Wed 20, Feb 2013 The Guardian Nigeria

PDP moves to regain South West From John-Abba Ogbodo, Abuja

T

O regain its control of the South West, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has begun moves to reunite its supporters in the zone.

It was learnt that the leadership of the party is also planning to undertake a tour of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to reconcile aggrieved members.

Senator Ayo Arise told journalists in Abuja yesterday that there was a meeting of leaders of

• Takes marginalizations case to Jonathan the party in Abuja where it was agreed that more work needed to be done in the SouthWest, as according to him, the zone is left behind in the political equation of the country.

“For us, we have agreed that we are going to reach out to Mr. President to attend to it, to let him know that he needs to do more to balance this equation, the tripod upon which this country stands.”

He said injustice should not be allowed in a democracy, recalling that the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) emerged during the military era because of injustice.

“I remember that NADECO came up because of the injustice during the military. Ruler after ruler, they acted as if the other child did not matter. And so, that problem resulted in massive underground protests. So, at any point in

time, there must be a semblance of balance.

That is the whole essence of the discussion; for us to come together; let us discuss. Let us resolve problems. Let us resolve state by state issues and let us move forward”, he said.

Arise, who represented Ekiti North in the Senate between 2007 and 2011, continued: “Let us reconcile people and, of course, you know, this game, once it is too much of personal benefit, it becomes very difficult. Because whoever is in

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TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,473

www.ngrguardiannews.com

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Court orders govt to pay N37.6b for invasion of Odi • Days of tyranny gone forever, says justice From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt USTICE, though apparently Jtheslow, may be on the way for Odi community in Bayelsa State, 12 years after the military invaded it and destroyed lives and property.

A court yesterday ordered the Federal Government to pay N37.6 billion as compensation to the victims of the invasion.

While delivering judgment yesterday in a class suit filed

by Prof. Kobina Keme-Ebi Imananagha, Chief Ndu Gwagha, Chief Shadrack Agadah, Mr. Idoni Ingezi and Mr. Nwaka Echomgbe, Justice Lambo Akambi of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt directed that the payment be made within the next 21 days.

Justice Akambi who described the action of the military as genocidal, brutish, reckless and a gross violation of the rights of the victims to life and to property, said the judgment was predicated on “the need to curb the excesses A cross-section of members of Nigeria Medical Students Association during a peaceful protest against their neglect at the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

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Fury in Senate over alleged misuse of N873b solid minerals fund From John Abba-Ogbodo, Azimazi Momoh Jimoh and Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja

N alleged misappropriaA tion of N873 billion meant for the development of natural resources in the country drew the ire of senators yesterday.

The chamber faulted the procedure for processing the fund, disclosing that the money was not with the Solid Minerals Ministry and had been diverted to other sources outside solid minerals development.

Also at the Senate yesterday, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the use of kerosene for domestic purpose could be replaced with-

• Alison-Madueke says domestic gas to replace kerosene in three years • Reps back upper chamber on Maina’s sack in three years if the new Petroleum Industry Bill is signed into law.

Giving highlights of the Petroleum Industry Bill before the Senate, the minister said the PIB would bring out the gas master-plan. According to her, the new regime would facilitate investment in gas, especially in domestic supply.

And in total solidarity with the Senate, the House of Representatives has concurred with the upper legislative

chamber’s resolution that the Chairman of Presidential Task Team on Pensions Reform, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, be dismissed from the nation’s public service immediately and be disengaged from all acts relating to public duty.

The motion was sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Sam Tsokwa and seconded by the Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions, Ibrahim

Kamba.

In a motion titled “Development of Solid Minerals Sector as a Panacea to the Bankruptcy of States of the Federation and Creation of Jobs in Nigeria”, the sponsor, Abu Ibrahim (Katsina South), supported by 62 other senators, expressed the need to diversify the nation’s revenue base by exploiting mineral resources that abound in the country.

Recalling its earlier resolution last year which insisted

that new sources of revenue be worked out for the states and Federal Government, the chamber stressed that solid minerals survey indicates the presence of over 32 strategic mineral resources in commercial quantities across the country.

In his lead debate, Ibrahim, who expressed the fear that the country’s oil reserve may not exceed 40 years, said diversification of revenue sources remained the key to the nation’s economic

Gunmen torch police station, kill inspector, two others - Page 5

growth.

He decried the neglect of the agricultural sector and poor funding of the solid mineral sector. “For example, capital budgetary allocations for the 2011, 2012 and proposed allocation for 2013 are N2.9 billion, N3.2 billion and N1 billion respectively. These provisions are highly inadequate”, Ibrahim said.

The lawmaker also observed the absence of solid minerals development fund as provided under the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and pointed out that the development would hamper generation of competitive geo-sciences data needed to attract investors.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

2 NEWS

Alison-Madueke says domestic gas to replace kerosene in three years CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 He urged the Senate to mandate its committee on solid minerals to carry out a holistic investigation into the sector and funding process.

Senators, who contributed to the debate, blamed successive governments for paying lip service to the development of alternative revenue sources for the country.

Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) blamed those in charge of economic planning for the situation.

“Those who have been managing the affairs of our economy are not sincere in advising their principals because the issue of budget is under someone’s portfolio.

There is a lot of mischief on the part of those working with the Federal Government. Solid mineral is more enduring than the oil. If we develop the sector, it will help in the stability of the

country and contentions will go down.

“This should be a wake-up call for the leaders who are receiving allocations to do something on behalf of the Nigerian people. The minerals we have in Enugu are enough to sustain that state.

This is a very important motion and we should do something as a National Assembly so that we can gradually open the economic basket”, he said.

Senator Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North) disclosed that an investigation conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Account, which he chairs, showed that N873 billion voted for development of the solid minerals sector in the last 10 years had been diverted to other sources.

“The Federal Government has paid lip service to alternative sources of revenue. In a country where every state has solid minerals, the sector

ought to have contributed greatly to the Gross Domestic Product. Between 2002 and 2012, a total sum of N873 billion meant for development of the solid mineral sector has been diverted to other sources and even used to build houses for foreign missions”, he said.

He said though the Executive had not found it easy to implement motions passed by the National Assembly, this one on solid minerals should be pursued to a logical conclusion.

For Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East), time has come for individual states to develop their resources and be self-sustaining. He also urged Federal Government to apply funds set aside for development of the solid mineral sector judiciously while some business men who freely extract mineral resources as raw materials should be held accountable.

Senator Abdulahi Adamu (Nasarawa West), noted that so much had been said over the years with regard to finding an alternative revenue source without necessary actions. “I have listened for the second time to President Goodluck Jonathan, when budget proposals were presented before us and each of the stages, the President emphasised the need for us to find alternative means of revenue for the federation and gave commitment and pledges to that effect but each time the details of the provisions are made known, only about 0.016 per cent of the budget is allotted to the development of solid minerals sector”, he lamented.

Senator Victor Lar (Plateau South) noted that the yearly budget since 2010 indicated that provisions for entertainment far exceeded amount allotted to the development of natural resources.

“In the 2010, 2011 and 2012 budget that was passed to the National Assembly, we saw that the cost of entertainment exceeded the amount for the development of solid minerals. Our

hearts are in developing the sector but our hands are not there.

“If we pass this motion, let it be that as a Senate, we have resolved that nothing less than five per cent of the national budget should be allotted to the development of solid minerals. I am sure if we want to solve the problem of unemployment, we should insist on the development of solid minerals in each of the states of the federation.”

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the day’s sitting, said that in emphasising the need for the development of natural resources, mention should be made of environmental impact. He recalled that at a time, Nigeria survived on coal derived from Enugu State but upon discovery of oil, the state was abandoned and is currently being devastated by erosion.

“Some scientists from Italy said that Niger Delta is sinking at eight millimetres yearly and because the figure is little, we think it does not have impact. So, before we mine these solid minerals, we have to do impact analysis”, he said.

He, however, stated that the nation should devise ways of exploring its natural resources. According to him, such would reverse the current trend where state governments depend largely on the centre for allocation.

Ekweremadu put the question and the prayer was adopted. Although Senator Ibrahim had urged the chamber to investigate the resources injected into the sector, it was resolved that the Committee on Public Account had submitted a report on that aspect and it would be taken up by the chamber very soon.

Alison-Madueke told the Senate: “Right now, Nigeria is already well entrenched in terms of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Our LNG exports go all over the world and they are very profitable. But in terms of domestic gas market, it has remained quite immature, which is the reason

you see a vast majority of Nigerians particularly in the hinterland still using firewood and kerosene, which is not sustainable.

“Our rain forests will not last forever at this rate. So, it is against the environment as it is actually degrading the environment. Kerosene is not an environmentally-friendly fuel to use for either cooking, heating or for light. So, we must ensure that domestic gas is propelled forward in the next three years so that even in the hinterland, Nigeria will begin to use gas.

“We have surplus gas. We have over 187 trillion cubic feet of gas that is already discovered potential and over 600 trillion cubic feet undiscovered potential. So, we must get that gas into proper usage. We must get fabrication plants here to set up the actual capsules that we will use for the gas and ensure that the logistics for distribution are put in place in the next three years so that at least in the next three years, most households in this country will be functioning on domestic gas which will be a major step forward for Nigerians both in terms of cooking and for lighting.”

On lawmakers’ apprehension that the new bill bestows enormous power on the Petroleum Minister, AlisonMadueke debunked the claim, stressing that the operating Act empowers the minister more than the new PIB. “In terms of the controls, I think I can safely say and you can check the law, there is no bill that gives the Minister of Petroleum as much power as the current Petroleum Act. No bill. The current Petroleum Act gives the Minister of Petroleum who at this point in time is myself, more powers than any other bill can possibly give.

“The PIB, because I was fully involved in trashing it out, I spent sleepless nights with the review team after the technical team finished their work and we ensured that for the first time in history, control was actually diverted

away from the minister and from Federal Government. If you take an entity such as NNPC and you unbundle it, you take away a National Oil Company which right now will be Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and some of the production sharing contracts and some of the other assets of infrastructure and you push them away and say this is now an independently managed company; government will have its shares but equity share holding, private shareholders will also come in and it will be run by an independent managing director, which means the minister cannot control directly the affairs of that company.

“That is already removing a vast portion of the ministerial power. We have taken away DPR and PPPRA, right now they report directly to the ministry. That is why it is called Directorate of Petroleum Resources. It is under the Minister of Petroleum Resources so is Petroleum Products Price Regulation Agency. In the PIB, we created two pseudo independent regulatory agencies, upstream and downstream.

And those two have just a dotted line reporting relationship to the minister because somebody has to oversight them.

“So I think there is no time in history that government has actually divested its control and its interest. As a minister, I represent the President’s delegated powers. There is no time government has allowed this much control over our national oil and gas sector to be devolved and I think that we should actually congratulate him on that.”

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who chaired the meeting, said the Senate was passionate about the bill as it is linked to the nation’s economy.

Ekweremadu added that the country required a new petroleum regime that

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Court orders govt to pay N37.6b for invasion of Odi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 of the Executive and to send a clear message that the days of tyranny are gone and gone forever.”

The plaintiffs had through their counsel, led by Lucius Nwosu (SAN); Lawal Rabana (SAN) and Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), urged the court to declare that the invasion of Odi and its attendant assault, battery, maiming, shelling, shooting and cold-blooded murder of Odi indigenes and the destruction of their property by Nigerian armed forces under the command of the president, was tantamount to a gross violation of the people’s fundamental human rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.

The respondents were the President and Commanderin-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and Attorney-General of the Federation.

The plaintiffs also argued that the deployment of troops by the President and on the order of the Chief of Defence Staff, which led to the wanton destruction of lives and property of the people of

Odi, was a gross misuse of power vested in the state.

As the judge was about to deliver judgment on the matter yesterday, counsel to the Minister of Defence and a director in the Ministry of Defence, Malam Jimoh Adamu, told the court that he had filed a fresh application seeking an extension of time on the basis that his principal was not served any of the court processes. But this was dismissed by the judge after going through court records, which indicated that the Attorney-General of the Federation was duly served.

Justice Lambo Akambi, noted that the claim of counsel to the President that troops were deployed in Odi on November 20, 1999 to flush out secessionist militants who had killed seven policemen and unleashed mayhem in the community was false as this contravened President Goodluck Jonathan’s recent assertion on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) that no militant was killed in Odi during the military incursion, instead those brutally murdered were innocent victims.

He said Jonathan’s state-

ment on the Odi matter was an acknowledgement of the enthronement of the rule of law as opposed to the enthronement of guns. He said the President’s statement was an assurance to the international community that Nigeria was now governed by those who respect the law.

The judge expressed dismay that the wanton killing of innocent persons in Odi by the military had battered the image of Nigeria and portrayed it as an enclave inhabited by primitive people. He said the action of the military was not only unconstitutional but also reckless and an outrageous behaviour.

He observed that even if taken for granted, it was the responsibility of the government to protect lives and property, it could not offer justifiable excuse for its reckless engagement in the wanton massacre of innocent persons in Odi. Justice Akambi who described the destruction of Odi as comprehensive and total as nothing was spared by the marauding soldiers, said the Federal Government brazenly violated the fundamental human rights of the victims to movement, life and property

and to live peacefully in their ancestral home.

He ordered that special damages of N17,618,871 and general damages of N20 billion be paid to the community as compensation. He also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from invading Odi and bombing the place.

Following the murder of seven policemen in Odi by armed youths in 1999, then President Olusegun Obasanjo had threatened to declare a state of emergency in Bayelsa State if former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha failed to produce the killers.

Precisely on November 10, 1999, the former president issued a 14-day ultimatum to fish out the killers, but on November 20, troops were deployed in the community where they engaged in destruction of lives and property for five days.

Lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Nwosu, lauded the judge for his courage to ensure that Executive recklessness was checked. Similarly, counsel to the President and Chief of Defence Staff, Akolika Awa, lauded the judge irrespective of her clients losing the matter.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

4 NEWS

AANI elects new officers

Jonathan receives three new envoys

HE Lagos Chapter of the T Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy

From Madu Onuorah Abuja HREE new ambassadors acT credited to Nigeria presented their letters of

and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru has elected new officers to run its affairs for the next two years.

According to a statement, the election, which took place during the institute’s annual general meeting, recently produced Victor Banjo and Lasisi Sanni as the chapter chairman and vice-chairman respectively.

Other executive committee members include Abdulmumuni Simpa Bello (general secretary), Commodore Mufutau Ajibade (assistant secretary), Olu Akadiri (treasurer), Mrs. Arizunma Madukwe (social secretary) and Professor Ibiyemi OlatunjiBello as publicity secretary.

credence to President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday at a ceremony at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

They are Lt. Gen Mohamad Ashraf Saleem (Pakistan), Mr. David Jonathan Richardson (Australia) and Mr. Joao Andre Pinto Dias Lima (Brazil).

Jonathan told Saleem that the agreements and decisions taken at the recent D-8 Summit in Pakistan would help to strengthen existing relations among members of the group.

He thanked Australia for its pledge of $50 million to support Nigeria’s polio eradication programme and restated the administration’s commitment to eradicate the scourge by 2015.

He added that the forthcoming visit of the Brazilian President to Nigeria would boost Abuja, Rio de Janeiro ties.

PDP woos aggrieved members CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 that position now will start looking at himself in a permanent position and so, will be doing everything to frustrate the path of peace. That is why we all went to sit down together. It is only when we are able to win back the SouthWest that our people can benefit from anything.”

Stressing the need for the party to remain cohesive, the former lawmaker said: “Some of us are being persecuted by the opposition and we need to run to the centre. We should not have crisis within us.”

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur, has planned a nationwide reconciliation tour. According to party sources, the tour of the national officers is aimed at not only healing old wounds but to also win new members to the party. The tour would be used to reach out to some bigwigs that left the party because of alleged dictatorial tendencies of the past leadership.

Also, the party will today swear in Alhaji Fatai Adewole Adeyanju as the validly elected National Auditor of the party, following the removal of Chief Bode Mustapha by the leadership of the party.

Fire guts FAAN fuel dump

By Wole Shadare HE fuel dump owned by the T Federal Airport Authority of (FAAN) and located at the Mur-

Board member, CWC Group Limited, Alirio Parra (left); Group Executive Director, Refining and Petrochemicals, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Tony Ogbuigwe, representing Minister of Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, during the opening ceremony of Nigeria Oil and Gas 2013 in Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY-ELUKPO

Buhari, Mark, eight govs for London summit From Tunde Oyedoyin, London ENATE President David Sernors Mark and eight state govare due in London

this weekend at the 2nd Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) business and investment forum and exhibition taking place at the Cavendish Conference Centre.

And in just less than a fortnight, former Head of State and Chairman of the newlyformed opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, will give the keynote speech at the Ben Television-organised British African Diaspora Conference taking place at

the House of Commons in Westminster on March 5.

Buhari, who as the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate at the 2011 presidential elections lost to President Goodluck Jonathan, will be giving his keynote speech on the Conference Theme – Nigeria: Stable Democracy and Economic Development.

However, this weekend’s conference where Mark will

give his keynote address is all about attracting more investment capital to Nigeria.

Agriculture Minister, Akinwunmi Adesina and his counterpart at the Ministry of Interior, Abba Moro and Samuel Ortom – Minister of State, Trade and Investment – will be prospecting for the flow of more foreign investments into the country.

State governors lined up for the two-day event, which be-

gins on Friday morning include Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa). Others include the duo of Gabriel Suswam (Benue) and his counterpart from Zamfara, Abdul’Aziz Yari. All five governors and those of Plateau, Niger and Bauchi States will talk about the investment opportunities in their respective states.

Reps back upper chamber on Maina’s sack CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 would correct earlier agreements signed on behalf of the country in the oil sector.

“The bill is very important to us because it is linked to our economy. Many years ago, when most of the agreements in the oil sector were signed, we were very ignorant, the agreements were against Nigeria.

“Now, we need a legal regime that will be relevant to the present day situation. Every senator is enthusiastic to consider the bill after which we will send it to the relevant committee”, Ekweremadu said.

The House asked the Inspector-General of Police of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to liaise with the International Police (INTERPOL) to arrest Maina.

But the House Committee on Pensions had last year passed a vote of confidence on Maina and asked the Presidency to give him more protection to carry out the pensions reform duty.

The Kamba-led Pensions Committee had in a memo addressed to the Head of Service of the Federation, Isa bello Sali, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure adequate protection for the Chairman of Presidential Task Team on Pensions Reform to carry out his assignment.

The memo was signed by Kamba and titled “Urgent Call on Mr. President To Further Give Protection and Directive To the Presidential Task Team on Pension Reform to Continue To Carry Out Thorough, Comprehensive/Holistic Pension Reform Across All MDAs and Parastatals To A Logical Conclusion.”

The committee noted then that according to its own findings, “The Presidential Task Team on Pensions Reform should be the only genuine veritable vehicle for executing reform agenda on Pension Funds.”

The memo also stated: “In the light of the corruption in the management of Pension Funds within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the House Committee on Pensions wishes to call on President Jonathan to direct the Presidential Task Team on Pension Reform to overhaul and continue to reform all MDAs and Parastatals pension administration.”

But in a twist of event on the floor of the House yesterday, Kamba seconded the House resolution against Maina which also stated: “That the Inspector-General of Police should appear before the Committee on Police Affairs to give reasons why he did not act on the arrest warrant

issued by the President of the Senate against Maina.”

In a comment shortly after the adoption of the motion through a voice vote, Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said: “We won’t be fighting corruption in isolation of some people through selective processes. Whatever Maina represents, we cannot pretend to be fighting corruption yet we are condoling corruption. Every available fact here is against him, those of us in high places must not be seen to be condoling corruption or we will be seen to be paying lip service to the fight against corruption. “ The only lawmaker who opposed the motion, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers State), told his colleagues that the concurrence with the Senate was no longer necessary because President Goodluck Jonathan had already started complying with the Senate resolution by asking the head of service to investigate and take disciplinary measures against Maina.

The sponsor of the motion, Tsokwa, had argued that the House needed to show solidarity with the Senate to reciprocate a similar gesture from the upper chamber over the House position on the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh.

tala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, was yesterday gutted by fire.

Although no live was lost in the inferno, but The Guardian learnt that the fire broke out while work was on at the site.

The fire lasted for about 10 minutes before FAAN firemen put it off.

One of the workers who spoke under anonymity said that the dump had diesel but stressed that he did not know what led to the facility going up in flames.

He said: “Nobody can explain what really happened, all we know is that we were working and all of a sudden, we saw smoke and so we started shouting for help.”

The FAAN’s spokesman, Yakubu Dati, who came to the scene of the incident, pointed out that the fire was put off on time thereby averting further damages.

Dati stated that the fire, which was caused by an electrical fault in one of the pumping machines, was quickly put out by a team of men and officers of the Aerodrome Fire Fighting and Rescue Services who were alerted by members of staff at the fuel dump.

Warring Kwara communities sheathe swords From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin HE traditional rulers of Offa T and Erin-Ile of Kwara State, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye and Oba Abdulganiyu Ajibola Olusokun, have stated their commitment to peace and unity between the communities following recent clashes that claimed lives and property.

The traditional rulers gave the pledge yesterday in an interview with correspondents shortly after a meeting with Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed at the Government House, Ilorin.

The Olofa of Offa acknowledged that the meeting with the governor was fruitful, while the latter charged them to educate their subjects on the need for peace to enhance development.

The Elerin of Erin agreed that it was the responsibility of both monarchs to educate their subjects on the need to embrace peace.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

NEWS 5

News Gunmen torch police station, kill inspector, two others From Lemmy Ughegbe (Abuja) and Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri), with agency report

Court rejects Ndume’s plea Cameroun fingers Nigerian group in tourists’ kidnap

RESH violence erupted in FandBorno State on Monday yesterday, as gunmen sus-

President Francois Hollande confirmed that seven French tourists from one family, including four children, were yesterday kidnapped in Northern Cameroun and said he suspected a Nigerian group was responsible, according to the Agence France Presse (AFP).

The gunmen, according to an eyewitness, used Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petro-bombs in torching the police station and vehicles packed in the place. Konduga and Lassa towns are 40 kilometres east and 195 kilometres south of Maiduguri, the state

pected to be members of Boko Haram sect, in separate operations, torched the Konduga Divisional Police Station, killing an inspector (name withheld) and two others in Lassa town.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, yesterday rejected a bid by Senator Ali Ndume to stop his trial for alleged acts of terrorism and sponsorship of the violent Boko Haram Islamic sect.

In a related development,

capital, and suspected hideouts for the Boko Haram sect.

The source told The Guardian that the gunmen took the policemen at Konduaga unawares when they stormed the place, disclosing that the official vehicle of the slain police officer along with several other vehicles at the station were also set ablaze.

At Lassa, police sources also said that gunmen had on Monday evening stormed two houses and killed a member of a vigilance group and farmer. A Lassa resident claimed that the victims were

alleged to be informants to the security agents. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Gideon Jibrin, confirmed the incident, adding, however, that no arrests had been made.

Meanwhile, Ndume had filed an application praying for an interim stay of action to enable him pursue his appeal seeking to upturn two interlocutory orders made by the trial court. In his ruling, however, Justice Gabriel Kolawole refused his application for interim stay. Instead, he granted Ndume 60 days to prosecute his appeal.

The matter is therefore adjourned to May 6 for mention while the accused/appli-

cant would continue to enjoy his bail. The court also admitted three DVDs that contained alleged record of communication between the accused/applicant and the Boko Haram members.

On the issue of kidnap of tourists in Cameroun, Hollande said: “What is most probable is they were taken to Nigeria,” adding that they were seized by a Nigeria-based “terrorist group that we know well.” The tourists were reportedly kidnapped by unidentified men in Northern Cameroun, near the border with Nigeria, a source close to the French Embassy in Yaounde said.

Court docks 15 Russians, remands them in Ikoyi prison

By Joseph Onyekwere HE Nigerian Government T yesterday arraigned 15 Russians before a Federal High Court, Lagos, over unlawful importation of firearms and ammunition into the country.

The accused were charged together with their vessel, MV Myre Seadiver, on a four-count charge bordering on alleged unlawful importation and possession of firearms, as well as non-declaration of the content of the vessel. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The accused are Zhelyazkov Andrey, Savchenko Sergel, Chichkanov Vasily, Varlygin Igor, Komilov Alexander, Lopatin Alexey and Baranovskly Nikolay. Others are Mishin Pavel, Llia Shubov, Dimitry Bannyrh, Alexander Tsarikov, Kononov Sergel, Korotchenko Andrey, Vorobev Mikhail and Stepan Oleksiuk.

Yoruba forum meets tomorrow HE Yoruba Unity Forum will T meet tomorrow at 11.00a.m at the Efunyela Hall residence

Bishop of Remo Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Michael Olusina Fape (right), the Primate, Most Rev, Nicholas Okoh, Prince Babatunde Adedapo Onafowokan (donor), Archbishop, Province of Lagos and Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Most Rev. Adebayo Akinde, and Pastor Kunle Onafowokan during the dedication of Victoria Abimbola Onafowokan Memorial Anglican Church at Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State…yesterday.

PHOTO: CHRIS IREKAMBA

WHO, Nigeria unveil fresh plan to tackle NTDs From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja IGERIA has taken a step N further in the global fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) with the launch of a Multi-Year Master Plan for the control and elimination of the diseases.

The plan, launched in Abuja yesterday by the Federal Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO), has been described as a comprehensive plan to tackle the diseases in a holistic and integrated manner. WHO said the plan would serve as a blueprint for massive scale-up of activities for the elimination of the most common NTDs in Nigeria by 2020.

The world body also described it as an example for other countries in the African region. Speaking at the launch of the master plan in Abuja, WHO stressed that NTD affects an estimated one billion people across the world. WHO’s Dr. Gama Vaz declared at the event: “Up to 90 per cent of the total disease burden occurs in Africa.

“Some people are even affected by more than one NTD, causing blindness, disfigurement and disability and account for an estimated half a million global deaths

annually. They help perpetuate the cycle of poverty and cause stigma in communities.”

He stressed how lack of integration of neglected tropical programmes into the health system was a major obstacle to sustainability, adding that a sustainable, comprehensive package of interventions is required to address aspects such as disease awareness, increasing coverage of cura-

tive/preventive chemotherapy, enhancing access to health services that could provide diagnostic facilities and carrying out surveillance, among others.

“The World Health Assembly and the Regional Committee passed resolutions calling for the global control of NTDs,” he added. “In January 2012, WHO published a roadmap setting targets for the prevention, control, elimination and

eradication of 17 NTDs. “This roadmap inspired the London Declaration on NTDs, endorsed by partners and stakeholders, who pledged to sustain, expand and extend control, elimination and eradication programmes to ensure necessary supply of medicines and other interventions. Nigeria also participated in this global advocacy event and was a signatory to the commitments.”

Vaz called attention to the need to support states to develop their respective plans to tackle their specific needs and engender political commitments and resource mobilisation at the state level.

He assured: “WHO will continue to provide the necessary technical support, in close coordination with other partners, and under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health.”

Ondo governorship polls tribunal begins hearing From Niyi Bello, Akure

Admits documents in exhibit

HE Ondo State T Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal yesterday

Copies (CTC) of papers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and copies of voters’ register used for the October 20, 2012 polls.

Counsel to the ACN, Chief Akin Olujimi, who moved the application to bring in the report of the inspection of INEC materials, said since the court had allowed the petitioner to carry out the inspection of the materials, it was under obligation to allow the report to be part of the documents to be relied upon for the execution of the petition.

However, Mimiko’s counsel,

commenced hearing on the suit filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) against the declaration of incumbent Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP) as winner.

Also, the tribunal admitted as exhibits a load of documents tendered by the plaintiff.

Following the granting of its application, which preceded the court-ordered inspection of election materials, the documents the ACN tendered included several Certified True

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), asked the tribunal to dismiss the application as it did not show by way of affidavit extreme circumstances that could make the tribunal grant the application. According to Olanipekun, as one of the people listed in the deposition, Adesina Fatai was not one of those listed to give additional evidence.

What the ACN wanted to tender as additional evidence were documents that were in the possession of the petitioner before the tribunal granted the order for inspection of the INEC materials used for the

election. Arguing in the same vein, LP’s counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the application as it was bereft of any substance.

He submitted that it was the proper time for the court to scrutinise the written deposition of the proposed witnesses to enable the tribunal know whether they were within its order. He also argued that such action would enable the tribunal to determine if those proposed as additional witnesses actually participated in the inspection at INEC. He urged the tribunal to dismiss the application because the affidavit in support of it lied against itself.

of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo at Ikenne, Ogun State.

The meeting will be presided over by the matriarch of the Awolowo’s family, Chief. H.I.D Awolowo. According to the forum’s General Secretary, Senator Anthony Adefuye, the meeting will discuss the report of the just concluded Southern Nigeria People’s Assembly Conference of Elders and Leaders, held in Enugu, and the recent media briefing by the forum in Ibadan on the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration’s marginalisation of the Yoruba.

Other issues slated for discussion include the reconstitution of the committees and the adoption of the forum’s constitution, among others.

Momoh passes on RINCE Attahiru Bamaiyi P Cyril (ABC) Momoh, the elder brother of the former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh, has passed on. He died in Lagos on Friday, February 15, 2013, at the age of 84.

Until his death, Prince ABC Momoh was the Managing Director of Zarat (Nigeria) Limited, a shipping, clearing and forwarding company.

Before establishing Zarat in 1982, he worked for 34 years in several divisions of UAC (Nigeria) Limited.

Between 1948 and 1960, he was at Niger River Transport and from 1960 to 1982 he was in Palm Line Agencies, where he rose to the position of Commercial Representative.

Momoh

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

6 NEWS

Kuffour, Atiku, Mark chart Africa’s development From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja HE development of Nigeria and African continent is dependent on the abilities of the governments to ensure a secured and economically viable continent, a collection of eminent African leaders averred yesterday in Abuja.

For Nigeria in particular, it was the collective views that the current security challenges could only be overcome and a path for development could be charted if path of religion must be separated from politics.

Speaking at the Sun Newspapers 10th anniversary lecture in Abuja, Former President of Ghana, John Kuffour, Senate President, David Mark and former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar who made the recommendations were united in accusing those they described as failed politicians of fueling violence and mistrust among adherents of different religions by promoting unhealthy religious sentiments.

The former Ghanaian leader

T

was the guest speaker and he spoke on the theme: “Religion, Strife and the Future of Democracy in Africa.”

In his lecture, Kuffour who was a guest lecturer noted that democratic rights and that of religion were inseparable but however cautioned that politicians should not take advantage of it to cause strife among the people.

The Senate President who chaired the occasion stressed that religious fundamentalism posed great threat to democracy both in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

He advocated continuous inter-faith dialogue to address some issues that were causing religious misunderstanding in the country.

According to him, such dialogue would help erase misgivings about different religions.

He counselled “ all religions must relate with one another with respect. All must include sovereignty and respect for human rights in their messages.”

He lamented that conflicts arising from religious differences were holding sway in some parts of Africa, thus distracting the leaders from focusing on developmental challenges facing the continent.

He said, “as of now, however, there is no gainsaying the reality that conflicts based on religion are still with us.

“In Africa, the pursuit of freedom and self determination has caused so much civil strife, decimated entire population and caused a lot of misery to our peoples.”

He continued, “throw in the intolerance that has characterised religious differences and you have the recipe for the cause of confusion that has retarded the development of an otherwise resource rich continent.”

The former Ghanaian president cited the example of Sudan where “religion sometimes appeared to be on a collision course with the state, or the state, using religion, appeared to be on a colli-

sion course with its people.”

Kuffour stressed that religion should strengthen democracy not endangering it. “Religion should rather reinforce democracy,” he said.

He identified dogmatism and extremism as the cause of religious strife, recommending that efforts should be made to stop promoters of these styles of religion.

To tame the activities of extremists and religious bigots, Kuffor charged the media to downplay issues that were capable of inflaming passion among people. He advised them to emphasis moves and actions that would promote peace, harmony and development.

He said: “In considering the huge influence the media wields in human affairs around the world of today, we should not lose sight of the fact that some media outlets wield their influence not too positively for the social good.

“It bears stating that it should be part of your professional ethics to exercise a high sense

of social responsibility in the practice of your profession, so as not to become agents of destabilisation in society.

“The media, as a mirror of society, has a bounding role to play in ensuring that the positive, and not the negative aspects of humanity, are portrayed. The impact and power of the media in shaping the minds of the people make it imperative that they continuously emphasise what will bring peace, harmony and development instead of what will bring fear, anger and civil strife.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of Sun Publishing Ltd, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu praised the pioneer management of the company for putting the Sun titles on a sound footing.

He pledged that the newspaper would continue to strive to meet the aspirations and expectations of Nigeria. He said that the motto of the newspaper, which is to serve as the “Voice of the Nation” would remain the focus of the management.

times of deep changes, everyone at every level must show leadership and do their work to the best of their abilities.

Shedding light on some attributes of bad leaders, he said: “Their ego is usually larger than their determination to serve, hence they can’t raise or grow more leaders.

Bad leaders also do all the talking and are so much in

love with the sound of their voice.

“They are very interested with the status quo ante. If you are so much in love with the status quo ante in today’s world, then you are on the path of business doom. This is in addition to their perennial ability to pass the buck, procrastinate and attempt to diminish others if they don’t

feel powerful.”

In our contemporary society, he said, “the job of a good leader is to grow more leaders, help people do what they hitherto thought was impossible, connect with the led, as well as empower and motivate them. Most importantly, good leaders have a relentless devotion to daily optimisation of organisational goals.”

TCN commissions Benin-Onitsha transmission line From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja HE Transmission Company T of Nigeria (TCN) has commissioned the much-awaited second transmission line from Benin to Onitsha.

The development, according to TCN, would further enhance the nation’s grid stability and wheeling capacity. The new line was described as another step towards strengthening the nation’s transmission grid to make it more robust and reduce the frequent incidents of avoidable system collapses.

TCN said the line would carry an initial load of 131MW and has linked Benin and Onitsha transmission substations with a double circuit transmission line for the first time.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TCN, Olusola Akinniranye, said in Abuja yesterday: “Apart from the ability to wheel more power, the grid system will remain stable in the event of loss of one of the lines. This feat will further enhance the nation’s grid stability and wheeling capacity,” he stressed.

Why most great leaders fail, by Sharma

By Eno-Abasi Sunday NABILITY to maintain open Iamong intellectual curiosity, others, has been identified as one of the main reasons why some hitherto business leaders crash from their Olympian heights.

Founder of Sharma Leadership International Incorporated (SLI), Robin Sharma, who for about two hours yesterday, shared cutting-edge leadership insights with a cross section of company executives and business leaders, said the moment leaders become lethargic about learning amenable to knowledge, they lose the fire that propelled them to the heights they attained and diminish the success they attained.

Speaking on the topic: “Win-

ning leadership: Lessons to build a great organisation”, Sharma stressed that leaders must maintain an intellectual openness because nothing fails like success. “The fact that you are successful puts you in a very dangerous position.

This is because once you are successful, you stop doing the things that made you successful,” he said.

He added: “It is very easy to develop learning disabilities.

The mere fact that some leaders are successful cause them to suddenly stop listening to other people and fall in love with the sound of their own voices.”

Sharma maintained that the old model of leadership in most organisations was obsolete, hence for an organisation to truly excel in these

Access Bank resolute on debt recovery moves against Capital Oil

By Joseph Onyekwere

AMCON, Babalakin move to settle dispute over N13.5b

OYGATE Properties LimR ited owned by businessman Wale Babalakin and the

The property was said to have been pledged by the company in tripartite legal mortgage registered on October 14, 2010 between Roygate (the borower) , Stabilini Visioni Limited (surety/mortgagor) and Guaranty Trust Bank (the lender), a loan AMCON later acquired.

And following enquiries from stakeholders in the wake of reports that a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos presided over by Aneke on Monday February 19, 2013 gave judgment against Access Bank Plc and three others in suit No FHC/L/CS/07/13 involving Capital Oil and Gas Ltd and Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, the bank says it remains confident of the success of the recovery actions it has initiated.

It says the subject of the suit and reliefs sought therein are unconnected with the actions instituted by the bank for the recovery of the monies due to it from Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah and Capital Oil and Gas Limited.

In a statement yesterday, the Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, said the plaintiffs in the suit did not seek any declaration, injunctive relief or damages against Access, noting that the Court in that judgment did not make any declaration nor grant any perpetual or interlocutory injunction against the bank in favour of the plaintiff or any other party in the proceedings.

In the order made ex-parte on February 5, the judge restrained Roygate, its directors, subsidiaries and sister compa-

Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) have commenced discussions aimed at ensuring an out-ofcourt settlement of their dispute over a N13.5 billion debt allegedly owed by the former.

Officials of the Federal High Court, Lagos had, in execution of an order by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke sealed off a property located on 43A, Afribank Street, Victoria Island on February 8.

nies from transferring or dealing with any of its funds in 20 banks listed in the application, or anywhere else up to the N13.5billion allegedly owed by the company.

He restrained the banks from allowing Roygate “operate any bank accounts” held by it in the banks and fixed yesterday as the return date.

When parties and the affected banks returned to court yesterday, counsel to Roygate and AMCON, Olawale Akoni (SAN) and Adebola Sobowale said talks were on to ensure amicable settlement of the dispute.

Akoni told the court that he received a call from his client, before entering the court, to the effect that “talk is going on between parties.” He said he had told AMCON’s lawyer about the development. He sought an adjournment.

Sobowale confirmed the development. He told the court that he has equally confirmed that information about the on-going talks by parties from his client. He agreed to a short adjournment.

The court refused request by lawyers representing the banks to be excused from further proceedings. They had sought to be excused on the ground that having filed reruns, as ordered by the court, those without banking relationship with Roygate should be allowed to go.

Aneke however adjourned to February 28 for parties to either report settlement or argue on which of the pending applications should be heard first.

Jubilations as retired Oyo teachers receive pensions From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan T was jubilation galore at the Iretariat, Oyo State Government SecIbadan, yesterday as primary school teachers who retired from service in 2011, received their first monthly pensions.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi had on Monday approved the commencement of payment of pensions to the retired teachers with effect from yesterday.

It would be recalled that the state government had said the massive fraud discovered at the Local Government Pensions Board, a body responsible for the payment of pension allowances to retired primary school teachers and local council workers, had prevented it from placing retired teachers on monthly pensions.

The situation had also hampered the payment of their gratuities, a situation that had led to a series of meetings between them and the state government.

A’Ibom Speaker faults zoning, rotation of political offices From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo S political observers in A Akwa Ibom State continue to give different permutations on who succeeds Governor Godswill Akpabio come 2015, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Samuel Ikon, has said that for good leaders to emerge in Nigeria, primordial tendencies such as zoning or rotation of political offices should be jettisoned.

He stressed that those in the state who are canvassing for such concept on who succeeds Akpabio are doing so at their own peril.

Okon made these observations while speaking with journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

Instead of insisting on zoning or rotation, he noted, Akwa Ibom people should look for somebody who has the capacity to do more than what Akpabio has done.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

NEWS 7

Suspected thugs kill six, burn 20 houses in Benue From Joseph Wantu, Benue T was cruel disregard for felIGovernment low beings in Katsina Local of Benue State,

Cross section of district heads at Bauchi State sensitisation workshop on Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) in Bauchi.

‘How govt, stakeholders can boost education sector’

By Tunde Akinola HE deplorable standard of the country’s educational system has been linked to government’s inability to effectively manage the schools and low level of investment into the sector over the last few decades.

In his acceptance speech as the Chairman, Board of Governing Council, James Welsh Grammar School (JWGS) during the inauguration of the board at Oleh, Isoko South local council of Delta State, Sir Benjamin Ogbalor emphasised the need to allow “credible individuals to contribute and invest their resources into the beleaguered educational system.”

Ogbalor, a former chairman of the council, said the handing over of some schools in the state back to the founders and owners was a welcome development and an opportunity to revise the fortunes of the educational system.

According to him: “As we all know the standards in our educational system is having a free fall across the board in our beloved country, Nigeria. This trend is not unconnected with the inability of government to effectively manage the schools and poor government investment into the school system over the last few decades.”

He noted that the schools, as a result of this lack transparent enrolment system, good programmes, infrastructural facilities, teaching aids, equipped libraries, laboratory facilities, ill-designed and managed curricula, adequate supervision and required oversight.

Ogbalor cautioned that the aim of inviting them to serve on the Boards of Grammainvit was not as an avenue for self aggrandizement but a platform for them to assist in articulating the ways and means for people and groups of goodwill to join in investing in this school towards making these schools centres of excellence both in academics and other areas of human endeavour.

He pledged to work with the board to leverage every possible resource within and outside the shores of the country to promote the growth and development of the schools.

T

PHOTO : NAN

Move to retrieve ‘stolen’ Nigerian artefacts intensifies From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE Federal Government yesT terday intensified efforts to retrieve artefacts of Nigerian origin, particularly those stolen from Benin City following the Benin massacre of 1897 as artefact advocates and representatives of museum managements from four European countries– Sweden, Austria, Germany and Netherlands– arrived Benin for discussions on the issue.

It was learnt that the visitors are to meet with the Nigerian government towards returning almost 3,000 artworks believed to have been stolen by British expeditions personnel during the Benin invasion.

Representative of Britain was said to have failed to make the trip due to visa hitches.

Speakers at the meeting, including the Benin monarch, who was represented by his younger brother, Prince Edu Akenzua; the chief priest, High Priest Osemwegie Ebohon; Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Yusuf

Usman and the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Orientation, Edem Duke all agreed that the artefacts were wrongly taken from the country and urged that they be returned.

Ebohon described the artefacts as African ancestors in custody.

Akenzua, speaking on behalf of the monarch called on the Federal Government to declare the issue of missing artefacts as an emergency just as he called for the revival of the African Reparation Movement initiated by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

He said similar meetings in the past were organised by European countries for economic reasons and were trying to legitimise their looting. “The British humiliated us in 1977 by refusing to release the portrait of Queen Idah and we move about with bags of money to bring them back.” The monarch also called on lawmakers and lawyers to look at the legal perspectives to returning the works.

Duke said countries like Germany, Denmark, Italy, and the United States of America had at various times returned arte-

facts to their original owners.

He expressed expectation that Britain should also do same to Nigeria. “We implore you, our visitors, to return Benin bronzes and others of our national heirlooms without rancour. Or what greater love can you show to our dear country Nigeria other than by returning our priceless artefacts to us in this our centennial anniversary of nationhood.

“Without pre-empting the deliberations which will take place here today, I must state clearly that whatever deliberations they are must address how Nigeria and Nigerians can derive benefits from the works wrought by their forbears,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Director General of the NCMM, Yusuf Usman commended a German, Dr. Barbara Plankensteiner, whom he said initiated the first meeting between Nigerians and their European counterparts in Vienna, Austria in 2010. He said the European countries’ justification of their hold on the artworks is not tenable with today’s realities.

Court orders payment of sacked Ekiti officials’ salaries From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti

• Fayemi seeks approval of new cabinet members

High Court in Ado-Ekiti has A ordered Governor Kayode Fayemi to pay the sacked Chair-

minated.

According to the judge, “the governor and the Attorney General have no power to remove the chairman and members of the civil service commission”, noting that the duo are bound by the provisions of the constitution.

The judge ruled that the purported dissolution by radio announcement is contrary to sections 199 and 201 of the constitution and is therefore illegal, ultra vires, null and void, and of no effect.”

Justice Akintayo consequently upheld the alternative claims and therefore ordered that the chairman and members of the civil service commission be paid all their entitlements and allowances up to their end of their tenure.

Fayemi sent the list of new cabinet member to the House of Assembly in a bid to reconstitute the State Executive Council that was dissolved on January 9, this year.

man of the State Civil Service Commission, Chief Kunle Ogunlade, and other members of the commission all their entitlements and allowances up to the end of their tenure.

Meanwhile, Fayemi has forwarded a list of 19 nominees to the House of Assembly for consideration for the post of commissioner.

Ogunlade and four other members of the Civil Service Commission, who were appointed by the Segun Oni-led government were sacked via radio announcements immediately Fayemi assumed office as governor.

Delivering the judgment yesterday in a suit filed by the affected officials who challenged their sack, Justice C. I. Akintayo held that the chairman and members of the civil service commission enjoyed statutory flavour and can neither be removed nor have their tenure ter-

According to a statement, the nominees include, Wale Fapohunda (Ekiti West), Remi Olorunleke (Gbonyin), Kehinde Ojo (Ido- Osi), Chief Ronke Okusanya (Efon), Mr. Oluwole Ariyo (Ekiti South-West), Mr. Tayo Ekundayo (Ise/Orun), Mr. Dapo Kolawole (Ijero) and Mr. Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti West).

Also in the list are former Commissioner of Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye (Ikere), Mr. Paul Omotoso (Gbonyin), Mr. Folorunso Olabode (Ilejemeje), former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Eniola Ajayi (Irepodun/Ifelodun), former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olusola Fasubaa (Ado-Ekiti), Mr. Apalara Wole Adewunmi (Ekiti East) and Mr. Debo Ajayi (Emure).

Others are Mr. Jide Arowosafe (Ikole), former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Fola Richie Adewusi (Oye), Mr. Kayode Olaosebikan (Moba), and Mr. Sola Adebayo (Irepodun/Ifelodun).

Tor Donga to be precise, as unidentified armed men suspected to be political thugs allegedly shot six persons dead and set ablaze over 20 houses on Monday night.

The Guardian gathered that the attack was caused by a fight among the political thugs for superiority in the area. It was also gathered that the leader of one of the groups, called Terzungwe Akwaza (a.ka Gana) had, some days ago, launched an attack on some Fulani herdsmen in a nearby village contrary to the wish of the other youth group in the area. The action, which was said to have infuriated the group members, spurred them to connive with the Fulani herdsmen to mount reprisal attack on Gana’s group.

An eye witness in the area, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that one Terzungwe Jebu, who was said to be the first to be killed on Monday had returned from the market and was resting in his house when a group of thugs stormed the premises and killed him, a de-

It was also gathered that the leader of one of the groups, called Terzungwe Akwaza (a.ka Gana) had, some days ago, launched an attack on some Fulani herdsmen in a nearby village contrary to the wish of the other youth group in the area. velopment that was said to have sparked off a reprisal attack from his group, killing five members of the opponent.

Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ezeala, who confirmed the incident, said trouble started on Monday night when thugs from a certain political party, which he did not disclose killed a leader of a rival party and a reprisal attack by the other group led to the death of five other persons.

Ezeala, who said no arrest has so far been made, intimated that the police had swung into action and would ensure that the culprits are made to face the wrath of the law.

Setraco shuts down operation in Bauchi From Ali Garba, Bauchi OLLOWING the recent kidFworkers nap of seven of its foreign in Jama’are Local Government of Bauchi State, Setraco Construction Company has evacuated all its expatriate workers from the area.

The Public Relations Officer of the company, Abu Malik, who confirmed this to journalists in an interview, said the foreign workers were

evacuated to Abuja temporarily for safety. Malik said the operation of the company in Jamare has been shut down temporarily for peace.

On the whereabouts of the seven expatriates who were kidnapped by unknown gunmen, he said the company was yet to establish any contact with the kidnappers.

The Police Commissioner, Mohammed Ladan, stated that investigation is still ongoing on the abduction of the expatriates.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

8 NEWS

Experts ask N’Assembly to address council autonomy

By Bola Olajuwon and Isa Abdulsalami, Jos

• Institute laments lack of punishment for ethnic bigots

WING to tensions being O generated by protagonists and antagonists of autonomy

Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Abuja, is part of the two firms’ corporate social responsibility.

Associate Consultant on the project and immediate past chairman of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Osun State, Mr. Gbenga Ojo; the Group Head of Public Affairs Directorate of CMC Connect Limited, Mr. Adetola Odusote and the organisation’s Assistant Director of Corporate Planning, Mr. Raheem Olabode, explained that one area that has continued to generate controversy and heated debate among the electorate and the three-tiers of government in Nigeria is the issue of council autonomy.

Ojo, who represented O ‘Ken Ventures at the event, said since local council reform in

for the nation’s local councils, public relations experts have tasked members of the National Assembly to harmonise the views of all key stakeholders over the issue and address such in the proposed amendments in the 1999 Constitution.

The experts made this position known in Lagos yesterday at the unveiling of Second National Public Discourse with the theme: “Local Government Authority: How Autonomous”

by Public Affairs Directorate of CMC Connect Limited (Perception Managers) and O ‘Ken Ventures.

The event holding on February 26, 2013, at the Shehu Musa

The third-tier of government include bringing governance closer to the people, engendering administrative convenience, ensuring effective mobilisation of resources, creating avenues for preservation of cultural heritage and common interest, and the maintenance of law and order.

1985, the roles of the third-tier of government include bringing governance closer to the people, engendering administrative convenience, ensuring effective mobilisation of resources, creating avenues for preservation of cultural heritage and common interest, and the maintenance of law and order.

He argued that these responsibilities have been constantly under-played due to several issues including the alleged over-bearing influence of op-

Succour underway for Ibadan rainstorm victims From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan UCCOUR is on the way for Srainstorm victims of last Sunday’s in Ibadan as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday promised relief materials for the victims.

Already, the South-West Spokesperson of the agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Farinloye, said NEMA officials have been dispatched to the affected areas for on-the-spot assessment.

A heavy downpour accompanied by windstorm had rendered many residents homeless and destroyed Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) poles, thus disrupting electricity supply to the areas.

Farinloye, who disclosed that the agency relief materials

will arrive for distribution from tomorrow, however, ruled out political consideration in the distribution of the items.

Similarly, officials of the Oyo State Emergency Management Authority (SEMA) told journalists that the stock-taking of the people and property affected in the storm is in progress.

The Chief Welfare Officer of SEMA, Alhaji Tayo Ayoade, said more than 1,000 houses were affected during the storm.

He ruled out resettlement camps for the victims of the rainstorm, adding that mobilisation efforts aimed at persuading communities to accommodate victims of the storm in their areas have been stepped up.

In the interim, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has directed SEMA to provide succour to the people affected by the rainstorm that attended the downpour.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the governor was deeply touched by the disaster, which claimed several property.

He added that the governor had also directed council chairmen of all the affected areas to move round to assess the extent of damage and provide immediate relief to

erators in the control of human and material resources available to the local council authorities.

“Following the continued heated debate and need to tackle the issues permanently and reflect it in the on-going constitution amendments, the two public relations firms, armed with a vision of bridging the gap between the government and the governed, is set to convey key stakeholders on the issue of governance in Nigeria, especially as it concerns Local Government Administration and Management, at its 2nd National Public Discourse with the theme: “Local Government Authority: How Autonomous.” he asserted.

In another development, the Conference of the Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies of the University of Jos has said the failure of the criminal justice system in Nigeria and mechanisms to secure post-conflict justice have forced people to celebrate ethnic and religious platforms, which provide cover for criminals and conflicts entrepreneurs.

Besides, the conferees argue that it is disgraceful that after about 12 years of manifest and

protracted conflict in Jos, there has not been a single conviction.

Secretary to the Government of Plateau State (SSG), Prof. Shedrack Best, stated this yesterday while delivering a keynote address on the occasion with the theme: “Ethnicity, Religion and Peace Building in Nigeria,” which held at the Secretariat of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIJOS chapter.

Best, while delivering the address, noted that the main perpetrators of the attacks have become arrogant in the face of the failure of Nigerian state and its security and justice system that the perpetrators celebrate their trade publicly while threatening government on the pages of newspapers, adding that they are always found at peace tables.

The SSG further noted that the huge N1 trillion security budget has created serious competition among the forces in Nigeria, stressing that as long as the budget exists, “we are going to have more Joint Task Forces whereby there will be more soldiers on the streets while the police will just remain in the limbo. This is an abuse of democracy and democratic processes.”

Best, a renowned professor of Political Science at the University of Jos, pointed out that the search for peace has led to a theoretical confusion where law and order is mistaken for peace as can be seen in the prolonged engagement of the Armed Forces personnel in internal security operations.

Court adjourns breach of Chevron contract suit to Mar 4

By Joseph Onyekwere USTICE Morenike Obadina of the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, has adjourned the suit filed by Atlas International Engineering Services Limited against Field Offshore Design Engineering Limited over failed Chevron contract deal till March 4, to enable the plaintiff respond to the stay of proceedings application filed

by Field Offshore (the defendant).

The defendant had filed a notice of appeal against the ruling of the court, which assumed jurisdiction over the case. It wants the lower court to stay proceedings pending the determination of its appeal at the Appeal Court. But Justice Obadina wants the plaintiff to respond to the applications on the adjourned date, before she makes a decision on the matter.

The trial judge had earlier ruled on a notice of preliminary objection filed by the defendant’s counsel, Anthony Idigbe (SAN), challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter on the ground that the motion on notice was not properly served on the defendants.

Justice Obadina said even though the defendants were not properly served, it was not enough to invalidate the process. “I uphold this leg of objection. I hold that there is no proper service of the originating processes on the defendant. I accordingly set aside the service”, she ruled, adding that the amended originating writ should be properly served on the defendants. “It has been held that an amended original writ by addition or subtraction of a party is equivalent of a new writ that the party and the claimant should serve the amended writ in accordance with the rules for service in the Rules of Court”, she ordered.

The defendant has also filed a

J

notice of appeal against the judges’ decision.

The judge had held that for the fact that the claimant sued a wrong name which its counsel, Theodore Ezeobi (SAN), admitted was done in error and had applied to correct it, it (the court) could not dismiss the suit. “The application of the claimant dated March 30, 2012, to correct the name by which the defendant was sued, is granted as prayed. I rely on my findings in respect of the first ground of objection. The amended writ of summons and statement of claim and all other originating processes shall be filed accordingly and served on the defendant within 14 days”, she ordered and subsequently adjourned to February 18, for further directions.

The defendant, through its counsel, had filed the objection dated March 12, 2012, saying that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the suit because there is no entity known as Fode Field/Off shore Design Engineering Limited, instead of Field Offshore Design Engineering Limited. The claimant had filed the suit in that name which was written in the contract document, not knowing that it was not the registered name of the company.

They also objected to the suit on the ground that the originating process was not served according to the CAMA and the rules of the court, a position the judge, however, agreed with and ordered a re-service.

Atlas International Engineering Services Limited had filed the suit claiming that by an agreement in writing made between the parties effective from may 26, 2008, the parties had a contract. According to the firm, it involves the claimant providing engineers to defendants on terms and conditions, which include re-

munerations set out in the agreement.

Payment of claimant’s invoice was to be made by the defendant not later than 45 days after receipt of the invoices or five days after receipt of equivalent payment from Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) whichever is sooner.

Chevron is the client for both parties.

The plaintiff claimed that CNL had long made payments to the defendants but they refused to comply with the provisions of the agreement by paying the claimant its fees.

“The claimant supplied the engineers to the defendant and as agreed under the agreement issued to the defendant relative invoices for payment of remunerations, which payments the defendant has failed and or neglected to make despite repeated demands, leaving as at March 18, 2009, outstanding unpaid balances in naira and dollars accounts respectively as follows: N3,036,209.02 and $155,992.72”, the claimant stated.

The claimant said the suit became necessary after repeated appeals by the claimant’s counsel to the defendant to pay the debt was severally ignored.

It, therefore, prayed the court to order the defendant to pay it those monies including N6 million legal cost, 25 per cent interest per annum on each sum from the date of accrual of the last invoice till date of judgment, in addition to 25 per cent interest per annum on the judgment debt from the date of judgment till the date of payment.

The claim is supported by a written statement of evidence on oath of witness deposed to

by Femi Amigun, an accountant with Atlas International Engineering Services Nigeria Limited, list of witness and documents to rely upon.

Ondo agog for Mimiko’s swearing-in From Niyi Bello, Akure OT less than 1,000 guests N are expected to converge in Akure, Ondo State capital, from different parts of Nigeria to witness the secondterm inauguration of the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

A member of the inauguration committee and state Information Commissioner, Kayode Akinmade, disclosed this yesterday, even as the state capital is wearing a new look as preparations for the event reached top gear.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi and erstwhile Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Christopher Kolade, have been listed among eminent personalities to grace the second-term inauguration.

Chairman of the Planning Committee and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Akin Adaramola, named the duo yesterday as he unveiled activities marking the end of the first term and the commencement of the second term of the Mimiko administration.

Aregbesola, others, mourn Oluwo From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo HE demise of the Oluwo of T Iwoland, Oba Ashiru Olatubosun Tadese, Ariwajoye I, has been described as painful and sad to Osun State Also, indigenes of Iwo, Headquarters of Iwo Local Council in the state, mourned the demise of their monarch who was, however, buried in line with Islamic injunctions yesterday.

Oba Tadese joined his ancestors on Monday, February 18, 2013.

The state Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the death of the monarch would leave a huge vacuum in Osun as his royal role in the socio-political affairs would be greatly missed by the government and the good people of the state.

Oluwo ascended the throne in 1992 after serving as a councilor and later as the chairman of Iwo Local Council.

S’Africa urges collaboration among tourism leaders

By Andrew Iro Okungbowa ITH Africa becoming W favourite destination for conferences, meetings, incentives and exhibitions, leaders in business and tourism have been advised to step up collaboration efforts.

This was the clarion call yesterday from the South Africa Tourism Minister, Mr. Marthinus van Schalkwyk, while speaking to industrialists, business moguls, tourism experts and others from Africa during the opening ceremony of ‘Meetings Africa 2013,’ holding at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The Tourism Minister did not only call for concrete partnership among African countries but also informed conferences and businesses hosting can contribute well over R2.6 billion to the Gross Domestic Product of the continent within the next five years.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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WorldReport North Korea warns South Korea of ‘final destruction’ YoNGYANG has warned P that South Korea faces “final destruction” if Seoul

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) receiving Letter of Credence from Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Joao Andre Lima (right), in Abuja…yesterday. With them is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru.

EU gives €20m aid to Mali as Germany approves troops URoPEAN Union (EU) announced yesterday it was sending an additional €22 million ($29 million) in humanitarian aid to victims of the conflict in Mali.

Also, the German government announced it had approved sending up to 330 soldiers to help train the Malian army and support the French-led international deployment against Islamists.

These came as Mali’s Prime Minister Diango Cissoko said yesterday that major military operations against Islamist rebels in the country were coming to an end.

After meeting in Paris with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, Cissoko also vowed that Malian soldiers responsible for rights abuses during the operations would be held to account.

“The situation is much better than a few weeks ago.

Large-scale military operations are coming to an end.

What remains is to secure the liberated areas,” Cissoko said.

But Fabius said “difficult operations” remained in the country, where the French military launched an intervention last month that ousted the rebels from cities they had seized last year in Mali’s vast desert north.

“We must ensure the integrity of the reconquest of Mali. As cities are reclaimed, Malian and African troops must ensure they are secured,” Fabius said.

Cissoko acknowledged reports of widespread human rights abuses by Malian soldiers as they secure the north and promised a response.

However, the the European Commission said the new aid brings its emergency assistance since the start of the crisis last year to 115 million euros.

E

U.S. firm accuses Chinese Army of sponsoring hackers UNITED States (U.S).

A Internet security firm that traced a host of cyber attacks to an anonymous building in Shanghai has accused Chinese Army of controlling hundreds if not thousands of virulent and cutting-edge hackers.

The firm, Mandiant, said its hundreds of investigations showed that groups hacking into U.S. newspapers, government agencies, and companies “are based primarily in China and that the Chinese government is aware of them”.

Agence France Presse (AFP) reported that a 74-page report focused on one group, which it called “APT1” from the initials “Advanced Persistent Threat”.

The New York Times, citing

The firm, Mandiant, said its hundreds of investigations showed that groups hacking into U.S. newspapers, government agencies, and companies are based primarily in China and that the Chinese government is aware of them. experts, said the group was targeting crucial infrastructure such as the U.S. energy grid.

“We believe that APT1 is able to wage such a long-running and extensive cyber espionage campaign in large part because it receives direct government support,” Mandiant said.

The group, it said, was believed to be a branch of the People’s Liberation Army called Unit 61398, and digital signatures from its cyber attacks were traced back to

the direct vicinity of a nondescript, 12-story building on the outskirts of Shanghai.

“We believe the totality of the evidence we provide in this document bolsters the claim that APT1 is Unit 61398,” it said, estimating it is “staffed by hundreds, and perhaps thousands of people”.

But China’s defence ministry said its army had never supported any kind of hacking activity.

“Not only are reports that China’s army has been involved in hacking unprofes-

sional, they do not fit with the facts,” the ministry said in a statement to AFP. “Hacking attacks are a global problem. Like other countries, China also faces the threat of hacking attacks, and is one of the main countries falling victim to hacking attacks.”

The country’s foreign ministry rejected “groundless accusations” of Chinese involvement in hacking and also said China was itself a major victim, with most overseas cyberattacks against it originating in the U.S. The Pentagon declined to comment directly on the report but said Defence Secretary Leon Panetta had voiced U.S. dismay over digital threats in his visit to Beijing last year.

Dealers, others lament $50m diamond robbery at Brussels airport IAMoND dealers and othD ers were shocked yesterday after Belgian prosecutors and dealers revealed that heavily armed robbers disguised as police made off with $50 million worth of diamonds in a spectacular operation on the tarmac of Brussels airport within a few minutes.

A spokeswoman for the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the global dealers’ syndicate, confirmed that the Monday night robbery at Zaventem Airport just before 8:00 pm (1900 GMT) was “one of the biggest” ever.

Brussels prosecutors’ spokeswoman, Anja Bijnens, told a media briefing that the Brussels raid saw a gang of eight hooded thieves pull up

on the runway in two black vehicles with blue police-like markings.

Bijnens also added that the robbers then forced their way through security barriers and sped towards a Swiss passenger aircraft about to take off, forcing open the cargo hold to reach gems – rough and cut – that had already been loaded.

She said the thieves were wearing police uniforms and carrying machine guns, adding: “They wanted to pass themselves off as cops.”

They seized at least 120 packages, which was only part of the shipment.

The pilot, co-pilot and staff from a Brink’s armoured car that transported the gems

were held up but “no shots were fired and no-one was injured in the robbery operation that was over “within minutes.”

She said the thieves made off at high speed through the same gap in the security cordon they had opened in front of unsuspecting ground staff and travellers, adding that the passengers on board the plane “saw nothing” and that the aircraft, bound for Zurich, did not leave Brussels.

The Swiss air company said the flight was a regular route operated by its partner Helvetic Airways.

According to the AWDC, the global diamond business is worth more than $60 billion each year. Some $200 million

worth of stones move in and out of Antwerp every day, the spokeswoman added.

The diamond community was “shocked by the brutal heist,” said Caroline De Wolf of the AWDC in a subsequent statement. She said traders want “additional security measures” implemented at the airport.

In February 2005, some €75 million worth of diamonds and jewels being shipped to Antwerp were stolen in a KLM vehicle at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.

But the record for a theft of diamonds was in Belgium, in February 2003, when 100 million euros worth of stones were nabbed from the vault of the Antwerp Diamond Centre.

and its allies continue to push for tougher Unit ed Nations (UN) resolutions against North Korea’s nuclear programme.

“We have never recognised the propagandist resolutions on sanctions by the UN Security Council,” North Korean envoy Jon Yong Ryong told a session of the UN Conference on Disarmament.

“As the saying goes, ‘a newborn puppy knows no fear of a tiger.’ South Korea’s erratic behaviour could only herald its final destruction,” he insisted.

North and South Korea traditionally trade barbs at the UN forum – which meets regularly in Geneva and focuses on a raft of global arms-control issues.

But in the wake of North Korea’s latest nuclear test last week and a global outpouring of condemnation, the rhetoric was unusually high-pitched yesterday.

African-American History: February 20, 1895

Prominent abolitionist and journalist, Frederick Douglass, dies REDERICK Douglass was an Forator, writer and statesman.

American social reformer, After escaping from slavery, he became a leader of the abolitionist movement, gaining note for his dazzling oratory and incisive anti-slavery writing. He stood as a living counter-example to slaveholders’ arguments that slaves did not have the intellectual capacity to function as independent American citizens. Many northerners also found it hard to believe that such a great orator had been a slave.

Douglass wrote several autobiographies, eloquently describing his experiences in slavery in his 1845 autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, which became influential in its support for abolition. He wrote two more autobiographies, with his last, Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, published in 1881 and covering events through and after the Civil War. After the Civil War, Douglass remained active in the United States’ struggle to reach its potential as a “land of the free”.

Douglass actively supported women’s suffrage.

Without his approval, he became the first African American nominated for Vice President of the United States as the running mate of Victoria Woodhull on the impracticable and small Equal Rights Party ticket. Douglass held multiple public offices.

He was a firm believer in the equality of all people, whether black, female, Native American, or recent immigrant. He is famously quoted as saying, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

10

Politics How Kashamu outwitted Obasanjo in battle for PDP’s soul in South-West From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado-Ekiti (Head, South West Bureau)

OT many people took Prince Buruji Kashamu N serious when he decided to challenge former president, Olusegun Obasanjo for jettisoning the Dayo Soremi-led executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State in favour of a parallel executive led by Senator Dipo Odunjirin. Kashamu did not have the stature to challenge the former chairman of the party’s Board of Trustee (BoT).

Kashamu has kept insisting that the Odujirin executive will not hold and the delegates that emerged from that parallel congress that elected the party’s South West Executive would be challenged in court.

To him the battle was settled when the court recognized the Soremi-led faction as authentic, and sacked the executive led by Chief Joju Fadairo.

Obasanjo and Kashamu had worked together between 2009 and 2011 to upstage the Fadairoled executive supported by the former governor the Ogun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel whose loyalists left to join the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN).

But after PDP lost in the 2011 election following the alleged role played by Obasanjo to ensure victory for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the emergence of Senator Ibikunle Amosun as governor, things went sour between Obasanjo and Kashamu. When Daniel was shoved aside, Kashamu became the major financier of the party.

Both held parallel congresses and while the Kashamu-Soremi faction elected Bayo Dayo, the Obasanjo group elected Odujirin and the politics of which group would be endorsed by the party’s national secretariat began. But it did not take long for the national leadership to endorse the Odunjirin-led executive who also elected delegates to the South West Zonal congress and the National convention.

The Kashamu - Soremi faction went to court to challenge the recognition accorded Odunjirin faction by the party and prayed the court to nullify the zonal congress because the authentic delegates were denied participation in the congress.

And within a year, the Soremi group had secured five court judgments in their favour, which the PDP did not implement. Specifically, the judgments had sacked former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni as National Vice chairman (South West) and his Osun State counterpart Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as the National Secretary of the PDP. Despite the fact that the party did not implement the judgments, the group was not relenting in instituting contempt cases against the winners of the zonal congress and Odujirin faction.

But by last month things began to change when the party decided to implement the court judgments and removed Oyinlola as the scribe.

Sensing that the Kashamu group had made progress in different areas, Oyinlola and Oni were said to have made overtures to Kashamu to let them resolve the matter out of court.

Sources said the duo promised to work on harmonisation and ensure that the Kashamu group was incorporated in the executive of Ogun chapter of the party and at the zonal level. The sources said Kashamu had also agreed to play along with them and they were already working out terms of settlements.

But their efforts were rather belated because party members working for the second term of President Goodluck Jonathan quickly embraced the opportunity to remove the loyalists of Obasanjo from the NWC of the party and recognised Kashamu group as the authentic faction of the party.

It has become a public knowledge that there was no love lost between Obasanjo and Jonathan because many believe Obasanjo is working against the second term of President Jonathan.

The former president had in recent times been critical of Jonathan’s administration over the lackadaisical manner he had been fighting corruption and ineffective style in handling the security challenges in the country. Though both have denied soured relationship between them and blamed the media for the perceived crisis.

But the resolution of the party’s NWC at the end of its last weekend meeting must have finally

Obasanjo reduced the influence of Obasanjo’s group in the PDP as the only Obasanjo’s man standing Mr. Bode Mustapha, the National Auditor of the party was removed and replaced with Alhaji Fatai Adeyanju, a known ally of Kashamu.

A statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the party took the decision on the affected officers following series of suits on the congress that brought them to office.

The statement reads in part, “Following protracted dispute on the Ogun State and South West Zonal Executive of the Party, a series of suits were filed on the matter, amongst which include FHC/L/CS/1248/2011, FHC/L/CS/282/2012 and FHC/L/CS/347/2012 “That Chief Bode Mustapha is removed from office as the National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“That Alhaji Fatai Adewole Adeyanju is the validly elected National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“That the Peoples Democratic Party is to rectify its records by deleting the name of Chief Bode Mustapha as National Auditor and replacing the same with Alhaji Fatai Adewole Adeyanju.

“That the South-West Zonal Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party conducted in March 2012 is nullified.

“That the Executive Committee constituted for the PDP in Ogun at congresses conducted by the Bashorun Dayo Soremi-led harmonised Executive Committee for the wards, councils and in the state in March 2012 are valid Exco of the Party at the various levels in Ogun and are entitled to their 4-year tenure.

“That the PDP is to organise a fresh South-West Zonal Congress at which access is to be given to delegates elected at congresses conducted by or under the supervision of the Soremi-led Ogun State Executive and accept the candidacy, for offices zoned to Ogun State, of only the persons nominated at the said congresses for the said offices.

“The National working Committee of the Party met on 14th February 2013 and gave careful consideration to the issues and decided that, in line with respect to the rule of law which is a cardinal principle of the present administration, the PDP as a law abiding party, will immediately comply with the said judgment.

“This is all the more so that same has not been set aside or reversed by any superior court.”

In a separate statement, Metuh said the party had constituted a 17-member committee headed by Chief Ishola Filani to run the South West zonal chapter.

Tukur

There was no love lost between Obasanjo and Jonathan. The former president had in recent times been critical of Jonathan’s administration over the lackadaisical manner he had been fighting corruption and ineffective style in handling the security challenges in the country.

The members are Chief Pegba Otemolu, Secretary; Adedeji Doherty, Organising Secretary; Rasak Akanni, Auditor; Bolaji Jeje, Youth Leader; Orimolade Olanrewaju, Treasurer; Olawunmi Yuba, Woman Leader; Banji Obasanmi, Financial Secretary and Shola Oludipe, Legal Adviser.

Others are Lawal Olatunde, Publicity Secretary; Emmanuel Oladejo, Olalekan Abubakar, Seun Adesanya, Samiu Babatunde, Tope Ademiluyi; Tunde Olowofoyeku and Omoniyi Alo (all ex-officio).

A critical scrutiny of the list of the caretaker committee revealed that none can be traced to Obasanjo group but about four of them are believed to be closer to Daniel and Kashamu suggesting that Daniel might have been gaining upper hand in the party.

The position of the PDP on the South West crisis was a shock to Obasanjo’s loyalists who believed the decision was made to frustrate the former President out of the party. A source close to Oni said that the sacked national vice chairman was still studying the situation and would not want to react to the issue now. He said that the development might also consume the whole party structure if the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party approves it.

According to the source, “the decision was meant to embarrass Obasanjo’s group but they have shot themselves in the leg. If they annulled the South West zonal congress because Kashamu group was not there, then we shall push it further because it is the same delegates from Ogun that elected the zonal executives that also elected members of NWC. The implication was that the convention that elected NWC members was not properly constituted because the Kashamu group was not there.”

Reacting to the development, Dayo said that he

Kashamu would start moves to reconcile all the estranged members of Ogun PDP. He also disclosed that he had received a letter from the PDP National Secretariat directing the police in the state to re-open the state secretariat closed at the height of the crisis in the state chapter.

According to him, “the situation is that for a very long time, dictatorship has been reigning, not only in our party but elsewhere. But this time around, we had a lot of deliberations and decided that the only way out is to have a very clean party by following the rule of law. Our party does not want any imposition. We want to have a very clean internal democracy. That is what is happening now.”

However, Obasanjo loyalists that held emergency meeting in Abeokuta at the weekend rejected the position of the NWC and promised to challenge it at the NEC, which is the apex body of the party.

According to Odujirin, “we received with shock the pronouncement of the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh in a newspaper. I found it very disturbing because we saw the signs when we observed that J.K. Gadzama (SAN) issued a notice of discontinuance of the appeals against the court cases, which Metuh referred to as reasons, which the committee used to take their decision.

“It was obvious that the appeals were going against the Kashamu group. If the appeal had been heard, the whole situation would have been different but in order not to allow the appeal to be heard that was why the NWC withdrew the appeal suddenly and was now able to use the ruling that was subsisting in taking their decision.

“The NWC is not the final authority. We are PDP bona fide members. That is why we are appealing to the NEC. We are law-abiding people. We could have gone to court like some people. Our constitution requires us to explore all mechanisms internally before going to court. We are preparing a petition and an appeal to the NEC, which will be tabled before their next meeting,” he said.

Odujinrin stressed that the NWC decision had further polarised the crisis-ridden party, warning that it could have negative effects on its electoral fortunes in future elections.

“I don’t think that this is how to ensure genuine reconciliation; this has further polarised the party. The fact that the appeals were withdrawn smelt suspicious.”

But Metuh dismissed the speculation that the party was after Obasanjo. According to him, “it is a court decision. It has nothing to do with the former president.”

POLITICS 11

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

UNDP, stakeholders rate 2015 polls on social media

By Tunde Akinola HE 2015 general elections might provide the T platform to further test the use of social media for citizen mobilisation and participation in the democratic process and its use as an effective governance tool.

In other climes, it has been deployed for the purposes of monitoring election results to ensure transparency.

At a three-day retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the powers of the social media to mobilise people towards a social cause as exemplified by the Arab Spring and other protests was examined.

The retreat was organised by the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) II Project in conjunction with the European Union (EU), Department for International Development (DFID), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Youth Action Initiative Africa (YAIA).

The UNDP Project Director, Dr. Mourtada Deme, noted the importance of the social media in developing democracies and added that new media technologies contributed greatly to the integrity of the 2011 elections in the country.

Mrs. Toyin Adewale-Gabriel, a media expert at DGD Project II, who represented Deme said: “The retreat is the first step in the initiative to promote media pluralism and citizen participation in the democratic process through the effective use of social media.” According to her, the retreat will address “how to transfer new media skills to civil society organisations; build synergies with emerging communities of democratic governance driven by new media platforms, including mobile telephony.”

The consensus was that during the 2015 general elections, the social media can be used as a tool to check apathy if the voters at the grassroots were schooled on how they can contribute their quota to the development of the electioneering process. The targeted class includes social media users, rural dwellers and teenagers who are expected to have turned 18 years by 2014.

Participants spoke on how to achieve set goals INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega with their strategic partners like National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Public Complaints Commission (PCC), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nigeria Police, National Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The strategy is to target existing social media the future, we will jeopardise the future as well.” users, rural dwellers, and teenagers from 16 While citing the example of how the social years who will turn 18 by 2014, leverage media was deployed to facilitate discussions durresources and networks into a collective move- ing the removal of petrol subsidy, he said that, ment while utilising wildly used tools such as “ahead of the elections, politicians, civil society SMS, 2Go, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, mobile news groups and the general citizenry should be made channels and others. aware of how social media platforms should be The forum sought to examine policies and leg- used as a tool for campaigning, electoral enlightislations that affect social media and create an enment and election monitoring.” ethics charter for social media usage. The The Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda forum also sought to equip grassroots groups (MRA), Edetaen Ojo agreed that social media platto use social media, use social media to forms have become powerful communication enhance 2015 elections by facilitating citizens’ tools and the “platforms are becoming increasparticipation in election monitoring, organise ingly popular with all strata of the society, espeoffline and online seminars by social media cially those who do not have easy access to the activists. conventional media.”

The participants also aimed to sensitise nonHe identified the tool as a resource that can be users on the power inherent in social media, deployed to a range of development objectives, translating social media data into collective including the overall conduct of elections. He knowledge by broadening the user base of noted that, “for social media tools to be effective, social media in all sectors. those using them need to have a good underTunji Lardner, a social entrepreneur and standing of the tools, their features, and especialExecutive Director, West African NGO Network ly how to use them.”

(WANGONET), said the youths need to create He made the point that in other parts of Africa, values through the social media by engaging social media has been used effectively in voter in positive attitudes aimed at influencing the enlightenment and mobilisation especially with polity. the youth and fresh voters, keeping the public On the imperative of preparing early ahead of focused and engaged on the electoral process, the 2015 elections, Lardner said that it would assisting political parties, candidates and interest be a determining year and, “if we do not act on groups to connect with the electorate on their

This pattern will continue in 2015. Civil society groups will use social media platforms to inform, mobilise and organise voters, and monitor the elections. INEC will depend on social media to collate incident reports and remotely monitor the electoral process political agenda, monitoring the electoral process and outbreaks of violence before, during and after elections while ensuring the sanctity of the outcome, among others.

“With a good knowledge of how to use each social media tool, the INEC, political parties, candidates, media, civil society, and ordinary citizens, among others, can select from the broad spectrum of tools to advance their work in any area and deploy the tools accordingly,” he said Ojo said in the Nigerian context, “there is a lack of adequate understanding of social media tools and how they can be used. Most social media users appear preoccupied with frivolities. In addition to this is the challenge of credibility regarding information coming out of social media platforms because of the nature of the media, which can be used to disseminate falsehood or inaccurate information.”

The Head of Research, Policy and Advocacy of YAIA, Samson Itodo was alarmed at the low civic education in the country, which he said is responsible for poor engagement of citizens in the electoral process.

Itodo said: “Social media can be used to conduct civic and voter education. The ease of availability of information on social media amplifies the need why government through

INEC should provide citizens more information via social media.”

He said that having access to real time information on the electoral process will foster participation and increase the value of the participation of the electorates. “The use of social media is certain to promote transparency. For example, when results are posted on the Internet, citizens get the information real time which makes it difficult to reverse,” he said.

According to him, social media can be used to report electoral malpractices or electoral violence and “it makes the reportage of such incidents easy and speeds up rapid response. The INEC and security agencies can respond as soon as incidents are reported and they get it real time. Only social media can do this.”

The Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, Gbenga Sesan noted that, “social media has been useful in Nigeria since the 2010 protests that saw young people on the streets, demanding for change and better governance.

The same applies to the 2011 elections when groups like EnoughisEnough (EiE) Nigeria led campaigns asking young Nigerians to register, vote and protect their votes. In 2012, Nigerians protested the insensitivity of government even as they continue to waste resources.”

According to Sesan, social media even outside elections and protests has helped daily engagements and information sharing. Ahead of the 2015 elections, he said that, “social media will play a major role in informing the electorate about issues, providing space for analysis and debates, allowing groups to mobilise for causes, encourage politicians to engage with a younger and connected audience.”

Sesan encouraged groups to understand the processes they want to engage, identify specific social media tools (or hybrids with traditional media) that will serve better and then use these tools to improve the quality of the process.

According to him, some tools are more popular than others, “but it will be wrong to assume that a popular tool is effective. For example, while Twitter’s instant information flow is attractive (and quite popular), there are processes that require less popular social media tools like 2go - which is popular with Nigerian teenagers - or the good old SMS. “With social media information can be made instantly available to as many people as possible and at a fraction of the cost it would otherwise have been.”

The recipient of CNN Multichoice African Journalism Prize, Tolu Ogunlesi said social media was first used in Nigerian general elections in 2011. He noted that President Goodluck Jonathan joined Facebook in June 2010, and soon became the world’s second most popular President on Facebook, after the US president, Barack Obama.

Ogunlesi said during the 2011 elections civil society organisations, youth groups and INEC actively used Twitter and Facebook. “This pattern will continue in 2015. Civil society groups will use social media platforms to inform, mobilise and organise voters, and monitor the elections.

INEC will depend on social media to collate incident reports and remotely monitor the electoral process,” he said.

Ogunlesi urged government to ensure that it refrained from censorship or clampdown of social media as this might translate to infringement of freedom of expression.

A social media expert from Cote D’Ivoire, Nnenna Nwakanma, said that the greatest use that the electoral process can make of social media is that of citizen participation. She noted that “at every stage of the process, mobilisation is needed: media education, rights and responsibilities, voter registration, voting, upholding official results, monitoring elected persons and evaluating at the end of their tenure.”

In attendance were representatives of government agencies, stakeholders in Information Communication Technology (ICT), media groups, bloggers, civil society and youth groups and social media experts.

Igbos seek consensus candidate for FCT council polls From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HEAD of the March 16, council elections in the Federal Capital A Territory (FCT) Abuja, prominent citizens from the South East extractions within the Abuja metropolis have urged all the chairmanship aspirants of Igbo background to settle for consensus candidate, if they must make any impact in the election.

The plea, which was made after a meeting of the Igbo political group yesterday in Abuja, came as a result of an alleged resolution within the FCT leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it would not allow any candidate that is not a true indigene of the FCT to occupy any position in the six area councils. This decision, it was gathered led to the decamping of some of the candidates to other parties when they felt not comfortable with the PDP decision. Three candidates of Igbo origin,

Peter Chukwuemeka Diogwu, Philip Okorie and Chambers Okorie are currently in the race for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship position on the platforms of the All Nigeria peoples Party (ANPP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and United Progressive Party (UPP) respectively.

Speaking after the meeting, which had all the candidates in attendance, chairman of the FCT Igbo Political Committee, Prince Emeka Okoye expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the meeting.

He said that the outcome has shown that the Igbos want to have a voice and must work as an identified voice under one umbrella “all the parties agreed that there must be a consensus candidate. We will reconvene to make our candidate known to the group, this will be followed wipth intensive election sensitisation and election campaign to actualise their dream.”

He added: “From the statements made by each of the invited candidate, it is obvious that we are not going to have any problem in picking one of them as the consensus candidate because they agreed that Igbos must work as an identified force no matter the party the candidates belongs.

We have also agreed that Igbos residents in Abuja are going to produce or work with that candidate who would finally emerge and the committee will move into the field for a two weeks intensive electioneering campaign for the candidate.”

The Igbo political elite in Abuja most of who are card carrying members of the PDP are said to have been uncomfortable with the decision of the party not to concede any of these elective position to their people, regretting that the decision was taken by the PDP, even when it was obvious that majority of them provide most of the funding of the party.

12

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

TheMetroSection Mother, child, three others die in Choba River

Briefs Igbodo commissions hospital Saturday N ultra modern Hospital – A The Stephen Uche Okoh (Snr.) Memorial Community

The bridge...without the rails

Rescue team trying to remove the vehicle from the river

From Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt

‘

Guard rails on both sides of the bridge had been stolen or rusted and fallen off, thereby exposing motorists and even pedestrians, using the bridge for the first time, to danger

’

IVE people, among them a mother FCamry, and her child who were in a Toyota heading towards Emohua Local Council of Rivers State, have died after their vehicle veered off the Choba Bridge, near University of Port Harcourt and plunged into the river.

The victims, who were coming from Choba in Obio/Akpor Local Council of the state, were said to have visited a family member, before the tragedy occurred at about 4.15 p.m. on Sunday.

Investigations showed that the guard rails on both sides of the bridge had been stolen or had rusted and fallen off, thereby exposing motorists and even pedestrians using the bridge for the first time, to danger.

A visit to the scene revealed that the bridge was narrow, considering its economic importance to the Niger Delta region and the nation at large.

The bridge is located at the popular East –West Road, which has remained a death trap, despite the fact that contract for the repairs of the road was awarded six years ago.

An eyewitness who spoke with The Guardian, Mr. Friday Udo, said the driver was on high speed but he lamented: “The Choba Bridge poses a great danger as it is in a deplorable condition.”

Another sympathiser alleged that the driver must have been drunk and warned that it was dangerous to drink while driving.

In his reaction, an alumnus of University of Port Harcourt and Chief Medical Director of Oasis Specialist Hospital, Dr. Josiah Appolous, who plies the route often, blamed the Federal Government for the tragedy.

He said the importance of the bridge to the Nigerian economy was very obvious, noting that all heavy duty trucks carrying petroleum products from the South South states usually pass through the aged bridge, which has lost its rails, yet, government has not seen the need to

expand and improve the conduit.

His words: “I feel so sad over the reoccurring tragedy on the Choba Bridge. The bridge is old and the rails are no more. Many vehicles on top speed are likely to veer off into the river because the rail, which is supposed to protect vehicles from falling, are no more”. “ The bridge is narrow. It is not dualized and it cannot take two vehicles at a time. It is too sad that government has seen all these dangers and yet, closed its eyes. The bridge requires urgent and priority attention, as it is as important as the Third Mainland Bridge and the Niger Bridge,” he added.

The bridge, The Guardian learnt claims lives every year.

Two years ago, eight persons were reportedly killed when their vehicle plunged into the river.

Recounting the incident, Mr. James Galazy said: “Two years ago, eight young men lost their lives when their bus fell into the river. Two of them were my relations. Their deaths were really unbearable then and I thought that government would have reconstructed the bridge immediately after that tragedy. It is a pity that up till now, nothing has happened”.

While describing the bridge as a death trap, he lamented the inability of the Federal Government to dualise the road and the bridge, which serves as a link to the region.

A sympathizer, who also plies the route often, disclosed that the bridge has been in a deplorable state for long time ago and wondered why the Federal Government should disregard such an important project.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the victims have been recovered with the help of the local divers and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ben Ugwuegbulam, has confirmed the incident, saying only three persons died while the driver of the vehicle escaped as he was able to swim.

He said: “ Everybody using the Choba Bridge needs to be very careful. You do not need to over-speed or attempt to overtake”.

The ugly situation caused serious traffic in the ever-busy East-West Road as motorists and other travellers were stranded.

The South South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mr. Emenike Umesi, also confirmed the incident, saying,

Oloibiri: A neglected oil-producing community From Nkechi Onyedika, Yenogoa

ESPITE being the place where oil well was first found and drilled in Nigeria, development in Oloibiri, a serene and rustic community in Ogbai Local Council of Bayelsa State, is still a far cry.

It is a historic town to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Nigeria first commercial oil discovery was made at (Otuabagi / Otuogadi) in Oloibiri district by Shell Darcy on Sunday, January 15, 1956.

The development of the oil and gas industry in the Nigeria will be incomplete without a mention of Oloibiri, where it all started.

However, Oloibiri’s story is an irony of history as the “goose that lays the golden egg in the oil industry, swims in abject poverty, neglect, despair and dejection.”

Someone who has never visited the community would think that considering the historic importance and the fact that Oloibiri field launched Nigeria into the limelight of Petro Dollar State, the community would be an Eldorado, but when the National Good Governance Tour Team visited the place, Oloibiri was nothing to write home about.

The only evidence to show oil was discovered was a mere statue as the entire community was surrounded by a thick forest.

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku who led the team to the site, could not hide his feeling but lamented the absolute lack of develop-

D

ment and meaningful human activity in the area.

Maku noted that Oloibiri, where oil was first drilled in 1956, represented history for the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry and should be preserved as a national monument.

He said: “ We are not happy the way this place is now, an institute is supposed to be located here, the foundation was laid in 2001 but there is no activity going on here. We will report back the state of things here so that the Ministry of Cul-

Maku with the National Good Governance Team at Oloibiri

ture and Tourism as well as the Ministry of Petroleum can do something. There is a need for the nation to do something here as a memorial to the history of oil and gas. We need to preserve this area as a historic monument for the future generation”.

Maku stated that the Oloibiri oil well was a national resource responsible for most infrastructure development in post- Independence era in the country.

He called on the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Bayelsa State Ministry of Tourism to put up structures that would serve as a memorial and revenue-earner for the country.

For the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Rear Admiral John Jonah(rtd.), Oloibiri, where oil was first drilled in 1956, is a lesson that if the country is depending on oil for its survival, one day, the oil will dry up and the nation will go bankrupt.

Jonah observed that the nation needed to look for alternative sources of fund for developmental activities so that even if the oil dries up, the country could still move forward.

Former Information Officer attached to the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Godwin Igbinosa said there ought to be various interventions by the Federal Government in the community considering the importance of Oloibiri in the economic history of Nigeria.

“We need basic facilities like health clinic, schools and recreational facilities”.

Health Center built and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities by Dr. Mrs. Isioma Okobah will be commissioned and donated to the Igbodo Community on Saturday, February 23, 2013.

The donor, Dr. Mrs. Isioma Okobah, who is an indigene of Igbodo, said in a statement that the hospital was built to immortalize her father, the late Stephen Uche Okoh (Snr.), adding that the donation was her own way of giving back to the society.

The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama will commission the hospital project, while the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Speaker Delta house of Assembly, Victor Ochei, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Festus Okubor and Health Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Otumara

Aquinas College meets QUINAS College Akure, A Old Students’ Association meets Sunday, February 24, at the residence of Mr. Charles Osuntuyi, 63, Fagbemi Street, Oja Bus Stop, Ipaja, Lagos at 4.00p.m.

Church begins special programme

ONSUMING Fire Prayer MinC istries on Monday began its seven- day special programme

from 5.30p.m. to 8.30p.m. at 66, Ijaiye Road, opposite Area ‘G’ Police Command, Ogba, Lagos. It will end on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at 9.00a.m. The theme is: ‘ Intensive Surgical Deliverance.”

Host is Pastor Sebastine Ndu Duru.

Meanwhile, there will be a book launch at the church auditorium on Sunday, March 3.

Ikoyi Club 1938 marks Chairman’s Week KOYI Club has begun a sevenIgoing day programme for the outIkoyi Club 1938 Chairman, Mr. Richard GiwaOsagie.

Declaring the various activities on the ‘Chairman’s Week’, with the theme: “Our Years Together” the Entertainment Chairman/Chairman, Organising Committee, Mr. Tunji Okesola said “the Club has decided to give the outgoing chairman a befitting send-off consequent upon his successful performance during his two-year tenure.

Activities lined up include a lecture at Rotunda, Ikoyi Club to be delivered by former Minister of Health and Chairman, Juli Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adeluyi.

Other activities include Sectional Games today while the Club visits Charity Home tomorrow.

Chairman’s Boogie Nite comes up on Friday while the grand finale takes place on Sunday with Live Band and entertainment when the Chairman would be giving awards to those officers who assisted him during his tenure.

Osagie said during his tenure a lot was accomplished in terms of provision of infrastructure i as ell as reaching out to the less-privileged.

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Director of Administration, Lagos University Teaching hospital (LUTh), Ayo olagunju (left), representative of the Chief Medical Director, Prof.Chris Bode, Chief operating officer, Guardian Newspapers /Past President, Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate, Dr. Alexander Thomopulos, Chartered President, Dr. Deep Mirani, Tunji Tejuosho and Indian industrialist, Narayan Bhai Patel during the donation of an incubator by the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate to LUTh, Idi-Araba …yesterday

oluranti Adedeji (right) presenting a gift to Dr. Thomopulos

PhoToS: ISAAC TAIWo

oluranti Adedeji (right) presenting a gift to the Indian industrialist/Past President, Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate, Narayan Bhai Patel during the donation

A cross-section of members of the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate and LUTh workers

Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove donates incubator, waterbeds to LUTH

By Isaac Taiwo N continuation of its humanitarian servItateices, the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Esyesterday donated an incubator and five waterbeds to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos.

Delivering the items to the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Chris Bode, who represented the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Akin Osibogun, past President, Rotary Club of Palmgrove Estate, Dr. Alex Thomopulos, prayed that the incubators would help in saving the lives of babies who otherwise would have been at grave risk.

“This institution has a very bright future and we would like to associate with you. However, we would also like to raise the issue of maintenance culture, which will strengthen our relationship and enable us to bring in more items in future.

“I am hoping that this would be the beginning of our assisting the hospital with necessary equipment as the way this incubator is handled, will determine our bringing in

more incubators and other needed items,” he said.

Receiving the items, Bode thanked the club and assured the members that the incubator would be well-preserved according to the hospital’s maintenance programme.

“LUTH, as the largest serving hospital, attends to about 20 million people from all over the country.

“Compared with the number of people we attend to, the incubators we have at present, are quite inadequate.

“I was in a small hospital in Boston not long ago and was surprised to see that the hospital, with its size, had 60 incubators.

“We are the largest hospital but the incubators we have are not enough.

“We assure you of our maintenance programme and expect more incubators to meet our needs.

“On behalf of the CMD, management and staffers, we express our profound gratitude for the gifts and assure you that they are on record,” he said.

The Chairman, LUTH at 50 Anniversary Committee/Past Chairman, Medical Advisory Com-

Red Cross gives N20m worth of relief materials to flood victims in Anambra From Uzoma Nzeagwu - Awka N response to disaster emergencies, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRSC) has commenced the distribution of relief materials worth over N20 million to flood victims in five out of the nine local councils of the state devastated by flood last year.

The state chairman, NRSC , Justice Paul C, Obidigwe (rtd.) disclosed that the relief materials, which would help in the rehabilitation of the victims, included buckets, blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, tarpaulins, kitchen-sets, soaps, shelter kits, jerry-cans, aquatabs for purification of drinking water among others.

Obidigwe, who was former Chief Judge of Anambra State, said that the worst hit councils,

I

including Ayamelum, Awka North, Ogbaru, Anambra East and Anambra West would benefit from in the distribution.

Speaking on why five out of the nine local councils affected by the flood would be benefiting in the first phase of

mittee, Prof. Olugbenga Ogunlewe, said the gift was premised on the 50th Anniversary of LUTH. “Last year, LUTH clocked 50 and as part of the ceremony, we decided to write to different organizations, including the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove, to support the institution.

“Two days ago, I got the message that Rotary would be coming today with its promise of incubator and water- beds” and we quite appreciate the fulfillment its promise,” she said.

“With this, you may be preserving the lives of future leaders because 10 years ago, this type of privilege was not there and a lot of lives had been lost.

“If you collaborate with the club, I believe you have a lot more to benefit,” he said”.

The Chartered President, Dr. Deep Mirani, described the gift of the incubator and waterbeds as what the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove, loved to do to show its appreciation to the government and people of Nigeria.

The District Governor, Dr. Kamoru Omotosho, Assistant District Governor, Ayo Onafuwa, lauded the activities of Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove, especially in the area of health care.

“The club has been bringing in experts from India to remove cataracts and treated other problems affecting eyes and has also given out artificial limbs and are here again to donate incubator and five water beds.

“We hope you will have a committee to look after the incubator with a view to sustaining it for long and if there is any need, you can call on us and we will be happy to come.

“We have given out 46,000 limbs to different people in this country and have carried out 13,000 free eye surgeries in Lagos, Abeokuta, Kano, Kaduna and Yola. I can remember that the Governor of Ogun State had promised to support our cause, which the Lagos State Governor has also been doing.

“We are putting up a hospital along Airport Road very soon to attend to people with eye problems,” he said.

Te Director, Administration, Mr. Ayo Olagunju and Retired Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Phebian Adedeji, were present at the event.

Photonews

the exercise, Obidigwe said the decision was that of the Red Cross Emergency Rapid Response Team led by a veteran disaster expert, who visited the affected communities and conducted impact assessment and need analysis of the flood disaster of affected the people.

Members of Red Cross during the donation

Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar (left); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abuja…. on Monday.

14 THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

TheGuardian

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011)

Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial Pope Benedict XVI: The courage to walk away HE decision of Pope Benedict XVI to resign with effect from February 28, from his exalted position as both head of state and supreme pontiff of the 1.2 billion-strong Catholic Church speaks of an uncommon courage and humility. By walking away from the ephemeral in favour of the spiritual ‘a life dedicated to prayer’, the Pope has set a template for true leadership, not only in the spiritual world but in the secular too.

This move has, naturally, shocked not only the global community of Catholic faithful, the entire Christendom, but even the whole world.

For the reasons that the pontiff is both a political head of the Vatican state and, as incumbent successor of St. Peter, the infallible, spiritual head of the Catholic Church, this move cannot but bear in different ways – political, doctrinal, spiritual and moral implications for the church and for all nations. It is no wonder then that reactions have come fast from a wide range of interests. This in itself speaks volumes of the prestige, power, authority, and influence that attend this oneof-a-kind office, appurtenances that would derange the thinking of and entrap most mortals. Not so for this Pope. His candour in admitting that, ‘my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry’ is worthy of commendation and his example without a parallel.

Notwithstanding other issues that may have accounted for the decision of the Pope on the one hand, or issues triggered by it on the other, a papal resignation is indeed an epochal event. There has not been one in 600 years. It is, therefore, important to emphasise the lessons – spiritual and temporal – to draw from this unusual incident at the Vatican, lessons that are worth commending to all men and women in leadership positions at any level. In underdeveloped polities, the humility to admit to failing health at all by the high and mighty is rare; this country is replete with such ignoble acts. In contradistinction to this, Pope Benedict XVI who shepherds a flock of over a billion people scattered around all the continents, had no difficulty stating that, ‘both strength of body and mind’ necessary to steer the boat of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel ‘has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognise my incapacity to fulfil the ministry entrusted to me’.

Between a choice to remain in high office though frail, ineffectual, and incapable of providing effective leadership, and the sacrifice to stand down for a more able shepherd, this Pope chose the latter. By putting the common good above self-interest, Pope Benedict XVI demonstrated that he has conquered the self; indeed, he has waged and won the first and the greatest of human struggles.

In truth, these times demand spiritual leaders who are physically able, mentally alert, intellectually sound, and holistically integrated to meet the myriad and relentless challenges of office. Pope Benedict XVI, an intellectual of no mean order, read the signs correctly that, ‘today’s world, (is) subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith…’

Advances in knowledge that invalidate long-held ideas, increasing liberalism of thought, widening frontiers of human freedom, new definitions of human rights, changing values, these and many other social developments not merely challenge faith and spirituality, they even tend, today, to discourage belief in things spiritual. It would be no exaggeration to say that religion is under threat in this 21st century. Against this backdrop, every religious group must necessarily enthrone a leadership that is ready, willing, and able to cope in a fastchanging world. This pontiff knew he was no more able to continue the Petrine ministry, and he has chosen to leave honourably.

The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, therefore, signals a new direction in the Catholic Church system, as well as introduces a new value into, not just church leadership, but leadership everywhere. Deriving from this, it may be said that any man worth the honour of leading at any level must have the humility, the courage, and the selflessness to, in a manner of speaking, walk away from it all. It is in this context then that it can be said that, like great men who define real greatness by changing the spirit of their age, Pope Benedict XVI has, by his decision to resign, altered the spirit of the age and defined in practical terms, the true meaning of leadership.

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LETTERS

Abuse of reality shows IR: During the first World S1996Television Forum, held in under the auspices of the

United Nations, it was decided that each November 21 will mark the World Television Day, to celebrate the television channels as windows on the world from the different perspectives that animate their information projects.

But violence, crude morbidity and sex have become the mainstay of many television programmes. Competitiveness has not been based on a serious and responsible programming, but in attracting the public through banal and vulgar contents, which are on the border of what is ethically permissible. The ‘junk television’ seeks to increase its audience through the provocation of instincts, passions and low feelings of the viewer.

The ‘junk TV’ came from the hand of Big Brother, a reality

show where contestants coexist in a mansion, separated from the outside world and being watched 24 hours of each day.

They should avoid dismissals decided by the audience and achieve the ultimate reward.

This rubbish dump was founded by the Dutch media tycoon, John de Mol. Big Brother’s pilot programme appeared in 1997. It was first broadcast in the Netherlands in 1999, being adapted by more than 70 countries. Thus appeared the foul and vexatious ‘junk TV’. The audacity, the invasion of privacy and the pathetic and despotic irony have been frequent since.

The so-called reality TV was also promoted in the United States, through “Real World” on MTV. This programme captured the fun menu. The Viewers’ and Listeners’ Association asserts that the series accused of doing ‘junk TV’, are “a cancer whose

metastases, tends to invade everything”.

It is important to take the necessary steps against this epidemic of vulgarity and eroticism that floods the small screen, achieving only the degradation of the viewer. It is my firm opinion that ‘junk television’ is a problem more serious than terrorism or drugs. The ‘junk TV’ degrades the human being.

It is urgent to remove all series grills violent, insolent and erotic, which can obfuscate the children and young people, who, in view of such abuses, can be seriously affected. We cannot allow to become reality the assertion of Félix Lope de Vega y Carpio, one of the most important poets and dramatists of the Spanish Golden Age: “If the common people is foolish, it is fair to talk to him foolish to please him”.

• Clemente Ferrer clementeferrer3@gmail.com

Save health worker, save the child IR: The Paediatric Association Sconcern of Nigeria (PAN) notes with the killing of nine health workers during immunisation activities in Kano State recently.

As an association whose primary goal is to care for and promote the health of every Nigerian child, we condemn this barbaric and inhuman act of these evil-minded people.

Majority of the childhood diseases and deaths in our country are vaccine preventable.

Immunisation of children remains pivotal to the attainment of the health related Millennium Development

Goals (MDGs), particularly MDG 4.

Nigeria already is one of the few countries where the wild poliovirus is still ravaging our children. It thus becomes disturbing that health workers that should be motivated to do this sacred job are attacked and killed with reckless abandon.

After a critical appraisal of the situation we state as follows: • PAN unequivocally condemns this act as inhuman and barbaric and calls on all Nigerian to do the same.

• Government should as a matter of urgency do all within its power to bring the perpetrators

to book.

• Adequate security should be provided for health workers performing their legitimate duty • PAN condoles with the families of the affected health workers and calls on the Kano State Government to adequately compensate the relations of the victims.

• Government at all levels should remain undaunted, resolute and committed to the immunisation of the Nigerian child.

• A.O Olowu, National President and J.B.E Elusiyan, National Secretary (PAN).

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

15

Business MaritimeWatch P38

IndustryWatch P43

Task before new NPA, NIMASA’s boards

Booby traps on path to industrial revival

‘Power generation to rise by 40 per cent before Dec.’ From Collins Olayinka, Abuja ROM the Federal Fcame Government, yesterday, a pledge to further raise the nation’s power generation capacity by 40 per cent, before the end of the year.

The administration had recently claimed to have buoyed the electricity production level by 30 per cent.

Speaking at the on-going Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) conference in Abuja yester-

day, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the 12month emergency gas supply plan she initiated last year added the 230 million standard cubic feet (scufs) that aided a 30 per cent rise in power generation.

The minister pointed out that the country currently generates 4.2gigawatts with the aim of upping it to six gigawatts through addition of another 450 million scufs

at the end of the year.

She explained: “In April 2012, with Presidential approval, I was able to deploy a 12-month emergency gas supply plan.

This emergency gas-to-power initiative has contributed over 230 million standard cubic feats (scufs) per day for power generation. This has helped us to increase and support the national power generating capacity by 30 per cent to 4.2 gigawatts of power at this time.

Similarly, gas sales rose by more than 70 per cent to an average of four billion standard cubic feets per day. For the first time, industry has supplied more domestic gas than was consumed by the power and industrial sectors.

Our plan is to continue throughout this year to further increase power generation by an additional 40 per cent. If possible, to move it to at least six gigawatts through addition of 450million scufs

per day of gas supply.”

Alison-Madueke highlighted that the re-positioning of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) as a gas supplier to the domestic market, has added over 65 million scufs from the Oredo facility and has handling facility in the western Niger Delta to the nation’s gas network.

The Minister also stressed that government hopes to complete the Lagos-Escravos

General Manager/Head Listings, Sales and Retention, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mrs. Taba Peterside (left); Oscar Onyema; Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu; Executive Director, Business Development of NSE, Haruna Jalo Waziri, during the Oando Plc’s “Facts Behind the Figures”, session at the floor of the Exchange, in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: Gabriel Ikhahon

pipeline by 2014 and that the Ob-Ob 42 inch gas pipeline gas are targeted at creating flexibility of movement of domestic gas nationwide from one to two billion cubic feets per day.

To confirm the negative impacts the rising production of shale oil and gas in the U.S would have on Nigeria’s economy, the Minister called on stakeholders to double their efficiency and competitiveness to maintain the vibrancy of the Nigerian economy.

Her words: “The world is becoming even more competitive. The U.S shale oil and the increased gas production is already affecting export to the United States bearing in mind that the United States is one of our major importers in this sector.

“We must, therefore, as an industry, improve our efficiency, technical creativity and ensure that we increase our level of proficiency to remain absolutely competitive in all ramifications in the next few years and beyond.”

She hinted that the AjaokutaKano gas pipeline, which is expected to supply gas to the Northern parts of the country, is at advanced stage of design.

However, she was quick to point at fund paucity to adequately execute the project saying the funds that have come from appropriation is grossly inadequate.

“So far, funding of these major infrastructure has been through appropriation by the National Assembly which is not sustainable. So, there have been collaborative efforts between the Ministries of Petroleum Resources and that of Finance through the utilization of Eurobonds to finance this huge gas infrastructure as we go forward,” she said.

How to attract investment into Nigeria’s oil, gas sector, by Shell From Roseline Okere, Abuja O boost investment profile in the country’s oil and gas sector in the next five years, the Federal Government needs to tackle the challenges of insecurity; issues related to funding of joint venture projects; and the fiscal terms in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The Country Chair, Shell Exploration and Production in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, who gave this advice, to the Federal Government, while delivering a paper titled: “Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Strategy in the Next Five Years: A new dawn to boost investment and production,” at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas conference in Abuja, yesterday, also identified value-driven partnerships, technology develop-

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ment and capacity building as leeway to attracting investment into the Nigeria oil and gas sector.

He urged the Federal Government to provide a conducive operating environment and fiscal terms leading to competitive and attractive rates of return, in its attempt to encourage investment in the country’s oil and gas sector.

According to him, Nigeria is a challenging business environment, costs are at the high end of the global scale, contracting business licensing processes can be long and processes and there are a multitude of security related challenges on a daily bases. “For instance, oil theft and sabotage which lead to lost production and even

more cost and resource pressures. It is estimated that Nigeria loses $6 billion yearly to crude oil theft”.

Sunmonu, who acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts at addressing these challenges, said that there were still more that must be done to effectively reposition the oil and gas sector.

“In the recent past, militancy has simply been replaced by industrial scale oil theft and sabotage.

We and others have had to shut in significant production, spend huge amounts on replacing and repairing hardware and deploying massive resources to clean up oil spills”, he noted.

He said that a balanced PIB

was required to provide optimal revenue to the government whilst providing sufficient incentives for new investment to fuel growth.

“He added: “It is important to take local business challenges in Nigeria into consideration as well as the impact on existing investments made in good faith at current legal and fiscal terms. The PIB should create a level playing field – one that is fair to all investors”.

The Shell boss said that the industry needs to know it can trust government not to impose random burdens and delays, not to vilify business, and to set clear and consistent policies that can inform longterm investments. “The society needs to know it can trust both business and govern-

ment to function in a way that balances risks and rewards.”

Sunmonu argued that it was important to have a strategy that can help grow the Nigeria oil and gas. industry, which he said, is currently facing serious competition. “We must have a conducive operating environment and fiscal terms leading to competitive and attractive rates of return.

Value-driven partnerships, technology development and capacity building are some of the actions that can be taken to boost investment and growth”.

He said that Nigeria has been on the part for self-sufficiency for several years without any significant improvement.

“Nearly every United States Administration in recent

times has warned about the dangers of relying on foreign oil, and expressed a desire to reverse the trend. In 1974, as the country was shaken by embargo in reaction to the Arab-Israeli War of 1973, then President Richard Nixon promised to “lay the foundation for our future capacity to meet America’s energy needs from America’s own resources.”

Sunmonu said that he supports government’s vision to boost production and grow reserves, but insisted that certain things are needed to be done in order to achieve the government’s target for the oil and gas sector.

“We must be aware that events around the world potentially affect the industry

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

16 BUSINESS

Nigeria, Oman sign MoU on capital market development From Bukky Olajide, Dubai HE Securities and T Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria and Capital Market Authority of Oman has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on

the effective development of capital market operation across the Africa and Middle East continents.

The signing of the historic MoU took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during the meltdown of African Middle East

Regional Committee (AMERC) organised by the International organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) in Dubai, yesterday.

The signing of the MoU is one of the opportunities provided by IOSCO to sub-

CAC registers 20,800 firms in four months HE Corporate Affairs 398 and 33 applications respec- the period under review, T Commission (CAC) regis- tively.

Mahmud said many custered 20,800 new companies The report also showed that tomers failed to comply with in the last four months, according to the commission’s latest report on its activities.

Besides, the total number of new companies registered within 24 hours since the commencement of the “24-hour start-to finish” business registration by the CAC was put at 10,723.

In the CAC’s report titled “Statistics For New Registration Services For Abuja and Lagos Offices”, released to the Ministry of Trade and Investment, yesterday in Abuja, the total number of applications for business registration received by the commission within the last four months was 20,800. Of this number, Abuja Head Office received 19919 applications, while Oregun and Yaba Offices received 653 and 228 applications respectively.

According to the report, the total number of applications processed within 24 hours in CAC’s Abuja Head Office was 10,292; while the Oregun and Yaba, Lagos offices processed

the total number of applications processed outside 24 hours but within 72 hours were 8,759. Of this number, the Abuja office accounted for 8,416, Yaba (150) and Oregun (193).

The report, however, stated that the total number of applications that were pending after three days stood at 1,318 with the Abuja office accounting for 1,211 applications. The Oregun and Yaba offices had 62 and 45 applications respectively.

The Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Bello Mahmud, said it was important, in line with the directive of the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, to let the public know that the 24-hour registration service was working and also state common errors that had made some applications fall out of the 24-hour deadline.

Explaining the reasons some applications were not processed within the CAC’s 24hour start-to finish timeline in

“laid down requirements for business registration,” stressing that the corporation could only deliver after filing, when all requirements had been fulfilled.

He said: “Customers have a responsibility to ensure that all necessary requirements are met before filing their applications. The CAC only processes applications that have complied in all respect with laid down requirements. The applications processed outside 24 hours but within 72 hours were the ones that had been queried for non-compliance with laid down requirements.

“Such applications pending after 72 hours were applications queried for non-compliance and in which the applicant did not comply with the query within 72 hours of filing.

On the 2nd of January 2013, the Companies Regulations 2012 came into effect, which makes it mandatory for Directors and subscribers to submit the recognized form of identification as part of the requirements for

scribe to its Multi-lateral Memorandum of Understanding (NMoU) and also consummate bilateral memoranda with fellow jurisdiction.

Director-General of SEC, Ms. Aruma Oteh, who is the second Vice-Chairperson of AMERC, explained that the MoU was signed because of the level of investors’ interest in the Gulf region.

According to her, it is also in view of the benefit of the international cooperation and information sharing among regulators, especially as they are undertaking the regulatory paradigm shift.

Oteh explained that the conference is a multi-thematic concern and focus at this time, saying that the global market had in the two decades before the financial meltdown recorded significant growth and dynamism.

As a consequent of the growth and expansion, she said they are emerging new

markets, new intermediary and a host of complex financial product and instrument, which promoted creative financial engineering and exploitation of new avenue of financial leveraging that will accompanied by greater risk appetite and improved information technology.

During the break period, she said regulator of account on their part should sought the need to transit from the traditional emphasis on compliance with law and rule to comprehensive approach which dwell on effective supervision and management of risk associated with the new reality.

According to her, the need to effectively police the

emergent complexities of the markets while also ensuring the efficient allocation of supervisory resources led regulators to seek ways and methods of identifying, measuring and mitigating the likely risks that may posed by the advancement in the market composition and transactions.

Her words: “The ago being to note away fro the rigid rule based compliance regime to one that relies on the regulators professional assessments and discretions through the adoption of a risk based supervisory model of market regulation covering issues such as licensing capital requirements risk assessment and inspec-

The signing of the MoU is one of the opportunities provided by IOSCO to subscribe to its Multi-lateral Memorandum of Understanding (NMoU) and also consummate bilateral memoranda with fellow jurisdiction

Company Secretary, Nigerian Bag Manufacturing Company Plc(Bagco), Olukorede Okusanya. Vice-Chairman, Emmanuel Ukpabi and Managing Director, Abiodun Ogunkoya, at the court-ordered meeting for the merger of Flour Mills Nig Plc, Bagco Plc, Northern Bag Manufacturing Company Ltd and Bagco Morpack Nigeria Ltd, held in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO; SUNDAY AKINLOLU

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

17

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21

MoneyWatch Naira value: The determinants, the challenges HE Central Bank of T Nigeria (CBN) has been insisting that the Naira value determination against other currencies is subject to the forces of demand and supply. Even recently, the governor mentioned other factor influencing the nation’s Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to include the state of infrastructure, which would absorb any expansionary monetary policy, this too, affects Naira value. These, in order words, may mean that the nation’s demand for other currencies, for whatever reasons, is a major determinant of Naira exchange rate.

The fourth quarter Economic Report highlighted among other things, how our foreign exchange transactions plummeted within the period due to a fall in the volume of crude oil sales and low utilisation of the Wholesale Dutch Auction System; and how the non-oil sector was boosted, yet fell short of cushioning the effects of the shortfall in oil sector revenues. It also highlighted the demand for foreign exchange and the sectors that consumed most; the performance of local industries, which is a reflection of the state of infrastructure in the country, among other issues affecting the foreign exchange demand and rates.

The situation may have highlighted the series of calls for the diversification of country’s economic baserevitalisation of the moribund firms and stimulation of small scale businesses to reduce the high import dependence status of the nation. Of course, the imperativeness of the calls stems from the fact that no economy has ever recorded any great achievement through such parasitic stance on other countries, especially in matters that it can easily solve for itself, perhaps through small business developments. It is rather unfortunate that items like foreign toothpick still sells faster than local ones due to low capacity utilization and mostly patronised by the elites and those in the corridors of power.

But whether smuggled or legitimate importation, it has cost the country foreign exchange transactions, which ordinarily should have been avoided.

For emphasis sake, as at now, the nation’s export earnings are basically dominated by oil, accounting for over 90 per cent of the government’s total revenue, while our imports cover virtually all aspects of the national economy, including petroleum products, bitumen, clothing, among others, which we have abundant raw materials.

This means that almost all export earnings are consumed, while more are being sourced to complement the supply. The simple economics here is that

A strengthened value (exchange rate) of the Naira is the dream of every well meaning Nigerian. But the determinants of the value have always been the challenge. The fourth quarter Economic Report of the Central Bank of Nigeria brought to the fore again the odds against the Naira. CHIJIOKE NELSON writes. the country is at disequilibrium in terms of the demand and supply for the foreign exchange, otherwise the dollar or other currencies would not have ‘consumed’ more of the Naira.

The truth is that we would not have had the need for much foreign currencies if we are less dependent on other countries, afterall, the foreign currencies are no ostentatious goods, except for few people and this may not put much pressure on the Naira.

According to the report, Nigeria’s foreign exchange transactions faced a downward in the last quarter of 2012, as both the inflow and outflow plummeted.

Foreign exchange inflow through it in the ourth quarter declined by 16.9 per cent and 16.1 per cent below the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2011, respectively, while outflow decreased by 3.3 per cent and 44.5 per cent below the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2011, respectively.

The decline in inflow relative to the preceding quarter was attributed largely to the 9.6 per cent fall in crude oil sales, while the fall in outflow was associated with the 35.2 per cent decline in WDAS utilisation.

Further analysis of foreign exchange flows through the CBN showed that inflow during the fourth quarter of 2012 amounted to $11.17 billion, representing a decline of 16.9 and 16.1 per cent below the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding period of 2011, respectively.

Outflow amounted to $7.82 billion, showing a decline of 3.3 per cent and 44.5 per cent below the levels in the preceding quarter and corresponding period of 2011, respectively. This resulted in a net inflow of $3.35 billion, compared with a net inflow of $5.36 billion in the preceding quarter and a net outflow of $0.79 billion in the corresponding period of 2011.

Meanwhile, the invisible sector accounted for the bulk (32.9 per cent) of total

foreign exchange outflow in the fourth quarter of 2012, followed by mineral and oil sector (18.7 per cent).

Others were industrial sector (18.2 per cent), food products (15.5 per cent), manufactured products (10.1 per cent), transport sector (4.4 per cent) and agricultural products (0.2 per cent).

There were also estimated foreign exchange demand

by the authorized dealers in the fourth quarter at $4.28 billion, indicating a decline of 35.2 and 65.2 per cent below the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2011, respectively.

The sum of $4.27 billion was sold by the CBN during the review period, indicating a decrease of 36.2 and 59.9 per cent below the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding peri-

od quarter of 2011, respectively.

The aggregate foreign exchange flows through the economy indicated that total inflow amounted to $32.24 billion, representing an increase of 4.1 and 27.9 per cent above the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2011, respectively.

At $8.09 billion, aggregate foreign exchange outflow from the economy fell by

6.7 per cent and 44.3 per cent below the level in the preceding quarter and corresponding quarter of 2011, respectively.

The fall in outflow, relative to the preceding quarter, was accounted for by the 38.9 per cent and 42.8 per cent decline in the funding of Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS), and outflow through autonomous sources, respectively.

Oil sector receipts, which accounted for 31.3 per cent of the total, stood at $10.09 billion, compared with $11.16 billion in the preceding quarter and $10.61 billion corresponding quarter of 2011.

Non-oil public sector inflows, which accounted for 3.3 per cent of the total foreign exchange flows, increased significantly by 52.8 per cent above the preceding quarter’s level, while autonomous inflow, which accounted for 65.4 per cent, increased by 20.1 per cent above the preceding quarter’s level.

Relative to the preceding quarter, the average Naira exchange rate against the dollar, appreciated by 0.04 per cent, 1.3 per cent and 1.6 per cent to N157.32, N157.38 and N159.19 per dollar WDAS, inter-bank and bureau de change segments of the market, respectively.

The gross external reserves at the end of the fourth quarter of 2012 stood at $43.85 billion, indicating an increase of 7.9 per cent above the $40.64 billion recorded at the end of the preceding quarter.

Though there were boosts in the non-oil export earnings within the period under review, the earnings were not enough to cushion the effects of the sliding profile in the oil sector earnings, an indication of weak non-oil sector.

Specifically, total non-oil export earnings by Nigerian exporters stood at $987.10 million at the end of the review period. This indicated an increase of 72.9 and 65.6 per cent above the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2011, respectively.

The development was attributed, largely, to the significant rise in the exports of food, agricultural products and industrial sector during the review quarter.

A breakdown of the proceeds in the review quarter showed that, industrial products, manufactured products, agricultural products, food products, mineral and transport earned $380.3 million, $189.5 million, $186.2 million, $168.9 million, $62.2 million, and $0.7 million, representing 38.5 per cent, 19.2 per cent, 18.8 per cent, 17.1 per cent, 6.3 per cent and 0.1 per cent, respectively.

22 MONEYWATCH

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

IMF okays G-20 finance ministers’ strategy against global imbalances HE Managing Director of the T International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Christine Lagarde, has welcomed the strategies being worked out by the Group of 20 (G-20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Moscow.

She said: “I would like to thank the Russian authorities for hosting us, including President Vladimir Putin, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Bank of Russia Governor Sergey Ignatiev.”

According to her, they were instrumental in facilitating discussions among G-20 ministers and governors on the significant challenges facing the world economy, and helped everyone to continue deliberations over policy actions needed to strengthen the global economic recovery.

In a statement issued at the end of the meeting, she said: “As emphasized by the G20, global growth is still weak, with unemployment remaining unacceptably high in many countries. The weak global performance derives from policy uncertainty, pri-

vate deleveraging, continued fiscal drag, as well as insufficient progress on rebalancing global demand.

“Implementation of the financial reform agenda to build a more resilient financial system remains a priority. Credible medium-term fiscal plans also need to be in place to provide flexibility while growth is more fully restored.

“I welcome G-20 resolve to achieve a lasting reduction in global imbalances through joint actions to avoid persistent exchange rate misalignments, and the group’s commitment to refrain from competitive devaluation, to resist protectionism in all forms, and to keep markets open.

It was heartening to see the G-20 reaffirmed its commitment to move more rapidly toward more market-determined exchange rate systems and exchange rate flexibility to reflect underlying fundamentals.

“We think that talk of currency wars is overblown. People did talk about their cur-

Lagarde

rency worries. The good news is that the G20 responded with cooperation rather than conflict yesterday.

“Lastly, I welcome G-20 support for completing the 2010 quota reform agreement, and I urge countries to quickly ratify the measures necessary to implement this important agreement. The G-20 continues to demonstrate its interest in global economic cooperation through the IMF. “I know that the 188 member countries of the Fund are committed to reaching agreement on the 15th General Review of Quotas, including a new quota formula, by January 2014.

“Many of the key issues discussed yesterday will be reviewed at the Fund’s International Monetary and Financial Committee´s spring meeting in April, and at the next G-20 ministerial meeting, which will take place at roughly the same time in Washington. Until then, it is crucial that all countries continue efforts to strengthen global recovery.”

U.S. 10-year treasury yield nears two per cent on speculation NITED States Treasury 10-year yields were U within one basis point of two per cent amid speculation minutes of the Federal

Reserve’s latest policy meeting, due today, will provide more detail on the timing of a withdrawal of stimulus.

Signs of strengthening growth have encouraged economists to raise their year-end forecasts for U.S. 10-year yields to 2.32 per cent, from 2.14 per cent in the first week of January, according to Bloomberg surveys, with the most recent predictions given the heaviest weightings.

The previous Fed minutes on January 3, showed policy makers were divided on whether to end bond purchases in the middle or end of this year. Ten-year yields climbed to an eight-month high the next day.

“On the one side we have the Treasury purchases from the Federal Reserve Bank (Fed), which of course is an element to keep yields low, and on the other hand you have somewhat better news” on the economy, said Piet Lammens, head of research at KBC Bank NV in Brussels. “We were a bit surprised at the previous minutes. So there was some ground

to be concerned about the duration of this programme.”

Ten-year yields were little changed at 1.992 per cent as of 7 a.m. New York time, according to Bloomberg Bond Trader data. The price of the 2 per cent notes due in February 2023 was at 100 1/16. Treasuries trading resumed yesterday after being closed worldwide on Monday for a public holiday in the U.S. Yields have climbed 23 basis points, or 0.23 percentage point, since Dec. 31. They are less than the 10-year average of 3.63 per cent. The rate may climb to 2.75 per cent by the end of 2013, Lammens said.

The Fed minutes are a “risk” for the market, Matthew Hornbach, Morgan Stanley’s head of U.S. interest rate strategy in New York, wrote in a report February 15.

“We continue to see the risks skewed toward higher Treasury yields,” the report said.

Investors may consider adding to holdings if rates push higher this month or next, according to Morgan Stanley, one of the 21 primary dealers that trade directly with the Fed. The central bank said after its last meeting that it is committed to buying about $85 bil-

lion of government and mortgage securities a month to support growth in the world’s biggest economy.

The Commerce Department will say today that building permits, a proxy for future construction, climbed 1.2 per cent in January to a 920,000 annual rate, the highest since July 2008, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists.

New residential construction slipped in January, a separate report will say today, and U.S. existing-home sales slowed, data February 21 will show, based on responses from economists.

Inflation Estimates Labour Department data on February 21 will show U.S. consumer prices rose 1.6 per cent in January from the year before, slowing from 1.7 per cent in December, according to a separate Bloomberg survey.

The central bank’s price indicator for the period from 2018 to 2023, known as the fiveyear five-year forward break-even rate, climbed to 2.97 per cent last week, the most since August 2011.

While rates are rising, the increase may not be enough to justify the government fore-

casts for economic growth.

The Office of Management and Budget predicts yields on 10- year notes will average 4.1 per cent in 2015 and 4.9 per cent in 2017 as the economy expands at about a 4 per cent rate in the second half of President Barack Obama’s term.

Bond prices suggest the yield will average below three per cent two years from now, implying that gross domestic product will fall short of OMB projections, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Treasury borrowing costs just above last year’s record lows mean easy credit for consumers and companies as well as sustained demand for riskier assets such as stocks. The record- low 10-year rate was 1.38 per cent set in July.

“Clearly, the bond market is on one end of the spectrum and these guys are on the other end, believing rates are going to go up so fast,” Priya Misra, the head of U.S. rates strategy at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York, another primary dealer, said February 8 in a telephone interview.

“The 10-year yield rising to about 5 per cent in four years is too optimistic,” Misra said.

23

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

In partnership with Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

In West Africa, The Atlantic Loses Its Sparkle really big finds, outside of Angola, in West Africa in the last five years.

As far as the elephants are concerned, the locus has shifted to East African deep-water, which is all Stories by Toyin Akinosho about gas.

What’s clear so far is that the Cretaceous plays, the HE newest deep-water frontiers in West target of recent West African probes, have not Africa’s exploration rush have not been as forthcoming as the sites of the last major wave shown themselves as prolific as the Tertiary, where the ongoing East African deep-water rush has of discoveries. played out.

Liberia, Sierra Leone, Namibia and Cote Note that Nigerian deep-water(The Niger Cone) D’Ivoire are the focus of wildcat activities today, the way Nigeria, Angola and Equatorial and Angolan deep-water(The Congo Fan), which dominated the headlines all over the world 10-20 Guinea were in the mid -90s.

But in the place of the large elephant-sized dis- years ago, are Tertiary plays(sediments deposited between 65million and 2.6 million years ago). coveries of 1994-2004, the Sierra-Leonean “I always knew that the non-Deltaic West African Basin, the Abidjan Margin and the Ivorien Passive Margin (also known as the West African parts of the Tano basin, have so far delivered Transform Margin) is just beginning to be unravmere pimples. eled”, says Ebi Omatsola, Managing Director of the Ghana, which represents the transition between the two waves, has provided the only Nigerian independent Conoil Producing and the

In deep-water Africa, geology has proven to be a trickster god

T

continent’s leading exploration thinker, warning that it is early days yet. Omatsola had anticipated the basin-opening discovery of Ghana’s Jubilee field as far back as 16 years ago. His prediction, given at a presentation in Accra in 1997, came to fruition 10 years after. Still he doesn’t want to raise expectations about Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivore. “You must understand the geometry of the sand body and other factors to make it work”, he contends.

Tullow Oil, the unfailingly optimistic British explorer, doesn’t sound terribly upbeat about these countries either. It has proven oil and gas condensate system in Sierra Leone and Liberia, it says, but “thick sands only have oil shows(breached traps) and oil bearing sands have low net-to-gross ratio”. The company declares, in its first half 2012 report, that the exploration campaign has found oil but “only satellite class discoveries” have been made to date, whereas, for com-

merciality, “ hub class discoveries are needed”.

Investec Securities, scrutinizing Tullow Oil’s portfolio, declares that, based on targeted barrels by Tullow, ”the west African transform margin(Kosrou, Mercury, Teak) failed to deliver and so did its Atlantic (Jaguar and Zaedyus)mirror image play(Jaguar and Zaedyus, in the Carribeans) in 2012”.

Chevron has operated three deep-water acreages off Liberia since September 2010. An August 2012 farm in deal by Eni, the Italian major, into these tracts, signaled that the transform margin was firm on the radar screen of the industry’s majors. But a farm in by one major has meant a farm down by another. With that transaction, Chevron’s operated interest in LB 11, LB12 and LB14 was reduced to 45%, with the Nigerian minnow Oranto holding 30% and Eni has 25%. It’s instructive that Chevron has drilled in Liberia, but is not excited enough to share the results.

The biggest discovery in the Sierra LeoneLiberian basin has been that of African Petroleum Corp. APC, an Australian minor and, perhaps the smallest operator in the province. The company encountered 32 metres of net oil pay in two zones off Liberia with Narina 1, in February 2012. The well reached total depth of 4,850 metres, in water depth of 1, 143metres. Narina-1was the company’s second shot at the Liberian offshore. Its

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

THE GUARDiAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

24 AFRiCAN OiL&GAS REPORT

KiCKSTARTER

In West Africa, The Atlantic Loses Its

The Wildcatter’s Main Hunting Ground

which Lukoil Overseas has been involved in exploring since 2006. Lukoil holds a 60% interest, PanAtlantic has 30% and state hydrocarbon company PETROCi has 10%.

Less than a year earlier, in December 2011, the partners had announced a discovery independance-1X in Block Ci-401. Although the result communicated was that the well penetrated only “eight metres (26 feet) of hydrocarbon pay in good-quality Turonianaged sand package”, Lukoil beamed that the well was its “most important discovery of the year 2011”. it’s difficult to understand.

HE deep-water environment remains the T most active site of newfield wildcat activity on the African continent. With over 14 discoveries in the last two years, leading to early work on field development, Mozambique and Tanzania, the twin gas rich countries on the indian Ocean, continue to be the go-to places to fulfill the wildcatter’s dream.

Things are not as exciting on the western seaboard of the continent. There have been some significant finds offshore Ghana since Jubilee went on production, but the contingent resources for each are, as a rule, smaller than Jubilee. Plus, all the new deposits are clustered around the Tano Basin, which itself has proven less prolific than the Rovuma Basin in the indian Ocean. The jury is still out as to whether Liberia and Sierra Leone will deliver. Discoveries in ivory Coast have remained patchy. The West African Transform Margin has not proven to be a haven of elephants as the Congo Fan (deepwater Lower Congo Basin)and the Niger Cone(deepwater Niger Delta) have been.

Everyone awaits the promise of huge finds in the synrift pre-salt sequence in Angola’s Kwanza Basin, reputed to be the other half of the transatlantic hydrocarbon pool that found expression in Brazil as the giant Tupi field.

“People are looking for Tupis all over the salt basins of Africa”, notes Ebi Omatsola, the continent’s pre-eminent exploration thinker.

Will they find them?

Morocco has been the only one of the Maghreb countries (North Africa)with not a drop of hydrocarbon fluid to its name. But it is adequately situated on the edge of the Atlantic and its deep-water blocks have become, of recent, attractive to those companies who see themselves as the lead hunters in frontier basins.

This edition is dedicated to Ebi Omatsola(referred to above), who sees nothing unusual in waking us up at 2am, on a Saturday morning, to provide new refresher lessons in African petroleum geology and reiterate the point that geology can go beyond a vocation, it can be a way of life.

The Africa Oil+Gas Report is the primer of the hydrocarbon industry on the continent. it is the market leader in local contextualizing of global developments and policy issues and is the go-to medium for decision makers, whether they be international corporations or local entrepreneurs, technical enterprises or financing institutions, for useful analyses of Africa’s oil and gas industry. Published by the Festac News Press Limited since November 2001, AOGR is a monthly, 40 page hardcopy publication delivered to subscribers around the world. its website remains www.africaoilgasreport.com and the contact email address is info@africaoilgasreport.com. Contact telephone numbers in our West African regional headquarters in Lagos are 2348130733523, 2347062420127, 2348034449079, 234803652979, 2348023902519. Please enjoy what this edition of the Pullout has to offer.

-Toyin Akinosho, Publisher

Editor

Cote d’Ivoire prospects(left), look like Ghanaian discoveries(right). Operators are banking on the analogues…

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 first well, Apalis-1, drilled in September 2011, encountered only minor oil shows.

Lukoil was drilling a well in SL-05-11 Block, off Sierra Leone as of the time of writing this. SL05-11 is one of the two Sierra Leonean tracts in which the company holds interest. in November 2012, Lukoil acquired a 25% stake in the SL-4B-10 block, which adjoins SL-05-11.

Cote d’ivoire has always appeared more promising than either Sierra Leone or Liberia, in part because some of its most prospective structures are located in the same Tano Basin that has yielded all of Ghana’s big discoveries. Tullow Oil, for one, claims that its discovery well Paon 1(June

2012) was drilled on a sand fairway analogous to the fairways on which the Jubilee field and the TEN(Tweneboa, Enyenra and Ntomme), cluster wells are located(see illustration). Tullow and its partners say the well, which encountered 31 metres of net oil sands in one interval, “confirms the Upper Cretaceous fan system present in Ghana extends westward into Côte d’ivoire and provides significant running room within the Ci-103 block” in which it is located.

The question of how many more Paons are in the fairway and how big they are, will be answered in the campaign that Tullow is leading in 2013.

Lukoil expressed its faith in Cote d’ivore in October 2012 by converting an exploration licence to a production tract. Block Ci-524 represents an eastern part of block Ci-401

What about the “older frontiers”, the site of the first big wave of African deepwater discoveries?

Equatorial Guinea came up with some noteworthy successes in 2012; with Ophir reporting three gas discoveries in its Block R; sizeable enough for the company to contemplate a 1 Train LNG project deliverable by 2017.

There has been no deepwater discovery in Nigeria in the last five years. And no one, as far as we know, plans a wildcat drilling in that country in 2013. Operators are placing a bet on Angola, which has been touting the potentials of the presalt sequence in its Kwanza basin.

Only three wells have been drilled in the “Brazil look-alike” sag basin part of the presalt Angola; including the Maersk Azul-1, Cameia-1 discovery & Cameia-2 appraisal, and the Petrobras Ogonga dry hole. This means that there have been only two discoveries, which can so far be described as encouraging “teasers” but it will take much more drilling to really know what is going on. My worry is that the Kwanza Basin is in the cretaceous. if the pre-Salt in Angola turns out to yield huge discoveries of elephant-size, i’d start looking positively on cretaceous basins again.

DEEPWATER WEST AFRiCA

Is Ghana Stuck At Tano Basin? operated by the British explorer Tullow Oil, with partners including American independents Anadarko and Kosmos Energy.

2010, Ghana has ranked promiMeanwhile, Eni, which has nently on the hydrocarbon map failed in Accra Keita, announced of the world. a successful find in the Offshore it looks likely to record average Cape Three Points(OCTP), in the 2013 production in excess of a Tano Basin early in 2012, testing hundred thousand barrels of 5,000BOPD of “high quality oil” crude oil per day as Jubilee from a gross oil column of ramps up to peak of 76metres.

120,000BOPD. And Hess Corp, reported, in But all the current production, 2012, its fifth discovery in planned production and Deepwater Tano-Cape Three drilling successes are clustered Points License. The company around the Tano Basin and its reported that Pecan 1 follows the sub-basin: the Cape Three previously reported discoveries Points. at Almond (16metres net oil pay), Any step out of the Tano, into Beech (44metres net oil pay), another basin has so far resultHickory North (30 metres net ed in failure. gas-condensate pay), and The UK listed Afren Corp., has Paradise (37metres net oil pay felt the full brunt. Barely six and 90 metres net gas-condenmonths after it acquired 68% sate pay). interest in Keta Block on the Ghana has had a good five Accra Keta basin, Afren spudded years, since the discovery of Cuda 1. it came out unsuccessJubilee(2007-2012) in terms of ful. overall oilfield activity relating to The company beamed with both the drillbit and the comoptimism after the failure, saymercial playground: almost as ing that the block, located farsoon as Tullow Oil announced ther east, towards the Ghanaian Conceptual plan of TEN, the next field development in Ghana, after Jubilee. It is the discovery of the Twenoboa border with the Republic of planned to deliver (at peak), 100,000BOPD held, proving that the deepwater Togo, had both Tertiary and oil tank extends beyond Jubilee, Cretaceous prospectivity, with news filtered in about the principal exploration focus adventure in Keta, there hasn’t Eni’s well, Nunya-1X(forbeen drilling on any other basin ExxonMohil s interest in acquirbeing the Cretaceous Albian to merly named Cuda 2) was ing Kosmos Energy’s stake in Campanian sections. “The block outside the Tano. The Saltpond basin still delivers trickles (less Jubilee for $4billion. The reputaoffers multiple prospects and a spectacular failure. It tion of the putative buyer and leads, with a variety of trapping than 500BOPD) through the Saltpond filed. Operators have not didn’t encounter a drop of the amount of money on the and depositional settings. A table heightened the perception number of these show potential ventured to drill in the deepwater Saltpond/Central Basin, which is hydrocarbon and more, it of profitability of the overall for significant stratigraphic Ghanaian portfolio. trapping and giant field poten- the country’s third prominent gave the lie to Afren’s But beyond the Deepwater Tano tial”, Afren enthuses on its web- deepwater basin. claims that Cuda-1 would and Cape Three Points blocks Still, who cares whether these site. in 2011, Afren farmed out other basins deliver, as long as and adjacent acreages, what 35% participating interest and there’s continuing success in the have encountered oil if it other acreages can be prospecoperatorship to italian major Tano Basin? had drilled deeper. tive enough to interest any comEni, who in turn drilled a well A field development plan of a pany? within a year of buying in.

100,000BOPD(peak) has been The Tano Basin itself was a grave Eni’s well, Nunya-1X(formerly Banda) is in pre-development yard of hopes just 15 years ago, named Cuda 2) was a spectacu- submitted to government. plan stage and is expected to until Kosmos, Anadarko and lar failure. it didn’t encounter a The Plan Of Development (POD) deliver 100,000BOPD at peak.

Tullow started re-interpreting drop of hydrocarbon and more, looks to bring together a cluster Both projects, located in of fields collectively named the data differently from earlier it gave the lie to Afren’s claims Deepwater Tano/Cape Three explorers. Kosmos itself that Cuda-1 would have encoun- TEN(Twenoba, Enyenra and Points Blocks, envisage the crude described the Tano Basin as a tered oil if it had drilled deeper. Ntomme).

Another such cluster of fields, the to be produced through an FPSO bad address only six years ago.

Apart from the Afren/Eni each.

They are also, both, being MTAB(Mahogany, Teak, Akasa and iNCE commercial production Swater commenced with the deepJubilee field in December

COMPULIFE 25

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

CompuLife Bridging the gap in technology advancement, skills development

By Adeyemi Adepetun T has been established that one of the fastest ways a nation can attain growth and development is by technological innovation and development and not really by the level of its endowed natural resources, nor that of its vast human resources, except when they are judiciously deployed.

A nation’s economic efficiency is determined, measured, compared, classified and ranked by its technological advancement.

Theoretical models stress that there are two basic modes of advancing technology. One is innovation (developing one’s own new technologies) and the other is adoption.

Of course, all economies pursue both modes to some extent, and there is no doubt that every economy produces only a modest fraction of the technologies that it uses.

Adoption of technology from abroad is sufficient to raise living standards substantially, and even to achieve longterm growth based on the continuing technological innovations achieved abroad.

But technology adoption has its limitations as well.

Economic theory demonstrates that if one economy is a technological innovator while another economy is a technology adopter, the innovator will maintain a lead in income per capita relative to the adopter. The income gap between the two economies persists over time even though the technology adopter ends up incorporating all of the technological advances made by the innovator.

Indeed, technological development in Nigeria has been a hard hurdle to cross. Still rated as a developing country among the nations of the world, Nigeria has made efforts to considerably increase her global competitiveness and build up her economy in line with the country’s Vision 20:20, through innovation in technology.

Historically, technology has been an important factor in economic growth as the introduction of new technology into manufacturing processes increases productivity, enabling each labor hour to produce a greater output. This increases national output and national income where the producers have access to international markets for their products.

The industrial revolution in the United Kingdom, for example, was built on groundbreaking inventions in industries such as textiles and iron and steel, leading to developments in transport such as railways and increasing national income to create the largest economy in the world in the 19th century.

Today the technology that dictates the pace of economic growth is in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as this is the major driver of processes.

Developing countries in the early 21st century now look to technology to similarly increase efficiency of production and diversify industrial output so as to reduce reliance on primary industries and just a few products. New technology also may help to increase the health of the nation, boost educational facilities and enhance transport and communications, and developing countries see a close link between technology and economic development.

Nigeria has made a less than impressive showing in the latest Global Competitiveness Index for 2012/2013, a survey aimed at quantifying the quality of the macroeconomic environment, the state of a country’s public institutions and its level of technological readiness. The report put together by the World Economic Forum ranked Nigeria 148 out of 196 countries while the country maintained a 3.50 score, same as what it recorded in the previous 2011/2012 review behind other sub-Saharan African countries of South Africa, 4.34; Kenya, 3.82; Benin, 3.78; Ghana, 3.65, and Cameroon, 3.61. According to the World Economic Forum’s description, the 3.50 range Nigeria recorded is low, according to its rating index, when pitched against other countries.

One factor that has created a gap in the growth in technological advancement in the country according to Adeyemi Abdul-Rasaq, a research analyst is the educational system which is said to be lacking in many respects. In a recent survey, no Nigerian university was among the best 85 universities out of the 7,000 world recognized universities.

The almighty University of Ibadan and University of Lagos didn’t make the list of the first 100. This paints a dire picture for the educational system.

In spite of the numerous efforts of government at bridg-

I

AT A GLANCE

• NITDA boost Internet reach with…P26 • Nokia lists strategy, targets more…P27 • IXPN saves Nigeria $600,000 monthly…P28 •Poll links poor educational performance…P29 • Can cyber attacks pose a threat to national…P36

ing the gap in the educational sector, access to quality education by all still seems to be a long way away. In recent times corporate bodies have stepped in to either fill the void created in the nation’s educational system or assist government and institutions in raising the standard of education in Nigeria.

This is often done through scholarship programmes, investing in schools, renovations or adoption of schools, teachers training programmes among others.

Only recently, Guinness Nigeria took a bold new step in the direction of building growth in the area of technological education as it sponsored some youths on a technical training programme at the Institute of Industrial Technology (IIT) as part of its efforts at supporting the development of the youths, skills development and ensuring sustainable human capacity development in the nation.

The IIT is an educational institution established by the African Development Foundation to use vocational and technological training to close the gap in education and technological development by training individuals with the right skills to contribute to the skilled workforce in the technology sector.

The Director of the Institute Mr. Olumide Akinjo said, “The purpose of this programme is to use technical and vocational training to close the gap in educational development and we are happy to have an able supporter such as Guinness Nigeria Plc that have supported some our students towards achieving their dreams”.

Akinjo also stated that the programme which started 13 years ago has been kept alive by socially responsible corporate citizens like Guinness Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of Guinness Nigeria, Sesan Sobowale, Corporate Relations Director, represented by Mrs. Nkiruka Ogboruche, said that Guinness Nigeria is always committed to supporting the dreams and aspirations of youths and assisting them in becoming useful members of society. “At Guinness Nigeria, we are always happy to be involved with worthy projects such as these that can add such tremendous value to the lives on Nigerians. This sort of support forms a core part of our community investment agenda and we will continue to support Nigeria and Nigerians through initiatives and activities that uplift them.”

Otive Igbuzor, PhD, a renowned educator and director of ActionAid, a non-governmental organization has said that for the successful development of the educational sector and technology advancement, the private sector will have to play a major role in supporting the efforts of government.

He noted that the efforts of corporate bodies do have the po-

In spite of the numerous efforts of government at bridging the gap in the educational sector, access to quality education by all still seems to be a long way away. In recent times corporate bodies have stepped in to either fill the void created in the nation’s educational system or assist government and institutions in raising the standard of education in Nigeria. This is often done through scholarship programmes, investing in schools, renovations or adoption of schools, teachers training programmes among others. tential to significantly make a positive impact on educational development in the Nation.

The move by Guinness has given youths a chance to aspire to achieve their dreams as expressed by Darlington Aibangbee, one of the recipients of the Guinness sponsorship of the programme. He said,” My goal is to become an engineer and I am grateful to Guinness for assisting in making this dream a reality. It is my hope that at the end of this programme I will have the knowledge and skills to add value to the society.”

In no small measure, a paradigm shift that ensures support for technical and vocational institutions as well as their students has immeasurable benefits for the country at large.

It will lead to the emergence of a skilled generation of youths that can fill the yawning skill gap in the real sector of the economy thereby accelerating the growth of small and medium scale businesses which are the engine room of growth and development in every economy.

With the efforts of organizations like Guinness Nigeria, one could surmise that there is a glimmer of hope for the educational sector and the younger generation of this great country. If more organizations in the private sector borrow a leaf from Guinness we can look forward to a positive change in the quality of Nigeria’s education and ultimately the growth of technological development.

26 COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

NITDA boosts Internet reach with 228 RITCs

By Adeyemi Adepetun HE National Information Technology Development T Agency (NITDA) has established over 228 Rural Information Technology Centres (RITCs) across the nation in a bid to spur Internet usage and make Nigerians more digitally inclined.

NITDA disclosed that many of the RITCs are located in the rural areas of the country, which is in a bid to reach both the un-served and under-served areas of the country in line with the country’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the International Telecommunication Union directive.

The RITCs, according to NITDA were established between 2007 and 2012 in all the geopolitical zones and the agency plans to take the RITCs to all the 774 local government headquarters of the country in the years ahead.

According to information received from NITDA at the weekend over 116 of the RITCs were located in the Northern part of the country, while about 112 have been established in the Southern part of the country.

The deployment of RITCs across the nation is part of the MDGs and NITDA’s target objective of providing Internet access to the undeserved communities.

Director General of the NITDA, Professor Cleopas Angaye said the idea behind the RITCs is government’s response toward providing access to the rural populace across Nigeria and making them an integral part of the new global economy driven by ICT. “Nigerians who reside in the rural communities cannot be neglected in any meaningful citizen-centred programme”, Angaye said.

Indeed, the deployment of the RITCs, according to Angaye has contributed in boosting Internet usage from 2,418,679 users in 2005 to an estimated number of about 10 million users in 2008 and over 44 million internet users in 2012, thereby, positioning Nigeria as one of the fastest growing internet users in sub-Saharan Africa.

NITEL eXchange point, Iponri, Lagos, as at yesterday

PHOTO: ADEYEMI ADEPETUN

Etisalat creates Google Maps search for its Experience Centres clearly demonstrated through the different innovative services and products we roll out. We not only provide them with a quality network and services, we are also concerned about making it convenient for them to reach us. The Etisalat explained that each listing includes the Experience Google maps location helps us connect to our customers Centre name, opening hours and contact numbers, and is better and faster, and we hope this will strengthen our aimed at providing quick and easy access to its customers bond with them,” he said. who want to locate the nearest centre anywhere in Nigeria.

Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria Wael Ammar, said He assured Etisalat customers of the company’s readiness this development was based on the constant need to provide to provide them with the best customer care service anywhere in the country, and urged them to look out for its Etisalat customers with access to the company’s superior products and services. “We are continuously exploring inno- customer centres nearest to them on the google map.

Etisalat Nigeria currently has over 100 Experience Centres vative ways to improve the experience of our customers and spread across major cities in Nigeria. will always strive to make life easy for them. This we have O facilitate easy access to its retail outlets, TelecommunicaT tions Company, Etisalat, has announced the listing of its Experience Centre locations across Nigeria on Google Maps.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

COMPULIFE

27

Nokia lists strategy, targets more market share in Nigeria, others Unveils Wi-fi enabled Asha 310

By Adeyemi Adepetun ETERMINED to remain afloat despite increased competition, Finnish phone maker, Nokia said it remained focus on its three-pronged strategy to expanding its market fortune globally.

With targets on Africa, especially the Nigerian market, Nokia said the handset business remains a population business with vast opportunities for operators.

Speaking at the media unveiling of its latest phone, Asha 310 Wi-fi enabled device in Dubai, UAE, at the weekend, Nokia’s Senior Vice President, Sales, IMEA, Shiv Shivakumar said the company remained focused despite the intense competition.

Shivakumar said Nokia’s strategy at remaining at the top remained smart, which include; bringing in smart devices; connecting the next billion phone users and been futuristic in their design.

He said within few months of launching the Nokia Lumia smartphone, the company has sold about 40 million of it globally; stressing that connecting the next billion phone users will involved service and Internet capabilities.

Shivakumar, who said smartphone changes are based on consumer perception, stressed that Nokia’s strategy was to

D

less. The powerful combination of Dual SIM plus Wi-Fi in the same device, a first for Nokia smartphones, gives consumers the best of both worlds by offering the flexibility to enjoy more mobile experiences while managing their costs. He added that the Nokia Asha 310 also comes packed with great apps and games that are the hallmark of the Nokia Asha range.

According to him, with Nokia’s built-in Easy Swap Dual SIM technology, consumers can use the external slot on the Nokia Asha 310 to insert a secondary SIM card, while keeping their principal SIM card in place behind the battery.

Shivakumar said the Nokia Asha 310 puts the user in control, with the ability to shift between SIM cards for personal or work use without turning off the phone, adding that they can also swap SIM cards while on-the-go, to get the best available tariffs when commuting.

“Nokia Easy Swap Dual SIM makes it possible to assign and store unique profiles for up to five SIM cards. Users can desig-

have a broad range of device for different market segments.

Commenting on the new Asha 310 Wi-fi enabled device, the Nokia Senior Vice President, IMEA, said it is a new dual SIM smartphone with Wi-Fi support to help

By Adeyemi Adepetun people get more out of the Internet, for HEAD of the March 5-7 broadband business workshop in Lagos, tagged ‘BbExPro’, experts have been drawn from within and outside the telecommunicaand sustain an efficient procurement system tions industry to discuss and chart path that meets international best practices.” to improved broadband regime in NigeHe said the BPP was conducting an exercise to ria. verify the professional membership claims of Confirming this on Monday, the Prosome contractors dealing with the Federal Govgramme Coordinator, Titi Omo-Ettu, ernment and its ministries, departments and said the theme of the workshop, which agencies. is ‘Access to Funding as a Critical Re“Towards this end, the CPN secretariat is quirement of Extending Broadband Inpresently working with the officials of the BPP, ternet Access to Nigerians’ will be who came to request for the electronic and hard discussed in full and solutions will be copy of the list of registered members of the CPN proffered for the industry. in order to authenticate the claims before it,” he Director of Universal Service Provision said.

Fund, Abdullahi Maikano will address According to him, the CPN is compiling the list the workshop on ‘Opportunities of and of financially update members for onward delivApplication of USPF to Expanding Broadery to BPP. band Services’ In view of this, he urged all CPN members to On the resource speakers list, Omo-ettu pay up their outstanding subscriptions as soon said Dr. Olunifesi Suraj will talk on ‘Mapas possible. ping the Broadband Investment OpporAmoo said, “This is a commendable developtunities in Nigeria’ while Mr. Sam ment for the profession and the nation, as it sigObafemi will lead discussion on ‘Businifies our collective desire to promote quality ness Processes and Business Performcontrol, professionalism as well as commensuance’. rate return for those who invested heavily in inOther confirmed speakers and particiformation technology. pants, according to him are drawn from

CPN partners BPP on IT contracts authentication HE Computer Professionals Registration T Council of Nigeria is working with the Bureau of Public Procurement to authenticate the claims as well as professional membership of Federal Government’s Information Technology contractors.

In a statement at the weekend, the Head, Media and Corporate Communication, CPN, Mr. Taofeek Amoo, said that the development was part of the council’s effort to ensure that only registered corporate and individual members of the council were considered for the award of IT contracts in both the private and public sectors.

Amoo said, “As we all know, the Public Procurement Act, 2007 established the Bureau of Public Procurement as the regulatory authority responsible for the monitoring and oversight of public procurement as well as harmonisation of the existing government policies and practices by regulating, setting standards and developing the legal framework as well as professional capacity for public procurement in Nigeria.

“The vision of the establishment is to build

nate SIM cards for text, voice and data and switch between them at their convenience”, he stated.

Providing more insight into its functionality, Nokia’s Head of Mobile Phone, Carin Turcanu said the addition of Wi-Fi in the Nokia Asha 310 gives users a fast and easy way to enjoy more online, including streaming videos from YouTube or downloading the 40 free EA Games from Nokia Store. The ability to connect to free Wi-Fi hotspots whether at home or on the go means users aren’t constrained by their data plan.

Turcanu said the Nokia Asha 310 comes pre-loaded with Nokia Xpress Browser, which delivers a fast and fluid browsing experience and support for thousands of web apps, adding that the Nokia Xpress Browser compresses Internet data by up to 90 per cent, saving consumers money.

“The new Nokia Asha 310 with Wi-Fi allows users to experience a wide range of mobile Internet experiences right out-of-the box or within easy reach by visiting Nokia Store”, he stated.

Experts to discuss broadband funding in Nigeria MainOne, Ericsson, AFINBO/AFL, Junisat

A

among others.

He disclosed that major keynote speakers at the closing ceremony of the workshop will include the minister of Communication Technology and the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Mrs. Omobola Johnson and Dr. Eugene Juwah respectively.

Others are CEO’s of MainOne Cable Company and Ericsson Nigeria.Various Commercial Presentations aimed at featuring key broadband products and services which are already on offer in Nigeria or about to be introduced to the market are also on the line up of major presentations at the workshop.

“Even as at this time, there are still opportunities for product exhibition and service introduction. A funding requirement working document of the participating firms would be handed over to government at one of the ceremonies of the workshop.

“A publication titled Nigeria’s Broadband Expansion Program 2013 and Beyond which is an implementation Handbook of the Program will be unveiled by the Minister and distributed to delegates and invited guests”, he stated.

28 COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Benefits of localising Internet traffic in Nigeria, by Rudman Muhammed Rudman is the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s first Internet eXchange point, which was commissioned in January 2011 to save cost by localizing Internet traffic. Rudman, in this interview with ADEYEMI ADEPETUN, revealed how the eXchange point has been able to reduce the price of bandwidth in Nigeria within few years, and the benefits of localising Internet traffic in Nigeria among other industry issues. Excerpts WO years down the lane, how will you rate the acceptance T of the IXPN from ISPs and other service providers in Nigeria generally?

There is actually very good acceptance in Lagos, formerly there were skepticisms from ISPs in trying to see whether the IXPN can really make an impact or not, but they are now fully convinced that it would make an impact and they are all coming in. For example, almost all the GSM operators are now connected, with the last of them trying to conclude on their pairing before the end of this month. We have most of the CDMA operators.

We have almost 80 per cent of all the major ISPs that are in Lagos. It was a bit difficult but we have evolved seriously in Lagos. When you talk about Abuja and Port Harcourt that is where the challenge is right now, we are trying to see how we can sensitize the various ISPs in those locations to connect to the exchange point, as well as some higher educational institutions. But there are very few ISPs in those locations because most of the ISPs are dying, especially if you look at the other states across the country except in Lagos. That is why we are trying to find ways to lower the cost for them, so that these smaller ISPs across the country can prosper in those regions.

The IXPN was commissioned January 2011 to save cost by localizing traffic. Has this objective been achieved?

If we are to do an analysis, you will see that IXPN has made a very good impact from last year till this year because traffic has increased by about 4000 per cent. We are exchanging right now at peak bandwidth periods of about two Gigabits per second local Internet traffic, which is quite huge and it is increasing constantly. So if you can do an analysis, even with the drop of bandwidth in Lagos to $300 per megabits per second (Mbps), due to the landing of these submarine cables, you will realize that we are talking about 2000 bits per second, so multiply that by $300; it will come to about $600,000. So we are saving the country $600,000 monthly because each ISP that is paying us, is paying us averagely about $5 - $6 per Megabits per second. Before the exchange

Rudman point, all the traffic of all these ISPs were going international for them to even connect and communicate locally.

With the exchange point, there is the international, and there’s the local, formerly even the local was passing as international. On local traffic some ISPs are exchanging 100200 Mbps, so it’s saving them money because if they are getting 150 Mbps at N1000 per Mbps that means they would be paying us N150, 000 monthly.

The same ISP without us will have to pay for that 150 at $300 as an international traffic, so he will be paying $300 X 150, which is $45,000.00 equivalent to 7.2 million naira. So he either pays $45,000.00 internationally or pays N150, 000 here.

So it is really cheap and the ISPs are happy about it and they are paying for it. If not, they will not be laying fibre all the way from their various locations to this place to physically connect. It means we are making an impact, it means we are saving them cost.

The government does not compel them to be here, and they are here voluntarily because of the benefits, which are constantly increasing. So in the states that we establish new branches, we are trying to bring them up within a short period of time, so that they can also make an impact just like the exchange point in Lagos.

With what we are trying to do now, in the next one year or thereabout, cost will significantly drop and people will realize the impact we are making.

Can we really say broadband has contributed to Nigeria’s GDP? What are your efforts to make government give broadband top priority?

We are talking to government to provide the fibre circuit between Lagos and all our other branches, so that it will subsidize the cost of Internet in those locations. If I am to give you an analogy just like what we discussed earlier, you will see that in Lagos, the cost of bandwidth has significantly dropped to about $300 - $200 per megabyte per second. Formerly, last three years it was like $4000 before the landing of all these submarine cables. But unfortunately, this is not reflected in other landlocked states across Nigeria. If you still move away from Lagos, Internet bandwidth is really expensive.

I was reading online recently that MainOne is complaining that they are under-utilizing their capacity, they are right now using about five per cent of their total capacity which is bad because there are so many

states, so many schools that are deprived of this facility, they really need it desperately. So what we realized is that the cost of transmission line from here to these states is the major challenge because you have the capacity in Lagos, how do you deliver it to Kano? So the cost of the delivery of that capacity is the major cost.

We are talking to government to see if they can provide that transport, that fibre link transmission line between Lagos and other states, specifically a state in each of the six geo-political zones. So that ISPs in Kano can gain the same benefits as ISPs in Lagos, they can get bandwidth at a cheaper cost. If they can get bandwidth at a cheaper cost, it has a kind of multiplier effect because they will buy more capacity, and as they buy more capacity, the submarine cable operators will now be happy because they will sell more capacity, the transit providers, the carriers, national carriers will get more money as they will be patronized more because of the increase in demand.

The end users will be happy because they will get faster speed and since the traffic is local, it will be cheaper. So it affects the whole value chain, that’s what we are trying to do with the government.

How has the presence of IXPN encouraged contents provider like Google to be more active in Nigeria, in terms of locally distributed contents?

There are different kinds of content actually, you can talk about local content but this is international content hosted locally. Like the Google now, it is not actually a kind of local content; it’s a global content provider that is providing the content locally, which is really great for Nigeria.

They are here because we achieved at least some significant amount of membership by connecting several service providers, Google is passionate about Internet growth in developing nations, so they have presence in many African counties. Their connection to IXPN serves as a catalyst for our growth, because most of the Nigerian service providers do have Internet content hosted locally. We hope that other bigger global content providers can realize the advantages of coming into the country and they would soon have a physical presence in Nigeria. I think it’s worthy to also mention that what we are focused more on is, to see how we can get local Internet content that is created locally in Nigeria, hosted locally as well.

This is actually the economic engine of the Internet, if you end up being a consumer only, you don’t get any value economically. A lot of countries are making money out of software, out of web page designing, out of hosting, but unfortunately in Nigeria, we are just consumers, and this is why we want to change the game. Because, if you can divide Internet into two parts, you can divide it into the eyeballs, (that is people trying to browse), and the content that they are trying to browse. So if the content which is the money making machine is outside, what happens to the whole economy? So what we are trying to do is to bring that content locally, so that it will boost our broadband.

But as long you put the content outside Nigeria, it is thousands of kilometers away from you, no matter how hard you try to reach that content, it’s still costly. It’s like you are trying to create a market for a village, instead of the market to be in the village, so that things will be cheap, you put the market in Lagos and all the way from a distant far land within Nigeria, you must come to Lagos, transport cost is there. So no matter how efficient it is, whether you use airplane, whether you use a car, whether you use a train, whatever you use is still expensive because you have to go a very long distance to reach that content.

The only way to make the cost cheap is to have that content hosted locally within Nigeria and that is what we are working on. The exchanges are like crossroads where two roads meet. If two roads meet, people build filling stations at the junction, eventually you will see mechanics, vulcanisers, food sellers shops coming in; communities are even actually built base on that, you see small junction becoming a major town.

What we are trying to do is build this crossing in each of the six geo-political zones to promote that content. If you look at Kano, it has 16 million people; the major language there is Hausa language and including the entire northern part of the country. Kano can become a hub for Hausa content, so that people can host all their videos, their audios and books. If you go into Enugu, put Enugu exchange point, it becomes a major hub for Igbo culture, Igbo traditions, books, audios, videos and they can exchange it locally. Instead of having one market, you can have multiple markets in different locations, so that people can have access to it and that’s basically what we are doing in terms of content.

What is IXPN’s role in migrating from IPV4 to IPV6?

Our role there is that we are trying to see how we can gradually move because the IPV4 is finishing even though some people are saying that there is still about 30 per cent of it globally, but eventually it will finish since we finished the 70 per cent. And what we are trying to push is that Nigeria should wake up and implement slowly with time because if you allow it to finish completely then you now go into fire brigade approach, which is not good for the country. So we have started with training, we provided trainings, we partnered with AfriNIC to provide training on IPV6 in Lagos and in Abuja and we are trying to see if we can do another training by next year in Kano, Port Harcourt and other regions across the country. That’s all we are trying to do on IPV6.

I learnt sometimes ago IXPN joined Euro-IX, what are the benefits?

The whole essence of joining Euro IX is to participate in the global arena to discuss with our peers, to see how we can improve our own infrastructure and services here in Nigeria; based on their lesson learnt because they have been running exchanges for a very long period than us. So we are still learning, we are tapping out of their experience, and being part of the global arena will open our eyes toward getting better services for our customers, that is why we joined Euro-IX.

COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

29

Poll links poor educational performance, others to increased social media usage

By Ajibola Amzat ITH the growing popularity of social media in Nigeria, a recent survey by a Lagos-based poll center shows that social interaction among the Nigerian youths is increasingly taking place in the cyberspace.

The poll further suggests that the heavy use of social media by Nigerian youths may affect their academic performance and compromise their safety.

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the Internet for the same reason.

The study revealed further that Facebook is the most patronised social medium among the teenagers.

According to the report, “Most of the respondents in the SouthEast (90 percent) and North Central (90 percent) mentioned Facebook as the site they visited most for The Group Vice President, Oracle, Mr. David Vap, who comsocialization. Youths in the mented on the study, said, “This report demonstrates that South West region (90 perorganisations around the globe and across many industries are cent), North West region (70 beginning to understand the real business impact of not offer- percent) and South-South ing great customer experiences. “We recommend that organiregion (70 percent) sations map their customers’ journeys to identify specific trail in that order.” improvement areas that will help them cross the execution The poll was conducted chasm. between October and “By empowering customers and employees, breaking down November 2012 among 250 Se organisational silos, and implementing flexible processes and nior Secondary School (SSS 1 technology tools, organisations can deliver personalised, seam- -3) students selected in less customer service through the entire experience lifecycle.” all the geopolitical zones of t According to him, a good customer experience strategy he country except the requires fundamental organisational changes; adding that suc- North-East due to the secucessful initiatives that had improved the customer experience rity challenges in the spanned process and technology. zone.

The survey, conducted by Richardson Konsult, revealed that in the six geopolitical zones of the country, most of the youths browse the Internet for social reasons.

Teenagers across the country are forming the habit of making and chatting with friends using the social media platforms as against visiting them for physical social interaction, the study pointed out.

In the North Central, more than 7 in 10 teenagers (73 per-

cent) browsed the Internet for social activities. More than half of the teenagers in the South -West, NorthWest and South- East geopolitical zones, and fewer teenagers in the SouthSouth browse

Oracle’s report shows impact of poor customer service on business growth

By Adeyemi Adepetun and Bankole Orimisan FOR organizations to make it big, especially in revenue, goodwill and increased customer base, the need to respond effectively to customers queries has been described as sine qua non for improved productivity.

Indeed, a new report from Oracle, tagged: “Global Insights on Succeeding in the Customer Experience Era”, revealed that the average potential revenue loss for not offering a positive, consistent and brand-relevant customer experience is 20 per cent of yearly revenue for businesses.

The company said the global survey of 1,342 senior-level executives from 18 countries in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America yielded new insights into the challenges, strategies and lessons learned for succeeding in the customer experience era.

According to the report, 97 per cent of executives surveyed agreed that 20 per cent of yearly revenue loss was a possibility if a company consistently offered poor customer service.

The study further revealed that business executives underestimated the impact of customer experience on behaviour. In fact, 45 per cent

Samsung Galaxy Grand smartphone now in Nigeria Samsung Electronics, the world’s largest maker of mobile handsets, has rolled out its highly anticipated Galaxy Grand smartphone in Nigeria, adding a new Galaxy device to its expanding range of products in this category.

The 5-inch display, smart, dual-SIM Galaxy Grand combines the features of Samsung’s game-changing Galaxy S III and the revolutionary Galaxy Note II, which were released by the manufacturing giant last year.

According to the Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, the new Galaxy Grand will ensure that Samsung maintains its dominance in the global smartphone market, by positioning itself to meet the demands of consumers desirous of optimizing the value that they derive from their mobile devices.

“Continuing with our legacy of launching innovative devices that redefine consumer experiences, we take great pride in announcing the launch of the Galaxy Grand in Nigeria. The Galaxy Grand is revolutionary not only in terms of the great smartphone experience that it provides but also in terms of its value proposition. We feel that the Galaxy Grand will further fuel the growth of the smartphone market in the country and will especially delight consumers looking for a device with great, smart dual-SIM capabilities,” he said.

of executives surveyed indicated that customers would switch brands due to a poor customer experience, but 89 per cent of customers said they actually had switched brands due to a bad customer experience.

More so, the study found that social media amplified the customer voice, and businesses were scrambling to answer.

As such, 81 per cent of executives believed that delivering a great customer experience today required leveraging social media effectively.

But, 35 per cent do not have social media for sales channels, and 35 per cent do not have social media for customer service.

According to the report, businesses are investing in customer experience.

On the average, the study found that businesses estimated that they would increase spending on customer experience technology by 18 per cent in the next two years.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

30 COMPULIFE

Nigeria to rank among top 10 Internet user countries

By Bankole Orimisan HE Chief Executive Officer of Signal Alliance, Mr. Collins T Onuegbu, has declared that Nigeria will be ranked among the top 10 countries of the world in Internet usage and penetration in years to come.

Onuegbu, whose firm specifically specialize in software development and service delivery, gave the prediction in Lagos at a forum staged by Signal Alliance to revalue its customers and to advise them on new business model that would help them stay

Yookos unveils new version of social networking site FRICAN-born social network, Yookos, has announced the A release of the latest version of its platform as part of the company’s ongoing initiatives to match the social networking requirements of social media users by offering an exciting and engaging product.

The release of the desktop version dovetails the recent launch of its much-anticipated mobile web version late last year in Johannesburg, South Africa. By offering the mobile version meant especially for feature phones, Yookos has made it possible for more people to join the fastest growing social network in Africa.

Yookos currently operates from Nigeria, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

At the media unveiling in Lagos at the weekend, Yookos Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tomisin Fashina said; “What makes Yookos to be a social networking site of choice is its ability to blend a multiplicity of social media functionalities and features into one intuitive and robust platform. Thus, its users do not have to have accounts on diverse social media platforms as all their requirements are met on a single platform. Users are not only able to sign-in with their other existing social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and Linked-In but they can now easily share all their Yookos posts with friends and family on these platforms as well.

“After we launched Yookos about two years ago we took time to really listen and understand our users much better to make sure they get the best out of our product.”

Fashina, who said there are about 10 million people already on the platform, stressed that the traffic continues to build up.

“We’ve made huge investments to ensure that Yookos becomes a highly competitive and world-class platform that users can really enjoy and be proud of.”

“In addition to the social sharing and sign-in integration, we went further to give users more control over their own Yookos account by even allowing them to customise their streams and groups just by simply clicking, dragging, and dropping. That’s how easy it is now”, he added.

According to him, Yookos has always tried to ensure that users can get all the functionality they require from a social network in one place with their offering.

The intention on this latest version, according to him is no different but a significant step-up in the offering once a user signsup, it is a bouquet of offerings that one would normally have to go through a few sites to enjoy all found in one place.

“And users can enjoy all these benefits with the comfort of knowing that they are in a safe and clean online environment free from any violent or abusive content. There will always be hackers, but we have ensured that there is a monitoring mechanism on the

relevant in a technology evolving world.

Onuegbu, who based his prediction on the 110 million telecoms subscribers in the country, said since the figure was an accumulation of mobile phone users in the country, there is the tendency that it will boost internet penetration and usage, because majority of Nigerians use smart phones with internet access for their daily browsing.

“As the number of mobile phone subscription increases, the volume of internet usage is likely going to increase, and this will move Nigeria to become among the top ten economies of the world in internet usage and penetration,” Onuegbu said.

Insisting on transparency as a recipe for growth in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, during his presentation at the five day customer forum, Onuegbu said a number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) went under over the years. The reason, he said, was because of capitalist idea brought into ICT business, which tends to support one sided growth in an ecosystem that involves several players.

Using the hypothesis of ‘You Grow We Grow’ and ‘We Grow You Die’, Onuegbu said unless organisations begin to trust their service providers and vendors and at the same time display high level of transparency in business, more SMEs would continue to fold up.

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COMPULIFe

Software Nigeria can’t wait for anyone!

By Chris Uwaje eSTeRdAY, we were told we told that it will take us 2,000 years to locally refine crude oil into petroleum and develop a Bomb – but we did that within few months during the Nigerian civil war and came out with “Ogbinigwe” a bomb with much dynamism and superiority than other inventions! Lessons learned dictates that we must belief in ourselves and indeed in our collective knowledge and wisdom.

Today, Nigeria Software and by extension, software developed in Africa and by Africans has arrived and cannot wait for anyone but move on and positively explode to add unprecedented value to governance and economy! Software is life and constructive expression of creative logic, innovation and productive independence in the information centric knowledge society.

Currently, we live in a world where 3,000 books with heavy knowledge stuffs are produced daily (e-book inclusive), where Nigerian Mobile phone ownership and subscription rate has surpassed the 110million threshold and where Nollywood is sleeplessly scripting globally competitive storylines and producing breathtaking movies. Telling our story ourselves, competing and promoting our knowledge culture globally is the reality of human development and creation of wealth.

Therefore, anyone, (government, investors, market forces etc.) who neglects to recognize the power and emerging business numbers of SoftwareNigeria (Nigeria developed Software) is missing out on a significant aspect of the entrepreneurship bottom-line required for engaging the opportunities of Information Society (IS). For this and other cogent reasons, SoftwareNigeria can’t wait. No we cannot wait; not for India, USA, europe or indeed, for any other country for that matter! We must define our own model and forge our software identity and move on – and the time is now, before the Cloud, and yes we can.

Global IT spending will hit $3.73trillion in 2013 – according to Gartner Inc. Also, Software spending will reach $158billion by 2016. This translates to the fact that we now live in a ‘Software-First World’ where Nigeria’s future resides.

Meanwhile, the recent United Nations (UNCTAd) Information economy Report 2012 on “The Software Industry and developing Countries”, has rightly recognized Software as not only fundamental, but critical to National development and Security but also for National Prosperity and survivability.

The critical infrastructure and economy of modern nation is largely controlled and managed by software. In short, software has become a prime and critical national resource, vital to national well being, sustainable development, creation of wealth and global competitiveness. The recent UN studies therefore rightly emphasized that ‘Software’s Critical Role Raises Fundamental National Issues’. This has necessitated the accelerated involvement of government of most nations in the WSIS program agenda.

The study further observed that nation’s dependency on software raises national issues and challenges that must be

Y

addressed in a coherent manner.

While ISPON continues to serve as the chief software advocate of Nigeria (CSAN), we also submit that the Software Industry can become an alternative to Oil – with respect to revenue generation and wealth creation. We are therefore concerned about the current alarming rate of national technophobia and in particular, the visible ignorance about the critical and significance role of Software in 21st Century National global development. By all indications, Software Technology can become a very feasible alternative to our national Oil revenue generation - currently put at about $12billion a year. The key benefit of a vibrant Software Industry is in producing more knowledgeable and betterskilled human capital for nation building. It is unacceptable therefore, that with well over $54billion Software Revenue generation India Software export revenue is more than 400 per cent of what Nigeria generates from Oil annually.

This is another reason why Software-Nigeria cannot wait for anyone. This is the time to move on and move on very fast we must.

Indeed, the data for the fiscal year 2011 - including revenue from both domestic and export markets of global Software market, vividly demonstrates that

Software-Nigeria maybe our last hope and indeed, the bridge to our sustainable development. India’s Revenue from exports grew 29 percent to $40.4 billion during this period, while revenue from the domestic market grew by 26 percent to $11.6 billion.

Today, the development, application and use of Software has boosted productivity, created new jobs, enabled more efficient businesses, produced higher quality of goods and services, and led to greater global innovation, standards and best practices. The emergence of the Software revolution has enhanced the quality of life from improving health care, agriculture, communication, education, Art and Culture, to promoting greater transparency, to making it easier for government, business and humanity to interact with one another and above all, to promoting world peace.

Software has therefore become – and will remain for a long time - one of the fastest growing industries with the power to enrich and sustain national economies.

Global projection and current assessment reveals that IT spending exceeded four trillion US dollars in 2009.

Uwaje is the President of ISPON. TO BE CONTINUED

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MaritimeWatch

Kefas, chairman, NIMASA

Anenih, chairman, NPA

Umar, Transport Minister

The global context, the challenges before new NPA, NIMASA’s boards

By Moses Ebosele HE clock started ticking immediately the T boards of Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) were inaugurated on February 7th, 2013, in Abuja Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, who inaugurated the boards emphasised the expectations of the Federal Government from the new boards and the need for members to abide by laid down performance indicators in the two agencies.

Though NPA and NIMASA are not the only Federal Government agencies in the maritime sector, their activities and operations according to experts are critical to the economic growth of the nation in terms of revenue generation, which is next to oil and gas coupled with reported prospects for numerous employment opportunities.

Stakeholders in separate chats with The Guardian on Monday appealed to the new NPA board to put machineries in place to decongest the ports in Lagos metropolis.

According to them, there is the urgent need to revive existing ports outside Lagos State and where necessary enter into collaboration with the private sector as part of measures to decongest activities in and around Lagos ports.

An economist, Matthew R. Otoide said: “The new NPA board should take the pain to find out why ports outside Lagos are not attractive to stakeholders. What is the problem? The challenges should be identified and efforts made to remedy the situation.”

He added: “It does not make sense for majority of all the cargo coming into the country to come in through one channel. We must tell ourselves the truth. Lagos is congested. That is one of the reasons why the roads are congested.

Apart from making ports outside Lagos viable, the board of NPA should collaborate with the board and management of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). With a viable railway, the congestion in and around Lagos ports may be a thing of the past”.

Otoide also used the opportunity to appeal to the members of the NIMASA board to implement fully the Cabotage law and support ongoing efforts to offer prospective Nigerian seafarers adequate training.

But, indigenous ship owners, under the aegis of Indigenous Ship Owners Association (ISAN) have threatened to drag the Federal Government to court over the appointments of some members of NIMASA board.

General Secretary of ISAN, Capt Niyi Labinjo explained in an interview with The Guardian on Monday that some NIMASA board members are not qualified to occupy their positions.

He said section 6 of NIMASA act specify that any prospective board member must have “cognate experience in the maritime sector”, adding that the group would approach the court any

moment from now to challenge the appointment of those who allegedly lack the necessary qualification to be part of the NIMASA board.

ISAN is also calling on NIMASA to map out strategists on how to develop the sector by deploying the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), adding that the fund should not be seen as another source of revenue.

Members of the group had also recently urged NIMASA to adopt it as Nigeria’s national carrier.

The issue of security in Nigerian waters and alleged theft of crude oil is also expected to be given priority by the new NIMASA board.

In a brief interview with The Guardian during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Chairman of NIMASA board, Lt Col (rtd) Agbu Kefas pledged the commitment of the board to contribute positively to the growth of the sector, adding that there is need for “attitudinal change”.

Chairman of the NPA board, Tony Anenih, who responded on behalf of others after Minister inaugurated the boards said members would strive at all times to maintain a good working relationship.

Anenih said, “I want to assure you that we shall dedicate ourselves totally to this assignment. As we all know, the parastatals are at the hearth of the economy of this country. We shall strive at all time to maintain a good working relationship.”

The NPA board is also expected to wade into recent protest by workers against reported plan by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to concession marine operations.

Senior Staff Association of NPA, recently, urged the Federal Government to shelve its proposed concession of maritime services.

According to the senior staff, the proposed concession of maritime services if implemented would lead to security threat, loss of government revenue, high cost of services, mass sack and “denial of common user facilities in the ports.”

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, President of the Association, Umar Omeiza Jimoh, explained that the decision to concession marine services by BPE was contained in a letter addressed to the managing director of NPA dated January 18, 2013.

The letter, according to Jimoh, lacks legal backing, “it would amount to re-concession of already concessioned services under public private partnership.”

Umar added, “the move of BPE to snatch marine/harbours ancillary services from NPA has no legal backing and the port activities enable NPA to involve PPP in all her service.

“BPE should remember that the terminals conccesioned by BPE, NPA and other government agencies was done under the port act of 1999.”

He described NPA as a healthy organisation, “carrying out all these services beneficially for the nation and there is no need for BPE putting plan for the concession of the services.”

The labour leader also advised BPE to stay away from NPA and beam its search light on areas where it has allegedly not performed well.

Jimoh said, “NPA is healthy and we are on top of maritime business. BPE should flash its touch light on areas it has not performed well like NITEL (Nigeria Telecommunication), PHCN (Power Holding Company of Nigeria) and others not NPA.” Making reference to the security implication of the proposed concession, the labour leader said, “the country has witnessed enough insecurity in the recent past. With her marine and harbours in the hand of private operators, one can imagine the chaos this will trigger security-wise.

“Today, government is earning revenue in its totality from services of marine/harbours and its ancillary services to the port users. If given to private hands, revenue coming to government will reduce tremendously while the cabals will be smiling to the bank and government will be strangulated. NPA has been effectively performing her responsibility in rendering monies to federal government account as when required.

“The cost of services rendered at the terminals (concessioned areas) today is three to four times higher when compared to charges of NPA then.

This high rate has driven some of our customers to other sub-West African countries. We should be careful.

“The level of unemployment in the country is very high which is directly proportional to the level of crimes that have taken all facets of our life. This government is not in support of further loss of jobs both in public and private sectors. BPE, the advocate of job loss, should note that further job loss in NPA would be highly resisted by the entire workforce. It should be noted that as a result of terminal concession, over 8000 of NPA workers were sacked in 2006.

“If the BPE is allowed to forge ahead with her plan, common users facilities guaranteed under NPA management of marine/harbour and its ancillary services will not be guaranteed anymore.”

Inaugurating the boards, the minister said with the appointment, the Federal Government has bestowed enormous responsibilities on the chairmen and members, adding, “as members of the governing boards, you are expected to work in harmony with the agencies in implementing government policies and pro-

Section 6 of NIMASA act specify that any prospective board member must have “cognate experience in the maritime sector”, adding that the group would approach the court any moment from now to challenge the appointment of those who allegedly lack the necessary qualification to be part of the NIMASA board.

grammes.

The minister explained that President Goodluck Jonathan has signed performance agreement with all ministers in his resolve to transform and change the approach to governance in such a way that each sector is challenged to deliver not only on the inputs and output “but also the outcome and indeed the direct impact of each project to the citizenry.”

Explaining further, the minister said, “Your appointments into these boards have come at a time when the implementation of the Transformation Agenda of the president is being vigorously pursued. The Maritime Sector remains a key sector of the economy, whose enormous potentials need to be further harnessed to meet the expectation of the government.

“It is in realisation of its contribution to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the numerous potentials that Mr. President decided to host a Maritime sector retreat in July, 2012.

The retreat provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders to identify and highlight challenges and offered suggestions on how to move the industry forward based on four key issues namely safety and security, local content and cabotage, ports and customs and revenue enhancement.

“These are the four modules upon which specific finding and recommendations were premised. Let me use this opportunity to inform you that the outcome of the retreat is currently receiving necessary government attention. At the appropriate and in no distant future, an approved action plan on the implementation strategy would me made,” said Umar.

He explained that the Federal Government towards ensuring the development of the deepsea ports, adding that the resolve is the ultimate solution to the overstretched existing ports, is making concerted efforts.

Umar said, “in this regards, the ground breaking for the actual development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port will be performed soon, while in the case of Ibaka Deep Sea Port, Akwa Ibom State, a steering committee has since been constituted with membership drawn from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Nigerian Ports Authority, Akwa Ibom State government and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.”

The minister told the board members that the committee has commenced its assignment, pointing out that a transaction adviser has been appointed.

He added, “I also wish to state that discussions are in progress between the Federal Ministry of Transport, Nigerian Ports Authority, on one side, the Lagos State government and some investors to develop the Badagry Deep Sea Port.

“Efforts are equally in progress for the establishment of a port at Ogidigbe, near Escravos, which is expected to be the hub for gas revolution initiative of the Federal Government

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MARITIMEWATCH 39

Govt woos investors with deep sea ports, explains partnership with Intels

By Moses Ebosele and Nkechi Onyedika HE ongoing efforts to T develop deep sea ports is intended to woo international investors to participate in Nigeria’s economy, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has said.

According to Maku, multinational companies especially in the power sector needs deep sea ports to move heavy equipment, adding that international investors give priorities to locations where essential infrastructures such as deep sea ports are readily available.

Speaking when the National Good Governance Tour visited the Onne port, Rivers State, recently, Maku said the Federal Government has made tremendous progress in ports development through partnership with the private sector.

He explained that the development of deep-sea port is also expected to create numerous jobs and decongest the Lagos ports facilities.

Explaining further, Maku said: “There are many vessels that are not coming here (Nigeria) now

President Jonathan because we don’t have a deep sea port. When you have a deep sea port, people taking things to Central and West Africa will use the deep sea ports”.

The Minister added: “We (Nigeria) are developing these with private sector funding. What is good for us is to say that we are moving forward. Its a lot of

problems handling goods in Lagos.”

Maku praised ITELS Logistics, a private international company operating the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Onne, for its stride in the development of Onne Port Complex, adding that the phase four of the port will enhance Nigerian’s position as the hub of Oil

and Gas shipping in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Minister said the $375 million (about N62 billion) port expansion project, slated for completion in August 2013, would boost Nigeria’s drive to become one the 20 most industrialised countries in the world in 2020.

Maku said:” When it was debated back and fort at the Federal Executive Council, it was approved because we believe that it would further deepen the transport segment of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda.

“The Government is deeply committed to making Nigeria a world leader in maritime transport and marine business. That is why this project is very important to government.

There is serious effort to reduce the pressure on the Lagos ports as the economy grows. And in addition to expanding the Onne Port, plans have reached advance stage for the construction of two deep-sea ports in Lekki, Lagos and Ibaka, Akwa Ibom River State.

More deep sea port are being planned’, Maku added Maku said Government

is satisfied with carrying out the project under Public Private Partnership (PPP), adding that the option will enable government complete in good time, projects that are critical to its development targets.

According to him, government will not spend a kobo in the project and its partner, INTELS, will hand over the port to government after running in for 20 years The Minister explained that PPP arrangement is the best option today amongst countries in the world that are in a hurry to develop critical infrastructure and expand their economies.

Maku also used the opportunity to commend the Ministry of Transport and the management of Intels for their contributions to Federal Government efforts to develop port facilities across the country.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Transport, Nebeolisa Emordi, who represented the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar said efforts are ongoing to boost rail Transportation nationwide.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Habib Abdulahi, who was represented by

Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Olumide Odutan, went down memory lane to explain origin of Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne Port.

He said the FOT was initially conceived in the late 1970s to facilitate bulk cargo/container operations from mining and petrochemical industries within the Niger Delta region and its bordering communities.

Abdullahi, said the port expansion project, whose groundbreaking was done

by President Goodluck Jonathan in May 2010 is 80 percent completed and would be completely ready in August this year.

He explained that the design berth for the Onne Port Phase 4 has 12 meters depth capable of accommodating ocean-going vessels.

“Other projects under this phase includes roads network totaling 4.5 kilometer linking Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) and FOT for administrative and cargo delivery efficiency and a 6000 meters capacity Water Treatment Plant connected to eight boreholes for firefighting purposes through dedicated hydrants.”

CDF, others seek restructuring of cargo handling procedure at seaports

By Olawumi Ojo HE Cargo Defense Fund T (CDF), a project of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) recently, called for restructuring of cargo handling procedure at the nation’s ports as part of measures to minimise alleged cases of losses and damages.

This was the highpoint of the presentation made by the Fund during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) recently in Lagos.

While presenting her request to the NPCC, Secretary, CDF, Azuka Ogo, said that her organisation has received several cargo handling related complaints from importers and

exporters.

The courtesy visit which had all ports service providers in attendance was made to look into the need for terminal operators to set up immediately claims desks or designation of claims officers at all terminals.

CDF called for agreement on procedures for joint survey in event of cargo loss or damage.

The Fund also suggested the need for an agreement on steps to adopt to ensure successful settlement of claims in event of damage or loss.

Other suggestions by the CDF were on the establishment of liability status while cargo is in the custody of any port operator and also agreement by all providersandusersofshipping services to reduce cargo expo-

sures to risks.

Supporting the view, Otumba Kunle Folarin, Chairman, NPCC explained that exporters and importers have suffered as a result of cargo handling systems and procedures in Nigeria.

According to him, there is urgent need for a drastic system change to enhance efficiency in reduction of losses and damages on cargoes at the ports.

Highlighting reasons why a system change is necessary, H. A. Ajetunmobi, vice chairman, NPCC emphasised the need to sensitise importers and exporters as well as their principals .

He said: “There is need for cargo interests and their

agents to be abreast of what is required of them especially in the area of documentation while carrying out their business activities. Efficient documentation is potent enough to reduce incidence of poor cargo handling which is the main headache of most cargo interests.

Still on avenues promoting cargo mishandling, Folarin wanted to know what happens when cargo are labeled overtimecargobytheCustomseven when the cargo is within the premises of the terminal operator.

Responding, Dangana Lot, Assistant Comptroller, Customs, Yaba, Lagos explained that on arrival of cargo, the importer has 28 days to

clear the goods failing which the cargo may be gazette.

He said that after the 28 days, the importer has another 60 daystoclearhisgoodsbyapplying to the zonal coordinator through the area controller.

Speaking for Sifax group, a terminal operator, Mr Val Usifoh, said that while many other operators do not have a defined claims desks at the ports, Sifax has one as well as insurance desk which both form part of the legal division.

Usifoh said that once the 28 days given by Customs has elapse, control over the cargo is transferred to the Customs but also did not say categorically who takes responsibility of the cargo in case of damage or loss.

Meanwhile, CDF and the Nigeria Insurers have worked out procedures to claim successfully from insurance companies in the event of loss or damage to cargo during transit or storage in an international trade transaction.

According to them, affected cargo interest should give immediate notice in writing to the Insurance Company, insist on a Cargo Loss Joint-Survey of the goods and take photographs of the damaged goods with Shipping Companies, give full documents as stated at the back of the Marine Certificate (including Bill of Lading front stamped copy from the Bank), give full estimates of loss (after the Joint Survey).

APMTerminalsunveils satellite-basedcontainerpositioningsystematApapa

By Moses Ebosele O aid prompt service T delivery, APM Terminals Apapa Limited, has concluded plans to introduce satellite based technology.

The measures, according to the Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Dallas Hampton, include a satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) for containers and a multi-level container inspection facility for physical examination of containers by Customs operatives.

According to Hampton, the satellite-based container location system will ensure 99.5 per cent accuracy of container location and inventory in the terminal yard.

Explaining further, Hampton said: “Manual systems cannot achieve much more than 90 per cent accuracy. The GPS system will also enable the use of further technologies such as NAVIS

Prime Route and Expert Decking which are advanced real time IT systems that can improve terminal yard efficiency. These systems combined will enable the terminal to have completely pedestrian free yards, and provide truck service times for received and delivery which are less than 45 minutes on average”.

He said the Global Positioning System will be installed once ongoing civil works are complete and will become operational early next year.

Hampton said the company is building a $10 million (about N1.6 billion) facility for physical inspection of containers by officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Explaining further in a statement, he said: “The multi-level facility is designed to reduce the footprint of the current inspection area and enable better use of what is effectively scarce terminal

land for holding containers - which is after all the primary purpose of a container terminal yard, as opposed to allocating huge areas of the terminal to Customs inspection. Nigeria is unique in that up to 70 per cent of containers undergo Customs inspection in the terminal – most countries in the world do less than 10 per cent at this point.

“As container volumes grow, one of the real constraints on capacity in the port system in Nigeria is the ever increasing demand for physical inspection by Customs. Most of the inspections are cursory formalities and do not involve much more than opening and closing the doors so a multi-level racking system for positioning containers can be used”, he said.

Hampton said that the new facility will be weatherproof and have integrated lighting to allow extended hours of operation incase

Customs is willing to do 24 hour inspection to meet its own demands.

“Improved safety will also be a prime advantage and the multi-level inspection areas can be locked out to isolate pedestrian during the operations by the two specially equipped RTG (yard) cranes - effectively separating man and machine. The use of yard cranes will make the whole inspection operation faster and more efficient than the current system using reach stackers”, said Hampton.

He warned that the risk to the $10 million investment in the facility is that Customs may use it as an opportunity to physically inspect an even higher percentage of containers which may well defeat the purpose of improving performance.

Both the GPS and the multilevel racking container inspection system are part of the Phase Three of the modernisation and upgrad-

Hampton ing of the Apapa terminals which is costing the company $135 million and which also includes terminal yard redevelopment and expan-

sion, new staff amenities and customer service building and acquisition of additional container handling equipment, among others.

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AFRICAN OIL&GAS REPORT 41

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBLITY (CSR)

Oil Companies Sponsor Reading/Literacy Campaign

By Jomo Aryitee IGER Delta Petroleum Resources and Pillar Oil together donated Two and half Million naira to the last edition of the Lagos Book and Art Festival(LABAF), the organisers have revealed.

Pillar was funding the event for the second consecutive year. NDPR was doing it for the first time.

“It’s a welcome gesture for oil companies to spend on literacy, on reading campaign”, says Jahman Anikulapo, programme Chair of the Committee For Art(CORA), organisers of LABAF, which claims to be the “biggest culture picnic in all of Africa”.

The 14th edition of the Book and Art Festival, which ran from November 14-16 at the Freedom Park in Lagos, featured readings and discussions of 31 books in the space of the three days, and a large Children section which involved 1,000kids of ages 817 focused on discussions around books just the same way as the adult section. With the theme Literacy and the Narrative Of

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Conflict, the Festival opened with a conversation around Bishop Matthew Kukah’s Witness To Justice; An Insider’s Account Of Nigeria’s Truth Commission. It features Kukah himself fielding questions from Tolu Ogunlesi. Other high profile books that were discussed by panelists who had read them, included Anikulapo says that other companies have donated before: the NLNG donated Two Million naira in 2011, Platform Petroleum gave 300,000Naira in 2010, the same year Century Energy came up with 500,000Naira.

LABAF costs over 20Million Naira and the bulk of the money spent comes from its members.

Mr Anikulapo says that oil companies are not necessarily more enthusiastic than companies in other sectors of the economy. Coca Cola has sponsored before, but in the last two years haven’t. The NLNG, a big supporter of the Festival, pulled back its funding last year when the new helmsman, Babs Omotowa called for rationali-

zation. Mr Omotowa’s view is that NLNG might be stretching itself too thin.

CORA had also been in dialogue with Seplat, the country’s largest indigenous E&P company, but the sponsorship hasn’t been forthcoming.

“We are particularly excited by the level of funding by Niger Delta Petroleum Resources and Pillar Oil”, Anikulapo says, adding, “especially considering the weight of responsibility on the companies”.

He says that Oil companies usually place priority on their host community and he is particularly impressed that NDPR is funding of its Host Community Trust to the tune of 5% of the company’s profits.

As of mid 2012, the company, which started production in 2005, had funded the Trust to the tune of $4.5Million (or 708Million Naira).

“This level of support to a host community is considerable in Nigeria, this is the sort of responsible company we’re glad to be friends with”.

Goodie Ibru, Chairman of Niger Delta Petroleum Resources

INSIGHT

By Tosin Shobo HE power woe in Nigeria is perhaps the single most important impediT ment to Economic growth. The above chart shows that Nigeria is perhaps understandably over reliant on Gas and Diesel for electricity generation. This is a natural temptation based on the abundance of oil/gas resources in Nigeria.

However, a more sustainable, effective mix of Electricity generation sources is required. The USA and UK do not rely on Oil and gas for power generation in spite of owning considerable hydrocarbon resources.

Nigeria needs to take a cue from these countries by diversifying its electricity

Mix Of Fuels For Electricity Generation generation portfolio away from gas fired power stations into coal fired facilities and to a lesser extent Wind power which admittedly can be an intermittent source of power generation. Different groups of States within Nigeria should rely on different types of Power sources. The 36 States can be grouped into say 6 zones with each zone pursuing at least two different sources of Power. Hydroelectric power generation will be appropriate for some of the Middle belt states while it makes sense for the Niger Delta to rely on gas fired power generation while Coal bearing states like Anambra and

surrounding States should be relying on power from clean Coal fired facilities. States that have a marine environment such as Lagos State should have Offshore and Onshore wind power facilities in addition to the traditional sources of power. It has to be said that offshore wind is not cheap at about US$4.5 billion for a 1000 MW facility but it aids decarbonisation and is proven technology. However it can only be applied as part of an energy mix.

Overall, a more diversified mix of power generation sources is required to significantly improve the robust-

ness and efficiency of the Power supply in Nigeria. Exclusive reliance on Gas fired power generation as seems to be the case, is sub optimal. Solar energy continues to be quite expensive for the time being while Nigeria has not yet demonstrated that it will be able to apply nuclear technology in a safe and environmentally friendly way. The inability to operate run of the mill refineries and Iron and Steel plants doesn’t provide the confidence that the nuclear power generation option is realistic at this stage. The international political hurdles are also a complication

Tosin Shobo is an oil and gas specialist for the emerging markets of Africa and worked in Nigeria for five years with Mobil Oil Nigeria Ltd and two years with Citibank before his career in the United Kingdom. He brings superb commercial and strategic acumen derived from over 30 years of working for major UK FTSE & NYSE listed energy multinationals, a stakeholder value orientation, an international & entrepreneurial outlook and a multi-disciplinary background in Chemical Engineering, Accountancy (ACCA) & Business Administration (MBA).

DEEPWATER WEST AFRICA

Gabon, Locked Out, Bangs On The Door

By Fred Akanni, in Libreville ABON is hoping to launch a new deep offshore oil licensing round in June 2013, offering licences in its own segment of the pre-salt sequence, which has been imaged by seismic shots that have penetrated layers of sediments deposited during the break up of the supercontinent in which Africa and South America were joined together.

That supercontinent, named Gondwanaland, included most of the landmasses in today’s Southern Hemisphere, but Africa and South America were particularly tightly knit within that space. The split of Africa/South America, 125 million years ago, resulted in the creation of the south Atlantic. This is why an oil discovery in Brazil could be sometimes seen to be a positive thing for Africa, especially those parts of Africa which were essentially “joined at the hip” with Brazil, when Gondwanaland existed. Those parts include Angola and Gabon.

Previous deepwater exploration in Gabon led to four wells drilled in the lower Congo Basin between 2000 and 2002. A TOTAL led consortium came up with three dry holes, located in water depths in excess of 2,000metres to total depths of 4806metres, 4793metres and 4047metres respectively, all very deep wells, in the Astrid Marin acreage. Agip came up dry at a TD of 2,882metres in Powe Marin 1, drilled in water depth of 1,000metres.

In 2005 Amerada Hess, running on adrenalin from its success foray in deepwater Equatorial Guinea, drilled two equally disappointing wells in deep offshore Ogooue Delta.

There have been explanations for the poor results in the Gabonese deepwater segment of the Oogue Delta and the

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New data acquired in the last three years by CCGVeritas have shown up the potentials that inhere in testing the presalt sequence, invoking the theory that if Brazil could find massive volumes of oil in the pre-salt deepwater sequence in Tupi(now Lula)-1 well in the Campos Basin, so can wells in Gabon.

Lower Congo Basins: • The Ogoeue Delta is not formed by the kind of large sized rivers like the Congo River which birthed the Congo Basin, or the Niger and Benue rivers which created the Niger Delta.

• The part of the lower Congo Basin that is in deepwater Gabon contains the obligatory hydrocarbon source, but it is buried too deep and the apparent lack of structuration disallows the source to adequately charge the reservoirs. Seismic data doesn’t suggest the presence of large scale canyons that could help deliver products of turbiditic flows into the deeper waters.

There have been questions about of whether the direction of flow of the Benguela currents, which impact sediment movement on the Nigerian coast for example, could have anything to do with the possible lack of commercial hydrocarbon reservoirs in deepwater Gabon. The jury is still out on that.

Whatever the explanations, Gabonese authorities say they desperately need to shore up production, which has declined from 365,000BOPD in 1995, to 225,000BOPD in 2012.

New data acquired in the last three years by CCGVeritas have shown up the potentials that inhere in testing the presalt sequence, invoking the theory that if Brazil could find massive volumes of oil in the pre-salt deepwater sequence in Tupi(now Lula)-1 well in the Campos Basin, so can wells in Gabon. The survey included more than 9600km of 2D seismic in Gabon’s southern and northern offshore zones, as well as 4,500 sqkm of 3D and 2D data in the southern zone.

Geologists now know that some of the basins on either side of the south Atlantic were formed at the same time during the rift phase and today are mirror images of each other.

Gabonese authorities believe that the country’s deepwater acquatory has never been properly explored.

Gabon had planned a licencing round for 2010, but postponed it in order to complete the promulgation of a new set of regulations. There were also issues of rising drilling costs and environmental concerns after BP’s massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The percentage the national oil company could hold in the newly licensed fields would depend on its financial capacity but would usually be up to 20%. Approximately it’s between 10% and 20% on (a) commercial basis.

The country was producing around 350,000Barrels of Oil Per Day (BOPD), about the highest in its production history, in the mid 1990s, when countries like Nigeria and Angola started witnessing a series of spectacular discoveries in water depths outboard of 750 metres. As Gabon shares the prolific Congo basin with Angola, and was the third largest oil producer in subSaharan Africa, it was expected to be part of the game.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

42 AFRICAN OIL&GAS REPORT

OPINION

By Adedayo Ojo IGERIA has enormous gas resources. The official estimates of N the country’s natural gas reserves is in the region of 187 trillion cubic feet (TCF). Despite a history of more than 50 years of oil production, Nigeria is predominantly a gas province.

Almost every successive Nigerian government aspired at one time or the other to legislate a regulation that will optimize the use of the country’s vast gas resources. Quite a good number gas projects have been conceptualized but unfortunately few have been actualized. The bottom line is that decades after the discovery of gas in commercial quantity, Nigeria’s gas sector and gas system remains underdeveloped.

Today’s reality in the international oil and gas market requires Nigeria to wake up and make something of the gas resources or be left behind countries that are more committed to utilizing their gas resources. Ghana’s gas company is expected to begin production this year. If the tension in the Middle East abates (as it may), oil & gas prices will drop!

Gas Aspiration Several Nigerian government policies have highlighted plans to monetise gas resources. In 2008, the Federal Government developed the Gas Master Plan (GMP) in order to lay a framework for gas infrastructure development and expansion within the domestic market. According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the GMP is a guide for the commercial exploitation and management of Nigeria’s gas sector which seeks to grow the Nigerian economy with gas.

The GMP has three key strategies, namely to stimulate the multiplier effect of gas in the domestic economy, position Nigeria competitively in high value export markets and guarantee the long term energy security of Nigeria.

In response to government policy, a number of ambitious gas projects were initiated by both government and the private sector. Some of the most popular gas projects and initiatives include; • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Projects • Trans –Sahara Gas Pipeline Project • The West Africa Gas Pipeline Project (WAGP) • Gas To Power Projects Around The Country Liquefied Natural Gas Despite initial momentum on LNG projects, Nigeria remains far behind.

Production started from trains 1 and 2 at the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas

Nigeria’s unending Gas Dilemma progress on Uquo gas project. The gas central processing facility (CPF) of the Uquo gas project is owned by Frontier and Seven Energy while Seven Energy through its subsidiary, Accugas, runs the pipeline. The gas is delivered to Ibom Power plant owned exclusively by Akwa Ibom State Government. Power generation at the Ibom Power Plant is tied to gas generated at Uquo. The project has the capacity to boost power generation in Nigeria by 1000 megawatts of electricity.

East Horizon Gas Company (EHGC), a subsidiary of Oando Plc, is a special purAdedayo Ojo pose vehicle set up to Develop, Finance, Construct and Operate a gas transmisrunning out. As we end the first quarsion pipeline linking the Calabar Cluster ter of 2013, policy makers and oil and of Industries to the Nigerian Gas gas industry operators have another Company (NGC) grid in Akwa Ibom opportunity to think long and hard state. The company is embarking on a West African Pipeline Project and make the committed decision of The West African Gas Pipeline is a 680- $125m project which involves the conmaking the Nigerian gas a key contribkilometre gas transport project jointly- struction of an 18inch by128 kilometre utor to national economic life. (km) gas pipeline through forest, owned by Shell, Chevron and the The largest obligation rests with the swamps and built up areas. The project Nigerian National Petroleum government. A robust and thriving gas has a total capacity of 100million stanCorporation (NNPC) forming the sector would require good legal framedard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd). work that will clearly specify the rules African Gas Pipeline Company Oando Gas and Power Limited has devel- of engagement. The law will necessari(WAGPCo). The project takes Nigerian oped a robust natural gas distribution gas from Itoki in Ogun State through ly provide good fiscal terms that will network. The company has built extenAgido near Badagry in Lagos, passing encourage investment in the gas secsive pipeline network to distribute natu- tor. The gas sector will only thrive through 33 Nigerian communities to Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana. West ral gas to industrial and commercial under an effective regulatory strucconsumers and has successfully revived ture. These are the necessary condiAfrican Gas Pipeline Company (WAGPCo) and the participating coun- private sector participation in the gas tions that can ensure private sector distribution business in Nigeria. Oando commitment in the gas sector. It is the tries signed an International Project has over 100km of pipes already laid in Agreement (IPA) in May 2003 to pipe government that can provide them.

Lagos State and another 128 km in 200million standard cubic per day of Adedayo Ojo is Lead Consultant/CEO progress in Akwa Ibom and Cross River gas (200mmscf). of Caritas Communications Limited, a Over the years, this project has failed to States. specialist reputation strategy and corIf more players will be as committed as porate communication consultancy in deliver the anticipated volume of gas due to a plethora of reasons – policy, pol- these not-so-big players, the collective Lagos/Accra. contribution will add to big gains in the Caritas is the West Africa affiliate of itics, infrastructure, funding, security, drive to grow the gas sector and optietc.

Regester Larkin, the pioneer reputaCentral to the operation of WAGPCo is mize Nigeria’s gas resources. tion strategy and management consulthe availability of gas. With vandalism tancy with offices in London, Wake up call and associated shut-ins, gas supply is Washington, Houston, Singapore and The time left for Nigeria to make some- United Arab Emirates. never guaranteed.

As a result unavailability of gas, an aver- thing tangible from her gas resources is age of 134mmscf is often piped in the 475mmscf capacity pipeline, thus making the $1billion facility to be sub-optimally utilised.

NAPE Calls For Abstracts For 2013 Conference HE Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists(NAPE) has called for Other Gas Projects abstracts for papers for its 31st Annual International Conference, scheduled Ironically, it is in the smaller gas projfor Novembe 10-14 at the Eko Hotel. ects operated by small Nigeria indeThe theme is Stimulating Exploration and Reserves Growth In A Maturing Basin. pendents that real success has been The organization expects to receive the abstracts by July 1, 2013 and send out observed. Consider the Ovade-Ogharefe notice of acceptance by August 2, 2013. NAPE wants its presenters to have subgas processing facility, the largest carmitted their full papers by September 27, 2013. bon emission reduction project in sub Sub-themes include: Saharan Africa. The first phase of Pan • Seismic technologies and the development of new play concepts; rock Ocean’s gas utilization project which physics models; characterization and prediction of rock properties from surwas streamed in 2010 has capacity to face and subsurface data. process 130 million standard cubic feet • Contending and competing exploration technologies, how far and how of gas per day. Pan Ocean is expected to Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline well? stream the second phase of its OvadeIn January 2002, the Nigerian and • Reservoir management strategies for sustained production and improved Ogharefe gas project before the end of Algerian governments, through their recovery.

2013. respective national oil companies • Technology application and exploitation of small accumulations. signed a memorandum of understandPolicy initiatives for enhanced exploration and reserves growth. ing (MoU) to build a Trans-Saharan gas Uquo gas project: Seven Energy and All abstracts are to be emailed to Matthew Oton(Ph.D), of the Department of Frontier Oil have made commendable pipeline running from Nigeria to Geology at the University of Ibadan at ntonme@yahoo.com and copied info@nape.org.ng Limited in 1999. By 2007, NLNG added four more trains. Although the seventh train has been planned, six years later, it hasn’t been sanctioned.

Apart from NLNG, other planned LNG projects include Brass LNG and Olokola LNG (OKLNG). Final investment Decision (FID) on Brass LNG was planned for 2006; it was later rescheduled for 2008; then 2010. The FID was never realised on any of those dates; nor has it been now. The same applies to OKLNG. The shareholders of OKLNG signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2006; FID was billed for 2007 while production was scheduled to begin in 2009.

The originally proposed dates for streaming these projects have long expired; yet final investment decision (FID) has not been taken on any of the projects. In all these years, not much has been accomplished on Brass LNG and OKLNG. Other countries have shown more commitment with LNG projects.

Consider Australia. In 2011 alone, four LNG projects in Australia reach FID. These projects include: Australian Pacific LNG T1, GLNG T1-2, Wheatstone LNG T1-2 and Prelude LNG. Another Australian project, the two train, Ichthys LNG T1reached FID in January 2012.

According to the international Gas Union, Qatar, the world’s largest LNG exporter produced 77 metric tonnes per annum in 2011, about 31 per cent of global supply. Meanwhile new LNG frontiers have emerged in Eastern Africa such the Anadarko’s LNG project in Mozambique and the onshore LNG project by BG in Tanzania.

The United States, a former net importer of LNG is now turning away cargoes while increasingly relying on unconventional domestic gas, such as shale gas, to meet its energy need. In addition, the United States plans to become a net exporter of gas in less than a decade, effectively shrinking the global gas market.

The chokehold in the world LNG market and the emergence of new supplier nations will ultimately make Nigeria’s position increasingly vulnerable if the country’s LNG projects are allowed to continue to suffer. If FIDs on existing LNG projects in Nigeria are not taken now, the global LNG market will become increasing tougher for the country and more so in the coming years.

Algeria to make Nigerian gas available to European market.

Since the signing of the MoU eleven years ago, not much has happened on the project except the feasibility study and intergovernmental agreement between the governments. As a result of the decade-long inactivity, it does appear that the project may have been abandoned.

Dr Ghaji Bello, Acting Director of Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) said in Abuja in January that the Federal Government of Nigeria has earmarked $400 million for the project in the 2013 budget. Industry analysts received the news with scepticism in view of apparent non-commitment to the project.

EVENTS

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Oloibiri Lecture For Civic Centre HE Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) announces its 2013 annual Oloibiri T Lecture Series & Energy Forum for March 14 at the Civic Centre in Lagos. The issues are The Emergence Of Unconventionals: Impact on The Nigerian Petroleum Industry and Indigenous Participation in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry: Are We On Track?. The Oloibiri Lecture Series &Energy Forum commemorates the history of Oil and Gas exploration in Nigeria by providing a forum for discussing and proffering solutions to contemporary challenges facing the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector. “Participants will be treated to a highly interactive and informed discussions, drawing on their own experience as well as those of invited resource persons from the industry, government regulatory agencies and subject matter experts”, says Osayande Igiehon, Chairman SPE Nigerian Council.

…Avuru Speaks Policy Next Wednesday, USTIN Avuru, fellow and former president of the Nigerian Association of A Petroleum Explorationists(NAPE) will be delivering the association’s February 2013 technical session paper at the Lagoon Restaurant on the 27th of February. The Managing Director of Seplat Petroleum will be speaking on how government policies impact oilfield activity in the industry.

“Because oil and gas are non-renewable, rent-generating resources, especially for an Emerging Economy like Nigeria”, he writes in his abstract, “two major contending forces are permanently at play to determine the activity level in the Industry. The bulk of the benefits accruing to the host country derives from the economic rent it earns in the form of taxes, fees and royalties. On the other hand, the technology and fund providers look to the profits and return on their investments as the incentive for their participation” Avuru contends that if treated as a zero sum game, the one’s loss is the gain of the other, making negotiations for the creation of an enabling investment environment difficult.

“But it need not be a zero sum game. Somewhere between the contending needs of these two parties can be found a compromise of appropriate policy and stimulation of investments and activity in the Industry”. The event, scheduled for 11am, is the second NAPE monthly technical talk in the year.

For participation in Oil & Gas section, contact: The Manager: Lagos: 01 7736351; Abuja: 07098513445

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Industrywatch Booby traps on path to industrial revival

By Femi Adekoya N recent time, there have been moves to salvage moribund Iment and near comatose local industries as well as aid the developof emerging industries in the country.

However, despite the ray of hope these moves offer the real sector, it may be an effort in futility if government’s commitment to industrial growth is not driven by proper policies to protect the firms.

As noted by some market watchers, championing the initiation of policies is not enough but the implementation of such policies in order to drive sustainable growth and economic development.

This is because as government is initiating processes to revamp growth in the real sector, key issues affecting the sector like, dumping, counterfeiting, multiple taxation, accessibility to funds, infrastructure challenges among others, need to be addressed for the change to become sustainable in achieving desired growth.

Already, stakeholders in the manufacturing industry have decried the continued effect of counterfeiting of Nigerian goods and dumping of Asian products in Nigerian markets.

They said such activities were already taking their toll on the real sector of the economy.

With a yearly loss of $450 billion globally by businesses and $75 billion by government attributable to the thriving business of counterfeiting and dumping, going by statistics from the International Chamber of Commerce, the stakeholders noted that the nation’s economy may be endangered within the next five years if the scourge is not checked.

Precisely, statistics on the market share of counterfeited/dumped/smuggled products in Nigeria, from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) shows that 73 per cent of goods in the domestic market, especially textile and garment sector are smuggled.

For instance, the Nigerian cotton and textile industry, which was hitherto in the 80’s, a key player in the national economy particularly in the provision of livelihood for about 20 per cent of the population with 600,000 work force operating close to 170 textile mills across the country, is presently a shadow of itself, although with efforts by government to revive the sector.

The industry then generated an yearly turnover of $8.95 billion; an average of 25 per cent of the sector’s gross domestic product (GDP) which accounted for not less than 10 per cent of corporate income taxes.

Nigeria was ranked the second largest textile hub in SubSaharan Africa behind South Africa. She represented 63 percent of the textile capacity in the West African sub-region before the neglect and policy inconsistencies that nearly wrecked the sector.

Figures showed that the number of textile and garment factories after the storm, fell from 175 in the mid 1990’s to less than 25 in 2010 while employment dropped from 137,000 in the 1990’s to 60,000 in 2002 and further to 24,000 in 2010.

As a consequence, this led to the decline in cotton lint production from 98,000 in 2006 to 55,000 tons in 2010 and export of cotton went down from $44 million to $31 million within the same period.

Records further indicated that capacity utilisation in the industry dwarfed to 20.14 percent in 2010 from 50.75 percent in 2003 while many surviving ones are close to extinction.

A cursory look at the development of textile industries in developing Asian countries show that smuggled textile materials into Nigeria currently put at 85 per cent is thriving and contributing immensely to their economy.

With efforts to revive the sector by government consequently renewed, there may be a need to address some challenges to ensure that the efforts are not in futility.

Going by the level of dumping and smuggling affecting the real sector, stakeholders have called for stiffer penalties in order to discourage the practice and enhance local capacity.

MAN report further showed that 40-50 per cent of smuggled items are engineering and automobile parts, 20-30 per cent are electronic goods and computer peripherals, 10-30 per cent are cosmetics, toiletries and packaged foods, while 40 per cent of total imports of finished goods are dumped.

The stakeholders, who decried the practice included the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group (MANEG); Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association; Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

They said in unison at a forum recently on the “Effect of counterfeiting and Dumping on the performance of non-oil export in Nigeria” organized by the NEPC, that there was need for effective implementation of the country’s economic diversification plan.

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, David Adulugba said if government’s desire to make the non-oil export sector a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is to become achievable, there was a need to urgently address the ugly practice of dumping and counterfeiting to encourage growth of local capacity and export.

Assistant Director, Lagos Zonal Office, Mrs. Evelyn Obidike,

A textile production line who represented Adulugba, stated that the negative effect of counterfeiting and dumping could lead to the collapse of local industries, increase unemployment and underdevelopment.

“Various governments of the world and the World Trade Organisation have adopted various measures to tackle this scourge as it has been declared an international crime. Nigeria cannot afford to ignore this. We need to take measures before it becomes too detrimental to our economic growth and development,” she added.

The Director General, LCCI, Muda Yusuf tasked government on the need to renew its commitment to the diversification of the economy rather than maintaining its present monolithic culture.

“We need to develop sectors that would generate employment and not just revenues. Many of the social problems in the country is as a result of unemployment. We need to expand our export base and diversify the economy before the system collapses. Counterfeiting, faking and dumping are dragging the feet of the real sector of the economy. We need to address key issues of ethics, capacity and integrity of government agencies, among others in order to address this issue.”

On his part, the Director General, MAN, Yinka Akande, represented by the Assistant Director, Field Services, Oluwasegun Osidipe, described the trend as ugly, citing manufacturers as its victims.

“In a monolithic economy bedeviled by weak infrastructure, policy inconsistency, high cost of doing business, complex and deficient bureaucracy, high dependence on import, trade malpractices and diversification challenge, saboteurs have taken advantage of the ugly situation to undermine the development of local industries. Already fake products have displaced local brands because of the ease of producing them. We need to address this trend, else the near comatose industries may go

into extinction”, he added.

Director General, NACCIMA, Dr. John Isemede added that there is need for effective enactment and implementation of laws that provide stiffer penalties for such acts in order to curb the trend.

Already, Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), a multilateral agreement regulating international trade provides for the right of contracting parties to apply anti-dumping measures, that is, measures against imports of a product at an export price below its “normal value” (usually the price of the product in the domestic market of the exporting country) if such dumped imports cause injury to a domestic industry in the territory of the importing contracting party.

In particular, the revised Agreement provides for greater clarity and more detailed rules in relation to the method of determining that a product is dumped, the criteria to be taken into account in a determination that dumped imports cause injury to a domestic industry, the procedures to be followed in initiating and conducting anti-dumping investigations, and the implementation and duration of anti-dumping measures.

The provisions of the Article read in part: “The agreement strengthens the requirement for the importing country to establish a clear causal relationship between dumped imports and injury to the domestic industry. The examination of the dumped imports on the industry concerned must include an evaluation of all relevant economic factors bearing on the state of the industry concerned.

“The agreement confirms the existing interpretation of the term “domestic industry”. Subject to a few exceptions, “domestic industry” refers to the domestic producers as a whole of the like products or to those of them whose collective output of the products constitutes a major proportion of the total domestic production of those products.”

Close Up wins award

By Tunde Oso LOSE-UP, a toothpaste brand from has been conferred with the Product Excellence Award (PEA) in the maiden edition of the Nigeria Consumer Awards (NiCA).

The Nigeria Consumer Awards (NiCA) was instituted by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to bestow awards and honours on those who contribute to enhanced consumer welfare, thereby improving the regime of consumer protection in Nigeria.

Close Up was announced as the winner among three nominated brands in the Personal Care Products category at the award ceremony held recently in Abuja.

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According to the organizer, the winners in the various categories of the awards were chosen by votes of consumers using the instruments of survey and text messages.

“In guaranteeing the integrity and transparency of the process, the result of voting was verified and authenticated by an award verification panel made up of highly reputable members, drawn from a cross-section of organisations, namely, the Media, Organised Private Sector, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) among others.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Minister for Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, commended the CPC

for organising the awards and stated that the organization must always reward products and services that excel in their areas of operation.

Also, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, who spoke through a representative said that consumers on their part must avail themselves of the opportunity to see their participation in the awards as an obligation that will, on a yearly basis, remind businesses that consumers are watching.

She also called on all Nigerians, particularly Industry leaders and entire members of the business community, to take advantage of the platform to better the lot of the average Nigerian consumer.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

IFRSWatch

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

TheInsideEdge Nigeria: Aiming to solve water woes Nigeria 20th February 2013

Published in association with

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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Energy Nigeria’s crude oil export slides, nine cargoes unsold

By Sulaimon Salau IGERIA’S crude oil export may N have continued its struggle for survival in the international market, as indication emerged that about nine cargoes are still unsold in the nation’s loading programme forMarch.

Besides, the nation plans to export 69 shipments in March, totaling 2.05 million barrels a day, the lowest in four months, according to loading programmes. That compares with 65 lots, (2.13 million barrels a day) in February.

However, the number of unsold cargoes dropped sharply to nine, from 21 cargoes last month, due to increased demand from Europe, on soaring prices.

Nigerian grades are typically light and sweet, or have lower sulfur, and yield a higher proportion of transportation fuels than heavy, sour blends.

However, it is still unpleasant to note that about nine Nigerian crude cargoes for loading in March, (representing about 13 per cent), remained unsold as increased demand for crude in the United States, India and some European countries, boosted purchases of Nigerian grades.

Traders described the schedule as below the normal for the month with all the March consignments of Qua Iboe, the country’s benchmark and biggest grade, now sold.

Report showed that three lots of Forcados, two of Bonga and one each of Agbami, Brass River, Erha and Usan remained available. That compares with 21 cargoes for February loading that were unsold as of January 10, traders said.

Indian Oil Corp., the nation’s largest refiner, bought one cargo of Nigeria’s Bonny Light and another of Brass River from Royal Dutch Shell Plc for April loading, said two traders who preferred anonymity.

The refiner is said to have purchased four consignments of about 1 million barrels each from Shell via tender this month. It bought one lot each of Bonny Light and Qua Iboe.

The company has also issued a second tender on February 8 for April loading crude which was expected have been be awarded on February 15, 2013.

Meanwhile, the oil crack in Europe, or premium to Dated Brent, has more than doubled since Jan. 15 to $13.13 a barrel. It climbed to the highest in four months at $13.92 on Jan. 30, the data showed. The region is the biggest exporter of fuel to America.

The four-week average for fuel consumption in the U.S. for the week ended Feb. 1 was 0.1 per cent higher than a year earlier, according to data from MasterCard Inc.’s Spending Pulse report. It’s been down from the previous year every week except one

Oil rig since March 18, 2011.

Fuel prices in the U.S. rose to the most in three months on Jan. 28 after Hess Corp. said it will shut its Port Reading, New Jersey, refinery at the end of February.

Qua Iboe was priced at a premium of $2.29 a barrel to Dated Brent, ac-

Nigeria, plans to export 69 shipments in March, totaling 2.05 million barrels a day, the lowest in four months, according to loading programmes. That compares with 65 lots, (2.13 million barrels a day) in February. cording to data compiled by Bloomberg. That compares with an

average of $2.26 in January.

The size of the crude cargoes range

from 475,000 barrels to 975,000 barrels. The export program for April is scheduled to be released next week.

Loading programmes are monthly schedules of crude shipments compiled by field operators to allow buyers and sellers to plan their supply and trading activities.

Divert subsidy on kerosene to cooking gas, expert tells govt

By Sulaimon Salau N other to ensure optimal utilisation of the nation’s abundant gas resources, the Federal Government has been urged to divert the subsidy on Kerosene to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) kits, to make it affordable to Nigerians.

Already, stakeholders in the industry have berated the poor utilisation of LPG product in the country, while huge gas are being flared at the production point to unnecessary pollute the environment.

Meanwhile, the product can be utilised as clean energy that would earn Nigeria carbon credit and boost employment opportunity in the economy.

The Managing Director of Techno Oil, Tony Onyeama, recently told The Guardian that Nigeria ranked low among its contemporaries in the continent on LPG utlisation.

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He quoted facts that usage of LPG (cooking gas) in Nigeria stands at 0.5kg per capita, compared to 3kg per capita in Ghana, 1.9kg in Cameroon, 5.5kg in South Africa and 44.4kg in Morocco.

In view of this, he said, his company has introduced new gas stove innovation to boost utilisation of LPG in the country.

Onyeama, while unveiling the new technology in Lagos recently, said the company is determined to make positive impact in growing Nigeria’s gas utilisation through its “Going Green Revolution,” scheme.

He lamented that: “Today, there is great dependency on kerosene by both the middle and low-income groups in Nigeria, despite the huge amount of reserved in a bid to subsidise the product to Nigerians. Yet kerosene remains scarce and unavailable in many homes in the country.”

He pointed out that using firewood for cooking poses potential risk of chronic allergies, conjunctivitis and lung cancer.

According to him, the innovative gas stoves are targeted at low-income earners, would also promote cleaner environment in the country.

Onyeama also said the company is identified and aligned with the policy drive of the Lagos State Government to increase the use of cooking gas among a significant proportion of the populace within the next four years.

The managing director said that the products were designed and fabricated with distinguishing qualities such as safety, affordability, portability and environmentally friendly. ‘‘Techno Oil has distributed well over 20,000 units of 3kg, 5kg, 6kg and 12.5kg gas cylinders to Nigerian households at discounted and affordable prices,” he stated, adding that the project has received commendations

from consumers and operators in the petroleum industry.

Onyeama described Techno Oil as championing the paradigm shift from kerosene to cooking gas.

“Motivated by our commitment to the environment, Techno Oil has actively promoted, and has been in the forefront of attitudinal change from fuels to cleaner energy such as gas,” he said.

The company, he said has entered an agreement with an Asian company for the manufacturing of the gas stoves, which is at advance stage, as it is planned to ensure sustainable supplies of the product.

According to him, the Techno-Gas stoves are to be formally launched at a public event, slated for the popular Oyingbo Market on the Mainland Local Government on Thursday, February 21, to give the low-income earners, an opportunity to purchase the new product.

Oil-producing countries to face more refining challenges

By Roseline Okere HE next few years are likely to be a challenging and turbulent time for the global refining industry with continued low plant utilisation rates and weak margins, according to the Director of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countris (OPEC) Research Division, Dr Hasan Qabazard.

He told the European Refinery Technology Conference’s 17th Annual Meeting in Vienna recently that it would also be a period of increased competition, especially since the surpluses evident in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Develop-

T

ment (OECD) region were not deterring projects in the non- OECD region.

“This meeting is taking place at a very challenging time for the refining industry, with major structural changes underway across the world in both the product mix and the regional balance,” he stated.

“Moreover, a review of existing projects indicates that conversion and hydro treating capacity additions grow faster than crude distillation. Therefore, it is potentially misleading to infer refining margins purely as a function of distillation capacity utilization.

“Overall, higher utilization rates — probably above 85 per cent — are needed to improve margins to healthy and sustainable levels,” he said in a keynote address to the threeday industry event.

Looking at the refining outlook, Qabazard said that for the next five years — the medium term — developments in the refining sector would be driven primarily by the quantity and type of capacity additions and the extent to which the additions would be offset by planned closures.

An assessment of existing refining projects showed that around 7.2 mil-

lion barrels per day of new crude distillation capacity would be added to the global refining system in the period up to 2016.

Qabazard said that 40 per cent of the additional capacity was expected to materialize in Asia, mainly in China and India. The Middle East, Latin America and Russia also featured strongly with capacity additions.

He noted that part of the new refining capacity would be offset by refinery closures. Recent refinery closures had reached four million bpd globally and, taking into account some recent announcements, were heading to-

wards five million bpd by 2014 and potentially higher since at least 15 refineries were known to be on sale.

Qabazard observed that Europe had experienced most closures, at around 1.7m bpd, but refineries in North America and Japan were also being hit hard.

“In addition, we are no longer talking about just small and simple plants. For example, the Hovensa refinery on the Virgin Islands had a capacity of 500,000 bpd. And, in terms of complexity, the Coryton refinery in the United Kingdom had a Nelson complexity index of 12, which means it is a fairly complex refinery, and yet it is already closed,” he affirmed.

48 ENERGY

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Paucity of funds, poor policy assail meter manufacturing in Nigeria

By Sulaimon Salau

words on the local production of meters, but Kuchi noted that S the debate on the method there were two manufacturers of acquisition of electricity in the country. prepaid meters lingers, there However, one of the indigenous are indications that majority of manufacturers of prepaid methe meters may be imported, ters told journalists that the thereby increasing the nation’s company was nearly forced to capital flight. close shop due to some poor Reason: the inconsistent poli- policies and bad implementacies emanating from the Fed- tion, which has remained a maeral Government, coupled with jor hindrance to growing local other economic and social manufacturing in the country. challenges may have relegated Chairman, MOMAS Electricity local producers of meters from Meters Manufacturing Comthe business. pany (MEMMCOL), Kola BaloThe Minister of States for gun, listed other challenges to Power, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim include lack of access to funds, Kuchi and some labour union poor power supply among othexecutives recently traded ers.

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Balogun therefore urged the Federal Government to give financial support to local manufacturers of electricity meters, adding that this would boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contribute significantly to employment generation.

According to him, the company has invested over N3 billion on meter manufacturing equipment in other to enhance local production of various types of meters and electrical components, but the recent challenges has placed the firm at the verge of collapse.

He advised the Federal Gov-

ernment to stop the importation of meters into the country and improve more on local content, suggesting the creation of local content department in the ministry of power, like in the oil sector, to enhance capacity building and create more jobs for Nigerian youths.

“I feel it is important that Nigeria should stop importing electricity meters so that we can migrate from importing meters to manufacturing of meters of various types in Nigeria.

This would stop the bringing in of the expatriates who were competing with Nigerian youths,” he said.

Balogun lamented that most

of the meter components such as plastic valves were still being imported, adding that this should be discouraged.

He identified that government had recorded appreciable progress in fabrication in the oil and gas sector, adding that similar growth could be achieved in the manufacturing sector, if right policies are put in place.

“In MEMMOL alone, we have a production capacity of 50,000 to 100,000 meters monthly, not to now talk of the productions of other companies in same business,” he said.

According to him, “Electricity is a major set-back in our company, since the factory was commission; we have not enjoyed public electricity supply, we are basically running on generator, this one of the major complaint of some of our partners over the years, because our equipment is very sensitive machine that required uninterrupted supply,” he added.

He however, appreciated the Federal Government for its ef-

fort in improving the power supply across the country, urging it to extend the benefits to local meter manufacturers such as MEMMCOL. Another industry expert told The Guardian that the government’s policy on pre-paid meter should be implemented with fairness and justification for consumers’ money.

The source suggested that the Federal Government should allow consumers to have direct interface with meter manufacturers/ distributors, just like in the telecoms sector, where the products can be easily purchased directly from the market and taken to service providers for configuration.

“Just as you buy phone anywhere in the market and configure it with any of your preferred service provider, the prepaid meters can also be purchased by consumers and then take it to PHCN offices for due registration and configuration.

I think this will open the market and even reduce the intricacies of buying prepaid meters from PHCN.” The

Pan Ocean debunks relocation report

By Roseline Okere

AN Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited, operator of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/Pan Ocean Joint Venture has confirmed that the company has no plan to relocate any of its flow stations, gas plant or any other company operational facility.

Pan Ocean’s Spokesperson, Assistant General Manager, External Relations, Pan Ocean Corporation, Edith Okujagu, explained that contrary to what has been reported recently, a flow station is not a facility that can be moved from one place to the other.

“The notion that an operational facility like a flow station will be moved from one location to another location is simply not practical. The location of an operational facility is decided on purely technical evaluation to assure the integrity and safety of operations and protect the interest of all stakeholders. We want to assure our neighbouring communities and indeed all stakeholders that Pan Ocean does not have any plan for such undertak-

P

Country President, Marcel Hochet; Human Resources Director, Chinwe Udo-Davis; Finance Director, Jean-Pierre Breton; and the Communications Manager, Anne Ezeh; all of Schneider Electric, at the maiden edition of the regional company meeting and staff appreciation event held in Lagos.

Siemens to build power plant for BUA Cement

By Sulaimon Salau IEMENS Limited Nigeria has Snewsecured a contract to build a gas turbine power plant for the BUA Group (EDO) Cement factory located at Okpella, Edo State.

The contract, according to a statement made available to The Guardian, involves the supply of three units of Siemens

Gas Turbines SGT-500 manufactured by Siemens Industrial Turbo Machinery AB in Finspang, Sweden.

The multinational power energy firm described the project as highly unique, as it would be installing the SGT-500 for the first time in Nigeria in its 50year existence.

“The SGT-500 turbines are unique for the African market

because they offer flexibilty in optimising investment returns, extremely low maintenance costs, high reliability and limited number of personnel required for their operation and maintenance,” it stated.

BUA Group acquired Edo Cement in 2010 and has since then been committed to improving the state of the factory

to a world class standard and its move towards backward integration. “The contract between the BUA Group and Siemens is to further buttress this commitement,” it added.

Siemens has been active in Nigeria for over 50 years, where it actively participate in the Industry, Energy and Healthcare Sectors, while Siemens IT Solutions and Services functions across all three Sectors.

ing”, she explained.

The Pan Ocean’s spokesperson reassured that the company is presently focused on the long term plan of improving its footprints in the two states of Delta and Edo. Pan Ocean’s continued investment in the gas sector demonstrates the company’s focused, long term, commitments in its operations. Edith Okujagu noted that: “Pan Ocean has a long term commitment to the Nigerian project, the Nigerian people, and especially the people in the communities in which we do business. We will continue to build on the existing structure in partnership with our neighbouring communities”.

Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited has made significant achievement in its gas initiative which is aligned with Nigeria’s gas aspirations. Despite the challenges in Nigeria’s gas sector. Pan Ocean has remained focused on its gas utilization project -The OvadeOgharefe gas processing facility is the largest carbon emission reduction project in sub Saharan Africa.

Tackling local content challenges in oil, gas sector

By Roseline Okere

HE Nigeria oil and gas industry is T the largest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic product (GDP).

In spite of the huge financial investment made by the Nigerian government in the oil and gas industry of the economy, it has not resulted in significant benefits for most Nigerians.

Several challenges, ranging from infrastructural development, political stability, good investment climate, project financing, transparency, high educational standards, legal policy, resource management, research & development, fiscal policy, environmental policy are some of the factor impeding the set target by the Federal Government its local content drive in the oil and gas industry.

Stakeholders at the first Addax Executive Development Seminar organized

by Addax Petroleum in Lagos, with the theme: Performance and Delivery: A catalyst for growth opportunities and Nigerian Content Development”, be-

lieved that the attainment of the Federal Government’s local content drive, would require the collaboration of all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa, while speaking at the seminar, explained that the Board will collaborate with major operators, service companies and the relevant state governments to build industrial parks, which will support operations of the industry and help achieve service efficiency through shared services.

According to him, other benefits of the industrial park concept include the reduction of start-up investment costs for new businesses, stakeholders’ collaboration and industry commitment to utilise manufactured products from industrial parks.

He said, “The parks will host manufacturing activities driven by the Oil and Gas industry demand but will certainly service other sectors of the economy as they grow organically

into integrated industrial zones.

“The start-up product slate will include steel pipes and allied fittings, switch gears, panels, skids, pipe racks and brackets, environmental protection equipment, chemicals, industrial gases, computers, telecom and other ICT equipment components which includes Furniture, LPG cylinders, Bolts & Nuts, Drilling fluids.”

Speaking further, Nwapa said that part of the strategy is to stimulate small and medium scale enterprises focused on oil and gas technology into sustainable engines for technological growth and employment at the grassroots level.

He noted that the major operators will benefit from increased entrepreneurial activities in their host communities, adding that the Board has reached out to the state governments to participate in an SME fair to enable it identify companies with potential to incubate and grow.

Nwapa further said, “In this way, over 100,000 productive jobs will be cre-

ated across the communities for skills ranging from professional to artisanal and de-emphasise the social employment prevalent in the communities.

“The fair will identify SMEs with capacity which will be supported and accommodated in the new industrial parks to manufacture goods used in industry with the active involvement of the traditional OEMs. “However, the Board will activate the provisions of the Act to provide specific incentives for OEMs that participate in the initiative such as locking in orders for equipment or components manufactured/assembled in these parks for extended periods.”

He also disclosed that Nigerian companies had committed to invest over $600million in the manufacture and assembly of various equipments and components.

Speaking also at the event, Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Emeka Ene, identified three drivers of local content to

include sustainability, quality and quantity.

According to him, access to work within a competitive environment improves the quality of services delivery.

Ene stated: “Developing human capacity in the oil and gas industry should be given priority if Nigeria is to achieve the objectives and benefits of the content law. Local content means the quantum of composite value added to or created in the Nigerian economy through a deliberate utilization of Nigerian human and material resources and services in the upstream and downstream sectors without compromising quality, health, safety, and environmental standards.”

He said that PETAN encourages Nigerian Content through valuedadded partnerships and investment.

“Local content sustainability rests on developing local manufacturing capability”.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Opinion The dangers of anti-polio campaign

By Mohammed Zagga HE brutal murder of nine polio immunisaT tion officials in Kano State by yet to be identified gunmen is not an isolated incident. It bears the hallmark of the negative campaign launched against the programme, led by a prominent northern medical practitioner and politician, in 2003. Once you play on the emotions of the uncritical or gullible majority, it is hard to convince the people otherwise. Since 2003, there is a significant number of Muslims who still believe that polio immunisation programme is a Western or American scheme to induce infertility among Muslims to achieve the single objective of reducing their population. How preposterous!

Unfounded rumours travel fast and cause enormous havoc to society. Sadly, majority of Muslims whose children are victims or potential victims of this baseless campaign of falsehood can hardly ask critical questions about the validity of the claim that polio vaccination is intended to cause infertility among Muslims. Sadder still, this unfounded claim is being propagated by some preachers and imams based on the misleading information fed to them.

For the sake of our innocent children who are being enormously harmed by this dangerous campaign of lies, it is important at this point to raise questions about the reliability of this claim to withstand scrutiny. The greatest harm you can to do to the people is to exploit their ignorance or gullibility. And to a great extent, the anti-polio campaigners have succeeded in their diabolical propaganda.

Concerned Nigerians have a duty to subject any unsubstantiated claim to logical questions. For example, did these enemies of polio programme present any evidence of Muslims who have become infertile as a result of immunisation now or in the past? If such evidence ever existed, why is it available only to them? Why didn’t their claim survive critical inquiry from the global scientific community? If they insist on their claim, they should submit a record from 1964 to date of the number of Muslim, male and female, who have been rendered infertile as a result of exposure

to polio immunisation. The truth is that they have no such record or data to buttress their claim. If they have, let them publish cases of infertility ever recorded as a result of immunisation.

Do we need to be scientists to ask intelligent and simple questions? For anyone to dogmatically claim that polio immunisation induces infertility, especially when he is a scientist, the onus of proof lies with him. The first class medical doctor deviated from basic requirement of scientific inquiry. Accuracy is described as the morality of science. In the absence of valid evidence to support their claim, should we surrender the fate of our innocent children to the manipulation of these anti-polio campaigners?

What would the World Health Organisation (WHO) or UNICEF gain by deliberately promoting any immunisation programme specifically intended to reduce Muslim population in Nigeria or anywhere else? The claim of the antipolio immunisation campaigners stretches our credulity to its ridiculous limit. The business of science is not conducted in the dark corners of secrecy. If the anti-polio immunisation campaigners have any valid proof that the vaccination causes infertility, why didn’t they put it on the table in the open market of ideas?

They have so far failed to do so convincingly.

Science is not about dogmatically making unsubstantiated claims and then imposing them on humanity as gospel truth. Polio immunisation in the country has suffered intermittent setbacks, thanks to the inimical campaign by people whose mission is to cause chaos, confusion, fear, uncertainty and disruption of progress at the expense of innocent children who must be protected. It is a purposeless, wicked and misguided campaign against the interest of our children.

Despite the fact that this claim was discredited repeatedly, thousands of Muslim parents are still sceptical or suspicious of polio immunisation. Therefore, the latest murder of polio officials in Kano State has only added a dangerous dimension to the rejection of the immunisation programme by Muslims misled by the politician and his group.

Playing to the gallery with the lives of innocent children is the most irresponsible thing to

do by any right thinking person. If the Americans or the West have any policy to reduce Muslim populations, why is Nigeria their primary target? The Muslim population of India is 177 million. Why didn’t the West target Indian Muslims with infertility-causing polio vaccines to reduce their population? What specifically does America or the West stand to gain by reducing the population of Nigerian Muslims through polio immunisation?

In fact, if the claim is valid, why are the polio immunisation officials in Nigeria not asking parents whether their children are Muslims or Christians before they administer the vaccines?

Are they using different vaccines for Christians? Again, are these vaccines produced according to the religious faith of the potential beneficiaries?

Exploiting the ignorance of the majority is wickedly selfish and sadistic. If truly the West or America has any plan to reduce Muslim population by inducing infertility through immunisation, why do they need to achieve this objective only through vaccines? Can’t they achieve the same objective through foods and drugs, which we import and consume daily?

Isn’t their science advanced enough to achieve this objective by other means? Islam is expanding in the United States and Europe and one wonders why the West didn’t see the need to reduce their Muslim populations through public health policies.

Nigerians may wonder why a medical doctor like the one in question should lend his support to this counter-productive propaganda against children. Let us not forget, however, that the virus of extremism and confusion can also infect even educated men like doctors. The Egyptian-born Mohammed Al-Wazihiri, the successor to the late Osama Bin Laden as the leader of Al-Qaeda terror network, is a medical doctor! Did we also forget that Dr. Joseph Mengele, notoriously known as the Angel of Death, was a medical doctor administering lethal injection on the Jews during Hitler’s Germany?

The chief prosecutor to the 1946 Nuremberg war crime trials, the late Telford Taylor, said doctors without conscience are the ultimate evil!

Having wrongly converted many Muslims to

the idea that polio immunisation is intended to decimate their population in disguise, why should anybody be surprised at the latest killing of nine polio immunisation officials in Kano State? The fact that armed extremists have now joined the campaign to express violent opposition to polio immunisation is bad enough. However, the responsibility for this tragedy must be laid at the doorsteps of those who started the anti-polio campaign in 2003. Manipulating the religious emotions of gullible Muslims for cheap popularity is vile and indefensible. When you tell Muslims to reject polio immunisation, you have a duty to give them alternative. Unfortunately, the group has no such alternative to saving children from polio infection. Should we then abandon our children to their fates, watching them become permanently incapacitated, denying them the benefits of immunisation?

Poliomyelitis is preventable and although it is not a fatal disease, it can badly damage the quality of life of its victims.

In leading Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, vaccination certification is a requirement for entering the country. Do governments in Pakistan with 178 million Muslim population and Indonesia with 204 million not love their peoples by allowing their children enjoy the benefits of immunisation? Moderate Muslim leaders must rise up to this challenge and save our children from being destroyed by cranks that thrive on causing confusion and disrupting our progress. Although the Federal Government has paid N1 million each to the families of the polio immunisation officials killed by the unknown gunmen, the problem still lies in the entrenched prejudice against the programme by fanatics who effectively have declared war against our children. They are harming Muslims by this dangerous propaganda against the polio immunisation policy. We, therefore, have a duty to rise against these enemies of our children.

If they don’t like polio immunisation, it is their business. They have no right, however, to deny or discourage others from taking advantage of the immunisation policy to protect their children.

• Zagga, is a journalist based in Abuja.

Road to reforms, restructuring

By Austin Ojei HE Nigerian state is gradually approaching its centenary celT ebration in 2014, having been amalgamated in 1914 when the Northern and Southern protectorates were fused into one country. Ever since then, the vision and dream of its founding fathers of achieving a nation-state still seems a mirage, even with several constitutional reforms during the colonial era and even in post-colonial Nigeria. These include the Richards Constitution under Sir Arthur Richards, later known as Lord Milverton, the Macpherson Constitution, Littleton Constitution, the Independence Constitution, the Republican Constitution, the 1979 Constitution, 1999 Constitution, subsequent amendments and the current attempts at further review and new amendment, in respect of which the relevant National Assembly committees have not only called for and received memoranda but have equally conducted public hearings.

A prominent issue that has attracted lots of attention and public comments is state creation and the status of local governments. Clamour for fiscal federalism, true federation, loose federation and total restructuring have in recent times rented the air, with other opposing ideas pushing for the maintenance of the status quo. However, there appears to be consensus adidem on federalism, a thought clearly in line with the British who ruled the country for 99 years, rather than the muchdreaded confederacy, terms whose meaning and practical application still lack universal understanding. If federalism is an acceptable option some are wont to recommend the 1960 Independent constitutional model in which the vexed issue of revenue and resources allocation was based on a 50-50 situation. This is as opposed to the military-induced centrist federalism, which reduces the component units (states) to near serfdom.

Having been studying the Nigerian system, which appears to be tension- soaked as a result of the present structural configuration, to which some have even alluded the much- bandied mantra of being classified a potential collapse or near-collapse into what some would call a failed state, attempt is hereby

made towards contribution to moving the Nigerian state out of its current political conundrum. Several intellectual works have been carried out in an effort at preferring solution that will aid the attainment of an enviable model nation-state, which the founding fathers of the country had envisaged.

We wish to posit a restructuring of Nigeria into six federating regions based on the currently utilised six zonal structures with 40-60 power balance between the federating units and the centre. In the same vein, each federating unit should constitutionally be made up of eight Administrative Provinces or states.

The regional collegiate administration in conjunction with the provincial or state government should be empowered to create the number of local government council areas it may so wish, without making it a constitutional issue. Minimal provisions shall be made to that effect, including especially for the sake of uniformity, the titular nomenclature for administration/executives at that level or tier of government, e.g. Chairman, Councilors and Secretary. By this proposition, the current 36-state structure is expected to automatically be collapsed into a six federating regional structure with 48 administrative provinces or states, that is, eight administrative provinces or states per region, while the present 36 administrative headquarters are retained. This, it is hoped, will help to arrest the incessant clamour for state creation in Nigeria and lay a solid foundation for the much-needed economic developmental take-off.

The executive presidential system, considering the diverse nature and vast size of the Nigerian state is still recommendable, with nominal premiers as head of regions and provincial or state governors as heads of the administrative provinces or states. It is hoped that claims of marginalisation could be eliminated if this option is adopted. Provincial governors should constitute the regional cabinet, together with their deputies, with one of the governors functioning as Premier on rotational basis. And the provincial speakers, their deputies, majority and minority leaders and whips constituting the regional legislative, all on part-time bases.

Certain persistent question may arise as a result of this recommendation. Such question will include the current consti-

tutional provision that federal ministers be appointed from each state of the federation, as a motley crowd of 48 ministers is certainly not needed. Rather, a federal cabinet of about 30 ministers with appropriate national spread, at any point in time could serve, with the provision that no particular administrative province would provide a minister, without one being appointed from a province from which hitherto none was appointed. Mutatis mutandis other appointments.

The second and a very important question too is whether such model will not further bloat the cost of governance. This is understandable, considering the fact that even with the three tier federal structure, a lot has been complained about the high cost of governance. Be that as it may, wouldn’t it be healthier to build more peaceful and more enduring polity with greater pecuniary involvement than condoning crises and stomaching tension, while striving to limit financial cost?

In effect, it can be posited that six regional structures will provide an enduring political platform for a more sustaining and subsisting Nigerian nation-state. We recommend that the constitutional reforms committee take these suggestions into consideration, while carrying out the onerous task it is saddled with.

How do we allocate national revenue under this arrangement?

What is being advocated may indirectly be seen as a 48 state structure (provincial) within a loose six-regional structure. As the federation unit, resource allocation in such a union could be based on the following more sustaining bases: Federal Government 40 per cent, Federating Regions 20 per cent, Province 25 per cent, Local Councils 15 per cent. Effectively 60 per cent will go to the federating units thus leaving the regions with adequate resources and at the same time provide the provinces with enough allocation to aid developmental purposes and meet other administrative needs.

Equally being recommended is provision for two vice-presidents with specific functions attached to each of the two positions. This will help avert a recurrence of the crises experienced in recent past.

• Ojei, a chartered accountant and training consultant is based in Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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Opinion The fresh breath in opposition merger

By Theophilus Ilevbare SURVEY of the political landscape is likely to reveal that Nigerians are yearning for a radical change borne out of the growing discontent with the failure of the PDP-led government that has held power at the centre since 1999, to transform the country’s fortune despite a multi-billion dollar oil revenue frittered by successive governments, thus deflating any hope of a breath of Jonathan’s “fresh air”. The leaders of the political coalition therefore saw an exigency in salvaging the beleaguered Nigerian people from the present socio-political and economic downturn as an impetus for the merger.

Much was the euphoria that greeted the announcement of the All Progressives Congress (APC), that its emergence sent jitters across the political divide. The ACN, CPC, ANPP and APGA new alliance is an audacious bid to unseat the ruling party in the 2015 general elections. Two recent events gave fillip to the merger. First was the meeting of 10 governors from opposition parties to endorse the coalition. Secondly, the formation of a contact and mobilisation committee to expedite alliance talks.

For a while, the political landscape has undoubtedly been dogged by the absence of credible and formidable opposition. The new party on the block has a lot to prove to Nigerians: do they have something different from what the PDP has to offer? Can they prove that they are not the same with the PDP? From their respective states, senatorial districts and other areas they represent, can they genuinely say that they have fared better than the party they oppose? These and more will determine if they will be taken seriously by Nigerians and how far they will go.

The political will demonstrated by the ACN and CPC so far must now be translated to persuasion with renewed optimism and enthusiasm to convince the indifferent factions to be part of the merger. The leaders of the parties in the coalition must be ready to further shift ground in the sacrifice of personal and regional ambition for the merger to come to fruition. The APC must rise above the debate on issues such as the logo, which many observers believe is trivial. Technical and ideological differences like the constitution and manifesto must be given priority as this is the

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basis for which the opposition party will be weighed with the PDP. There is no merger where the dissolving bodies remain adamant on their ideologies. A sound ideology will surely boost the APC’s acceptance and penetration. It can learn from the PDP’s lack of internal democracy that has led to incessant wrangling and animosity among its members.

The jostle for offices among various political parties in the alliance will be the litmus test of how the APC will deal with the selection process for the candidates before the general elections. It will be interesting to see how the parties will shift ground to concede ideological differences in the larger interest of the new party.

The merger between the ACN and CPC alone might just be enough to see out the PDP, as a school of thought will have us believe. No, it is a political miscalculation. The PDP has gained cult followership over the last 14 years in most rural areas. A cursory look at the outcome of election since 1999 indicates the incumbent seldom loses election. The odds are always against the opposition. The PDP had boasted sometime ago that the merger of all the opposition parties will not be enough to upstage them. No surprise. Over the years the ruling party has enriched a lot of Nigerians who can spread a few billions around the country to win votes from the electorate with a greater proportion, living below the poverty line.

The merger must be consummated in time to allow the APC put proper structure across the geo-political zones to consolidate what the parties already have on ground. Immediate mobilisation and sensitisation of the electorate, down to the grassroots on the manifesto of the new party must commence.

In the North, the CPC and ANPP have got four states governors, the ACN is well grounded in the South-West, capturing five out of the six states, they can also count on votes from Edo State in the South-South. This is complemented by a faction of APGA led by Imo State governor, and a good structure in other states of the South-East. It is still a far cry from the 23 states the PDP control across the country but with the merger, the APC can consolidate by retaining those states and hopefully win a few more. The consummation of all four political parties as part of the merger, will give it a national spread and outlook.

Much was the euphoria that greeted the announcement of the All Progressives Congress (APC), that its emergence sent jitters across the political divide. The ACN, CPC, ANPP and APGA new alliance is an audacious bid to unseat the ruling party in the 2015 general elections. Two recent events gave fillip to the merger.

First was the meeting of 10 governors from opposition parties to endorse the coalition. Secondly, the formation of a contact and mobilisation committee to expedite alliance talks.

The APC must guard against surreptitious tactics by the PDP to stymie the new party using the factions of ANPP and APGA that are not part of the merger. Effort must be made to woo these factions who are indifferent to the coalition. The APC must beware of smear campaigns against the drivers of the opposition alliance. With the storm always rocking the PDP boat, the APC should prevent aggrieved members of the PDP from cross-carpeting to the APC, as the aftermath could be grave.

The applecart in waiting for the APC will be the jostle for the nomination for their presidential aspirant and other candidates seeking ticket for various political offices. One that is most likely to generate controversy is the presidential ticket. General Muhammadu Buhari has in recent time expressed his interest in contesting the 2015 election. His antecedents do not make him popular in the South but his followership in the north puts him in strong position. There is the agitation from the South-East for an Ndigbo presidential aspirant in 2015, the APGA faction will definitely want a look in that direction, even if they have to settle for a VP slot. The SouthWest has been in and around the corridors of power, Bola Tinubu, still very much in contention. Most Nigerians want a clean break from the old brigade like the PDP. Preference for the younger breed of outstanding politicians from the APC, the likes of Babatunde Fashola, Nasir el-Rufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Oby Ezekwesili and a few others have been mooted. It will be interesting to see how things play out in the upcoming months.

There is ample time for the alliance to put its house in order and mobilise well ahead of the general elections, sensitising Nigerians across the nook and cranny that they are a credible alternative to the PDP government.

Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan’s

lacklustre performance in office will give the opposition a real chance at the polls if they put their acts together. Gauging the pulse of Nigerians, many are discontent with his leadership.

So, whoever the APC presents as presidential aspirants might be given serious consideration at the polls by the electorate.

The APC should look beyond unseating the PDP at the centre. Changing the prevalent socio-political ideology, creating an alternative for development, restructuring and deepening of the political culture should be part of the underpinning ideas driving the new mega party. The government of the day will respond better to criticism from a formidable opposition, thus, raising the bar of leadership and governance that has made the country totter for many years on the thread line of disaster. Beyond reasonable doubt, the APC must prove to Nigerians that “when they come on board” it won’t be time for them to have their own share of the “national cake.”

Some cynics have expressed caution in the euphoria that greeted the announcement of the APC as they reason it is a merger of strange bedfellows with a DNA of the PDP. They say the merger will fail, just as the previous attempts to form an opposition alliance in 2011. Even if it fails, at least they had the courage to try. There is no political party made of saints anywhere, we all have a past that we are not proud of. The leaders of the opposition forming the alliance – if for nothing else should be commended for laying their personal ambition on the altar of opposition merger. Rather than playing second fiddle to the political party that prides itself as the largest in Africa, they have put individual aspirations aside to drive a new vista for Nigeria. For those who have chosen to remain armchair critics waiting for saints and perfectionists to form a political party, they may have to wait much longer.

• Ilevbare wrote from Abuja.

Between celebratory and critical musings

By Kayode Ketefe T is no longer news that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been crowned King of African football for the third time Iafter their superlative performance at the just concluded African Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013, but the euphoria ignited by this highly sought soccer ascendancy, expectedly, will linger for a long time to come.

There are just no words to describe the feelings of Nigerians for the February 10 victory as our people were figuratively transported to the world beyond. The presidential reception organised for the heroes two days ago was the unforgettable climax of unstinted celebration. There is just something about football that elevates it beyond the realm of ordinary sporting event. Who has ever seen a whole nation being thrown into mourning for losing, say, table tennis, baseball, relay race, sprinting event or boxing match? No! All the others are “normal” sporting events, unlike football.

I am a soccer fan and despite admitting that it is a beautiful game and the world’s greatest sporting event, (and of course, I was happy like other Nigerians on accounts of the victory) there is something I don’t like about soccer – that is its inordinate capacity to numb people’s senses and transport them into illusory world of fantasy and hallucination. It has never ceased to baffle me the impact the game of soccer has on people all over the world. Why should a mere game have this power over humanity? What is the real and intrinsic value of a soccer glory? Is it that it can inspire further soccer glory? Will that not be a cyclical search for meaning?

At a deeper level of reasoning, you may wonder, why exactly should ability to roll about a round leather object and get it

landed in your opponents’ net be equated with national pride, happiness and sense of fulfilment? But that is the way things are. Countries have been reported to have gone to war for disputes over football. (Remember Honduras and El-Salvador in 1969) People do all sort of things weird, absurd – all in the name of football.

Countries beg nationals of other countries with mouth-watering monetary offers just to play for them, while soccer stars have been turned into gods all over the world. Soccer is a multi-billionaire global money spinner, but the wealth it creates is aristocratic, being the exclusive preserve of the players, managers and their promoters.

In graphic portrayal of the weirdness of football, we have read many stories of Nigerian youth maiming and even killing one another over disputes that arose in the aftermath of matches involving their adopted European clubs. During the Nigeria/Cote d’Ivoire match, a 40 year-old engineer with the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Moshood Owolabi, died in Abeokuta. He reportedly slumped the moment the Didier Drogba-led Ivoirians equalised and passed to the great beyond! The same sad story repeated itself during the Nigeria/Burkina Faso final match when a retired banker, Felix Bassey, 65, who was reportedly hypertensive, died at peak of the match when the battle was fiercest. Those are the reported cases!

Some countries, especially in Africa, even engage in juju and invocation of supernatural forces (whatever that means!) to win game of soccer. What about numerous cases of people being stampeded to death at stadia? On Sunday, February 10, some Nigerians borrowed money to celebrate Eagles victory and despite the fact that there was work the following day,

many people held self-imposed bacchanalian night vigil.

Happily, we don’t always have to switch to critical thinking mode that will actuate us to start questioning the rationale behind everything. We can still afford to savour the victory and momentarily forget our problems. The balm of football has been rubbed over our aching body; we have been launched into mass ecstasy; a collective delirium. Our souls resonate with acquired feeling of self-importance, a redefined self-confidence. Our sense of nationalism has been re-awakened, we are Champions of Africa!

It is for these delirious effects that politicians like to promote football; they understand its power over us, its capacity to calm our nerves against the broadside of our harsh realities. If they engage in activities that would otherwise ignite crises, so far as Nigeria is engaged in international soccer competition and the nation keeps winning, people would be pacified, at least until the euphoria wears off.

Therefore, let us revel in the victory, and push into the subconscious the fact that after 53 years of independence we have proved incapable of generating enough electricity to power our ailing industries. Let us forget that we have one of the highest unemployment rates in the world; that there is nothing in the horizon to offer hope of socio-economic renaissance, ameliorate the mass poverty and reduce the peoples’ sufferings. Soccer is the opium of the masses. The masses’ spirit will be buoyed by the nebulous collective achievements as evinced in soccer glories of our teams, let the leaders continue to appropriate to themselves all the authentic good things of life, after all, there will always be occasional soccer glory to continually pacify us.

• Ketefe contributed this piece from USA Africa Dialogue series.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 19/2/2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

54 CAPITAL MARKET

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 19/2/2013

PRICE GAINERS

LOSERS

Shareholders endorse Bagco, subsidiaries’ merger with Flour Mills

By Taiwo Hassan and Helen Oji HE shareholders of Nigerian Bag Manufacturing Company Plc otherwise known as Bagco Plc and its wholly owned subsidiaries- Northern Bag Manufacturing Company Limited and Bagco Morpack Nigeria Limited have formally endorsed the ratification of the merger with Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, thus, the proposed merger scheme is subsequent to the final approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The shareholders, who unanimously backed the merger of the three subsidiary companies of Flour Mills Plc, which witnessed 99 per cent of them voting in favour of the merger, said that the move to merged the companies was in line with the objective to strengthen the business structure of Flour Mills, adding that since Flour Mills owned 70 per cent or parent company of Bagco Plc. Speaking at the courtordered meeting in Lagos yesterday, President of Independent Shareholders

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Association of Nigeria, Sir Sunny Nwosu, said that the shareholders were happy with the merger because it was a strategic plan to reduce duplication of functions since the three subsidiaries were wholly owned by Flour Mills.

According to him, the idea of merging quoted companies on the stock Exchange was welcome since investors are looking at areas of making more profit-oriented for its business and rewarding shareholders.

Specifically, he said that the merger would bring more dividends to the investing shareholders in both quoted companies.

“The merger itself, as we are concerned is a synergy building. It will reduce duplication of functions by these other subsidiaries, because as looks at the moment, most of the functions are cross functions.

So, it will definitely reduce expenditure as a result of the cross function and bring synergy.

He continued: “We are expecting that this idea will

bring more money to us in terms of dividend to the shareholders, because whatever they are able to save from the duplication of functions will now go into FMN and increase its portfolios. That is our belief.”

For the National President,

Constance Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Shehu Mikail, the merger was coming at a time when companies are considering the idea of reducing cost of expenditure, noting that shareholders would benefit from the merger through high returns

on investment.

He however added that Flour Mills’ shares is one of the most traded stocks on the Exchange.

Group Managing Director of Flour Mills of Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Ukpabi, in his opening remarks at the event,

said that the proposed transaction is in furtherance of Flour Mills’ long-term growth strategy, which will involve significant capital expenditure, as demonstrated by our recent investments in the food and agro allied sectors of the Nigerian economy.

AMERC calls for speedy adoption of risk – based market supervision.

HE Chairperson, Africa T and Middle East Regional Conference (AMERC) of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria, Arunma Oteh, has called on securities market regulators across Africa and the Middle East to accelerate adoption and institutionalization of risk – based securities market regulation model in order to consolidate the current markets growth Oteh made the call yesterday at the ongoing yearly general meeting of AMERC in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Tracing the market trends which made it imperative for the adoption of risk based model for market oversight and regulation, she said: “The global markets had in the two decades before the

financial meltdown, recorded significant growth and dynamism. As a consequence of the growth and expansion, there emerged new markets, new intermediaries and a host of complex financial products and

instruments which promoted creative financial engineering and the exploitation of new avenues of financial leveraging that were accompanied by greater risk appetite and improved information technology.

Experts to brainstorm on NCM potentials s part of efforts to ensure A that investors harness potentials emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s stock market effectively this year and beyond, Nigerian Capital Market analysts have scheduled to brainstorm in order to provide insights on how to participate for enhanced returns.

The investment summit, is slated for March 2, 2013 at Ostral Hall & Hotels, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos with theme: “Get the key to higher returns in a transforming market.”

According to a statement by Investdata Consulting Limited, the highlights of the summit will include discus-

sions on market prospects in 2013, looking at industry by industry and other factors; strategies to dominate the market and how to pick good stocks in the transforming market; and how to identify a major move before it happens, using technical chart to make right entry and exit on a stock.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

MidweekArts

By Chuks Nwanne HE crowd cheered in excitement, as the T Supporters Club drummed tirelessly. The trumpets pitched very high; the Eagles have landed with the golden trophy. Award winning singer, Tuface Idibia sang out his heart for the team. From his old repertoire to new singles, the African Queen crooner was on top of his game, entertaining the team for their efforts. In between his gig, Idibia doffed his cap for the team for making Nigerians proud.

For the Free Madness singer, Terry G, it was another opportunity to get ‘mad’, at least, for a good reason. In his usual energetic style, the Benue State native rocked the stage endlessly, sweating profusely as he sang for victory. For winning the cup, the Super Eagles of Nigeria deserves free madness from Terry G, as Guinness Nigeria hosted the team in Lagos.

“Guinness Nigeria is keeping faith with the Super Eagles as we have always done because we believe the team is not just made up of the eleven players on the pitch but also includes the 170 million people cheering their team on. As a company and a football-loving brand, we are convinced that we have what it takes to succeed at this year’s outing.”

These are the exact words of the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu, at the formal unveilling of a series of exciting consumer led activities to rally the support of millions of Nigerians for the team as it seeks to emerge victorious at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON). Tagged Fly with the Eagles, the ceremony, which was staged in November 2012, at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, actually marked the beginning of the journey for the Stephen Keshi-led Super Eagles in their quest to win the Nations Cup for the third time, amid doubts and controversies.

Aside from the Nigerian Supporters Club, who gyrated to the sound of the drums and trumpets, the project had the support of stakeholders in the game of football, sports analysts and sports enthusiasts. Most importantly, former Super Eagles players such as Kanu Nwankwo and his brother, Ogbonnaya, Austin Okocha, Mutiu Adepoju, Daniel Amokachi, Peter Rufai, Joseph Dosu, Tijani Babangida, Taribo West, Victor Ikpeba and others were on ground to rally support for the team.

Even as they struggled in their first two games, a situation that demoralised most Nigerians, the Fly With The Eagles campaign was intense at the Guinness Fan Park located right inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where music stars were engaged to ginger the Super Eagles to glory. The open-air groove, which paraded notable Nigerian artistes, including Waje, Sound Sultan, Kola Soul, Illbliss and others, attracted a large crowd, that had the opportunity of watching live games on big screens.

Spiced with comedy, the gig saw the artistes rallying support for the Nigerian team, while treating the audience to the best of their recordings. It was cheers all the way, as the music stars took turns on the big stage. Somehow, the concert provided a good atmosphere for football lovers to cool off after the usual tension that comes with watching Super Eagles games.

At the Fan Park, Waje, Illbliss and Flavour performed the theme song for the Guinness Fly With The Eagles campaign and the audience was simply held spell bound listening to the track.

Produced by the famous music icon, Cohbams,

Partying the Eagles on the Table of men the Fly With The Eagles theme song exudes Guinness’ continuous desire to support Super Eagles as they did in the past five years.

Kola Soul was a delight to watch that day, as he performed his new single, Sugar Cane Daddy.

The crowd sang along the lyrics, as the R‘n’B and Soul singer displayed the stuff he is made off.

Sound Sultan practically raised the roof with his scintillating performance. On mounting the stage, the Orobo singer left no one in doubt as he engaged the crowd with his display. For Duncan Mighty, it did not take the Port Harcourt boy long time to blend with the expectant crowd that thronged the venue to watch his performance.

“It is Guinness’ way of giving back to its numerous consumers. The Park is an avenue for our esteemed consumers, who are ardent fans of the Nigerian Super Eagles, to watch matches of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in a very relax atmosphere. As you can notice, the concert-like atmosphere shows how well sports and entertainment can be combined to give our consumers unique experiences,” the company’s marketing and innovation director, Mr. Austin Ufomba, had said.

On the night the Super Eagles defeated the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, the Fan Park was agog; the music got louder and louder.

Suddenly, many began to take the team serious.

By the time the Eagles were to face the Burkina Faso team in the finals, confidence had returned; everyone tipped the Nigerian team to win and that single goal by the local boy, Sunday Mba, was enough for the once ‘Super Chickens’ to become Eagles overnight.

“It is all over,” the crowd chanted as they dance to the loud music by the DJ. Super Sports presenter Chisom Mbonu, who was stationed at the Park, had difficulties managing the crown as she hooked up with the AFCON studio live in South Africa; everybody wanted to talk. The party lasted till late at night, before the crowd dispersed to continue the victory dance on the streets.

Therefore, it is not out of place for Guinness to stage a grand reception for the glorious Eagles for their heroic performance in Madiba’s territory. It was indeed a joyful moment for members of the team as they arrived the company’s Headquarters on Oba Akran, Ikeja, Lagos, where they presented the African Cup of Nations trophy to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu; the man, who saw the big picture, despite doubt in some quarters on the capabilities of the team.

“Guinness had at no point doubted the Super Eagles’ resilience and strong determination to counter the challenges before them at the tourney in South Africa because we believe in what the team is made of. It is indeed great to be here today. Our joy in Guinness Nigeria Plc knows no bound; we are simply ecstatic.”

Super eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi presenting the cup to the MD/Chief Executive of Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Seni Adetu

The team on parade in Lagos

Tuface idibia performing for the Eagles at the party To Adetu, when Guinness launched the Fly with the Eagles campaign in November 2012 to galvanise the support of millions of Nigerians for the team at the tournament, “many people do not believe nor see reason why we are so committed to supporting the team. Today, we all are here to reap the reward of that confidence we had in this team. The Super Eagles have definitely made us proud, they have also made the millions of Nigerians, who shared Guinness’ conviction in the team proud. It is an elated moment for every one of us. As we receive this trophy here today, we enjoin all Nigerians to continue to support the team at all times because this team is great.”

According to the Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Austin Ufomba, Guinness has been vindicated for throwing their weight and resources behind the Eagles amid challenges.

“What more can we ask of a team that many did not give any chance of making it beyond the group stage at the tournament let alone winning the trophy. However, we believed in the team and we demonstrated it when we launched the Fly with the Eagles. We prepared the ground for the over 160 million Nigerians to rekindle their support for the team.

“We are very glad that the Super Eagles have reciprocated by showing the determination to succeed as they progressed at the tournament.

We saw a team that continuously improved in their performances with the right attitude; they have achieved heights unimaginable by winning the trophy and we are proud to be associated with them” Ufomba enthused.

As for fans and supporters, “we sincerely thank all our partners especially the media for their continued support. We have called on you severally and you have not disappointed us. To our great Eagles we could not have asked for more, this trophy sitting here is the icing on the cake. Guinness will continue to support the Super Eagles as we all revel in this success,” excited Ufomba said.

While presenting the trophy, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Mike Umeh commended Guinness for their support for the team.

“At a point, we were like orphans, nobody seems to believe in us, but Guinness did.

Guinness stood by us and kept on encouraging us and that motivated us at the tournament. We were glad to see fans from Nigeria, who came to support us while we play; it was awesome. We thank the Guinness team for this gesture and promise never to let them down,” Umeh said.

Done with long speeches, it was party time at the Guinness Fan Park, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The victory dance, which lasted for hours, was an opportunity for the triumphant Super Eagles to meet one-on-one with some of their supporters, who had ‘fever’ watching them in Lagos on the big screen.

Unfortunately, the million that came with the cup, will only find its way into the pockets of the players and the team managers.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

THE GUARdIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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sports Eagles resume camping next month

Sunshine places N210m on Eagles’ defence star, Oboabona NY club interested in signA ing sunshine stars’ captain, Godfrey Oboabona, must be ready to cough out one million euros (about N210 million), officials of the club have said. chairman of Ondo state Football Agency (OsFA), segun Adegunodo, said that the Oboabona did well with Eagles and as such his valuation had risen.

He said: “Oboabona did well with national team and we are happy for him. We know he will not want to play in the local league again after attaining that level and so we won’t stop him.

“But his value has risen and he is now in the region of between 800,000 and a million euros.”

Oboabona, Mikel Obi and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama were the only players who played all the minutes as the super Eagles flew all the way to their third Africa cup of Nations title in south Africa.

He is on the wanted list of clubs in Germany, Ukraine, south Africa and Turkey.

Oboabona recently rejected a proposed move to sundowns of south Africa, saying he preferred a move to Europe.

Oboabona is aware of interest coming from clubs in England and Turkey, which is why he is holding out for his European dream.

Before the recent transfer window closed in Europe,

sunshine stars had demanded for about 700,000 Euros from a Turkish club.

What makes Oboabona so marketable is that he is a versatile player, able to play at right back, centre back and defensive midfield.

Meanwhile, Ondo state Football Agency Executive director, Mike Idoko, who takes charge of administrative duties at the club, has also revealed that clubs interested in securing the services of Oboabona are from England, south Africa, Turkey and Ukraine.

“There have been so many enquiries from different clubs, especially in Europe and south Africa, but we cannot mention any of the clubs now as there are no concrete deals from anyone, We will wait as we want the best for Godfrey because he has served the club well,” said Idoko.

Idoko also said that Oboabona was a player under contract with sunshine stars and that the club would not stand in the way of the player’s ambition to move abroad.

“Godfrey is our player since he joined us from Rising Academy. He’s played for only sunshine stars in Nigeria in his career. We’ve sold a number of players abroad and we won’t stop Godfrey from moving so far we see the contract good enough for him and the club,” he said.

NFF mourns Okey Isima HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep shock at news of the death of former international defender, Okechukwu Isima, which unfortunate incident occurred in the Federal capital, Abuja on Monday.

“The news of the departure of Okey Isima (MON) at a time we are still celebrating the super Eagles’ triumph at the Africa cup of Nations in south Africa hit us like a thunderbolt. He was a gentleman on and off the field.

“We are deeply saddened by his death and we pray that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and grant those he has left behind, including the

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Nigeria football family, the fortitude to bear the loss,” said Emeka Inyama, chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity committee.

Better known as Okey Isima, the renowned left back won the Africa cup of Nations trophy with the Green Eagles in 1980 and also played for Nigeria at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, as well as the 1982 Africa cup of Nations finals in Libya.

He played for a few more years with the Eagles after the Libya ’82 adventure, scoring a famous goal in the 1-0 defeat of Tunisia in a 1986 FIFA World cup qualifying match in Lagos in 1985.

UPER Eagles coach, stephen is expected to name stheKeshi, players he wants to use for Nigeria’s World cup qualifier against Kenya and the Brazil 2013 confederation cup later this month.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday said that the team would resume camping in the first week of next month for the 2014 FIFA World cup qualifying match against Kenya, which is slated for the U. J. Esuene stadium, calabar on March 23.

NFF General secretary, Musa Amadu, confirmed that the home boys would hit camp two weeks before the arrival of the overseas-based professionals one week to the crucial game.

“Now that we are the champions of Africa, we know that every team will prepare much harder whenever they are to play Nigeria. We don’t want to leave ourselves open to any sucker punch. Getting to the top and staying there requires a lot of hard work,” Amadu said.

Keshi is expected to release the squad list after a meeting with the NFF Technical committee.

Nigeria currently top the Group F of the African series for the 2014 FIFA World cup Brazil, with four points from a 1-0 home defeat of Namibia and a 1-1 draw against Malawi in Blantyre in June 2012.

Namibia is a point below Nigeria, Malawi is third on two points while Kenya have a point.

Sunshine Stars say any club that wants to sign Godfrey Oboabona must be ready to part with N210 million.

Total Promotions appeals to minister over ‘cancelled’ contract ROAdcAsT right owners B of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), Total Promotions, has appealed to the Minister of sports and chairman National sports commission, Mallam Bolaji Adbullahi, over the purported cancellation of the contract it signed with the NPL which runs till 2015. chairman of the broadcast outfit, Niyi Alonge, said in Lagos yesterday that he was shocked by the action of the Interim League Management committee in cancelling an

but as a commercial outfit we were merely asking for settlement after we had spent so much sponsoring the league in the last two years.

“I am still confused about the actions of the interim committee, but we are studying the situation. One thing they do not want to know is the fact that Total Promotions had already committed over N40 million to the 2012/2013 league season, even when the season has not started. The minister is aware of this spending.”

Obuh joins Flying Eagles in Egypt, as NFF reduces debt by N6m From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE Nigeria Football T Federation (NFF) yesterday reduced the more than 13

Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh.

existing contract without any recourse to the laws of the land, especially under a democratic regime.

“I was told that the minister was not happy that Total Promotions asked for an outright buy-out of the Title Rights, but I am still standing on my promises to him that I am not fixated about the Title rights.

“I willingly surrendered it to Globacom but asked for a buy-out,” Alonge said.

“I did not renege on handing over the right to Globacom,

months backlog of salary owed the national U-20 team coach, John Obuh, by N6 million, to ensure the Flying Eagles gaffer joined his team in Egypt as soon as possible.

Obuh refused to travel with the team to Egypt on Monday because the federation reneged on its promise to pay his arrears of salary.

The Flying Eagles, the defending champion of the cAF African Youth championship (AYc), will play a two leg friendly with the young Pharaohs of Egypt on Friday

and saturday respectively before moving to Tunisia for a three-week camping for the AYc, which is expected to begin in Algeria on March 23.

The Guardian gathered that the former sharks coach protested the non-payment of his salaries, insisting that his family would suffer if he left for the long trip since he would not return to Nigeria till after the AYc. The Guardian learnt Obuh boarded an Egypt Air flight at about 11a.m. yesterday to join the team in cairo after meeting with the NFF secretary General, Musa Amadu, on Monday, where he was begged to accept the sum of million.

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speaking to The Guardian on the coach’s protest, an NFF board member, who would not want pleaded anonymity, said that Obuh was right in demanding for his unpaid salary before he would join the team, adding that he had always been treated badly by the federation.

The board member, who noted that the former national U17 coach should command respect among the list of NFF coaches going by his record, regretted that the NFF president signed a document which reduced Obuh’s salary from N1 million to N600, 000 without going through it thoroughly to know exactly what it was all about.

FIFA approves goal line technology for Brazil 2014 ORLd football governing W body, FIFA, has confirmed goal-line technology will be used at the 2014 World cup in Brazil.

The system was successfully trialled at the club World cup in december, and is being used for this summer’s confederations cup.

FIFA President sepp Blatter had previously stated his commitment to bringing in goalline technology for the tournament in Brazil. FIFA has invited tenders to provide the system.

Blatter has pushed for goalline technology ever since he watched Frank Lampard denied a legitimate goal in England’s defeat by Germany in the 2010 World cup.

He subsequently said, “sorry” for the mistake caused by Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda failing to spot the midfielder’s shot had bounced over the line.

Blatter also insisted video technology was a “necessity” after a controversial incident in England’s 1-0 win over Euro 2012 opponents Ukraine helped eliminate the co-hosts.

Ukraine forward Marko devic’s shot crossed England’s goal-line but a goal was not awarded.

Both Goalref and Hawkeye were used at the club World cup and have FIFA approval.

Goalref works by using magnetic sensors to determine whether the ball crossed the line, while Hawkeye uses a number of cameras.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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CricketWeekly Countdown To The Pepsi ICC-Africa T20 Division Championship

Kampala 2013 gladiators set for the ultimate promotion battle The Kampala 2013 Pepsi ICC-Africa T20 Division One Championship begins on Saturday in the Ugandan capital with Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana as the contenders for fame and promotion. The teams are vying to occupy the top spot at the championship, which automatically qualifies the winner for the next stage of the journey to relevance in the game in the UAE. Below, ICC’s Zuraida Badat looks at each of the teams and their chances of success in Kampala.

TEAM Nigeria IGERIA won the ICC-Africa APL T20 Division 2 Trophy in Johannesburg, South Africa in May 2011, thus qualifying for the ICC-Africa APL T20 Division 1 that was hosted by Uganda.

Little was known about Nigeria, which clearly worked for it as it almost upset hosts, Uganda, in one of the games played. Nigeria will come into the tournament with a lot of confidence to cause some upsets after emerging fourth in the last tournament held in Uganda.

Nigeria was promoted from Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 7 to Division 6 after securing second position at the WCL Div 7 Tournament held in Gaborone, Botswana in the same month of May 2011. It is currently ranked 37th in ICC ODI Ranking.

Nigeria will place its hopes on all rounders, Kunle Adegbola, Jide Bejide and Seye Olympio to deliver the “Holy Grail” in its second appearance of the tournament.

Team Kenya Kenya will head into the Pepsi ICC-Africa World Cricket League Regional T20 tournament in Kampala, Uganda, as firm favourites to lift the title.

The Kenyans, who finished third in the same event held in Uganda in 2011, will seek to do better having been represented by a young inexperienced squad at the time.

The stakes are higher this time with qualification into the global stage a guarantee for the top two teams. Kenya will be sending an experienced squad to compete in these fixtures this time and will be expected to qualify based on being the highest ranked member in the six team event.

In Alex Obanda, the team possesses a massively talented player in the T20 format. If he gets going, he is likely to lay the platform for the rest of the top order batsman to exploit, with the other dependable batsmen, Rakep Patel, Tanmay Mishra and Collins Obuya to follow.

Kenya’s bowling department will be spearheaded by the pair of Nehemiah Odhiambo and Nelson Odhiambo to provide the necessary penetration and in Hiren Varaiya, Kenya possess a reliable spinner in the continental wickets, his contribution will be key to Kenya’s chances when it needs the breakthroughs against established batsmen to turn the

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game in its favour.

Preparations have been ongoing since the team resumed training in early January and having to face some relatively unknown opposition will provide a huge challenge for it despite its status. The T20 format is sometimes a gamble and on another day similarly ranked teams can cause upsets, but the five-time World Cup campaigners will be hoping to secure qualification into the next stage of the competition.

With each team playing each other twice for a total of eight matches, Kenya’s physicality will be severely tested with will the upcoming fixture against Canada in Dubai on the back of the series in Kampala.

Team Uganda There will be no room for error as Uganda, the defending Champions of the Pepsi ICC Africa Division one T20 Qualifiers, open its defense against star studded Kenya at Kyambogo Oval on the opening day. Coaches Martin Suji and Stephen Tikolo will want their charges to use home advantage and stamp their authority on the week-long showpiece.

The stakes are high for the Ugandan team, who would once again like to qualify for the Global Qualifiers after the last campaign ended in a disaster.

The team has had good preparations going into the tournament, including a tour to the United Arab Emirates in January 2013. Uganda will have its hopes in had hitting Roger Mukasa, who is capable of destroying any bowling attack when he gets going.

He proved this in the last tournament where he was very influential in Uganda’s lifting of the Division one trophy in 2011.

He will be ably assisted by his two brothers, Laurence Sematimba and Frank Nsubuga, who have proved in recent times that they are forces to reckon with.

Coupled with their vast experience, they will play a key role in ensuring that Uganda is triumphant.

The bowling attack will be led

by Charles Waiswa, who will hope that the conditions favor his sharp in swings that have caused mayhem to many teams in the past.

He will be ably assisted by new kid on the block, Brian Masaba, commonly known as “Massy.”

Brian, a former Uganda Under 19 captain, made his senior debut in the same tournament in 2011, where he greatly

impressed and became a darling of the crowds. He has since matured and established himself as a death bowler for the country.

Team Botswana Karabo Modise or ‘Chinny,’ as he is fondly known by his team mates, a nickname picked up during his rugby playing days as a youngster, is a product of the BCA’s development programme and caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity in Botswana for his powerful stroke play.

The heavy set left hander has been involved with the Botswana senior men’s team for four years and aged 23, still has a lot to offer the nation.

Besides being a clean striker of the ball, Modise can also bowl orthodox left arm spin and left arm pace and has also shown good cricketing acumen when called upon to captain.

Modise’s talents even turned heads during Botswana’s pre tournament tour to Sri Lanka in 2009 when he let loose on some premier grade club bowlers, justifying the fact that he could also hold his own when playing against a higher pedigree of cricketers.

Modise was the catalyst for a crucial and nail biting victory against Germany in a World Cricket League Division 7 fixture in May 2011 when he scored an imposing 65 which included seven fours and one six when Botswana were struggling at 28-3.

With T20 cricket being right down his avenue with his style of play, Modise will have an important role to fulfill in determining the fortunes of Botswana in the ICC Africa Division One T20 World Cup Qualifiers come February 2013.

Team Tanzania Not much is known about Tanzania, whose players have moved through the system to the national team. The current team is a young one and will strive to impress and cause some upsets at the tournament. However, it has to contend with the big boys, Uganda and Kenya, who are looking forward to dominating this prestigious tournament.

Tanzania was runner up in the last Pepsi ICC Africa Division 2 tournament held in South Africa last year, just behind Botswana, who it beat in the preliminary round.

Botswana managed to tip them at the top of the table in the last tournament as it had a superior net run rate.

Nigeria celebrating a good outing during the WCL Division Seven play-off in Guernsey.

Kenya is the highest ranked team in the Pepsi ICC-Africa Division One T20 Championship.

Hamisi Abdallah is the captain of the Tanzanian team.

Uganda rejoicing after beating Kenya in a recent championship.

Botswana strongman, Omar Ali.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

SPORTS 59

NFF sure of Nigeria’s qualification for African Nations Championship HE Nigeria Football T Federation (NFF) says it is determined to see the Super Eagles qualify for next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition for national teams made up of homebased players.

Nigeria has never qualified for the competition, which third edition will hold in South Africa next year.

Speaking yesterday on the country’s preparation for the CHAN qualifier against Cote d’Ivoire next month, NFF Secretary General, Musa Amadu said the federation would be enamoured to see

Nigeria emerge champions of the continental tournament to add to the all-comers Africa Cup of Nations title won in South Africa penultimate weekend.

“The NFF is leaving no stone unturned to see that the Super Eagles qualify for the third African Nations Championship, which incidentally, will hold in South Africa early next year. We want to add that trophy to the Africa Cup of Nations that is presently in our possession.

“It is not a true reflection of the strength of our domestic football that we have never qualified for the African

Nations Championship. We must make amends by not only qualifying for the next finals, but winning it as well.”

Nigeria lost out to Ghana in the race to the inaugural African Nations Championship in Cote d’Ivoire in 2009 and then faltered against Niger Republic in the qualifying series for the second edition in Sudan in 2011. Tunisia is the defending champion of the competition.

In the qualifier, Nigeria is drawn against Cote d’Ivoire, with the first leg to be played in Nigeria in the third week of June and the return leg in Abidjan in the first week of

July.

“Coach Stephen Keshi will coach the team. He has been doing a lot of work with the home boys and even took six of them to the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Our home boys have given good account of themselves at several friendly matches against Angola, Liberia, Egypt, Peru and Niger Republic over the past year.

“They should have no problem qualifying for the finals, more so with the kind of support and preparation they will get from the NFF,” Amadu added.

The home boys have been given equal opportunities alongside the overseas-based professionals in the past 15 months and will next week resume camping for next month’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kenya, before the arrival of the foreign-based pros.

Super Eagles star, Sunday Mba is expected to be in the home-based national team being packaged for the CHAN by Coach Stephen Keshi. PHOTO: AFP.

Veterans lament poor state of Nigerian handball From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja IGERIAN handball former N internationals, under the aegis of the Handball Veterans

Public Relations Manager, Samsung West Africa, Usman Imanah (left); Head, Corporate Marketing, Samsung West Africa, Donald Etim, Managing Director, Samsung West Africa, Brovo Kim, Vice Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, Azeez Tade, member, Lagos Football Association, Dotun Coker and Brand Manager, Samsung West Africa, Folakemi Brown-Emodi with participants and Chelsea coaches at the Samsung- Chelsea FC Dream the Blues Youth Football Clinic in Lagos… recently.

Samsung partners Chelsea to launch clinic in Nigeria AMSUNG Electronics West The initiative is an expan- Orphanage (Igando).

SChelsea Africa partnered with sion of Samsung – Chelsea FC At the end of the training sesFC to hold the local Youth Football Camp pro- sion, four outstanding partici-

version of Samsungs global CSR project: Samsung – Chelsea FC Dream the Blues youth football clinic at Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

According to the Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Brovo Kim, Dream the Blues aims to encourage football-loving youths from nine to 13 to achieve and grow their football dreams.

gramme, which has already benefitted 5,000 youths across the world.

After the training, two outstanding participants are selected to proceed to Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge, UK for further training with kids from other parts of the world.

Among the orphanages that took part in the exercise were Bab Salam (Ikeja), SOS Village (Isolo) and Compassionate

Chime urges Keshi to build on Super Eagles’ Nations Cup victory OVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has congratulated the Super Eagles over its triumph at the recently concluded African Nations Cup competition, saying it signaled the country’s recovery and determination to restore itself to the path of glory.

The governor in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, said the commitment showed

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Chime

by the Super Eagles and the technical crew to lift the coveted trophy despite the sceptism of many citizens, was remarkable and worthy of emulation.

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his exceptional support for the team, adding that the interest he showed in the competition and in the affairs of the squad served was a huge source of inspiration for the players.

Governor Chime urged the team’s handlers, the players and the Sports Ministry to build upon the success in order to achieve greater goals in future, especially qualification and successful outing at the 2014 World Cup. He said, “we are all delighted at this wonderful milestone achieved by the Super Eagles in South Africa. We give credit to our boys for the determination and commitment they showed out there despite many odds. I believe it is something all Nigerians should learn from.”

pants were entered into a draw and two lucky winners Jep Mallam (SOS Village) and Moses Oyediji (Compassionate Home) were selected to proceed to Chelsea FC, UK for further training.

“This has been a wonderful experience. I can see the Kanu’s and Okocha’s of the future being inspired to greatness. The program was a success and I see us scaling up to other parts of the country in the future. There has been tremendous support from the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Football Federation,” added Head, Corporate Marketing, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Donald Etim.

Association, have re-echoed their desire to save the dwindling fortunes of the sport, which they regretted is on the verge of extinction in the country.

The former internationals made the reaffirmation recently in Suleja, Niger State, during a friendly game between their Abuja chapter and their counterparts in Niger State, an event that also featured competitions among under-aged boys and girls’ teams from Niger State.

Speaking on the the present

state of handball in Nigeria, one of the veterans and current national Coach of the U20 Team, Fidelis Obi attributed the dwindling fortunes of the game to poor sponsorship drive.

“I don’t know what is actually happening, but we have persistently challenged the president of the Federation and he keeps telling us that they always look for sponsorship, but the problem is that each deal they have had break down at the last minute,” he said.

Coach Obi advocate a new format of the handball league and called for the election of a new board soon to see if the incoming members would borrow a leaf from the basket-

Nasarawa State plans new stadium HE Nasarawa State governT ment says it has concluded plans to construct a stadium to enhance sports development in the state.

The Acting Director of Sports, Mathias Mamman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone on Monday that the development would help to reposition the state in the nation’s sports scene.

“The state government has finalised plans to build a standard stadium in the state capital, to enable it to be able to engage the youths through sports.

“Sports will certainly get a new look in Nasarawa State when the project is completed. I assure the people that the government means business in its sports development initiatives, this year,’’ he said.

Mamman attributed the limited development in sports in the state to inadequate facilities.

According to him, the state’s sports council has presented lots of programmes targeted at scouting and grooming talents who could represent the state in national competitions.

Participants at the monthly Lucozade Sport Open Air Work-Out at the National Stadium in Lagos…at the weekend.

ball federation.

“There is a huge followership of handball and the Eko 2012 NSF is a good testimony to that fact. The greatest problem we have is that of sponsorship and the way the league is organised. Playing all the games in one state for one week cannot help us because sponsors believe it is not giving them value for their money.

“However, now that the federation election is fast approaching, if the next board that would come in is able to canvass for good sponsorship, I am telling you in the next two years, handball will bounce back. Our problem now is poor administration and management but we have the talents in abundance at all levels,” he noted.

Chairman of the Abuja chapter of the veterans, Mark Jacobs, collaborated coach Obi’s observation, when he said, “there is absence of proper management, committed and dedicated leadership in the affairs of handball in Nigeria. There is no plan on ground that someone can see, which is followed by the leaders of the handball federation.”

GTB Heritage Cup enters last eight IGHT schools have now E berthed in the quarterfinal of the season two of the GTB Heritage Cup with the tournament generating intense passion amongst students and alumni of participating schools.

The football tournament christened Heritage Cup is a competition for both male and female students in private and non-government owned schools sponsored by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions.

Forty-two matches were played leading up to the quarterfinals. This stage of the competition promises to be very exciting as the schools that made it to the last four in the maiden edition are still in contention and intend to win again while the other players are also gunning for glory for their various schools.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

60 | SPORTS

UEFA champions League

We are not overly reliant on Messi, Pedro insists

Milan dwells on past ahead of Barca’s visit C Milan have been left A dwelling on the past as they prepare to host Barcelona in a Champions League last-16 first leg tie today when Lionel Messi will try to score for the Catalans for the 15th match in a row.

The Italians were forced to hold a firesale of their top players to try and balance the books at the end of last season, with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and defender Thiago Silva among those to l e a v e .

Alexandre Pato has also left since Milan were eliminated by the same opponents in the quarter-finals just under a year ago.

Mario Balotelli, their only marquee signing this season, is cup-tied against Barca, leaving the seven-times European champions a pale shadow of their former selves.

Milan seem to have struggled to come to terms with their new reality - a reflection of the difficulties facing Serie A where clubs can no longer compete with the financial clout of other top European l e a g u e s .

At times Milan have been happy to play the role of underdogs, with President Silvio Berlusconi and Coach Massimiliano Allegri emphasising they are now a young team building for a financially sustainable future.

But there was none of that talk on their website in the build up to the match as the club preferred to hark back to their past record.

“A great European city and a fabulous stadium are ready to host the game of the year,” it said proudly, casting a veil

over Milan’s current situation.

“Certain stadiums bring out a certain atmosphere especially when it comes to European fixtures. Milan-Barcelona is the match between (one of) the most successful clubs in the world and currently the best club in the world.”

Things have certainly changed since Milan outclassed Barcelona 4-0 in the 1994 final.

The Italians have won only one of 10 meetings since then, a 1-0 win at San Siro in 2004, and none of the last seven.

The teams have twice met in the knockout stages with Barcelona winning 3-1 on aggregate in last season’s quarter-finals and 1-0 on aggregate in the 2005/06 semi-final on their way to winning the title.

Without Balotelli, who has scored four goals in three games since his move from Manchester City, Milan’s hopes of reversing that sequence would appear to be minimal despite an impressive domestic run which has seem them climb to third in Serie A. Four-times World Player of the Year Messi looks unstoppable for Barcelona.

Midfielder Xavi is back in the Barcelona squad after missing the last two games but David Villa will not make the trip as he is still recovering from kidney stones.

Striker Pedro churned out the usual platitudes when he faced the Spanish media on M o n d a y .

“Milan has always been difficult,” he said. “They have titles and a great history. It will be difficult, as it always is. They

ARCELONA striker, Pedro B Rodriguez has claimed that his club is not overly reliant on

Balotelli (left) shields an opponent during a Serie A match… recently

Milan needs luck to beat Barcelona, says Capello C Milan will need a healthy A portion of luck if it is to surpass Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, according to Fabio Capello.

The Russia boss has experience coaching top sides in both La Liga and Serie A, and is of the opinion that the gap in quality between the Rossoneri and the Blaugrana is obvious. “(Milan) need a bit of luck,” he told Sky Sport 24. “There is too much difference at the moment between Barca and Milan, and, in fact, between Barca and most other teams.”

Galatasaray going all out for victory, Sneijder boasts ESLEY Sneijder has side. nents is what’s important.

W insisted that “The Champions League is “We know our opponents’ Galatasaray will be giving its the top tournament of

all in search of victory today when the club hosts Schalke in their Champions League last-16 first leg meeting.

The Dutch midfielder is delighted to be playing in the top continental competition once again, having helped Inter win it in 2010, and is looking forward to the clash with Jens Keller’s

Europe,” he told Galatasaray TV. “We’re ready for the match and can’t wait to play it. It’s going to be a magnificent match. We should play our game and go to Germany with an advantage. In my opinion, playing home is the same, being in a better position than our oppo-

star Lionel Messi.

The diminutive attacker has now scored 48 goals in 36 games across all competitions this season, and more than 300 goals in his Barcelona career, but Pedro believes the Catalan giant is more than just a one-man team.

“He always takes the team on his back and if he is not on form then it is noticeable, but the team is very strong and I do not believe that we are Messi-dependent,” Pedro told reporters ahead of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League clash with AC Milan today.

The Argentine scored in his 14th consecutive game against Granada on Sunday, and Pedro was quick to highlight his teammate’s incredible goalscoring record.

“Messi is a player with great ambition. These figures are unimaginable. He is getting lots of goals and I hope he continues with this ambition and desire,” Pedro said. “He is a decisive player, the best in the world. It may be that the best is yet to come from Messi. He has exceeded again in getting a new record number of goals.”

Pedro himself will be looking to add to his tally of five goals this season when the Blaugrana travel to the San Siro to face Milan in the first leg of their round of 16 clash.

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano has said that the history of Barcelona has helped the current side’s players remain humble.

The Argentine, who arrived at Camp Nou from Liverpool, believes the side’s players have a different mentality to those from other teams.

“One thing I have discovered is that in football, the players from the biggest sides, which have made history are the most humble,” he told reporters.

Mascherano, who arrived at the Blaugrana from Anfield in 2010, also believes his own attitude to the game has improved since relocating to Spain.

“Since I came to Barcelona I’ve always had the mentality of trying to give the best, offer the team (my best) and often leave the ego aside.”

The 24 million euro signing has enjoyed a successful spell at Barcelona, winning both the Champions League and La Liga.

strengths and weaknesses against us, but what really matters is how well we play.

As a team, we are ready for a top game and we are going to mind our own business and go all out for a victory.”

Galatasaray qualified for the knockout stage of the competition by finishing second in Group H behind Manchester United.

Mario Balotelli has scored four goals in three games since returning to Serie A with the Rossoneri and Capello went on to say that he has been shocked by the striker’s performances. “(Balotelli’s) form is a surprise to me,” he added. “He needed to find an ideal environment and return to Italy to be an important player.

“What’s amazing me is his attention, his commitment, and his collaboration with his teammates. I never saw this side of him at City or Inter.”

The former Juventus coach believes that the reigning Scudetto holder remains the favorite despite having seen its form falter in 2013, most recently being beaten 1-0 by Roma on Saturday thanks to a Francesco Totti strike.

“The Bianconeri are clearly the favorite,” Capello added.

“Napoli have been affected by off the field issues. Totti is player with great vision. He does not even need to think through steps as he plays. The Roma I know should have been one of the favorites for the Scudetto with Juventus, even if the Bianconeri are the strongest team. They have extraordinary talent but unfortunately had problems during the year. They are potentially the strongest team there is after Juve.”

Pedro

Berlusconi wants Milan to man-mark Messi C Milan President Silvio A Berlusconi believes that Barcelona star Lionel Messi

Sneijder

should be man-marked in the club’s upcoming Champions League last-16 encounter.

The former prime minister of Italy has emphasised that he will not be telling Massimiliano Allegri how to set up the team, and is aware of the task at hand.

“It will be very difficult to beat Barcelona,” the former Italian Prime Minister told RTL 102.5.”I still haven’t found the time to talk to boss Allegri, but I won’t tell him what side to pick – I’ve never done that.

He added, “I know the role of the president and that of the coach – I respect those – but a president has the right to give advice to his coach.

“On this occasion my suggestion would be that Messi is man-marked.”

Berlusconi then went on to confirm that the former Cagliari boss is likely to be in charge at San Siro for one more season.

“If a president doesn’t agree with a coach then he fires him, but Allegri is still here and has a contract for another year,” he revealed

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Sponsors reaffirm support to table tennis at Ikoyi Club AJORITY of the sponsors of in 11 friendly tournaments in M series of competitions at the the past two years.

For the Chairman of Ikoyi table tennis section of Ikoyi Club

Football takes centre stage as LSMW comes to town HE fervour of the Eagles’ T 2013 African Nations Cup victory will be reignited when football issues come to the fore at the first-ever social media week to be hosted in Lagos tomorrow.

Nigeria’s biggest football website Goal.com, alongside the Lagos State Football Association and continental broadcast giants, SuperSport, will host participants to an interesting discussion about Nigerian football and the impact that social media has made on it.

Two football panels will take centre stage at the SS Lounge, Sapara Williams Close, Off Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island on the day.

To open the day will be the panel on “Sports journalism in the 21st Century: Is social media taking the drivers’ seat?” To be discussed by Felix Awogu, Kiibati Bankole and Colin Udoh.

It will be moderated by Goal.com Nigeria Chief Editor, Lolade Adewuyi.

“The new generation Super Eagles – How social media can help garner national support” and will be discussed by Opeyemi Okunoren, Deji Tinubu and Obi Asika. The panel is expected to be moderated by Bisi Osunneye.

Organisers have already expressed immense joy ahead of the panels as they seek to give football its rightful place in the scheme of things among social media savvy young Nigerians.

Supersport.com West Africa Football Content Manager, Iwedi Ojinmah said, “this is going to be big and we aim to

Matchmakers hail Eagles, ready for Night of Stars ATCHMAKERS Consult M International, which is organising the inaugural Nigeria Pitch Awards with the support of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has praised the Super Eagles for its victory at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa.

The Nigeria Pitch Awards will reward all actors on the football pitch in Nigeria and will be held annually.

Chief Executive Officer of Matchmakers Consult, Shina Philips said on Monday that the triumph in the Rainbow Nation is a glorious turnaround for Nigeria football and will engender so many positives for our football.

“Winning the Africa Cup of Nations means a lot to the Nigeria game. It will change the way Nigeria football is seen and assessed worldwide and brighten up the market.

The value of Nigeria football is fast rising.

“You can see that the results are already there to see, with Nigeria moving 22 places up the FIFA World Ranking and also moving to fourth place in Africa. It can only get better,” he said.

Philips disclosed that all is now set for the glamorous Night of Stars that will herald the inaugural edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.

“The Night of Stars will celebrate several actors in the football and entertainment industry in Nigeria.

play our role and share how we have become Africa’s biggest sport portal. This is why our delegation will include our best in General Manager, Felix Awogu, our African Football Manager, Emeka Enyadike, as well as, our Sportscasters, Mbonu and Udoh.”

Goal.com’s Adewuyi added, “following the Super Eagles’ victory in South Africa where we provided extensive coverage, we are glad to co-operate with Eko Football and SuperSport to host this panel where the impact of social media on football shall be discussed.”

The panels will begin at 10am and admission is free for all participants.

Mojeed Olayiwola during the 18th National Sports Festival held in Lagos… recently.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

1938 have promised to continue with the support of the game.

The outgoing Chairman of the table tennis section of Ikoyi Club, Toyin Owolabi believes the backing from the sponsors has helped to improve the lots of the game in the club.

Also, the outgoing Executive Committee of the section praised sponsors for assisting the committee in taking the sport to greater heights in the club.

Owolabi said out of the 16 competitions staged during the twoyear tenure of the committee, 11 tournaments were bankrolled by corporate sponsors, adding that this would surely be an annual event.

With the club competing alongside clubs like Lagos Country Club, Ibadan Recreation Club, Ibadan Tennis Club, Union Bank Sports Club and Ghana Table Tennis Association in Accra, adding that they team took part

Club, Richard Giwa-Osagie, the outgoing Executive Committee members of the section should be lauded for their selfless service and commitment to the development of the sport as a leading game in the Club. He, therefore, enjoined the incoming executive committee to build on the achievements of the Owolabiled committee.

At the colourful event spiced with entertainment, five corporate sponsors like Hemmingways Safari, Akintola Deloitte, Arco Petrochemical Engineering Company Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria, Plc and Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, as well as, three members of the section Taiwo Obileye, Alfred Okoigun and Olawale Onaolapo, were honoured in appreciation of their continuous commitment to the development and growth of the section.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, February 20, 2013

63

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

TheGuardian

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

By Emejuiwe Victor HE issue of government funding for T political parties has become a major debate in the country. While some advocate the continuous support for parties, others say that government should withdraw any such support. Recently, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) lent its voice against government funding. Its national secretary asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop funding political parties. He believes that it is necessary for parties to be self-sustaining. This, he argues, would encourage discipline in the parties and ensure that only viable ones are kept afloat.

It has been observed that most of the parties have turned the subsidy into a big business. Such parties are regarded as mere briefcase parties. The recent controversy over INEC’s decision to de-register about 28 parties might not have been unconnected with the downsizing of parties instead of throwing money at unviable organisations.

It is worrisome that during elections, the focus of the Nigerian electorate is directed at just political parties that conduct active campaigns. Campaigns and rallies during elections are effective means of selling candidates and party manifestoes. This produces a healthy contest and engenders wide participation of the masses. It also generates an election in which programmes being canvassed are competitive. Naturally, the choice of the electorate varies because of their assessment of the candidates and their parties. Campaigns and publicity are thus vital activities that political parties must engage in to relevant.

Subsidising political parties in Nigeria simply means the financial support government gives to each of them. The sentiment behind this is debatable. I would approach the issue by citing examples from countries such as Canada, the Netherlands and the United States (U.S.).

In Canada, there are three funding processes for political parties: the first is the quarterly subsidy, which is paid to the parties according the total number of votes they were able to record during an election.

The other method is through tax credits.

Political contributions are publicly subsidised via personal income tax credit.

This credit is given to the individual based on the value of his contribution to the party. For instance, a credit of 75 per cent of the first $400 contributed to a party is given to an individual. For the political parties, the maximum political contribution that can be given to the national organisation of each party is $1,100. For this amount, the party receives a tax credit of $591.67, representing a subsidy of 53.79 per cent.

The last method employed by Canada is reimbursement of expenses made after the election. Over 50 per cent of the total sum spent by a political party is reimbursed to it. In this case, the party is expected to record at least 2-5 per cent support from all electoral districts where it shall be reimbursed. This implies that the more a political party spends the more it is reimbursed. Candidates who are able to get at least 10 per cent of the votes from electoral districts are paid 60 per cent of all expenses incurred.

Though this system of funding in Canada comes with its own major challenge, as individuals contribute more than the limit of $1,100 while political parties are only required to report the identity of individuals who may have contributed from $200 and above. Receipts are issued for donations of $200 or less.

The parties flout this rule by receiving contributions from an individual in tranches of $200 to each of the party’s 308 electoral districts without disclosing their identities. Also, companies disguise as individuals and make donations in like manner.

In the Netherlands, the major source of party funding is membership fees. This heavy reliance on individual members is the pillar of Dutch society and politics.

Please send reactions and feedback for YOUTH SPEAK to:

editorial@risenetworks.org and 07067976667- SMS ONLY

Subsidising political parties

Unlike Canada, the Dutch avoids contribution from the business communities or subsidies from state interventions.

They believe that because one lives within one’s own circle, citizens support their organisation.

There is no limit to the contribution an individual can make in the Netherlands.

However, the challenge with this type of funding is felt when membership of a party is low or it shrinks. The Dutch Government, nevertheless, established a public institution to offer state subsidy to political parties for research. The Dutch spends money only on its party apparatus other than on campaigns because they enjoy free publicity from the media houses.

In the U.S., the money for campaigns for federal offices comes from four broad sources: (1) Small individual contributors (individuals who contributes $200 or less), (2) Big individual contributors (individuals who contribute over $200), (3) Political action committees, and (4) Self-financing (the candidate’s own money). Federal Law restricts how much individuals and organisations may contribute to political campaigns, political parties and other FEC-regulated organisations.

Corporations and unions are barred from donating money directly to candidates or national party committees. To each candidate, individuals may give $2,500, to national party committee, $30,800, to state district and local party committee, $10,000, to any other political committee $5,000.

The national party committee may give $5,000 to each candidate, there is no limit of contribution to the amount it holds for itself. There is also no limit of contribution to the state district and local party.

There is $5,000 limit to any other political committee. This same financial lever-

age applies to the state district and local party committee. Political action committee and multi-candidate may give $5000, $15,000, $5,000 and $5,000 to candidates, national party committee, state district and local party respectively; it has no limit to the donations made to any other political committee (itself).

The U.S. Federal Law prohibits corporations and labour unions from making direct donations and contributions to federal elections. These organisations may, however, sponsor what is called “separate segregated funds” (SSF) known as PAC. These organisations may receive or raise money from a restricted class, which consists of managers and shareholders, in the case of a corporation, and members in the case of a union or other interest groups.

The sponsor of PAC may absorb all the administrative costs of operating the PAC and soliciting contributions. The U.S. also has a presidential public financing system whereby a presidential fund is created for individuals to willingly direct a $3 tax to such fund; this is known as $3 tax check-off on individual returns.

In Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2010 provides that political parties obtain funds from (1) membership fee, (2) income generated from property owned by political party, (3) profit from the income of the enterprises owned by political parties, (4) public funding i.e. grant from the state, and (5) contributions from legal entities and natural person. The Electoral Act 2010 states in section 91 (9): An individual or other entity shall not donate more than 1,000,000.00 to any candidate.

However, while regulating on the disclosure of political parties, the Act provides in section 93 (2), “A political party shall keep an account and asset book into which shall be recorded all monetary and other forms of contributions

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received by the party” and “The name and address of any person or entity that contributes any money or assets which exceed N1,000,000.00.

From the above, it appears as if the Act gives a go-ahead for people to donate more than N1million, though it gives a punitive sanction in section 91 (11): “An individual who knowingly acts in contravention of sub-section (9) shall, on conviction, be liable to a maximum fine of N500, 000.00 or imprisonment for a term of nine months or both. From this section, the above highlighted word, “knowingly,” is enough to make individuals or entity violate the crime unknowingly.

Though no strong litigation has been brought forward on the violation of financial contributions to candidates and party, we have witnessed where individuals in this country donate to candidates and political parties above N1million. Such people unknowingly violate this section by contributing above the limit on behalf of themselves, their families and so on.

At the 2011 presidential election, a senator donated a total of N250 million on behalf of himself and 249 members of his family. However, INEC did not determine if those family members existed and even if they did, what they incurred as tax liabilities or status prior to that donation.

Corporate firms are not also to exceed this limit; but it was witnessed in the last gubernatorial election in Edo State that the chairman of a company donated N1 million for each of the seven subsidiary names of his company.

However, from the case study of political funding conducted from Canada, the Netherlands and U.S., there seems to be a common challenge of tracking donations to political parties and candidates, which is the same with Nigeria. The question to be asked is, what role should government play in funding political parties - should it keep paying grants to all registered political parties? Should it, like in the Netherlands, give concession on media privilege to all parties for publicity?

Should it encourage citizens to pay taxes to political parties just like the U.S? These questions are pointers to the fact that political parties need funds to compete favourably during elections. While this is the case, party funding for campaigns must be regulated. INEC provides expenditure ceiling of N1billion for presidential, N200 million for gubernatorial, N40 million for senatorial, N20 million for House of Representatives, N10 million for State Assembly, N10 million for chairmanship and N1 million for councillorship.

However, INEC must first determine the reality of this limit. From the campaign finance monitoring done by the non-governmental Centre for Social Justice on the 2011 presidential election, it was observed that the N1billion expenditure ceiling was too low and unrealistic for a presidential election. The expenses of candidates should involve staging campaigns and rallies in all the states of the federation, electronic media coverage, print media coverage, campaign offices, souvenirs, billboards and posters, mobility. A party must be well funded to meet up these obligations.

With the recent de-registration of 28 political parties, INEC must have started the process of determining the number of eligible political parties necessary to compete favourably in elections. If at the end of the day only five political parties are available, I believe they should be well funded so that no one party has an overriding financial influence over the other.

In order to achieve this, the only way out is for INEC to place a capital base for each political party.

Also, government may decide to subsidise these political parties after the election, just as it obtains in Canada. The percentage of votes a party is able to pull in each electoral unit should form the bases of subsidy to be received, in relation to the amount also spent. Other funding sources for political parties should be open for debate.

• Emejuiwe Victor is a procurement specialist and programme officer.