Fri 31 may 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Friday, May 31, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,573

N150

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Govt probes banks over federation revenue From Mathias Okwe, Assistant Business Editor, Abuja ONEY deposit banks in M the country may now face investigation by the Federal Government over their activities concerning the receipt and remittances to the Federation Account of taxes and duties from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) yesterday said its committee on non-oil revenue on monitoring of banks’ compliance recently discovered a wide range of irregularities by some of the banks engaged in the collection of non-oil revenue for

the Federation Account from diversion of revenue collected to high Commission on Turnover (COT) charges by the banks involved. The RMAFC is the Federal Government agency charged with the responsibility of among other things to monitor revenue accruals and disbursements of federally-collected revenue

to the three tiers of government. About 21 banks in the country have been contracted by the FIRS and the NCS to collect taxes and duties for government. A special account is to be opened with the CBN where all recoveries made shall be paid from where consultants engaged are also to be paid their relevant pro-

fessional fees and the balance remitted to the Federation Account. At a press briefing yesterday by the Chairman of RMAFC, Elias Mbam on the sore issue, he said the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) following a report to it by the RMAFC has authorised it to carry out an investigation of the banks’

activities beginning from January 2008 to June 2012. Accordingly, Mbam said the commission in line with due relevant provisions of the Public Procurement Act has appointed a lead consultant, J.K. Consulting, led by Mr. Joseph Kayode Naiyeju, former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) who CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

OPEC meets, may not alter global supply • New scribe may emerge today From Collins Olayinka, Vienna, Austria NDICATIONS have emerged Imajor that there may not be any changes to the global oil supplies as the Oil Producing Exporting Countries (OPEC) holds its meeting today in Vienna, Austria. The Guardian gathered yesterday in Vienna that as participants arrived for the 163rd (Ordinary) OPEC meeting, there is no desire to alter supplies that could influence global oil prices among member-states. However, there is the growing apprehension of the ability of shale revolution in the United States (U.S.) to alter global demands, especially U.S import which still remains the largest oil consumer nation in the world CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

President Goodluck Jonathan (left); Chairman, Visafone Communications Limited, Jim Ovia and Co-Chairman, Presidential Committee on Broadband, Ernest Ndukwe, during the submission of the report on National Broadband Plan for 2013-2018 to the President in Abuja... yesterday.

Reps investigate $40m surveillance contract From Adamu Abuh and Terhemba Daka, Abuja HE House of RepresentaT tives has ordered an investigation into the alleged award of $40 million Internet surveillance contract by the Presidency to a foreign company. The said contract was in-

tended to monitor computers and Internet activities of over 45 millions Nigerians. The alleged contract was reportedly awarded to an Israeli firm. Meanwhile, the House has adopted the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill, preparatory for its third reading.

• Adopt anti-gay marriage Bill The House mandated its committees on ICT, Justice and Anti- corruption to investigate the alleged contract, while the Presidency was directed to put the contract on hold while the investigation lasts.

This was the outcome of a motion introduced under matters of urgent public importance by Ibrahim Shehu Gusau (ANPP Zamfara) who stated that the contract was reported to have been awarded secretly and in clear disre-

gard for due process and the Fiscal Responsibility Act as well as the Public Procurement Act of 2007. According to him, the award has violated the basic privacy provision in Chapter 4, Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, pointing out that the contract purportedly awarded for intelli-

Factional NGF opens office, lawmakers deny plan to impeach Amaechi - Page 2

gence gathering for purposes of national security may not be the answer to the glaring security challenges facing the country at the moment. He further argued that the right to private and family life of Nigerians have been violated and breached by the arrangement. Both Houses of the Sixth National Assembly had passed CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

2 NEWS

Reps investigate $40m surveillance contract CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the controversial bill, but was not assented to by the President, prompting the Albert Sam-Tsokwa-led Rules and Business Committee of the House of Representatives to re-introduce it for the Committee of the Seventh House to consider. Speaking with journalists after the adoption, spokesman of the House, Zakari Mohammed, stated that the lawmakers have spoken the minds of Nigerians, and added that there was no going back. Key sections of the Eightclause Bill were that “marriage contracts or civil union entered between persons of

same gender are invalid and shall not be recognised as entitled to the benefits of a valid marriage,” and the provision that “marriage or civil union entered between persons of same gender shall not be solemnised in any place of worship either church, mosque or any place in Nigeria.” The bill, if passed into law, would also prohibit the registration of gay clubs, societies and organisations, the public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly, while those involved in same sex marriage if convicted are liable to 14 years imprisonment among other

OPEC may not increase production CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 with China trailing second. Indeed, the International Energy Agency (IEA) report released recently said that U.S. shale oil supply will help meet most of the world’s new demand in the next five years, a possibility that has now widened OPEC freedom to increase its supply to the global market without lower price backlash. OPEC members have adopted a cautious apprehension on the likely implications of shale boom. But Nigeria has not only been on the edge but also developed more than passive interest in the shale oil production as that has lowered its supplies to the U.S. The Guardian was told at the OPEC headquarters that members would likely maintain the current 30 million barrels per day. There is also an eye on next year as it could see a drop in world demand for OPEC oil which delegates said may argue for supply curbs. Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa, who is a governor of OPEC, are expected to represent Nigeria at the oil cartel meeting. It was uncertain yesterday which of the candidates running to replace the out-going Secretary-General, Libyan Abdullah al-Badri, Nigeria

would be canvassing for. But for now, it was learnt that no country has mustered the required support among member-states to emerge victorious. Therefore, apart from deciding on the quantity OPEC members are expected to contribute to the international market, the choice of Secretary-General would dominate discussions. It was gathered that Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia are pushing for their nationals for the chief scribe position. But so far, no consensus has been reached among the contending nations. OPEC has failed to reach common agreements on the number of barrels to push into the international market and what individual countries should contribute to the highly politicised oil market.

Factional NGF opens office, lawmakers deny plan to impeach Amaechi From Kelvin Ebiri (Port Harcourt) and Karls Tsokar (Abuja) HE Jonah Jang-led faction T of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commissioned a new secretariat in Abuja. The Plateau State governor who is the factional chairman said after the ceremony that the intention was to have a neutral venue for the NGF’s meetings. Meanwhile, 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have refuted an allegation that they have received gratification or marginal oil fields to impeach Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. According to Jang, “plans are in top gear to reconcile all other members of the forum into one body for the peace and progress of the nation.” Jang, who was flanked by his vice chairman and Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and their Ebonyi counterpart, Elechi Martins, after a brief meeting, said they only discussed the recent celebration of Nigeria’s 14 years of uninterrupted civilian regime and congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan for successfully presenting a mid-term report of his administration anchored on the transformation agenda. Other governors that attended were those of Kogi, Delta, Kaduna, Cross River, Katsina, Anambra, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Abia states. Deputy Governors rep-

resented Benue and Gombe states. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors of Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Adamawa, Niger and of course Rivers states were absent. In a statement endorsed by all of them entitled, Resolution - Our Stand, the lawmak-

ers said: “We have observed with consternation dangerous rumours making the rounds, even appearing on the pages of national dailies that we, the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been financially induced to impeach His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (CON), Gov-

President Jonathan

Governor Amaechi

Car, lorry crush four Lagos, Ilorin residents By Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin) and Isaac Taiwo, David Ibemere, Waheed Usama (Lagos) RAGEDY struck at about T noon yesterday in Lagos when a Mitsubishi Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration number EPE-227AV veered off the road and ran into two old women and a motorcycle rider at 69, Ishaga Road, Idi-Araba, killing one of them, Madam Saratu Ailara (87) instantly.

Govt deploys tools for airspace surveillance By Wole Shadare OR optimal flight operaFspace tions, the Nigerian AirManagement Agency (NAMA) said yesterday that it had deployed its surveillance facility for area radar control from its two area control centres in Lagos and Kano. Its spokesman, Supo Atobatele, in a statement disclosed that 18 flights operated by some foreign airlines like Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Portu-

gal, Turkey Airlines, South African Airways, Egypt Air and Saudi Air, took advantage of the new air traffic service that commenced midnight as they were vectored on radar within the Kano flight information region. Air traffic management experts had mounted pressure on the agency, stressing that the delay in rectifying the communications hiccups in the country’s airspace portended grave danger for its safety. Some of them applauded the new move, but stated that the agency still needed to do more. According to Atobatele, the benefits of the new traffic management include increased airspace capacity, improved safety, reduced fuel consump-

ernor of Rivers State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum. For the avoidance of doubt, we make bold to categorically state as follows: • that we have not and will not receive any pecuniary gratification or marginal oil fields; • that we are united in our resolve to commit our unalloyed loyalty to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike R. Amaechi, Governor and the people of Rivers State; • that we the undersigned do not contemplate the impeachment of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike R. Amaechi as an option; and • that we reiterate our loyalty to the President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the leader of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”

tion, reduced flight time and efficient flow of air traffic within the nation’s airspace. He said NAMA’s Managing Director, Nnamdi Udoh, described the migration from procedural to area radar control as part of the dividends of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the aviation sector. NAMA boss, who praised the initiatives of the agency’s previous leaders over their foresight in conceptualising the idea of Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) for the country, equally applauded the efforts of the regulatory agency - NCAA -for ensuring the smooth take-off of the new air traffic service.

The second woman, who was in her 70s, popularly known in the area as “Iya Bayo” and the motorcyclist were rushed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) where they were later confirmed dead. According to an eyewitness, the two women were trekking together and just got to the spot where the motorcyclist was resting in front of a building where people gathered to watch football match on television when the vehicle veered off the road and crushed the three. Another eyewitness said Iya Bayo, a trader, had her shop along Ishaga road and not far from the scene of the accident. When The Guardian visited the home of the late Mrs. Ailara, sympathisers had gathered and preparation to bury her was on. Her first son, Rafiu Ailara said her mother and Iya Bayo were friends and it was common practice for his mother to visit her friend. According to him, the family had accepted what happened as one of those occurrences and were already making arrangements to bury their mother. And in Ilorin, Kwara State, at about the same time, a tipper driver veered off the road and

crushed a 16-year old girl to death at Taiwo Isale junction. The girl, Moridiyat Abdullateef, said to be an SS1 student of the Government Girls Day Secondary School (GDSS), Oke Suna, Ilorin, wanted to cross the road when the driver of the tipper lost control and hit her. Sources said the truck crushed the girl who died instantly as it fell into a pit near Asa River. Nearby kiosks were also said to have been destroyed. “The deceased wanted to go and fetch water for her grand-father before going to school”, a source said. It was gathered that while residents and good Samaritans battled in vain to save the girl’s life, the driver of the tipper who was said to have been excessively drunk and was over-speeding, reportedly took to his heels. A police towing vehicle which arrived to remove the truck was prevented by sympathisers and residents around. The truck with number plate XB 482 BDU which fell directly in front of the deceased’s residence, a one-storey building beside Asa river, was still on the spot when The Guardian visited the scene of the accident.

Govt probes banks over federation revenue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 was also one-time chairman of the FIRS and 52 other consultants, including PriceWaterhouseCoopers Ltd, to look into the activities of the banks throughout the country. The consultants are expected to flag off their assignment on June 3, and to turn in their report by August 15, 2013. The action of the Federal Government is coming on the heels of the startling revelation by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) two months ago that its newly-established department of Con-

sumer Protection had within one year alone, recovered from money deposit banks in the country over N6 billion being amount over-charged customers. The discovery of these developments may gradually be providing answers to pricking questions by industry watchers on how the banks in Nigeria are making the bogus profits they declare in the face of harsh global economic realities, particularly when the banks are not yet doing much in their primary responsibility of assisting the private sector to be the en-

gine of growth. Mbam yesterday spoke on the scope of the task for the lead consultant: “Supervise and co-ordinate the activities of other consultants; develop data capturing and reporting template; verify, reconcile and ensure that the flow of revenue from collecting agencies from January 2008 to June 2012 is in accordance with the relevant agreements between the collecting banks, FIRS and the NIS; produce a comprehensive report of all the findings and recommendations.” On the other hand, the task

for other consultants, according to the chairman of RMAFC, is: “cover allocated bank(s) and revenue sources as provided by the Commission; reconcile the flow of revenue from collecting banks to Lead banks; reconcile all transfers from the Lead banks to the Federation Account in the CBN. Others are: verify that the remuneration paid to each Lead and collecting banks is in accordance with the agreement signed with FIRS and NCS; submit comprehensive report of all findings to the Lead Consultant.”

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

News ACN laments state of nation, scores Jonathan low HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said Nigerians T need no ‘marking scheme’ to

Deputy Governor of Oyo State, H.E. Moses Alake Adeyemi (left); Board members of Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (MYFI), Jide Sanwoolu; and Tinu-Ade Aina Badejo at governor’s office, during the presentation of relief materials worth N2 million to Oyo State government for victims of recent flood crisis in the state by board members of Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (of which Senator Oluremi Tinubu is the convener).

Reps want N10m for FCT district courts From Terhemba Daka, Abuja HE House of Representatives has called for an increase in the monetary jurisdiction of magistrate courts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to a minimum of N10 million. The current monetary jurisdiction of the courts is N250,000. The House had, following a resolution on a motion introduced on the matter by Toby Okechukwu, urged the Chief Justice of the FCT to, as required by law, recommend to the minister, an increase in the jurisdiction specifically in line with Section 17 of the District Court Laws of Northern Nigeria.

FG builds monument in memory of Dana crash victims From Kanayo Umeh, Abuja HE Federal Government is erecting a monument at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA) in memory of victims of the Dana crash. Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, made this disclosure yesterday at a press briefing and stakeholders’ forum on aviation safety, as part of activities lined up to mark the 2013 Aviation Safety Week. She said the monument, which is in commemoration of the First Anniversary of the crash, would be unveiled on June 3, 2013. The minister stated that the ministry has been working vigorously since the incident to avert any future occurrence in Nigeria’s airspace, while the nation awaits the final reports of the investigation.

Anxiety as apex court rules on Oni’s suit against Fayemi today From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti NXIETY pervaded Ado Ekiti, A Ekiti State capital yesterday as the residents awaited today’s judgment of the Supreme Court in Abuja over the suit filed by former governor, Mr. Segun Oni, challenging his sack from office by Appeal Court sitting in Ilorin in October 15, 2010. The Appeal Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, had earlier dismissed the suit filed by Oni, praying that the October 15, 2010 Appeal Court judgment delivered in Ilorin, Kwara State be set aside for alleged bias, to pave way for the constitution of another panel to try the matter de novo. The State Police Command has warned that anybody who tried to foment trouble after the judgment will be dealt

with. It warned all the political leaders in the state to control their members. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, said the command has deployed its men in strategic locations to forestall any attempt to cause crisis in the state. Wakama, who spoke through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Babayemi, said: “We are monitoring the situation very closely. We summoned all leaders of political parties on Tuesday, and it was agreed that they will talk to their supporters and party members in view of today’s judgment to ensure that there is peace in Ekiti. “Our Intelligence unit had been sent out to gather information from the public. We have also deployed our men to all strategic locations across the state to forestall break-

down of law and order that may arise as a result of the judgment. So, we don’t foresee crisis before, during and after the judgment,” Wakama assured. In the suit, Oni is seeking an order setting aside the decision of the Court delivered on Monday February 27, 2012 and the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin delivered on October 15, 2010 as well as nullifying the election of Fayemi as governor. He is also seeking an order directing a fresh panel of the Court of Appeal to hear and determine the aforesaid appeal de novo. The former governor is praying the court for an order directing the Speaker of the House of Assembly to take over the governance of Ekiti State pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

assess the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration or any administration at all, noting that the people know when a government has impacted positively on their lives. In a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also reminded Jonathan that it is not the business of the opposition to spoon-feed his administration on how to govern, even though the party has, time and again, gone out of its way to proffer solutions to the myriad of problems facing the nation, out of sheer patriotism. ‘’Needless to say that such suggestions from us and other well-meaning groups and individuals have been so arrogantly ignored by the administration,’’ it said. ACN wondered why Jonathan allegedly became irritated that Nigerians have not given his administration a pass mark, after about three years in the saddle and two years since he was elected. ‘’Mr. President, Nigerians need no marking scheme to know that the rate of unemployment went up, under your watch, to an unprecedented 23.9 per cent by December 2011, according to figures given by the National Bureau of Statistics. Today, the figure must be hovering above the 50 per cent mark! ‘’Nigerians need no marking scheme to know that under your watch, security of lives and property, as well as the welfare of the citizens - the raison d’etre of any government - are at the lowest ebb. A day before

you demanded a marking scheme from Nigerians instead of giving them better life, a popular musician was attacked by a nine-man gang that snatched his car and deprived him of his money in the country’s economic capital city - the fate being suffered daily by millions of your compatriots!” According to ACN, what marking scheme does one need to know that despite the seemingly impressive economic figures being reeled out by the government, the average Nigerian is worse off today than he or she was before Jonathan became president. What we are seeing is growth without development. ‘The socalled 6.5 per cent economic growth announced by your Finance minister is meaningful only on paper. How does that help the thousands of university graduates who are scrambling to work as truck drivers? How does it make Lagos-Ibadan expressway or the East-West road safer for Nigerians?” The party urged Jonathan to explain the impact for Nigerians of the high foreign reserves figure and the stable exchange rates for the naira reeled out by the Finance Minister. ‘’And in case Mr. President thinks it is only the opposition and the media - his administration’s favourite whipping boys – that are scoring his administration low, what about the Washington-based global advocacy and campaigning organisation, ONE, which listed Nigeria under President Jonathan’s watch - and DR Congo among ‘laggard countries’ pulling Africa back from reaching the MDG goals by 2015? ‘’ACN queried.

Africa VCs, others laud World Bank’s planned aid to varsities From Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi, Libreville, Gabon HE announcement yesterday by the World Bank that it wished to lay more emphasis on tertiary education in the African continent, at the ongoing 13 General Conference of the Association of African Universities (AAU) in Libreville, Gabon, has been described as a major paradigm shift by various vice chancellors and professors in attendance. When Ritva Reinikka, the Finnish World Bank’s Africa Region’s Director of Human Development took the floor to announce the bank’s decision to establish 15 Centres of Excellence in selected universities across West and Central Africa, which include Nigeria, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso,

Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal and Togo, some Nigerian professors however, expressed cautious optimism. According to Reinikka, the objective of the soon-to-belaunched project is to promote regional specialisation among participating universities in areas that address specific common regional development challenges. The initiative will also strengthen the capacities of the participating institutions to “deliver high quality training and applied research” and would also “meet the demand for skills required for Africa’s development, such as the extractive industries.” The project, anchored on the bank’s new “Learning for All” policy, will focus on strengthening between seven and 10

existing universities in West and Central Africa, for which $8 million will be provided for each of the 15 centres. Some institutions will be qualified to have two of such centres. The institutions will be competitively selected, based on the criteria benchmarked to best international practices. The qualifying universities would be required to strengthen post graduate proprammes for a regional students’ body; offer specialised courses for industry professionals in the region; establish a regional faculty and attract additional top-level faculty. They would also provide learning resources, laboratories and minor rehabilitation of existing facilities. Besides, they would be man-

dated to establish linkages with companies, government agencies and research centres for workplace learning, input into curricula, consultancies and joint research. The envisaged beneficiaries will include students in supported institutions and their partner institutions, who will benefit from quality research based education in high demand areas; companies, governmental organisations that partner with the envisaged centres, and both academic and non-academic staff of the benefitting institutions. Reinikka also revealed that the bank’s new focus on higher education in Africa would, in general terms, be anchored on five main areas: quality and standards; courses that are relevant to Africa’s needs in real

terms; transparent system of governance, especially in filling academic positions; standards and evolution of private universities; funding of public universities; and the ways through which soft loans could be granted to students from low income families to study in universities. Interestingly, the bank had, in the 1990s, told African governments to pay more attention to basic education and focus less on the tertiary level. This had been a contentious issue between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the bank at several fora over the years, where the union directly accused the bank of deliberately pursuing policies to weaken Nigeria’s and by extension, Africa’s development.

4 NEWS

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Jonathan, northern govs, others mourn ex-minister, Kontagora From Mohammed Abubakar (Abuja), John Ogiji (Minna), Tope Templer Olaiya and Tunde Akinola (Lagos) RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan and the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday described as a national loss the death of the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Maj.-Gen. Mamman Tsoho Kontagora, who was until his passage the Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). The retired soldier cum politician, aged 69, died on Wednesday night during a brief illness.

In a statement by the Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Rueben Abati, Jonathan, on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, extended sincere condolences to the late minister’s family, the Kontagora Emirate Council, Governor Babangida Aliyu and the people of Niger State. He added: “The President joins them in mourning the illustrious and indefatigable former Minister of Works and the FCT who, even in retirement, continued to serve his fatherland with zeal, vigour and enthusiasm whenever he was called upon to do so. “President Jonathan believes that the nation will always ho-

Military arrests five fleeing Nigeriens, two Chadians From Madu Onuorah, Abuja HE Nigerian military yesT terday said that five Nigeriens and two Chadians were among the fleeing insurgents apprehended as Special Forces troops continue their pursuit of terrorists dislodged from their bases. Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said in Abuja that the seven Nigeriens and Chadians were among the nine arrested at Tumbu Gini, a border town with Chad as they tried to cross the borders into Chad. General Olukolade, however, said that a man suspected to be leading the group of terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds. The Defence spokesman con-

demned attempts being made “by insurgents and their collaborators to push into public domain questionable and manipulated messages meant to misinform the public. The message, which calls for support from Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as other cohorts of the insurgents, is clearly a confirmation of the level of pressure, which has been brought to bear on the insurgents. “There is indeed no cause for alarm as the insurgents are actually in flight, necessitating their call for help from their foreign allies. The operation to put an end to the activities of insurgents is continuing and in line with overall plans for the nation’s security.”

nour the memory of the late army engineer for having served Nigeria with commendable patriotism and distinction during an excellent career in the Armed Forces and in various other capacities in the public service, including as minister, Sole Administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Development of National Stadia for the World Youth Soccer Championship in 1995. “He prayed God Almighty to grant his soul eternal rest.” Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Niger State, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, gave the group’s condolence in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo. Describing Kontagora as a patriot who died in the service of Kontagora his fatherland, the governors and the Chairman of Sure-P, said they were pained by his Dr. Christopher Kolade. demise, but were taking solace Kontagora was born on April in the fact that he lived an ex- 20, 1944 in Kontagora, Konemplary and purposeful life tagora Local Council of Niger with remarkable achieve- State. He attended Central Priments as a military officer, ad- mary School, Kontagora, from ministrator, community 1952 to 1958 and later proleader and a dedicated family ceeded to the Nigerian Deman. fence Academy (NDA), “He was an uncommon states- Kaduna (1964 to 1967). He also man, a dependable ally, a de- obtained a Bachelor of Engivout Muslim, a great military neering in Electrical Engiofficer, a highly disciplined neering from the Ahmadu gentleman and a respected Bello University (ABU), Zaria mentor of his sub-ordinate of- (1967 to 1972). ficers,” the statement added. He attended the Naval PostMeanwhile, the President has graduate School, Monterey, dispatched a three-man Feder- California, United States (U.S.) al Government delegation, led by the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, to represent him at Kontagora’s burial Also on the delegation is the Minister of State for Power, From Mohammed Abubakar and Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, Emeka Anuforo, Abuja

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and U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Kontagora’s tenure as FCT minister saw a boom in the construction of housing and infrastructure. He ceded a strategic plot next to the International Conference Centre to the Abuja Horticultural Society to develop to world standard. Now known as the Abuja International Peace Park, it was finally opened in 2003. He has received many awards and citations, including: Award of Distinction: Nigerian Society of Engineers, International Fellow, United States

Army War College (USAWC), Outstanding Public Service Award: Success Digest Forum 1988, First Niger State College of Education Academic State Union Award for the most outstanding Governing Council Chairman in Niger State (December 1995) and Commander of the Order of Niger (CON). Kontagora was a Commanding Officer, 11 Field Engineer Regiment, Kaduna; Commander, Nigerian Army Engineer Brigade (Ibadan), Commander, Nigerian Army Engineer Brigade (Jos); Commander, Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (New Bussa). He was once Minister of Works and Housing, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Director of Quartering and Engineering Services (Army). He was as well Chairman, Implementation Committee on Army Projects (ICAP), Chairman, Kontagora Emirate Development Association (KEDA); Chairman, Presidential Monitoring Committee (PMC) on the Development of Stadia towards the Hosting of World Youth Football Championships (Nigeria 95); Chairman, Governing Council, Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru; Chairman, Administrative Audit Panel on Ahmadu Bello University; Sole Administrator, Ahmadu Bello University, and Chairman, Implementation of White Paper, Niger State Government.

Govt promises implementation of new broadband policy IGERIA yesterday got a N new national broadband plan as part of efforts to expand and make information communication technology (ICT) cheaper in the country. President Goodluck Jonathan, who received the draft copy of the roadmap from a team of experts commissioned for that purpose in Abuja yesterday, assured of full implementation. Based on the provisions of the new roadmap, the government is to review all ICT laws in order to ensure that they support and facilitate ICT/broadband development and give legal substance to the ICT policy and national broadband plan. According to a copy of the new plan obtained by The Guardian, “Government shall streamline the administration of the ICT industry and complete the merger of the relevant regulatory bodies in order to ensure a single and consistent regulatory regime that will bring about better efficiency in the management of scarce resources. “All federal agencies shall also, within two years, make their public information and services to Nigerian citizens available on-line and the Federal Government shall offer technical assistance to all other tiers of government to achieve the same capability for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).” He said pervasive broadband services are in the best interest of the nation and no effort would be spared to reach all the currently unserved or underserved areas. He said that through the roadmap, government would

pursue a fivefold increase in broadband penetration over the 2012 penetration rate. The roadmap, which covers the years 2013-2018, aims to promote pervasive broadband deployment in the country; increase broadband adoption and usage and ensure the availability of broadband services at affordable prices to maximize its socioeconomic and political benefits. Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson and the Co-Chairmen of the Committee, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and Mr. Jim Ovia, jointly presented the roadmap to the President after a year of intensive work. Jonathan assured that urgent steps would immediately be taken to implement the roadmap. His words: “Any country that lags behind in the current age of ICT will miss a lot. That is why we have created a separate Ministry of Communications Technology to facilitate the establishment of the best digital communications infrastructure in Nigeria and optimise our adoption of global best practices in the use of information and communications technology. “I thank you for your work and I assure you that the report will be adopted by government and implementation will begin immediately because our people are hungry for information and we are in a hurry to fully integrate our country into the digital communications age.” Omobola Johnson stressed that the nature of the plan makes it immediately workable and realistic. “In meeting with industry leaders, the message is clear

that we need to assist the private sector in driving pervasive access to broadband. But then, the private sector must also deliver not just on basic reach and penetration, but also on quality of service. It is only in doing this that all Nigerians will truly feel the positive impact and benefit of broadband.” The plan noted: “ It shall be a priority for government to classify all public ICT/broadband infrastructure deployed under a national licence a critical national security and economic resource that must be protected from vandalisation, theft, unauthorized tampering and from enforcement action by any authority without a valid order from a high court. The enactment of an ICT critical infrastructure act shall be pursued and in the interim, a federal executive directive shall be issued to security agencies for the administrative protection of this security sensitive and economically imported infrastructure. ” It added: “For Nigeria to become one of the world’s leading economies by the year 2020, high –speed broadband networks that will provide every Nigerian with fast, reliable and affordable internet access is a fundamental requirement. Broadband has been variously described as a transformative technology that levels the playing field and gives businesses access to regional, national, and international markets irrespective of geographical location. Mr. President’s goal in this plan is to produce a strategy and realistic roadmap that will make affordable broadband accessible to all Nigerians within the shortest possible time frame. ”

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Taraba gets Federal High Court From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo WENTY-TWO years after its separation from the defunct Gongola State, Taraba State has finally joined the league of states with Federal High Courts in the country. The court complex, which was commissioned yesterday and handed over to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Ibrahim Auta, according to the state government, would go a long way to reduce the risks often confronted by lawyers, as well as clients while travelling to Yola in Adamawa State for court sessions. Noting that the commissioning of facility was part of the activities mapped out by the judiciary for the 40th anniversary of the Federal High Court in Nigeria, Auta stated the need for legal practitioners to make adequate use of the complex.

NEWS | 5

Judge withdraws from Al-Mustapha, Shofolohan appeal By Joseph Onyekwere FRESH twist has been added to the protracted legal battle involving the State versus Major Hamza AlMustapha and Lateef Shofolahan, as Justice Ibrahim Saulawa of the Court of Appeal, Lagos division, yesterday withdrew from hearing the duo’s appeal of their death sentence by a Lagos High Court. The case, which ought to be for argument of the appeal

filed by the appellants could not go on, as the presiding justice declined hearing on personal reasons. Justice Saulawa told counsel to the appellants that he could only assist them in recording a further date for arguments, but would not hear the main appeal. He, therefore, adjourned the case to June 10 for hearing. But before announcing his decision, the judge granted two applications filed by

Mr. Pedro Lawal (SAN) and Mr. Olalekan Ojo, counsel to the respondent and second appellant respectively. Lawal sought to amend his respondent’s brief by substituting it with the correct version, and deeming same as being properly filed and served. Ojo, on his part, prayed for an order deeming his reply to the amended respondent’s brief as properly filed and served. Saulawa granted their appli-

cations, stating that it was the much he could do in the matter. Al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, Gen. Sanni Abacha, and Shofolahan, the erstwhile Personal Assistant to Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, are challenging their death sentence. The convicts were sentenced to death on January 30, 2012, by Justice Mojisola Dada for conspiracy in masterminding the murder of

Delta to spend N225b on 851 projects From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba TOTAL of N225 billion has been earmarked for the construction of about 851 projects spread across the state, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has disclosed. Uduaghan, who spoke in Asaba, the state capital, on Wednesday during the commissioning of roads and schools to commemorate Democracy Day, said that 10 roads of about 11-kilometres were constructed in Asaba and its environs at a cost of N4 billion. He added that over 200 projects were inherited from the 1999 to 2007 era across the state and the roads were rehabilitated, constructed and reconstructed. Apart from improving mobility and access in the state capital and its environs, Uduaghan said the roads were also designed to give the city a facelift and address the perennial flooding during the rains.

Ex-govs can’t upstage us, says Oyo ACN HE Action Congress of T Nigeria (ACN), Oyo State chapter, has said that a combination of two former governors can never upstage the party-led government, warning the people, however, that the coming together of the duo could be likened to the gang-up of a sparrow and crocodile. The party made this known in a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, in reaction to a newspaper publication, which claimed that the two former governors had set up a 10-man committee towards harmonising their 2015 governorship ambition. According to the ACN, politics in the state, as well electorate’s perception of whom to vote for, had left the realm of violence. “We wish the two of them well in their gang-up to upstage our government, but we want to assure them that they will soon find out that our people have since left the realm of such politics, “ the party said.

President, NACJ, Rev. Segun Aderiye (left); the Secretary General, Pastor Charles Okhai; Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit and NACJ Integrity Man of the Year Award recipient, Tunde Ogunsakin; President, Voice of His Word Ministry, Pastor Bolaji Akinyemi; guest speaker and NACJ Integrity Ambassador Award recipient, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; Deputy Editor, The Sun Newspaper, Mr. Nat Beifoh Osewele and National Secretary, Middle Belt Forum and award recipient, Mr. John Dara, at a public lecture and integrity award in Lagos…yesterday

the late Kudirat Abiola. They were arraigned in October 1999 on a four-count charge of conspiracy and involvement in the 1996 murder of the deceased along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. Justice Dada had found them guilty of the offence and accordingly convicted and sentenced them to death by hanging. Joseph Daudu (SAN) and Ojo, counsel to the first and second appellants, however, appealed the judgment 24-hours after their sentencing. In the notice of appeal, the appellants contended that the death sentence was unwarranted, unreasonable and a manifest miscarriage of justice. They further contended that the trial judge erred in law by arriving at the conclusion that they conspired to kill Kudirat on June 4, 1996. The appellants faulted the judge’s treatment of the contradictory statements of Barnabas Jabila (aka Sgt. Rogers) and Mohammed Abdul, as well as the reliance on the testimony of Dr. Ore Falomo on the bullet extracted from Kudirat. They also faulted the court’s rejection of portions of Jabila’s testimony, which they felt favoured them, and applying only areas that did not favour them. They, therefore, prayed the court to entertain the appeal, set aside the judgment and discharge them of conspiracy and murder. Al-Mustapha’s appeal is premised on four grounds while that of Shofolahan is hinged on five grounds.

NUT declares strike in Edo, Kogi, others From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja HE National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) yesterday declared an indefinite industrial in some states where the contentious 27.5 per cent special Teachers’ Peculiar Allowance and non-payment of N18,000 minimum wage have not been implemented. The decision, which was arrived at, at the end of the emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union in Abuja, was a

mark of protest against states that failed to implement the 2008 agreement between the union and the states, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). NUT National President, Michael Olukoya, said the decision, which takes effect from mid-night today, would affect the conduct of examinations and other activities in schools in all the affected states, which include Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ogun, Edo, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Benue and Sokoto.

According to him, “the directive remains in force until directed otherwise. We call on all security agencies to beware of being used by government to break the resolve of the teachers, noting that the union had explored all available peaceful options and the government had shown that the only language they understand is that of force and strike.” Olukoya disclosed that as part of efforts to ensure peaceful resolution of the matter, the national leadership of the

union met with the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at its national secretariat in Abuja to prevail on the ACN-governed states of Ogun, Ekiti and Edo, but to no avail, adding that they were not able to meet with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership. “Consequently, the PDP-governed states of Ebonyi, Cross River, Kogi and Niger have remained recalcitrant. The cases of these states were further taken to the National Assembly and even to the Presidency, to no avail,” he said.

On the non-implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage, Olukoya described the reasons adduced by some states for not implementing it as weak and unacceptable. He added: “We have sufficiently exploited the opportunities that negotiation offers. Dialogue and conciliation through federal authorities have not allowed their efficacy by these state governments. We hope this inevitable action would open their ears and their hardened hearts.”

Anti-tobacco activists advocate smoke-free day By Babatunde Oso and Wole Oyebade S nations commemorates the 2013 World No Tobacco Day today, anti-tobacco activists in Nigeria have called on governors to declare a smoke-free day to raise awareness on the dangers of smoking and use of tobacco products. The activists, under the aegis of Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) and Network for Accountability of Tobacco Trans-nationals (NATT), said the measure would be a good starting point for appropriate legislation to arrest tobacco-related injuries, which kill one in every 10 adults around the world.

• Petition NMMA on BATN sponsorship of media award • BAT urges caution on planned ban of tobacco Besides, ERA/FoEN and six non-governmental organisations (NGOs) yesterday petitioned the chairman and board of trustees of the Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA) on sponsorship of the annual Best Industrial Reporter of the Year Award by the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), an act they described as “subtle tactics of silencing newspaper editorials and articles.” According to the petition, “the NMMA is an annual endowment to reward excellence in journalism and so, we believe that an industry that manufac-

tures and markets a product that kills cannot at the same time sponsor an award that seemingly promotes excellence.” However, the British American Tobacco Company (BAT) has issued a series of images to illustrate what it believes the world would look like if the legal tobacco industry was forced out of existence. In a statement sent to The Guardian yesterday, the British-American Tobacco’s Group Head, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Kingsley Wheaton, warned: “The reality is that people will continue to

smoke. But instead of buying legally taxed cigarettes made by legitimate tobacco companies and sold by reputable retailers, they’ll turn to black market sources to get what they want.” According to Wheaton, “the tobacco industry is highly regulated, sells a legal product and we have a legitimate business. We conduct our business in a professional and responsible way, abiding by the laws in all the countries we operate in, often going above and beyond our legal obligations. “Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of the sophisticated

network of criminals ready and waiting to step in and take over if the legitimate tobacco industry doesn’t exist.” According to the petition, “the NMMA is an annual endowment to reward excellence in journalism and so, we believe that an industry that manufactures and markets a product that kills cannot at the same time sponsor an award that seemingly promotes excellence.” Speaking at a meeting of stakeholders in Lagos yesterday, NTCA Executive Director, Mr. Nurudeen Ogbara, said the declaration of a smokefree day in 36 states was necessary to demonstrate that state governments care for public health and are in alliance with global campaign against tobacco epidemic.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

6 | NEWS

Court orders reinstatement of Bauchi lawmaker From Ali Garba, Bauchi USTICE of the High Court 1 in Bauchi State, Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Zango has ordered the Bauchi State House of Assembly to pay Honourable Rifkatu Samson Danna all her entitlements with immediate effect. Justice Zango, delivering judgment yesterday said that the indefinite suspension of the only female lawmaker in the state was illegal, unconstitutional and beyond the powers of the House. He explained that the House has power to suspend its members for only four legislative seatings and anything more than that is a violation of fundamental human rights and expres-

sion of freedom. According to him, Danna was suspended based on allegation of having divergent opinion on the relocation of Tafawa Balewa Local Council headquarters to Bununu village. He said that the suspension was a clear infringement on her fundamental human rights and the people of her constituency who elected her to represent them at the Bauchi State House of Assembly. Justice Zango stated that Danna was elected to represent her constituency for

four years but going by her indefinite suspension that means the people of her constituency were deprived of the dividend of democracy and her rights were abused. He ordered that the member should be paid her full salaries, allowances, committee allowances and her constituency allowances from June 1, 2012 to date and restore all government property and security to enable her go about her normal duty to her constituency. In her appreciation, Danna expressed gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary for up-

holding justice, adding that she went to the court and she expected nothing less that true justice. She said the court judgment will motivate her to do more for her people that she is representing at the Bauchi State of Assembly while also thanking members of her constituency for their support during her indefinite suspension. In his remarks, Barrister Mathias commended the court for upholding justice and delivering justice appropriately. But counsel to Bauchi State

Speaker and House of Assembly, Annas Ilellah said he would consult with his client for further action. Speaking to reporters on the outcome of the judgment, National President of Zaar Development Association, Mr. Instifanus Bala Gambar commended the judge for being incorruptible and described Danna as the ‘Esther’ of the Sayawa people of Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa local councils. He added that the Bogoro people have suffered deprivation due to the suspension of their representative.

‘SURE-P will create jobs, others’ From Njadvara Musa, Damaturu HE idea and policy behind the procurement and distribution of 50 mass transit buses under the Yobe State Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), was to reduce the difficulties faced by commuters; and to provide mobility support for the road network being constructed and serve as means of creation of more jobs opportunities to fight poverty in the state, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has disclosed. The governor spoke yesterday at the distribution of 50 units of 16-seater buses to beneficiaries of SURE-P at the Government House, Damaturu, the state capital. He said the buses were procured at the cost of N425 million; and distributed at 50 per cent subsidy to the beneficiaries in the transport sector. In his words: “As part of our deliberate empowerment policy, we have resolved that the 50 units of buses are to be distributed to prospective beneficiaries on soft loan with a discount rate of 50 per cent,” adding that the payment of N4.25 million by each beneficiary was to be made to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development within 30 months.

From Gordi Udeajah, Aba N its determination to develop the domestic gas sector, Nigeria has borrowed $1 billion from the World Bank and other international financial institutions, just as the government has set some policies and programmes in motion towards realising this. Senate Committee Chairman on Gas Resources representing Abia Central, Mrs. Nkechi Nwaogu said that Nigeria has proven 186 trillion SCF gas reserves and is ranked eighth largest in the world but that its gas development has been slow. In an update on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) before the National Assembly, Nwaogu expressed optimism that its passage will be effected by the end of the year. She said that out of this identified gas quantity, it is less than 5% of the country’s population that is utilising gas domestically through the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the industries.

A’Ibom, Kaduna commission N9 .1b road, other projects From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo and Bashir Bello, Kaduna S part of activities marking 2013 Democracy Day and six years of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration in Akwa Ibom state, the governor inaugurated projects worth more than N2.3 billion undertaken and completed in seven months. These are new Deputy Governor’s lodge complete with exotic furnishings at N1.6 billion, state-of-the-art lawn tennis court, squash court and swimming pool at Government House, Uyo costing about N750 million. “This administration would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people that would touch the lives of the people positively. That is why we are doing more to erect major facilities in the state for the state to be a major destination in the country. In Kaduna State, Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State has yesterday commissioned 4 roads and 22 solar water projects worth N6.8billion. The Governor also frowned at the contractors handling the conversion of Barau Dikko hospital to the Kaduna State University (KASU) Teaching Hospital projects over slow pace of work. The Governor also commissioned the new Kudenda Layout Road, Katuru Close, Market Road, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Way and symbolic commissioning of 22 Solar Water projects at the total cost of N6.613billion.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Health Plus Nigeria Limited, Bukky George (left); National President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Olumide Akintayo; Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Udoma Mendie and past president, PSN, Prof. Ebenezer Ogunlana, during the 38th yearly national convention of the Pharmaceutical Association of the Nigerian Students in Lagos PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

ASUU protests frequent kidnap of members From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu,Benin City HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State chapter yesterday decried what it said was incessant abduction of its members and recently their spouses and members of their families. Decrying the rising cases of abduction recorded in the Edo State-owned university, which

most recent the association said was the kidnap of wife of the Dean of Faculty of Education, Prof. Raymond Aluede, Theresa, called on security agencies to raise their operations against kidnapping in the area. ASUU-AAU in a statement yesterday in Benin City, signed by the chairman and secretary of the union, Prof. Fred Esumeh

and Dr. Stanley Omoikhoje, alleged that nothing was being done to apprehend the perpetrators. It read: “We wish to bring to public notice the disturbing and unending spate of kidnapping of our members and/or their spouses in Ekpoma and its environs. In fact, the kidnapping of members of ASUU or their wives

Umeh wants MASSOB to wade into APGA crisis From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki ARELY a week after a state high court presided over by Justice Hope Ozor, upheld the April 8 National Convention of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) that threw up Maxi Okwu as the party’s national chairman, leader of a faction of the party, Victor Umeh, has sought the intervention of the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Raph Uwazurike. The Guardian gathered that Umeh sent a delegation led by a party elder, Onwuka Ukwa, to Uwazuruike, asking him to mediate in the protracted leadership crisis bedeviling APGA so as maintain the vision and principles of the founding fathers of the party. Confirming the delegation’s visit to The Guardian over the phone, the MASSOB leader

Nigeria borrows $1b for gas

said “I do not know from which angle you are coming from, the fact is nobody does not want peace,” adding “whatever transpired in the past should not be allowed to scuttle the search for peace.” Uwazuruike added that it was a good thing that political players in APGA have recognised the fact that they have to play as a united team to make progress, stressing that he would do his best to try to reconcile the parties to the “brotherly disagreement.” But reacting to the development, APGA Chairman, Okwu, said: “I am aware; I got the tip of the visit to Uwazuruike. Remember I extended an olive branch to Umeh. I do so not out of fear but from the position of strength; I do so also because I believe all of us are needed. I went to Chekwas (Okorie) who you know, as

the founding chairman was aggrieved and reconciled with him. He is still in UPP, (United Progressives Party) and most likely would remain there. “But it is better that we bury the hatchet. So that being the case, if there is any way we can reconcile this matter, I am for it but then it must be based on the principle that the sanctity of the (April 8, 2013) convention would not be affected”. On his feeling about Umeh’s recourse to Uwazuruike instead of direct contact with him, Okwu noted that being a factor in Igbo land, Uwazuruike was welcome as a mediator, recalling that “it has happened before; I recall the saga between Umeh, Chekwas and me, as opinion moulders, three of us were approached (by Uwazuruike) then”. Reiterating his acceptance of

“any intervention if it would bring lasting peace in APGA” Okwu said such peace was direly needed to further his programmes of reconciliation, rapprochement and rebuilding, assuring that “there would be soft landing for Umeh, I agree with that; I have

now occur on a daily basis, the recent being the kidnapping of the wife of Prof. Raymond Aluede, Dean of Faculty of Education, on her way back from work. “In the recent past, Prof. O. P. G. Nmorsi of the Department of Zoology; Prof. (Mrs.) C. O. Isiramen of the Department of Religious and Cultural Management and the wives of Prof. J. E. A. Osemekhian and Dr. Ken Imarenezor of the Department of Physics and Microbiology respectively were kidnapped with untold hardship visited on them. “It is important to note that kidnapping in Ekpoma, especially cases involving ASUUAAU members have become so frequent that our members now live in fear. In fact, when you get a phone call from your spouse now, you have to think twice before answering it.”

PDP zones gov slot to Enugu North, Abia South wants post From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu and Seye Olumide, Lagos NY aspirant from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the number one position in Enugu State in 2015 from any zone other than Enugu North Senatorial Zone had better drop his ambition for now or at best seek alternative political platform to realise his dream. This is because Governor, Sullivan Chime yesterday vowed

that his successor will come from Enugu North Senatorial Zone in line with the rotational agreement of the party in the state. However, in Abia State, a chieftain of the party from Abia South, Charles Nwangwa said yesterday, “It would be completely against the spirit of equity, justice and common sense if in 2015 Abia South is not allowed to have the governorship slot.”

Warning that people of Abia South would do everything to resist such clandestine move, Nwangwa said since Abia North Senatorial Zone through former governor, Orji Uzor Kalu spent two terms of eight years, the present governor, Theodore Orji, from Abia Central senatorial zone is about to complete his two terms of eight years, “the best thing is for the slot to come to Abia”.

NEWS

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Jigawa lists achievements in road construction

Expert urges Nigerians to shun unhealthy diets, lifestyles

HE Jigawa State governT ment says it has invested N85 billion in the construc-

From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja S the nation yesterday marked 14 years of uninterrupted democracy, Nigerians have been advised to take responsibility for their health by shunning unhealthy diets and lifestyles in order to produce a productive workforce for the country. An expert in healthy living, Mrs. Victoria Kayode, gave the advice yesterday at a seminar entitled, “Reclaim your Health”. Speaking with journalists at the seminar in Abuja, Kayode, who is also the founder of LivinMedia Nigeria Limited, stressed why, according to her, it is better to stay healthy than looking for healing. Kayode, who lamented that majority of diseases and sicknesses, which are prevalent today are as a result of intake of bad diets and bad lifestyles, said her passion to see people live well and make those that are sick get well, prompted her to go into the field. Her words: “We see people moving about with many conditions that are majorly as a result of what they eat, what they do and what they fail to do; so we preach diet and lifestyle change”. She said her team has been teaching healthy living in churches, schools, mosques, offices, seminars, conferences, among others. However, Kayode said that was the first time she was organising a free seminar for the general public in the Federal Capital Territory, disclosing plans to reach out to those at the grassroots. “We have been teaching healthy living as our own quota to bring to the barest minimum (if not to eradicate) sicknesses and diseases in our environment for the past eight years and we believe we still have much ground to cover”, she said.

tion and rehabilitation of 1,700 kilometre roads across the state in the last six years. According to the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Baba Santali, all the roads had been completed and put to use but three other projects, including the 104 km Eastern by-pass road, are at various stages of completion. He listed KiyawaJahun-Gujungu, ZakiraiRingim, Gwaram-Basirika and Gujungu-Hadejia as some of the rehabilitated roads. He also named the newly constructed roads as Gwaram-Fagam-Gwani-Sagi and Tasheguwa-Guri, among others. Santali told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse yesterday that N86.2 million was expended on the construction of bridges at Lafiya, Badingu, Magalari and Gunka roads in the last two years. According to him, the present administration has accorded priority to road development to enhance transportation, encourage commercial activities and social development. The state government had awarded contract for the construction of 12 feeder roads across the state at the cost of over N2.9 billion, he said.

Orji pledges completion of on-going projects From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia OVERNOR Theodore Orji told the people of Abia State in his Democracy Day anniversary broadcast that although his government may not have accomplished all it set out to do, he has worked with sincerity, faith and prudence in the service of the state. The governor, who said his scorecard, which he described as impressive, would attest to his claim, promised to complete all ongoing projects. Orji said his government is still making progress towards achieving the state’s desired goals and has good reason to celebrate the day, promising not to relent in his “sincere approach to solving the many problems of Abia.” He urged the people to take note of what he described as the major impediments to the development of the state, which he said, revolve around past delayed responses to deteriorating issues and absence of enduring foundations. Orji pledged that in his remaining two years in office, he would double efforts towards completing all ongoing legacy projects. He said: “With the confidence that Abians and most Nigerians have on me through the recognition of our modest and honest efforts, and the genuine criticisms we receive from many of you and other Nigerians, as well as the strong loyalty of many of you out there, I can reassure you that I will do whatever is right and whatever is best to serve Abia State and leave a legacy of sustainable growth, peace, democracy and development”.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Owolabi Salis (left); Chairman, South-West PDP Caretaker Committee, Isola Filani and Deputy State Chairman, PDP, Lagos State, Ola Apena, during the party’s Democracy rally in Lagos PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

We are not yet where we ought to be, says Osoba By Seye Olumide OME eminent Nigerians, including former governor of Ogun State and chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Olusegun Osoba, have said 14 years of democracy in Nigeria have been saddled with more crises than development. Osoba, who spoke with The Guardian, said: “My assessment of democracy in Nigeria since 1999 is that we are not where we are supposed to be. The 14 years Nigeria civil rule is not satisfactory because Nigerians could not have enjoyed the real dividend of democracy. What we have is mere transition from military rule to civilian rule and which retired military officers are still dominating. “For instance, the eight years of former President Olusegun Obasanjo regime did not bring much transformation as expected by Nigerians. Obasanjo ruled with same military mentality he did when he was the Head of State. His first term was not different at all from the military rule because he did everything within his power to subdue

• Oyofo lists graft, NGF as threats the National Assembly and the judiciary. These are supposed to be separate and independent arms of government with the responsibilities to check and balance the activities of the executive.” According to Osoba, “the nature and style of democracy we had under Obasanjo could be described as that which totally distabilised the National Assembly. What I meant by this is that within a period of four years, Nigeria had four presidents of the Senate, Evans Enwerem, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Ken Nnamani, Adolphus Wabara and Anyim Pius Anyim. The Executive is always interfering in the affairs of the National Assembly and does everything to subdue it. “The only good thing I see is that Nigerians, despite all the crises and disappointments, refused to let go civil rule. Nigerians have made up their minds to embrace democracy and endure whatever happened instead of returning to military rule. I felt they did this with the hope that some-

day those anomalies would be corrected”. Former Senator, Victor Kassim Isa Oyofo, who represented Edo-North Constituency from 1999 to 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), believes Nigeria is still in the learning the process of democracy. He listed the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and corruption as the greatest threats to democracy. “I will not join the fray that says Nigeria democracy in the last 14 years is an outright failure. If I concluded like that, the implication is that we have not really done anything or move an inch from where

we were in 1999. That would not be a correct assessment of our situation. It is true that we have not recorded the kind of achievement one could really boast of, but in term of learning the norms and intricacies of democracy, we are moving forward,” he said. Oyofo noted that the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government is not yet smooth as it ought to be “but I still want to agree that we are learning. My critical observation of the three-tiers of government, that is the federal, state and local governments, is that the governors are gradually turning themselves into what the Constitution does not say and this constitutes threat to our democracy.

NBA chairman cautions against influencing judicial officers HE Chairman of Lokoja T branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Malam Mohammed Musa, said the judiciary flourished more in the last 14 years of democratic governance than during the military era but cautioned

politicians against influencing judicial officers. Musa, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on the achievements of the country in the last 14 years, said that the nation’s judiciary now has wider jurisdiction in

ANEEJ urges government to tackle culture of impunity, lauds media From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has charged the Federal Government to end the culture of impunity pervading the country as it trudges ahead in its democratic development. In his message to mark Nigeria’s democracy day, Executive Director, ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor, also showered encomiums on the media which he said have continuously brought the issues affecting the country’s democracy to the front burner of public discourse. He said: “I also commend the Nigerian media for the very strong role they have played so far. Despite some pockets of persecution

across the country, they have played their role and that has created a platform for people to amplify their voices and raise questions of transparency and accountability which we urgently need in this country to improve the quality of lives of our people.” Ugolor said there was need for Nigerians to work in unity to salvage the country from the grip of a few who he said were self-centred leaders. He went on: “One key lesson for us is that we need to build a better country; a better country is a win-win for everybody. Today is an opportunity to reflect and see where we have not fared well and I think where we have not fared well is tackling the culture of impunity

in Nigeria. A situation where people commit crime and nothing happens to them, a situation where people steal public fund and nothing happens to them, I think we all have a responsibility to stop this culture of impunity, to strengthen our judiciary so that there will be rule of law and build institutions that can hold government accountable particularly those who are in positions of power. “We all have responsibility to keep this country as one and bring to justice those who commit crime against the people. It is not the day that is unique; it is the impact of democracy on the lives of the people that is more important and if we are to do a proper assess-

ment, democracy has not impacted on the lives of the people completely. “However, there are things we must celebrate and one of them is that at least we are still one country despite all the challenges of insecurity nationwide. Despite the widespread corruption, we are still one country and that is one thing we must keep and sustain and any attempt by any ethnic group to want to create division, we should resist it as a people because those who have made this country ungovernable and insecure are all from all the tribes and regions. The people that have made this country not to move forward, are less than one per cent and these elite cut across the whole regions and tribes.”

cases bordering on the economy and politics with the adherence to the constitutional provisions for freedom of speech and the rule of law. He added that the people now have the opportunity to express their grievances and seek justice in court without any hindrance. The NBA chairman, however, urged political leaders to stop attempts at influencing judicial officers, noting that interference from politicians and the traditional institution have affected dispensation of justice. The legal practitioner noted that the spate of insecurity is taking the shine from the beauty of Nigeria’s democracy because the leaders have placed security on the front burner. He stressed the need for political leaders to be decisive on security of lives and property irrespective of its consequences to their political careers. According to him, the nation’s democracy is being threatened by the ongoing insurgency and terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, communal conflicts and social vices and that the ordinary Nigerians now bear the brunt of the collective failure of government.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

AfricanNews Zuma urges stability in S’Africa’s mining sector RESIDENT Jacob Zuma of P South Africa yesterday moved to restore investors’ confidence by urging stability in the key mining sector after the country’s economic growth hit a fresh low. Gross Domestic Product figures released this week showed that Africa’s wealthiest economy grew by just 0.9 per cent in the first quarter as the country faces the prospect of renewed labour unrest in the mining sector. “The figure means that we must strengthen economic performance and increase the rate of investment,” Zuma told a news conference. “Growth in the remaining three quarters of the year will have to be much higher, for us to achieve the projected annual growth of 2.7 per cent.” The vital mining sector,

which rakes in around 60 percent of export earnings, has seen a rash of wildcat strikes sparked by wage demands and union rivalry. “Everything we do must be designed to strengthen and stabilise the sector,” said Zuma. The industry was hit by a crippling wave of unrest last year, sparked by police shooting dead 34 protesters at platinum giant Lonmin during an illegal wage strike. This year, as the wage bargaining season begins, one union has demanded pay hikes of up to 60 percent for some workers. “We call for fair and expeditious settlements of wage negotiations that can contribute to the attainment of the country’s job creation and job retention goals,” said Zuma.

Eritrea calls Canada ‘bully’ after diplomat’s expulsion RITREA has accused Canada E of bullying after Ottawa expelled its diplomat, Semere Ghebremariam O. Micael, for demanding money from expatriates to fund its army, according to a statement seen yesterday by Reuters. Canada on Wednesday ordered Eritrea’s consul general in Toronto to leave the country by June 5, after he reportedly ignored a warning to stop collecting funds from Eritreans in Canada. Ottawa said the collection was a breach of United Nations (UN) sanctions against the African nation and illegal under Canadian law. But Eritrea condemned the expulsion and rejected the ac-

cusations, saying the services given at the consulate were “fully consistent” with diplomatic agreements and “do not violate international or Canadian laws”. “It is the act of a bully against a small and proud nation and its people, aimed at denying the Eritrean community the services they need from their government,” said the foreign ministry statement. “The Eritrean government is confident that the community, which has faced increasing harassment including intimidation and severe restriction on their peaceful activities, will not be bullied,” it added.

Militants pose threat to West Africa, says Mahama SLAMIST militancy poses a Ibilise threat that could destathe whole of West Africa, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana warned yesterday. This came as thousands of Malians protested yesterday against French President Francois Hollande amid accusations that he is colluding in the occupation of Kidal, a regional capital in the former colony, by separatist rebels. However, Mahama, in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), said that although Ghana had not been directly affected, no country was safe if insurgency was allowed to take hold elsewhere. He said intervention led by France had helped guarantee stability in Mali, but the conflict there was not

Malians protest over separatist rebels’ hold on Kidal We need to act collectively as a sub-region and a continent and indeed globally to be able to ensure peace and stability. yet over. He also backed the African Union’s plan to create a rapid reaction force. Mahama said there had been a suggestion that it could be funded by a tax on air travel and hotels across the continent. French forces, in January, spearheaded an operation to drive out al-Qaeda and other allied Islamist groups from northern Mali, where they had seized control in the chaos following a coup last year. However, Ghana’s leader said the incident showed

how the whole Sahel region had “become an attractive foothold for insurgents”. “If we allow that foothold to consolidate, then it could affect the stability of our entire region,” Mahama told the BBC’s Newsday programme. He said the crisis was not over despite regaining territory from Islamist groups in Mali. “There is the danger of asymmetric attacks like we saw in Niger the last few days, and so it is a matter that worries all of us in the sub-region,” Mahama said. “And we need to act collec-

tively as a sub-region and a continent and indeed globally to be able to ensure peace and stability.” The demonstration, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported, came as Mali plans nationwide elections on July 28 despite serious concerns about the possibility of free and fair polls in Kidal, a key northern city captured by the National Liberation Movement of Azawad (MNLA). Youth and women’s groups in Gao, the largest northern city, waved placards reading “no elections without trust”, “our thoughts are with the victims, not the killers” and “President Francois Hollande, thank you for freedom, now for justice”.

ICC prosecutor seeks proof of Kenya’s ability to handle Kenyatta’s case ATOU Bensouda, the InterF(ICC)national Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, said yesterday that Kenya must prove it would “genuinely” conduct proceedings against President Uhuru Kenyatta for alleged crimes against humanity if it wants the court to drop his case. Kenya has asked the tribunal to refer its case against Kenyatta back to the East African country, a move that has been backed by other African Union nations. Kenyatta and his deputy,

William Ruto, are facing trial at the ICC, accused of masterminding ethnic bloodshed in post-election violence five years ago that killed more than 1,200 people. Both deny the charges. Kenyatta’s trial is due to begin in July. Both he and Ruto have promised to cooperate with the ICC. “A state wishing to conduct national proceedings has to satisfy the judges that it is genuinely conducting proceedings against the same persons for the same crimes,”

Reuters quoted Bensouda as saying. Kenyan officials concede the country has not in the past had the ability to try suspects accused of crimes against humanity, but said its reformed judiciary now does. The country is in the process of setting up special courts for trying crimes against humanity. “The office of the prosecutor stands ready to engage in any legal debate regarding its ongoing cases in Kenya,” Bensouda said.

The prosecutor’s office has always insisted the ICC trial of Kenyatta must proceed. The Hague-based court has no jurisdiction over crimes if national authorities are carrying out a credible investigation and trial. The court was set up a decade ago to hold accountable perpetrators of the very worst crimes against humanity and war crimes, but some feel Africa has been unfairly targeted, making the court deeply unpopular across the continent.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

WorldReport UK murder suspect, Adebowale, in court ICHAEL Adebowale has M appeared in court charged with murdering soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, south-east London. Adebowale, 22, who was handcuffed, spoke only to confirm his name and address during the short hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. He was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on Monday. He was charged after spending six days in hospital, having been shot by police after the attack on 22 May. A second suspect Michael Adebolajo, 28, remains under arrest. Adebolajo, who is being treated in hospital, was also

shot by armed police at the time he was arrested. On Wednesday, a postmortem examination ruled that Drummer Rigby, 25, died of “multiple incised wounds” after the attack on a street in Woolwich, close to the barracks where he was based. Adebowale, who has also been charged with possession of a firearm – a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 revolver – appeared in court with a bandaged right hand and flanked by police officers. He limped as he approached his position in the glass dock, holding his right hand close to his body. Wearing a grey, long-sleeved top, he was told he did not need to stand up in the dock because of his injuries.

Rescued Chinese baby out of hospital United States (U.S.) Vice-President Joe Biden with children during a visit to Santa Marta slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil…yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Assad claims Syria holds ‘balance of power’ F President Bashar al-Assad Ision claims to a Lebanese televistation are to be trusted, the Syrian army has scored “major victories” against rebels and now holds “the balance of power” in the conflict. Assad was also quoted yesterday by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Cable News Network (CNN) as saying that Syria has received the first shipment of an advanced Russian air defence system. Russia had vowed to go ahead with sending S-300 missiles earlier this week. Also, the main opposition outside Syria said it would not take part in peace talks while massacres continued.

’Tel Aviv wants to avoid escalation with Damascus’ Speaking in Istanbul where the Syrian National Coalition is meeting, its interim head, George Sabra, said that talk of diplomatic conferences was farcical while Syrian government forces backed by the Lebanese Shiite movement, Hezbollah, were carrying out heinous crimes. Meanwhile, an Israeli cabinet minister said yesterday that the Jewish country does not want to provoke a military “escalation” with Syria but will not allow it to transfer strategic arms to groups like Lebanon’s Hezbollah, “There is no need to provoke an escalation, there is no need to heat up the border with

China denies stealing American military secrets OLLOWING a report that Fgained Chinese hackers have access to designs of more than two dozen major United States (U.S.) weapons systems, the Defence Ministry in Beijing yesterday dismissed the claim as ridiculous. It stated that China needed no outside help for its military development. The Washington Post cited a U.S. Defence Science Board report as saying that the compromised U.S. designs included those for combat aircraft and ships, as well as missile defences vital for Europe, Asia and the Gulf. But yesterday, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman, Geng Yansheng, dismissed the report, which the Pentagon and other U.S. defence officials have downplayed as outdated and overstated. “It both underestimates the Pentagon’s defensive security abilities and the Chinese people’s intelligence,” Geng told a monthly news briefing, according to a transcript on the ministry’s website

(www.mod.gov.cn). “China absolutely has the ability to build the weapons needed for national security,” he said. “Recently China’s aircraft carrier, new fighter jets and transport aircraft ... have clearly shown this.” China routinely denies hacking allegations leveled at it. President Barack Obama will discuss cyber security with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in California next week, as Washington becomes increasingly worried about Chinese hacking of U.S. military networks. “Cyber security is a key priority of this administration. It is a key concern that we have,” White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters on Air Force One as Obama flew to New Jersey. “It is an issue that we raise at every level in our meetings with our Chinese counterparts, and I’m sure it will be a topic of discussion when the president meets with President Xi in California in early June,” he said.

Syria; that was not our objective and it will never be,” Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom told public radio. Asked about Moscow’s plans to supply S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Syria, Shalom said they would only become a problem if they fell into the wrong hands. “Syria has had strategic weapons for years, but the problem arises when these arms fall into other hands and could be used against us. In that case, we would have to act,” he said. Moscow has defended its arms shipments to Damascus, describing them as a “sta-

bilising factor” which could act as a deterrent against foreign intervention. Shalom’s remarks were made a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his cabinet to stay silent on the issue of Russian arms shipments to Syria in a bid to reduce tensions with Damascus and Moscow. In excerpts from the interview with Hezbollah-linked Al Manar TV that was expected to be broadcast later yesterday but published by Lebanon’s pro-Syrian Al Akhbar newspaper, Assad was quoted as saying: “The Syrian army has scored major victories against armed rebels on the ground and the balance of power is now with the Syrian army.”

HINESE officials have disC closed that a baby boy rescued from a sewage pipe has been released from hospital to relatives. The baby had been in hospital in Jinhua city, Zhejiang province, since being cut free from the pipe on Saturday. His 22-year-old mother, who has not been named, said the baby slipped into the toilet and went down the pipe by accident as she gave birth. An official with the Pujiang propaganda department told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that the baby was left with his mother’s family. Police initially treated the case as an attempted murder, believing the baby had been

thrown down the toilet. But now, police said the evidence showed this was not the case. “This was an accident,” an official from the Pujiang propaganda department told the BBC. “The baby was taken by his mother’s family. His father’s family went to the hospital too. He left in good heath condition.” Local police told Reuters news agency yesterday the baby’s maternal grandparents took him to a rural location. According to local reports, the mother alerted her landlord after the baby fell into the pipe, but did not admit the baby was hers until later.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Promises Of Democracy: 14 Years On

‘The time for lamentation is over’ Being President Goodluck Jonathan’s inauguration address on the occasion of his swearing-in as President, Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on May 29, 2011. PROTOCOL Y Dear Compatriots, I stand in humble gratitude to you, this day, having just sworn to the oath of office as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of our great nation. I thank you all, fellow citizens, for the trust and confidence, which you have demonstrated through the power of your vote. I want to assure you, that I will do my utmost at all times, to continue to deserve your trust. I would like to specially acknowledge the presence in our midst today, of Brother Heads of State and Government, who have come to share this joyous moment with us. Your Excellencies, I thank you for your solidarity. I also wish to express my gratitude, to the Representatives of Heads of State and Government who are here with us. My appreciation also goes to the Chairperson of the African Union and other world leaders, our development partners, and all our distinguished guests. I want to specially thank all Nigerians for staying the course in our collective commitment to build a democratic nation. To members of the PDP family and members of other political parties, who have demonstrated faith in our democratic enterprise, I salute you. At this juncture, let me acknowledge and salute my friend and brother, Vice-President Namadi Sambo; and my dear wife, Patience, who has been a strong pillar of support. I thank her for galvanising and mobilising Nigerian women for the cause of democracy. In the same vein, I owe a debt of gratitude to my mother and late father. I cannot thank them enough. I cannot but pay tribute to our late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, with whom we won the presidential election four years ago, when I contested as his running mate. May God bless his soul. I also wish to pay tribute to our founding fathers, whose enduring sacrifices and abiding faith in the unity and greatness of our country, laid the foundation for the nation. We take enormous pride in their contributions. The pivotal task of this generation is to lift our fatherland to the summit of greatness. Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, earlier this year, over seventythree million eligible Nigerians endured all manner of inconvenience just to secure their voters cards, in order to exercise the right to choose those that will govern them. At the polls, we saw the most dramatic expressions of the hunger for democracy. Stories of courage and patriotism were repeated in many ways, including how fellow citizens helped physically challenged voters into polling stations to enable them exercise their franchise. The inspiring story of the one hundred and three year-old man, and many like him across the country, who struggled against the physical limitations of age to cast their vote, is noteworthy. Such determination derives from the typical Nigerian spirit of resilience in the face of the greatest of odds. That spirit has, over the years, stirred our hopes, doused our fears, and encouraged us to gather ourselves to build a strong nation even when others doubted our capacity. Today, our unity is firm, and our purpose is strong. Our determination unshakable. Together, we will unite our nation and improve the living standards of all our peoples whether in the North or in the South; in the East or in the West. Our decade of development has begun. The march is on. The day of transformation begins today. We will not allow anyone exploit differences in creed or tongue, to set us one against another. Let me at this point congratulate the elected Governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and those of the States Houses of Assembly for their victories at the polls. I am mindful that I represent the shared aspiration of all our people to forge a united Nige-

You have trusted me with your mandate, and I will never, never let you down ria: a land of justice, opportunity and plenty. Confident that a people that are truly committed to a noble ideal, cannot be denied the realisation of their vision, I assure you that this dream of Nigeria that is so deeply felt by millions, will indeed come to reality. A decade ago, it would have been a mere daydream to think that a citizen from a minority ethnic group could galvanise national support, on an unprecedented scale, to discard ancient prejudices, and win the people’s mandate as President of our beloved country. That result emanated from the toil and sacrifice of innumerable individuals and institutions, many of whom may never get to receive public appreciation for their effort. Only a couple of days ago, I received an entry on my Facebook page. Mr. Babajide Orevba sent it. He wrote to inform me that I had lost a great fan. That fan was his father, Mr. Emmanuel Bamidele Orevba. The deceased, the son told me, was no politician, but had campaigned enthusiastically for my ticket. Tragically, overwhelmed by the joy of our victory, he collapsed, and passed on three days later. I pray God Almighty to grant his soul eternal rest. The success of the 2011 elections and the widespread acclaim, which the exercise received, was due to the uncommon patriotism and diligence exhibited by many Nigerians, including members of the Armed Forces, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and others. Unfortunately, despite the free, fair and transparent manner the elections were conducted, a senseless wave of violence in some parts of the country led to the death of ten members of the NYSC and others. These brave men and women paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of our fatherland. They are heroes of our democracy. We offer our heartfelt prayers and condolences in respect of all those who lost their lives. In the days ahead, those of us that you have elected to serve must show that we are men and women with the patriotism and passion, to match the hopes and aspirations of you, the great people of this country. We must demonstrate the leadership, statesmanship, vision, capacity, and sacrifice, to transform our nation. We must strengthen common grounds, develop new areas of understanding and collaboration, and seek fresh ideas that will enrich our national consensus. It is the supreme task of this generation to give hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak and protection to the defenceless. Fellow citizens, the leadership we have pledged is decidedly transformative. The transformation will be achieved in all the critical sectors, by harnessing the creative energies of our people. We must grow the economy, create jobs, and generate enduring happiness for our people. I have great confidence in the ability of Nigerians to transform this country. The urgent task of my administration is to provide a suitable environment, for productive activities to flourish. I therefore call on the good people of Nigeria, to enlist as agents of this great transformation. My dear countrymen and women, being a Nigerian is a blessing. It is also a great responsibility. We must make a vow that, together, we will make the Nigerian Enterprise thrive. The leadership and the followership must strive to convert our vast human and natural resources into the force that leads to a greater Nigeria. The Nigeria of our dreams must be built on hard work and not on short cuts. Let me salute the Nigerian workers who build our communities, cities and country. They deserve fair rewards, and so do the women that raise

our children, and the rural dwellers that grow our food. The moment is right. The signs are heartwarming. We are ready to take off on the path of sustained growth and economic development. In our economic strategy, there will be appropriate policy support to the real sector of the economy, so that Small and Medium Enterprises may thrive. Nigeria is blessed with enormous natural wealth, and my Administration will continue to encourage locally owned enterprises to take advantage of our resources in growing the domestic economy. A robust private sector is vital to providing jobs for our rapidly expanding population. But this must be a collaborative effort. We must form technical and financial partnerships with global businesses and organisations. We live in an age where no country can survive on its own; countries depend on each other for economic wellbeing. Nigeria is no different. Returns on investment in Nigeria remain among the highest in the world. We will continue to welcome sustainable investment in our economy. We will push programmes and policies that will benefit both local and foreign businesses, but we must emphasise mutual benefits and win-win relationships. The overall ongoing reforms in the banking and financial sectors are therefore designed to support the real sector of the economy. To drive our overall economic vision, the power sector reform is at the heart of our industrialisation strategy. I call on all stakeholders, to cooperate with my administration, to ensure the success of the reforms. Over the next four years, attention will be focused on rebuilding our infrastructure. We will create greater access to quality education and improved health care delivery. We will pay special attention to the agricultural sector, to enable it play its role of ensuring food security and massive job creation for our people. The creation of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority will immensely contribute to strengthening our fiscal framework, by institutionalising savings of our commodity-related revenues. With this mechanism in place, we will avoid the boom and bust cycles, and mitigate our exposure to oil price volatility. The lesson we have learnt is that the resolution of the Niger Delta issue is crucial for the health of the nation’s economy. In the interest of justice, equity and national unity, we shall actively promote the development of the region. I believe that peace is a necessary condition for development. Fellow citizens, in every decision, I shall always place the common good before all else. The bane of corruption shall be met by the overwhelming force of our collective determination, to rid our nation of this scourge. The fight against corruption is a war in which we must all enlist, so that the limited resources of this nation will be used for the growth of our commonwealth. I am confident that we have every reason to look to the future with hope. We owe ourselves and posterity the duty of making this country respectable in the comity of nations. Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, will remain committed to the maintenance of global peace and security. We will continue to play an active role in the United Nations. Our role in the African Union, ECOWAS, and the Gulf of Guinea will be enhanced to ensure greater human and energy security. Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a new dawn for Africa. We fought for decolonisa-

tion. We will now fight for democratisation. Nigeria, in partnership with the African Union, will lead the process for democracy and development in Africa. In particular, we will support the consolidation of democracy, good governance and human rights in the continent. Africa must develop its vast resources to tackle poverty and under-development. Conscious of the negative effect of insecurity on growth and development, my Administration will seek collaboration at bilateral and multilateral levels, to improve our capability in combating trans-border crimes. In this regard, we will intensify our advocacy against the illicit trades in small arms and light weapons, which have become the catalyst for conflicts on the African continent. All Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad are to accord this vision of defending the dignity of humanity the highest priority. My fellow countrymen and women, Nigeria is not just a land of promise; it shall be a nation where positive change will continue to take place, for the good of our people. The time for lamentation is over. This is the era of transformation. This is the time for action. But Nigeria can only be transformed if we all play our parts with commitment and sincerity. Cynicism and scepticism will not help our journey to greatness. Let us all believe in a new Nigeria. Let us work together to build a great country that we will all be proud of. This is our hour. Fellow Compatriots, lift your gaze towards the horizon. Look ahead and you will see a great future that we can secure with unity, hard work and collective sacrifice. Join me now as we begin the journey of transforming Nigeria. • I will continue to fight, for your future, because I am one of you. • I will continue to fight, for improved medical care for all our citizens. • I will continue to fight for all citizens to have access to first class education. • I will continue to fight for electricity to be available to all our citizens. • I will continue to fight for an efficient and affordable public transport system for all our people. • I will continue to fight for jobs to be created through productive partnerships. You have trusted me with your mandate, and I will never, never let you down. I know your pain, because I have been there. Look beyond the hardship you have endured. See a new beginning; a new direction; a new spirit. Nigerians, I want you to start to dream again. What you see in your dreams, we can achieve together. I call upon all the presidential candidates, who contested with me, to join hands with us as we begin the transformation of our country. Let us work together; let us build together; let us bequeath a greater Nigeria to the generations to come. I thank you! God bless you all! And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Promises Of Democracy: 14 Years On

Our democratic experience fairly okay, say Akinjide, Babatope By Tunde Akinola EFLECTING on Nigeria’s demoR cratic experience since 1999, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide and former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, say all is not a write-off, as the country can do better with time. According to Akinjide, politics consists of conflicts resolution because politics without conflicts is no politics. He noted that sometimes, “you have things go up and you have things go

down but the most important thing is to be democratic, law-abiding and to make sure we do things right. As long as we obey those norms, we have nothing to fear.” Akinjide said: “If you start the synopsis from the time of independence till now, you might say you are not 100 per cent satisfied because we had several military interventions. “Before the military intervention, things were going fairly well, although we had some kind of misunderstanding. But since democracy has come, I think we are doing fairly well; we should not be unhappy.” He said the electoral system had been

Akinjide

developed because the country had successfully conducted several elections into the legislature and executive arms at the federal, state and council levels. “Do not forget we were under colonial rule for a very long time and before we can reach the level of Europe and America, it will take a very long time. “We should not expect to achieve within one or two generations what it took them 300 to 400 years to achieve. As far as I am concerned, I am quite happy with our achievements.” Akinjide said everything that had happened to us had happened to Britain and the United States. “Look at what happened in the time of Abraham Lincoln when the South wanted to break away completely; Lincoln had to fight it,” he said. “Also, when Oliver Cromwell came in and King Charles I was deposed in England. “What is important is that we should always do things according to the rule of law. We should always believe in the fundamental rules of democratic norms. If you get defeated in an election, you must always accept your fate,” Akinjide added. Babatope, who is also a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), noted that though there had been problems, “as expected” in the democratic path of Nigeria since 1999, “Nigerians have the cause to be happy about the success the country had achieved since 1999.” “Our problems range from insecurity, as evidenced by the Boko Haram menace, to economic problems and

Babatope

rancour within the party system, particularly indiscipline within the parties,” he said. “Nigerians must never be disturbed by these tough problems. A Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, once said that society must forever be in a state of conflict. He was, in other words, saying no society could ever be free of conflicts and problems within her borders. “It is, therefore, not strange that our country, Nigeria, has rolled from one problem to another since our return to democratic rule in 1999.” Babatope predicted that after Boko Haram had long gone, “our dear country will still witness other problems that are fiercer in scope than what we currently experience with Boko Haram.” “We once had the Maitatsine religious violence and the Niger Delta

problem before Boko Haram. It is my honest view that Nigeria has not performed poorly in her democratic challenges since 1999,” he said. He insisted that Nigeria has not done badly in her democratic scorecard since 1999, explaining that one grave problem that endangers the country’s democracy since 1999 is corruption. “We must continue to combat it with all our strength; and Nigerians must never permit anti-democratic forces to again return to power in our country,” he said. “We must allow politicians to move from one error of judgment and one mistake to the other until we move near the ideal in our democratic path. “Any attempt to solve the problems of our great country through antidemocratic path may lead to the disintegration of Nigeria,” he warned.

Niger Delta: Labour and the capacity for productivity By Tony Akinosho th

T’S the 14 Democracy Day and I’m looking at Icrude the Niger Delta basin, site of all of Nigeria’s oil production since 1958. I am looking at the basin from the point of view of possibilities. On the Benin River one afternoon in late 2009, I sighted three men on a canoe, rowing gently, chatting excitedly. They could have been on a break from work in a nearby oilrig, seismic boat, or production platform, just taking a “stroll” on the waterway. Watching these men, you could get envious if you were one of those imports from elsewhere, who go to work seven days on and seven days off, on any of the thousands of hydrocarbon installations that explore for and extract oil from the depths of the Niger Delta basin. Assume you are a workstation bound geophysicist, who have lived all your life in the concrete jungle of one city or the other; noisy, overpopulated, with snarling traffic your experience every day to and from work. And then you suddenly get assigned to a few weeks of supervision of a seismic acquisition project on the Benin River, a large, independent stream formed by a junction of the Ethiope and the Jameson Rivers and linked to the Niger system by a network of creeks. In the course of the fieldwork, you wake up one morning in your room, to a view of the river’s broad expanse and, out in the distance, on the edge of the mangrove, you see a woman in her canoe, smoking tobacco. With a child playing on the floor of the river craft and cooking utensils and food arranged in the centre of the canoe, she might just have wheeled out the vehicle from one of the nearby villages, for a mid morning picnic. “The Niger Delta basin is a tranquil haven,” you tell yourself. Why can’t you own property here? Why can’t you buy yourself a slice of heaven? You are reminded of a passage in Kaine Agari’s

Akinosho

novel, Yellow Yellow: “I was paddling the canoe to one of my favourite spots — a small, uninhabited island about five hundred metres away from our side of the village. My friends and I called the Wokiri, our land, because it was the only place where we could do whatever we wanted to do without the adults disturbing us…” Yes, that’s awesome, isn’t it? If that’s the life, how come that the predominant story out of this beautiful place is one of impoverishment, or incapacity to excel in the modern age? How come people look like they are trapped in hell and “landowners” in this place have an aura around them that remind you of mendicants in the country’s large cities?

Why will so much anger and helplessness emanate from such a splendid segment of paradise? The Niger Delta may be a pretty patch of real estate; but without the country having an interconnecting system of modern transportation, from road network and bridges over broad waterways to a proper river transportation system, it lies in the middle of nowhere. And even while the hard work of infrastructure building is going on, the capabilities of the people to take charge of their lives is where the real work lies. Does it make sense talking about “loss of fish population as a result of oil exploration” when, at the best of times, your “best” fishermen are mere subsistence fishermen? What does declining population of fish mean when there’s no local expertise or capacity for large-scale seafood processing? If and when the Delta basin is opened up to tourism through a series of modern canals, cleaned-up rivers, fascinating suspension bridges, high-speed railroad linking Lagos to Bonny and Kano to Koko, Ibadan to Warri, Eket to Enugu; and when there are hovercrafts sailing up river from Epe to Ethiope, what will the people look like? Wallpapers? I am reminded of the following passage from Shiva Naipaul’s North Of South, which is a view of tourism in East Africa “The obsessive concern with wildlife leads insidiously to the degradation of human population. In the eyes of the beholder, the more backward tribes become mere adjuncts to the animals. (“If you ever go to Ngorongoro,” I had been advised, “make sure you don’t miss the Masai in the crater. They really are value for money.”) One German environmentalist shares his thought on the local population, in the same book. “The African, except where he remains primitive enough to fit without disturbance into the

‘eco-system’ — and, hence, lends colour to it while dying at a conveniently premature age — is a pest and a threat to other people’s enjoyment. “The new environmentalism is part of the privileged consumption pattern of the affluent and industrialised, those who can afford the air fares, the hotels, the Land Rovers and the guides, those whose children don’t draw water from wells and rarely get savaged by marauding hyenas.” The Niger Delta basin is not about wildlife, and if it turns to a tourist haven, it will be more about the scenic environment; the cavernous creeks, the plant diversity, than sightings of rare animals. But the tendency is the same; visitors enjoy what the Africans, lacking the productive capacity to truly engage the modern economy, merely inhabit. It’s only a massive programme of conversion of the population into true human capital that can make this charming place truly habitable. It has to be a huge programme, of schools and learning environment; far more challenging than tokenist skill acquisition centre syndrome, currently at play. It is more about a few young men being converted to welders. It is about deploying vast sums of money from Excess Crude Accounts to comprehensive “education for life” programmes. It’s about understanding why people would want to stand in front of a raging fire, unafraid of being burnt, converting stolen crude oil to gasoline in backyard refineries, just to earn N3,000. It about how to truly hone those skills with mentorship programmes. The Labour in the Niger Delta basin can be converted from militancy into true peace, but the mindset must be how to make the human being the centre of development. Happy Democracy Day! • Mr. Akinosho is publisher of Africa Oil+Gas Report.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

TheMetroSection Ikorodu: City where residents know no sleep By David Ogah and Gowon Akpodonor

OR many Ikorodu residents, night rest is now a luxury. They sleep with their ears widely at alert and ready to rise from bed at the prompting from the electronic devices strategically positioned in their bedrooms to remind them of time to go to work. This time is usually between 3.00 a.m. and 4.00 a.m., depending on the individual’s nature of work. For this reason, many now go to bed early to be able to answer the wake up call from these devices. Those, who because of the demand of their daily work or could not arrive home early and go to bed early, have to manage their night rest time in order to wake up on time and hit the road as early as 4.00 a.m. That is why the whole community gets polluted with the hooting sound of vehicles as early as 4.00 a.m. everyday as many residents have to scramble to get out of town before dawn so as not to get trapped in the traffic and arrive late at their work place. The road networks within Ikorodu town are even more problematic. Despite the fact that the town has good urban and regional planning with a network of roads, these roads are in bad shape making residents wonder if Ikorodu was a component of Lagos State where Governor Raji Fashola has been acclaimed to be doing well. Until recently, Ikorodu town lacked government presence, as residents have not enjoyed the dividend of democracy as their counterparts in other areas of the state. Few ongoing road projects, the Awolowo road and Suleiman Shoderu street, power line area had since been abandoned by the local contractors handling them. The only road project started and completed so far under the present democratic dispensation in the town is the Ibeshe road that was handled by the Arab Contractors. Those who can afford the bills have since relocated and abandoned their palatial homes for rented apartment elsewhere within the Lagos metropolis. Some of them who left their family behind return back to town every Friday for a weekend re-union with wife and children, before going back to their satellite homes on Sunday night. Benjamin Okito is one of the many residents who had since abandoned his palatial home at Ijede because of the traffic situation within Ikorodu town and Ikorodu road. The banker who spoke with The Guardian few days ago painted a pathetic picture of an average Ikorodu resident, when he said: “I relocated from Ikorodu about four years ago when the dam water from Oyo State cut off Ikorodu road for two weeks. I was forced to patronize the service of ferry operators then and I had a terrible experience. So the following day I went through Ikorodu road and I saw hell. I did it for three days. I will arrive home at 1.00 a.m. and by 3.00 a.m. I will be ready to go to work, no sleep, because of the traffic situation. And when solution was not forth coming. I decided to go for a mini-flat at Ketu where I moved into, leaving my wife and children in Ikorodu. I did it to save my job and my wife understands this. That is where I am till today, from Monday to Friday. That the effect of traffic gridlock is of grave consequence to mankind is an understatement, as medical prac-

Briefs Memorial service for Dana crash victims SPECIAL Hymnal memoA rial service for victims of June 3, 2012, Dana Air plane

crash holds on Sunday, June 2, at MRC auditorium, LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos at 4.30p.m. Convenere is Joko Okupe.

Efon Alaaye meets Sunday FON Alaaye Development E League, Lagos Branch will meet on Sunday, June 2, at 104, Apata Street, Somolu, Lagos at 4.00p.m.

Club to empower the poor EMBERS of the Penya M Barca De Lagos Club have concluded plans to put smiles

Traﬃc jam on the road

titioners who spoke on the matter said it could cause untimely death to those who are constantly exposed to long periods in the traffic. According to Mr. Tietie Enajite, a medical doctor at the Surulere Medical Centre, long period of stay in the traffic exposes one to excessive motor vehicle emissions made up of by products like gasoline evaporation that could mix with other air components and compounds to form nitric acid vapour and related particles that can penetrate the sensitive parts of the human lungs to cause damage and premature death. On the effect of reduced hours of night rest, he said: “Waking up early reduces the hours of sleep and this can cause stress that can lead to CNS and CVS disorder such as hypertension. It can also weaken the immune system.” According to the Doctor, those who are constantly exposed to long period in the traffic could be more prone to lung cancer asthma, cardiovascular issues and premature death, because of the particulate matter they inhale while in the traffic. To the Ayagburen of Ikorodu, Oba Afolabi Salaudeen Oyefusi, the bloated development, which orchestrated the present traffic situation within the town and on Ikorodu road, was an act of God. “We thank God for his mercy. It is God’s grace that brought development to Ikorodu. With the influx of people to the town, we need to have this traffic congestion. When Ikorodu was founded many decades ago, people did not envisage this development. In the first place, the nearness to Lagos has become an advantage. We started experiencing this development in Ikorodu during the tenure of General Gbadamosi Babangida. During his tenure, he put in his best and with Gods grace, his best added more development to Ikorodu being the nearest city to Lagos. During the time of former military administrator, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, we witnessed a lot of development. The extension

Ayagburen of Ikorodu, Oba Oyefusi of Ikorodu Road added more impetus to the growing nature because it brought the town nearer to Lagos Island.” “The influx of people to Ikorodu, the location of more factories in the town which has the biggest industrial estate in the state and Nigeria at large, the relocation of traders from Lagos Island to Ikorodu, and a handful of other factors have contributed to the development of Ikorodu and the subsequent traffic congestion,” he said. According to the Royal father, Ikorodu was a town once rejected by all including the indigenes, adding that the story has since changed because of his persistent enlightenment effort and religious tolerance. On the condition on Ikorodu Road and the road network within the town, the Oba said he was aware that government has a big plan for the

Another view of the gridlock

city as it has now realized its importance to the state. He said he would not relent in his efforts at mounting more pressure on the state government for the provision of necessary infrastructure that will bring comfort to his subjects, Ikorodu residents. The Oba who spoke with The Guardian in his palace few days ago appealed to the state and Federal Governments to ensure the maintenance of road infrastructure in the town. “I recently embarked on a tour of the over 170 towns and villages in Ikorodu division and I realized that Itoikin road (Ijebu -Ode road), which was commissioned during the administration of General Gowon/Mobolaji Johnson of Lagos State, was in a dangerous state. The Federal Government has abandoned many of its roads. The Shagamu road, also in Ikorodu, is also in a terrible state. The Ogun and Lagos States governments had last year agreed to rehabilitate their own portions of the road, but the road is still in its dangerous state and causing traffic snarl. We appeal to all authorities concerned to take urgent action and rehailitate these roads in order to reduce the suffering of the residents on these roads.” The Oba also appealed to the state government to expand and upgrade the Ikorodu General Hospital, by making it an extension of the state’s teaching hospital in view of the development and the growing population of the city.

on the faces of the less-privileged, engage, empower and develop the youths and better the society as a whole. Mr. Leslie Oghomeinor, who spoke on behalf of the group in Lagos recently, said ‘we are charity-driven, passionate about helping the needy, teach the young ones the principle of nationhood, committed to community spirit, and the wellbeing of the society.’ He revealed that the project plan of action would be unveil in Lagos on date to be announced later.

Group holds workshop USLIM Singles and MarM ried Media Initiative (MSMMI) will tomorrow and Sunday hold a workshop on entrepreneurship at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) main auditorium, Akoka, Lagos at 10.00 a.m. daily. The purpose of the programme is to identify nittygritty of business succession and as well as analyzing needed tools for business sustainability and progression.

Firm holds summit FIRM, Elderberry InteA grated Resources Ltd. will today holds this year’s edition of Inspiring Nigeria’s Vanguard of Exceptionally Noble Talents (INVENT) at DeHall Event Centre, 131, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

Comfort Oriola passes on UNERAL rites for Madam Fbegin Comfort Iyalode Oriola on Thursday, June 13, with lying-in-state, at No. 7, Oduselu Street, Itire , Mushin, Lagos, followed by Christian wake keep at 5.00 p.m. She will be buried on Friday, June 14, after a funeral service at CAC Apostle Church, Ola Street, off Olayinke Street, Ijesha- Tedo, Lagos. Guests will be entertained at Sanya Secondary School, Surulere playing ground, along Oshodi Apapa Expressway, Lagos.

Oriola

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Photonews

NAPTIP docks two over human trafficking By Joseph Onyekwere HE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP on Tuesday, arraigned two persons before a Federal High Court, Lagos on three-count charge bordering on human trafficking. The two accused persons, Christian Segun Awanebi, who resides at Bukina Faso, and Ariwajo Destiny also known as Oyinbo, a resident of Block 337, Flat 2, Ilasan Estate, Lekki Lagos, were arraigned before Justice Saliu Saidu. The charges bordered on engaging teenagers for prostitution, promoting prostitution in Ougadaougou, Bukina Faso’s capital and using a deceitful means of introducing teenagers into prostitution from Lagos to Bukina Faso. NAPTIP Prosecutor, Mrs. K. Falade told the court that the accused persons had sometime in November, 2012, by deceitful means, introduced one Rosemary Onyinyechi Igbozurike, a resident of 29, Tu-

Managing Director, FOT Consulting, South Africa, Shrbinseck Darko (left); Commissioner for Transport, Delta State, Ben Igbakpa; Managing Director, Kenya Bus Services Management, Nairobi, Edwins Mukabanah; Vice President, UATP, Abidjan, CoteD’ Ivoire, Bi Nagone ZORO; and Managing Director, SOTRA, Abidjan, Cote D’ Ivoire, Bouake, MIETE, at the ongoing 60th Congress of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), in Geneva, Switzerland...recently.

Brief BADECA marks World Environment Day with food campaign NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORA GANISATION, Bariga Development Community Association

Marketing Manager, Oral Health Care and Innovations, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Mr. Winston Ailemoh (left), Brand Manager, Macleans, Davis Iyoha with some children at the Macleans Milk Teeth Free Children Dental Outreach and Party to mark the 2013 Children’s Day at Ikeja Mall, Lagos...on Monday PHOTO:FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

(BADECA) will this week kickstart a campaign against food wastage among secondary school students and market women in Lagos. A statement by the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Adeniyi Ojebisi, stated that the campaign is in line with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) theme for 2013: ‘Think ,Eat, Save, Reduce your food print’. According to him, “The food campaign focuses on the fact that one billion of food are lost or wasted every year”. In Nigeria, he said, this monumental food wastage occurs in many communities with high level of unemployment, poverty and nutritional inadequacy”.

tuola street, Oke-Odo, Lagos, into prostitution in BukinaFaso. Falade said the alleged offences contravened and punishable under sections 15(a), 16 and 19(b) of the trafficking in persons and prohibition laws enforcement and administration Act 2003, as amended. However, counsel to the accused persons, McJohnson Odey pleaded with the court to grant his clients bail in liberal term. He said they were first -time offenders, who did not have previous criminal record. Ruling on the bail application, Justice Saidu admitted them on bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties each, who must be residing in Lagos. The judge also ordered that one of the sureties, must be a blood relation to the accused, while the other must be a Grade Level 12 civil servant in Lagos or Federal Government establishment. The matter was adjourned to July 23 for trial.

MFM donates borehole to community HE Mountain of Fire and T Miracle Ministries, Amazing Grace Regional Headquarters, Lagos Region 33, Abaranje in Ikotun area of Lagos recently donated a borehole to the Asalu community where the church is located. In a short sermon and prayer session during the commissioning of the borehole, the Regional Overseer, Pastor Toyin Olusanya dis-

closed the displeasure he felt seeing people, mostly children and women, some of whom members of the church going long distances to fetch water, especially on Sunday morning. “To me, I felt something could be done. After all in MFM, we believe in being our brother’s keeper. “And this is a way to reach out to the community,” he said.

TheGuardian SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2013

Unraveling The Intrigues At The Governors’ Forum Chief Executive Officer, Metro Taxi, Mr ‘Niyi Oguntoyinbo( left), Coordinator 1, Ikeja GRA Residence Association Mr. Muiz Banire, Chairman, Transport Committee, Ikeja GRA, Prince Kayode Tejuosho and Coordinator 2, Ikeja GRA Residence Association Mr. Ade Atobatele at the presentation of a brand new patrol van to GRA Ikeja residence association by Metro Taxi in Lagos...

HE dust is yet to settle after the Nigeria Governors Forum rose from their disputed election. In Rivers, Kano, Ondo, Plateau, Akwa Ibom and other states, the tunes have remained discordants as the combatants dig in further. A video of the controversial election where a winner and a loser were declared has not fully settled the matter. Are these signs of things to come in 2015? Read the scintillating updates in The Guardian on Sunday.

Amaechi

Jonathan

PLUS: SPECIAL HERE are many ways in REPORT : which Yoruba can come together to fight their cause. An Unveiling Of We may not call ourselves Hard Drugs Cells Afenifere, we can call ourselves different names. The imporIn Lagos, Anamtant thing is to fight the bra. Yoruba cause.” The Guardian On Sunday is new, fresher, bolder; a delight to behold and more importantly, reader-friendly! Book a copy today.

“T

The Executive Director, Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo, Dosumu and the immediate past Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Afolabi Oladapo at the Southern Conference of Elders and Leaders in Lagos.

Fayemi

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

TheGuardian 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 Fake phones or poor telecoms service? HE claim by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) officials that poor service delivery by the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) operators is caused by imported “fake, unwholesome and substandard telephone handsets from China,” is not only baseless, it is laughable. NCC, the regulatory authority in the telecoms sector (and other regulatory bodies for that matter) should really do more than cover up the inadequacies of the service providers who are ever ready to take advantage of consumers. With 154 million connected lines, 144 million of them active according to released figures, in a little over a decade of service, the country has come a long way. What is regrettable however is the service delivery, which is clearly inversely proportional to the growth of the sector, despite promises to the contrary by the providers. The NCC, despite claims of working hard at quality and transparent service delivery, also seems content with inadequate supervision. Just how did the NCC come about the connection between fake phones and quality service delivery by GSM operators? Assuming there are users with substandard phones, how about smart handset users – and they are in millions – who use high quality brands and are not enjoying value for money in their contracts with the providers? The current connectivity and tariff/billing problems are beyond merely referring people to NCC website for approved list of hand-held phones licensed for use in the country or to embrace number portability. For instance, a subscriber has no point carrying around multiple mobile telephones if he or she can get an efficient service from any of the GSM providers. In other climes where consumer protection is taken seriously, relevant agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) will make it a priority to stop influx of those fake phones into the country or invoke the relevant laws to prosecute infractions. Rather than bemoan the influx of substandard phones, NCC, either working alone or in conjunction with regulatory agencies, can help solve the problem. One way is to get mobile telephone manufacturers to set up plants here in Nigeria to ensure quality control and improved services if actually that is the source of poor service delivery. As a matter of fact, the service providers cannot do much on their own to tackle handsets’ usage even though it is their reputation on quality service that is called to question. The GSM technology has changed lives of the citizens and the bar is being raised every day. The volume of mobile phones in circulation in Nigeria alone within a short time says volumes about the invention in daily life. The International Data Corporation’s figures show that hundreds of millions of mobile phones were shipped by vendors in the first quarter of this year alone. Growth in teledensity (the percentage of connected lines in relation to the population in a given period of time) has been phenomenal. Figures also indicate that in a given year between January 2012 and same month in 2013, 18.3 million lines were added to users’ subscriber base in the country. The momentum will undoubtedly be sustained and will likely put the pressure still on the operators. In essence, the current erratic services are not going to go away in a hurry. The implication of all this is that NCC has to do more of its oversight functions. Consumer protection organisations have to ensure that subscribers get value for money if they would continue to remain relevant. Telecoms operators have no excuse for the shoddy services in Nigeria today. They are in business and have a duty to render quality service all the time.

LETTER

UNN, these doctors need certificates It is surprising, a great SsetIR:embarrassment really that a of graduates from a premier university in the country – University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specifically medical graduates of class of 2009, are yet to be issued their MBBS degree certificates after three years postgraduation. It is alleged that it took the university three years to convocate these students in a ceremony held in January 2012. Despite the long wait before the university could officially graduate them, they were downcast when the vice-chancellor placed an embargo on

issuing them certificates, setting up a committee to investigate irregularities in their first year results. The official statement from the office of the vice-chancellor stated that some of the graduates in the class of 2009 did not pass their General Studies courses, which was a compulsory part of their first year curriculum. The investigative committee has sat for over one year without any oficial statement. No certificates have been issued to these doctors, and they live each day without proper certification. This has cost these doctors

opportunities to further their training both home and overseas. This is simply a case of punishing students for the inefficiency of the administrators. Questions are being raised: shouldn’t these investigations have been done before the doctors sat for their final MBBS examinations? The image of UNN as a citadel of learning is being compromised. If urgent steps are not taken, the career advancement of these doctors will be stalled. • Sebastine Ikeoha and Ebube Okorie, UNN Class of 2009 Medical Doctors.

LETTERS

Martial law is more like it IR: The declared State of these enemies of Nigeria to ge, especially on the side of supSpractice Emergency in the states in increase their attacks. But it is porters of Boko Haram. Some of these are unforeseen is “Martial Law.” certain that with the new Martial law as a rule, “is a temporary government and control by military authorities of a territory or state, when war or overwhelming public disturbance makes the civil authorities of the region unable to enforce its law. Martial law refers to rule by the domestic army only. In plain terms, it is a situation where military powers supersede any other authority in the troubled states – Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. It means that if you are a politician and you have been secretly behind the Islamic terror group, Boko Haram, directly or otherwise, you can be snatched, questioned and dealt with, with no legal representation but treated as an enemy combatant. Questions are being asked why the governors and elected state officials were not booted out, as is always the case in the era of military. The Nigerian constitution did not prescribe that in a civilian regime, but the chief security officer’s roles are taken away from governors, as they are only responsible for local administration. For ease of coordination, these politicians were allowed to stay around in order for them not to flee the country, because most of them have direct or indirect connection to the Islamist group. In the weeks to come, there may be desperate attempts by

order given the military by President Goodluck Jonathan, they will surely subdue any attack from the terrorists and their collaborators. Freedom of press may not be guaranteed. So the press should act with restraint and let the soldiers do their job without interferance. Nigeria is at war with evil men, there is no need for pity for the dead or casualties on the side of the terrorists. There may be collateral dama-

circumstances that cannot be prevented at a time of war, but with professional competence of our military men, it will be minimal. This is the best time to support the government in its plan to bring back peace to the North East. Sentiments must be avoided. The nation must surely overcome this challenge. God Bless Nigeria. • Thomas Idagu, thompsonidagu@yahoo.com

Asaba Aluminum: Please perform your obligation I want to use this sheet, which I paid for was not StionIR:medium to draw the atten- available and the factory in of Asaba Aluminum Lagos had operational problems Company to my plight. I am utterly disappointed with the company’s (Benin Unit) unfriendliness to customers. Precisely on April 4, I paid cash into the bank account of Asaba Aluminum Company for roofing sheets for use a house at Ekpoma, Edo State, which I am supervising. After collecting my official receipts, there was no further communication with me. When I made efforts to reach the sales manager, my calls were not answered. Over a month after waiting, I visited the unit office in Benin. There I was told that the roofing

hence the delay. To prevent rain from spoiling the roofing rafters already in place, I decided to choose beige colour in place of the nut-brown, which I had paid for. Subsequently, the workers went and deposited the roofing sheets on site without mounting it. The roofing sheets are lying on the ground while the rain is affecting the rafters. Despite my effort to prevail on them to do the installation, it has remained a waiting game. May I humbly request that the service obligation the company owes me be consummated. • Bonaventure Uche Chizea, Ekpoma, Edo State.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Business AutoWheels P43

BusinessTravel P45

Stallion Motors acquires Nissan’s franchise

Summer travel: Flying the crowded skies

Minister unfolds plans for additional standard gauge rail lines From NkechI Onyedika, Abuja HE federal government T has concluded plans to develop seven additional standard gauge rail lines across the country. Already, the feasibility studies for the rail lines are ongoing and would be completed by September 2013 after which it would be open for potential investors for development under the public private partnership (PPP). Minister of Transport, Alhaji Idris Umar, who disclosed this while inaugurating the Governing Board of the Nigerian Railway Corporation in Abuja, recently, said that government is reviewing the law establishing the Nigerian Railway Corporation to ensure private sector, state and local governments participation in the sector. He noted that the Bill had been considered and approved by the National Council on Privatisation and would soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval before transmission to the National Assembly for legislation. The minister stated that government was vigorously pursuing the resuscitation of the nation’s rail system in line with the 25year Rail Strategic Vision, which is being implemented in three phases of System Transition, System Modernisation and System Stabilisation. He explained that in the implementation process, a systematic dual approach, which entailed the rehabilitation of the entire existing narrow gauge and development of the standard gauge

Executive Director, Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, Alastair MacNaughton (left); Non Executive Director, Abba Kyari, Non-Executive Director Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc Engr. Mrs. Mayen Adetiba and the Chairman/Managing Director Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc Adetunji Oyebanji during Mobil Oil Nigeria Annual General Meeting at Muson Centre in Lagos. PHOTO: GABRIEL IKHAHON

Govt recovers N14 billion from subsidy fraud From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja HE Federal Government T has recovered over N14 billion, sequel to audit exercise conducted on fuel subsidy claims. The audit exercise was part of the efforts being made by the administration to block areas of leakages within the system. Already, the government has initiated a new strategy to curtail payments for bogus claims for contract jobs Under the new dispensation, a two-step audit claim before payment has been established, unlike the previous arrangements where pay-

ments were made relying only on witnesses. Finance Minister, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala while presenting the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan as part of the activities marking this year’s Democracy Day in Abuja recently said: “We audited N1 trillion in subsidy and found N232 billion questionable, so far we have recovered about N14 billion. We have tightened the payment process.” Similarly, she said that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) had reduced the number of oil importers to 32. This is to

give the agency enough leverage to supervise the process in a fair and transparent manner. According to the minister, Nigeria’s credit rating had improved under the present administration. She said that agencies like Fitch, Standard and Poor’s and Moody had improved to BB- (equivalent). As a result, Nigerian corporates are able to borrow at cheaper rates on international credit markets. “A number of our banks have gone to raise funds abroad. For example Access Bank ($350 Euro Bond; GT Bank ($350 million Bond; Fidelity bank $300

LCCI seeks removal of regional trade barriers HE Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, has urged African governments to ensure the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade within the continent. Yusuf said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos. He said that both the private and public sectors of the economy had major roles to play to improve trade relations within the continent.

According to him, the integration and coordination of the various regional economic blocs was essential to serve as building blocs for African integration. ``The proper coordination of integration initiatives such as African Economic Community, New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and other regional economic communities is a function of the public sector. ``Cross border investments as well as advocacy in promot-

ing economic integration should be encouraged in the private sector,’’ Yusuf stated. He also suggested that trade promotion in Africa should be carried beyond the subregion, noting that initiatives to promote trade within the continent had been limited to sub-regional levels. The Director-General said that many firms would enjoy significant benefits of economies of scale if they were fully integrated into the African market.

``Africa has a robust market of about one billion people. ``Intra-African trade will enhance global competitiveness of African firms and lower their costs of production,’’ the Director-General said. Yusuf said that the treaties signed to promote trade in the continent had being slowly implemented owing to poor quality of political governance and civil unrest. ``The lack of political will to implement the treaties and

Euro Bond.” Besides, she said that international investors were becoming more interested in Nigeria, citing domestic bonds such as JP Morgan and Barclays emerging market index. She noted that about $7 billion was invested in the country in 2012. Okonjo-Iweala said that the government policy of reducing the cost of governance was yielding the desired result. She added that the policy was to reduce recurrent expenditure and complete capital projects. “Recurrent expenditure has dropped from 74.4 per cent of total budget in 2011 to 68.7 per

drive the integration process has created impediment to successful intra-African trade. ``We have allowed colonial allegiance and loyalty to take precedence over regional protocols. ``The reluctance of African leaders to surrender sovereignty and economic nationalism, coupled with political and social conflicts have made intra-African trade unsuccessful,’’ he said. Speaking on democratic dividend, the LCCI DG said

cent in 2013. Besides, she disclosed that the borrowing of the government is declining, saying, “Our annual borrowing has fallen from N852 billion in 2011 to N588 billion in 2013.” Also speaking the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman highlighted the achievements of the administration in the areas of infrastructure and sectoral reforms such agriculture, manufacturing, housing Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Education, Health, Sports and creative industries.

Nigeria has recorded increased foreign, local investments. Yusuf said that Nigeria recorded increase in the Gross Domestic product (GDP) since 1999. According to him, the country recorded yearly GDP growth rate of about seven per cent in the last 13 years. “Nigeria had become a major investment destination in the Africa because investors are more comfortable in a democratic environment,” he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

16 BUSINESS

Kaduna targets N2 billion monthly revenue OVERNOR of Kaduna G State, Mukhtar Yero, has disclosed the state’s target of about N2 billion monthly as internally generated revenue (IGR) from this year. Yero disclosed this in Kaduna at the opening session of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) State Sensitisation Workshop on the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). He said that the improve-

ment in IGR collection would enable the state government to provide social amenities and basic infrastructure to the people. “There are so many challenges for the state in trying to improve its internally generated revenue. “We were generating an average of N240 million to N270 million. When I became the commissioner for finance, we

made concerted efforts to improve the revenue by even giving incentives to move up to N789 million to N800 million. “But things have changed, we thought it should be up to N2 billion now since I am part of it; I know how it is, so I am not going to tolerate the decline. “It is our hope that tax evasion would reduce through

TIN and it would enable taxpayers to pay their taxes promptly. “Multiple taxation has been hindering flow of investment in the states, I believe this new initiative would address it. “Tax is obligatory for all taxable people because government needs additional revenue for basic social amenities, we want to improve our revenue with regularly paid taxes, “Citizens can only hold government responsible when they pay their taxes regularly,’’ said the governor. According to him, strategies were being put in place to block tax revenue leakages as well as improve tax collection for the development of the state. Besides, Yero said that the government was also making efforts to address tax evasion and multiple taxation to achieve the objective. The governor said that the state had approved the payment of its counterpart contribution to the Joint Tax Board (JTB).

He urged the JTB to involve the states in whatever they were doing, to ensure effective participation. The Executive Secretary of the JTB, Malam Mohammed Abubakar, said only 23 states had remitted their counterpart contribution. Abubakar said that the TIN project was expected to be funded jointly by the federal and state governments. “The Joint Tax Board is embarking on a nationwide sensitisation and awareness workshop on Taxpayer Identification Number Project. “This project has as its main objective, registration of taxpayers in all categories in the country by electronic means, providing a common taxpayer registration platform across the country and providing a comprehensive taxpayer data base. “Implementation of this registration platform, which involves capturing of bio-data information of taxpayers through 10 fingers bio-metric, would not only be used for tax purposes but also for

planning by respective governments and enhancing tax modernisation process. “Details of the aims and objectives of the project as well as the registration process will be our focus of discussion at this workshop,” he said. The scribe, therefore, stressed the need for participation in the TIN project, as it would provide a platform for taxpayer database, as well as aid in development planning. Meanwhile, The Kaduna State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its Appropriation Committee on the N1.4 billion supplementary funds requested by the state government. The House had on Thursday May 16, referred the executive bill on the matter to the committee for examination and recommendation. Presenting the report, Chairman of the committee, Mr Yohanna Jatau, said that the assembly should approve the request as the funds was meant to procure fertilisers for farmers in the 23 local government areas of the state.

Global Scansystem begins operation at Seme border By Moses Ebosele and Nelson Chijioke N indigenous destination service provider, Global Scansystem limited has commenced operations at Seme border. Conduction journalists round the facility on Wednesday, the company explained that the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Finance are expected to carry out final inspections today. Managing Director of the company, Fred Udechukwu, described the facility as the best in this part of the world, adding that it is structured to deliver 24-hour service. He said that the new facility, which was the first of its kind in the history of container scanning and goods clearance in the country would boost trade when fully opera-

• Stakeholders seek govt support tional. Udechukwu also commended all stakeholders for their support and cooperations. Meanwhile, the President of Nnewi Traders Association and Vice-President of Anambra Traders Association, Gozie Akudolu, has expressed happiness over the completion of the facility, saying that it would boost further Global Scansystem’s seamless process at Seme. “Global system’s procedures before now have been very easy and without delay, both at other seaports and airports. It is a laudable effort of an indigenous company,” Akudolu said. Also speaking on Wednesday, the National Chairman of the Registered Freight Forwarders

Association of Nigeria, Festus Ukwu, described the facility as the first of its kind and an effort of a private organization to enhance Nigeria’s economy. He called on all stakeholders especially the federal government to lend their support to the project: “We have to support indigenous efforts because technical issues are basically handled by expatriates who refuse to pass the knowledge across. “Federal government must encourage indigenous ideas. We want the Customs Service to be strict on the policy of scanning of containers, that is make it mandatory that every container must pass through the process. It is easier, faster and accurate for goods clearance,” he added.

Alaafin advocates partnership with investors to develop economy From Kehinde Olatunji, Ibadan LAAFIN of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has advocated the need for collaboration with investors to develop the economy of the Southwest. The monarch made this known yesterday in his palace while receiving a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of Oranmiyan Airline from a global investor, Worldwide Holdings. Oba Adeyemi said that the airline would help in projecting the image of the Yoruba nation as well as enhance its economy. According to him: “Today, we are making history. We are making similar efforts in order areas in contributing our quotas to the development of Yoruba nation. The

influence of the Obas should not be localised. He also enjoined the government to give the traditional rulers deserving recognition and roles to play. “In Europe, America and Asia we have Yoruba people. The state governments in the Southwest are progressives and we hope they will consider this initiative. “Our graduates are unemployed. This is an opportunity to create an investment that gives prospect of reducing unemployment rate. The investors are not requesting money. They are also inaugurating the Yoruba Coalition in Dubai. “The challenge is to have the endorsement of government. If we succeed, it would reduce the rate of

unemployment. “We are here to present the business proposal to our governments. The investors want to be sure that they would be able to recoup the money invested. “The investors asked for three things: they do not want to be involved in politics, they said they would not give or take bribe and Alaafin is the only person that they trust to represent the Yoruba interest”. The Chairman, Yoruba Global Coalition, United Kingdom (UK) Dr. Layo Adeniyi, said, “In keeping with the agreement, the airline would soon take off. They made an agreement with Airbus to have four aircraft and they are discussing with Iata in Canada on way forward.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Weekend

Controversy rages over ‘Long Live Africa’ speech

Arts & Culture P. 27 For Steve Rhodes, no ‘remembrance’ gig this May

Autowheels P.43

Business Travels P.44

Summer travel:Flying crowded skies

Stallion Motors acquires Nissan’s franchise, unveils seven brands

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

20 WEEKEND

Why controversies surround Nigeria’s Nigerian leaders have been noted for giving significant and often controversial speeches at the African Union (AU) gatherings. It was not different last week when President Goodluck Jonathan took his turn. Nigeria’s voice rang through at the AU assembly bringing into the present time, the nation’s reconstructed centrepiece foreign policy. Nigeria’s profound statement resounded positively at Addis Ababa the Ethiopian capital, yet the controversy that greeted the fact that it was not presented by President Goodluck Jonathan who was at the summit has raged on.

African leaders at recent AU Summit From: Oghogho Obayuwana, (Foreign Affairs Editor) who was in Addis Ababa frica has come of age. It is no longer under the orbit of any extra continental power. It should no longer take orders from any country, however powerful. The fortunes of Africa are in our hands to make or to mar. For too long have we been kicked around: for too long have we been treated like adolescents who cannot discern their interests and act accordingly. For too long has it been presumed that the African needs outside ‘experts’ to tell him who are his friends and who are his enemies. The time has come when we should make it clear that we can decide for ourselves; that we know our own interests and how to protect those interests; that we are capable of resolving African problems without presumptuous lessons in ideological dangers which, more often than not, have no relevance for us, nor for the problem at hand.” Those words of General Murtala Muhammed, former Nigerian head of state, now late, are lifted from his address at the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Assembly in 1975.

“A

Jonathan

Nigerian leaders are known to have used epochal events to make profound statements of intent and of being. Such as was witnessed at the first United Nations (1960) as well as the maiden OAU speeches by former prime minister Tafawa Balewa. Last week Saturday, former president Olusegun Obasanjo would have loved an opportunity to make a similar profound speech on an occasion when the 50th anniversary of the organisation, now the primogeniture of the African Union (AU) was being specially marked.

While political independence has been won and colonialism, apartheid and minority rule have been defeated, we are yet to overcome the challenges of neo-colonialism, poverty, disease, violent conflicts, environmental degradation, under-development and economic dependency

Nkrumah

The former president who presented a report on alternative sources of funding for the AU, sat alongside one of the living founding member and former president of Zambia Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, there were former leaders Goukouni Weddeye (Chad), Jerry Rawlings (Ghana) and Tabo Mbeki (South Africa) and host of others. Nigeria is a founding member of the OAU. it, alongside Egypt, Libya, Algeria and South Africa, shoulders about 70 percent of the continental body’s financial obligations. Various leaders used the speaking slots of their countries to impact their country’s standing at the AU to a world audience in the presence of grand debate panellists which included former Jamaican president Percival James Patterson (who brought in the music of late Peter Toch into the hall) consisting of the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), Vuk Jeremic, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, heads of African Regional Economic Communities, heads of AU Specialized Organs and International Agencies, members of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the AU and the Diplomatic

Kaunda

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

WEEKEND 21

‘long live Africa’ speech at AU So, my message today is very simple. Africa must declare an end to the era of self inflicted wars and conflicts. Africa must usher in an era of transformation, peace, stability and sustainable development...We all know that the wars we fight sap our strength, divert our resources and destroy precious lives and property. We know that these conflicts hold Africa back. We must bring them to an end immediately to give Africa Community in Addis Ababa. Nigeria’s voice bellowed at the AU assembly bringing into the present time, the nation’s reconstructed centrepiece foreign policy. Nigeria’s profound statement resounded positively at the Ethiopian capital, yet the controversies that greeted the fact that it was not presented by president Goodluck Jonathan who was at the summit has raged on. Nigeria’s position read by foreign minister Ashiru caught on when the Assembly was told “...While political independence has been won and colonialism, apartheid and minority rule have been defeated, we are yet to overcome the challenges of neo-colonialism, poverty, disease, violent conflicts, environmental degradation, under-development and economic dependency” Nigeria’s voice further held: “We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to ensure that Africa succeeds. We must consolidate our achievements, correct past mistakes and accomplish the new African integration paradigm for political, economic, socio-cultural and scientific development...Today, we are reflecting on the philosophy of Pan Africanism and African Renaissance not at the behest of anyone but of our own accord. We do so because we are conscious of the need to control our own destiny. For too long, Africa has been a victim of external domination, exploitation and manipulation. Africa must rediscover itself” The Nigerian voice went on further “So, my message today is very simple. Africa must declare an end to the era of self inflicted wars and conflicts. Africa must usher in an era of transformation, peace, stability and sustainable development...We all know that the wars we fight sap our strength, divert our resources and destroy precious lives and property. We know that these conflicts hold Africa back. We must bring them to an end immediately to give Africa respite and space to develop and realize its potential for greatness” It was in the country’s interest at the AU to also spell out what the members must do collectively. Nigeria said “we must first take definite steps and implement all the frameworks aimed at curtailing the proliferation and illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in our continent. These are the weapons of choice in the prosecution of all the deadly conflicts, acts of terrorism, piracy and armed robberies ravaging many parts of our continent. Given their lethality they have been aptly described as the weapons of mass destruction and destabilization in Africa...Second, with Africa free of all its crises and violent conflicts, we must commit to deepen our democratic governance and rule of law. We must give voice to, and respect the wishes of our people when they express them democratically, freely and openly. Democracy must be allowed to flourish unimpeded in all our countries. We must end the culture of abuse of power and impunity. We must embrace the culture of accountability, equity and justice.

Obasanjo

Africa should aim to lead humanity again in innovation and advancement. Africa must not remain in the margins of world affairs. Africa must continue to ask for its due rights and place in the World. Africa’s demand to be represented on the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council is just. It should never be seen as a privilege. We should, therefore, vigorously press our demand for an urgent reform and expansion of the Council in order to inaugurate more equitable global governance architecture

Nigeria’s submission continued “... Africa should aim to lead humanity again in innovation and advancement. Africa must not remain in the margins of world affairs. Africa must continue to ask for its due rights and place in the World. Africa’s demand to be represented on the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council is just. It should never be seen as a privilege. We should, therefore, vigorously press our demand for an urgent reform and expansion of the Council in order to inaugurate more equitable global governance architecture” The country’s statement ended thus: “We signaled this intent with the transformation of the Organization of African Union (OAU) to the African Union (AU), a decade ago. We adopted forward-looking and dynamic approaches to Africa’s integration agenda. We devised a new Peace and Security Architecture. We agreed on a new framework to ward off the tendency towards unconstitutional change of government and adopted a Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance among others. We also adopted the New Partnership for Africa’s Economic Development (NEPAD) along with the Africa Peer Review (APR) mechanism to fast-track the continent’s development agenda and enhanced governance process... Mr. Chairman, as expected, my country, Nigeria, will remain a staunch supporter and promoter of Pan-Africanism and the ideals and objectives, championed by this Union. Our steadfast commitment to the Union arises from our recognition that African unity and solidarity will remain our strength, both as a nation and as a continent. Long Live Africa! Long Live the African Union!!” Even if Nigeria’s statement at the AU did not sound like those Argentine revolutionary leader Ernesto Che Geuvera who had said “What do the dangers or sacrifices of a man or a people matter when what is at stake is the destiny of humanity.” it was

timely and profound. But even though foreign affairs minister ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru and presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati had put out strong, persuasive reasons why the inability of the president to deliver Nigeria’s speech was not a howler, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Internationals Affairs professor Bola Akinterinwa also noted that “there are some diplomatic technicalities that can make such things happen at important summits such as this (AU)” Speaking to The Guardian on the matter, he said “We should not be blinded by that fact (Speech delivery alone. The enormity of work that Nigeria did at this summit cannot be reduced to that level. He does not have to read that speech. Important as it was, there were other strategic pursuits which had to be handled at the same time the speeches were being made. This I am aware of ” Also, building on the centre piece doctrine and the now emerging grand strategy for participation in multilateral organisation, the regional Director of the Institute of Security Service (ISS) in Addis and former Nigerian envoy to Ethiopia ambassador Olusegun Akinsanya maintained that Governance should now be Nigeria’s mother theme at bodies such as the AU. In an interview with the The Guardian on what Nigeria should be doing with the AU as the 2063 vision takes effect, he said “The biggest challenge facing the AU and the continent still remains peace and security. Now, as a continental leader, if we get our governance right, peace and security will ensue. At the base of most of the conflict, apart from resources management, is governance. This is why even an important matter such as elections has now ceased to be a governance issue. It is now a security issue... and of course if elections are credible and there is inclusiveness, Africa’s peace and security issues would be minimal. Part of this has now led to the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and which also came out of or Shared Values theme last year” On what Nigeria can achieve with the portfolio of AU Commissioner for Political Affairs she currently holds, ambassador Akinsanya said “ It is a catalyst for the pursuit of all the lofty dreams of stability and human development. Also for the advancement of Nigeria’s Africa interest which is a region free from strife . And you can see, the commissioner is already pursuing the governance agenda the way it should be done. The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) used to dominate but now with Nigeria there, governance should be looking at conflict prevention and this ought to have been the case since around the year 2000 at the inception of the AU when we (Nigeria) should have started providing leadership using the PSC”

Rawlings

Jacob Zuma

Olugbenga Ashiru

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

ExecutiveBrief In association with TRIPPLEA ASSOCIATES LIMITED higozie Ubani, MD/CEO of Symbiotic Business Solutions, is a C testimony of great success in entrepreneurship. He has so many things going for him, hard work, foresight and the restlessness to be a worldwide player in the global business environment. Mr. Ubani didn’t just start out in business; he was briefly in the employment of the Lagos State Assurance Corporation but voluntarily resigned his appointment in the face of the promising career to pursue his ambition in business. He trained as a mass communicator at the University of Lagos and a certified security practitioner. His exceptional level of intelligence, diligence and commitment to excellence always shone like a million stars any where he went, and everything he touched simply turned to gold, a case of the man with the Midas touch. He has over the years contributed his quota positively to the development of this country and made a positive impact on security technology in Nigeria. Chigozie Ubani, a quintessential businessman who has seen it all in virtually all areas of his business interest. The restless serial entrepreneur is not stopping anywhere to expand his business empire and frontiers going by how he ventures into other areas of business. He is engaged in communications and media consultancy, automobile sales and services, hospitality and security technology. In this interview with Nnamdi Nwokolo, Mr. Ubani bared his mind on the challenges and prospects of enterprise development in Nigeria and sundry issues. Briefly tell us about Symbiotic Business Solutions Limited: Symbiotic Business Solutions ltd (sbs), a consultancy outfit was set up to critically analyze issues that hinder smooth business operations across all sectors of the Nigerian economy and constructively proffer solutions to them. The aim of sbs is to act as a catalyst for speeding up business success by proffering solutions to business situations. The organization also aims at awakening the sixth sense of the populace through thought-provoking and mind-stimulating discourse. The dynamic and proactive nature of the sbs team of strategists and planners ensures that they are always on top of any business situation to provide answers that help businesses leapfrog from stagnancy to profitable output. The business strategy and facilitation department also offers full business monitoring to the satisfaction of our clients. The world over, the position of hi-tech intelligence in crime fighting has taken center stage. In an emerging mega city such as Lagos, the techniques of crime fighting should be moving away from the run of the mill chasing of criminals on the streets to smarter and more effective methods like CCTV, the major reason we are into security technology. What informed your choice of business?

Chigozie Ubani

EDITION 268

The Future of Security is Technology You may have something at the back of your mind, so, as you try to develop them, you find out that other areas are opening up. As I move on, I see a number of opportunities and I explore them. Most of the things I’m doing are borne out of passion rather than the profits. Take for instance, the automobiles; I started driving at the age of 13 and my love for cars led me to the business. By the time I got my first job at Lagos State Assurance Corporation, I was doing better in auto insurance and that brought me closer to auto dealership etc. In doing this, I also found out that there’s need to maintain those vehicles and keep them clean. I developed the opportunity that arose and we started the car wash. In doing that, I realized that people needed a place to relax, while their cars are being washed, and we opened a restaurant and bar. In the media aspect, having been trained as a mass communicator, it’s natural for one to fulfill the desire of the training. We started Accelerator, a magazine in 2009, but we ran into troubled waters shortly afterwards and we hibernated. In the area of Security technology, the biggest challenge of business and human existence is security. I asked myself, what can be done to secure my environment. It’s common knowledge that the 1st law of nature is self preservation. Today, security has gone beyond human policing to the use of technology to secure the environment.

also the need for young entrepreneurs to develop managerial skills that’ll propel them to the next level. What are the unique factors that stand your organization out? At sbs we facilitate business concepts and initiate the process of sponsoring existing legislation with the aim of making tailored adjustments to better accommodate business concepts under the law. Our organization has organized several conferences to evaluate the role of security operatives, information gathering, and intelligence application amongst other essential procedures of intelligence handling via CCTV. Our organization thrives on such principles as honesty and honour in doing business. We have emerged as the most reliable among our contemporaries in the emerging West African markets as our impact is being felt all over. The fundamental basis and foundation of our operations are based on good principles. We have introduced a new style of work that essentially entails integrating theory with practice. As we continue to develop relationships both locally and internationally, the business continued to grow.

It’s been argued that most businesses die in the first five years of its existence, what in your views is the cause of this? I agree that a lot of business die in the first 5 years of its existence. There’s no gainsaying that the environment is hostile to business development, but not only in Nigeria. When you want to cut a corporate image for yourself, the state will bare its fang. Land is What are the principles that helped you get to where you are difficult to get, capital is another challenge and interest rate is now? very high. When you see a business die, it’s because of inexperiRather than say the principles that helped me get to where I ence but the state on the other hand is not encouraging young am, I’d say the principles I’ve learnt that will take me to where businesses to grow. It’s important that you cannot develop the I’m going. The truth is, you have to be honest in all your dealeconomy without the SME’s. They are the ones that can employ ings with people. Somehow I’ve learnt a lot of lessons in sinceri- people the multinationals and banks cannot employ. ty. Consistency is very important, because when challenges Infrastructure is another big challenge to business growth. come, the ability to remain resolute and not bow to pressure is Beyond that, you look at the taxing process of government a key principle to success. I advice people around me to try to through all manner of agencies. be honest, remain resolute and consistent. Learning from the What can government do differently to help enterprise developmistake of others is a major principle for success. At sbs, we ment? place values on satisfying our clients and customers; which is why we are always devising means and developing new strate- Government should create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Government should draw policies in a way that it gies of providing you with the best quality of service. will improve the lot of the common man. It is good to ban okada What has been your biggest Challenge and how were you able (motorcyclist), it’s good for burn markets and rebuild them into to surmount it? ultra modern edifice, it’s equally good to demolish shanties, after Funding is a major issue in business because if you don’t have all we all love to live in good and neat neighborhoods; but before funds, you can’t develop your ideas. A lot of people will die with you do those things or while you are considering it, you should their ideas make alternative arrangement for people involved. If we are runbecause of lack of ning commercial motorcyclists out of the environment, what funds, until ideas have we provided for the people that will be displaced? The texmeet funds, or tile industry where I worked in 1986 use to employ over 4000 funds meet idea people, but those industries are no more. The first set of okada before it can people were from the textile industry; while you are drawing develop. To do your policies, you have to ask yourself, what sector/industry will business in absorb these people I want to lay off? Agreed that Lagos is choked Nigeria, an averup but Ogun state is not taking advantage, right now massive age entrepreneur agricultural and agro allied industries should have been coming will provide his from that environment and absorbing people. What we see is electricity, water, that the rice farm/mills at ofada have been converted into propersecurity and so ties and estates. There should be a peer review group, what we see on. These are today as governors forum is all about controlling the power bloc, challenges facing while it should have been a forum to review their performances. the Nigeria entre- Their forum should be a forum for comparative assessment of preneurs; so their performances but what we see is power play. Several succesmany setbacks to sive governments both at the federal and state levels have spent contend with. All millions of dollars on overseas travels and image laundering, all forms of taxation, in the pretence (or in genuine) attempts to attract foreign investsome are obnox- ments to Nigeria and their respective states. How well these ious and multiattempts have succeeded is left for posterity. plicity of taxes. We have all it takes to What are your projections in the next couple of years? be a great nation, We are a forward looking organization, though some of the challenges are trying to weigh us down. We are seeking continuously good climate, great people and for better ways of improving on our businesses. The future of abundant natural security is technology. In a country of 160m people and we are yet to meet with the United Nations standards for how many perresources, but failed leadership sons per policeman. It means that the future is technology. Even has be the bane of some of the countries that are trying to meet UN standards still our development. need technology. What this means is that the future is very The environment bright. Hospitality is also evolving and you can’t have enough. The automobile sector for example is evolving because man must is too hostile to sustain an enter- move around and in a country where the government is unable to provide adequate transport policies, everybody is struggling to prise. Entrepreneurship buy a car. The challenges we face today will strengthen us and is germane to any help us to get to where we want to be. national growth Advice to young entrepreneurs: because, they are It’s difficult to advice the young ones. The advice I give is that the greatest num- hard work pays. It’s the only thing that can guarantee sustainable ber of employers success. When I look at them and interact with some who are in any society; close to me, I find out its quite discouraging to ask anybody work until we begin to hard. You can’t ask a man to work hard while people are stealing take entreprethe country blind. The young man that graduated at the same neurship serious time with you becomes a local government chairman; he’ll in the country by build/buy a one hundred million naira house, while you find it creating the difficult to raise N10m to fund your business. I don’t advice anyenabling environ- one to do crime. While I advice the young ones, I also warn those ment for busiin government that we are digging our collective grave. If they nesses to thrive, are not careful, we’ll all go down the grave one day with no one to there’s no guaran- cover us. It has gotten to a stage where someone is working hard tee for economic to feed himself and another one is pilfering his pensions. growth. There’s

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31 , 2013

24 | EXECUTIVEBRIEF

Executive Management By John Awe ore than ever before, the skill set required in a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a 21st Century Company have deepened. It is not enough to have the requisite academic and professional qualifications in addition to long years of experience. You also have to possess the ‘know-how’ of running a business. The ‘know-how’ basically entails the capacity to take a business in the right direction, doing the right things at the right times, making the right decisions, delivering results, and leaving the people and the business better off than they were before. In his famous book, Know-how: The 8 Skills That Separate People Who Perform from Those Who Don't, renowned CEO coach and globally acclaimed business advisor, Dr. Ram Charan identifies the eight skills, which he dubs the ‘know-hows’, and shows how the eight know-hows’ link to, interact with, and reinforce personal and psychological traits.

forming CEO is able to nurture the ‘know-hows’ in both themselves and in their employees. It is not enough to work on themselves and hone their own skills. They must also be able to nurture relevant skills of their team members, he says, pointing out that the ability to nurture others’ relevant skills would perhaps rank even higher than capacity for selfimprovement, because the CEO cannot get the job done by himself. He needs his team to get the job done. The CEOs who are effective are those he calls ‘high-performance leaders’ as opposed to ‘highperformance individuals’.

Leadership and Management Skills That Separate People Who Perform from Those Who Don't. definition, a leader who does not produce other leaders is not a great leader. This is going to be required going forward, that people in companies will have less chance of being promoted if they don't produce other leaders. This has begun in companies and this is going to go on in the 21st century,” Dr. Charan.

IDAN Celebrates World interior Day anniversary of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI), the global voice and authority for professional Interior Designers. The Interior Designers Association of Nigeria joins the global body to celebrate this year event with Gida Uno Ile Design Exhibition (GUIDE) which is targeted at being the foremost Interior Design, Furniture and Lifestyle Exhibition in Nigeria. The exhibition is scheduled to take place on the 31st of May and 1st of June 2013 at the Federal Place Hotel (New Annex) with over 40 exhibitors and designers showcasing their products and services. The exhibition will also feature a design clinic where some of the country's most talented interior designers will be offering free design consultations to visitors.These few young talents have been given the opportunity to exhibit their works alongside the best in the Interior Design field – creating potential opportunities for them and opening our eyes to see that Nigeria; has indeed got talents!

should look forward to. This year, the World Interiors Day 2013, which is an annual worldwide event initiated by the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) to bring Interior Architecture/Design to the attention of the public, to enhance knowledge and understanding about the profession and to encourage cooperation between professionals with a focus on the range of work Interior Designers and their contributions to the society. Even though this is the first exhibition being organised by IDAN, it has encouraged all exhibitors to be as creative as possible with their individual booths and the organisers are looking forward to seeing what everyone has planned! Some of the main highlights of the exhibition include the design lounge and the free design clinic.

Absolutely everyone is expected at the exhibition but particularly home owners, young couples, top executives, architects, designers, builders, heads of procurement, etc., are highly expected to be at Gida Uno Ile Design Exhibition this event. There is definitely (GUIDE) 2013 is the first of what something for everyone and will be an annual event for the there is also a wide range of design industry in Nigeria and products and services on offer an event all in the profession for those who are looking for

global growth-- new opportunities, globalization, and new areas of growth going on all over the world. There is more demand for leaders than supply. At the same time, the environment for evaluation is harsh. So I am suggesting you step back and look inward and identify those key skills and work on them. As for the young ones being built for leadership roles, search inward for your talent. I believe by age 25 you know what they are. Become aware of them. And then say which area you want to go and polish them. Cultivate the skills, do deliberate practice like the athletes do, like the orchestra leaders do.” The revered business advisor also notes the importance of effective communication between the leader and his staff. A performing leader should have the ability to com-

municate their vision to their teams ‘without PowerPoint!’ According to him, performing leaders dream; they have vision, and have passion to take their organisations to the places of their dreams; but cannot do it without their teams; and the teams cannot buy into the vision and the dream without effective communication. He sums up by saying that communication is pointless if it is confusing. He counsels leaders to speak simple, clear language; not ‘Harvard PhD language’. Harvard PhD language, according to him, is spoken by people who cannot do what they preach. John Awe is a Marketing communications practitioner, with extensive media background, currently based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Design Clinic was introduced at this year’s exhibition. The idea behind it is to give people the opportunity to engage and interact with talented and professional interior designers. People are being encouraged to come along with their sketches, drawings, pictures and so on. At the clinic, they can meet with a designer, discuss their design challenges and get useful oneon-one advice and design tips. The organisers are confident that in this half an hour ses-

sion, visitors to the design clinic would get at least an idea or a hint of the infinite value they stand to gain from engaging the right professionals to meet their design needs. The Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), an affiliate of International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI), is the umbrella body Interior Designers in Nigeria, seeking to bring all the diverg ent practitioners, be it designers,

decorators, interior architects and furniture and accessories dealers under one roof to evolve a common voice and a common purpose for the promotion of excellence in our various practices. The association has strong membership base in Lagos, Abuja and around the country with its bulk of membership coming from interior designers, furniture manufacturers and suppliers of various products and services that relate to the practice of interior design.

Dr. Charan also notes that the leaders who perform have the ability to mould high-energy, high-powered, high-ego people into a working team of leaders in which they equal more than the sum of their parts. Above all, they know the destination where they want to take their business and develop goals that balance what the business can become with what it can realistically achieve. In addition, they deal creatively and “The growth in the world is fanpositively with societal prestastic. Look at the last five years' sures that go beyond the economic value creation activities of their businesses. In a number of other writings and interviews, Dr. Charan, famous for his rare insights into the knottiest of business problems and his ability to communicate these in clear simple language, has since articulated other important attributes necessary for success as a leader.

“There is a huge difference between a high-performance leader and a high performance individual. The difference is that a high-performance leader gets things done, while a highperformance individual does the things himself or herself. That's a huge distinction people need to come to terms with,” he says. He argues that The number one quality in a by this very token; it is a mismodern-day CEO is the ability take to appoint people to position (and, when necesinto leadership positions, or sary, reposition the business by into the role of a CEO simply on zeroing in on the central idea the strength of their personal that meets customer needs superlative performance. It is and makes money. This is par- very important to pay attenticularly important because it tion to their leadership qualiis what determines if the com- ties, chief among which is their pany has a business or not in ability to develop others. These include setting laserthe first place. This skill is often “Make no mistake about it. The sharp priorities that become taken for granted, but in the the road map for meeting the leaders, who perform comcurrent reality where cuscompany’s goals. He argues mand respect without authoritomers’ interests change very that a typical modern day corty, have the courage, the vision, quickly without warning, this porate leader is buffeted by a a cognitive bandwidth, the is a very important skill, the host of challenges and a myrilack of which may spell doom bold thinking. These are all ad of options. To excel and be important. But, also, very for any company, however big outstanding, a leader must be important is their ability to it is. conversant with nurture their teams”. Next, the performing CEO is Performing leaders are able to the concept of ‘dominant priorable to shape the way people judge people by getting to the ity’. Performing leaders, he work together by leading the truth of a person. According to says, are not distracted from social system of his business. Dr. Charan, performing leaders their goals and put all of their He is good at reading people, take their time to drill down to passion behind achieving the judging people, selecting peo- the basic essentials of their peo- object of their focus. ple, dealing with people issues. ple. This is a skill necessary for “Just like an athlete has a raw According to Charan, a perdiscovering successors. “In my talent and keeps perfecting it

he theme of the World Interiors Day 2013 which T coincides with the 50th

by practising, you need to perfect your skills. If you don't practice those talents, those personality traits or skills, in today's environment, given the environment, you are not sure of succeeding. This is because a skill, until you practice it relentlessly does not become part of your DNA. It does not go into your subconscious. It does not work efficiently in unknown circumstances. It has to become instinctive. That's why I use the word ‘know-how’. You convert those skills by practicing those personality traits, skills or knowhow in real situations, just like all the people who become champions practice,” he says. Dr. Charan argues that the world today is dynamic, and definition of performance cannot remain the same.

ideas and inspiration or for those who are looking for beautiful and unique pieces for their homes or offices. There is something for every taste, style and budget. GUIDE 2013 is the perfect place to network with colleagues in the industry; with a design lounge sponsored by Kiss Mix where visitors can sit, relax or meet and catch up. The GUIDE 2013 will be featuring a wide range of manufacturers and suppliers of home and office furniture and accessories, curtains, blinds, wall and floor finishes, garden and landscaping, kitchen and bathroom suppliers. In Nigeria today, an interior designer may be so qualified to practice either through formal education or experience. Unfortunately interior design is not yet being offered as a full degree course in this country, but IDAN is presently working hard to change situation where higher institutions in Nigeria will begin to offer degree and diploma courses in interior design. Already, some stakeholders are offering Interior Design training programs across the country to fill the gap in the education system in this area. It is inappropriate for people to think interior designers’ fees are too high. It is in view of this thinking that The

L-R. Patron, Ugwuoba Development Union, Lagos branch, Chief Charles Okeke; award recipient, Chief Geff Nwokolo, His Wife, Barrister Lauretta Nwokolo; Chairman Of Building Committee, Chief Titus Nwene; Chairman Ugwuoba Development Union, Lagos branch, Chief Ambrose Nwokolo and Barrister Chigbata Nnake, presenting a meritorious award to Chief Geff Nwokolo at the dedication Of Two Plots Of Land Donated To Ugwuoba Development Union, Lagos Branch By Chief Geff Nwokolo.

Action is the foundational key to all success. Pablo Picasso

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

26 ARTS

Theatre By Anote Ajeluorou

Once Upon Four Robbers at CMD

ENTRE for Media Development (CMD) is a C relatively new training centre for media and theatre studies for young people seeking a hands-on platform to express themselves beyond the regular drill of academics. It’s a development arm of the Lagos Diocese of Catholic Church and located in Ojota. It recently graduated its third batch of students, who put up a fairly good performance of Femi Osofisan’s drama, Once Upon Four Robbers. With its short duration of three months training led by star actor, Nobert Young and other trainers, CMD is fast proving a place for quality stage orientation for those willing to explore their given talents. Last Thursday, its third batch of graduating students held alumni, friends, parents and associates spellbound when they performed Once Upon Four Robbers at its open courtyard theatre, CMD Theatre Company, otherwise called ‘poor theatre’. Although Young was apologetic about it, opinion emerging in theatre circles has continued to sue for more of such platforms for open, robust conversation, interaction and bond between the actors and the audience. This was exactly what Osofisan’s play succeeded in doing at the end when the religious charlatan, a Moslem cleric, who turns the tide in the lives of four robbers for the worse, and brazenly turns to the audience for answers to the conflict he partly creates: Is it the armed robbers that should be killed for inflicting mayhem on society or the soldiers who uphold the unjust laws of the state created by the corrupt ‘big’ men who run the affairs of state to ruin? As would be expected, opinion was divided on the night among audience members. Some wanted the soldiers to die and the robbers to go free! At the end, the robbers got the just deserts for taking arms against society. Ironically, the robbers, as always, are a creation of society, a society that fails to take care of its own, a society that has become callous to the weak, that fails to provide for all its members, that creates divisions - one for the rich one for the poor. It’s a society that breeds malcontent, a society that spits insolence on the faces of many. For those who cannot take it, like Angola (John Ogbonna), Major (Sebastian Ukwa), Hassan (Augustine Aduzie) and Alhaja (Theresa Osereimen), they take to robbing the rich, as the self-appointed enforcers of the social injustice society abysmally fails to provide its citizens. But their leader has just been executed at the Bar Beach, shot, thanks to the decree newly promulgated by the military government. It leaves the other three, including the leader’s wife, in a quandary. While Angola and Hassan are bent on avenging the leader’s death, Major,

Market scene in the play

PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

the pragmatic one, asks his mates for caution because indeed, they are all living dead anyway, having lost so much in their dark crusade against the state. While trying to rally their spirit, they chance upon an aafa, an arbiter of dark desire. He offers the four robbers a charm in the form of a song that turns potential victims into singing and dancing. But they must only use it thrice only and be done and by which time they would have amassed enough wealth to warrant their turning a new leaf from the life robbery. After the second robbery in a market that saw soldiers sent to protect the market falling to the lulling charm of their song, Major sets

upon the other three, and takes the loot away to seek another life. But he is eventually caught. At his execution, the other three steps forward and owns up, but sets upon the throng and even the soldiers as part of the social problem that create their deviant behaviour and dares them to do the worse… The performances by students of CMD, who only got training in three months, could be described as wonderful. Their delivery was fine if scrappy in part, but in all Osofisan’s play got good airing in an unlikely but encouraging spot. The director, Young, said the experience has been humbling working in what theatre

guru, Jerzy Grotowski, described as ‘Theatre of the poor’, adding, “We teach youth how to act, to empower our youth to go into the market to change the face of Nollywood and entertainment generally. We urge you all to support us, to empower us. In Once Upon Four Robbers, we urge you not to look at our poor theatre, poor environment. One day, we’ll have it great”. While commending Young for turning raw talents into gold, Director of the centre, Rev. Fr. Padre Mike Umoh noted, “many Nigeria are ruled by their stomach, Young is ruled by values, a quality Nigerians should aspire towards.”

National Troupe’s storytelling contest in Abuja By Kenechukwu Ezeonyejiaku VER 80 schools in Lagos are parO ticipating in this year’s edition of the National Troupe of Nigeria’s annual Dramatized Storytelling competition for schools. The National Troupe is staging this edition in partnership with BEETA Universal Arts Foundation, a not-for-profit arts organisation run by Bikiya Graham Douglas and with support from Golden Penny Pasta and other arts-loving organisations. In Abuja, another set of over 50 schools are taking part in the preliminary which will climax on Friday, May 31 with the Abuja grand finale featuring six of the top primary and secondary schools that made it to the finals. Tourism, Culture and National Orientation Minister, High Chief Edem Duke, will chair the grand finale in Abuja,

which is scheduled to take place at Women Development Centre, Central Business District, Abuja. However, the Lagos finals will hold at the National Theatre on June 5. Former Secretary of State for Women Affairs under the National Interim Government of Chief Ernest Shonekan and wife of the former Federal Director of Culture of the federation, Mrs. Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, will chair the finale. It will feature performances by the top five primary and secondary schools from the preliminaries that was conducted by a panel comprising accomplished thespians like Isreal Eboh, Sola Awojobi Onayiga, Edmund Enaibe and the arts and culture journalist, Edozie Udeze. The winning schools in Lagos and Abuja, according to the Coordinator of the programme, Ms Josephine Igberaese, will be pre-

sented with cash prizes, gift items provided by some of the corporate supporters and a giant trophy that has been provided by Golden Penny Noodles. Igberaese, a director with the National Troupe, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of schools for the competition and said she was particularly excited at the quality of performances that have been exhibited by pupils and students of the participating schools. She noted, “The quality of the performance this year is very high. Even the stories these children have been able to re-enact here on stage speak a lot about the loads of talents that we have in our schools. I am happy we have been able to and in line with the objectives of the troupe, been able to provide a platform for the discovery and showcasing of talents in our primary and second-

ary schools in Lagos and Abuja. Next year we should be able to take it round the country, funds permitting”. Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Troupe, Martin Adaji, disclosed that plans were underway to extend the programme to more states of the federation. But he stated that the vision has been to have a national dramatized story telling competition for schools and colleges in the country, adding, “The importance of this programme to national development cannot be over-emphasised. Apart from encourage the preservation and promotion of Nigeria culture, which is one of our key mandates, storytelling tradition, which we are inculcating in our youth through this programme, could be effectively utilised to achieve national integration and could be utilised to

correct inadequacies of youth”. The troupe’s boss thanked all those who have so far supported the staging of the event, including organisations like Barbie Place Supermarket, Belloxie, National Orientation Agency, National Gallery of Arts, Nutri-C, LearnAfrica and Bible Wonderland. But Adaji also canvassed for more corporate participation in the funding and sponsorship of the arts, adding, “Government cannot do it alone. We need private sector support for the arts especially for a programme like this that is aimed at re-organising and restructuring the minds of our youths”. On her part, Bikiya Graham Douglas, expressed optimism that the programme would achieve its desired results, one of which is the effective use of theatre to correct societal ills.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

ARTS

Film A ‘surprise’ ending for Cannes Festival • Film on lesbianism wins top prize By Shaibu Husseini HILE Nigeria would be contented with W just hosting an interactive forum on Film Funding and Collective Management Organisation to a lean audience at the Cannes International Film Festival which closed on Sunday in Cannes, South of France and also while the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) would be contented at just sharing literatures to guests at the festivals that visited the Nigeria pavilion, countries like South Africa, Kenya and India set up meetings, programmes and parties that were intended to create a global footprint for their cinema. In fact, while the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) are still struggling with how to achieve their planned celebration of the debatable Nollywood at 20, the Indians who got the organisers of the festival to accord them ‘special guest country’ status came to Cannes in their centenary year with a clear objective to promote India as a filming destination for films and documentaries and they did this by organising a series of screenings, panel discussions and seminars on topics relating to India cinema. Megastar-turned-politician and Union Minister of State for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi, who led the Indian delegation, said they were in Cannes to promote India as a ‘Filming Destination’ among international filmmakers. Chiranjeevi said his ministry had identified ‘Film Tourism’ as a niche product and was actively promoting the country as cinema had emerged as a powerful tool for development and promotion of destination. The Indian delegation’s activities at Cannes included a presentation in the ‘Incredible India’ dinner, which provided opportunities for business networking and a booth at the exhibition with the design of the Indian pavilion promoting ‘Incredible India’. India also came with five strong Indian films - Anurag Kashyap’s Ugly, Ritesh Batra’s debut feature film The Lunch Box, Bombay Talkies, Amit Kumar’s Monsoon Shootout, and veteran filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s Charulata that were showed in diverse sections at Cannes. If there were only 800 footfalls at the Nigerian pavilion by day four of the festival, there would be more than 3000 at the Indian, South African and Kenyan pavilions because there was a lot to see, talk about and take away. At one of the sessions at the Indian pavilion, an official of the Indian delegations, Uday Kumar Varma, not only emphasised the significance of the centenary celebrations but also highlighted various initiatives aimed at making India an attractive filming destination. For instance, Varma said the Ministry of Culture in India was setting up a “Single Window Clearance” mechanism for foreign production houses interested in shooting films within India. Varma also announced plans to create special screening facilities to promote cinematic hubs and to enable young filmmakers showcase their work. Indian cinema was properly celebrated last Monday afternoon at a special screening of a new film Bombay Talkies - an anthology film consisting of four short films, which marked 100 years of Bollywood. The Cannes Film Festival drew to a close on Sunday night with the all-glam award ceremony held inside the Grand Theatre in Cannes and hosted by Audrey Tattou. It didn’t, however, end without the usual surprises. The Cannes Jury is always unpredictable. Films that were tipped by festival-goer’s and critics as frontrunners for the coveted festival top prize of Palme d’Or, including the movie

Alex Ancops

Chiran Jeevi

by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen Inside Llewyn Davis, which had a triumph with the Cannes audience, all didn’t finish well. It was Blue is the Warmest Colour, the film by Abdellatif Kechiche, that braced the Cannes race tape and was awarded the festival top prize by the jury headed by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg. The film finished well ahead of 19 other films in competition at this edition of the Cannes. Kechiche’s film described by critics at Variety magazine, as the ‘most explosively graphic lesbian scenes in recent memory’ won rave reviews in Cannes. The movie attracted attention not so much for its technical accomplishment but largely because of the lesbianism theme it treated and particularly because of the explicit sex scenes in the film. Moviegoers said they found the sex scenes too explicit. Some said they almost thought they were watching ‘live sex actions’. But it must be the very strong positive message in the film - about the spirit of freedom and co-habiting and perhaps the acclaimed beatific performance of actresses, Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux that got the jury

fixed on the film and which made them eventually award it the top prize. Nevertheless, Cannes’ audience favourite movie Inside Llewyn Davis got something to show for its brilliance. The film won the Grand Prix, believed to be the second prize of the festival. Amat Escalante got the award for best director for Heli, a film about Mexico’s drug war, while the award for best actor and actress went to Bruce Dern for Nebraska by Alexander Payne and Bernice Bejo in Le Passe by Asghar Ferhadi respectively. Jia Zhangke won the best screenplay award for the film A Touch of Sin while the special jury prize went to Kore-eda Hirokazu’s Like father, Like son. IGERIA did not enter any film either in or N out of competition but it returned with an international position for one of its practitioners. Indeed, one of the gains of Nigeria’s participation at Cannes this year was the election of the President of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), Mr. Alex Eyengho as the Vice President of the International Federation of Film Producers Associa-

tions (FIAPF). With his election, Eyengho made history as the first African to occupy the high office in FIAPF. Created in 1933, FIAPF is a recognised global trade organisation dedicated to the defense and promotion of the legal, economic and creative interests of film producers throughout the world. The election of Eyengho came during the General Assembly of FIAPF held in Cannes, France on May 18, 2013. It would be recalled that through the efforts and platform of ANCOP and particularly through the effort of the former Regional Secretary for FEPACI for West Africa 1, Mr. Madu Chikwendu, Nigeria was in May 2011, officially admitted into the membership of FIAPF during the Cannes International Film Festival in France. Eyengho thanked FIAPF members from over 28 countries of the world for the confidence reposed in him with the election, and stated that his victory was not for ANCOP alone but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. He stated, “My election is not about me or ANCOP. It is about deepening the Nollywood brand. It is about attracting maximum respect to Nigerian film producers at the international level. It is about Nigeria. It is about Africa. This is a confirmation and testimony to the fact that we are on the right track in Nollywood. The election is over. We must get to work immediately”. Delta State, Nigeria-born Alex Eyengho holds a first degree in Mass Communication from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, and a Master in Media and Communication (MSc.) from the School of Media and Communication, PanAfrican University, Nigeria. Eyengho, president of Association of Itsekiri Performing Artistes (AIPA), has produced, directed and or acted in films like award-winning Oma tsen-tsen and Nanna of the Niger Delta; AMAA-nominated Suara La; Beyond Obligation (1 & 2), Ogodobiri, Judgment Day, Second Coming, Scruples, A Queen for Domingo, Back to Africa etc.

First week of European Film Festival By Oris Aigbokhaevbolo th

HE 6 European Film Festival, T held from May 1-14, 2013, offered movie-going public a break from the otherwise Hollywoodcentric cinema in the country. This year featured 27 films from 19 countries of the European Union. Selections from the first week came from 13 countries and most appear to have been chosen mainly for their crowd-pleasing value. And what genre of film pleases the majority if not comedy? If, as Clint Eastwood fa-

mously said, “Emotions do not need translation,” chances are a hilarious scene in Madrid is as hilarious a scene from Maitama. Thus the festival opened with the hilarious Irish film The Guard, which stars a few familiar faces: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle. The film starts with a bizarre murder discovered by Gerry Boyle, a local police officer, which investigation uncovers an international drug trade carried out by criminals who quote Bertrand Russell in their leisure. Says one after shooting a police officer, “He took it quite philosophically…”

The film belongs solely to Gleeson who as Boyle carries all of the vices associated with the Irish— he drinks, patronises hookers, and utters racial jibes deadpan— with a grumpy dignity sidestepping caricature. Cheadle’s FBI agent provides an entertaining counterpoise to Gleeson’s Boyle, their frequent verbal altercations produces several laughs, elevating the film above regular thrillers into a reasonable examination of a relationship between officers with uneasy duties and overlapping jurisdictions. The focus on buddy cop relations leads to less screen

Help needed for bedridden movie aficionado, Ogundaisi By Shaibu Husseini ILMMAKER, Amaka Igwe reacted as soon as she Fa film got the SOS text message that was circulated by journalist and critic among motion picture practitioners on the ailing health condition of veteran actor, producer, director, author and known architect of the national distribution framework initiated by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Mr. Yinka Ogundaisi. Peace Anyiam Osigwe, Francis Onwochei and Igwe Gab Okoye (aka Gabosky) later called to find out what can be done to help Ogundaisi, who is wreathing in pains at the Ward B of Lagos State University Teaching

Hospital (LUTH). The text message had drawn practitioner’s attention to Ogundaisi’s plight as reported in the ‘Just Human Column’ of The Guardian on Saturday (May 25). That report has instigated a kind of industry effort to mobilize resources for Ogundaisi who is lying critically ill at the LUTH, living mainly on liquids. Ogundaisi can hardly walk without aid. He was literally ‘carried’ to attend a forum on film distribution recently. He has lost so much weight and can also hardly talk. In fact, the filmmaker struggles to engage in any discussion, which is unlike Ogundaisi, who can fill tapes whenever discussion or the interview borders on the entertainment industry.

time for the crime and criminals: The Guard becomes the Gaelic Rush Hour. Like in that film, racial profiling becomes no more than playful chiding over which two characters bond. Cool, the comedy from Greece, announces its intentions (and merits) in its title: it features good-looking, cool young people. They have as much money and time as they have daddy issues. Presenting the lives of different young people from various backgrounds whose lives intersect a little too neatly in the third act, it wends its way via a rash of confusing plotlines and manages to use up all of its goodwill a long time before it gets to the big Freudian, if patricidal, payoff. It has a few laughs, but the often astonishingly good looking youth and beaches of Greece is Cool’s sole asset. France’s The Intouchables and Italy’s It Can Be Done dabble with the political. While the former focuses on the present (it was released in 2011) and on racial politics between Philippe (Francoise Cluzet), a rich quadriplegic white Parisian and the black immigrant Driss (Omar Sy) whom he employs as caretaker; the latter reconstructs an earlier time in Italian history, in the 80’s, when the Basaglia Law was promulgated leading to the closing of psychiatric hospitals.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

28 ARTS

Revue What Nigeria can learn from Chinese film industry It was about this time five years ago that the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), according to figures of a survey conducted by its Institute of Statistics, declared that Nollywood has in terms of volume of titles, raced past two of the global cinema heavy weightsHollywood and China, to emerge the second most prolific movie culture in the world. UNESCO in the report released in May 2008 confirmed that Nollywood, whose offerings are mainly produced in video format, was only a few steps away from India, another of the cinema heavy weights which produced 1,091 feature films in 2006 as against Nigeria’s 872 movie productions. One of the keys to Nollywood’s triumph as the report showed was its reliance on the video format and more so about 56 percent of the movies are produced in local languages. UNESCO thinks that this will help in the effort to get Nigerian films across its borders. Practitioners broke into cheers that year till date and and drooled in self-congratulations even though a few others did not allow themselves to be misled by the superficial “feel good” effect of being labelled the third or second largest producer of films in the world. One of such people is foremost first Nigerian indigenous filmmaker Ola Balogun who then felt and still thinks that rather than drool for too long in self-congratulation, Nollywood and its practitioners should spend some more time solving their paradoxes. Balogun thinks that there is so much to learn from India, which recently marked 100 years of its existence and more too from China, which curiously took a back position on the UNESCO survey list By Ola Balogun

INCE I was privileged to visit China several SGovernment, years ago as a guest of the Chinese I happen to have observed at first hand that there are several major film studios in different parts of China, and that they collectively produce several films a year for both domestic and international consumption. And we are talking of mainland China alone! We additionally have to bear in mind that Hong Kong (which gave the world the kung fu genre), is almost as prolific as mainland China in terms of output! That being the case, how can anyone reasonably say that Nigeria is ahead of China in film industry terms? I really wonder! My purpose in pointing all this out is definitely not to diminish or to blindly criticize Nigeria’s home video industry, as some have unfairly accused me of doing. It’s simply that I don’t believe we should indulge in unjustified self-congratulation that is based on false statistics. For genuine statistics based on figures computed from tax revenue to the Chinese government let me quote the following figures and their sources. An article in Time magazine of Jan 31st 2011 has the following to say: “China rolled out 526 pictures last year, up 15% from 2009, making it the third largest maker of movies after Bollywood and Hollywood. The standard for Chinese blockbusters has also shot up; this month “Let the Bullets fly” became, with a haul of over $100million, the most profitable home grown film in the nation’s history” For its part, “Hollywood Reporter”, the highly informative international film industry source, reported the following: “according to a report jointly released by the Motion Picture Association and a Chinese film body, the country’s screen industry also supports 909,000 domestic jobs. The big economic numbers from the Chinese entertainment sector just

keep getting bigger. While the Chinese box office experienced booming growth in 2011, the country’s film and television industries directly contributed an overall $15.5 billion (100 billion yuan) to the domestic economy, according to a new report jointly released by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and the China Film Distributors and Exhibitors Association (CFDEA).” This latest study — “The Economic Contribution of the Film and Television Industries in China” — was prepared by Oxford Economics and presented to a bevy of senior Chinese government officials and industry veterans at the Crown Plaza Hotel Beijing on Monday, as part of the 3rd Beijing International Film Festival (April 16th-23rd 2013). “The film and television industry in China has witnessed considerable growth over the past five years,” said Yang Buting, Chairman of CFDEA, at the event. “This has been driven by the Chinese audiences’ desire to experience new films and television shows on multiple platforms, matched with incredible business innovation and development on the part of the industry. More people are enjoying films and television shows at brand new digital cinemas and on the latest hand-held devices than could ever have been imagined five years ago.” According to the study, the Chinese screen industries supported 909,000 screen entertainment-related jobs in 2011 and generated tax revenues of $3.4 billion (22 billion yuan). In 2011, the country’s box office expanded by about 30 percent to reach $2.06 billion, making it the third largest movie market in the world at the time, behind only North America and Japan, respectively. Last year, China eclipsed Japan and landed at number two, with box office revenues growing by 37 percent to hit $2.7 billion. Many analysts predict the Chinese movie market will become the world’s largest in less than ten years.” Now, what is the source of the voodoo statistics

Balogun that proclaim that Nigeria’s Nollywood is generating yearly income worth several billion dollars? Is it the tax paid by the totality of home video producers? Are the figures based on dividends that are being paid to investors? It is a complete mystery! The other fascinating thing about the Chinese film industry that the Nigerian public deserves to be informed about concerns the existence of the world’s largest outdoor film studio, the Hengdian Studio complex located at Jinhua in China’s Zhejiang province, not too far from Shanghai (five hours’ drive by road). This is a comparatively recent development that came about when a famous Chinese Director named Xie Jin was seeking locations in 1996 to film a major historical film named ‘Opium War’. He toured the whole country without success until a private entrepreneur named Xu Wenrong solved the problem by successfully building the required sets on a giant scale within four months. After ‘Opium War’ was shot, many other film production crews came to Hengdian to film. Accordingly, the brains behind the undertaking invested massively to expand the original sets and devised a strategy to allow film makers to use the facilities virtually free of charge by focusing on transforming Hengdian studios into a major tourist attraction, copying from the example of Hollywood studios in Los Angeles. However, since it occupies more than 2,500 acres, Hengdian World studios, as it is now officially known, is actually larger than Universal and Paramount Studios combined, and has already surpassed Hollywood in volume! Within only ten years, what was originally a remote town has seen its population grow from less than 20,000 to 70,000. In addition to the film sets, the Hengdian World studio complex has subsidiaries that include marketing groups, hotels and construction companies. Hengdian functions as a complete industry chain that also provides actors, costumes, props and post-production services. Given this background, it has hardly surprising to learn that to date, Hengdian has welcomed over 400 film crews and provided facilities for filming more than 10,000 films and television series. The tourism aspect has also been booming. In 2007 alone, it received almost five million visitors, with many staying over for several days (Hengdian boasts of

several high quality hotels with a combined capacity of 8,000 beds). From the Nigerian viewpoint, the irony is that a somewhat similar approach was originally envisaged when the National Film Corporation was originally set up (The brochure that was published by the NFC shortly after its was launched during the late Adamu Halilu’s tenure as General Manager states that 300 acres was to have been set aside for building the nucleus of a film village). Unfortunately however, the next set of NFC top officials abandoned this praiseworthy goal and embarked instead on the quizotic and patently meaningless quest to build a film laboratory. Interestingly enough, part of the underlying concept of the Tinapa resort in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, was that it was to include a film studio. Most unfortunately however, the Cross River State Government failed to seek expert input and advice from knowledgeable Nigerian or foreign-based film makers, and so ended up making the mistake of needlessly investing vast sums of money in an expensive indoor studio (which is NOT what is required in a Third World country like Nigeria), instead of following the Chinese example... Fortunately, the situation is not yet irretrievable If the Federal Government’s recent offer to devote a considerable budget to helping to establish and develop a Nigerian film industry is genuine, part of the envisaged funding can be usefully employed as part of the proposed plan to build a new concept city in the region of Abuja within the context of the announced 1914 amalgamation celebration project in order to provide for a Hengdian Studio type development. However, this will only work if there is a satisfactory and properly structured blueprint for the whole exercise, so as to provide simultaneously for funding to be made available for production on the basis of judiciously conceived criteria. Otherwise (as the Tinapa precedent has revealed!), to build a film studio or a film village without at the same time providing access to funding for production will land government with another white elephant project.... * Dr. Ola Balogun directed some of Nigeria’s first feature films on celluloid

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

ARTS

For Steve Rhodes, no ‘remembrance’ gig this May By Shaibu Husseini HERE will be no speeches, singing, drumming and dancing to commemorate the passing away of the legendary arts impresario Steve Bankole Omodele Rhodes this May. The composer, broadcaster, arranger of music and arts manager whose industrious and enterprising abilities helped in shaping the career of so many great Nigerian artistes including the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Fatai Rolling Dollar passed on five years ago in London, precisely on May 29 at age 82. The family says it will be a ‘quiet time’ for them this year but that plans are underway to put together a befitting event for the master artiste and a frontliner in the highlife revival project who would have been 87 last April having been born on April 8, 1926. At his death in 2008, the musicologist and leading arts and culture advocate had requested for a ‘quiet funeral’, which was respected by his family, associates and the arts community. So, except for an opportunity provided by the culturally-articulate and persistent Committee For Relevant Arts (CORA) through its quarterly Arts Stampede for members of the artiste community to pay tributes, the artiste community would have had no opportunity to pay their last respect to the elder artiste who they consider a colossus. That year too, CORA went beyond providing a platform for artistes and associates of the music icon to pay tributes. The art and culture advocacy group also set up a process of immortalising ‘Steve Rhodes’ when it christened their yearly December stampede ‘The Steve Rhodes Carnival’, as a way of keeping his legacy alive. That has held annually since then. In fact, in 2008, the Steve Rhodes Carnival, organised by CORA, helped in no small measure in putting his many unfinished projects on the frontburner of art discourse. The carnival featured various musical and dance performances, screening of a documentary produced by Femi Odugbemi who clocked 50 recently and a reflection on the life and works of Steve Rhodes by such eminent culture artistes like Professor Duro Oni, Ahmed Yerima and Nigeria’s biggest dance export, Sir Peter Badejo (OBE). At that event too, the artiste community was informed of the setting up of a Steve Rhodes Foundation. Nothing though has been heard from or about the foundation since then. But Gloria Rhodes, daughter of the elder artiste, recently confirmed that there were efforts to get the foundation off the ground. “The foundation is an ongoing work process,” she said. “It is slowly coming together. It is, indeed, five years today (May 29) that our father passed on, but it will be a quiet time for the family. There are plans underway to put together a befitting event in 2014.’’ However, in a statement released by the foundation and authorised by Gloria Rhodes, it is noted that in these past five years, “The memory of Steve Rhodes (SR) has remained evergreen in the minds of his family, his associates

As the executive director of the Steve Rhodes Foundation, this too has been a work in progress. Steve Rhodes’ vision and purpose are quite clear and as such the workings of the foundation must reflect these. It is slowly coming together. Next year, there will be events to mark his passing that will include a symposium, workshop and concert and those who were privileged to have encountered him in the course of his very creatively active and productive life, which he spent largely in broadcasting, music and art management”. Accordingly, the Steve Rhodes Foundation, which was established at about the first anniversary of SR’s exit – in spite of lack of adequate resources and tough operational environment, had worked hard in the past years to keep up to its mandate of preserving and promoting the legacy of the founder of the legendary Steve Rhodes Voices. Members of the Foundation are Prof. Johnson Ekpere, Mr. Funmi Onabolu, Monsieur Pascal Ott, Mr. Femi Odugbemi, Mrs. Elsie Payne-Hamman, Ms. Jeannette Rhodes and Gloria Rhodes-Nash. The foundation said it recently inaugurated a committee to set up a series of programmes towards the sixth anniversary of the exit of the man widely regarded as a colossus of the performance art in Nigeria and Africa. The committee is chaired by Mrs. Francesca Emanuel and has as members Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Ayo Bankole Jnr., Benneth Ogbeiwie, Funke Agbor, Jahman Anikulapo, Jeanette Rhodes and Ada Rhodes. The Executive Director of Steve Rhodes Foundation, Gloria Rhodes-Nash will serve as its secretary. Scheduled for May 27-29, 2014, the

The late Steve Rhodes proposed three-day programme would feature a colloquium, an interactive music presentation, an exhibition of photos, records and memorabilia of the SR Voices, and a Variety Concert that would be headlined by the famous Steve Rhodes Voices and featuring past members of the Voices, many of whom are today leaders in corporate and high net-worth social circuits of the country. In addition, a select number of young musicians in pop genre would feature in the concert as a mark of tribute to Steve Rhodes who was an astute hunter for young talents, many of whom he helped to develop their skills. In a tribute to mark this year’s 5th anniversary of the passage, Gloria Rhodes restated that the family would “spend the day - May 29 - quietly remembering him and drawing strength from the legacy he has left behind. It has been a journey in “self-discovery for me and I’m honestly sure I have done a good job of it so far! It is a work in progress”. She also said: “Our father was a larger-thanlife figure in our lives, strong, purposeful, sure, generous, and above all, wise. He had a

way with young people and lived his life believing that it is important to share what knowledge you have. He often mediated amongst people and groups when there were issues that seem ‘unresolvable’ and I was always in awe as to how he sorted things out. “As the executive director of the Steve Rhodes Foundation, this too has been a work in progress. Steve Rhodes’ vision and purpose are quite clear and as such the workings of the foundation must reflect these. It is slowly coming together. Next year, there will be events to mark his passing that will include a symposium, workshop and concert.” In the meantime, CORA says it has plans to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the death of Elder Rhodes, who is better known for founding and directing the Steve Rhodes Voices and who many young artistes are lavish with gratitude to for guiding and inspiring them. The commemorative event, according to the Secretary General of CORA, Toyin Akinoso, will hold as part of the annual Steve Rhodes Carnival and stampede organised by CORA.

S the National Commission for A Museums and Monuments (NCMM) recently joined other

International Museums’ Day: D-G tasks private sector on compliance

countries to celebrate the 2013 International Day of Museums, Director-General, Yusuf Usman Abdallah, called for understanding of private owners of museums across the country on modalities of museum establisment. He said the call became necessary following arbitrary establishment of museums by private individuals, organisations, institutions and even state governments without necessary and statutory supervision, regulation and approval by the Commission. Abdallah therefore used the occasion of the celebration to invite all concerned groups to immediately regularise activities of their outfits or have them shutdown. The celebration of the International Day of Museum was declared in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Since then, it is

celebrated every May 18, to raise awareness on the importance of museums in the development of society. Every year, a new theme is designed by the council to reflect on the reality of the moment. This year, the theme is ‘Museums (Memory + Creativity) = Social Change’. This mathematical equation, the Abdallah said, captured several concepts that were essential in the definition of museums. Represented by the Director, Accounts and Finance, Mr. Bode Oke, the museum boss said: “We transmit knowledge, skills, history and memory of our heritage resources to our various audiences. We also encourage creativity and inventiveness through our programmes in art clubs and other outreach programmes to academic institu-

By Bridget Chiedu Onochie

tions and organised groups”. The celebration in Abuja was lowkeyed and attended mostly by secondary school students within the Federal Capital Territory, and entertained guests with cultural dances. Also at the event was the Director/Technical Partner, Travels Marketing Partners, Mr. Akin Laisu. In his keynote address, which was based on the year’s theme, he stated that it was designed to arouse people’s curiosity, provoke loud thought and create engaging experience, adding, “The mathematical theme invokes a symbol and metaphor of the worth of museums in contemporary society when the evidences of the past, trusted and entrusted in their care are properly cared for and appropriately and creatively uti-

lized”. Liasu noted that it was the memory stored in form of heritage, activated by creativity of the guardians and other stakeholders in the museum environment that reverberated in the soceity and brought about social change in the rapidly changing world. He said: “This is an affirmation that museums build their reputations and worth around their great collections, knowledge, impacts and experiences that these collections generate. “Museums must, as a matter of fact, recognise communities to be able to tell a wholesome story and impact the communities meaningfully”. The speaker said the interplay and concern for museums to contribute towards addressing con-

temporary challenges influenced the concept of such museums as integrated, community, neighbourhood, eco and social museums as well as museums without walls, noting, “The emergence of these museums, some of which assumed specialised status, is in full realization of the fact that the changes in the social domestic, political, religious, economic and cultural lives as against the past, especially in developing communities, do not only create challenges for museums but also put so much tasks that require concerted efforts to tackle”. While appraising the year’s theme, Liasu said one fact that must be acknowledged was that it dynamically garnered several perceptions that define what museums are in the present day, revealing the outstanding universal nature and value of the institution and its positive impact on the society. He further stated, “It also summarises the complex nature of museums and recalls that they are expected to contribute to community development and change”.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

36 ARTS

Heritage

A scene from the play Langbodo

Traditional family pattern among the Igala By Amaje Micah GALA people occupy the eastern Imon part of Kogi State. They share comboundary with Idoma people of Benue State on the east, and are bounded by the Niger River on the west. On the southern border are the Anambra and Enugu Igbo, while to the west are the Bassa Komo and Bassa Nge. Most traditional African societies are organized along family lines, lineages, kindred groups and clans, which members are traced through descent. Human societies are organized around uni-lineal (matrilineal and patrilineal) descent principles. And individuals are related to one another based upon kinship, that is, by blood ties or consanguinity, for example, a child and its mother. Descent structures form corporate groups such as clans and lineages, which transcend and have existence beyond the individual members comprising them. Membership of descent group is involuntary, by birth. The basis of kinship is descent from a common ancestor. The most common descent group is the clan, which can be either patrilineal or matrilineal. A patrilineal system defines membership along the father’s descent line. Members of a clan of patrilineal lineage comprise all those who are born from a common founding ancestor through the male line only. Matrilineal defines membership along the mother’s descent line, that is, male and female offspring of each proceeding generations of mother’s clan. This paper will explore traditional family patterns among the Igala within the framework of kinship and patrilineality. Traditional Family The subject of traditional family is broad. There can be no generaliza-

tion as one goes from one culture and people to another. There are different types of families across cultures. There is the nuclear consisting of the father, mother and the children. However, in most African setting, the extended family system consisting of the grandparents, father, mother, children as well as uncles, aunts, cousins and other kin is predominant. The family is a social group characterized by common residence, economic cooperation and reproduction. The function of the traditional family was companionship, affection, procreation and rearing of children, and economic cooperation. A family must be able to satisfy the physical and psychological needs of its members in order to maintain the family and survive as a group. Such needs include shelter, protection, source of income etc. The family structure refers to the members of the family and to familial positions such as mother, father, son, daughter, grandfather, grandmother, uncles and aunts, cousins and other kin. Traditional patterns The Igala are patrilineal and authority in the family or clan resides in the men. Patilineality among the people inexplicably entails virolocal residence in which the woman moves into her husband’s household among his paternal kinsmen, or sometimes his maternal kinsmen. The basic family unit is the nuclear family, made up of a husband, his wife and their children, as well as attached kin but rarely did you find this type of arrangement for the traditional Igala society was basically polygamous. As farmers, the need for more hands on the farm meant that men married more wives so that they could raise more children whose help was badly needed on the

farm. Besides, in some parts polygamy was a status thing and reflection of a man’s wealth. The more prevalent was the compound family in which you had a man, his wives and children. The nuclear and compound families are, in real sense, units of the wider and longer-lasting patilineal joint family which typically comprises two or more generations of brothers and sons, and their wives and children. In this way Igala families are long-lasting and self-perpetuating as the death of a member makes no difference to its overall structure. It can last over several generations with a membership of up to 100 or more. An Igala lineage comprises several extended families- the wives and offspring of brothers as well as wives and offspring of the father of these brothers and all the relations of the brothers of ones father. The clan is made up of several patrilineal related extended families or lineages and has numerous functions, including common name, and identity, exogamous marriages, property ownership, mutual economic and political support and protection from a rival or aggressor among others. As kin who have claim to a common ancestry, they recognize various ritual prohibitions, such as taboos on certain foods, totem etc, that give them a sense of unity and distinctiveness from others. Kinship relationship The concept of kinship flourishes well among the Igala. It has helped to construct groups that have lasted for generations and in which the close-knit ties of kinship provides powerful links through the notion of common “blood”. And by claiming exclusive ancestry these groups can claim exclusive rights to clan and lineage property. This kind of kin relationship also provides for in-

dividual members a sense of personal identity and security. In traditional Igala society, kinship relationship plays important roles in the lives of the people by determining what land they could farm, whom they could marry, or have sexual relationship with, and their status in the community. It also means much more than blood ties or family or household. It includes a network of responsibilities, and support in which individual families are expected to fill certain roles and obligation. Among the Igala generic terms such as ‘uncle’, ‘aunt’ or ‘grandparents’ are often not sufficient to describe family relationship, rather very specific terms such as my “maternal uncle” or “maternal aunt” are used to clearly differentiate between patrilineal and matrilineal kin. Lineal relationships, which refer to those between grandparents and grand children, are well cherished. Relationships with uncles and aunts, cousin and nephews and nieces are essentially treated as those biological relatives. The Igala enjoys robust relationship among the maternal kin. As a “daughter” he/she is loved, protected and enjoys lot of privileges but the right of inheritance is only with the paternal clan. Kinship relationships and obligations toward lineal, collateral and affina l kins (i.e between parent –in-law, children-in-law and sibling-in-law as well as with partrilineal and martrilineal kin) are related to lines of descent, to residence, to inheritance of property, to marnage etc. Incest taboo Incest taboo refers to any cultural or norm that prohibit practices of sexual relation between relatives. Relations with clan members are permissible where no traceable genealogical relations exist, but members of different clans cannot have

sexual relationship if there exists blood ties. The restrictions on marriage and sexual relation amongst kin in Igalaland is based on normative sense of decency and the unequivocal belief in the sanctity of blood ties. There are rules, though not written concerning appropriate and inappropriate sexual relation. Incest, which is sexual intercourse between individual related in certain degrees of kinship, is prohibited. If a man conducts inappropriate sexual relationship with a kin, it is believed that both will suffer severe afflictions from which they would not recover until they confess and the gods are properly appeased through sacrifice. It could also result in barrenness. Both would lose respect among the people as people will no longer take them seriously. In the past young girls involved in such acts hardly ever marry. Among the Igala, people relate to one another in different ways, and sometimes distantly, are classified as sibling, and other who are just as closely related genetically are not considered family because they are patrilineal and children belong in the father’s clan. As a consequence of patrilineality relations between brother/sister, father/daughter, mother/son, uncle/niece etc are considered incestuous, though in certain matrilineal society father/daughter may not be such a problem. Sexual relation between a man and his mother’s sister and mother’s sister’ daughter are considered incestuos. Similarly, a man and his father’s sister cannot have a flirtatious relationship, have sex and marry, not even with his father’s sister’s daughter. Micah discussed this topic with the National Museum Study Group in Port Harcourt recently

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

ARTS

Showblast

...The buzz in town

Stories by Chuks Nwanne

Diageo Brand Ambassador Tim Etherington-Judge (right) poses with guests at the event

Exclusive Cocktail Night with Diageo ambassador AFÉ Vanessa, an upscale bar located on Victoria Island, C Lagos, recently played host to top celebrities, fun lovers and captains of industries, as Diageo brand staged an exclusive Cocktail Night, with Diageo Africa Reserve Brand Ambassador and award winning mixologist Tim Etherington-Judge in attendance. With a standby DJ blasting popular tunes from the woofers, the fun-filled evening was an opportunity for the brand ambassador to showcase an exclusive master class of Diageo spirit brands’ cocktails to the delight of the enthusiastic guests. Aside from party and networking sessions for guests, connoisseurs at the event also got the opportunities to mix their own cocktail under the guidance of the master mixer, Tim. A first timer in Nigeria, Tim shared his stories, experiences and intimate knowledge of premium brands of Diageo. He inspired guests with the amazing history and heritage of the brands and shared tips on how to enjoy any of the Diageo spirits brands to the fullest, mixing the best of cocktail. “This is my first visit in Nigeria and I’m delighted to have met so many enthusiastic lovers of sprit drinks. One of the best parts of my job is having the opportunity to travel and meet people around the world to share my knowledge and stories with them. I believe my audience in Nigeria certainly do know all about the delights and craftsmanship of the best of spirit brands offered by Diageo, the wonderful taste embedded in all of these premium brands. It has been a pleasure for me to be here and I sincerely hope to be here again soon,” Tim enthused. As part of his activities on his visit to Nigeria, the Hancocks NZ Bartender of the Year Award winner took selected bar tenders across Nigeria through some exquisite spirit cocktail training that left them asking for more. “We are trying to achieve the bartenders making better drinks because we believe that better drinking, better brands is the future. If you don’t upscale the bartenders, especially in region like Africa, then our brands would not be well repre-

sented. It is about bringing the better drinking culture globally. At Diageo, we feel it is our responsibility to help people drink better around the world.” On his experience with Nigerian bartenders, Tim informed that, “it has been fantastic and I have loved it; the bartenders were of much higher level than I expected. There were insightful questions from the bartenders from the first day and lots of engagements. It is not about mixing the cocktail but helping our guest create their own cocktail and having an engagement with people.” According to Tim, there’s a great opportunity in Africa as a result of the growing middle class. “It is also a great opportunity for our reserve brand; we see a great opportunity here as Africa is most exciting region in the world right now. That’s why I came to work on the Africa business because I truly believe this and there are incredible people across the regions; South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, West Africa, East Africa… Africa is incredibly diverse and a wonderful place to be right now.” Having spent few days with bartenders in Lagos, Tim is already visualizing the bigger picture of bartending in Nigeria. “I think there’s a lot of passion and willingness to learn and there is a thirst for knowledge. They really want to know, they are passionate. Unfortunately, there is no much education for them. However, I see the industry as enormous in the next

Nigerians do have a taste for spirits and at Diageo, we have the biggest brands in the world, we are 100percent committed to working with Nigerians on all of our products; our responsible drinking program too is very important to us

10 years.” Describing Nigeria as the biggest market for Diageo, Tim believes that there is a huge potential for spirit market in the country. “Nigerians do have a taste for spirits and at Diageo, we have the biggest brands in the world, we are 100percent committed to working with Nigerians on all of our products; our responsible drinking program too is very important to us.” On the possibility of Nigeria producing a brand ambassador to represent Diageo, Tim explained that, “we are developing brand ambassadors for each market. This means Nigeria will have its brand ambassador, so also other markets such as Ghana and Cameroon, South Africa already has three. I will continue to travel through the region, but local brand ambassadors will support me. Developing the different market ambassadors is in progress, and it is market by market.” In 2005, Tim ran a beach resort in the UK, but later moved to New Zealand and became a bartender where he won lots of competitions. He later relocated to India to work with a famous hotel, from where Diageo came calling. “They asked me if I was interested in joining the team as brand ambassador. I accepted it because it is the preferred portfolio in the world, covering all categories of spirits. And in each industry, it is a leading brand. There are different kinds of brand ambassadors; I’m industry expert, so I come with the expertise and knowledge of the brand and cocktail expertise,” he said. Asked what he’s taking home from Nigeria, Tim said, “this is my first time in Nigeria; I’m learning more about the Nigerian market, how I can make my presentation work with Nigerians and how the knowledge that I bring be best put to work. Nigeria is much more fun and upbeat,” he declared. Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J B, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

38 ArTS

THe GUArDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

SHOWBLAST Real business begins at Big Brother House, as Airtel backs TV show ONe with the thrills, frills and razzmatazz that come with D being in the Big brother House, contestants are gradually settling down to the real business of tasks, nominations and

Beverly

Melvin

Nigeria’s Chocolate City expands to Kenya AVING established itself as H a leading record label and artiste management company in the country, Audu Maikori led Chocolate City is gradually looking beyond Nigeria. As part of recent pancontinental expansion, the entertainment company has announced the commencement of operations in Kenya, one of the key markets for music and entertainment in Africa. According to the company’s Vice President M.I Abaga, the official launch holds today in Nairobi, Kenya. “It will take place at the prestigious Museum Hill in Nairobi, Kenya. Our aim is to create a platform for the growth and expansion of east African music and foster more mutually beneficial collaborations with other African subregions.” As part of its expansion strat-

M.I.

egy, the label has already signed Kenyan act Victoria Kimani, who features M.I on her sophomore single Oya. “Victoria Kimani is amazing, she’s got a great vibe and ready to work,very hardworking and she’s just good”, M.I said. The Kenya launch will also see the official unveiling of a partnership between Chocolate City and Adrenalive, the organisers of The Mingle, which will feature the birth of new music festivals, concerts, and art culture in east Africa. The inaugural event from the series of concerts dubbed Boobaataa Festival will be in July. Billed to perform at the event are M.I, Victoria Kimani, who will be supported by some of the hottest talent in Kenya. Top Chocolate City executives will also be in attendance.

Tuface, Burner Boy, Darey to headline Xovar Lounge concert WArD winning hip-hop star Tuface Idibia, Burn Boy and r&B singer Darey Art Alade have been unveiled to headline the debut edition of the xovar Lounge Concert. Billed for today at the Lounge located at Parktonia Hotel road, elegushi, Lekki behind Bespoke Center, the night of high-end groove is being organised by Bespoke entertainment, owners of Bespoke Centre in Lagos, Abuja and PortHarcourt and xovar Lounge. Speaking on the project, the CeO Mr. Olumide Mabawonku informed that the show will

begin at 7pm and run all through the night. “We are prepared not only to provide a word-class entertainment, but also to present a classy show that will be remembered for a long time. What’s more, we put xovar Lounge in a scintillating shape for the occasion.” Meanwhile, tickets is now selling and ranges from N5000 (regular) to N10,000 (VIP). Some of the tickets outlets include Afritickets website, Soul Lounge, Get Arena, Terra Kulture and Fun Factory all in Lagos.

evictions. Barely 24 hours after they made I to the Big Brother: The Chase, the housemates are already nominating each other, ahead of the first eviction. early on Day 1, the housemates in both houses got the chance to claim the honour of the fiercely contested Head of House role. Instead of battling it out in a task, Big Brother made the selection random, making the housemates select a ball from a box in the garden without peeking; the one who chose the winning ball would be Head of House for week. Feza picked the right ball in the Diamond house, while Beverly was victorious in the ruby house. After a testing day, which saw the housemates having to make nomination decisions on the fly, the lounges in both houses were in sombre mood as Big Brother delivered the nomination verdict. The 5 housemates that are up for eviction this week are Selly (Ghana) & Natasha (Malawi) and Diamonds Denzel (Uganda), Betty (ethiopia) and Huddah (Kenya). Viewers can now decide who stays and who goes! The Diamonds’ nominations saw Huddah, Denzel and elikem lead the pack with seven, six and four nominations respectively. Betty, Annabel, Fatima, Bolt and Neyll picked up two nominations apiece, with Dellish picking up one. Diamond Head of House Feza stuck to her original nomination decision and saved elikem, replacing him with Betty, who she had nominated during the day. Once the rubies had spoken, Selly and Bassey had 6 nominations each, with Natasha and Hakeem picking up three each. Cleo and Biguesas were each nominated twice, while Sulu, Maria, Beverley, ONeal, Koketso and Pokello were each nominated once. Beverley, in her role as ruby Head of House, chose to save Bassey and put Natasha up for eviction in his place. each week voting opens immediately after Monday night’s nomination show and closes at 06:00 CAT on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel, a leading telecommunications services provider with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, is now the official sponsor of the BBA 2013. Chief executive Officer & Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria commented, Segun Ogunsanya said, “Africa’s viewers are known for their passion for Big Brother Africa and we look forward to developing a number of exciting initiatives during season 8. I am delighted to welcome AfricaMagic and DStv into our family of commercial partners. We are also pleased to be associated with Big Brother Africa 2013. The show presents huge opportunities for Airtel to make an emotional connection with our customers.” Big Brother The Chase has 28 housemates from 14 countries. The housemates will need to gain acceptance from viewers in order to survive evictions. After 91 days of drama and thrills, the winner will pocket a whopping USD 300,000 prize.

Break it Down, a new sound from Sophy home from a work trip and just wanting to relax and have a good time with her girlfriends,” she said. for her album launch. CurAs an actress, Sophy has rently signed to B.y.G Music, the artiste is set to take her ca- starred in various movies, including a Hollywood/Nollyreer to the next level, while still maintaining her status a wood production Unwanted Guests, where she played Ify. presenter and performer. Gradually, she’s attracting at- The film was nominated for the African Movie Academy tention from both local and Awards (AMAA) and also international audience. Produced by Melvitto, Break earned Sophy a nomination for Best Actress at the NollyIt Down is a fusion of electro wood and Africa Film Critic pop and African rhythms reAwards (NAFCA). sulting in an explosive As a host, she has handled melodic cocktail. different programme, includ“Break It Down is a feel good song, a summer jam destined ing the Afrotainment Museke to get the youth in good spirit, Awards in 2011 and the Nigerian entertainment Awards in dancing and having fun. The 2012. song is about a girl coming

exy singer Sophy Aiida has SBreak released her latest single, It Down in preparation

One year after, Zaboon Bar rolls out drums By Chika Onwukwe

the audience. expected at the event are PSCALe hangout, Zaboom movie stars, musicians, celebrities and some loyal cusChinese Cuisine & Bar, lotomers, who will add colours cated at the Teslim Balogun to the evening. Wazobia fm Stadium, Surulere Lagos, will presenters such as Steve Onu tomorrow stage its first anotherwise known as Yaw, Uzo, niversary gig in grand style. Speaking at a media briefing Tuwale will also grace the held recently to announce the event. According to edem, “The celebration, the CeO of the aim of the show is to thank popular joint ejike Clifford our teaming customers who edem informed that notable believed in us since the incepmusicians and comedians tion of Zaboom Bar.” have been contacted to thrill

Tuface

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

ARTS

SHOWBLAST SOMEWHEREELSE Chris Brown hit-and-run claims denied

Array of stars for Star Trek 2013

HRIS Brown is said to have denied hit-and-run claims followC ing a car accident in Los Angeles last week. TMZ reported that Breezy was involved in a collision with another vehicle, but initially refused to hand over his licence number and insurance information to the other driver. Los Angeles police are thought to be investigating the incident after Chris allegedly gave her incorrect insurance information. However, Breezy’s lawyer Mark Geragos has told Access Hollywood that the Turn Up The Music singer did give the other driver his correct details, with Geragos stating he contacted her after the smash. He added that she also hung up on him and has failed to return his further calls. He went on to state that neither Chris nor his legal reps have yet to be contacted by the LAPD, regardless of previous reports that they were investigating the incident. If found guilty of the alleged hitand-run charge, Chris could face four years in prison for violating terms of his probation as a result of his 2009 assault on ex-girlfriend, Rihanna.

Kelly Rowland breaks down in tears on stage

ELLY Rowland was overcome with emotion during her gig in K Washington DC over the weekend, breaking down in tears on stage. Video footage has emerged on YouTube of the episode, which sees the former Destiny’s Child star becoming upset during a performance of her new single, Dirty Laundry. In the clip, the crowd can be seen getting behind K-Row as she battles her way through the track - which references the solo success of band mate Beyoncé, as well as a previous abusive relationship. As the audience chant her name, Rowland can clearly be seen wiping tears away from her face as one fan urges: “Come on Kelly.” The new X Factor USA judge then manages to carry on with her show, but is still clearly emotional. Dirty Laundry is the latest track to be taken from Kelly’s new LP, Talk A Good Game, which is released in the UK on June 17.

Usher defends justin Bieber: ‘He’s young’

SHER has leapt to the defence of protégé Justin Bieber, stating U he hopes the star will continue to mature over time. Speaking on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Climax singer was quizzed about JB, where he revealed it’s tough to live a normal life when growing up in the showbiz spotlight. “Key word, you started with young. And I think all of us in some way have humble beginnings that pan out to be incredible and we hope that in his transition as friends and family who has helped him be who he is. “That he’ll continue to just mature but you know in this days age of social media. There is no privacy and that kind of trail and elimination period is kind of done in front of a camera.” When asked about the negative press Biebs has received in recent weeks, the 34-year old explained: “It’s been done in many, many other celebrities are product of it and some come out bad and some come out good. I am hoping for the best.

Jennifer Lopez’s bottom steals show on BGT

ENNIFER Lopez and her famous booty stole the show on last JWhile night’s Britain’s Got Talent (May 28). teenagers Jack Carroll and Gabz Gardiner may have earned a place in this year’s final, it was J.Lo’s behind that sent everyone into frenzy, while performing her new single, Live It Up. The Latino babe opted for a skintight black leotard and thigh-high leather boots for her stint on stage, leaving hosts Ant & Dec speechless and judge Amanda Holden lusting over her bottom. The Geordie duo seemed distracted after they interviewed Lopez, who gave viewers an eyeful of her sexy outfit by doing a kneeslide towards the camera. Simon Cowell added: “Seriously, JLo. If anyone wants to know how you do it. That’s how you do it.” David Walliams even fell off his chair trying to recreate the 43year old’s saucy leg-clap dance, leaving the audience in tears of laughter.

DJ Lamborghini, Tosyn Bucknor and M I HEAD of this year’s Star Trek, a live touring music concert, A Nigerian Breweries Plc, through its Star brand, has unveiled artistes on the bill, as well as locations for the show. Held at

Aba, Abia State on July 7, before moving to Beverly Hills, Nnewi on July 13. Delta Sate will come alive on July 20, at the Event Center (DOME) Asaba, while it will b the turn of Ogun on July 27, at the Rhapsodys Lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos, the star-studded Abeokuta Sports Club. The show will return to Lagos on August 3, event turned into a gathering of who is who in the country’s at the Lagos State University Museum, Agege, before the grand fishowbiz industry. nale on August 10, at the Onikan Stadium on the Island. On parade for the show are Tuface Idibia, D’banj and PStar Trek, an annual nation-wide musical concert tour that pasquare, Ice Prince, M.I, Mr Raw, Naeto C, Phyno and Olamide. rades the best of Nigerian artistes across 10 cities in Nigeria was Others in the lineup include Timaya, Sound Sultan, Wande introduced in 2002. Coal, Obesere, Dr Sid, J Martins, KCee, Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shey, “Every year gives us another opportunity to reach out to music Yinka Best, Kas and Star Quest past winners Juke Box, Da Beatz fans all over the country by bringing the very best of Nigerian and Crystalz. music right to their cities,” the marketing director, Nigerian According to the organizers, the 10-week concert will open Breweries Walter Drenth said. on June 8 at Jite Open Field, Road 21 Festac then move to Kogi, Anchored by Gideon Okeke, guests at the unveiling ceremony June 15, at the Lokoja Stadium, before heading for Hero Aquare, included DJ Jimmy JATT, Olisa Adibua, Gbemi of Beat FM, comediOwerri, Imo State on June 22. The fun train will hit the Nnamdi ans Tee A, Gbenga Adeyinka, singers Seyi Shey, Tiwa Savage, F.E.M.I Azikiwe Staium, Enugu on June 29, then to Recreation Centre and others.

MoviBuzz

By Chika Onwukwe

‘My journey into soundtrack business’ can sing very well and I have done some demo tracks. He advised me to come and meet his elder brother Zeb Ejiro that produced for the movie. This he would link me up if I were creates an aura of originality and uniqueness in the minds really good.” He continued: “When I met of the viewers thereby giving Zeb, he asked me to sing for impetus to the marketing of him, which I did. I equally the films. Some of these songs were later played some of my demo tracks to him and he was very packaged and released into excited. Right there he comthe market as music album; missioned me to do a soundindeed it was awful in the betrack for Fortunes a popular ginning. soap opera he was shooting Mike Nliam is a revolutionthen.” ary in soundtrack creation According to Nliam, he came and production in the Nigerback the next day with someian film industry. The Imo thing good. Though some nostates born one-day e go better table names were already crooner stated that he was coming for the job, it was cooking the theme songs out agreed that Mike Nliam would of his love for music. “I’m not trained in this area be involved in the production. “Zeb also gave me another but when I discovered that I task to write a song on Nneka could write songs, I began to the pretty serpent another great learn from the masters such film. The song I composed as Victor Olaiya, Rex Lawson, Celestine Ukwu and others by made him have full confidence in me, but the producer listening to their works and studying extensively the struc- of that film Okey Ogunjiofor was skeptical because he had ture, melody, lyrics, rhyme penciled late Nelly Uchendu to and rhythm of the songs.” do the theme song. As fate may Nliam stressed that he worked on his voice to be able have it, Nelly heard my song to sing well and with constant and endorsed it, and I was brought in to do the project rehearsal, he became a good with her. The door opened and singer. “However my incursion into many jobs started coming in,” Nliam enthused. Nollywood was orchestrated Now that Nollywood has by Chico Ejiro after we met at come of age, Nliam is of the my brothers shop in Aguda, Surulere. Chico actually came opinion that soundtrack production should be redefined. to buy something in my “When we started filmmakbrother’s shop and discussion erupted, then I told him that I ing, everything was more less

HEN Nollywood started, W every film comes out with a soundtrack specifically

experimental even the tone of theme songs. The pattern I started with is what everybody is doing today. That pattern of when you get the script, you write a song based on the title of the film or storyline.” This he said shouldn’t be the case anymore, as songs are written for mood not the other way round. “One can also do many songs for a film and use it for promotion purposes; you don’t necessarily lay all the songs in the movie.” He recalled that his hit song One-day e go better was actually a soundtrack he did for a film entitled Nightmare, which he co-produced with Chico Ejiro

and Zik-Zulu Okafor. That was the first Nollywood film Onyeka Onwenu did, it was also the first English movie Pete Edochie acted in the industry. But because the song was well written and sang, people accepted it. “Don’t write only to make a hit, but write for mood and emotions in order to create a lasting impression in the minds of the listeners.” Nliam is of the view that team work and division of labour breeds excellence. “Most times, I don’t voice my songs; I get people that soothe the mood of the music to render it,” he said.

Nliam

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

40 ARTS

VisualArts

Winners of the International Museum Day Art Competition for Secondary Schools

Bruce Onobrakpeya (right), Chief Frank Okonta, Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Olagbaju

On museum day, Memory + Creativity, patrons celeBy Tajudeen Sowole

T was a gathering to celebrate the past, creativity and supImission porters of Nigeria museum system, as the National Comfor Museums and Monuments (NCMM) joined the rest of the world in marking the International Museum Day (IMD) 2013. Celebrated across the world in the second, through third week in the month of May, courtesy of International Council of Museums (ICOM) since 1977, the 2013 edition, according to the world body has as theme, Museums (Memory + Creativity) = Social Change. At the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, NCMM used the occasion to appreciate key supporters of the museum by giving them awards. The curator of the Onikan Museum, Mrs. Edith Ekunke opened the last day of the two-day activities by urging guests to see the IMD as a period to strengthen “cooperation and work together” in promoting the value of museums. In his address, the Director-General of NCMM, Mallam Abdallah Usman stated that the theme “dynamically captures several concepts that are essential in defining a museum and its universality”. Explaining what he noted as “mathematical equation” content of the theme, Yusuf described museum as “the store house of the memory of the society encapsulated in the objects”. Ahead of the celebration, ICOM had mentioned the rich global heritage, which museums display and protect, saying there was a link with “inventiveness and vitality”. It was noted that last year the IMD recorded its largest participation ever across the world with “almost 32,000 museums hosting events in more than 129 countries”. Nigeria has contributed immensely to the increasing awareness in education value of keeping memory, as indicated by some of its activities in the past few years that are gradually returning museum visit-culture among the populace. Regular exhibitions organised after returns of loaned artefacts for international shows abroad as well as renovations of the galleries, courtesy of the Ford Foundation’s support, among other activities were clear indications that the good old days of museum visiting-culture are returning. Among such activities in the last few years were the exhibition, Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria; the 200th year anniversary of Citi Bank, under the theme Celebrating Our Past and Defining Our Future, which attracted the young and the old to the Onikan Museum; the exhibition Nigerian Art in the Cycle of Life, which opened the newly renovated gallery, courtesy of Ford Foundation. Also, outside Lagos, in 2011, the NCMM opened the National Museum, Owerri, Imo State, with an exhibition entitled: Igbo Household (Ezi na ulo Ndi-Igbo), to celebrate Igbo east of the Niger. Through his representative at the 2013 IMD, Rosemary

Bodam, the D-G, NCMM recalled that through the platform of international cooperation, the Nigeria museum authority has “repatriated over 60 stolen Nigerian cultural objects from France, Canada, South Africa, U.S., and Switzerland”. He also disclosed that “at the moment, we are in the process of restituting and recovering more from France and the U.S.”. Yusuf also used the occasion of the IMD to remind non-government museums to regularise their activities with the NCMM. He listed the functions of the NCMM as contained in Decree No 17 of 1979 – currently an Act of Parliament, CAP 242 of 2000. The reminder, he stated was necessary, disclosing that some museums were operating outside government’s approval. Individuals and groups recognised as ‘friends of the museum’ and given awards were former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyanoku; master printmaker, Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya; former Chairman of Eco Bank and founder, Omoba Oladele Odimayo Arts Foundation, Omooba Odimayo; President of Art Galleries Association of Nigeria (AGAN), Chief Frank Okonta; Chairman, Visual Arts Society of Nigeria (VASON), Sammy Olagbaju and Vice Chairman of VASON, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi. Others were Founder, Omooba Yemisi Adedoying Shyllon Foundation Art Foundation, Engr Yemisi Shyllon; The Erelu of Lagos, Chief Erelu, Abiola Dosumu; Innocent Chukwuma, Representative of Ford Foundation in West Africa; printmaker and culture activist, Nike Davies Okundaye; Managing Director, Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters; Senior Special Adviser to Lagos State Government on Leisure and Hotel and the coordinator, Lafgos Stae Junior Carnival, Aduke Gomez; CEO, Mydrim Gallery, Sinmidele Ogunsanya; sponsor of Children Day Cooking Competition, Iyabo Lawani; artist, Ndidi Dike

Nigeria has contributed immensely to the increasing awareness in education value of keeping memory, as indicated by some of its activities in the past few years that are gradually returning museum visit-culture among the populace.

Curator at National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, Mrs. Edith Ekunke and Total Nigeria Plc. Also posthumously, Ben Enwonwu was given award as a great supporter of the museum. Enwonwu donated one of the popular themes of his art, in bronze sculpture, Anyanwu, currently at the entrance of the Onikan Museum. On the sub-theme of this year’s IMD, Museum as a Mirror of our Society, the guest speaker and curator of Lagos State University Museum, Gbaja Kolawole touched on the role of museums in linking people with their roots and guiding the future. Kolawole noted, “Museum assists us to trace our roots and know where we are going”, stressing that wherever there was a museum “social change is guaranteed”. Kolawole, a former staff of National Museum, Onikan before moving to LASU, urged government and individuals to “ensure the preservation of our cultural objects”. For the awardees, Onobrakpeya who spoke on behalf of the recipients argued that aside being supportive of the museum, “we have all tapped from the museum”. In confirming Onobrakpeya’s assertion, Gbadamosi recalled that the input of late director of museum, Ekpo Eyo inspired him to be a collector. Among several youth programmes of NCMM aimed at getting the young ones to be involved in museum culture was the painting competition for secondary schools. Winners of the 2013 edition were first, Princeton College, Surulere; second, Isolog College, Ojodu and third, Aunty Ayo International College, Ikoyi, Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

ARTS

New art journal, Omenka makes debut with focus on secondary market By Tajudeen Sowole S the scope of the visual arts is exA panding, congesting the art space with activities and new ideas, a new specialized art journal, omenka, makes its entry in Lagos. Scheduled for launch tomorrow at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, omenka, according to the publishers started as The Awakening few years ago, as a solo effort of Ben Enwonwu Foundation, covering, but restricted in scope. ut is now omenka, according to the publishers Returned as omenka, the art magazine is now published jointly by the foundation and Revilo and omenka Gallery. Described by the publishers as “as Nigeria’s first art, business and lifestyle magazine”, the first edition has the the iconic painting, Tutu, by Ben Enwonwu on the front cover. A 76-page magazine, the three leading articles focus the rising secondary art market in Nigeria and abroad. Two of these include interviews with Giles Peppiatt, director of African contemporary art at U.K-based Bonhams and Robert Mbonu, director of an art brokerage group, Art Exchange. The first edition of omenka also has artist, Nnanna okore as a ‘Material Girl’ and Abass Kelani in his Lagos

studio. As laudable as the idea of a magazine on art is, the sustainability of omenka could be a concern, given the declining reading attitude of artists, and unwilling art market to patronize the print media through adverts. The Publisher and Editor-inChief, oliver Enwonwu argued that the rested publication The Wakening had offered an insight into the challenges that may arise in sustaining omenka. “based on the response we got from The Awakening, we are sure of a viable venture now”. He noted that, even with the former magazine, “the art scene was not as strong as it is now”. Contributing editor, Luciano Uzuegbu was also sure of the success of omenka, describing the magazine as “a good reference for scholars, artists and policy makers”. The magazine, they assured “aims to give visibility to modern and contemporary art in Africa by providing updates on various art movements, show reviews and event schedules.” Also, the magazine “will publish regular reports on museum acquisitions and international art fairs as well as profiles on eminent collectors and recent interviews with high profile contemporary artists”. on the choice of name, Enwonwu explained that it’s deliberate as part of sustaining the legacy of his father.

omenka, he said “means one who does great things”. In fact, the lettering of the name on the magazine, he disclosed “is a direct reproduction from Enwonu’s writing”. The publishers hope that with news and insider intelligence on the African art market Omenka will “investigate key trends and showcases the artists who drive the industry”. Its target readers, they said include critics, writers, art professionals, historians, designers, and art enthusiasts. The magazine is segmented into Antennae (sneak peek, reviews, trends), Focus (interviews and profiles), Lifestyle, Market file (auctions, investments, gallery, artist dossier), Report (studio visit, show and tell, omenka reads), and Feature. In the lifestyle section, The Wheatbaker Hotel, is profiled as a promoter of “Nigerian visual culture”. The next issue of omenka, according to the publishers focuses photography. Contributions to omenka include Neil Coventry’s articles on cataloguing and documentation, collecting and preserving photography, the famous Lagos Photo Festival and interviews with J. D. o’khai ojeikere, Kavita Chellaram, Caline Chagoury and renowned Béninoise artist, Ludovic Fadairo.

Cover of Omenka

In Lagos, Da Silva brings Inner Worlds. Outer Space the first week of June, Global Energy Company Ltd. FSilva,RoM 2013, Raoul olawale da (GEC) and the Wheatbaker, a Nigerian artist who all corporate entities which has spent years working in Switzerland, will present an exciting collection of works in an exhibition titled Inner Worlds. Outer Space! to be hosted by the Wheatbaker. The exhibition is sponsored by Deutsche Bank, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Ltd.(FHN),

Azu Nwagbogu (Left) Vivian Ikem, Joseph Gergel, Wunika Mukan, Folakunle Oshun at the Sixth Annual National Art Competition

Competition challenges artists on Identity LREADY in its sixth edition, A the National Art Competition (NAC), organised by African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) and sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc focuses on identity as theme for the 3013 edition. Tagged Identity: Who Do You Think You Are?, entry for the competition closes June 15, 2013. In its five-year span, the National Art Competition has showcased emerging talent in such diverse mediums as painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation, and video art. With a focus on the processes of artistic creation rather than solely the end product, artists are asked to submit a proposal for an unrealised work. After hundreds of entries, twelve finalists are invited to take part in an artist retreat, where workshops by leading artists, professors, curators, and arts professionals allow finalists to

tion at AAF, Roundtrip and a three-night stay at Hilton Hotel Dubai; Winner, outstanding Concept, N1 million; Winner: outstanding Production, N1 million. flesh out the conceptual Artists of all ages and working threads of their proposal and work together in a studio envi- in all mediums are encouraged to apply. The Selection ronment. Committee will be headed by For the 2013 edition, the theme examines the status of Professor El Anatsui. For more information about applying the individual in both Nigerand submitting the applicaian and global society today. At this time in Nigeria, there is tion form, please visit African Artists’ Foundation’s website an ongoing debate about the value and functionality of our at www.africanartists.org. Nigerian Breweries has been national identity. partnering with the African With vast changes sweeping Artists’ Foundation to organthe nation, including urban development, rising technolo- ise the National Art Competition for ﬁve consecutive years. gies, and the evolving social This is part of an effort to enclimate, personal and colleccourage and promote the detive cultural identity are constantly in flux. How is identity velopment of creativity, arts and artists in Nigeria. constructed and articulated? This sponsorship remains What external forces come to only part of a broad initiative define our understanding of to support arts development ourselves and the world in Nigeria, as well as the develaround us? What is the relaopment of talents in various tionship between individual identity, national identity, and ﬁelds of endeavour. their position in the face of ris- Nigerian Breweries recognizes that arts play an important ing globalism? role in strengthening cultural Prizes for Identity… are first place, N2 million; Solo Exhibi- values in any society.

Untitled by Olawale

have a strong art focus as part of their corporate social responsibility, and which are keenly watching emerging artists in Africa. Deutsche Bank has the largest art collection of any bank globally, and is the official sponsor of major art events including

Art Basel, Frieze Art Fair in New York and London, and the on-line magazine ArtMag. The Wheatbaker, a luxury boutique hotel, has since opening its doors in 2011, successfully focused on becoming Nigeria’s first “art destination” hotel. oil industry players, GEC & FHN, have sponsored art and culture events for close to 20 years, including supporting leading art publications (101 Nigerian Artists and Lagos A City at Work (GEC) and Five (FHN), and key visual and performing art events, including the recently concluded African Now Bonhams Auction in London (FHN) and the hit musical Kakadu (GEC). “I am delighted that corporate Nigeria is increasingly focusing on the creative industry as a way of giving back to the community and creating wealth,” commented exhibition curator and filmmaker, Sandra Mbanefo obiago, who is passionate about bringing art into public spaces. “Raoul’s work is bold. His large oil paintings on canvas draw us into an intense battle of color and shape, spaces of tight and profuse strokes and patterns, interspersed with calm, languid spaces of yellow and shades of blue, white and red. His abstract artistry has bold global appeal”. The exhibition touches on the different experiences Raoul has had in his fatherland, Nigeria, his motherland, Switzerland, combined with a Brazilian ancestry. He is an artist who has used these multi-ethnocultural experiences to create vivid images that touch on inner reflection and outer color.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, March 31, 2013

ARTS

ArtHouse City People to celebrate Inspiro’s Ayo Shadare

Editorial Adviser, Newsray Magazine, Mr. Nelson Campbell, disclosed that 14 eminent Nigerians were nominated for the award.

N Saturday, June 8, Freedom Park, Lagos O will be host as City People Entertainment will present an exclusive evening with Ayo

Encased opens on Sunday

Shadare of Inspiro. The event, which kick off by 5pm, promises to be a memorable evening of jazz, poetry, dance, spoken word, fashion and art exhibition.

Newsray Prestigious Award for June

HE maiden edition of Newsray’s Prestigious T Leadership Award & Public Lecture holds on June 11. Organised by Newsray

UKE Asidere’s art show titled, Encased, D opens soon at the Alexis Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos. It runs from June 12 to 18.

Music/comedy train arrive Osogbo

ICE, LKT, Capital FEMI, Jaywon, Nollywood 9 actors, Odunlade Adekola and Eniola Badmus have joined top Nollywood stars frol-

icking with actor-comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st GCON. The music-comedy train, which created fun in excess to the city of Ibadan, would Communication Ventures Limited, Publishers be moving to Oshogbo, Osun State. Expected of Newsray Magazine, the award seeks to recog- to hold on June 12, 2013, sources are saying the nise contributions of individuals to the devel- Osun State government have endorsed the opment of the country. show. Holding at the Banquet Hall, Bayelsa State ––Compiled by Tony Nwanne Government House (Creek Haven), Yenagoa,

Mbang out with another singles By Tony Nwanne LTHOUGH he launched his first album last October, Ini Mbang is gearing up for another singles, just as his Juices in the Sky video is in line for five different awards. The owner of B-Hive Entertainment said it was all by design as he aims to make his rock‘n’roll brand popular. Mbang, a dance expert, recently expanded his artistic scope to include music after years of being known for dance. This was revealed by the all-round entertainer who dropped his first video tagged Juices in the Sky last year; it was directed by Squareball, and marked Mbang’s entry into rock‘n’roll. Already, the genre that has earned him a new accolades in

the South-Southern part of the country. Mbang has featured in notable dance shows as a judge, and has recently taken rock’n’roll seriously. This is a pleasant moment for the young act. “I do rock’n’roll and I’m called the Prince of Rock’n’Roll,” the Akwa Ibom indigene said. “Dance plays a very major part in my stage performances. In most cases, I dance as I sing.” A school tour has also been added his present act. Mbang, who concluded a spelling competition named after his dad earlier this month, said the Brandiny and Friends Akwa Ibom Tour is a career talk to encourage students to strive for the best in every area of life. To make this a reality, he has

The Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida and the Acting Director-General, National Film and Video Censors Board, Ms Patricia Bala during a recent courtesy visit on the royal father in his palace in Akure, Ondo State

Mikel Obi launches MMM, rebrands By Tony Nwanne HEN MMM Recordz berthed last year by W Patrick Edgar Obi Jnr., not many knew who the artiste was. Edgar, Kido, Charass, Mr. Jay and

Mbang visited schools in the company of Eyo of MTN Project Fame, Bobby Friga, I-ma, Ovie of 2479ja.tv, Eketeret Umanah of the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Information and other notable individuals. These visits are capped with words of encouragement and free concerts for the children.

Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Banjo (left); Prof. Gabriel Nyityo; and Emeritus Prof. Jacob Ade Ajayi at a meeting of scholars and intellectuals who are contributors to a book planned to be published in honour of great historian, Prof. Ade Ajayi in Ibadan... last Friday. The book is expected to be launched on May 26, 2014 to mark Ade Ajayi’s 85th birthday anniversary. He clocked 84 last Sunday.

NO2 signed under the label. Run by Patrick Tochukwu Obi, also known as Edgar, MMM Recordz, has released the company’s official anthem, MMM Gang Anthem. The song, which is composed and rendered by the five artistes on the records label, already has a video that was shot by popular filmmaker, Clarence Peters. While the chairman of MMM Recordz, Chelsea FC and Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder, John Mikel Obi sits back to watch his artistes grow, the artistes on the record label, who are managed by M4 Synergy, are currently working on their solo projects that are expected to drop before the end of the year. Meanwhile Edgar, the manager of the record label, is known to have developed his passion

for music right from a very tender age even though football looked promising. With three singles produced by Gospel on the beat, NO2 and Sahara productions, the lead act on the record label maintains that MMM Recordz and its soldiers were certain to re-write musical history in the country and beyond. MMM Recordz label, which is managed by M4 Synergy, is desirous of discovering, nurturing, promoting and managing potentially talented musical and other artistes to stardom in Nigeria and beyond. Spotted by Edgar, who used to be a footballer and musician before diverting all his energy into music, Charass (Victor Chinedu Onyewuchi), who is one of the artistes on the label, is well known for his hit single, whyne am for me. Like Charass, Kido is another talented artiste signed unto MMM Records. Born Jason Ufuoma Igho, Kido made his impact felt with the release of two singles, Cinderella and Apoki after great influences from cousins, who are also into the world of entertainment.

Prof. Jide Osuntokun (left); President of 32nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, Prof. Michael Omolewa; and Prof. Obaro Ikime at the Ibadan meeting last Friday PHOTOS: NAJEEM RAHEEM

Governor celebrates his birthday Curie-ously N a day set aside to commemoO rate children annually, His Excellency Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State, carried out a double celebration. He spent Children’s Day, which was also his birthday, reading and interacting with students of State Primary School, Kpite in Ogoni. He read about the historical character Marie Curie, a two-time Nobel Prize winner and scientist from the 19th century. Curie’s life story stands out especially when under-

stood against the historical backdrop in which she existed: a time in which education and womanhood were not common issues. She is most remembered because of her passion for science, her hard work, and her commitment to helping others. Governor Amaechi was seated between, founder of the Rainbow Book Club, Mrs. Koko Kalango and Hon. Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi. Also seated with the governor was Hon.

Gbenekanu Kuapie, the Local Government Chairman of Tai. His Excellency highlighted at least two important lessons from the book. First was that poverty should not inhibit any person from achieving his or her life’s goals. Secondly, hard work is important as a way to success. The vibrant 50minute session ended with the governor emphasising to the students the need for them to take full advantage of the opportunities they were being given with free

education, since some students in other states did not enjoy the same privilege. The governor was peppered with all manner of questions including questions about his age and the number of children he has. When asked what he did before he became governor, Amaechi replied, “I was a hustler”. He went on to explain that he did a variety of jobs but remained on the right side of the law. To a question on his hobbies, he

answered that his main interest is reading, and that he has two libraries at home. He added that he was currently reading a book, Why Nations Fail by James A. Robinson and Daron Acemoglu. He also recommended A Swamp Full of Dollars, a book on the Niger Delta, by Michael Peel. The day ended with government-funded books donated to the more than 300 pupils in the State Primary School. It turned out an unforgettable Children’s Day, indeed!

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

AutoWheels Stallion Motors acquires Nissan’s franchise, unveils seven brands Stories by Taiwo Hassan OR the nation’s auto Funprecedented industry to attain the optimal level, the need for greater competition among the various automobile dealers in the country must be enhanced. Consequently, this was exactly what happened when Stallion Motors Nigeria Limited formally announced secured the distributorship rights of Nissan vehicle brands in the country. The move to re-award the Nissan rights in Nigeria to Stallion Motors may not be unconnected with the failure of both SCOA Motors Nigeria Limited and CFAO CICA Nigeria Limited to clinch the deal. Speaking at the inauguration of Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria in Lagos, few days ago, the Group Managing Director of Stallion Motors Nigeria Limited, Parvir Singh, said the acquisition of the Nissan rights was part of the company’s long time investment in the country. According to him, the acquisition of the additional distributorship was also part of the company’s objective to key into the transformation agenda of the Federal Government, with a commitment to play a role to position the private sector as the engine of growth. He said the partnership with Nissan would further give the company a cutting edge as a force to reckon with in the nation’s automotive industry. Parvir explained that it was a significant milestone achievement in the history of Stallion Group since it commenced auto business in the country four decades ago. He however assured lovers of Nissan products in the

Nissan black patrol car country that the company has marked out marketing strategy that will ensure that Nissan vehicles made prominence in the country, especially in the after-sale services segment. “You would have observed since the commencement of Stallion operations in Nigeria some four decades ago, the growth indices of the Stallion Group together with our contribution to the local economy speaks for itself. “Without mincing words, you would agree that we have contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy,” Parvir added. For the General Manager, Nissan Sub Sahara Africa Regional Office, Jimmy Dando, the new partnership with Stallion Motors heralded a commitment to strong representation in the country, adding that

Nigeria, as a country, was a key market that is expected to deliver significant growth and contribution to Nissan’s global mid-term plan, known as Nissan Power88.’ According to him, African automotive market has continue to promises sustainable prospects for growth over the coming years. Dando pointed out that Nigeria remained NISSAN target market as it prepared to increase its market share in the continent, especially with the high population and investment clime. “Our Africa plans include the increase of our share from the current 7.9 per cent share in Africa, to double that, through new model introductions, brand building and retail network expansion,” he said

Nissan Murano “The partnership with Stallion Motors will help us achieve these objectives. We are pleased to be working with a strong team in Nigeria, who is able to understand and serve our

customers and respond to a complex market,” Dando added. He however announced that Nissan would be storming the Nigerian auto industry with seven new

fleets that are specially made for the Nigerian market beginning from July. The new fleets include: NV 350 Urban, Almera, Sentra, Teana, TIIDA, new Nissan Pathfinder and Murano.

Ford to introduce EcoBoost platform in Nigeria-bound vehicles Motor Company has FtheORD said that Nigeria remained biggest market share for its products, thus, announcing that 70 per cent of the company’s range of vehicles expected to be sold in the country from next year would be equipped with EcoBoost engines to further reduce their fuel consumption. Making this disclosure to journalists during the company’s media parley in Lagos, few days ago, Ford’s Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, Sub Saharan Africa, Ezio Tuniz, said the move to introduce the EcoBoost engines was because of the outcome of the company’s pilot scheme it had last year in the country with its two all-new engines- the 1.6 litre EcoBoost and the 2.0 litre EcoBoost engines respectively. According to him, the Nigerian market share for the

company has been phenomenon since its entry into the auto market some decades ago. He said that Nigeria accounted for about 40 per cent market share of vehicles sold by the Ford group, from 2010 to 2011, and eight per cent last year despite the challenges in the nation’s auto industry. Tuniz added that the company has been pursuing multiple technologies and working with its dealer partners to find affordable means to create safer, more fuel-efficient quality products that consumers desire and value. He pointed out that the company’s presence in the country was not only to make profit but also to offer excellent service delivery, especially in the after-sale services to its numerous consumers. He however assured that the

company would continue to bolster its business relationship with its distributors in the country- Coscharis Motors Limited and Ford Briscoe to get more penetration into the nation’s auto industry. “Ford has established an excellent business supported by Ranger. The main focus of our marketing plan is to continue to market the Ford brand as full-line manufacturer with a full range of products, sales, and service. “Our current product line up is stronger as ever. From B-size Ford Figo to the Escape and Explorer SUV to our Built Ford Tough Ford Ranger trucks. “Ford offers a full range of vehicles, in every segment, to meet a variety of customer needs. “In addition to offering a fullline of segment – leading products, we’re continuing to

2013 Ford Escape promote efforts of our dealers in expanding their networks, as well as, increased service and parts availability now that the Parts Distribution Centre

in Dubai is serving Sub Saharan Africa. “We’re also continuing to focus on strengthening our connections and communica-

tions with consumers and increased our community involvement and overall presence in the market,” Tuniz added.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

BusinessTravel Summer travel: Flying crowded skies By Wole Shadare EARS that normally loom large Fmassive over summer travel season due to flight delays occasioned by air traffic controller furloughs and skyrocketing gas prices may have vanished, leaving predictions of relatively smooth sailing, flying and driving ahead. The summer travel season is already underway, and so many planes are expected to be full that, if you are bumped, you could end up waiting days for a seat on another flight to the same destination. The number of fliers that would be bumped against their will is expected to reach a record high for the decade this year. Travel is a broad and diverse industry employing a vast work force, from hotel employees to restaurant,

attraction and retail workers. Travel and tourism further support employees in other industry sectors, such as construction, manufacturing and finance. This summer, high rollers are flying to lavish hot spots for their vacations. The rest are driving to less luxurious places like nearby campgrounds. Rising home prices and a soaring stock market are encouraging those at the top of the income ladder to take more extravagant trips. But large segments of the population are staying close to home because wages are stagnant, rents are high and the end of the payroll tax holiday has shrunk their takehome pay. For a travel industry still stinging from the Great Recession that likely means another summer of steady,

The summer travel season is already underway, and so many planes are expected to be full that, if you are bumped, you could end up waiting days for a seat on another flight to the same destination but slow, recovery. As the economy in Europe, United States, Asia, part of Africa continues to recover and consumers are more comfortable spending rather than saving, experts believe that spells good news for the travel season that has kicked kicks off. The holiday weekend itself is not expected to set any records. Many are forecasting numbers similar to last year, with 34.8 million Americans expected to travel between this week. But for the summer season, surveys

show more people are expected to take a vacation on the road and in the air this year than last, and fuel prices are projected to be about 16 cents a gallon less than a year ago. Even airfare to many top summer destinations has dropped compared to 2012, though airlines continue to tack on extra fees and hotels are charging more for rooms. A travel expert warned that some travellers might be taken aback by extra fees that airlines are charging for everything from carry-on bags to

seats with more legroom. Still, surveys show travellers are willing to part with more cash this year. A survey from travel site TripAdvisor said 25 per cent of summer travelers expect to spend more on vacation this year, while 53 percent will spend the same. “For so many years, we’ve been saying ‘the economy, the economy,’ ” said Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com. “I don’t know if that matters as much anymore. People are making it work.” Airlines for America, an industry trade organisation, said U.S. airlines are expected to carry nearly 209 million passengers between June and August. That’s up one per cent; the group believes higher household net worth, increased corporate profits and a break in the price of fuel are factors in the increase.

Aerial view of the London Eye

Why we are investing in helicopter hangar in Nigeria, by Aremu chase? We work with Zenith Bank and they have some arrangements with some international banks about how to finance purchase for Nigerian buyers only if they have a letter of guarantee from the bank that they can at least stand for the payment for the aircraft to be made. What I want from the Nigerian banks is that if they can buy these aircraft outright and give them to the airlines that want them. If it is for seven years payment, the bank tells you for instance that every month you pay $7,000 and the interest on it is three per cent. Every month you keep payHY is your company interested in helicop- ing that and for seven years you are done ter business? Is it a profitable venture? with the payment. The first thing is helicopters. It is more useful Proposed hangar investment in Nigeria to our environment, for the media, oil and gas, United States Flight Source International in surveillance. For the media, you can use it to partnership with Avonheli System West take your coverage of very important events, Africa Limited, its Nigerian counterpart will for police surveillance, It’s also good most set up to a helicopter and aircraft mainteespecially to combat terrorism war going on nance hangar in Nigeria. We are looking to in some parts of the north. For Lagos, it is very set up a helicopter and aircraft hangar here desirable to have police helicopter patrolling in Nigeria. We want to see how thing go in around to ensure security that would make it a Nigeria. In Florida, we have a hangar there haven for investors. Nigerian government can with almost 50 engineers. The workforce afford helicopters to be able to do it. there is around 300, from pilots to engineers, How do you help to finance helicopter pur- because we also sell helicopters. We have

With the rise in business aviation in Nigeria, more firms are investing in that special segment of the industry. One of the firms, Avonheli is a specialist in helicopter sales and services. The Chief Executive of the firm, Ajayi Seyi Aremu, spoke to WOLE SHADARE on the burgeoning aviation industry in Nigeria. Excerpts:

chartered flights within the U.S. and outside the U.S., but not here in Nigeria. We are actually looking if Nigeria is ready to come in with investments or bringing the services, the engineers, even the pilots here. We are also looking at students from the universities who have interest in being aircraft engineers; they can also walk in without paying a dime if we set up a hangar; it is for them to learn and they can get paid and start work.

Aremu

Aero connects flight to Douala, promises more routes By Chika Goodluck-Ogazi S parts of its moves to link flights to other A African regions, Aero Contractors Airlines, one of the oldest airlines in the region, on Monday, launched its inaugural flight to Duoala, the largest city in Cameroon. The aircraft, AJ 2002, departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 10. 45a.m. and arrived Duoala International Airport around12. 37 pm. On board are the officials of the airline, few passengers and a team of bandsmen that graced the occasion at the airport. Speaking at the arrival of the airline in Duoala, the Flight Operations and Accountable Manager, Ressel Leefoon said: “Our coming to Duoala is very important to the company. We intend to increase our flights operations to Cameroon. We thank the country for doing business with us.” “The launch of the route is part of our strategy of focusing on operations in Africa, which is a key growth area for the airline and also in line with the airline’s regional expansion programme,” he added. He further noted that the subsequent flights to the route would be operated with a Boeing 737as number of passengers’ increases.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Opinion NECO, JAMB: Beyond the blame game By Abdulrazaq Magaji S recent as the mid 1970s, school leavers could A apply for employment in any organisation or seek for admission into any institution of higher learning by merely waving their mock West African School Certificate result. The mock examination was mostly organised by state ministries of education or individual schools and was the reliable barometer school administrators needed to gauge the performance of their students when they get to write the real school certificate examinations. Today, mock examinations have gone out of fashion; they are dead! Potential employers no longer touch it even though the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), still risk admitting students who are awaiting their results. Candidates are no longer required to include their mock results when they fill JAMB forms; the space no longer exists on the forms because, like a bad dream, schools and state ministries of education no longer have the time or resources to conduct mock examinations. Officials of federal and state ministries of education, many of them products of the old system, no longer see the reason for its re-introduction. In the few public schools where a semblance of this ‘old school’ practice is in still in vogue, it is at best, a mere charade; an unimaginative way by some unimaginative government officials to squeeze something out of an unimaginative system. The situation is not helped by desperate par-

ents and guardians who do unimaginable things to abet examination malpractice. These days, most parents sit back and wish for a return to the old days when they went to school, forgetting, in the process, that ‘in those days’ they were fortunate to pass through the hands of teachers whose ilk is now extinct. The result is that, today, parents go the whole hog to abet examination malpractice without addressing the cause of their wards’ dismal performance. Such parents see only the hands ranging from those of the National Examinations Council (NECO), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), NABTEB or JAMB, and not their own hands, when apportioning blames as to the cause of high failure rate in school examinations. Like parents, students do not help the resolution of the problem. In today’s jet age when modern technology should assist students to become high performers, the best we have are students who predict with precision the players Sir Alex Ferguson will field against Arsene Wenger’s team or who the next coach of Real Madrid FC would be. Few parents see nothing wrong with this because fewer parents, either because they too, just like their wards, are soccer addicts or under the guise of being too busy, see no need to monitor their wards. What, on earth, has become of the time-tested perception of the home being the child’s first and best school? For the serious minded students, they arrive at hostile environments that pass for schools in 21st century Nigeria. The sight of hostels

with blown off roofs here and decrepit classrooms with no furniture there gives an impression that they have arrived at a real war zone in the real sense of the word. Of course libraries are a rare sight in many schools in modern day Nigeria and those of them with a bias for science have no space for laboratories. What is more, students are often left in the care of barely literate, ill-prepared and illmotivated teachers most of whom will flunk examinations meant for their students. In their ill-prepared state, some teachers stare blankly at the blank faces of their students and, like their students, they too make a quick dash for the bush when the need arises. Most school environments are so hostile that by the time students are presented for NECO and WAEC examinations they are barely in the right frame of mind to pass. Because they are ill-prepared many students go into examination halls, chew the end of their pens and look up to ceilings for answers that would not come, thanks to effective monitoring of examinations, at the end of which they swagger out to pursue some unimaginative ventures. Not a few examiners have, in recent times, spoken of scripts that carry funny appeals such as Help me sir, I am an orphan, God will help you or encountering blank answer scripts blotted with darkish substance, juju style, complete with incantations in the vain hope that some spirits will cause the examiner to award a pass mark for a blank script. For governments, we can only beg the issue to assume they do not know what to do. It is equally wrong to assume that enough funds

are not being made available to schools. What schools receive may still be a far cry from international expectations, but more could still be achieved if the scant funds are effectively applied and not end in private accounts. The idea of a fraction of budgeted funds getting to schools merely provides school heads a ready excuse to complain of insufficient funds. By continuously shifting blame, we create the impression that schooling is a punishment. Let recreation flourish in schools and let students go through the rigours of mock examinations. Importantly, somebody should make it mandatory for school teachers to attend NECO and WAEC moderation and marking exercises because these are tools teachers and students stand to gain from; not the money guzzling and farcical refresher programmes organised for teachers. The way it is, examination bodies have their hands full and, like the Achebean eneke bird, they have to constantly remain in the sky safe from the hunter’s pellets. Effective mirroring and policing of national education is the main challenge faced by examination bodies worldwide. And to do this entails being constantly ahead of lazy and cheating students and their patrons. This is no mean task, even under normal circumstances! It is okay to focus the searchlight on examination bodies if the ultimate aim is to improve standards. But when they are unduly harassed and haunted and distracted, as is now being done, the impression is created that what examination bodies need to do to remain in business is to impress some fat cows by awarding bogus and untenable grades to candidates. • Magaji is based in Abuja.

Your divine rights By Patience Turtoe-Sanders IVINE rights are rights that come from only one source, God. D These rights are rights that cannot be manipulated, or traded. They belong only to the person designated much like the monarchy in Great Britain, where only those born into the royal family could become Queens and Kings. An outsider with non-royal blood who marries into the royal family may bear a royal title, but he or she will not be qualified to ascend the throne. This tradition is not limited only to Europeans. Many African nations practice it, including my mother’s Itsekiri tribe. Mom told me that one time in the Itsekiri tribe, an unqualified king was imposed on the people, and supporters of the qualified candidate advised the Itsekiri people not to attend the coronation ceremony of the unqualified candidate. Many people ignored the advice and attended the ceremony, and shortly afterwards all who attended the ceremony were plagued with severe dysentery and soon began to die. Not until the anomaly was corrected was the plague stayed. Divine rights cannot be stopped, but can be stolen if the rightful owner does not exercise his or her rights. In Psalm 24:1, the Psalmist declares, “The earth is the Lords and all its fullness...” This means everything on earth belongs to God. Genesis 1:27-28 says, “So God created man in His own image… And God blessed them, and said to them…have dominion.” God has given human beings divine rights to dominate everything that God has created: dominion over animals, fish, water, earth, money, and all things money can buy. But many Christians wallow in poverty, many experience bad health, some though healthy, are agoraphobic. Why? This is because many people have allowed Satan to steal their divine rights. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy...” Satan’s mission is to steal your joy, to kill your dreams, and to destroy you. But Jesus’ mission is to give you life. “I am come that they might have life”. Some Christians have no life: they are sad, anxious, depressed, and though prayerful, they experience no change, and this has led many to be totally discouraged. Many Christians live in fear: fear of the unknown, fear of poverty, fear of failure, fear of being afraid. Why? This is because many Christians walk in the flesh. “For they that are after the flesh, do mind

the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace”. (Romans 8: 5-6.) Many Christians have given up their divine rights by following the ways of the world. Some Christians take bribes, a few pastors offer church positions based on a member’s financial contribution; some church leaders and elders show partiality toward the rich and then ignore and criticize the poor amongst them. Some pastors display such arrogance that even Jesus would frown at it. Tony, a Nigerian living in Minnesota, went to see his homeboy who had become a big time pastor in Nigeria, but was visiting Houston, Texas. For years, Tony hadn’t seen his friend whom he’d known as a student. Excited, Tony left Minnesota for Texas, but the friend, now a pastor, was reluctant to see Tony, and when he saw Tony, the pastor squared his shoulders, frowned and would not speak. A hurt Tony returned to Minnesota, and said, “This pastor, who used to look up to me, gave me the impression that he is superior to me. He was so, so, arrogant,” Tony sighed, and then added, “May those who live in our boys quarters do not turn out to be our landlords.” Many pastors have forgotten their humble beginnings and have become extremely arrogant because of the anointing that God has poured on them. Anointing is meant to freely carry out the work of God, and not to be sold or to make one arrogant. Jesus, God Himself who turned human, was not arrogant. He healed, raised the dead, walked on water, taught and changed lives, yet he washed His disciples’ feet. This is Jesus’ expectation from all His followers, humility. Pride, arrogance, corruption, adultery, lies and deception, and anything that is not of God, are satanic traits, and anywhere Satan finds something that resembles him, he goes there to cause havoc. The blood of Jesus has made Satan to be subordinate to believers, yet Satan controls many believers. In Ecclesiastes, the Preacher cried aloud, “I have seen servants riding upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.” This is an error. Christians are children of the Most High God, but many are not living up to their potential. Many people who don’t pray, or call upon the name of Jesus, who don’t go to church, or, fast, or pay tithes, live better lives than some Christians live. Some of these heathens give greater donations even to churches, they provide jobs, make policies, and decide how Christians should live their lives. This is an error, and it must be corrected. Christians must exercise their divine rights. How? The psalmist said, “Who shall ascend

Many Christians have given up their divine rights by following the ways of the world. Some Christians take bribes, a few pastors offer church positions based on a member’s financial contribution; some church leaders and elders show partiality toward the rich and then ignore and criticize the poor amongst them. Some pastors display such arrogance that even Jesus would frown at it into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord…” (Psalm 24:3-5). For you, a Christian, to reclaim your divine rights, and or, to be restored to your divine throne of righteousness, peace, joy and recognition, you must keep your hands clean, and your heart pure. You must not partake in things that are not of God. This means, if you are an adulterer, you’ve got to stop, confess, repent, and ask God for forgiveness. If you demand a bribe, desist from such an act. If you are a thief, stop stealing. If you are the type who lusts after what does not belong to you, you must restrain yourself from doing so. You must begin the practice of doing things right, even against all odds. Pray. God is the giver of all things. When you seek God, all that you are asking for will be given unto you. “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He added no sorrow with it” (Proverb 10:22). But the wealth of Satan comes with a price, your life. “There is a way which seems right to a man…but at the end of it is the way of death” (Proverb 14:12). Be pure. Be God-like. • Dr. Turtoe-Sanders is a motivational speaker and televangelist. She lives in the United States of America.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Opinion NGF election: Prelude to 2015 (2) By Salihu Moh. Lukman Continued from yesterday T is not so much that the result of the election is being contested but the manner of contest, which seeks to basically generate confusion and in the process create legitimacy crisis for the second tenure of Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the Chairman of NGF. One would ordinarily expect that the governors under Akpabio would seek to redress all grievances from the May 24 election through due process. Due process could have meant that they make demands, which may include asking for another meeting to review the conduct of the elections. And given that they are claiming to have 19 governors on their side, it would have been a comfortable majority that could have given them the confidence to even move for the removal of Amaechi at the next meeting. The second option would have required that they seek legal intervention through the courts. There is the third option of sanctioning Amaechi and all PDP governors that may have acted contrary to party decisions. This may result in dismissal of all PDP governors that are on the side of Amaechi from the party. The only explanation to justify the position taken by the Akpabio led group of governors would have been a reflection of their weakness, which would have signalled inability to get any of the three scenarios highlighted. Since the PDP and the presidency is in control of security agencies, any confusion may translate into influencing the conduct of security operatives in favour of the Akpabio/Jang group and to that extent therefore coercing structures of the NGF especially the secretariat to compromise its loyalty to the Amaechi leadership. This will be in tandem with what can be described as garrison mentality that has been driving our democracy since 1999 whereby the position of the President must reign supreme and all party func-

tionaries must subordinate themselves to that. In some ways, this means that the President must win every election in which he/she has interest. Supremacy of members and sovereignty of the people is at best a cliché for those who are interested. The concern now is not so much that there is an election that was contested and has produced the defeat of the candidate promoted by the PDP and presidency. The main challenge is that the response to the defeat by both the defeated candidate, Jang, and perhaps the ruling PDP is to create confusion that may lead to the dismantling of the NGF as an organisation. The implication of this is that it will give the Federal Government and the presidency unfettered and uncontested power to govern the country, including trespassing into matters that are constitutionally reserved for states. This is going to be very inimical to our democratic development as a nation for two reasons. First, it would mean that all organisations in the country must exist at the pleasure of the PDP and presidency. Secondly, should the current approach to orchestrate confusion and delegitimize the NGF succeed, it would mean that any attempt to unseat President Goodluck using constitutional means can be greeted with similar response in 2015. It was the strategy that Laurent Gbagbo employed in 2010 in Cote d’Ivoire following his defeat by Hassan Ouattara, which led to months of crisis resulting in loss of lives and property. The international community had to intervene to restore sanity and affirm the sanctity of the 2010 elections. The lesson therefore is that with the Presidency and PDP being on the driving seat in the unfolding leadership drama in NGF, it may as well be a prelude of what to expect in 2015 should Nigerians decide to vote out PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan out of office. The possible response of both PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan may be to refuse to accept the result and declare himself the winner of the election as opposed to whatever INEC may return. One will hope that this will be a

complete wrong scenario. However, it is no doubt a possible scenario. Against the background of warmongering noise of some militant groups from Niger Delta warning the nation about the consequence of not returning Goodluck for a second tenure in 2015, this may be a way to say that Goodluck will rule Nigeria for a second term with or without the votes of Nigerians. The capacity of Nigerian governors under the NGF to affirm the sanctity of their choice of leadership therefore is the first test of whether as a people, Nigerians can begin to send the right signal to PDP and President Goodluck. That signal should in unmistakable terms resoundingly highlight that all leaders must be elected through constitutional means. It is also instructive that the victory of Amaechi reflects some political engineering that recognise the need to mobilise across ethnic, religious and regional lines. In fact, what is very attractive with respect to development around the NGF May 24 elections is that divisions are not influenced rigidly by our old primordial lines. What this mean is that moving towards 2015, the defeat of PDP may only be possible through strong mobilisation across all ethnic groups, religions and region. For the APC, given the central role of their governors in the NGF May 24 election of Amaechi, to what extent will this experience help to prepare our merging parties for the rollout of APC? There may be the temptation to over-celebrate. The truth is that APC leaders just need to recognise that Amaechi’s victory is just a reflection of the strength of mobilisation. The message to APC therefore is if APC is to be taken seriously as a party coming with strong potential to defeat PDP, it must come with strong membership mobilisation strategy. • Concluded • Lukman of People and Passion Consult Limited, wrote from Abuja.

Dana crash: Why memory matters By Emmanuel Ojeifo

To know that the past can illuminate the contours of the present is to be better equipped to make intelligent decisions about difficult public issues... O one had a premonition of the tragedy N that befell our nation on Sunday, June 3, 2012 when the Dana aircraft, Boeing MD-83, on a domestic scheduled commercial flight from Abuja to Lagos, crashed into Iju-Ishaga, a crowded neighbourhood near the airport, following what was alleged to have been a total loss of power in both engines. Apparently landing on its tail, the airplane soon burst into flame, resulting in the deaths of all 153 people on board, as well as approximately 10 deaths and an unknown number of injuries to people on the ground. That day was indeed a black Sunday. For many years to come, that day will remain unforgettably etched in the memories of millions of Nigerians. To forget this day is to forget a part of history that has characterised our nation as a land where blood gushes forth unrestrainedly like an overflowing stream. Preliminary report issued by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) confirmed that the airplane was on the fourth flight segment of the day, consisting of two round-trips between Lagos and Abuja. The accident occurred during the return leg of the second trip, as the aircraft made its final approach for the runway. Being the second deadliest air accident on Nigerian soil, the Dana Air crash came to reveal the stark reality of poor post-disaster management system in our country. Journalists and reporters at the crash scene reported how chaotic the scene was, with thousands of Lagos residents attempting to approach the site. Crowds attempted to bring hoses to the site while soldiers attempted to disperse onlookers

with punches and rubber whips. The onlookers then threw stones at the soldiers in retaliation. Water for fire fighting was scarce for several hours due to the city’s shortage of fire trucks, and civilians attempted to fight the fire by hand with sachets of ‘pure water’. Water trucks commandeered from nearby construction projects had difficulties reaching the site due to the neighbourhood’s narrow roads. At the end of the day, over 160 precious human lives were systematically liquidated in an air disaster that was, to say the least, preventable. Like a national ritual that follows every breaking news of tragedy in our nation, President Goodluck Jonathan visited the crash site, wept before media cameras, declared three days of national mourning and pledged that “every possible effort” will be made to boost the nation’s aviation safety. End of discussion. We return to business as usual and wait until another tragedy happens. This is the sorry order of things in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Frankly speaking, there is something downright sickening about a nation that has no regard for human life. As a people and as a nation, we have become so accustomed to scenes of bloodshed to such an alarming degree that the wanton destruction of human lives no longer generates any sense of moral revulsion in us. Every day in this country, the consciousness of human life being sacred and inviolable is gradually being depleted as we witness violence, bloodshed and death in alarming proportions. Our country is fast becoming an endless theatre of blood. The sad part of it is that in the eyes of millions of Nigerians, tragedies and disasters claiming multiple human lives have become “one of those things.” We talk about them soberly, mourn for a few days and get on with life as usual. But the truth, like Dele Giwa once said, is that “Nigerians are unshockable.” If not, let us ask ourselves: What is it that can go wrong that has not happened in Nigeria in order to make us stop and think about our lives and about the future of our country? I believe that when

tragedies happen, they should force upon us the burden of critical thinking. We must ask ourselves how we got where we are today. How did our collective will allow so many to die such a senseless and callous kind of death? Sincerely, we need to start asking fundamental questions about how our country is organized and governed. Our questioning attitude must lead to demanding accountability from those who govern us. Reform does not come unless a people demand for it. Societies only make substantive changes when their members insist upon it. Therefore, drawing from our experiences, we must note that God has a message for us in the midst of our troubled situations. As citizens we must stay together and try to work out lasting solutions to our problems. We can make something out of our tragedies if we make our tragedies count. Put differently, it is our collective duty to channel our anger and rage each time something goes wrong into actions that will not only save our lives when the time comes but that will be a monument to the lives lost. With every tragedy comes the opportunity to build a monument – a monument of good governance, inspired citizenry and bold actions. Tragedy is an opportunity to do better, to create better systems and conditions that ensure that such tragedy does not happen again. To do this we must find out what happened, punish those who let it happen and reform the system in question in order to prevent another breakdown. That is why memory is very important because it is a means of strengthening our collective resolve to move forward. Unfortunately, Nigerians are a very forgetful people, impervious to the lessons of their own troubled history, and as Matthew Hassan Kukah has said, “This amnesia has contributed to diminishing us as a people.” In the face of every single national challenge, we have often seemed bewildered, perplexed and clueless. If not, how come we have failed to learn anything from our previous experiences? The answer, as Wole Soyinka once wrote, is that “We

are a nation of short memories.” Memory and history are inseparable; and that is why the loss of memory is not just the absence of facts, it is the loss of personal identity, family, friends, and indeed the whole complex of life’s meaning. It is very difficult to function in society if we do not know who we are and how we got this way. If we do not know our personal and community histories, we are like children who are easily manipulated by those who would use the past for their own purposes. Historical identity is rooted in community. It is passed to us through our conversation with our mothers and fathers who have gone before us. My concern therefore is that our leaders must recognize that the idea of human rights includes something called the right to security of life. This right reflects a real sense of the need to protect human dignity. Man is not only entitled to live in a free society; he also has a right to enjoy the full range of human possibilities guaranteed by the right to life. We need a good government that can build a policy marked by an extraordinary combination of sober realism and visionary idealism with respect to human rights. This is something more than just a theory; it has to be a doctrine that can be translated into practical politics. I believe that if we do this, we might be able to make the Dana Air tragedy a positive dawn for the emergence of a new Nigeria. We have a duty to learn from the past. For the families and friends of those for whom June 3, 2012 has become an unforgettable day. Widows and widowers learning to cope, children growing without a father or mother, friends coping with the broken bonds of friendship and so on. If the government can take the appropriate steps to ensure that this does not happen again, then the tragic loss of precious lives will not have been in vain. We condole families for this irreparable loss and pray that we are assured that we shall see our loved ones again. May God grant them mercy and eternal rest and condole all those who have been left behind. As the holy book enjoins us: The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God and no harm shall touch them (Wis 3:1).

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

FridayWorship By Afis A. Oladosu In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful “O! Allah rescue us from this village the inhabitants of which are unjust; and raise for us from thyself a friend and a helper.”

“Surely, the religion with Allah is ISLAM,complete submission”... Qur’an 3:19

EAR Brethren, a couple of years In search of change on Democracy Day D ago, I was, with reference to the challenges facing our country, an optimist without limits, a patriot without barrier. No matter the frustration, I was always expectant of the day the sun would shine on this country: a day when we shall be blessed with quality leadership, when we shall have constant supply of electricity and water; a day when Nigerians would travel from Maiduguri to Lagos in the dead of the night without fear of night marauders; a day when women would enter the labour ward and would be delivered of their babies with minimum pain; a day when our hospitals would not be glorified mortuaries. I had to take on the garb of an optimist and adorned the cap of a futurist because Allah decrees in the Quran that the believer is not and should not be a pessimist. Brethren, thus each time I travelled out of this country, I always told myself it would not be long before Nigeria becomes the America of Africa, before Lagos becomes the New York of Sub-Sahara Africa, before Kano becomes the Beijing of the black race. As we mark this year’s democracy day, however, all evidences point to that direction where my country still suffers from arrested development. My aspiration that a paradise would emerge out of Onitsha, that the Garden City of Port Harcourt would transform into the Golden City of

Nigeria, is yet to be realized. Brethren, my vision for a great country has so far become still-born, not because the ordinary Nigerians are failing in their responsibility, but because the greatest resources of this land are under the control of a political class majority of which have no vision, a great lot of which appear incapable either of seeing or doing any great thing. I remember that on a similar occasion two years ago, I did a brief comparison between the late imperious Libyan leader, Muhammad Qadhafi (MQ), and our leaders in this country. I pondered thus: “If MQ deserved a bullet in the head despite the posterity he bequeathed to Libya, how many bullets do our leaders deserve for foisting moral depravity and economic adversity on this nation?” Some of the issues I raised in that sermon still resonate and appear to be highly germane to the events of today. Brethren is it not true that it is only in Nigeria that you have government officials who can afford to shrug off all cries and moans from Nigerians for good governance; it is only in Nigeria you have leaders, rather, “dealers”, who appear to have become denaturalized beings; call them demons or jinns. Thus they behave as if they have drained the cups of sins to its bitterest

dregs and have thus resolved to inflict more pain and poverty on the nation. In their materialist reality, there is going to be no end to life, no Qiyamah, the day of resurrection. Brethren, my recent travel between two Nigerian cities compelled the conclusion that two types of governance styles appear to be in operation in this village presently: one for Abuja and the other for other parts of the country. Or how else do we account for the refusal of those in power to repair the road that leads to the Muritala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos despite the window-dressing that is currently going on under the name of Airport remodeling. How do you make sense of a situation that despite series of campaigns and appeals, that road continues to be neglected as an extension of the neglect being suffered by other critical national infrastructures. Presently, when you drive out of the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in Abuja, you get a sense of a country “that is working”. When you emerge from the MMA, you begin to ask yourself: “why were you born into a country where you experience good governance through its absence?” Brethren, as we mark this year’s democracy day, majority of the issues, which are dear to the heart of my compatriots, are yet to enjoy the attention

they deserve. My people in the village still trek kilometers in search of water. My brothers kept “migrating” from the village because of lack of basic infrastructure. Young women in the cities are now selling their pregnancies, not for millions, but for less than N50, 000. Great minds and young scholars keep running away from my country because the home is largely unhomely. Brethren, it is only in your country that the wife of a village-head, seated as it were in her saloon of arrogance, marooned as it were in the perfidious lucre of her infamy, would send a memo to the Oga in that ministry to provide N800 million to oil her fancies and fantasies, to lubricate the illusion and delusion of her Excellency. It is only in Nigeria. Brethren, I do admit that some of our politicians are good- natured at the “bottom” only to become ill-natured at the top. Meet them on a podium, they would dispute with you in order to show their superiority. If your arguments happen to be weak, they would dismiss you as a fool; if you happen to defeat them, they become scurrilous. Three types of businesses are dear to them: money, women and more money and more women. Brethren, it is common knowledge that the most heinous crime being

perpetrated by government officials is corruption. Rather, I meant the only business that gets done today is greed and dishonesty. Once “oga” takes N1, 000, 000 from the contract, the subordinates would ensure they take N10, 000, 000. There in Abuja, a 20-kilometer road costs N80 billion naira! Here in my village the construction of an ordinary motor park costs close to N300, 000, 000. Here in Nigeria contracts are awarded and are never executed! Do you know how many times the Lagos-Ibadan expressway has been awarded and yet the road remains a deathtrap? If you have a flight to catch in the MMA tomorrow, plan to sleep in Lagos today, otherwise you may need to board the airplane on the expressway between Mowe and Julius Berger bus-stop in Lagos. Brethren, face-to-face with the above, the question that arises for you and me is this: what can you and I do to effect change? Shall we continue to lament our circumstance and expect the Almighty to send angels down to us to act on our behalf? Answers to these questions are in the negative. In fact, the Almighty has said in Q12:11 that he would not change the evil condition of a people for good until they themselves take steps to change it. Thus, I propose we take our destiny into our hands. Begin with your family. Show your children how best to run an administration. Teach them, in words and action, the greatest virtues of Islam- of taqwa (God-consciousness), love and honesty. Teach them the values of accountability and integrity. Once your home and mine become good, the journey to a better Nigeria would have started. (08151293000- Text messages only)

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

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THe GUarDIaN, Friday, May 31, 2013

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Learn africa records N2.913 billion turnover in full year By Helen Oji africa Plc has posted Lin itsearN a turnover of N2.913 billion 2012 operations, against N2.923 recorded in 2011. The company’s operating profit stood at N212.9 million, compared to N382.6 million achieved in the previous year. Besides, the directors of the company also propose a dividend of 20kobo per 50 kobo ordinary share due to every shareholder of the company. reviewing the company’s performance at the 40th yearly general meeting of the company in Lagos yesterday, the company Chairman, Mr emeke Iwerebon attributed the slide in turnover to the problem of insurgency in the Northern part of the country, as well as the issue of piracy, adding that unless these issues are tackled, the company would continue to affect its operations. He explained that the Northern market contributes 60 per cent to the overall business activities. “Our major challenge is the insurgency in the north and the issue of piracy. Our business has been affected with the emergency declared in

three states and until it is tackled, we would continue to have major challenge. The cankerworm of the publishing industry, known as piracy has remained with us. It has taken on both international and local dimensions and it is inflicting serious losses on the company’s fortunes. “ Government needed to intensify efforts and sustain the fight against piracy

…Lists insurgency, piracy as major challenges because when we review our market share, we discovered that piracy is affecting the business.” He assured shareholders that the company would continue to strengthen mutually beneficial partnership in the areas of content development and marketing support of their exclusive

titles. He added that the company was developing new products that would keep the company at the top of the publishing industry in Nigeria. Iwerebon added,”we are also developing new ways of managing our relationships with our customers in order

to improve our standards of customer care and gain a better understandings of our markets”. The Managing Director, Mr Olusegun Oladipo who explained that the company controls about 65 per cent of theu market share in the industry, added that government need to fund the

National Copyright Council in order to tackle piracy problem in Nigeria. “If there is any legal backings from government on piracy, this problem will be reduced. On our own side, we are introducing materials in line with the new curriculum. We are embarking on full digital learning and we would ensure that all our titles are in line with the new curriculum.” He said.

May & Baker to raise new capital to support growth plan By Bukky Olajide aY & Baker Nigeria Plc M has unfolded plans to raise additional capital to support its business expansion and steady the healthcare company against competition, the board of the company has said. at the annual general meeting of the company in Lagos yesterday, chairman, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Lt. Gen Theophilus Danjuma (retired), said the company has started considering various ways of raising new capital and would soon choose the most appropriate means

to bolster the capital base of the company. according to him, it has become expedient for the company to recapitalize to muster enough liquidity to face the challenges of the business environment. He outlined that the huge investments in the worldclass pharmaceutical manufacturing centre in Ota, Ogun State, the company’s vaccine manufacturing joint venture with the Federal Government, new products and other initiatives will provide a stable base for the company’s growth in the years ahead. He said the company has

rolled out a new five-year strategic plan that would seek to harness all opportunities to increase the group’s earnings and returns to shareholders. He noted that the company has projected turnover of N9.6 billion for 2013 based on the optimism on expected increased output from its new manufacturing plant, business restructuring efforts and expected reduction in financing costs following the soft loan received from T.Y Holdings during the last quarter of 2012. He added that profit is also expected to increase in 2013

as the company continues to optimize production and cost efficiencies. “Our company is well-positioned for the future with a lot of potentials from the strategic investment we have made in Ota and other attractive business prospects in our sight. as we vigorously pursue our new five-year strategic plan with all the opportunities it presents, we can only hope for better performance and stronger earnings capacity going forward,” Danjuma said. He said the company has reached advanced stage in perfecting the renewal of the

joint venture agreement with the Federal Government on the local manufacturing of vaccines noting that the company will shortly after the agreement commence local production of vaccines. Danjuma called for a deliberate policy by the various arms of government in Nigeria to buy locally produced products and services pointing out that an example of this practice has begun in the health sector where the Federal Ministry of Health deliberately encouraged local drug makers with exclusive purchase of anti-retroviral drugs valued at over N2 billion in 2012.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Sports Nigeria versus Mexico friendly

Ideye, Akpala lead Super Eagles’ attack KRAINE-BASED Brown Ideye U and his Germany-based counterpart, Joseph Akpala have been chosen the lead Nigeria’s attack against Mexico when both teams meet in an international friendly match this night. Akpala, who scored Nigeria’s winning goal against France when the Super Eagles defeated the Les Blues just before the South Africa 2010 World Cup, is turning out for the first time for the Eagles under Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Keshi remained calm yesterday evening ahead of the team’s last training session before the encounter against CONCACAF champions, Mexico in Houston, the United States. The ‘Big Boss,’ happy that the game will be televised live in Nigeria, says there are no injury worries in the team, promising that the team will not have any reason to faulter against the Mexicans. “We will do our best and ensure that we come clean against Mexico. “As usual, we want Nigerians to pray for us. On our part we will defend the national colours well against any opposition and Mexico is just one of them,” he declared. Big midfielder, John Ogu is also said to be pulling his weight and it won’t be surpris-

ing if he starts the match against the very tricky Mexicans. “I don’t know who will start and who will not but we have a team that should do very well against Mexico,” Keshi said yesterday evening. The match is scheduled for Friday by 8.00 p.m Houston time, which is 2.00 am Nigerian time on Saturday m o r n i n g . Meanwhiule, leader of the Nigerian delegation to the prestige friendly against Mexico, Emeka Inyama, has said the Super Eagles squad he is with in the United States is composed and ready for action against Mexico. Speaking to team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya from Houston, Inyama, who is the chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, said he was delighted at what he is seeing adding that he believes that the team will do well against Mexico. “But the ultimate target is to have a team that will qualify for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.” He continued, “we just had lunch and all the 22 players we have been doing great and ready to go. The coaches must be commended for the wonderful drilling they are giving our boys. I am very sure we will not disappoint the nation against Mexico.”

MTN Football Scholar will create new generation of soccer stars, says DeMiao HE co-ordinator of the team to the cities of Port T ongoing MTN Football Harcourt, Enugu, Abuja, Scholar, Season 3, American Benin and Akure. A minisoccer trainer and administrator, Tom DeMiao has said that a crop of new generation of football stars, who will efficiently combine football with good academic work, will emerge from the initiative. DeMiao, who disclosed this at National Stadium, Lagos during the trials to select players that with participate in this year edition of the programme, said the football strategy currently employed all over the world showed that the game is for intelligent people. According to him, a crop of young footballers is about to emerge in Nigeria that will be up to the task. “The idea of MTN Football Scholar is to provide footballers that will have something to fall back on after their soccer careers. As educated footballers, the initiative is giving them carrier options,” he said. The Lagos trials bring to an end the nationwide trials, which have taken the MTN Football Scholar technical

mum of 100 students would be selected based on their football skills and educational acumen.

Emenalo (left) joins Chelsea players in a training session at Stamford Bridge. PHOTO: PA

Williams sisters pull out of doubles and Venus Williams Sat ERENA have pulled out of doubles • Serena says psycho side under wraps the French Open without playing a match. The Williams sisters were supposed to compete as a pair in Paris for the first time since 2010 after receiving a wild card at Roland Garros. But they withdrew from the tournament with no offical reason given by the French Open organisers. Venus said she was bothered by back pain during a threeset loss in singles Sunday but Serena has advanced into the third round of singles. They have won a total of 13 Grand Slam trophies in women’s doubles, including the French Open in 1999 and 2010. The sisters have played in only one doubles tournament this season, losing to eventual champions, Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci in

the Australian Open quarterfinals in January. Meanwhile, top seed Serena said her “psycho” side is under wraps after motoring into the third round of the French Open with a 6-1, 6-2 defeat of French wildcard Caroline Garcia on Wednesday. The American world number one has courted controversy in the past with her oncourt behavior but after a controlled and powerful demolition of the 19-year-old Garcia she gave the impression that all is calm. “I haven’t seen her either in a while,” she said, answering a question referring to a TV documentary in which she gave her various moods different names. “I have been trying to keep

that one under wraps. I think that’s a girl that gets really crazy on the tennis court and just really fights really hard. Just, you know, takes it a little too far sometimes.” Williams famously ranted at a line judge in the U.S. Open semi-final in 2009 and was effectively defaulted after receiving a point penalty on match point down to Kim Clijsters. There was no need for her to get angry on Phillipe Chatrier Court against an opponent who gave Maria Sharapova a

Federation Cup

NFF clears Rivers, Zamfara’s teams, as Sunshine Stars draw Fountain FC

Abramovic rejects Emenalo’s offer to resign for Mourinho

From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja

ICHAEL Emenalo has M offered to resign from his role as Chelsea’s sporting

IVERS State teams to the R 2013 NFF Federation Cup, Sharks and Dolphins, have

director to facilitate the return of Jose Mourinho, reports The Times of London. It is understood that Emenalo’s proposal was immediately rejected by Roman Abramovich, the owner, who views him as an important adviser and wants to keep him at Stamford Bridge. Emenalo’s influence emerged as a potential problem during negotiations to bring Mourinho back as manager, but Abramovich is determined to keep him and is adamant that the pair work together. Mourinho did not demand Emenalo’s removal, but the

former Nigeria defender is believed to have told Abramovich that he was willing to leave if that would make it easier for Chelsea to get Mourinho. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Vice President, Carles Vilarrubi has precicted that Mourinho’s Chelsea comeback will end in disaster. The self-appointed ‘Special One’ is set to return to Stamford Bridge this summer but Chelsea have been warned he is not the same manager as the one who left in 2007. The Portuguese’s second spell in west London is due to be announced in the coming weeks as a club source said the deal was done. The source told The Sun: ‘It’s

official, Jose is a Chelsea man again! Everyone is delighted he’s coming back — the club, the players and the fans. “We are already looking forward to next season — we are sure it’s going to be very exciting.’ But Vilarrubi says he won’t miss Mourinho when he leaves Real Madrid and Spanish football and says he is a disaster waiting to happen. Vilarrubi told the Daily Telegraph: ‘It is not good for English football. Chelsea may think they had a good time from him in the past. “But you will see the real Mourinho now. If he behaves like he did in Spain it will only be an unhappy relationship. A disaster. And at his age he is not going to change”.

run for her money on her previous appearance on the big stage in Paris. Williams roared into a 5-0 lead in the opening set before Garcia, ranked 114 in the world, held serve to generous applause from the crowd who had earlier witnessed victories for Frenchmen, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils. There was precious little hope of a hat-trick of home wins on Chatrier though with Williams, who came into the match on a career-best 25match winning streak, wrapping up the opening set in 27 minutes.

been readmitted into the 2013 edition of the competition by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the replay of the state FA Cup from the semi-final stage as directed by the federation. The state football association was also made to pay of N500, 000, following the unconventional way it organised the officiating of the competition. Also readmitted into the Federation Cup was Zamfara State FA, which has not featured in the competition for the past two editions. Disclosing this at the draws for the 2013 edition of the competition yesterday in

Abuja, NFF’s Director of Competitions, Mohammed Sanusi said the federation decided to include Rivers State teams in the draws following the decision of the state football association to obey the directives of the NFF to replay the matches, beginning from the semifinal finals stage. Sanusi also noted that Zamfara State was readmitted into the competition because the state FA has cleared all the fines levied on it by the NFF following the unilateral decisions to pull out of the 2011 and 2012 editions, adding that Kaduna State representatives, Ranchers Bees, could be walked over if the state’s FA failed to pay the fine imposed on the team for the poor conduct of the state finals.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

SchoolSports Delta Governor’s Cup brings back old memories, says Owumi • Channels Kid Cup champions to tour Europe By Gowon Akpodonor X-INTERNATIONAL, Davidson Owumi has described the recently concluded Delta Governor’s Cup football competition as ‘a step to greatness.’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogwashi Uku defeated Alegbo School Effurun 1-0 to win the maiden edition of the championship at the Warri City Stadium on Tuesday and Owumi said the revival of secondary school football by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan should be emulated by other state governors for Nigeria football to have a fresh breath. Owumi told The Guardian

during the week that he was surprised by the huge crowd of spectators at the Warri City Stadium during the final, saying: “The students will never forget this historic day throughout their life.” Speaking further, the former chairman of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) said that the revival of the governor’s cup football in many states of the federation would have a positive impact on the local league and the national teams. “If other states can emulate what Delta State has done by reviving school football, I am sure our league will be better so also the national teams. It is from school football that

coaches will scout for talents for the various national teams.” The winner of the cup will tour Europe later this year. The school got N2 million in addition to a 30-seater school bus. The second and third winners got a school bus each and cash prizes of N1million and N500, 000 respectively. Edjokota Secondary School won the third place match beating Don Domigoes at the Sapele Stadium. Meanwhile, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan had directed officials of the state Sports Commission to arrange a European tour for winners of the 1st National Channels Kids Cup football competition, Ogedegbe Primary School. Chairman of Delta Sports Commissioner, Amaju Pinnick told The Guardian that the governor was excited with the performance of the kids, adding that the children did the state proud. He said, “the governor has just directed that we should arrange a foreign tour for the kids. Some have suggested South Africa, but I think a trip to Europe will be better because it would afford them the opportunity of featuring in tournaments with their European counterparts.”

King’s College player (right) tries to beat Grace High School defender during the semifinal tie of the GTB Heritage Cup played at Onikan Stadium at the weekend. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

GTBank Heritage Cup

King’s College up against Anwar-ul-Islam • Methodist Girls tackle Ansar-ud-Deen By Olalekan Okusan TILL nursing the wound of losing last year’s final, players and officials of King’s College, believe it is time for revenge when the team clash against Anwar-ul-Islam Model College in today’s final of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB)sponsored Heritage Cup. The two teams will face each other at Onikan Stadium to decide the winner of the season two of the championship. Kings College led by Coach Hassan Tairu defeated Grace International College 3-0 in the second semifinal to book a date in the final against Anwar-ul-Islam team, which had earlier defeated Eko Boys High School, Mushin 2-0 in the first semi-final. Coach Tairu, who was recently voted as Best Coach in the Lagos Junior League following his exploit with Lagos Island West team maintained that the final would be a revenge mission. “I am proud of the team and the support from the school authority has been very tremendous. It is not quite easy to raise a team considering the fact that most of the players that did us proud last year have graduated but we had to start immediately and we are ready to spill their blood on the field to lift the

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (left) hands over the trophy to Captain of Comprehensive High School Ogwashi-Uku, Isiekwene Joshua after defeating Alegbo College 1-0 to win the Delta Governor’s Cup in Warri on Tuesday.

Astroturf donates pitch to King’s College STROTURF 2000 Ikoyi A has donated a state-ofthe-art artificial football playing surface to King’s College at the school annex in Victoria Island, Lagos. The turf is the first all weather-playing surface/arena for five-a-side football in Nigeria. This came into reality following the partnership with Kings College and Kings College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) and Astro Soccer Nigeria Limited (ASNL). The partnership has been in the making for three years and it was concluded in 2012 with construction taking off in same year with the installation process concluded in January this year. The facility will be known as Astroturf 2000 King’s College and was commissioned in March this year. KC, KCOBA and Astroturf

as partners on the project are excited about delivering this facility as it showcases the potential of PPP (Public Private Partnerships) geared to deliver first class sports infrastructure to the deserving youth of Nigeria. For King’s College, this makes the institution the first secondary school in Nigeria to have such a facility while for ASNL; it is a fulfillment of a long term vision and an actualization of a pillar of corporate strategy. ASNL began operations in Nigeria in 2006 with the construction of the first fivea-aside facility for football in Nigeria at Ikoyi. It aims to be the premium provider of youth football experiences in Nigeria through the provision of state-of-the-art sports infrastructure at the community level.

trophy, he boasted. Similarly, two goal hero and Senegalese born playmaker, Diallo Hardip Singh said, “we are grateful to almighty God for leading us to the final and our target is to lift the trophy and pay Anwar-ul-Islam, Agege in their own coin having lost last year’s final courtesy of a late minute goal. For the girls’ event, Methodist Girls High School confronts Ansar-ud-Deen Girls High School for the coveted trophy. In the semi-final ties played at Onikan Stadium at the weekend, the Methodist girls were in cloud nine after beating Queen’s College 2-1 to berth in the final. Also, Ansar-ud-Deen Girls earned their place in the final after a deserved 2-0 win over Adrao International School. An excited defender of Methodist, Aminat Akokhia said she was very happy that her team triumphed over the ‘almighty’ Queen’s team. “I am so happy that we were able to overcome our opponent because when we discovered that we were going to meet them, we prepared very well to ensure that we emerge victorious. And today, this has come to pass as we also look forward to our opponent in the final,” she said.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

SPORTS

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

We are committed to sports development, says Abdullahi From Tunde Oyedoyin, London PORTS Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi has assured Nigerians and sports lovers in the United Kingdom that the Federal Government is committed to the development of sports and as part of initiatives to make this a reality, laws to that effect would soon be fine-tuned by the National Assembly. Abdullahi disclosed that at the moment, the sports ministry is still operating on laws

Abdullahi

that are ‘clogging’ its performance and do not allow it to accelerate at the pace and level it would have wanted to operate. He also admitted that the ministry has a lot of distractions mitigating against its effectiveness, noting, however, that when the bill, which is due to be presented for its second reading, sails through and is finally passed into law, the sports ministry would launch a sophisticated attack

and approach towards professionalism in the ministry. Abdullahi, who made these revelations during a courtesy call to the Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida in his office in London on Tuesday, admitted that most of the staff working at the ministry were not professionals, saying they were merely posted to the ministry from the civil service commission. He told the High Commissioner that President Goodluck Jonathan would in a couple of weeks launch “Rhythm ‘n’ Play” campaign in Abuja and London, the plan, which is a brainchild of National Academic Sports Commission (NASCOM). The minister revealed that the Rhythm ‘n’ Play programme would be launched in Abuja and London in June 6 and 14 respectively, adding that the Federal Government has given its full backing to the initiative, which is aimed at engaging its youths in the Diaspora in order to ensure their successful participation in international sports competitions in the future. Abdullahi said for Nigerians to compete effectively in sports at the highest level, especially in athletics and other areas, athletes must be ready to put in at least 10, 000 hours of training before any competition.

Etisalat’s Regional Distribution Manager, South-East, Francis Nnaike (left), Manager Mass Market Segment, Nnamdi Ezeani, Team Captain, Shooting Stars of Ezeagu, Enugu State, Eze Remigius, Coach, Enugu Rangers Football Club, Okey Emodi and Director of Sports, Enugu State Ministry of Youth And Sports, John Eli, during the trophy and cash presentation at the recent Etisalat Easy Starter Football fiesta in Enugu.

Athletes hit Ilorin for AFN Golden League jackpot By Gowon Akpodonor

Porbeni wants better performance

LL roads will lead to Ilorin A Township Stadium tomorrow, as athletes from various

events in the Solid Works Limited sponsored AFN Golden League has been the 100m, 400m and 4x100m relays, which had so far kept fans on their toes at previous meetings. Athletes have tagged the 4th leg ‘very important’ for reasons bordering on the qualification for invitation to camp for the league final, the AAC Super grand prix in Warri and the National trials in Calabar in June. To this end, athletes are expected to approach the competition in Ilorin with the highest concentration as adverse weather conditions

parts of the federation converge for the fourth leg of the 2013 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)/Solid Works Limited Golden League. Over 400 athletes are expected to do battle at the Ilorin meet. Former hurdler and exDelta State Director of Sports, Seigha Porbeni has challenged the athletes to use tomorrow’s meet in Ilorin to better their performance, which they set in Benin last week. Athletes are expected to compete in 16 events, which includes the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 100mh, 400mh and 5000m. Others are triple jump, short put, 4x100m and 4x400m relays. The hottest among the

at previous events dimmed their efforts especially in Port Harcourt where some of them were unable to compete owing to torrential rain. Ilorin fans would witness a thrilling race hoping that Peace Ukoh (11.25secs) in 100m women and Patience Okon (51.96secs) 400m women would reenact their respective form at Ilorin. This is not leaving out Kemi Adekoya in 400mh women. Adekoya, it would be recalled beat celebrated Bukola Abogunloko in 400m in Port Harcourt a fortnight ago.

Adopt-A-Talent Sports Programme Fashola unveils adopted athletes in Lagos T was pomp and pageantry ILagos yesterday as Governor of State, Babatunde Raji Fashola unveiled 57 athletes who have been adopted by sponsors in the Adopt-ATalent Sports Programme The unveiling ceremony, which was held at the auditorium of the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja was attended by dignitaries, who included the Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, the Chief of Staff, Lanre Babalola, Sports Commissioner, Wahid Oshodi, Chairman, House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni,

members of the state’s Executive Council, sponsors and parents of the athletes. Interesting, Governor Fashola is one of the adoptees, who adopted 20 of the athletes; deputy governor adopted 10, Chief of Staff, Babalola, and Sports Commissioner, 2 athletes in table tennis. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Fashola called on Nigerians to come out to invest in the future of other athletes, who have not been adopted, adding that the future of Nigerian sports can only be built on young athletes that are tapped at their tender ages.

Heineken UEFA Champions League ticket winners relish Wembley Spectacle EYOND the first ever allB German final in the history of the competition, it was also a new chapter for the five Nigerian Heineken consumers sponsored to watch the final of the 2013 UEFA Champions League by its worldwide sponsor, Heineken. The consumers, Boyo Gbire, Mayowa Opeyemi George, Isaac Nnochie Ijeh, Franklin Chukwu Ijeh, and Diana Nwajiaku-Smart were part of the 90,000 crowd at the famous Wembley Stadium where Bayern Munich triumphed over Borussia Dortmund 2-1 and secured their fifth European title. The travelling crew returned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport a day after the match with fond memories of their stay.

For Boyo Gbire, the experience opened his world to the vast potential of modern day networking as he engaged a host of different people. “The Wembley experience has opened my world. I am indeed glad to be one of the special guests of UEFA courtesy of Heineken. It was a wonderful memory that will linger with me for a very long time. It was a nice experience from the hotel to the stadium and I had the opportunity to meet many great football personalities. I supported Bayern in the final but they seemed to be under the weather in the early stages of the game but I am happy that they were able to turn up the heat against their fierce local rivals. It’s a great investment in me by Heineken,” Gbire confessed.

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

Nigeria to face USA, Russia at baseball World Cup HE International Baseball T Federation (IBAF) has drawn Nigeria in Group B of the forthcoming second 12U Baseball World Cup in Taipei City, Chinese Taipei from July 18 to 28, 2013. Nigeria was drawn alongside U.S.A., Venezuela, Brazil, Korea, Panama, Russia, and Pakistan, while Group A has the host Chinese Taipei, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, and Hong Kong It is the first time in the event’s history that the United States, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Panama, Nigeria, Russia and Pakistan are competing in an IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup. Teams are scheduled to arrive on July 16. The first round from July 18 to 25 (rest day on July 23) would be decided on a round robin basis, with the top four teams of each pool advancing to the quarter-finals. The quarterfinal and semifinals are scheduled for July 26 and 27 with the Gold Medal Game and the Bronze Medal Game to be played on July 28. Chinese Taipei won the inaugural edition of the IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup in 2011, which also was played in Taipei City, beating Cuba in a thrilling championship game. Venezuela, Mexico and Japan completed the top five. Brazil, Korea, Italy, Philippines, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Lithuania also participated.

Matches at the second IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup will be played at Tien Mou Stadium, Youth Park and Shing-Sheng Stadium in Taipei City. IBAF says the use of the curveball would be permitted at the tournament following a decision by the executive board earlier this year. Reacting to the draw, the

Secretary General of Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA), Kehinde Laniyan said the manner in which events are unfolding have shown that Nigeria has come of age in baseball, adding that Nigeria is ready to face the world. “We are ready and I can promise that we will do Africa proud,” he enthused.

MTN/Access Bank UNICEF Charity Polo Tourney

RTC, Bankole Foundation, Suraj off to great start HE UNICEF Charity Shield T Polo tournament 2013, cosponsored by MTN and Access Bank, galloped off to an impressive start in Kaduna on Wednesday with Kano RTC, Bankole Foundation, Kangimi Car Crafts and Nurul Suraj excelling in their initial games for the Charity Shield and Access Bank Cup. The competition has, so far, produced a record 50 goals. The opening game of the tournament was decided after a brief but colourful opening ceremony at the Fifth Chukker Lawns in the Kangimi Resort, with Nural Suraj upsetting defending champions, American University of Nigeria from Yola 6-3 in the opening game of the UNICEF Cup series. The Kangimi Car Craft and Mararaba teams, played out an 8-8 score draw in the second game of the Access Cup Bank series, while Bankole Foundation defeated the Sir

Muhammedu Sanusi team 65 in a fiercely fought battle in the last game of the day. Reputed for its high-profile competitions, the polo fiesta lived up to its billings, as Kano RTC made good its pre-tournament ratings by defeating local rivals, Terra E&P 9-4 in its opening clash to set the pace in the Access Bank Cup category. The RTC team, which has tested hands, like Babangida Hassan, Diego White from Argentina and team patron, Musty Sheriff, took the lead right from the first chukka of the hotly-contested game and maintained it to the final bell. With high hopes of clinching its first title, the Sadiq Wali-led Kano Terra E&P, playing in its first Charity Shield tournament, started its push for a trophy a little late, as the RTC guys had already opened up a big lead into the final two chukkas of the tense clash.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 31, 2013

TheGuardian

Friday, May 31, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Ayozie Daniel Ogechukwu

ROMINENT Novelist and the Best Noble Prize P writer Nigeria never had, had stirred the honesty again, this second time again as it concerns Nigeria’s National Honours. Some years back, the world renowned novelist, Prof. Chinua Achebe was not too comfortable with the double standard, surrounding his so called national honours that was awarded to him by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo that he rejected it and threw it back with a stern warning that the national honour is not too honourable for him to accept. Chinua, whom I have come to know the full meaning of his name “Chinualumogu” may God fight on my behalf, questioned Obasanjo for the accommodation of a bevy of ‘touts’ and vandals on his dear state Anambra, and the Award of National Awards/Honours to him. His rejection then and now, and the rejection by Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives in the current dispensation has forced me back to the Oxford English Dictionary for the meaning of National Award Achebe in rejecting the CFR Award by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 was as direct as ever. I quote him, “the reasons for rejecting the offer when it was first made have not been addressed, let alone solved. It is inappropriate to offer it again to me.” I can see that Achebe did not reject Nigeria or the Awards but the circumstances surrounding the Award and the people awarding it. I have personally had cause to question the criteria for the award of the National Honours to a particular young female actress and young actor. I want honours for actors and actresses but not on certain actresses and actors. Nobody questions an award made to Olu Jacobs but will question the award on others based on primordial sentiments. Actors and actresses are very important in the society that they deserve all the honours. But my question has always been focused on what this young actress and actors have done for the society and the acting world that the Nigerian President will consider them for a National Award. There are many old actors and actresses who have made their marks in the promotion of the Nigerian brand. There are millions of rural teachers and community leaders. There are countless honest Nigerians in the cities and many university and polytechnic lecturers who have through research, teaching and writing have contributed greatly to the development of Nigeria. I have every great respect for actresses and actors. But for this National Award to this young actress/actor, it was an honour which is unmerited, just like I had come personally questioned all the praises the then President Obasanjo heaped on a former Miss World where there are millions of Nigeria female Amazons, who are worthy of such praises. Jonathan aptly captures Nigerians’ criticisms of the national award, when he stated, I quote “one thing I am aware of is that there have been criticisms of the national award nominations and selection process. I have directed that the appropriate departments to note the concerns that have been expressed and to take steps to ensure further improvement so that the National Honours Award can continue to serve its purpose.” National honours are not merely decorative; they remind us of an important part of our responsibilities as citizens. We must always endeavour to do the best for our country, even as we realise that all human beings are fallible. The President went further to acknowledge the comments from very young people of which I am one, who are confused about how people are selected for national honours. Jonathan stated that National Honours “is based on what an individual has contributed to his community, his state, his country and how you have projected this country outside. It does not depend on how many certificates that someone has, nor does it depend on the status that one has in the society. The President rose in defence of the choice of awardees saying that the position one occupies does not give an automatic award, except for some positions like the GCFR, which is given to anybody who becomes the President of this country or the GCON given to anybody who becomes the Vice President or the Head of the National Assembly or the Head of the Judiciary.” Well the President acknowledged the fact that there are criticisms on the awardees and the awards itself. There is no justification for the awards on some serving Nigeria governors or officers. Awards are better made when one has finished his/her term of office and the populace assesses and appreciates the works of the individual. Awards are not based on sentiments,

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How honourable are our national honours?

Prof. Chinua Achebe emotions and ones individual disposition towards someone. Some actors and actresses in Nigeria deserve the awards more than others. In fact, when an award is conferred on an old revered individual, it tends to

Femi Gbajabiamila

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command more honours, respect and admiration. Now to the meaning of National Honour/Award and why we must make it national and honourable indeed.

National honours are not merely decorative; they remind us of an important part of our responsibilities as citizens. We must always endeavour to do the best for our country, even as we realise that all human beings are fallible. The President went further to acknowledge the comments from very young people of which I am one, who are confused about how people are selected for national honours. Jonathan stated that National Honours “is based on what an individual has contributed to his community, his state, his country and how you have projected this country outside. It does not depend on how many certificates that someone has, nor does it depend on the status that one has in the society.

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Editor: MARTINS

OLOJA

ABC (ISSN NO 0189-5125)

National, according to Oxford English Dictionary, is described as “of a nation,” “owned or supported by the state,” a citizen of a state. Honour means “great respect”, a dear sense of what is morally right, “a privilege”, “an award for achievement.” Award is to “give officially as a prize or reward”, “something awarded”, “the act of awarding”. From all these explanations a National Honour/Award, is a national/state owned respect or award of achievement, or to give officially a prize or reward, to someone in this case from Nigeria. At present, Nigerians are coming to a unanimous agreement that, there is nothing national and honourable about the awards/honour again to some individuals in 2011. It is now fashionable to reward people who have direct dealings with the government and governance, or their collaborators both in the public and private sector. The national award should inspire the ordinary people to see the excellent sides of the awardees, and not for political patronage. The current awardees show the trend that Nigeria is a failing nation and is becoming a huge disappointment to other African states. Nigeria is looked upon for leadership and direction in Africa, the Black race and the world. Can we ponder to find out why the two prominent Nigerians, Achebe and Gbajabiamila have come to reject what was supposed to be a Nigerian National Award? Gbajabiamila rejection was more indicting and revolutionary on the award, and the criteria used to arrive at who gets honoured nationally. In effect, Gbajabiamila was saying that his selection and the selection of those that get the awards is useless and faulty, ab initio. Just like in my initial objections to the honour bestowed on the female actress, the honourable minority leaders, had clearly stated that he and most other awardees do not deserve the award, as he clearly stated that an award is meant for women and men, boys and girls who have made laudable imprints in all facets of Nigerian’s national life, and such honours should be employed to encourage those who have contributed nationally and those who might wish to selflessly emulate the national honour awardees. An award should not be so devalued for compensating individuals on some primordial criteria, personal or emotional sentiments and tribal considerations. Peter Oparah clearly stated it that Nigerians are shocked as the Award of National Honours has become a reward to all manner of economic pests, rodents, scoundrels, pimps, knaves, vandals, clowns, electoral robbers and girl friends. No wonder Achebe and Gbajabiamila clearly rejected the awards, because if Oyenusi, Shina Rambo and Anini the “great’, were to be alive, they would probably have been considered for honours. The national honours should command respect, fear, awe, emulation and honour. No wonder some of the awardees now and in the past have been prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFFC) for various acts committed against the same state, which bestowed the honours on them. What an indictment on the panel that gave the awards. It calls for self-assessment and reappraisal of the modalities for the award. A lot of ordinary Nigerians, in the business, academia, public and private service are deserving of such honours. A lot of individuals have privately promoted the brand Nigeria and sacrificed for its continued existence. These are ordinary Nigerians, known and unknown who deserve awards. The state must research, scout for and honour these individuals. There is need to advertise the criteria and the individuals in future exercise. A much more transparent and credible manner should be designed so that majority of Nigerians shall have a say on who gets an OFR, CFR, and GCFR. People in government should be honoured only after their tenure. Nigerian National Honours should rightly belong to the silent majority, the ordinary, poor and honest Nigerian, who have survived the very harsh economic and political realities of our time and still optimistic of the future; the ordinary Nigerian, who is made to scratch through school and come out, remain unemployed despite the huge oil wealth of the country. Shall we be honest for once to bestow our national honours on honest and hard working Nigerians, instead of recycling known political individuals and vandals thus mocking the exercise. The award should be saved from further devaluation, harassment and rejection. It is only then that the Achebes and Gbajabiamilas will graciously accept and be proud of our national honours. • Ogechukwu is a lecturer, Department of Marketing, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State.