point.” Omotayo is also disappointed by his loss to the American player “because I was leading in the seventh game 9-6 and immediately he called time out, I lost concentration on the table. It was painful but I had to accept the defeat.

TheGuardian

Monday, December 9, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Femi Oni DUCATION is the process by which any sociE ety through schools, colleges, universities and other institutions deliberately transmits its heritage, that is, its accumulated knowledge, values and skills from one generation to another. In pre-colonial times, education, although imparted through informal means, was very rich and teachers were very dedicated. The feet of the elders formed the classrooms and pupils were initiated into life and living majorly through proverbs and wise sayings. Education during the pre-colonial period up to the 1970’s could be said to be organised. Unfortunately, the 1980’s till the present have witnessed the desecration of education and teaching, with teachers no longer motivated to take seriously their duty as custodians of a sacred mandate to bring awareness and knowledge to the future managers of men and resources. In primary and post-primary schools especially, the standard has fallen so low that parents opted for private schools, where they pay exorbitant fees for their children. Our education institutions have become shadow of themselves. Decrepit infrastructures, ill-motivated teachers, inadequate funding and especially, moral disorientation are some of the factors that have taken the shine away from our primary and post-primary schools. These problems affecting our education sector are serious when we take into consideration the fact that government regulations guiding the education sector are mechanical guidelines, entirely lacking in a sound philosophical footing. All the policy orientations affecting and regulating schooling are not properly organised or efficient in packaging the desired quality of education. In the private primary and post-primary schools especially, the caliber of proprietors of these schools is not closely monitored in order to gauge the proprietors’ capability to go into an educational enterprise. It seems the only consideration has been the owner’s financial power, which thus allows even the illiterate and inexperienced bourgeoisie to play key roles in the management of our educational establishments. Furthermore, in this age when the family, the basic and first social context for the child’s socialisation and training, has also been dislocated as both husband and wife enter into full-time occupations to make ends meet, the society now depends almost solely on the school as the social agent to prepare the child mentally, morally and socially to become a responsible citizen. Unfortunately, very few of our present schools are positioned contentwise and instructor-wise to meet this demand. It is no gainsaying that the contemporary Nigerian environment therefore is thus illequipped to prepare our children qualitatively to achieve the goal of education of search for an understanding of the meaning and the purpose of life, and discovering the right way to live. Already we have begun to witness the effect of this situation, which include lowering of values and morals, and students’ involvement in violent and wicked acts besides meaningless intellectual orientation and ideas. These attitudes are perhaps best captured in the ideals and contents of today’s music, as well as the role models that now exist for the young. Whereas in the 70’s and 80’s, sentimental and emotional music that celebrated love, harmony and peace were usually meaningful, spiritually uplifting and morally strengthening, modern popular music frequently contains lyrics like: I am crazy, take banana till u go yo, take moet, badoo! Are you a learner?, azonto. Of particular interest is take banana till u go yo. I tried but all to no avail to decipher the philosophy in that song. Sincerely, I cannot imagine the likes of King Sunny Ade, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey or even the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti going to studio and singing take banana till u go yo for 10 minutes. Without mincing words, this moral deca-

Please send reactions and feedback for YOUTH SPEAK to:

editorial@risenetworks.org and 07067976667- SMS ONLY

Revisiting our education policy (1)

Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike dence is not only noticeable in our modern songs but also in Nollywood. Most of the film churns out these days are nothing compared to films of yore. It is indubitable that most modern films lack in-depth philosophical message and moral admonition. The only difference is that most of the present day films are produced using sophisticated 3D camera, high-tech audio equipments and attention-

grabbing costumes. Notwithstanding these state-of-the-art technologies, most of our indigenous films are lacking in content and are also poorly subtitled. Although, there are still some good films out there. I remember that films like Thunderbolt, Saworoide developed my interest in the study of African Philosophy (ifa corpus). I once asked myself that how can a young guy in his

The YOUTHSPEAK Column which is published daily is an initiative of THE GUARDIAN, and powered by RISE NETWORKS, Nigeria’s Leading Youth Development Centre, as a substantial advocacy platform available for ALL Nigerian Youth to engage Leadership at all levels, engage Society and contribute to National Discourse on diverse issues especially those that are peculiar to Nigeria. Regarding submission of articles, we welcome writers‘ contributions by way of well crafted, analytical and thought provoking opinion pieces that are concise, topical and non-defamatory! All articles (which are not expected to be more than 2000 words) should be sent to editorial@risenetworks.org To read the online Version of this same article plus past publications and to find out more about Youth Speak, please visit www.risenetworks.org/youthspeak and join the ongoing National Conversations’’. Also join our on-line conversation

RISE GROUP

@risenetworks

21676F3E

Published by Guardian Newspapers Limited, Rutam House, Isolo, Lagos Tel: 4489600, 2798269, 2798270, 07098147948, 07098147951 Fax: 4489712; Advert Hotlines: Lagos 7736351, Abuja 07098513445; Circulation Hotline: 01 4489656 All correspondence to Guardian Newspapers Limited, P.M.B. 1217, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria. E-mail letters@ngrguardiannews.com; www.ngrguardiannews.com

Editor: MARTINS

OLOJA

ABC (ISSN NO 0189-5125)

Our education institutions have become shadow of themselves. Decrepit infrastructures, illmotivated teachers, inadequate funding and especially, moral disorientation are some of the factors that have taken the shine away from our primary and post-primary schools early 20’s boast of spending millions of naira in doing a tattoo when other youth are finding it difficult to eat. Sincerely, this totally negates the Nigerian spirit of being our brothers’ keepers! Funny enough, some of these nouveau riche youth would buy two cartons of noodles, one packet of Saint Louis sugar and one carton of canned drinks for orphanage as part of his corporate social responsibility. Haba! Also our school curriculum are lacking in content. Go to our private elementary schools and one will begin to see that most of what they are taught does not conform to our indigenous moral values. Even the study of our indigenous languages is gradually being phased out from the school curriculum. I was at a private school some years back and I saw an inscription Do not speak in Yoruba on the school wall. Haba! What is the nexus between a child’s level of intelligent quotient and his indigenous language? I cry whenever I hear the way people pronounce Alausa and Magodo! It is pronounced A-la-u-sa and not Ala-usa. Where are those back in the days nursery rhymes that were laced with both moral and philosophical messages? I remember those moral stories that we used to read in Alawiye by J.F. Odunjo! I remember those Yoruba rhymes like: ka mu ragba ta ragba, iwa, iwa la’ nwa, iwa. Eni w’aye ti o n’iwa, aye l’asan l’owa. Adifa fun iwa ni’jo ti nsawo r’ode Oyo. Iwa gbo riru ebo, o ru, iwa gbo titu etutu, o tu. Iwa wa ruu ye, o ruu la. Ka mu ragba ta ragba, iwa, iwa la’ nwa, iwa. Ka mu ragba ta ragba, iwa, iwa la’, nwa, iwa. This can be translated thus (Turn it up, turn it down, all that matters is good character. Twist it as you may, the essence does not change. One without a good character lives a worthless life. This was the oracular principle on which the people operated. They disciplined themselves, did all that was necessary. At the end they were happy and successful. Turn it up, turn it down, and twist it as you may. The essence does not change. The most valuable thing in life is good character). Yoruba moral precepts are well captured in its folklore particularly Àló (Yoruba folk tales). Many of the Yoruba folk tales (i.e. Àló) are meant to convey moral precepts, to teach societal norms and etiquettes, to comment on life and living, and to portray the structure of society. Of particular relevance for the present discussion is the Àló Ìjàpá. These are animal stories, in which ijapa (the tortoise believed in folklore to be the most cunning of all animals) is always the focal, often the tragic character. Most of the stories depict possible and actual situations that mirror the society’s experiences of reality and offer occasions for critical reflection on such experiences. It is also of paramount importance to note that the Odù Ifa is a corpus of sacred texts designed essentially to answer questions of human life through the process of divination. But as Awise Wande Abimbola has points out in his seminar works on the Odù, they contain a wealth of knowledge and teachings in the realm of various fields including art, literature, medicine, history, religion and ethics. To be continued. Oni is a postgraduate student of Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos. 08065848504 or speciela@yahoo.com