Thur 21 Mar 2013 The Guardian Nigeria

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,502

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Unease over rising insecurity From Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna), Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Azimazi Jimoh Momoh (Abuja), Isa Abdulsalami (Jos), Lawrence Njoku (Enugu), Bertram Nwannekanma, Yetunde Ayobami-Ojo (Lagos), John Ogiji carnage in Kano that claimed (Minna) and Abba Anwar (Kano) the lives of over 22 passengers of luxury buses.

HOCK, disgust and appreAnd again just yesterday, at hension still rule the reacleast 11 people were killed in tions of Nigerians to the

• 11 killed in Plateau, gunmen attack police in Kano • Igbo seek compensation, reject mass burial • Senate seeks review of security measures • Fleeing northerners yet to return to Onitsha • Tinubu, NBA berate Jonathan on killings • Sultan, others appeal for calm

S

Mavo Village in Wase, the headquarters of Wase Local Council of Plateau State. The attack is believed to be a follow-up to the killing of 10 peo-

ple in two separate incidents in January this year and then the gunning down of two people near Wase Rock on Sunday night.

Sources said yesterday that following the fatal shooting of the two, both of them Tarok men, on Sunday, one Hausa man was killed on Monday in

what appeared to be taking a religious dimension which was followed on Tuesday by the killing of four Tarok men.

According to the sources: “The siege to Mavo is believed to have been perpetrated by Tarok people in what has become a bloody chain of attacks CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

2 NEWS

BPE gets N74.1b from PHCN bidders From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja

• Vigeo, Transcorp, nine others pay for 12 successor firms

S the deadline for preA ferred bidders for Power Holding Company of Nige-

sortium that paid $75 million for Ughelli Power Plc; CMEC/EUAFRIC Energy JV paid $50.2 million of the bid value for Sapele Power Plc; Kann Consortium paid $41 million for Abuja Distribution Company.

Also, Aura Energy paid $20.4 million for Jos Distribution Company; Mainstream Energy Ltd paid $59.5 for Kainji Power Plc; and Sahelian Power SPV, which paid $34.25 million for Kano Distribution Company.

Other bidders that had earlier paid the mandatory 25 per cent of the bid value of the PHCN Successor Company they intend to buy are

ria (PHCN) successor companies to make the mandatory 25 per cent payment of the offer value of their bids ends today, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has received $469.03 million (N74.1 billion) from 11 of them for 12 of such firms.

The BPE listed the bidders that paid yesterday to include Vigeo Consortium, the preferred bidder for Benin Distribution Company, which paid $32.25 million, being the mandatory 25 per cent of the bid value of the Benin Disco; Transcorp/Woodrock Con-

Amperion Power Company Limited, the preferred bidder for Geregu Power Plc, which paid $33 million; Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Company, the preferred bidder for Ibadan and Yola Distribution Companies, which paid $42.25 million and $14.75 million for Ibadan and Yola Discos respectively; NEDC/KEPCO, the preferred bidder for Ikeja Distribution Company, which paid $32.75 million; and West Power & Gas, the preferred bidder for Eko Distribution Company, which paid $33.75 million.

The BPE in a statement said it was expecting payment from 4 Power Consortium

(Port-Harcourt Disco); Interstate Electrics Limited (Enugu Disco); and NorthSouth Power Company (Shiroro Power Plc).

The final approval of the preferred bidders by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and its announcement for the successor companies was done on October 23, 2012.

The Nigerian electricity industry has been unbundled into generation and distribution companies and a single transmission company with a view to encouraging private sector participation and attracting foreign and local investment into the power sector to ensure economic and reliable supply.

Gunmen attack police in Kano CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and counter-attacks by the contending forces.”

However, the figures given of those killed varied widely between three and 35 up to when this report was being filed yesterday. Another source who put the figure of the dead at three said the victims, two Fulani adults and a young boy were shot dead when a group of assailants stormed the village around 6.00 a.m. but were later repelled by some youths from the village who cordoned the area before the arrival of security personnel.

The source, a youth leader who identified himself as Shafi’i Sambo, explained: “I saw three corpses, two adults and a child and three thatched houses that were burnt down. The youths were able to chase away the assailants until the coming of reenforcement from the soldiers.”

Sambo, a Fulani, who said he was one of those who conveyed military personnel stationed in the area to the village, added: “The military personnel stationed here have only one car so we had to use private cars to convey them to the village. But around 11.00 a.m., 10 additional vehicles with soldiers from the STF Headquarters in Jos were deployed to the village.”

The Assistant Secretary of Wase Chapter of Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) who said he was not sure of the number of the dead said most sources put the number at nine. “I cannot be certain about the number yet, but many people say they are up to nine.”

Reacting to the incident yesterday, Special Task Force (STF) in a statement by its spokesman, Captain Salisu Ibrahim Mustapha, declared that three people had been arrested in relation to the incident. He was quiet about the number of casualties. He, however, asked for time to make some verification. Up till the time of filing this report, nothing had been heard from him.

He said: “At about 4.30 a.m., the STF received a distress call by some members of Mavo community in Wase Local Government Area that unknown gunmen attempted to overrun the community.”

But the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Olakpe, put the figure at eight even as he also assured that the situation had been brought under control.

By yesterday, there was still tension in the commercial city of Onitsha as northerners who fled their residences were yet to return to their various homes.

They ran for safety following a rumour that a reprisal was planned by some persons over Kano bomb blast.

When The Guardian visited the

army barracks and the various police stations in Onitsha, many northerners still gathered in groups and not making moves to leave for their respective homes.

Also, a visit to a popular foodstuff market and other areas where northerners carried out their businesses, including the bridgehead market, Ose area, Okwodu revealed that the shops remained deserted.

In an interview, one Aliyu Mohammed said in Onitsha they were still living in fear and were not in a hurry to leave.

According to one Mr. Dike Ozor, they became frightened that members of the public, particularly the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other people in the state would take up arms against them.

But the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has assured that there would not be reprisal in the entire South- East and called for calm.

The Igbo Youth Movement also warned individuals and groups who are planning rallies of any kind against the Kano bus station bomb blasts to stop such a move immediately.

The spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Emeka Chukwuemeka, said that no body was killed in Onitsha and there was no reprisal against anybody.

But he said that the command had deployed police personnel throughout the state, especially Onitsha to ensure there is peace.

On its part, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on Igbo people to appropriately and effectively organise themselves to collectively defend their lives and property.

Ohanaeze said this had become necessary based on what it termed “organised pogrom” against the Igbo.

In a statement in Enugu yesterday by Ohanaeze’s SecretaryGeneral Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, the group condemned the action of both the sponsors and the perpetrators of the Kano killings. It lamented that the Igbo were paying the heaviest price for Nigeria’s unity.

Also, Arewa leaders and members of the apex Islamic organisation in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), condemned the bombing in Kano, noting that the design of the insurgents behind the atrocity was to envelop the whole nation in crisis.

They urged all Nigerians and the government to condemn the Kano bombing, while urging that those behind the unfortunate incident should be fished out for severe punishment.

The statement signed by its National Secretary-General, Dr.

Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, condemned the blast, saying “Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, once again condemned in the strongest terms the bomb blast that occurred in Kano.”

In view of the terror attacks in the country, the Senate yesterday urged the Federal Government to consider other options and strategies that would be effective in tackling terrorism.

Describing multiple explosions that left dozens dead in Kano early this week as regrettable, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said it was high time government tackled the security challenge headlong.

Ekweremadu, who presided over the Senate, also expected relevant Senate committees to critically appraise the entire scenario with a view to making positive input.

Meanwhile, members of the Igbo community in Kano State have rejected mass burial for victims of bomb blasts. They insisted on retrieving the bodies for their relatives for proper burial.

They have also, through Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Abia North, requested that security be tightened in the state to protect all citizens and that the Federal Government should directly manage whatever monetary compensation to be allocated relatives of the dead.

According to them, they do not trust the power of the state government to do so.

Senators Uche Chukwumerije (Abia North) and Kabir Gaya, Kano (South), under Order 43, expressed concern over government’s inability to combat the ugly trend of insecurity in the country.

Chukwumerije, who alleged that the situation was assuming ethnic and regional dimensions, called for immediate action to forestall likely exploitation of the circumstances by enemies of the state, whose primary objective is to pit the various ethnic groups in the country against one another.

In his presentation, Gaya recalled that Kano was a hub for the Igbo people for years and insisted that some forces were deployed to create disunity between the North and the South.

The Senate observed a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the blast.

Irked by the violence, former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately resign for his failure to curtail the incessant insecurity challenges in the country.

Tinubu spoke in an interview with journalists at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport after paying a sympathy

visit to the Kano emir over an attack on him recently, and the state governor.

The leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) also urged the Federal Government to consider dialogue with the Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad, popularly called Boko Haram, with the condition that justice must be done for those with blood in their hands.

He urged that the Police Affairs Ministry should be scrapped, adding that the existence of the ministry was nothing more than a duplication of the role of the Police Affairs Commission.

And as an indication of the increasing insecurity, a police patrol vehicle was ambushed in Sabon Titi by Madobi Road in Kumbotso Local Council of Kano, a few kilometres away from the city yesterday.

It happened around 9.30 a.m.

While the police patrol vehicle was taking personnel to their duty posts, some unknown gunmen attacked the police team and started shooting at them sporadically.

Police repelled the attack instantly, which made the attackers to take to their heels. In the shoot-out, three civilians were hit by stray bullets. That caused some minor injuries to them.

Also, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, yesterday gave President Goodluck Jonathan a sevenday ultimatum within which to address the nation on what his administration has done or doing to end the orgy of violence being perpetrated by Boko Haram.

The association said if the President failed or refused to heed the demand, it would be left with no other option than to advise Nigerians to prepare to hold a people’s national conference outside government to decide their destinies independently.

Addressing a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, the chairman of the branch, Monday Ubani, said the association was piqued by the continued killing of innocent Nigerians by members of Boko Haram.

Meanwhile, the Niger State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the performance of the state police command in securing lives and property, The Chairman of the party in the state, Dr. Abdulrahaman Enagi who gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy call on the state Police Commissioner, Mrs. Disere Nsirin in her office in Minna yesterday, noted that people from diverse nationalities resident in the state had been carrying out their official businesses without any fear of molestation as result of the activities of the po-

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

3

News Army allays fears of reprisal attacks in S’East

Two feared dead in Ogoni communal clash

From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka HE General Officer ComT manding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu,

Major-General Ashimiyu Olaniyi yesterday allayed fears of reprisal attacks in the South East over the Kano bomb blasts, which killed many people.

He also assured that the army in collaboration with other security agencies would work to unmask those, who masterminded the bombings in Kano and other dastardly acts of criminality in the country.

Olaniyi disclosed this at the Officers’ Mess, Military Cantonment, Onitsha, Anambra State during a press briefing and interactive session with Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo leaders.

He had earlier visited Northern dominated areas of Onitsha, where he later conveyed the condolence of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Azubuike Ihejirika to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the Kano attack and other parts of the coun-

World travel market chief, Jeffery, retires

By Andrew Iro Okungbowa FTER 26 years of outstanding service, World Travel Market (WTM) Chairperson, Fiona Jeffery is bowing out from office.

She has announced her retirement after 26 years of service to the travel and tourism trade exhibition, which she helped to build into world’s best leading exhibition platform.

“I am sad to go after all this time but proud of the achievements that have been realised by myself and the WTM team,” said Jeffery of her tour of duty, adding that “I leave behind a business that has grown to become a strong global brand.”

A

NANS seeks reversal of fuel price From Iyabo Lawal (Ibadan) and Terhemba Daka (Abuja) HE National Association of T Nigerian Students (NANS) yesterday demanded the immediate reversal of the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to its original price of N65 per litre.

In the same vein, the NANS and the Forum of Ex-NANS leaders yesterday handed down a 72hour ultimatum to the leadership of the House of Representatives, to swear-in the former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Tony Nwoye, who they claimed was the authentic candidate for the Anambra East/West federal constituency of Anambra State in the 2011polls.

The students under the aegis of the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) in Oyo State faulted President Goodluck Jonathan over his plans to hike the price of petroleum products.

The students, in a statement made available to The Guardian in Ibadan and jointly signed by the Vice Chairman, Lekan Salawu and Public Relations Officer, Ismaeel Taiwo warned that any attempt by the Federal Government to increase pump price would be firmly resisted

by Nigerian students.

From Kelvin Ebiri, Port-Harcourt FRESH outbreak of vioA lence, which erupted on Tuesday between B-Dere and

Executive Director, Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie (left); Noble Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and GMD/CEO, Diamond Bank, Alex Otti at the vision of the child 2013 painting competition and press conference of the second edition of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, sponsored by Diamond Bank at the Freedom Park, Broad Street Lagos… yesterday.

PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

Soyinka, NBA oppose pardon for Alamieyeseigha, Ijaw Congress, Kalu disagree From Kelvin Ebiri (Port-Harcourt),Lemmy Ugbegbe (Abuja) and Kenechukwu Ezeonyejiaku (Lagos) with agency report HERE may be no end yet to T the criticisms trailing the recent presidential pardon granted the former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Niger Delta Civil Society Coalition (NDCSC) have faulted the pardon.

But, former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) yesterday said there was nothing wrong with the pardon granted the ex-Bayelsa State governor, saying that the President acted within the ambit of the law.

Kalu, however, called for state pardon for the three men executed for drug trafficking in Nigeria in1985.

Speaking at a press conference at Freedom Park, Lagos yesterday, Soyinka, referring to a recent statement made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati that the critics of the recent presidential pardon to Alamieyeseigha are suffering from sophisticated ignorance, said that he wants to join the band of the ignorant people.

“The pardon given to a notorious felon who is still a wanted man in the United Kingdom on certain charges. He jumped bail and this is not a credit to this nation and it is not a credit to you and me.

“It is not just a question of the money laundering and corruption, but for the fact that an officer of the law, which a governor is in this country went to another country and broke the laws of that nation, I believe that such a person should stay quiet and not bring himself

into prominence or be brought into prominence as being representative of what is pardonable in the society.

“And so, I just want to say to you that I have joined the ranks of the ignorants and I criticise and I deplore this decision of President Jonathan to grant pardon to Alamieyeseigha and also try to confuse the issue by listing those who were victims of injustice, those who were wrongly convicted under the most brutal dictatorship we ever had; the era of Sani Abacha... Of lumping everybody together as if a political crime, if there was one is to be treated on the same level as a felony or as criminal act.

“His is trying to implant wrong kind of education and understanding in our youths and I personally resent it and all decent citizens will also do same.”

Speaking in Abuja at the commissioning of the Association’s Web-Portal website, the NBA President, Chief Okey Wali (SAN) said the pardon was more of a moral issue than a legal one, pointing out that

that has accounted for the public outcry. “Unless you know what the Council of States put into consideration in granting Alamieyeseigha and others the State pardon, you cannot say much on it, but to me as a lawyer, it was a bad signal to the fight against corruption”, the NBA boss said while fielding questions from reporter.

He said the President has the power under the constitution to grant State pardon to any Nigerian citizen, in consultation with the Council of State, but the issue is whether he used the constitutional powers right or wrongly.

Commenting also on the proposed fuel increase by President Jonathan, Wali said the Federal Government needs to put in place necessary infrastructures, which he promised January last year before removing fuel subsidy in the country.

Kalu said in a statement that the death penalty given the trio was too harsh and punitive for an offence considered mild —under the law as at 1985.

The trio — Bartholomew Owoh, 26; Bernard Ogedegbe,

29; and Lawal Ojulope, 30 – were executed by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s military administration, for drug trafficking.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in a statement by his Media Manager, Emeka Obasi, Kalu said: ``The decree that nailed them was backdated and the Justice Adebayo Desalu tribunal condemned the alleged drug couriers to death. ``Owoh’s last words still make me to shiver: `I did not pray to die like this; this is a terrible death. If I knew it was going to result into death, God knows that I would never have had anything to do with it’.” ``They deserve to be pardoned post-humously.’’

INC spokesperson, Victor Burubo told The Guardian in Port Harcourt that if President Goodluck Jonathan has in the interest of peace and desire to heal the wounds of yesterday, decided to grant pardon to some select Nigerians, he had merely exercised his prerogative of mercy, hence, that does not concern the United States (U.S.).

K-Dere communities in Ogoni, Rivers State, has claimed two lives.

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has condemned the renewed crises between the two communities.

An Ogoni environmental activist, Patrick Naagbanton told The Guardian that on Monday two K-Dere indigenes, 30-year old mother of three, Mrs. Esther Zorgoni and 62-year old, Mr. Dumle Mubari, were abducted from their farms in Yemuordee area of the community by suspected B-Dere indigenes.

He added that the abduction infuriated K-Dere youths, who carried out a reprisal attack that allegedly culminated in the death of two persons.

According to Naagbanton, the two Ogoni communities have been enmeshed in clashes in the past and the bitterness from some of the previous clashes were yet to be forgotten.

Also speaking on the clash, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ben Ugwuegbulam confirmed the incident but said that no life was lost.

He also disclosed that Policemen had been deployed to the area to avoid further break down of law and order.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam, described the renewed fighting as shameful and unfortunate as it exposed the failure and lack of sincerity on the part of the leaders of these communities to sustain the peaceful co-existence.

“We call on the government to urgently set up a probe panel to investigate the immediate and remote cause(s) of these crises in the various communities and the entire area and to put in place machinery to efficiently monitor activities capable of breaching the peace in the area. The ACN condoles with the families of those who lost their beloved ones and properties in the ill-fated, unfortunate and avoidable crises,”

ACN alerts on kidnap of S’East party leader From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka

• No word on abducted Anambra lawmaker

N alarm was yesterday A raised by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) that its

In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party quoted Nwike’s younger brother, who has been contacted by him (Nwike), as saying the kidnappers are demanding N30 million (in foreign currency) as ransom. ‘’We appeal to the security agencies to do everything within their power to ensure Nwike’s safe release, while assuring his family of our prayers and support at this

Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Chudi Nwike, was on Tuesday kidnapped in Anambra State.

Meanwhile, four days after a member representing Onitsha South 1 constituency, in Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Emeka Aniebonam was kidnapped at Onitsha, nothing has been heard about the lawmaker’s whereabouts

very difficult time,’’ the party said.

A family source said that the kidnappers had not contacted them as at the time of filing this report, adding that the House of Assembly was thrown into confusion when it heard the news.

Earlier, the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs. Chinwe Nwebili called on security agencies to intensify the manhunt for Aniebonam, who has been a very strong mem-

ber and voice in the chambers.

When contacted, the Police Area Commander in Onitsha, Mr. Benjamin Wordu, confirmed the incident, saying the command had mapped out strategies to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim unhurt.

He also called on members of the public to volunteer information to security agents in the state on the incident.

Aniebonam was abducted on Monday at his private clinic in Fegge, Onitsha.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

4 NEWS

New Head of Service emerges today • Jonathan swears in new perm secs From Madu Onuorah, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan yesterday administered oath of office to three new permanent secretaries, and said a new Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF) will be announced today as exclusively reported

by The Guardian on Tuesday.

Jonathan spoke on new HoS during a short valedictory session in honour of the retiring Head of Service, Alhaji Isa Sali Bello, which held just before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The three new permanent secretaries are Dr. Habiba Lawal, John Obinna Chukwu and Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita. While expressing gratitude to Bello for his “meritorious service to the nation”, Jonathan stated that if not for the need to abide by the rules guiding the appointment of Head of Service, Bello would have stayed a little longer.

The President said he hoped that whenever the nation beckons on him to serve again, “whether it is ad-hoc or standing, we are hopeful that you will do so. Thank you Isa for serving this country and especially for heading the civil service within this period that Nigerians asked us to oversee the affairs of this country. Myself, the Vice President and indeed the entire members of the Federal Executive Council, that have the responsibility now to oversee the affairs of the country within this period you served as a head of service, quite appreciate you.

“It is sad that you are leaving.

But like every good thing, someday, somehow, we will all leave. For you, I have to congratulate you because the joy of anybody who serves in the civil service and indeed any other organisation, be it private or public, is to have the privilege of attaining the highest office.

The head of the civil service of the federation is the highest office in the civil service.

So, many brilliant permanent secretaries couldn’t make it, not because they are not good enough but for one thing or the other, they were a bit unlucky to get there.

But you were able to get there. We have to congratulate you.”

Jonathan further told Bello that “you are still very young and agile. But based on the laws of the land, you are leaving. A man of few words, he was successful and effective in the discharge of his duties. You have done well, congratulations.

Your replacement will be announced tomorrow (Thursday).”

Speaking on behalf of members of the council, Information Minister, Labaran Maku and his Lands, Housing and Urban Development counterpart, Ama Pepple, showered encomiums on Bello.

Maku said: “One thing that we noticed in him since he joined us in council as head of service is that he is a very sober and reflective head of service and very calm even when things were stormy.

He retained his calm and we really appreciate the co-operation he extended to us.”

Pepple said: “I am sad to see Mr. Sali go. I worked with him a bit. I interacted with him a lot even while he was head of service. He was always calm in his quiet demeanour. But he is a very effective and efficient officer. I was not surprised that he was appointed head of service.”

Jonathan said while swearing in the new permanent secretaries that judging from their pedigrees, they were distinguished women and man with outstanding qualifications.

He charged them to ensure that they facilitate the administration’s transformation agenda, particularly in the civil service.

New Permanent Secretaries:Habiba Lawal (left), John Chukwu and Winifred Oyo-Ita, taking their oath of office at the State House, Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Lack of defence counsel stalls Kabiru Sokoto’s trial From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja HE planned arraignment T of the alleged mastermind of the 2011 Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madala, Niger State, Mr. Kabiru Umar (alias Kabiru Sokoto) before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, got stalled yesterday owing to the absence of legal representation.

Sokoto, who claimed not to understand English Language, spoke through a court’s interpreter and said he was oblivious of his appearance in court. He also said that he had not been served with charges brought against him by the State Security Service (SSS).

He prayed for a period of two weeks to enable him secure the services of a lawyer to represent him at the trial.

The trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, held that the nature of the case, being a terrorism-related one, is such that ought to be fast-tracked.

He expressed displeasure over the security agency’s failure to serve the suspect with the charges alongside the proof of evidence to enable

him prepare his defence.

The judge also refused an application made by the SSS lawyer, Chioma Onuegwu, wherein she pleaded with the court to allow Kabiru enter his plea to signify the commencement of his trial.

The court thereafter adjourned proceedings to April 19 and ordered that the suspected terrorist be remanded in the custody of the SSS. The court also ordered the security agency to allow the suspect access to his lawyers to enable him prepare his defence and to serve him every material document relating to the trial.

Sokoto is being charged on three counts, including facilitating the commission of a terrorist act.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 15 (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.

He is also being alleged to have been in possession of information about the bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church on December 25, 2011, but failed to disclose it to law enforcement officers within a reasonable time to forestall

the incident and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 7 (1) of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013 and punishable under Section 33 (1) of the same Act. Meanwhile, Senator Ali Ndume who is being tried for terrorism has prayed the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, to stop his trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

In an application filed at the Court of Appeal by his lawyer, Rickey Tarfa (SAN), the senator contended that the stay would enable the appellate court determine his appeal challenging the admissibility of three DVDs which allegedly contained series of alleged telephone conversation between him and a convicted Boko Haram spokesman, Ali Konduga, against him.

In the notice of appeal, Ndume held that the trial court of Justice Gabriel Kolawole ignored the provisions of Section 84 of the Evidence Act, which he claims requires that a document produced by a computer should be admissible upon satisfaction of certain conditions.

Top businessman, Ilemobayo Akinnola, passes on at 78

By Adeyemi Adepetun HE tribe of Nigeria’s busiT ness leaders and elder statesmen was depleted yesterday with the death of the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Ilemobayo Akinnola, at the age of 78.

He passed on yesterday at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, during a brief illness.

Akinnola was born in Ondo town on August 1, 1934 by the late Princess Alice Morinola Akinnola (Leyo Royal Ruling House) to the late Chief Daniel Ladapo Akinnola (Baba Ijo, All Saints Church, Ogbonkowo, Ondo).

He attended Ibadan Grammar School where he later became the Vice Principal. He was at the Nigeria College of Arts, Science and Technology, Ibadan, for his ‘A’ level in 1955. He was also at the University of Ibadan where he got a B.A. (Upper Division) in 1960. He later attended

the University of Manchester, England, for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (19611962).

The late Akinnola worked at the Nigerian Tobacco Company as the public relations officer, marketing manager, and later personal assistant to the chairman between 1964 and 1967. He was appointed Commissioner for Information, and later that of Industries in the Western Nigerian Government between 1967 and 1976.

Some of his other appointments included Member of Council of the then Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti; Chairman, Board of Directors of Oluwa Glass Company Plc; Ondo State Industrialisation Committee; and Board of Trustees, Ondo State Education Endowment Fund and Metal Packaging Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

He was an elected member of the 1994 Constitutional Con-

ference.

On the business front, Akinnola was the director and or chairman of many business concerns both within and outside Nigeria. These include Atobi Enterprises Limited; Atobi Metal and Paper Industries Limited; Okegun Farming Enterprises; Cutler-Hammer (Nig.) Ltd; Gem Limited; Stanmark Cocoa Processing Company Limited and Lafarge WAPCO Cement Company Plc, where he served as chairman.

Some of the awards he won include Wither’s Prize for Professional Teaching of the University of Manchester; Roll of Honour of Ondo State; National Productivity Merit Award; Ondo Town and Community Merit Award; Distinguished Alumnus Merit, University of Ibadan; Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management Teaching by the Federal University of Technology, Akure; and National Award of

Member of the Federal Republic (MFR). He was appointed a member of RMAFC in 1999. He was installed the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom in 2002, the second in command also known as Prime Minister of the Traditional Institution of Ondo Kingdom.

Akinnola was a beneficiary of the Commonwealth Scholarship for Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Manchester, UK, in 1962 after winning a scholarship of the Western Nigeria Government and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 at the University College Ibadan, then an affiliate of the University of London.

He was instrumental to the establishment of WAPCO Sagamu cement plant, Wire and Cable Industries in Ibadan, a ceramic plant in Abeokuta and the Nigerian Romanian Wood Industries in Ondo.

Akinnola also served as chair-

man of several governmentsponsored committees at various times in Ondo State and later as Federal Commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission in Abuja (1999 to 2004).

This only child of Princess Alice Akinnola, he received numerous accolades both as an entrepreneur and community leader, apart from being a conferee of two national honours as a Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) and National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM). He was a knight of John Wesley, having been conferred the honour by the Methodist Church Nigeria, and grand patron of St. John’s Anglican Church, IyereOwo conferred on him by the Anglican Diocese of Owo. He was married to Chief Olufunmibi Akinnola (FCIS), the Yeye Mojibade of Ife, a retired chief inspector of taxes in Oyo State Public Service.

Jonathan begins two-day visit to Equatorial Guinea From Madu Onuorah, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan will today embark on a two-day state visit to Equatorial Guinea.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the visit is in continuation of the Federal Government’s efforts to boost economic and trade relations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Abati said that President Jonathan would in the course of the visit hold talks in Malabo with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on various issues of mutual interest to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

They include the enhancement of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, exploitation of oil and gas resources and the enhancement of developmental co-operation between both countries.

President Jonathan will also lead a delegation including Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, Honourable Cyril Egwuatu, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani AlisonMadueke, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Edem Duke, the Minister of State (Defence), Erelu Olusola Obada and the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, to formal bilateral talks with the Government of Equatorial Guinea.

It is expected that new agreements on the strengthening of economic relations and developmental co-operation between both countries will be concluded and signed before the end of the visit on Friday.

President Jonathan will also meet with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea before returning to Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

News 5

Stop inciting people, Ajimobi cautions Ladoja

Outage stalls health bill debate

From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan

From Terhemba Daka, Abuja GAIN, proceedings in the House of Representatives was abruptly stalled yesterday following a blackout, which forced the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, to adjourn plenary session till today.

The Chamber had, following the adoption of a motion earlier brought by Pally Iriase, described the rainstorm that destroyed property and electricity infrastructure in Owan Federal Constituency on Friday, March 15, 2013, in Edo State as unfortunate.

It requested the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to, as a matter of urgency, send relief materials to the affected communities.

The chamber also urged the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to urgently rehabilitate its power lines in the affected communities and restore power supply for restoration of economic activities in the area.

OVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi G of Oyo State yesterday cautioned his predecessor, Rashi-

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Court remands three Bolivians, others over illicit drug deal

By Joseph Onyekwere HE National Drug Law T Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday arraigned three Bolivians and two Nigerians before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged involvement in illicit drug deal.

The Bolivians: Reuben Jorge, Yhugo Moreno and Yerko Dorado, are standing trial alongside Solomon Uzoka and Basil Ikechukwu (Nigerians), on a three-count charge bordering on the production, possession and illegal distribution of Methaphetamine.

They each pleaded not guilty to the charge.

However, Justice Ibrahim Buba ordered that they be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to tomorrow for trial.

Plateau election tribunal dismisses PRP’s petition From Isa Abdulsalami, Jos HE election petitions tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State capital, has dismissed the petition brought before it by the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and its candidate, Mr. Bala Bako, against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the declared winner of the Plateau-North Senatorial District bye-election, Senator Gyang Pwajok.

The PRP and its candidate were challenging the unlawful exclusion of their candidate’s name and logo on the ballot paper when he, Bako, was validly nominated by his party, the PRP. In the three-man election petitions tribunal judgment yesterday, the jurists in their wisdom, having reviewed the matter, held that “the petition fails and is hereby dismissed.

No order as to costs.”

Pwajok contested the byeelection on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 6, 2012, following the death of the senator representing the zone, Gyang Dantong.

Counsel to PDP and Pwajok, Mr. Joshua John, agreed with the INEC counsel, Stephen Ibyem, that PRP has no locus standi to bring the petition, especially as the party has been de-registered.

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Members of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) celebrating in Bauchi after their release from Bauchi Prison...yesterday

di Ladoja and leader of Accord Party (AP) against inciting the populace against his government.

Speaking against the backdrop of criticisms by Ladoja and his party of his urban renewal project, the governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Festus Adedayo, described Ladoja’s claim as “cheap blackmail.”

Governor Ajimobi particularly took exception to a statement credited to Ladoja, which called him a total novice in the art of governance.

The governor, who said he had refrained all this while

from exchanging words with Ladoja due to his age and office, added that he was, however, opposed to what he called “cheap campaign of calumny and persistent attempt to smear his government through subterfuge and dissemination of untruth to the populace.

“While the governor will not want to bandy words with his predecessor on who had a mastery of governance or who was a novice, he is of the view that the achievements of the two - the governor and his predecessor - are in the public domain and can be properly interrogated by the ordinary people on the streets and analysts not obsessed by a do-ordie craving to come to Agodi Government House again,” the statement said.

NEITI reiterates commitment to tackling oil theft From Collins Olayinka, Abuja HE Nigeria Extractive IndusT tries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) is repositioning its operations to ensure a reduction in oil theft, bunkering and pipeline vandalism, its Board Chair, Ledum Mitee, has said.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with political and economic counsellors of the European Union membercountries, Mitee decried huge revenue loss due to the nefarious activities.

This comes as the immediate past chair of NEITI Board, Prof.

Assisi Asobie, recommended the installation of Acoustic Leak Detection System (ALDS) to stem oil stealing in the country.

Mitee argued that absence of reliable baseline information and data on the actual quantity of crude either lost through theft, bunkering or pipeline vandalism, is responsible for the poor response and speculations over facts and figures required to deal with these complex problems.

He added: “Full disclosure and public understanding of

Asobie lists ways for sector the quantity of crude oil either lost through vandalism, bunkering or outright stealing and the enormous cost to the economy in financial terms will help draw national and international attention to the urgent need for solutions.”

The NEITI chairman added that the agency hopes to include as part of its independent audit template to capture the quantity of crude stolen, quantity lost through bunkering and others through vandalism and conspiracy. By such an exercise, it will be easier to quantify the loss and provide information publicly to raise the public consciousness.

Mitee disclosed that NEITI’s target is to transit its activities from mere focusing on transparency through accountability to ensuring measurable impact arising from its operations with a view to ensuring that oil and gas revenues translate to good roads, electricity, water, employment opportunities and poverty reduction.

In his remark, the Head of the Political Section of the Euro-

pean Union, Mrs. Belen CalvoUyarra, explained that NEITI’s decision to address the political and economic counsellors’ meeting was for member-countries of the European Union to seek ways of supporting the efforts of NEITI in enthroning transparency and accountability in the nation’s extractive sector.

Also, a warning has come from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Asobie, that Nigerian economy might give way very soon under the yoke of monumental corruption.

In a lecture delivered in honour of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, penultimate Friday, Asobie said how power is acquired and consolidated, how the material means of its acquisition is procured, how power is used and the purpose for which it is sought and utilised constitute the foundation of corrupt practices in Nigeria.

Court decides Ogboru’s application against earlier order today

By Joseph Onyekwere USTICE Okon Abang of the Jyesterday Federal High Court in Lagos said he will today determine whether to take the application praying him to set aside his earlier order appointing a receiver-manager over the property of Great Ogboru or hear the application challenging his jurisdiction.

The Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) had obtained the order to make their counsel, Kunle Ogunba (SAN), the receiver-manager of Ogboru’s property over alleged unpaid loan.

But Ogboru and his company, Fiogret Limited, challenged the jurisdiction of the court and equally filed an application to set aside the order.

Lawyers for both parties at the last sitting yesterday argued on which of the applications should be taken first resulting in the judge deferring his decision on the matter till today.

On January 13, 2013, Justice Abang appointed Ogunba as the receiver-manager over five of Ogboru’s property scattered all over Nigeria.

The court also ordered all banks and financial institutions in the country to furnish the receiver-manager with the

details of any sum of money outstanding to the credit of the defendant (Ogboru).

The court also ordered Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Commissioners of Police Lagos, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, to assist the receiver-manager in performance of his duty.

The court order was sequel to an affidavit filed before the court affirming the indebtedness of the respondent to the bank and his unwillingness to liquidate the debt.

According to the order, Ogunba is to serve as a receivermanager over Ogboru’s property situated at Plot 43, Norman Williams Street, Ikoyi; Plot 230-234, Owotu-Ikorodu;

Plot 15, Layi Ajayi-Bembe Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.

In response to Ogboru’s application, Ogunba also filed objection to the two applications filed by Ogboru and his company on behalf of AMCON. The claimant stated that Fiogret Limited was a customer to Equatorial Trust Bank (now Sterling Bank Plc) for so many years and that the company was given a loan of N200 million to finance importation of fish from Europe; and that Mr. Ogboru signed the acceptance column on behalf of the company as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

He pointed at the failure to disclose the quantity of extracted crude oil, improper keeping of records, or incomplete recording of the total revenue derived from oil sales, royalty and tax as practices that have deprived Nigeria’s enormous revenue.

He said both oil companies and domestic operators carry out crude oil theft in sophisticated manner.

Asobie highlighted that oil thieves take refuge under the pretext that there are no Multiphase Flow Meters (MPFM) at the oil well heads in Nigeria.

This practice, as revealed by NEITI, reports that between 1999 and 2008, the oil companies under-paid Nigeria to the tune of well over US$4.860 billion. In addition, the NNPC needs to account to the federation for the sum of US$3.996 billion in dividends due to the federation from the operations of the NLNG. Asobie submitted that the oil companies have refused to work with the Nigerian government to have multiphase flow meters installed at the oil well

heads because the loss between the well head and the terminals is borne almost 100 per cent by the Nigerian government.

The retired varsity teacher accused Nigerian successive governments of refusing to adopt proven technologies that could stem oil theft in the country.

With Nigeria losing billions of dollars in revenue and products, he argued that the Acoustic Leak Detection System (ALDS), which has been tested and worked in many countries across the globe, is capable of minimising oil theft to the barest minimum.

He added: “The technology uses ultrasonic flow meter to detect the pressure point on a pipeline. It detects pipeline leaks at the speed of sound and generates a photo image of the intruder. The signals are continuously scanned and analysed by each local processor at various locations along the pipeline. This helpful technology has not yet been adopted in Nigeria.”

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

6 | NEWS

NICAF consoles with family on Ndiokho’s passage OLLOWING the passage of FManaging the former Chairman and Director of UACN Plc, Mr. Bassey Udo Ndiokho, the Nigeria-China Friendship Association (NICAF), of which he was a member, has condoled his family and former associates.

In a statement sent to The Guardian by Ambassador V.N. Chibundu, he recalled that during a meeting with Ndiokho and Namibia’s Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Trade and Industry Mr. Tsuda Gurirab, in Windhoek on September 24, 1993, it was agreed that the UACN would consider potential investment opportunities with industrial incentives primarily aimed at manufacturing enterprises.

Such investment opportunities, he noted, would be in almost all spheres of the economy, including fishing, agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing, just as he had suggested that Ndiokho would visit Namibia for detailed discussion.

‘Military will withdraw when Plateau gets peace’ From Isa Abdulsalami, Jos HE Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has said it would withdrawal the Special Task Force (STF) from the streets of Jos and environs when it is certain that peace has fully returned to Plateau State.

Civil-Military Relations personnel of the Defence Headquarters were in Jos and paid a courtesy visit to Governor Jonah David Jang, where the leader of the delegation, Commodore Yusuf Hinna, appealed to the citizens to give the STF maximum support to achieve the desired peace in the state.

He added that the troops were even desirous of withdrawing their services from the state.

Represented by his deputy, Ambassador Ignatius Longjang, Hinna said they were in the state to commend the STF and encourage them to do more in the maintenance of peace in the state.

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Brazil’s ex-leader, da Silva, wants Nigeria to seek energy independence From Oghogho Obayuwana (Foreign Affairs Editor), Abuja ORMER President of Brazil, Furged Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has Nigeria, and indeed all countries of the southern hemisphere, to seek what he termed “energy independence” in order to escape the trap of underdevelopment.

Lulu da Silva, who is in Nigeria for the Nigerian Summit 2013, said even if nations like Nigeria have vast mineral and oil deposits, it pays in the end to start earning revenue from alternative sources of energy.

Nigeria earned N6.636 trillion from crude oil sales last year.

Apart from earnings from gas, economists and diplomatic watchers have variously posited that Nigeria would do well if she starts getting revenue from non-oil sources, including adding value to primary commodities.

Speaking exclusively to The Guardian, da Silva noted that the South American giant, Brazil, has “state-of-the-art technologies in oil exploration and production, as well as important reserves to be exploited in the pre-salt layer.”

However, the country has smartly opted for “the development of biodiesel technology because it believes that the whole world shall proceed to clean and renewable energy, and to overcome the present high addiction to the use of fossil fuel.”

Besides being a sustainable option capable of “detaining” global warming, he explained, biofuels development means “energy independence, and this can be translated in jobs and income in many countries. This is not a secret: it is a political option for sustainable development.”

On the volume of trade between Nigeria and Brazil as

well as the renewed interest in economic cooperation between both countries, he said: “The increase in the commercial flow between Brazil and Nigeria in the last 10 years speaks for itself: It was 500 per cent and has reached $ 9 billion last year.

“In the case of Nigeria, the Brazilian interest in keeping

healthy bilateral relations for the two countries is translated in the cooperation agreements in the areas of oil, gas, energy efficiency and biotechnology, besides the exchange of experiences in the struggle against poverty and food security.”

Speaking on the future of the South-South cooperation, he

noted: “The more we strengthen cooperation in the political, commercial and cultural areas, the more opportunities we have of a balanced world. One may not allow that in the 21st century, the countries above the Equator would be rich and the countries below be eternally poor.

“We need to be aware that a

strong and solid relation among south countries will enable us develop technologies and infrastructure, and use our similarities to prosper together. More than that, the union of south countries will bring more strength in international relations and it will be fundamental to the fight for fairer multilateral institutions.”

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman and Chairman African Business Round Table, Bamangar Tukur; New British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Andrew Pocock and Ambassador of Italy, Roberto Colamine at a reception for the new British High Commissioner by Tukur at his residence in Maitama Abuja.

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Africa finds representation rhythm as Art Dubai opens

By Tajudeen Sowole (from Dubai, UAE) ITH 20 artists from West W Africa at the Art Dubai Fair 2013, Africa appears to have taken a bold step in representing its creative dynamism at global art gatherings and further pointing the direction to a vibrant art for the continent.

Speaking on African representation within the global context, the curator of Marker - an Africa section of Art Dubai 2013, Bisi Silva, noted that Africa’s diversity is a challenge. Silva spoke during a press conference on Tuesday at the Medinat Jumeinah, Dubai, where journalists and critics around the world were briefed.

She asked: “How do we represent a continent like Africa, given its different and diverse cultures?” Based on the continent’s strong diversity, the ideal way to approach its cre-

ative representation was to start from a sub-region of the continent, hence the focus on “West Africa for the Marker 2013.”

Across West Africa, “20 artists have been selected,” she stated. African artists of Marker are working in five spaces under the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, Nigeria, Espace doual’art, Douala, Cameroun, Maison Carpe Diem, Ségou, Mali, Nubuke Foundation, Accra, Ghana, and Raw Material Company, Dakar, Senegal.

Some of the artists are Ablade Glover, Ndidi Dike, Soly Cisse, Taye Idahor, Emeka Ogbor, Ade Adekola, Charles Okereke, Carol Akpokien, Abdoulaye Konate and Boris Nzebo.

Sponsored by UAE’s Abraaj Group, Art Dubai Fair is in its seventh edition, while Marker is making a third appearance.

In attendance at the press conference were the Fair Di-

rector, Art Dubai, Antonia Carver, Guest Curator, Art Dubai, Murtaza Vali, and commissioner of a conference section, the Global Art Forum, Shumon Basar.

Described by the organisers as “one of the most anticipated events in the global arts calendar,” Art Dubai, which runs from March 20 to 23, hosts 75 galleries from 30 countries and featuring over 500 artists from across the world.

According to Carver, “the international community looks to Dubai as the gateway to the Middle East, as we provide a window into a very fertile regional art scene, while spurring discussions on the inspirations, process and industry involved in the making of art.

“Our aim in combining exhibition, education and conversation is to build on the current momentum and create a sustainable model that

gives participants and visitors a global platform and a local perspective.”

For an event of such importance, particularly for Africa’s global presence, the issue of documentation for the artists and their works would not be undermined. Carver hoped that in future, if there are art historians who wish to work on the artists’ participation in Marker, “we will be glad to work with them.”

For Vali, “the forms and structures of these structures ask us to recalibrate our vision and attention, to lean in and get a better look, scour backgrounds, pay close attention to details, read all the fine print, allow the dense web of information and association embedded within to leisurely unfold.

“They do not strive to transform or transcend the ordinary. Instead, they humbly remind us of all that is extra in the ordinary itself.”

Minister tasks federal hospitals on self-financing From Isa Abdulsalami, Jos HE Minister of Health, Prof.

T Onyebuchi Chukwu, has directed all the chief executives of federal hospitals in the country to think of more innovative ways of financing their hospitals’ projects and programmes.

Chukwu also directed them to seek suitable ways and means of having fruitful dialogue with the various professional ranks and groupings recognised by their hospitals’ management, as the current rivalry among the various cadres in the hospital cannot be allowed to continue.

The minister, who was rep-

resented by a director in the ministry, Dr. Alex Anayona, spoke yesterday at the 69th meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals hosted by the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

He said there was the need to harness all possible income-generating activities and also to block all loopholes and leaks, “but it is equally important to ensure accountability.”

He added: “I have already directed the Directorate of Hospital Services to request all chief executives to submit to my office a detailed rendition of all 2012 income-generating activities as well as the pro-

jection for 2013. The 2014 budget proposal must capture expected income-generating activities for 2014.”

Chukwu urged them to begin to think out of the box by exploring all options lawfully available to deal with the challenges of funding, adding that innovative ways of financing health projects include the use of public-private-partnership (PPP).

Accordingly, he has directed all hospitals to get involved in the co-location model of PPP being fashioned out by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with General Electric, adding: “As you know, this aspect of the fundamental triple obliga-

tion you owe to the people and government, namely, research, training and service delivery, is a strategic scorecard for your institutions and indeed the government.”

Chukwu pointed out that he intended to further increase the share of federal tertiary institutions’ sectoral allocation this year. He further urged them to take interest in clinical governance.

“There is need to eliminate morbidity and mortality attributable to professional incompetence,” he said. “In this connection, every chief executive should hold a meeting with the consultants to address issues pertaining to the topic.”

News 7

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Tukur dismisses in-fighting in PDP as media hype

‘Chevron supports, respects community processes’

ATIONAL Chairman of the N Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur,

HEVRON Nigeria Limited C (CNL), operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Ven-

has described the much-reported crisis in the party as mere media hype.

Tukur, who fielded questions from journalists shortly after a courtesy visit to Governor Gabriel Suswam at the Government House, Makurdi, maintained that there was no basis for any in-fighting in the party, adding that the governors are his brothers while the PDP states belong to him.

“Let me assure you that the party is intact. PDP is like a family and in every family, there is bound to be some form of disagreements. But as you can see, there is nothing serious, we are coming together more and more and we are sure of winning our elections,” he said.

ture, has stressed its support and respect for communities in its areas of operation.

Reacting to a report credited to a member of the Gbaramatu community in WarriSouth Local Council Area, the CNL General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Mr. Deji Haastrup, said: “CNL has a strong partnership with communities in the areas of its operations. We support their aspirations and respect the communities’ traditions. We do not interfere in their internal processes for selecting their leaders and representatives or in their internal affairs.”

Haastrup said the clarification became necessary in view of reports by some news media alleging that CNL officials are interfering in the election of representatives for the Egbema-Gbaramatu Central Development Committee (EGCDC).

He explained that the EGCDC is one of eight regional community development committees established under the Chevron-pioneered participatory community engagement model known as the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).

“Each of the communities has a process it has developed for selecting its leaders and representatives, and CNL recognises and deals with those so appointed,” Haastrup explained.

He implored those aspiring to represent their communities to adhere to the rules set by their communities for such selection. “Those who wish to lead must respect the rule of law and adopt dialogue in the resolution of conflicts,” he stated.

Osun to save N8.2b through soft copies ITH the Tablet of Knowledge (opon imo) initiative to be distributed to students preparing for internal and external examinations, the Osun State government will be saving a whooping N8.2 billion that could have been spent on purchase of books annually.

According to the government, with 56 textbooks on 17 subjects, which have been converted into soft copies in the opon imo device, students have the added advantage of carrying a single digital device, which makes learning easier.

Referring to criticism that his government paid N200 million for the conversion of text books into the opon imo device, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, speaking at a programme for the distribution of some educational materials worth N30 million yesterday, said his administration deserved commendation for the idea, as about 150 digital devices were to be distributed to students across the state.

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Group cautions Ningi against baseless statements From Ali Garba, Bauchi BAUCHI-BASED group, A Democracy-in-Action, has cautioned the Senate Deputy

Leader, Abdul Ahmed Ningi, against making unguarded political statements meant to derail democracy and service delivery in order to achieve his selfish desires.

In a statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Bauchi, youth leader of the group, Babangida Isa Narabi, said the statement credited to Ningi at the North-East PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Bauchi on Monday was nothing short of mischief and envy.

The statement was to the effect that the National Assembly has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to rescind his decision not to grant amnesty to Boko Haram in the interest of peace and unity.

Ningi had lamented the insurgency in the sub-region, stating that it has crippled its economies.

However, Narabi said: “Abdul Ningi has failed the test of the electorate over the years despite his being the oldest national lawmaker from the state. Since 1999 to date, what has he been able to achieve that is beneficial to the electorate as a PDP member?”

Regional Director, North and West Africa, Money Gram, Francois Peyret (left); Marketing Executive, Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Kofi Akyea and Associate Director, Centrespread Limited, Bolanle Akanbi, during Money Gram’s Shake The Passion and Win Big Promo drawn in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: GABRIEL IKHAHON

Edo groups query police autopsy report on Oyerinde From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE quest for justice for Mr. T Olaitan Oyerinde, the slain principal private secretary to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, continued yesterday with the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOS) in the state rejecting the autopsy report released recently in a newspaper report by the police.

A statement by CONGOS President, Jude Obasanmi, which was made available to journalists in Benin City yesterday, alleged that the report might have been quickly put together by the police because of the queries they got during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives on Oyerinde, wondering why the police

did not include the autopsy report in their submissions.

“The credibility of the autopsy report is highly questionable as it is coming out to the public after the police were asked during the public hearing by the House Committee on Public Petitions why the autopsy report was not included in their investigation report,” Obasanmi said.

“It is shameful that the autopsy report was not included in the police report sent to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), neither was it contained in the report sent to the National Assembly Committee investigating the matter. This is a further proof that the police are up to some game.”

The group further alleged that contrary to claims by the police that a Consultant

Pathologist, Dr. W. O Akhiwu, conducted the autopsy, Akhiwu is an Assistant Commissioner of Police still in the service of the Nigeria Police.

“The report, from its contents, lacks the details of a best-practice autopsy, particularly given the controversy the murder has generated. In particular, whereas the police claim Oyerinde was shot at close range with a short gun, the State Security Service says he was killed with a pump action,” he noted.

“More details as to the type and number of pellets or bullets extracted from his body were absent in the report; who manufactured the bullets, and so on, and not the rice and beans that the late man ate.”

CONGOS added: “An independent autopsy provides

EFCC arraigns six in Plateau over alleged N17m theft From Abosede Musari, Abuja HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned six civil servants in Plateau State for alleged theft of N17 million.

The six, who are employees of the Plateau State Civil Service, are: Simon Dalom (alias Iliya Ezekiel), Luka A. Dapel, Mary Charles Wakkias, Mary Alkali, Esther Gonung and Nanchin Vivian Philibus. They were arraigned before Justice Yargata Nimpar of the Plateau State High Court, Jos, on a six-count charge of criminal conspiracy, forgery and theft.

According to a statement from the EFCC, the first accused, an accounts officer posted from the Ministry of Finance to the office of the Secretary to the State Government to oversee payment of salaries of political office holders, used his position to create a fake portfolio (Commissioner for Planning) in the State Executive Council.

Having created the portfolio, he opened a salary account for the purported commissioner, through which he siphoned state funds in salaries and allowances.

They were alleged to have between 2009 and 2012 stolen the sum of N17.4 million from

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the Plateau State government as salaries and allowances through an account opened by the first accused, Simon Dalom, in the name of Iliya Ezekiel, a non-existent Commissioner for Planning.

The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charge and the case was adjourned to March 25 for hearing of the bail application, while the accused persons were remanded in prison custody.

cause and manner of death, and answers any remaining question, and provides relief and comfort. Autopsy findings provide the answers needed to clarify unsettling questions and bring an understanding of the full circumstances surrounding the death. What the Nigeria Police is doing amounts to murdering Olaitan a second time.”

Following the police investigation into the murder of Oyerinde and the arrest and detention of a rights activist, David Ugolor, CONGOS had petitioned the House of Representatives asking the legislators to examine the police’s shoddy investigation into the murder of Oyerinde.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

8

AfricanNews U.S. working for swift transfer of Congo warlord to ICC HE United States is working T to transfer Bosco Ntaganda, a Congolese warlord charged with war crimes, to the International Criminal Court “as quickly as possible” from the United States Embassy in the Rwandan capital, US assistant secretary of state for African affairs, Johnnie Carson, said yesterday.

Ntaganda surprised US embassy staff in Kigali when he gave himself up on Monday after a 15-year long career that saw him fight as a rebel and government soldier on both sides of the Rwanda-Congo border.

He asked to be transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he faces war crimes charges.

“We believe that it is impor-

tant to accommodate Bosco Ntaganda’s request to be transferred to the ICC in The Hague,” Carson told a conference call.

Washington broadly supports the Hague-based court but, like Rwanda, has not signed the Rome Statute that set it up.

“We are asking for the full and complete cooperation of the Rwandan government, the ICC authorities and the Dutch government to make this happen as quickly as possible,” Carson said, speaking from Washington. He did not give a precise timeline.

Testimony by Ntaganda, who has fought in a string of Rwanda-backed rebellions in Congo’s east, may be damaging for the government of

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a close US ally.

His whereabouts had been unknown after hundreds of his fighters fled into Rwanda or surrendered to U.N. peacekeepers at the weekend following their defeat by a rival faction of M23 rebels in the mineral-rich eastern Congo.

Rwandan-born Ntaganda faces charges of recruiting child soldiers, murder, ethnic persecution, sexual slavery and rape during the 2002-3 conflict in northeastern Congo’s gold-mining Ituri district.

The ICC Tuesday, welcomed Ntaganda’s surrender to

stand trial on war crimes charges.

Meanwhile, the United States said yesterday that the Rwandan government had offered “appropriate assurances” that they would not interfere in the process of transferring Ntaganda to a war crimes tribunal.

“The next 48 hours or so will be critical ... So far we’ve had no indication of any negative reactions to his being in our embassy or to his desire to move to The Hague,” Carson said, adding practicalities for moving him to the International Criminal Court were being worked out.

West, Central African states to cooperate against pirates EARLY two dozen West N and Central African nations have pledged to combat the growing threat of piracy and maritime crime in their coastal waters.

The two regions border the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, which is threatening to overtake the waters off Somalia as the world’s most dangerous seas for piracy.

Maritime attacks have become increasingly violent as criminal gangs, exploiting governments’ inability to police their coastlines, venture further afield from their traditional home waters off

Condom advert stopped in Kenya after religious complaints television advertisement A promoting condom use in Kenya has been withdrawn after an outcry by religious leaders, health official Peter Cherutich has said.

Christian and Muslim clerics said the advert encouraged infidelity, rather than safe sex to curb HIV/Aids.

In the government-sponsored advert, a woman in an extra-marital affair is advised to use condoms.

Dr Cherutich told the BBC the advert had been launched because up to 30 per cent of married couples had other partners.

Around 1.6 million people out of Kenya’s population of 41.6 million are living with HIV, according to the UN. The Kenyan Anglican Church’s Bishop Julius Kalu said the advert, shown on freeto-air television stations at peak audience times, had promoted extra-marital affairs and sex among school pupils, Kenya’s Daily Nation newspaper reports.

“There are better ways of passing useful information to society. This one has certainly failed,” he is quoted as saying.

“It openly propagates immorality, especially when all family members are gathered before television sets, waiting to watch news,” Bishop Kalu said.

In a BBC Focus on Africa interview, Dr Cherutich said that

while the advert had been withdrawn, he was unapologetic about its message that it was essential for people to use condoms to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids.

A survey had shown that between 20 per cent to 30 per cent of married couples had other sexual partners, yet a majority of them did not use condoms, said Dr Cherutich, the deputy director of Kenya’s National Aids and STI Control Programme.

Kenya’s Muslim religious body, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), also condemned television stations for showing the oneminute-long advert.

“The advertisement depicts this nation as Sodom and Gomorra and not one that values the institution of marriage and family,” Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa, CIPK’s organising secretary, told Kenya’s Business Daily newspaper.

The BBC’s Anne Soy in the capital, Nairobi, reported that many conservative Kenyans supported religious leaders in opposing the advert.

Some parents said they found it embarrassing to watch the advert with their children, and switched channels when it appeared, she reports.

The advert was part of a series of anti-HIV campaigns that health officials have been running in Kenya for years.

French hostage held in Mali killed by Al Qaeda French hostage held in A Mali has been executed by al Qaeda in the Islamic

Ntaganda

Sudan ready to talk with southern rebels yesterday made its StalksUDAN first offer to hold direct with rebels on its border with South Sudan.

Sudan Defence Minister Abdel Raheem Mohammed Hussein said Khartoum would be willing to have discussions with the SPLM-North rebel group in its Blue Nile and South Kordofan states, providing the dialogue was based on protocols set out in a 2005 peace agreement with

South Sudan.

“We are ready to meet with the northern sector (of the SPLM), on the condition that the dialogue and discussion are based on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the protocol for the two areas as a reference,” Hussein told reporters at Khartoum’s airport yesterday.

Sudan has previously refused to meet the rebels and accused South Sudan of backing

Mtetwa, Zimbabwean rights lawyer, PM’s aides denied bail Zimbabwean court has reA fused bail to prominent human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, saying she was a flight risk.

Bail was also denied to four aides of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who appeared in leg irons in the dock. They are Thabani Mpofu, Felix Mpofu, Mehluli Tshuma and Warship Dumba.

Ms Mtetwa, who was born in Swaziland, raised her fist in defiance after the court ruled she should stay in jail until 3 April, after the Easter break.

The group was arrested on Sunday, after the referendum

on a new constitution that strengthens civil liberties.

The constitution was approved by nearly 95% of voters on Saturday after it was supported by Mr Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party and President Robert Mugabe’s ZanuPF party.

Its adoption paves the way for presidential and parliamentary elections that will end the coalition the two parties formed after the disputed 2008 poll.

Ms Mtetwa is charged with obstructing justice after she intervened during Sunday’s

Nigeria.

“The ministers are worried by the serious threats posed by piracy, armed robbery and other illegal maritime activities in the waters of Central Africa and West Africa,” a statement released after the meeting of Foreign and Defense ministers in Benin late on Tuesday said.

The ministers called for governments to arrest and prosecute suspected pirates and seize any vessels believed to have been used in acts of piracy. The document also called upon ship owners to “take steps to protect against pirates”.

The agreement requires approval of regional heads of state.

Ivory Coast recorded the first in a series of hijackings targeting tankers carrying refined petroleum products in October. The ships and their crews were all released but their cargoes were stolen.

There were at least five attacks last month on ships off Nigeria, which has stepped up anti-piracy operations in its waters. Three of the incidents involved the kidnappings of foreign crew members from cargo ships.

police raid on the offices of the MDC in the capital, Harare.

The four MDC members have been charged with impersonating police officers. They all deny the charges.

On Monday, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights group said the police had defied a court order to release Ms Mtetwa.

According to the BBC, she appeared in a magistrate’s court in Harare yesterday, along with the four MDC members who were in leg irons and prison clothes.

Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa ruled that Mtetwa

should remain in custody until her next court appearance on April 3 because she faced a serious charge.

She could interfere with police investigations if she was freed on bail, the magistrate said, adding that Mtetwa was also a flight risk because she held a foreign passport.

Tsvangirai aides have been charged with impersonating policemen, while Mr Mpofu faces the additional charge of possessing an illegal firearm.

The arrests were condemned by legal groups, including the International Commission of Jurists and the Pan African Lawyers Union, on Monday.

the SPLM-N, a former ally of the SPLM, whose decades-long war with Khartoum resulted in the 2005 peace deal and the secession of South Sudan in 2011.

The SPLM-N rebellion in Blue Nile and South Kordofan to overthrow the rule of Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir began shortly after secession.

South Sudan denies backing the SPLM-N. There was no immediate comment from the SPLM-N, but leaders have previously said they would be willing to talk to Sudanese officials in Addis Ababa, where the African Union has been brokering talks between Sudan and South Sudan.

Fighting in the two border states has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, and complicated ties between Sudan and South Sudan.

This month, the two countries agreed on a time frame to withdraw troops from their disputed, roughly 2,000-km (1,200-mile) border, something they agreed to do in September but have failed to implement because of lingering tensions.

Maghreb, Mauritania’s ANI news agency reported late Tuesday.

The agency attributed the information to an AQIM spokesman.

Six other French hostages are still being held in Mali, ANI said.

The spokesman reportedly told the agency that the March 10 execution was in response to France’s military intervention in Mali, and that French President Francois Hollande “is responsible for the lives of the rest of the hostages.”

Before the ANI report on Tuesday, the French Foreign Ministry released a statement quoting Hollande as saying there are no “financial discussions” ongoing to gain the release of French hostages in various countries.

The ministry said it is in constant contact with the families of those being held, and that everything is being done to gain the release of French hostages.

French involvement in the Malian conflict began on January 11, the day after militants said they had seized the city of Konna, east of Diabaly in central Mali, and were poised to advance south toward Bamako, the capital.

Islamist extremists carved out a large haven in northern Mali last year, taking advantage of a chaotic situation after a military coup by the separatist party MNLA. The militants banned music, smoking, drinking and watching sports on television. They also destroyed historic tombs and shrines.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

9

WorldReport U.S. vows unwavering commitment to Israel’s security

Bangladeshi President, Rahman dies at 85 HE president of T Bangladesh, Zillur Rahman, a close aide of the country’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s father, died after a long illness, a spokesman for the Prime Minister’s office in Dhaka announced yesterday.

He was 85. “He breathed his last at the Mount Elisabeth Hospital,” a presidential spokesman said.

Bangladesh ambassador to Singapore said doctors proclaimed him dead at 6.47pm (local time) when his only son, daughters and close relatives were present.

Rahman was admitted to the facility on March 10 as he was flown to Singapore by an air ambulance for critical lung infection, a day after he was rushed to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) at Dhaka cantonment.

The veteran politician, who celebrated his 85th birthday

earlier this month was installed as the ceremonial head of the state in 2009 after Awami League was elected in the landmark December, 2008, general elections.

A lawyer by profession, Rahman was regarded as a key figure in consolidating the ruling Awami League’s unity at different times after 1975 coup when Sheikh Mujib was killed along with most of his family members.

Bangladesh has announced a three-day state mourning.

“The acting president announced the three-day state mourning for the death of President Zillur Rahman,” a presidential spokesman was quoted by BSS news agency as saying.

Parliamentary speaker Abdul Hamid was made the acting president on March 14 to discharge the functions of president in accordance with the Constitution.

North Korea’s Jong-un supervises “drone attack” drill as South raises hackers alert United States President, Barack Obama (middle) escorted by Israeli President Shimon Peres (left) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) take part in a welcome ceremony at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv... yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP /MANDEL NGAN able bond between our ion that Obama was more of viewing with Obama an Iron RESIDENT Barack Obama yesterday pledged unwa- on a listening mission and nations, to restate America’s Dome anti-missile battery vering commitment to the had no new initiatives to unwavering commitment to that was brought to the airIsrael’s security and to speak port for the president to see. security of the Jewish State of offer.

Descending from Air Force directly to the people of Israel The system is partially U.S.Israel, where concern over a nuclear-armed Iran has One in bright Spring sun- and to your neighbors,” funded. shine, Obama briefly Obama said at a red-carpet Annual U.S. military aid to clouded bilateral relations.

Obama, who said US was embraced Israeli Prime welcoming ceremony at Tel Israel is put at $3 billion.

Benjamin Aviv airport.

Speaking on the tarmac, proud to be Israel’s ally Minister “I am confident in declaring Obama voiced of his hopes stressed the need for Middle Netanyahu, with whom he East peace at the start of a has notoriously testy ties, that our alliance is eternal, is for peace, without directly three-day official trip aimed before offering smiles and forever,” he said, adding the mentioning Palestinians.

“We stand together because at resetting fraught relations handshakes to waiting ranks Hebrew word for forever ”Lanetzach” -to emphasis the peace must come to the Holy with both the Israelis and of ministers.

“I see this visit as an opportu- upbeat message.

Land,” Obama said. “Even as Palestinians. But United Obama faces strong doubts we are clear eyed about the States officials are of the opin- nity to reaffirm the unbreakamong Israelis over his difficulties, we will never lose pledge to prevent a nuclear- sight of the vision of an Israel armed Iran and concerns that at peace with its neighbors.” the civil war in neighboring U.S.-sponsored peace talks Syria might spill over the bor- between Israel and the der.

Palestinians have been In his own welcoming stalled since 2010 in a dispute remarks, Netanyahu cited an over Israeli settlement-buildSunni Islamists see Iraq’s Israeli right to self-defense, ing in the occupied West L Qaeda in Iraq has claimed responsibility for a wave of Shi’ite-led government as which he said Obama sup- Bank. bombings and suicide attacks oppressors of the country’s ported.

Obama travels briefly to the that killed around 60 people Sunni minority and target “Thank you for unequivocal- occupied West Bank today for on the 10th anniversary of the Shi’ites to try to provoke a sec- ly affirming Israel’s sovereign talks with Palestinian United States-led invasion that tarian confrontation like the right to defend itself by itself President Mahmoud Abbas inter-communal slaughter that against any threat,” the right- and will fly on to Jordan on ousted Saddam Hussein.

A decade after U.S. and killed thousands in 2006-7. wing Israeli leader said before Friday.

Western troops swept into Iraq to remove the Sunni strongman, Iraq still struggles to overcome violence, sectarian tensions and political instability that test the fragile unity among Shi’ites, Sunnis and ethnic Kurds.

Islamic State of Iraq, the country’s al Qaeda wing, is regainTapie has now been granted a tion of her role in awarding ing strength, invigorated by From Oghogho Obayuwana, Foreign deal in return for his support financial compensation to the Sunni Muslim rebellion in Affairs Editor with Agency report of President Sarkozy in the businessman Bernard Tapie in next door Syria and has carried OWHERE else in saner 2007 election.

2008. out dozens of high-profile parts of the world is corThere is speculation in France As French Finance Minister, attacks since the start of the ruption tolerated. Anyone that Ms Lagarde could yet be she referred his long-running year. placed under formal investidispute with bank Credit Car bombs, roadside explo- accused of the vice is pursued gation in this case, which oriLyonnais to an arbitration sions and suicide attacks on until found innocent just as gin dates back 20 years. panel, which awarded him Tuesday hit mainly Shi’ite dis- the guilty are appropriately Mr Tapie, who has long been 400m euros (£340m) damtricts and security forces in punished.

And this seems to be what is active in French business, ages. Mr Tapie was a supporter Baghdad and other cities, sporting and political circles, of ex-President Nicolas including a bomber who deto- playing out in the allegation sued Credit Lyonnais over its Sarkozy. Critics say she abused nated his blast inside a restau- of improper award of money handling of the sale in 1993 of her authority but Ms Lagarde rant in the northern city of leveled against International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief, sportswear brand Adidas, in denies any wrongdoing.

Mosul. which he was a majority stake“This search will help uncover “What has reached you on Christine Lagarde.

Agency reports including the holder. the truth, which will conTuesday is just the first drop of Broadcasting After years in the courts, the tribute to exonerating my rain, and a first phase, for by British case was referred by Ms client from any criminal God’s will, after this we will Corporation (BBC) yesterday Lagarde to an arbitration wrongdoing,” Ms Lagarde’s have our revenge,” the al Qaeda maintained that French have searched panel in 2007 and she lawyer, Yves Repiquet, told the statement posted on a jihadist police Lagarde’s Paris apartment as approved its decision to Reuters news agency yesterwebsite late on Tuesday said. they continue their investigaaward damages. day. Investigators suspect Mr

P

Al Qaeda claims attacks on Iraq invasion anniversary A

French police search IMF chief, Lagarde’s Paris apartment

N

ORTH Korean leader Kim N Jong-un supervised a drone attack on a simulated South Korean target yesterday, Pyongyang’s KCNA news agency reported, and the armed forces shot down a target mimicking a cruise missile.

North Korea has stepped up its military exercises in response to what it regards as “hostile” joint drills by South Korea and the United States after Pyongyang was sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council for a nuclear test in February.

It is not known if North Korea possesses drones, although a report on South Korea’s Yonhap news agency last year said that it had obtained 1970s-era U.S. target drones from Syria to develop into attack drones.

“The (drone) planes were assigned the flight route and time with the targets in South Korea in mind, Kim Jong-un said, adding with great satisfaction that they were proved to be able to mount (a) superprecision attack on any enemy targets,” KCNA reported.

It is extremely rare for KCNA to specify the day on which Kim attended a drill. It also said that a rocket defense unit had successfully shot down a target that mimicked an “enemy” Tomahawk cruise

missile.

North Korea has said it has abrogated an armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War and threatened a nuclear attack on the United States.

Although North Korea currently lacks the technology to carry out such an attack, the U.S. said it would deploy antimissile batteries in Alaska to counter any threat.

The KCNA report said that Kim, 30, the third of his line to rule North Korea, would give orders to destroy military installations in any war zone and also U.S. bases in the Pacific if the North was attacked.

North Korea’s missiles have the capacity to hit bases in Japan and on the island of Guam.

Meanwhile, South Korean authorities were investigating a hacking attack that brought down the servers of three broadcasters and two major banks on yesterday, and the army raised its alert level due to concerns of North Korean involvement.

Servers at television networks YTN, MBC and KBS were affected as well as Shinhan Bank and NongHyup Bank, two major banks, the police and government officials said. At least some of the computers affected by the attacks had some files deleted, according to the authorities.

Jinping willing to reconcile Pyongyang, Seoul HINA is willing to promote C dialogue between North and South Korea as stability on the Korean peninsula is also in China’s interests, President Xi Jinping told his South Korean counterpart on yesterday, China’s Foreign Ministry said.

Beijing is Pyongyang’s sole diplomatic and economic ally, but relations have been strained by North Korea’s bellicose actions, including carrying out a third nuclear test last month.

“Peace and stability on the Korean peninsula is in the vital interests of the people of the peninsula and also of the

Chinese people,” Xi told President Park Geun-hye in a telephone call, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“China is committed to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula and realizing the peninsula’s denuclearization, and upholds resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation,” Xi added.

“China is willing to provide necessary help to promote reconciliation and cooperation.”

Beijing joined a new round of United Nations sanctions against North Korea this month and has said it wanted them implemented.

10

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Politics A deputy governor and his political foes

By Charles Ogugbuaja (Owerri) and Wole Oyebade (Lagos) HE ostensible parting of ways by Imo State T governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, with his deputy, Jude Agbaso, came to the people as a surprise. It’s on the heels of the joyous working relationship that existed between the pair for almost two years into office.

And it’s the first time a sitting deputy governor was facing impeachment in the state.

About six years ago, precisely in the twilight of the twosome, Chief Achike Udenwa (from Amaifeke, Orlu) and his deputy, Chief Ebere Udeagu, an engineer (from Okigwe), found themselves in a political division.

Udenwa wanted to protect Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the then president, by supporting him strongly, but Udeagu, chosen as the vice presidential candidate on the platform of the DPP in 2007, disagreed with his boss.

The issue nearly cost Udeagu his job through the Imo State House of Assembly, but he survived with the intervention of stakeholders and elders in the state, coupled with the fact that Udenwa didn’t want any problem to derail his administration.

This time around, a sitting deputy governor is suffering a bribery scandal of N458 million and gross misconduct, thus facing a probable impeachment.

It all began more than three weeks ago when information filtered in that Agbaso, who had doubled as the deputy governor and commissioner for works and transport, has allegedly soiled his hands.

The issue emanated from a petition from a road contractor, Joseph Dina (managingdirector of Jpros International Nigeria Limited), to the House of Assembly that Agbaso allegedly collected an incentive of N458 million from him.

The meat of the allegation is that the deputy governor negotiated the bribe was through a text message, for the money to be paid into certain bank accounts.

Soon, the Imo State House of Assembly Speaker, Chief Benjamin Uwajimogu, constituted a six-man committee, headed by Chief Simeon Iwunze, to look into the allegations.

The committee was asked to obtain the following information on and “investigate the remote causes, stoppage/abandonment of work on some roads in Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe municipals; award letters/approvals, certificate of work done, the total contract sum, the amount paid so far and who made approvals for the payments, the extent of the physical job done with pictures/evaluations, and possibility of the contractor fulfilling his contractual agreement or otherwise.”

In light of the above, Agbaso, the Principal Secretary to the governor, the current Commissioner for Works, Nick Opara-Ndudu, Commissioner for Finance, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, his directors and line officers, the Accountant General of the state, the representative of Jpros International Nigeria Limited and representative of Timik Construction Company Limited were put on notice to appear before the committee.

The Guardian learnt that except for the representative of Timik, who claimed that he was hospitalised in Lagos, all those invited appeared before the committee.

In the course of its investigation, the committee found that the stated and approved sum of N1,312,106,874 was reduced to N1,150,000,000 for Jpros to execute the road project.

The committee gathered from Jpros that following the phone (08033444421) directive of the deputy governor, payments were made in two installments in February 2012, to Three Brothers Concepts Limited, account number 0045630151 (GT Bank Plc, Lagos), sort code 058266511 drawn on cheque number 30794812 of Diamond Bank; and IHSAN BDC Limited, account number 105334698, UBA Plc, Wharf Road, Apapa, sort code 033153351.

According to the published report, Jpros paid N325,000,000 and N133,000.000, respectively into the said accounts, blaming this alleged diversion of part of the contract sum for the slow pace of work on the road.

Therefore, the committee holds that, “the defenses put forward by the deputy governor, His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso, were totally

Okorocha inconsistent with the facts and documentary evidence brought before the committee. He lied over matters within his personal knowledge and thereby put his credibility in doubt in the eye of the committee.”

In the five-point recommendation, the committee directed that, “a vote of no confidence be passed on the deputy governor, His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso, for acts unbecoming of his person and office.”

It also recommended that the Head of Service should immediately commence disciplinary actions against the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and the Resident Engineer for negligence in performance of their duties.

The committee advocated that the state government should blacklist Jpros from further jobs, and that the AttorneyGeneral/Commissioner for Justice should take steps to recover overpaid sum of N200 million to Jpros, and ensure completion of the jobs.

Consequent to the submission of the report, the 27-member House of Assembly passed a vote of no confidence on the deputy governor, while 10 members of the House, headed by the Majority Leader, Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma, signed a document, to commence impeachment process against the deputy governor.

Later, the Speaker, Uwajimogu, displayed a register on the impeachment, with the 26 members, including one who was in proxy, affirming the impeachment process.

Then, an impeachment notice, to be served on the deputy governor, was prepared, but the Clerk/Permanent Secretary of the Assembly, Chris Duru, a lawyer, notified the members about the difficulty he encountered in serving the notice on the deputy governor.

Accordingly, the Assembly resolved that the notice be pasted on the door and residential home of the deputy governor, while both the local newspapers and electronic media should publish and announce the notice of impeachment.

Soon after that, a request letter, IHA/SP./5H3A/23/15 of March 13, 2013, and pursuant to Section 188(5) of 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), was transmitted to the Chief Judge of the state, Benjamin Njemanze, for commencement of investigation of the alleged gross misconduct against the deputy governor.

In between this period, Governor Okorocha suspended his initial trip abroad, to wade into

Agbaso the matter, pleading that his deputy be saved.

But this did not save the matter.

So, over the weekend, and in line with the constitutional provision, the Chief Judge named a seven-man panel, headed by Justice G.C. Ihekire.

One of the items in the CJ’s statement was: “That Your Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso, failed, refused and neglected to take reasonable steps to prevent release of the sum of N1,150,000,000 (One billion, one hundred and fifty million Naira only), upon the endorsement of Governor’s approval to your office as Commissioner for Works and Transport, knowing that the contractor has not earned the necessary performance certificates and thereby caused the state loss of money, which said (act) amounts to gross misconduct in the performance of your duty as deputy governor.”

Meanwhile, the deputy governor, through his lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), has sued the Imo State House of Assembly to discontinue with the impeachment. Niyi Akintola (SAN) is the counsel for the Assembly.

The matter came up in an Owerri High Court, presided by Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe, who ruled for the status quo to be maintained.

Accordingly, the judge said that the Chief Judge, as a high legal officer, should know that when a matter is in court, no further action should take place until it is determined.

Apparently on the strength of the court ruling, the Chief Judge could not inaugurate the seven-man panel scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 19.

In the interim, Agbaso has denied for the umpteenth time that he did not commit any financial fraud against the state. This followed reports that he had resigned as deputy governor, especially as he decided to avoid going to his twin building office at the Government House, or even his official residence.

And showing up suddenly in Lagos yesterday, the embattled deputy governor described the N458m bribery allegation as politically “cooked up” against him.

He told reporters that the allegation by Jpros Nigeria International Limited was a ploy to tarnish his image ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial election.

“Truly, it is all about who becomes governor in Imo State come 2015,” he said.

He explained that there was a subsisting agreement between his elder brother

(Martins Agbaso) and Governor Okorocha that the latter would run a single term, “after which he would hand over to people of Owerri Zone extraction to run in the governorship election with Okorocha’s support.”

“Every information available to me has pointed in this direction. The effort being made is to tarnish the brand of Agbaso and exclude it from the forthcoming elections in Imo State. It is all about the politics of 2015,” he stressed.

Agbaso noted that he had, indeed, enjoyed a robust relationship with Okorocha and he is shocked by the sudden twist of events, especially the bribery claims.

Explaining his innocence, Agbaso said he had never solicited such payment from Jpros or any contractor.

“The issue that has agitated my mind is the question of how I or anybody could have paid the sum of N458 million to a man who did him no favour or no services,” he said.

He noted that Governor Okorocha negotiated the contract in question and he (Agbaso) was not in the country when the approval was sought and given.

According to him: “The approval was given without the knowledge by the Ministry of Works. The Principal Secretary to my governor conveyed the directive of approval of the contract and the payment of N1.15 billion to the Commissioner of Finance, who directed the Accountant General to make the payment.”

Agbaso observed that due processes were not applied in the issuance of the 100 per cent payment of the fund and this should have been thoroughly investigated (by the House of Assembly), coupled with the allegation against him.

“I think, ab initio, the Imo Assembly should have called investigative authorities, abreast them of relevant information on this matter, establish a link between the company and I, find out and trace where this money (N458m) had gone and see if they had gone into my pocket before going to town with their accusations and judgment,” he said.

He stressed that he was not the commissioner or the Accountant General, who made the payment directly to the contractor on the verbal instruction of the governor.”

“Never at any point did I cause this 100 per cent or any payment be made. I only found out that payment had been made to the contractor four months after,” he said.

“Also, recall that before the N1.15 billion was made to Jpros, a payment of N200 million had been made to the same contractor from the Government House (Owerri). I did not approve the payment and it never came through the Ministry of Works.”

Agbaso said that while he was least concerned about the “unfair” impeachment moves by the Imo State House of Assembly, his priority was to clear his name from the trumped-up charges and get justice.

“I know that we will get to the end of the matter. It is now irrelevant whether the Assembly continues with the impeachment or not. What is paramount is to ensure that my name is cleared from the false accusations that have been put against me,” he said.

“My question to my fellow countrymen is why will a man, who has access to the Governor, Commissioner for Finance and Accountant General, who paid him directly — why will he pay me N458 million, about 46 per cent of the contract?”

He alleged that the contractor in question had proven to be “fraudulent” and currently facing legal action in a case of abandoned contract in Umuahia, Abia State.

“The man has proved to be a fraudulent man; one wonders why Imo State Governor will give such a huge contract to a person with such a background and paid him 100 per cent, even over N200 million (extra) without following due process,” he said.

The deputy governor disclaimed a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Chinedu Ofor, that he (Agbaso) had cajoled Okorocha into approving the payment to Jpros Nigeria Limited.

“It is all laughable but I will continue to appeal to Nigerians for the application of their commonsense into what is happening in Imo State.”

He repudiated his rumoured resignation, vowing that he would never resign.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

POLITICS 11

Ghost missions on the gravy train

By Wole Soyinka thought to leave this subject IofHAD strictly to the discretionary powers the nation’s Women’s Organisations, as I did not wish to be obliged to counter the convenient accusations that we, the male chauvinist oppressors of womanhood in society, have merely seized upon a legitimate initiative of ‘public spirited’ women elite to frustrate female advocacy.

However, as scandal surmounts scandal, it is more than likely that a mere “chicken feed” like four billion Naira will become subsumed in public consciousness, overawed by egregious affronts such as the recent presidential pardons. The national attention span – in the face of corruption especially – suffers from overload, and there are those who know it, manipulate and profit from it! It is within this tried and tested tradition that I view a recent government “clarification” on the First Ladies Mission Mansion, offered through the agency of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I refer to a reportage on page 63 of ThisDay, March 18, and in other media on March 19. The Minister offers the following explanation for the ‘controversial’ budgetary allocation, and I do quote: “The African First Ladies Peace Mission is similar to any other similar regional or international organization, it is NOT an NGO. (emphasis mine). It is an African Union-led initiative, it does not belong to any individual, it belongs to the African Union.

“The Minister recalled that the mission has been in existence since the time of Mrs. Mariam Abacha….. He added that the First Ladies in 2008 requested Nigeria to provide a permanent secretariat for the mission after an intense lobby by Libya to host the secretariat and bankroll its activities…..”

The Minister goes on to paint a very laudable picture of the purpose of the First Ladies Peace Mission, rounding up with the battle-cry: “Nigeria would continue out its international obligations. (Bravo!)

When the secretariat is completed in Abuja…..”

With those two last items, I regret to say that the Honorable Minister lost me. Alarm bells rang jangled frantically on reading those words: “When the secretariat is completed in Abuja…..” Are we dealing here with a fait accompli, which means we are all simply whistling in the wind?

Then there is the claim that goes: “African Union-led”. The nation deserves to know the chapter and verse under which the African First Ladies initiative was adopted, much less led, by the African Union.

Next: since when did the private interests of the of rulers’ wives become an “international obligation”? Even if Sanni Abacha’s First Lady presumed to act for Nigeria, how does this commit a democratic

When I became minister, I brought the idea for the building of the secretariat as a legacy the former First Lady would leave behind. I consulted the former president and advised him on the project after she became leader of the African First Ladies Mission. I told him that the NGO emphasis mine - needed a secretariat to build an edifice just like the Women Centre built by the late Maryam Babangida and the National Hospital built by Maryam Abacha government to the presumptuousness of the mere spousal appendage of the head of a member state?

Again: this time, simply as a matter of curiosity, since I have never heard of a Muammar Qaddafi’s First Lady who did the lobbying on behalf of Libya? Qaddafi’s rubber stamp Parliament, the Jamahiriya? Or his permanently invisible counterpart to Nigeria’s then spousal squatter in Aso Rock? May I ask what legality, in national or international law, the whims and caprices of rulers’ wives exercise upon governments?

Finally, I wish to quote the following entry from the Nigerian media.

It was entered during the roforofo fight between one immediate past ‘Lady’, the Spousal Abuser of President Yar’Adua, and her current successor. They came to blows – well, metaphorically speaking – over the luscious slab of real estate on which the current Madame had chosen to erect her own Monument to Nigeria’s chronic First Ladyism. I invite you to study closely the ‘clarification’ by the then Minister for the Federal Capital Territory.

He does not cite Africa’s Union resolution or any such international obligation. He does not cite the imperatives of Nigeria’s moral obligations. He does not even mention Nigeria’s dubious leadership – ‘giant of Africa’ - sentiment - to which we are expected to genuflect, no matter how gratuitous the context. No, his intervention narrates most unambiguously the role of sycophantic public servants in the inducement and servicing of spousal egos. Here is the relevant admission, and – do note – revealed as a matter of pride, not of embarrassment or shamefaced, unavoidable disclosure.

“When I became minister, I brought the idea for the building of the secretariat as a legacy the former First Lady would leave behind. I consulted the former president and advised him on the project after she

Soyinka became leader of the African First Ladies Mission. I told him that the NGO - emphasis mine - needed a secretariat to build an edifice just like the Women Centre built by the late Maryam Babangida and the National Hospital built by Maryam Abacha.”

“He (Yar’adua) agreed and told me to look for a land. When I eventually found the land, I prepared a Certificate of Occupancy and the structural design of the proposed secretariat before I reported back to him. He appreciated the effort and directed me to meet her with the proposal” “After a discussion, she accepted the idea and set up a committee comprised of the FCT and Foreign Affairs officials, Maryam Abacha, late Murtala Mohammed’s wife and Patience.”

There you have it in a nutshell.

Maryam Abacha’s ‘project’ was a hospital. Sadder still, we have it from the horse’s mouth that First Ladies are entitled so set up committees made up of public servants – Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, Foreign Affairs, etc. – heaven knows how many fell over one another to serve on that committee.

The cult of First Ladyism rose to obscene heights under the former Maximum Ruler, Ibrahim

Babangida, yet it was under the watch of that very general that a female Permanent Secretary, ordered by the then Maximum Spouse to report to her office for an assignment, told her, quite politely, “Madam, I only take orders from my Minister”. She then returned to her office to write out her resignation letter. That was then!

Today, the obverse obtains. The role which even Ministers have played in elevating the culture of groveling

The cult of First Ladyism rose to obscene heights under the former Maximum Ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, yet it was under the watch of that very general that a female Permanent Secretary, ordered by the then Maximum Spouse to report to her office for an assignment, told her, quite politely, “Madam, I only take orders from my Minister”. She then returned to her office to write out her resignation letter.

sycophancy to the status of governance virtue has contributed in no small measure to the abuse of constitutional provisions and irresponsible budgetary attributions.

Instead of remaining a dark, embarrassing secret, it is confidently aired on international media such as the Voice of America, turning this nation into a space of ridicule and self-inflicted disdain. It is not all sycophancy however, it is – projects!

Projects with minimal overseeing and accounting, gravy trains with adept practitioners at the controls!

It is time we confronted squarely those unctuous, self-righteous attributions such as “the legacy that the First Lady would leave behind”.

Who says a First Lady has to leave a legacy behind?” Was she elected by the people? Is she constitutionally a public official? Does she have an obligation to render account of her “stewardship”? I have taken the trouble to study the Federal Territory Act, and not one paragraph, not one sentence specifies that the FCT minister’s functions include saddling First Ladies with the responsibility of “bequeathing a legacy.”

To summarize: here then are two contrasting expositions – that of the Minister of the FCT, and that of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The FCT Minister even claimed that this Mission is an NGO; the Minster for Foreign Affairs insists that it is not, that it is an “international obligation”! Please, spell it out more clearly. Since when? Under what protocols, resolutions or whatever? And of what international organization?

President Goodluck Johathan must be stoutly applauded for declaring that he cannot grant Amnesty to ghosts. Let me add also that you cannot make budgetary allocations to ghosts. Like ghost workers through whose invisible entrails billions have vanished into Nigerian burial grounds, First Ladies are nothing but constitutional ghosts, and that means that their ‘pet projects’, wherever they lay claims on national budgeting – individually or collectively, and however lofty sounding are nothing but spectral emanations, already Dead on Arrival.

Lest I am misunderstood: First Ladies have the same right as all citizens to “leave a legacy behind”.

They must however work hard to source their funds where the rest of the world does – in the private domain, not dig their hands into public funds on which crying needs, far too numerous and deserving to mention, have prior and – most important - legitimate and constitutional claims. Too bad, Bill Gates has decided to keep away from Nigeria, owing to the latest incontinence of power – Madame should have tried ‘touching’ Mr. Gates for some small change. Then she would have learnt that hard working millionaires are painfully discriminating about what causes they espouse.

How indiscipline, corruption cause disregard to rules and regulations Communique issued at the end of a one-day seminar on “Trends of Corruption, Indiscipline and Disregard to Rules and Regulationis” organised by the Niger State government in conjunction with the National Planning Commission on Thursday, 14th March, 2013 at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, Niger State FTER exhaustive discussions, detailed A analysis of data and situations from diverse perspectives, the Seminar made the following observations, and similarly proffer suggestions for a way forward: That corruption is the invidious and insidious virus afflicting Nigeria; and the bane of its development and unity; That corruption became deeply entrenched in Nigeria’s polity since 1962 when the concept of

President Goodluck Jonathan the good of the region was replaced with the good of the individuals who made up the party in power;

That when individuals think that they are stealing on behalf of their people, they invariably ended up leaving their people and everyone impoverished; That between 1960 and 2012 about $500billion has been stolen and freight out of Nigeria thereby contributing to the ranking of Nigeria as the 156 out of 186 on the 2011 Human Development Index Report; That corruption in Nigeria has fuelled lack of faith in the survival of Nigeria as a united nation; That corruption, indiscipline, disregard for rule of law and decline of ethics in public service as well as the private sector and the civil society are responsible for the lack of growth and endemic poverty in Nigeria.

THE WAY FORWARD The Seminar finds that the ways forward for Nigeria are: Exemplary leadership, independence of the Judiciary, strengthening of the capacities of anti-corruption institutions as well as the re-

orientation of values and ethics; The jettisoning of the pessimistic perception about the working of project Nigeria from the South of Nigeria as well as the complacency about project Nigeria working despite its shortcoming from the North of Nigeria; An adoption of a 25 year development plan broadly set out by the lead paper presenter; Strict application of penalties for those found guilty of corruption and fearless adherence to rule of law; Integration should be treated as a national project where people should see themselves and be accepted wherever they are as Nigerians; That merit must be given its pride of place in our national life; That no bail or fraudulent State pardon should be granted to corrupt people but sincere clemency should apply; Fighting corruption is to be addressed sincerely; and truth should be the guiding principle in political and public life.

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Police uncover fake drugs factory in Lagos

By Odita Sunday

FORTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD who specializes in counterfeiting Pfizer and Beecham medicines has been arrested by policemen in Lagos.

The suspect whose fake drug factory is located in Ejigbo, a Lagos suburb, was paraded with heaps of the fake medicines recovered in his factory by the Ejigbo Divisional Police Headquarters.

For allegedly running a cartel of counterfeited drugs the police is presently detaining the suspect, identified as Nne Ikenna.

The value of the fake drugs recovered from his factory is said to worth several millions of naira.

The fake pharmacist who hails from Anambra state alleged that he was paid the sum of N20, 000 to help the head of the cartel to blister one drum of counterfeited Albendazole (Zentel) tablets and an additional N35, 000 for his services.

A

“I have already produced eight drums before I was arrested. Uche who is the actual owner of the goods is presently on the run,” he confessed.

In his confessional statement made available to the police, the suspect alleged that items used in the counterfeiting of the drugs is imported from India by the said Uche.

The suspect also alleged that he converted his three-bed room flat at No. 5 Arochukwu Street, Ejigbo into a mini fake pharmaceutical factory.

Items recovered from him included, two drug -packing machines, one blistering machine, five cartons of counterfeited Albendazole (Zentel) tablets, large quantities of printed empty packets of Albendazole, 37 cartons of leaflets and cartons of Postinos 2, a drug for women who don’t want to get pregnant.

The suspect who claimed to be Indian-trained could not name the particular school he

attended neither did he reveal the company he worked for where he had the experience of producing drugs.

Parading the suspect before newsmen, the Lagos State Police public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ngozi Braide said that the police at Ejigbo Police station acted on a tip-off about the activities of the suspect.

The Lagos State Police Spokesperson stated that upon receiving the information, detectives from Ejigbo police station swung into action.

“It was at the suspect’s residence that all the items were recovered,” she added.

Braide further stated that the police would soon hand over the suspect to the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation with a view to clamp down on the chain of circulation of the fake worm expeller and other drugs that he was manufacturing.

Photonews

Representaive of Osun State Governor, Mr. Olalekan Yinusa; President of Odu’ Co-operative Aliance, Adetokunbo Osisanya and Deputy Governor of Ogun, Chief Segun Adesegun at the launch of Odu’a Co-operative Aliance in Ibadan...on Tuesday

General Manager, 234give.com, Mr. Segu Awoyinfa (left,) singer/Friends Africa Ambassador, Bez Idakula, Chief Executive Officer, Thistle Praxis Consulting, Mrs. Ini Onuk, Founder, Paradigm Initiative Mr. Gbenga Sesan, at a panel discussion hosted by Friends Africa on Powering NGOs and Social Entrepreneurship Using Social Media..

Some of the fake drugs

Fr. Louis Munoz dies at 80, burial holds tomorrow EV.. Fr (Prof.) Louis J. Munoz (MFR), distinR guished Professor of European Studies, University of Ibadan, former Head of Department, European Studies, University of Ibadan, former Parish Priest of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, University of Ibadan, distinguished author, is dead. He would have been 80 in October, 2013.

Lie -in –state holds tomorrow at the ViceChancellor’s Lodge at 7.45am. Thereafter, a requiem Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, University of Ibadan, at 9.00 a.m followed by interment at the Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos.

A Spanish citizen by birth, Rev. (Prof.)

Munoz until his death, was a Nigerian citizen by naturalization. He was a recipient of the National Honour award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Since he joined the University in 1967, he had been deeply involved in the spiritual and moral growth of all members of the University community, teachers, students and

workers. He was appointed by the Catholic Bishop of Ibadan as Catholic Chaplain in charge of the Chapel of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom.

Mumoz

Offa indigenes in North America condemn communal clash

HE entire indigenes of Offa T in North America, United States, have condemned the recent bloody conflict between Offa and Erin-Ile communities in Kwara State, saying it could have been avoided, if the concerned stakeholders had paid adequate attention to the warning signs, which preceded the mayhem.

Although a statement by Rasaq Addulwaheed on behalf of the group praised Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for his swift response to bring the matter under control, the group insisted that one of the ways of ensuring lasting peace “is to put all indicted persons in the conflict on a speedy trial.”

The group declared: “We acknowledge that the primary role of the government is to promote and maintain peace

in the communities. We hope that the present effort by the government to resolve this problem will be fruitful.

One indicator of a successful outcome is for all those indicted to be brought to a speedy trial. We are aware of a past Commission of Enquiry, set up to investigate and recommend solutions to past clashes between the two.

“However, for this renewed effort to be different from that of the past, justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served. Anyone found to be involved in the planning and execution of the havoc must face the full force of the law. For peace to rein in our land, people must recognize that killing the innocent and decapitating bodies cannot bring peace, prosperity and progress to

any community, and that any barbaric act will not be tolerated.

“We encourage peace loving people in Offa and Erin-Ile communities to speak out and prevail on those who prefer violence to peaceful means for resolving problems and grievances. Those who promote war over peace would likely be consumed by the war and as it is with any war, there are always collateral damages and unintended consequences.

Nobody can tell how a war will end.”

The group also regretted what it described as the destruction of lives and propery, saying: “we sympathise with the families of the victims in the recent crisis and pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear their losses.”

Chief Executive Officer , BestMan Games Limited, Mrs Nimi Akinkugbe;(left) Executive Commissioner Legal Enforcement, Securities and Exchange Commission, Mrs Saadatu Bello; Director, Air force Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Olubunmi Siyanbola; National President, Market Women Association Mrs Felicia Sani; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh and Wife of British High Commissioner to Nigeria Mrs Julie Pocock at a women summit in Abuja recently to celebrate the International Women’s Day...

Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Chief Keith Richards (left), Loya Brand Ambassador, Mr. Michael Ajereh, a.k.a. Don Jazzy presenting car keys to the winner, Mr. Abereoje Kabiru Sunday, a student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye and Commercial Director Promasidor, Mr. Kachi Onubogu during the presentation ceremony of Loya Milk Win a Car Promo in Lagos...

PHOTO; SUNDAY AKINLOLU

12

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

TheMetroSection Man arrested for deflowering daughter, grand-daughter in Lagos

By Odita Sunday

His unrepentant attitude prompted his wife to report the matter to the Lagos State Police Command, who then sponsored a medical test for the two kids, where the doctor declared the duo “non-virgins” F found guilty by the court of law, Mr. Ehijere may spend the rest IofSylvester his life in prison for making his 7year-old daughter and another 11month-old grand-daughter lose their virginity.

The matter which sent rude shocks down the spines of detectives and newsmen was reported by his wife, Margaret, who told the police that she has been warning Sylvester to desist from the evil act after he deflowered their first daughter who grew up to become the mother of the 11-month-old baby also deflowered by her grandfather.

The Guardian gathered that the suspect, Ehijere, had continually had carnal knowledge of his two daughters; Favour, the grown-up child and seven-year old Chidimma, then recently his grand-daughter.

Ehijere’s daughter, Chidimma, told newsmen that his father usually targets whenever their mother was out of the house and lures them into the act.

Beside, his wife Margaret had caught him in the act in the past. Sylvester pleaded to her pledging to desist from such act.

His unrepentant attitude prompted his wife to report the matter to the Lagos State Police command who then sponsored a medical test for the two kids where the doctor declared the duo “non-virgins” and advised that the children should be taken for HIV test.

“He always targets when my mother goes out and then he will first use his finger in my private part before he will use his penis. Even when my mother tried to defend me he beat her up.

When he finished, he told me that he would pluck out my eyes if I tell anyone. He also promised to buy me toy

The rape suspect, Ehijere

Medical report

cars, biscuits, sweets, clothes and shoes if I kept quiet,” said little Chidinma.

“I am a professional caterer. In 2006, I went to Abuja for a catering job where I was booked to spend five days.

But at about 1am that fateful day, my first daughter called me on the phone

crying that her father raped her that night. When I confronted him, he beat me up and he continued to molest our daughter. Each time I confronted him earned me a beating. I had no choice but to leave him for three years when I got fed up of the whole matter,” his wife Margaret said.

According to her: “ I moved out with my six children and started life afresh.

However, in 2011, his family came to appeal to me to forgive him and take him back. Although I refused the plea initially, but I reconsidered going back to him when the apartment I was living was sold.”

“They sold the house I live in and I had no money to look for another accommodation because I had lost my job. I had no choice but to move back last year after he swore to keep-off my daughters. I really thought he had changed but in August last year, I caught him doing the same thing with our last daughter Chidimma. I called her out and she poured out her heart and told me how her father had constantly been abusing her.”

“Again, I confronted him and he beat me up. I had to pick my daughter and run to his brother’s house, where I stayed for three days before I went back home.”

She also narrated how her husband raped her 1-year-old grand-daughter.

She said: “Because my daughter, Favour, works, we decided to enroll her daughter in a day care centre at Ejigbo area. I had always been the only one that brings her back at 6.00p.m. everyday from the Daycare Centre. But on that particular day, my husband went to the daycare, but the teacher refused to release the child. He harassed her till she released my grand daughter, Tega, and he took her home and raped her. I didn’t know what happened till I picked her up to bath her for the night. It was then I saw blood in the baby’s pampers. I called the police.”

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State police spokesman, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the man will soon be charged to court for “defilement.”

Braide who displayed the medical report that indicted the suspect said.

“The suspect is in the habit of sleeping with his daughters and now his granddaughter. We have the doctor’s report, which shows that the girls have been defiled. The doctor advised for them to be taken for HIV test. The wife who was fed up with his act reported the case to the Ejigbo Divisional Police Officer, Oliver Inoma-Abbey, a Chief Superin-

Council tasks Fashola over Apapa-Iganmu demolition OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola has been enG joined to consider the interest of those affected by the demolition carried out in Ilu Eri area of the LCDA, in the re-development plan promised by the state government.

The Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Samuel Adedayo said this on Wednesday while delivering a speech at the official commissioning of the Council’s ultra modern council secretariat in Ijora Badia, Lagos.

While appealing to Fashola not to leave out the affected residents in the redevelopment plan, the council boss commended residents of the area for being peaceful in their protest, while also urging them to support and embrace the transformation,

which he said would be beneficial to everyone.

Speaking on the new Secretariat Complex, the Chairman noted that the feat would not have been possible if not for the doggedness and perseverance of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he said defied the Federal Government to insist on the birth and sustenance of 37 LCDAs in Lagos State.

According to him, “the three-storey ultra modern office complex bears eloquent testimony to our administration’s vision and unwavering commitment to bring about the much needed transformation, to initiate a process that would eventually lead to a turnaround in the entire landscape of our dear community, our common heritage.”

“It is, indeed, worrisome that despite of our

close proximity to the economic nerve centre of the nation, a substantial number of our people still live in slums. There is so much prosperity around us yet our people continue to wallow in abject poverty. The time for change is now and it begins with reorientation,” he said.

He disclosed that his administration invested huge resources into the construction of the office complex to demonstrate in practical terms that “if we put our heart to it, we can achieve a lot. We have heard some of our critics say this project is extravagant and that perhaps we should have continued to manage the three tenement ramshackle buildings we inherited but I say to them that poverty mentality is defeated,” he added.

Man arraigned for alleged abduction, four friends for breach of peace

By Bukola Ojeyemi and Tolulope Okunlola OLICE on Tuesday arP raigned 28-year-old Kelvin Duke Buby before an Oshodi Magistrate’s Court, Lagos for allegedly abducting one Uchenna Ojukwu with the intention to have sexual intercourse with her, thereby committing an offence under Section 344(i) of the Criminal Law

of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

The defendant, who is facing a three-count charge of attempted rape, felony and molestation of the plaintiff, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences said to have been committed on March 13, 2013 at 11A, Rafiu Crescent Mafoluku, Oshodi -Lagos by conspiring with one Yoti Emmanuel,

now at large.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr. Adebowale Akeem Fashola granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties who must be employed with reputable companies and confirmed by the police.

Four friends, Precious Hezekiah, 21, Darlington Okoro, 33, Chukondi Odili,

21 and Nicholas Osagie, 32, were also arraigned over an alleged breach of the peace over at Mureno Construction Company Limited on 2B, Bisi Oladijo Street, off Aviation Estate, Oshodi.

The defendants are facing a three-count charge of breach of peace, maliciously damaging the guest house of the company and unlawful assault by attempting to beat up the accountant of

the company, Mr. Ofolomah Augustine.

The four friends pleaded not guilty to the charges following which the magistrate, Fashola, granted them bail in the sum of N100, 000.00 each with one surety each, who must be employees in a reputable company for a minimum of three years.

He, thereafter, adjourned the case till April 11 for further hearing.

Briefs John Okitikpi for burial UNERAL rites for ComF(rtd.), modore John Okitikpi who died at the age of 64, began yesterday with a Service of Songs at the Railway Institute Hall, Ahmadu Bello Way, Railway Compound, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

He will be buried tomorrow after a funeral Service at 39A, Cooper Road, Railway Compound, Ebute- Metta, Lagos at 10.00a.m.

He attended St Luke’s Anglican School, Sapele (1961) and Academy Secondary School (now Okotie-Eboh Grammar School) in Sapele (1966). He then proceeded to the University of Lagos where he obtained a degree in Mathematics and Chemistry (1972). He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy as a lieutenant in the education corps. He was an alumnus of Command and Staff College, Jaji where he earned (psc - 1981) and the National Institute (MNI-1995). He was also an instructor in the National War College, Abuja where he retired in 2000.

He is survived by his three children (Misan, Mogbitse &Meyiwa), relatives, friends and colleagues.

Okitikpi

NEBOSH holds safety training June 3 ULTIPLE Development M services was recently accredited as Centre No. 991 by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) to run United Kingdom NEBOSH course such as International General Certificate (IGC 1-3) in occupational safety and health course in Nigeria by NEBOSH. The essence is to assist individuals who are interested in obtaining an international recognised health and safety qualification anywhere in the world.

The next session of the NEBOSH international general certificate comes up in Lagos from June 3 – June 14, 2013.

Lions Club holds golf tournament for the needy HE Lions Club InternaT tional will stage a Charity Golf Tournament entitled: “Mercy Home Project” at Ikoyi Golf Course, Ikoyi Club 1938, on Saturday, March 23, 2013, with an entry fee of N5,000.00 and donations paid to the Golf Manager’s office or at the Tea Box. The proceeds would be used to construct a – 20 room storey building at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

TheGuardian Conscience Nurtured by Truth

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011)

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

Editorial Amnesty and Boko Haram

LETTER

Yoruba unity has been redefined The on-going debate StheIR: on the marginalisation of Yoruba in the present

socio-political set up in Nigeria does not hold water for us third generation HEN Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for amnesty for members of the Yoruba. In fact, I feel that the Boko Haram sect, the response, appropriately, from President Goodluck Jonathan, on a first and second generation visit to Maiduguri, was that the group remains faceless with no discernible agenda other than a hatred for western education as understood by only them. Therefore, amnesty could are more of our problems not be granted to “ghosts”. than the other tribes in Since then, some members of the sect or those who claim to know them have come out to Nigeria. say they are no “ghosts”.

The first generation conWith the continued violence unleashed on the nation, the latest being the attack four days cerns the pre-independent ago on a motor park in Kano claiming scores of lives, one thing is certain: the ghost of Boko leaders – led by Chief Haram is real and haunts Nigeria to devastating effect.

Awolowo, who through perAgainst the background of these mindless killings, all windows of opportunity for engage- sonal ambitions failed to see ment should be explored in the search for peace. Amnesty, however, is not such window yet. that the Yoruba should have It was at the Central Council meeting of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam recently that the Sultan been a nation of its own asked President Goodluck Jonathan to grant amnesty to repentant Boko Haram militants. In without the drawback synhis view, should the government embrace any member of the group who denounces terror- drome that the other tribes ism, other members would end the siege in the North. “That will make any other person exhibited and are still who picks up arms a criminal”. Expectedly, the suggestion drew the ire of some groups, exhibiting. which believe that the atrocities perpetrated by Boko Haram cannot simply be wished away, Their longing for power at and that the pain the group has inflicted on Nigeria is too deep to countenance any a bigger centre blinded amnesty. them to the open fact that That the sect, for no cognizable reason, has visited untold agony on the body and soul of their co-sojourners in the Nigeria and currently threatens the nation’s life is an under-statement. A greater tragedy, contraption called the however, is that its battle cry, rejection of the so-called western education, betrays an ignoNigerian nation are not rance of the great pioneering role Islam played in the emergence of the same western educompatible with their procation nay civilization that Boko Haram claims to be at logger-heads with today. gressive ideas or the results Looking at its genealogy, it would be an insult to Islam for anybody to purport to reject of those ideas that are easily western education in the name of the revered faith. The greatest scholars in the history of achievable by the education the world whose contributions laid the foundation of what is today known as western education were Islamic scholars. One of the leading West African scholars of all times in the 19th of their own people.

While one major group saw century was Nana Asma’u, not only a Moslem, but also a woman. She was the daughter of education as a continuity of Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio, who founded Sokoto caliphate. colonial and religion The science of preserving dead bodies known as embalment is a product of Islamic oppression, the other did research and has its roots in Egypt. Science and technology, which, today is the source of not see how it would add to pride of the western world has mathematics as its major pillar. Interestingly, mathematics their profit in their line of has its root in Arabic numeral. The singular contribution of mathematics; a product of Islamic deep thinking, to what the world is enjoying today and equated with western educa- business. Thus the first gention or civilization is gargantuan. Suffice it to say that hieroglyphics, the precursor of moderation sold a bright future ern writing is also a creation of Islamic education and culture. This in a nutshell is an illusof an entire people on their tration of the far-reaching impact of Islam on current civilisation. power hungry ego while Today’s education or civilization, therefore, is a combination of various knowledge and education, which existed in the past. In other words, education did not start with the West and it cannot exclusively lay claim to the body of knowledge in existence today. This is the mistake members of Boko Haram are making. And this is the message that should be taken to them with a view to making them see the paradox of fighting a civilisation that has part of its roots in and has been well nurtured by the great religion of Islam.

This is why those who say that Boko Haram is an expression of widespread discontentment by a people who desire better standard of living, and who believe that their situation cannot improve due to lack of education may be right after all. The inability to get on with the dynamics of a changing society, which education would have afforded and the ravaging poverty that has now become the order of the day, particularly in the North perhaps make the patrons of Boko Haram to hold education responsible for their problems.

There is an extent to which it can be argued that the Sultan’s address agreed with the view that Boko Haram’s problem is beyond religion. According to him, “We will continue to call on the government to be just in whatever they do because the bottom line of the problem facing us has been injustice meted out to people who are not supposed to. By the grace of God, we will continue talking to the government”.

However justified the agitation of a people may be, it is ignorant to hold education responsible for their problems. That ignorance has to be addressed to ensure a paradigm shift. This is the task that requires the urgent attention of all and sundry, particularly the leadership of the North. In other words, amnesty, as canvassed by the Sultan is secondary and consideration of anything of the sort may have to wait until all the fundamentals have been addressed.

The northern elite must as a matter of urgency convince members of the sect or other Muslims who may share the same view with them of the wrongfulness of their campaign.

The leaders should take it upon themselves to re-orientate the mass of discontented people in the region, who are aggrieved by years of impoverishment foisted on them by the same leaders, who over time appropriated so much to themselves and their children at the expense of the people, that the problem of the region has nothing to do with western education. It must be a consistent and pragmatic communication, the kind which the Sultan himself attempted in his address to the Moslem faithful when he said, “My dear brothers and sisters, we are facing a lot of challenges in this country and as Muslims, we owe it as a duty to everybody to ensure that we contribute positively to peace and stability of this country.

We have been talking and will continue to be talking until Allah takes us away. Because we believe that it is only when we dialogue that issues will become clearer. I believe we are all patriotic; we all love ourselves and we all love our neighbours as Almighty Allah says.”

Indeed, the clincher is in those final words: “We must never propagate falsehood about something if we don’t know as Muslim leaders”.

This kind of communication soothes frayed nerves and it is required to build understanding and cooperation among the different sections of the multi religious and multi ethnic society, particularly those who have been at the receiving end of the violence and who may have to forbear a little bit more and live with the occasional inconveniences that may be experienced during the process of constructive engagement with the sect. The sincerity of the engagement across board will heal the wounds created by the acrimony and will make a handshake across religious and ethnic barriers possible. This will inevitably bring about practical collaboration between those on whose behalf the sect purports to be fighting and those who are the victims of the atrocities in an atmosphere devoid of mutual suspicion and distrust. It is at that point that amnesty may become part of the bargain. Otherwise, it is premature to conceive of it.

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mixing with incompatible bedfellows.

The second generation led

by Chief Obasanjo is completely bereft of ideas on how local politics is played.

They pretended to be more Catholic than the Pope. It is Nigeria first before the Yoruba while the others think of their own people first before Nigeria. The Obasanjo group did everything to please the other tribes while their own people wallowed in abject neglect and humiliation. But for the so-called Federal Character, the Yoruba would not be holding one single reasonable position in the Federal set up today.

Among others, Obasanjo spent eight years as president but failed to complete the expressway leading to his farm and town, not to talk of the LagosIbadan/Ibadan-Ilorin roads that were awarded by his predecessor, a non-Yoruba man. Under him, his Minister of Works, Chief Tony Anenih constructed a bypass expressway to decongest Benin City traffic while Shagari, the Minister of Agriculture/Water Resources, littered the Northwest with boreholes.

Once upon a time, the socalled Awolowo disciples are respected and when they

spoke others listened. But as soon as they won the battle to install a Yoruba man as president, after Chief MKO Abiola’s humiliation, they went to sleep. They thought they have won the entire battle for the Yoruba. What followed was the selling of the Southwest to the anti-progressive elements and another four years of setback for the people.

The only Yoruba leader that attracts some respect from the other tribes in Nigeria today is Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu. But he too must stop acting as if he has done everything for the Yoruba by re-taking the Southwest from the anti-progressive groups and start fighting for positions and better share of the national cake for his own people at the Federal level.

While the noise over marginalisation is long overdue, the attitude of the Yoruba in key positions at the national level must change to reflect Nigerian realities and politics. Our political attitude and decisions must be reciprocal and we must stop the ‘holier than thou’ strategies that benefit other tribes at the expense of our own people. If not, our children will become third class citizens in this country.

• Omolade Olanihun, Ala Quarters, Akure.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

BUSINESS 15

Business Appointments P27 Reps task NUC on data of Nigerian professionals U.S. lawmakers in fresh bid to pass bill on China’s currency bipartisan group of lawA makers, yesterday, began a new attempt to pass legislation that would put pressure on China to change its currency practices, reprising an effort that has previously failed to make it to the finish line.

The bill is similar to legislation that passed the House of Representatives in 2010 and the Senate in 2011, but which died in Congress before it could reach President Barack Obama's desk to sign into law.

It came as Treasury Secretary Jack Lew was wrapping up a two-day visit to China, where he pressed Beijing to allow the yuan to rise further against the dollar.

"China's exchange rate should be market determined. That's in our interest and China's interest.

They recognize the need to do it for internal reasons as well," Lew told reporters.

Although China's yuan has appreciated 16 percent in real terms against the dollar since June 2010 and hit an all-time high against the dollar on Wednesday, many lawmakers believe Beijing keeps it at an artificially low value to give Chinese companies an unfair trade advantage.

Representative Sandy Levin of Michigan, the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced the currency bill with fellow Democrat Tim Ryan of Ohio and Republican lawmakers Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania and Mo Brooks of Alabama.

It is supported by U.S. labor groups and domestic textile, steel and other manufacturers that compete in the U.S. market against Chinese imports.

"It's clear the administration is not going to do enough to really press China on currency. That's why congressional action is so important," said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing.

But some business groups such as the U.S.-China Business Council have fought the legislation, fearing it would worsen trade ties.

The bill would allow com-

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Director of Research, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Mrs. Leila Dongo (left); Executive Director, Prof. Malachy Akoroda; Managing Director, Multi Trex Integrated Foods Plc, Dimeji Owofemi and Group Head, Development Initiative, Olootu Dipo Sofowora, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Cocoa Seed Garden between CRIN and Multi Trex, at Multi Trex Factory Office, Magboro, Ogun State...yesterday

NSE targets $1tr market capitalisation by 2016

By Helen Oji HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), yesterday, unfolded plans to achieve $1tr market capitalisation by 2016 through the strengthening of its regulatory framework, in line with international best practice.

NSE however urged Federal Government to fast track its reform processes to facilitate the realization

T

of the target.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Oscar Onyema, pointed out that the market reform initiatives cannot be actualised without collaborative efforts of the government.

Onyema, while speaking at the 2013 yearly capital market conference in Lagos yesterday, stressed that if the government would effectively harness activities in

the key sectors of the economy such as agriculture, oil and gas, information technology and utility, it would go a long way in boosting NSE’s efforts in the Primary Market Segment (PMS).

Highlighting the progress made so far in the PMS, and future plans to boost the segment, the NSE boss said the Exchange is putting measures in place to ensure that only companies with

clean slate and world-class corporate governance structure would be listed on the bourse.

To this effect, Onyema said the Exchange is partnering with the Institute of Directors IOD) to create a standardised corporate governance structure as tool for listed companies.

He added that plans are underway to create a broker track tool that would indi-

cate those brokers that comply with NSE’s rules and requirements.

“The Primary Market Marking (PMM) will be completed by the end of this month. Therefore, we would start the Supplementary Market Making (SMM). The PMM will have higher obligation and incentive than the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Stakeholders bemoan challenges to oil, gas sector’s growth From Roseline Okere, Accra, Ghana

EARTH of adequate D infrastructure, inconsistency of government policy, unfavourable fiscal regime and lack of human capacity were identified by stakeholders as some of the challenges confronting the oil and gas sector in the West Africa sub-region.

Stakeholders, including Ghana’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Buah; Nigeria’s Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation, Andrew Yakubu; and the Managing Director of Ghana National Petroleum, Nana Boakye Asafu-Adjaye, believed that much is still needed to be done to enable the continent benefit maximally from its oil and gas resources.

While speaking at the ongoing Offshore West Africa oil and Gas Conference in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, Buah called for the empowerment of local businesses through strong partnerships, to enable them serve

as front-runners in the West African petro-chemical industry.

He said that such partnerships with foreign allies would enable the subregion’s businesses to add value to their operations and products, which would in turn stimulate economic growth.

According to him, the 23 discoveries made so far within three years in the Ghanaian oil and gas sector as well as the influx of investment was expected to increase opportunities for oil and service companies

in the country.

He however, observed that the progress made in the sector would be meaningless unless it engendered local content and participation.

Yakubu said that the introduction of policies by the Nigerian Government would assist in the growth and development of oil and gas in the continent.

He made reference to the country’s Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and the local content policy, saying that such initiatives were capable of boosting the

growth of the oil and gas sector.

Yakubu pointed out that West Africa, most especially; Nigeria remained the largest oil producer in the contient.

Also, Coordinator of Local Content at Ghana Petroleum Commission, Juliette Twumasi-Anokye, said that the commission would continue to carry out continuous registration of companies desirous of operating in the oil and gas industry.

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16 BUSINESS

NSE targets $1tr market capitalisation by 2016 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 SMM. “For the alternative securities lending, five securities lending has been registered and it is expected that this would generate additional

lending. Investors can borrow the security at short term. We are launching at least five Exchange Traded Funds this year and by 2014, we should have features and options in derivatives as they drive activities in

the underlining market.

“We expect more liquidity as these programmes are rolled out and we would to collaborate with appropriate authorities to see how we can fast track activities in the market.” he added.

Earlier, the DirectorGeneral, Securities and

Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh said the commission is doing every thing within its powers to transform and make the market more attractive in order to restore the confidence of those retail investors that left during the recession.

Oteh, who was represented by the Director and Head, CIS Department, Mrs Louisa Eni said SEC is working with the Exchange to revamp its second-tier market to an Alternative Securities Market (ASM), to enable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are

emerging and showing good growth potentials to participate and access finance from the Nigerian capital market.

She urged the government to access finance from the market to fund infrastructure and critical sectors of the economy.

U.S. lawmakers in fresh bid to pass bill on China’s currency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 panies to seek countervailing duties against Chinese goods on a case-by-case basis to offset any exchange rate advantage.

After the Senate passed a similar bill in 2011, Republican House Speaker

John Boehner blocked a vote in the House because he said he was worried it could start a trade war.

"This is the year that Speaker Boehner and (Ways and Means Committee) Chairman (Dave) Camp should free the currency

bill, or they will show they are completely out of step with the American people, Republicans in Congress, and the vast majority of Republican voters," Paul said.

Meanwhile, many lawmakers believe Japan is unfairly driving down the value of its yen to help the country export its way out of decades of slow growth.

That has increased pressure on the administration to use talks on a proposed free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region to craft rules against currency manipulation, particularly if Japan is allowed into the talks in coming months.

At a Senate Finance Committee hearing on

Tuesday, acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis avoided taking a stand, but he said the administration was exploring the costs and benefits of including currency in the Asia-Pacific trade talks.

Aluisio de Lima-Campos, a Brazilian trade scholar, has proposed that countries such as Brazil and the United States bring a number of countervailing duty cases against China to pressure it into negotiations on new currency rules.

In a visit to Brasilia this week, acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank played down the idea of using countervailing duties to try to correct currency imbalances.

Stakeholders bemoan challenges to oil, gas sector’s growth CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 This, she said, would help promote local participation in petroleum activities and assessment of all applications for the issuance of permits for specific petroleum ventures as required by law.

She added that the upstream industry in West Africa is still faced with critical challenges for which

solutions must be provided. “It is my belief that this conference with a wide array of experts coming from different backgrounds is well positioned to discuss not only the opportunities, but also to identify the challenges, share experiences and propose practical solutions.”

Asafu-Adjaye stated that the growth in the number of deepwater opportunities in the upstream petroleum industry in West Africa brings with it, unique set of technical, environmental as well as business challenges.

This, he said, was a wellknown constraint in the development of the oil and gas industry in West Africa, a great limitation to optimising the value from the sub-region resources.

He stated: “There are hardly any pipelines to speak of, especially for gas transportation. This has not stimulated the exploration effort in many countries.

Without the needed infrastructure to transport gas to markets, areas regarded as gas-prone have been off limits”.

He noted that the recent exploration successes in Ghana and other areas along the West African margin give credence to the fact that the next decade holds a lot of promise for the petroleum province of West Africa including the transform margin.

According to him, increasing global demand, new technology and higher prices have lured a host of determined investors to seek hydrocarbons all over the continent, especially in West Africa. “Exploration activities have increased from Ghana through Cote d’Ivoire to countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia and Senegal.

He added: “West Africa has become the hotspot over a decade and half. It started with discoveries in Dalia and Girassol in Angola, Akpo and Agbami in Nigeria and more recently, The Jubilee in Ghana.”

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22 BUSINESS

Tanzanian Minister, Rewane laud Dangote’s investment initiatives ANZANIA’S Minister of T Environment Terezya Huvisa has commended the

Dangote Group for its green house programmes, especially the low emission level at its plants and efforts being made to green its operational areas at all its cement plants.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane has attributed the increase in foreign investments in the country to activities of the group noting that the group’s activities have helped in boosting the confidence of foreign investors in Nigeria’s economy, despite security and other challenges facing the country.

In a statement made available to The Guardian, Huvisa, who is the current president of the African Ministers forum for the Environment visited some the Ibese and Obajana cement plant as well as Dangote Sugar refinery at Apapa saying she was satisfied

with efforts being made by the organization to green its operational areas in line with the RIO plus 2010.

She commended Dangote cement over the pollution abatement mechanism in place in all the plants she visited and hope same tempo shall be maintained in the proposed cement plant for her country.

She said she never believed it when told her in Dar Es Salaam that Dangote Cement’s emission level of 30 mg is far below that of the European Union which is 50mg.

On his part, Rewane, who spoke during the March edition of the monthly Executive Breakfast Meeting of the Lagos Business School, in Lagos for the month of March, said Dangote and a host of other local entrepreneurs had made a good showing of Nigeria economic image to the international community.

He stated that the investors’

confidence has been rekindled in Nigeria’s economy despite the insecurity and the negative reaction of the world market to series of events across the globe especially the African countries owing largely to the incursion of local businesses led by the Dangote group into other African countries.

The economist noted that the satisfying investors’ rating of Nigeria in the face of the expected continuous fall in the price of oil and the rampant theft of the nation’s crude oil all of which have robbed off on the nation’s positive economic outlook of recent was partly bolstered by the investments in manufacturing across the African continent by the pan-African conglomerate.

He however warned that Nigeria stands to lose competitive market if the domestic economic challenges were not tackled.

Giving the analysis of global

Chief Operations Officer. Airtel Nigeria. Deepak Srivastava (right) Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. Segun Ogunsanya. Chief Marketing Officer. Olu Akanmu and Regional Operations Director Lagos. Adebayo Osinowo at the Launch of the Company’s Network Coverage thematic Campaign in Lagos on Tuesday.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

economy and the place of Nigeria, he said: “the weaning investors’ confidence in African economy has sudden-

ly been re-energized by the investments in some African countries by some local investors, especially, the Dangote Group’s incursion into the East African country of United Republic of Tanzanian thus mitigating the negative effect of the security and economic down-turn challenges being faced by African continent.

Rewane stated that Nigeria economy is suffering multifaceted problems saying Agricultural productivity was already affected by floods, Boko-Haram insurgency and other and seasonal factors.

Yet, he pointed out that “Nigerian oil industry is threatened by oil thefts with over 60,000barrels stolen from Shell alone while oil thefts cost the government $7bn in 2011 according to the

CBN. Production figures are expected to decline in May, June, due to a 3-month lag, three force majeure have been declared year to date.”

In spite of these developments, the financial expert said Sub-Saharan Africa has been the target of various mergers and acquisitions, “Mergers & acquisition data reiterates potential in Africa.

And According to Reuters, M&A transactions were valued at $25bn with increase of 18per cent from $21.2bn recorded in 2011.”

According to him, Nigerian companies were the second most targeted accounting for 28per cent while the South Africa was highest with 48per cent. South African and UK companies are the biggest Acquirers”, he noted.

Lagos targets reduction of green house gases by 45 per cent

By Yetunde Ebosele HE Lagos state government T said on Wednesday that concerted efforts are on to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emission in the state by 45 per cent by 2030.

This, the government said will be achieved by reducing emission from the transport sector, which has been identified as the fastest growing source.

According to the Managing Director LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Lagos Air Quality Monitoring Study conducted by the Authority between 2007 and 2009, revealed that vehicles contribute approximately 43 per cent of ambient air pollution in Lagos.

Speaking through Technical Adviser, Transport Planning, LAMATA, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, at the just concludth ed 5 Lagos State summit on Climate Change, Mobereola noted that the study discovered that over half of the transport sector contribution of (GHG) emission in Nigeria came from Lagos alone, while the emission factors for the Nigerian vehicles were close to the Euro 2 standards which is three to four times of the European values.

He said increasing air pollution, one of the metropolitan Lagos transport challenges, was impacting negatively on health and quality of life, stating that LAMATA had in response developed a strategic transport master plan to cover the 28 activity centres identified in the mega city region.

The transport master plan, he said, identifies seven rail lines, nine BRT routes, 11 water

routes and key road project for a sustainable urban transport system.

Besides, he explained that the plan incorporates the introduction of a common ticketing system to aid integration of public transport modes, development of waterways transport network to integrate with rail and BRT, development of a ring road around metropolitan Lagos to take pressure away from the mainland and introduce traffic control centres to optimise the use of the existing transport network.

A press statement signed by the External Relations Specialist of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) made available to The Guardian, explained that emissions from commercial yellow buses known as danfos and commercial motorcycles (okada) are expected to be at zero level if all the propositions in the state’s transport master plan are implemented.

Mobereola said LAMATA had taken a number of measures to monitor and reduce GHG emissions. He said apart from the study, the Authority had carried out an assessment of emissions from road transport to determine the impact of the implementation of the BRT on GHG emission as well as the Lagos Green House Gas emissions assessment manual to measure the impact of new transport initiatives on GHG. He explained that the goal of the authority was to drastically reduce air and noise pollution from the transport sector as major source of pollution in metropolitan Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

BUSINESS 23

DPR vows to clamp down on more filling stations .warns against unauthorised sale of petroleum products

By Roseline Okere, Lagos, Collins Olayinka and John Okeke, Abuja HE Department of T Petroleum Resources (DPR) has vowed to clamp down on filling stations found to engage in sharp practices across the country.

The oil industry regulatory agency also recently warned against selling petroleum products without obtaining the necessary license from the department.

The Manager, Downstream of DPR, Lagos Zonal Office, Kunle Soyebo, told The Guardian at the weekend, that it would no longer be business as usual for filling stations, which failed to comply with the agency regulations.

According to him, DPR sealed over 2,000 filling stations in the last six months for shortchanging their customers through under-dispensing.

“DPR shuts down six filling stations last week along the Egbeda, Ikotun and Igando roads in Lagos, bringing the number of filling stations shut down by the agency in Lagos in the last six months to 500.

The filling stations shut down for various offences in Lagos include Safe Trip, AP, First Royal, Omolad, Petrotec and Fawa filling stations, all along Egbeda, Ikotun and Igando roads in Lagos.

He warned that more filling stations that refused to comply with standards would still be closed.

Soyebo said that out of the 10 filling stations visited by the DPR monitoring team, six were found to be under-dispensing between one to two litres of fuel.

According to him, some of the filling stations found not to have met the stipulated standards set by the DPR, were also sealed up.

He said that the monitoring exercise would be a continuous one to ensure that people got better deal and prevented

sharp practices by the dealers.

Soyebo said that the filling stations sealed up by the DPR would remain shut until they regulate their metres to dispense fuel to customers accordingly.

He disclosed that the weekly monitory exercises was done nationwide to ensure that marketers did the right thing.

Meanwhile, Olorunsola, who was at a sensitisation programme in Kuje, an outskirt of Abuja, also warned that the Department would no longer treat the sale of petroleum products by unauthorised persons with levity as defaulters would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Olorunsola, who was represented by the head of Abuja zonal office, Mr. Yerima Kolomi, explained: “Those who are doing petroleum business without registration are engaging in illegal business and will be made to pay the full penalty. The registration is not exorbitant, because it costs only N2, 600 with a registered business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). It is normal that anybody wiling to go into oil business register with the DPR after fulfilling other necessary documentation and registration. Intending people must register with us before embarking on their business.”

And in a renewed bid to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians living close to pipeline right of way, the DPR has commenced sensitisation campaigns to enlighten Nigerians on the dangers of playing around the site of oil spills.

According to the DPR director, the campaign was necessary saying it would help enlighten Nigerians on how to respond to oil spillage incidences within their environment before it snowball into massive threat to the environment and the human beings living within such environment.

CBN to sustain support for SMEs he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its supT port to smallscale businesses in the country by making investable funds easily available to entrepreneurs.

The Branch Controller, CBN, Azubuike Okorie, Awka, said this at the graduation ceremony of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) youths training in Awka.

Okorie said that what the economy required was activities that would add value to the gross domestic product, noting that everybody could not be in the financial sector.

He said that the CBN was impressed by the activities of ITF in training youths on relevant skills, adding that CBN would complement the efforts.

“This training is one of those monumental efforts of the federal government to spur economic viability of the people which is worthy of commendation.

“It is important that people acquire skill which will empower them to earn income, create jobs and lots of other opportunity, because everybody cannot be on Broad Street.

“Some people have to possess skills which those on the Broad Street will demand.

“The mechanics, tillers and welders like we are having

here today are real value creators which is most beneficial to the economy.

“The CBN under the financial inclusion strategy will make investable funds available at the grass roots.

“What it means is that artisans can go to the banks and obtain loans to execute their business at low interest rates,” Okorie said.

The ITF Area Manager, Mrs. Lynda Egbonu said that the 1000 youths in Anambra were trained in tilling and welding within a period of three months.

Egbonu said that this was the first time the Fund was involved in direct training, saying that the youths were also trained in entrepreneurial skills to sharpen their management competence.

“The aim is to give them skills which they can use for their economic wellbeing, as well as reduce unemployment in the country.

“They mastered the trade they learnt; we exposed them to practical and I am happy because these graduates will show class anywhere and anytime,” she said.

Egbonu urged Nigerians to patronise the trainees as a way of complementing the efforts of the Fund.

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Sada (left); Professor Olawoye Oyawoye; and Prince Kibiti Oyawoye, at the International conference of Nigeria Mining and Geoscience Society, held at Ibadan, on Tuesday.

PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

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BUSINESS 25

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

NAICOM assures investors of improved returns on investment

By Joshua Nse PPARENTLY worried by the A inability of insurance companies to pay dividends to investors in the past two years, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has assured investors that strict enforcement of insurance regulation is aimed at making operators record profit, pay dividends and attract investors.

Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, (Technical), Mallam Ibrahim Hassan, said at a workshop for executives of shareholders association and independent directors of insurance companies in Lagos, on Tuesday, said recent measures taken by the commission was to ensure accountability and transparency in the operation of insurance entities.

For instance, he said, barely three months of the enforcement of no premium no cover policy, most of the insurance companies have recorded huge volume of premium collection, principally aimed at redressing the issue of outstanding premiums in the industry.

He said: “Lately, we noticed that current budgetary provi-

sions for insurance of government assets and properties were either inadequate or in most cases not made at all.

“Besides, where the provisions are made, payments of premium to insurance companies are either delayed for months or the funds redeployed to meet other needs by ministries departments and agencies (MDAs) of government which is in clear breach of Section 50(1)of the Insurance Act 2003. With the coming into force of no premium no cover rule, all government insurfances must be paid for in advance.”

According to him, the commission has in the last three years been initiating developmental policies aimed at strengthening and deepening insurance penetration in order to enhance the insurance sector contribution to GDP through its market development and restructuring initiative (MDRI).

Also the compulsory insurances – Motor third party liability insurance, group life insurance, occupier liability insurance and healthcare professional indemnity insurance will provide a quantum leap in premium

Head, Retail Banking, Diamond Bank Plc, Jude Anele (left); Mrs. Nneka Okekearu of Enterprise Development Centre; Executive Director, Lagos Business, Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie; Head, Corporate Communication, Mrs. Ayona Trimnell; and Peter Bankole of Enterprise Development Centre, during the media launch of “Building Enterprise,” in Lagos, on Tuesday.

PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

income, he said.

“We believe that if these programmes are well marketed

by the insurance companies, there would be a quantum leap in their premium

income which will invariably enhance their profit

and their ability to pay good dividends to shareholders”

UBA Ghana posts higher profits NITED Bank for Africa U (Ghana) Limited (UBA Ghana), a subsidiary of United Bank for Africa Plc, has reduced its Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio last year.

The bank posted a profit before tax (PBT) of GH¢62.9 million compared with GH¢30.1 million in 2011, representing an incremental growth rate of 108 per cent. In profit-after-tax (PAT) terms, the bank grew by 112 per cent from GH¢22.4 million in 2011 to GH¢47.5 million last year.

There was also an appreciable growth in total assets of 23 per cent from December 2011 to the same period last year.

With this performance, UBA Ghana has consolidated its position as one of the most profitable banks in Ghana, having achieved a growth in its profits far in excess of 200 per cent in two years.

The growth, according to Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr Oliver Alawuba, was mainly due to a 79 per cent rise in net interest income over the 2011 level on the back of over 62 per cent increase in the bank’s loan book, as well as 41 per cent growth in its investment in government securities.

Alawuba observed that the consistent growth in the bank's performance was attributable to some peculiar credentials about UBA.

“Our excellent customer service, which has led to a pool of loyal customers who do repeat business with us and give us referrals; our dedicated and hardworking staff who always ensure that our customers are delighted; and our ability to leverage on our parent company’s expertise and balance sheet to seamlessly undertake large ticket transactions have afforded us these achievements,” he said.

In his remarks on the achievements, Chief Finance Officer of the bank, Mr Charles Appiah described UBA Ghana as “simply efficient”. “We have put in place several cost-efficient initiatives and a strong risk management framework that optimise the use of our resources, and which have resulted in UBA Ghana becoming one of the best banks in cost-income ratio and NPL ratio, both of which were 35 per cent and 1.4 per cent respectively by 2012 year-end,” he said. The period under review also saw significant improvement in the bank's return on equity and return on assets, the financial statement declared. “Return on equity increased from 32 per cent in 2011 to 50.3 per cent last year while return on assets rose from 5.3 per cent in 2011 to 8.9 per cent in 2012,” it stated.

Bank Inspectors hold retreat on identity theft, fraudMarch, 2013, the conference

S part of measures towards A finding a lasting solution to identity theft in the financial

sector, as well as reduce fraud incidence, the Committee of Chief Inspectors of Banks in Nigeria (CCIBN) would hold its yearly retreat to address the trends.

According to a statement made available to The Guardian, the committee noted that this year’s conference with theme: “Biometrics Identity Management: Challenges and Opportunities” hopes to assist banks’ Chief Inspectors and invited experts to find lasting solutions to identity theft in the banking sector.

Scheduled to hold in Calabar, Cross Rivers State between Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd

would discuss how the ongoing effort by the Banker’s Committee to deploy biometrics identification option would help to prevent and detect frauds in Nigeria and the legal issues that may arise from the deployment and implementation amongst others.

At the end of the conference, participants hope to issue communiqué that would be made available to all relevant stakeholders in the industry, with the expectation that the outcome of the conference would improve the confidence of every stakeholder in the banking industry and create a more conducive business environment that would attract new local and foreign investments.

26 | INDUSTRY WATCH

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Nigeria’s market presents exciting challenge to manufacturers, says Buglisi Karen Buglisi is the Global Brand President of Canada-based Estee Lauder Companies, a global leader in cosmetics production and marketing.

Recently, her company launched its Make-up Art Cosmetics (MAC) in Lagos. In this on-line interview with Business Editor, ADE OGIDAN, Buglisi sheds light on product marketing in Nigeria in general and operational profile of its company in particular. Excerpts.

How would you describe the operational profile of your company in Nigeria?

HEEstee Lauder Companies have been operating in Nigeria through a distributor for a few years now - currently selling Estee Lauder fragrances, Tom Ford fragrances and Tom Ford Private Blend, Aramis Designer Fragrances and Clinique fragrances. The ELC brands are sold in about 19 stores across the three major cities of Nigeria with 12 of those doors being with Essenza Beauty and Fragrances, who will be our retail partner for M.A.C. Essenza has been operational since 1986 and is the market leader in Nigeria with an estimated 60 per cent market share in cosmetics and fragrance.

The M.A.C brand was launched in Nigeria in February, following openings in Zambia and Botswana.

What informed your company’s decision to launch its products in the country recently?

The decision has been made by senior management at the Estee Lauder Companies to launch specific brands from the Corporation, into Nigeria.

But why the need to introduce the product into the Nigerian market at this time?

M.A.C is already known and popular with consumers in Nigeria, including makeup artists. So to meet their needs and wishes - and in terms of business opportunity - we believe it to be the right time. Having some strong partners opening new stores has also allowed us to enter the market now.

We have also noticed that there is a strong demand from the traveling consumer - some areas globally are noticing a sharp increase in visiting Nigerians.

What is unique about the M.A.C brand?

M A C is created for everyone. Our ethos has always been – “All Ages. All Races. All Sexes.” We create products and brand experiences to include and embrace everybody around the world.

Our support of, and relationships within the fashion, music and film communities are unsurpassed. The events, which we stage for consumers, media and the industry, are unique, exciting and unmistakably M.A.C. But it is our store, artists, service and range of products that are so unique. M A C is created for both professional makeup artists and general consumers. And in order to meet their distinct needs, we have always placed a very high priority and standard on training our artists. They go through a series of trainings to learn how to address different customers, different needs. And with such a variety of color and product range, we will enhance the natural beauty of all we touch.

The M.A.C experience really is very special and we are thrilled to finally bring it to the women of Africa to enjoy.

How would you position M.A.C products?

M A C offers competitively priced products with the main traffic drivers (Lipstick and Eye Shadow) priced at entry prestige market level. While having selectively tiered up advanced innovation in select categories (Mineralize, Pro Longwear, Prep+Prime and Lightful) to contend with a divergent competitive set, which has allowed us to avoid playing in promotional arena.

We also created a very unique free-standing store environment, like the one opening in Nigeria, to showcase our products and to allow consumers to experience and try them.

What’s your strategy to effectively compete with other cosmetics products in the Nigerian market?

We see that M A C has the potential of becoming the number one prestige makeup brand in Nigeria very quickly. Our products are very suitable for a woman of color and this is a market where women want to know more about application techniques and given our artistry skill, that will be an obvious win for us.

How much do you know about the Nigerian cosmetics market to embark on this venture?

We have been planning this launch for some times so are confident in our knowledge and understanding of the market and what M.A.C can bring to it. The market is still really

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We are aware of the counterfeit and suitcase business in Nigeria, and this is another indicator of our customers’ needs in the market...M.A.C is already known and popular with consumers in Nigeria, including makeup artists. So to meet their needs and wishes and in terms of business opportunity - we believe it to be the right time. Having some strong partners opening new stores has also allowed us to enter the market now.

Buglisi very young in our opinion and has huge potential for growth.

We want to be a major part of that and although we know there are other international brands already present, we offer such a unique form of service and monthly ‘newness’ through seasonal collections, that we can stand apart from any competition, anywhere.

Since the Nigerian cosmetic market is largely competitive beyond its formal launch, what are the other market penetration strategies for M.A.C designed to boost sales?

First of all, we have an exciting launch plan in place. This involves our Senior Artist presenting a first ever M.A.C Master Class to professional makeup artists in Lagos closely followed by a press event and then a party to celebrate the entry of M.A.C in Nigeria. In terms of events, nobody does them quite like M.A.C! From there, we will build our client base from within the store. By implementing special and exciting initiatives such as retail events, technique classes etc that fully animate M.A.C’s artistry and product capabilities. The makeup services available for our customers in Nigeria are the same as you’d find anywhere else in the world - from China to Brazil to the U.K - and we’re excited that local consumers can now experience this.

How do you plan to tackle the issue of counterfeit as it is a major factor in the beauty/fashion industry?

We are aware of the counterfeit and suitcase business in Nigeria, and this is another indicator of our customers’ needs in the market. We want them to be able to buy authentic M.A.C products, where their quality and freshness is ensured.

The only places you will be able to do that will be at the identifiable authorized M.A.C locations.

After the launch in Lagos, how quickly are you going to introduce the products in other major cities?

Traditionally when launching into a new market, we open one store and then much later, further stores. With Nigeria, two stores will open their doors within quick succession of each other. We will look at Abuja as an opportunity for the future and obviously will keep expanding our footprint in Lagos when suitable retail locations are presented to us.

M.A.C’s expansion plan in Nigeria over the next 1-3 years would include a free-standing store in the capital, Abuja, and we are looking to extend our distribution potentially to Port Harcourt and further stores in Lagos. Then of course we are looking to expand into other African cities such as Nairobi, Accra, Abidjan and Harare. As well as continuing to extend distribution in South Africa. These stores will either be our free-standing store format or counters with our retail partners.

What are the planned trade/marketing communications support programmes aimed at endearing the product to the trade/customers as well as entrenching it in the minds of its consumers?

We will build strong relationships and implement exciting initiatives with the media, fashion, film and music industries in SSA by way of driving brand advocacy and fueling word-

Traditionally when launching into a new market, we open one store and then much later, further stores. With Nigeria, two stores will open their doors within quick succession of each other. We will look at Abuja as an opportunity for the future and obviously will keep expanding our footprint in Lagos when suitable retail locations are presented to us.We are currently working on those with our retail partner and will be able to advise you of our mutual decisions in due course. But we look forward to investing in, and creating opportunities in the market. of-mouth amongst consumers and M.A.C fans. We are looking at advertising too but are yet to reach a final decision on that point.

M.A.C range of products will at first be imported into the country, what are the medium to long-term plans for producing it in Nigeria?

We have no plans to produce products in Nigeria.

To what extent do you think that firms doing business in Nigeria should be involved in corporate social responsibility?

At M A C, we have a dedicated charitable entity - the M A C AIDS Fund - which raises funds for men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. The M A C AIDS Fund raises money through a very unique donation model – with 100 per cent of the retail price of Viva Glam product going directly to the fund. Going forward, we will identify any opportunities in SSA that the M.A.C AIDS Fund can support in an appropriate and sensitive way, if needed.

What is your company’s corporate social investment plan for the Nigerian market in 2013?

We are currently working on those with our retail partner and will be able to advise you of our mutual decisions in due course. But we look forward to investing in, and creating opportunities in the market.

Are there any links between your presence in Nigeria and other African countries like Botswana and South Africa?

M A C is already present in South Africa with 22 doors. The team that operates there is providing strong support in SSA during this launch and expansion period, in terms of training, sales, marketing and PR. However, our long-term strategy is to implement a full operational team within SSA and immediate appointments include a Resident Trainer and a Sales & Marketing Executive who will work directly with the M.A.C artist’s in store. Our commitment and investment for the future of M.A.C in Nigeria is both exciting and absolute.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2012

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Appointments Reps task NUC on data of Nigeria’s professionals From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja HE House of T Representatives Committee on Diaspora has challenged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to liaise with the necessary government agencies to come out with reliable and up-to database of Nigerian professionals and students living and studying outside the country’s shores.

This, the committee believed would not only assist in keeping track of Nigerian professionals abroad, but would also determine the performance rates of Nigerian youths studying outside the country, with a view to monitoring their respective performances.

The committee’s chairman, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who threw the challenge during a visit by members of the committee to NUC, lamented that exceptional performance of Nigerian youth had remained largely unnoticed as a result of unreliable data base of Nigerian students.

Her comments was in response to the observation

by NUC executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie to the effect that paucity of funds had hindered the compilation of reliable data of students and professionals and tasked the committee to step up its sensitization campaign to ensure that Nigerians living outside the shores of the country are carried along in the developmental strides of the country.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, Nigeria ought to have established a strong data- base of its professionals and students abroad but had failed along the line.

She said, “This is what we should have done long before now, and this is why we are stressing the need for a strong data-base, not just of students, but of our professionals in the Diaspora.

“This of course has affected our developmental strides.

For instance, we have a Local Contents Act now, you are looking for a Nigerian expert in a certain field and you don’t know that they exist, because of how to get them whereas we know that there is no field of endeavour that you can’t get a Nigerian.

“To achieve this objective, we are working very hard, We are going to work with NUC, the Nigerian Diaspora Organizations (NDOs), we are working with the International Office of Migration (IOM) so that we can have a data-base of our students and our professionals and we don’t see any reason why embassies cannot keep the records of those coming into their countries of operations.

“Of course, sometimes, they will tell you that some people do not show up, but let us look at the professionals and the students, I’m sure if you make a little extra efforts, it is about technology they will get a reliable data, so we are going to put in extra pressure by working with relevant agencies to ensure that there is a larger data-base of Nigerian students and professionals in the Diaspora.”

In addition, she said her committee was working vigorously on reviving the Diaspora Commission Bill, which process was started during the previous House, which was not completed, but promised that the cur-

Air Commodore Umar, (left) Chairman, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, and President Trade Union Congress, Peter Esele, at the launching of Microfone Telecommunications Nigeria Limited in Abuja. rent House would ensure that it was completed to give a strong basis for generating data-base of Nigerians living outside the country.

Okojie told the committee members that NUC through its Linkages with Experts and Academics in the Diaspora (LEADs) programme has been able to attract quality Nigerian academics to teach in Nigerian universities for some brief periods, noting that the initiatives had yielded tremendous success.

For instance, he noted that three out of the 12 Federal Universities recently established were Nigerians in Diaspora, an indication that

ICRC seeks protection for vulnerable groups in war situations From Collins Olayinka, Abuja HE International T Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called for concerted efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups such as women and children in war situations across the world.

This comes as the humanitarian body celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Commenting on the landmark anniversary, the President of the ICRC, Peter Maurer, said: “This anniversary provides us with an opportunity to look critically at our past, and also to develop awareness of the strengths that have helped us in our activities carried out for millions of victims of armed conflict and other violence. Now more than ever, we must not only remain true to our principles but also search for new ways to better serve the people who need help. We must redouble

our efforts to make sure that the neutral, impartial and independent nature of our humanitarian activities is understood by all.”

The ICRC stressed that it has continues to adapt to new forms of armed conflict and to a number of challenges confronting humanitarian activities.

“We are carrying on with our work in an environment that is being shaped by the use of new weapons and technologies, the proliferation of armed groups, the difficulty of obtaining access to people requiring aid, and a plethora of NGOs and other humanitarian organizations endeavouring to serve communities with competing approaches,” the ICRC President added.

Maurer stated that the ICRC and partners have to better coordinate humanitarian efforts, and pay very careful attention to the opinions of

those it is seeking to help – and give them the opportunity to play an active role in these efforts, the ultimate aim of which is to enable people in need to achieve a lasting recovery.

However, he was quick to add that the biggest challenge facing the ICRC and other humanitarian organizations is lack of respect for international humanitarian law, which prohibits violence directed against people who are not involved in armed conflict, like children, the wounded or sick, or detainees.

The need for a strong political will to spare civilians and otherwise comply with international humanitarian law, whether on the part of States or of non-State armed groups, has never been greater,” Maurer stressed.

He argued that many of the ICRC’s everyday activities now have far-reaching effects.

Nigerian government takes the interest of her people outside the country very serious. Besides, the NUC chief, who gave the figure of Nigerian professionals currently engaged in the LEADs

programme said 14 of them were engaged; 24 others have completed while 30 applications were pending for processing. He said the programme had been delayed mainly as a result of paucity

of funds.

This is because, besides the $2,500 being paid to each participant monthly, they were entitled to return tickets and hotel accommodation for participants.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

28 APPOINTMENTS

Reps summon DG, Budget Office over 2013 Appropriation From Terhemba Daka, Abuja HE House of Representatives has summoned the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation (BOF), Bright Okogwu to appear and explain the content of a letter purportedly written by him, directing

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Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ignore the 2013 Appropriation Act. House’ Minority Whip, Samson Osagie who drew the attention of members to the alleged letter through a motion moved under matters of urgent public importance, raised the alarm on the floor stating that

MDAs were directed by Okogwu to only implement content of the amendment to the Act, which the lawmakers said had not been received by the House of Representatives.

Consequently, the DirectorGeneral is expected to appear before the Parliament’s joint Committee on Appropriation

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief,The Businessmen Journal, Emmanuel Ibeziako, presenting the corporate press 20th annual men of achievement plaque to the Chairman/CEO, Celmeng Group of Companies Limited, Funsho Olusanya, in Lagos.

and Finance, which had been given one week to report its findings back to the House.

Osagie had in the motion expressed concerns that the letter, a copy of which he said was in his possession specifically directed all MDAs to ignore the 2013 budget as passed by the National Assembly, and implement what is referred to as an “amended budget,” describing the action as an infraction on the powers of the National Assembly, as well as “an attempt to stop at nothing but to blackmail the legislature.”

His words: “There is in circulation a letter from the office of the Director-General Budget addressed to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies instructing them to ignore the contents of the Appropriation Act and to implement what is referred to as Amended Budget which in fact is only being purposed to be laid before the National Assembly.”

Speaking further, the lawmaker urged the Chamber to “sound a note of warning here that no proposed amended budget shall be implemented by the MDAs, other than what was passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President.”

Institute tasks govt on strategic plan for national growth

By Tosin Fodeke

EEKING to boost national SStrategic development, Institute of Managers (ISM), Africa, has called for the formulation of a clear strategic plan, which would guide the nation’s transformational agenda.

Registrar-General/Chief Executive Officer ISM Africa, Professor Joseph Mba, while speaking at a workshop and induction programme organised by the institute, lamented the absence of a clear strategic plan that guides the president’s transformational agenda.

He explained that a strategic plan should be inherent in transformational agenda, which would also be reviewed periodically as it would be a long term plan that details what the agenda seeks to achieve specifically.

According to Mba, Nigeria needs a strategic plan that involves foresight to see the future beyond other countries, which will make it advance in the present age of globalisation as well, surpass its vision 20: 2020 ambition Taking participants through a unique strategic planning principle termed ‘White Space management’, Mba explained that the strategy is a unique tactic

used by industry players to move above the competition.

He said, “We are in a world of hyper speed, hyper competition and hyper innovation and many paradigms, practices, competencies and capabilities that made great success yesterday are suddenly conventional and ineffective.

“To survive and remain relevant companies must understand and respond to the changing conditions with intelligence, smartness and strategy and that is what white space management is all about.”

He added that white space management is the fastest, most effective and efficient strategy to uncover and exploit the unknown unlimited internal and external future opportunities and potentials that enable the company create new streams of revenue and growth.

Head of Educational Management Department at the University of Lagos Professor Aloy Ejiogu who was a guest speaker at the event explained that vision and strategic planning is one of the major problems with Nigerians, adding that this is key to solving Nigeria’s many developmental challenges..

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

APPOINTMENTS

Use of expatriate managers a bad omen, says Omolayole

By Wole Oyebade

As CIPM launches N1bn millennium building project

MID the unemployment problem facing many citizens of this country, it is worrisome that expatriates are still holding key positions in some Nigerian companies, says pioneer president of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Managers (CIPM), Dr Michael Omolayole.

Describing the trend as an attempt to “de-Nigerianise” the country, he said it was high time all Nigerians rejected the preference of foreign Managers and Directors to competent Nigerians, to challenge the unwholesome trend.

Omolayole, who spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony of the CIPM millennium

building project in Lagos recently, said despite efforts by pioneering members of the Institute at ensuring that Nigeria has world-class human resource managers and executives since 1968, “it is shocking to open the pages of newspapers today and see faces of expatriates who are top executives in Nigerian companies.”

He reminisced how CIPM started as a Personnel Management Association of Nigeria some seven years after independence, saddled with the task of elevating what is today known as human resource management among Nigerians.

The objective was to pro-

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mote Nigerianisation, by creating suitable replacements for foreigners who dominated the work environment at the early stages of Nigeria’s independence.

“It was though difficult, but we did our best and it was successful. So, it is now shocking, to see in the newspapers faces of expatriates who are Managers, Human Resource Directors, and Director of marketing and so on. They are looking so young and in their late 20s.

“It shocks many of my generation to see these nonNigerian in our country where there is high unemployment. What hope do we have for our Nigerians and the

future?

“The challenge we had with us about 45 years ago has not entirely been defeated. After all the progress we thought we have made, it would appear now that this country is having a creeping de-Nigerianisation in our community,” he said.

Omolayole, however, urged Nigerians to be relentless in complaining against the trend, citing that apathy would infer that all is well.

He added that personnel managers must not be unaware of the problem of widening wage disparity in today’s economy, where “the highly paid are too highly paid and the lowly paid are too lowly paid.”

NAPTIN, UK firm train electricity workers on incentive regulation From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja HE federal government in its efforts to improve manpower development among top cadre personnel in the Nigerian electricity sector recently, went into partnership with a United Kingdom based firm, ESL Economics & Management Associates of England on capacity development training for the workers.

About 35 management staff from the power sector are currently undergoing the training in Abuja on the theory and application of incentive regulation with a view to developing their capacity to meet the need of the emerging private sector led power sector.

Director General of the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) Ruben Okeke, who spoke at the flagging off of the nine-day training workshop in Abuja, explained that the training is aimed at improving service delivery in the sector.

According to him, the training would enable the nontechnical staff in the sector and stakeholders in the industry take right decision in accordance with

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Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) guidelines.

Okeke noted that the “training is designed to enable the participants to understand how Utilities will set the rates they collect from customers as well as how they can file the rates and their investment plans to the NERC for approval.”

It will also allow the participants to gain insight into the lessons Nigeria can learn from other jurisdictions that have implemented incentive regulation just as they will gain improved understanding about the ‘quasi’ judicial process the NERC may fol-

low to approve the rates and investment application utilities make and how the judiciary will consider ‘appeals’ against decisions of the Commission.

Last September, NAPTIN launched a Graduate Skills Development Programme (GSDP), which seeks to train young graduates to close the manpower deficit.

Former minister of state for power, Arc Darius Ishaku late last year said there was a huge gap in the skilled man power that Nigeria will require to grapple with the challenges it will face as the privatised electricity supply industry evolves.

He said this while laying the foundation stone for the building of a N15 billion NAPTIN training institute in Idu, Abuja. He had said, “Upon assumption of office, we realized that for 20 years, there had been no recruitment in the PHCN which has created a gap in manpower need.

For instance, Kanji dam, which was built in the 60s with eight turbines, only one was working.”

He stressed: “We have come to realize that about 35 percent of the engineers would have gone on retirement in the next two years with no younger ones to take over from them.”

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UBA announces new management appointments

Iweriebor

Etuk

nited Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has announced U some key senior level

Executive ‘s School Development Programme.

Besides, the bank also announced the appointment of Puri Ibrahim as Head, North Central Bank; Emmanuel Onokpasa as Group Treasurer and Emem Etuk as Deputy Directorate Head of Abuja & East Bank.

Etuk is also expected to act as Regional Bank Head Cross River and Akwa Ibom under the new dispensation.

For the bank’s African operations, Emmanuel Nnorom, erstwhile group’s the Executive Director in charge of Risk Management, has been appointed CEO, UBA Africa. Nnorom was appointed Executive Director in 2008 and has held several senior level appointments since joining UBA Plc. Some of these include being the Group Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for Information Technology, Corporate Operations, Services, Marketing and Corporate communications, Customer Service, Facility & Real Estate Management, Human Resources and Regulatory Affairs.

appointments to strengthen some areas of its operations.

Announcing the development recently, the banks’s board of directors appointed Emeke Iweriebor as Executive Director in charge of Corporate Banking as well as the bank’s operations in Lagos and entire Western Region of Nigeria, covering nine states-Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Edo and Delta states.

Before his appointment, Iweriebor was the Deputy CEO, UBA Africa and has over two decades of industry experience covering several areas of banking.

He has also at different times been the pioneer MD/CEO, UBA Cameroon and later the CEO, UBA Central, East and Southern Africa. He holds a Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Political Science (International Relations); an MBA from the University of Lagos and is also an alumnus of the Wharton Business

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

ScienceGuardian Curiosity breaks Mars’ rock to reveal dazzling white interior rock crushed under the A Curiosity Mars rover’s wheels has dazzled mission scientists in more ways than one. Mars is supposed to be the Red Planet, but the rock dubbed “Tintina” - is a brilliant shade of white.

The unusual colour indicates the presence of hydrated minerals that formed when water flowed through the robot’s landing site in ancient times.

Water-bearing minerals in Tintina and elsewhere add to the growing catalogue of water evidence at this location.

Rover team members have been presenting mission findings at the 44th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) in The Woodlands, Texas, United States.

It was also announced that the rover has suffered another computer glitch; Curiosity had already been recovering from a memory problem discovered earlier in the month.

The description of hydrated minerals at Gale Crater follows an announcement last week that Curiosity had found clay minerals in a rock it had drilled. These clays indicate formation in, or substantial alteration by, neutral water.

Natural antiviral protein stops HIV entering cells ESEARCHERS in the United States have identified a natural antiviral protein that stops Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and certain other deadly viruses like Ebola, Rift Valley Fever and Nipah, from entering host cells.

They hope the discovery will help efforts to develop broadspectrum antivirals against many of the deadly viruses that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease lists as “priority pathogens” for national bio-security purposes.

The team, led by principal investigator Genhong Cheng, a professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics at the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA), writes about the discovery in the January issue of the journal Immunity.

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Distant planets’ atmospheres revealed Telescopes get best glimpse of gases on exoplanets

This illustration depicts the HR 8799 planetary system at an early stage in its evolution, with a disk of gas and dust and three planets (HR 8799c shown in the foreground).

COURTESY: DUNLAP INSTITUTE FOR ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS, MEDIAFARM LIEN worlds have become a A little less alien.

Astronomers have gotten the most detailed look yet at the atmosphere of a planet outside the solar system.

The study is among the first to directly analyse the chemical makeup of an exoplanet. In the past, astronomers inferred the existence of exoplanets and their gases by looking for subtle changes in the light streaming from the planet’s star.

Now, with improved instruments, a team led by Quinn Kanopacky of the University of Toronto has detected light coming directly from a planet light-years away.

“It’s (data) I imagined we’d have in 10 years,” says Jonathan Fortney, a planetary scientist at the University of California, Santa Cruz, United States.

The data have high enough resolution to reveal not only the presence but also the abundance of carbon monoxide and water in the planet’s atmosphere, the team reported online March 14 in Science.

Such information could shed light on how the planet formed. Such studies could also reveal the presence of life on a distant planet, but the planet’s size and orbit have already ruled it out as a habitable world.

“This is the start of a great new era in exoplanet studies,” says Sara Seager, an astrophysicist at Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT).

In 2008, Christian Marois of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria, British Columbia, and colleagues took the first image of

a multiplanet system outside the solar system, showing three gas giants orbiting the star HR 8799. HR 8799 is about 130 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Pegasus. The planets are scorching hot, making them bright enough for astronomers to detect directly.

In 2010, the researchers imaged a fourth planet around HR 8799.

In the new study, Konopacky, Marois and colleagues focused on one of these planets, HR 8799c. Five to 10 times as massive as Jupiter, HR 8799c sits about eight times farther away from its star than Jupiter does from the sun. Because of that great distance, the astronomers could block the star’s light and record infrared light from the planet using the Keck II 10-metre telescope in

Hawaii. Because different gases absorb and emit light in distinct ways, the team could identify carbon monoxide and water but found no methane, which scientists had thought might be present.

In another new study, posted online March 11 at arxiv.org and accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal, researchers simultaneously collected infrared light from the atmospheres of all four planets orbiting HR 8799 using the 200-inch Hale Telescope at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory. A team led by Ben Oppenheimer, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, found hints of ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide and acetylene in the planets’ atmospheres.

But in most human societies, the appearance of a comet in the evening or early morning sky has been seen as a foreboding celestial sign—an indication that something has gone terribly amiss and, in pre-industrial societies, that the gods must be propitiated, often with offerings of human life.

According to Brian Mackrell, in Halley’s Comet Over New Zealand, the Incas of Peru, in South America, “considered comets to be fiery signs of the Sun God’s displeasure, which had to be appeased with human sacrifices…”

In pre-Colonial Zimbabwe, A.S.S.A. notes, “an Ndebele

attack followed in the wake of the comet of 1816” and the comet observed from the Kraal of Shaka, the great Zulu general, in October 1824 “was perceived as a warning(which was)…correct as they were soon… attacked by an enemy force.”

Even in modern western cultures, the reaction to comets is often irrational. In 1910, for example, much of the U.S.A. was thrown into a state of panic, when Astronomers announced that Earth was passing through the tail of Comet Halley, whose chemical constituents include deadly cyanide gas.

“People walked the streets of New York wearing gas masks,” notes Dr. Tony Phillips,

Disputed finds put humans in South America 22,000 years ago tools unearthed at a SdateTONE Brazilian rock-shelter may to as early as 22,000 years ago. Their discovery has rekindled debate about whether ancient people reached the Americas long before the famed Clovis hunters spread through parts of North America around 13,000 years ago.

These relics of ancient South Americans add to evidence from nearby sites challenging the longstanding view of Clovis people as the first Americans, a team led by geochronologist Christelle Lahaye of the University of Bordeaux 3 and archaeologist Eric Boëda of the University of Paris X reports March 4 in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

“We have new, strong evidence that the Clovis-first model is out of date,” Lahaye says.

Among other South American locations proposed as human settlements well before North America’s Clovis culture, the most controversial is Brazil’s Pedra Furada rock-shelter. There, archaeologists unearthed burned wood and sharpedged stones and dated them to more than 50,000 years ago. Pedra Furada’s excavators regard the finds as evidence of ancient human hearths and stone tools. Critics, and especially many Clovis investigators, say the Brazilian discoveries could have resulted from natural fires and rock slides.

The new discovery came at Toca da Tira Peia rock-shelter, which is in the same national park as Pedra Furada. It also has drawn skeptics. The site’s location at the base of a steep cliff raises the possibility that crude, sharp-edged stones resulted from falling rocks, not human handiwork, says archaeologist Gary Haynes of the University of Nevada, Reno. Another possibility is that capuchins or other monkeys produced the tools, says archaeologist Stuart Fiedel of Louis Berger Group, an environmental consulting firm in Richmond, Va.

ASTRONOMY

The Visual Comets of 2013 (1)

By J.K. Obatala EEP a close watch on the K twilight sky and, weather permitting, you may see a truly mystifying sight. At least three visible comets are scheduled to visit our cosmic neighborhood this year—one of which has already arrived and is now departing.

But novices should be forewarned: A comet is not like anything you’ve seen before.

It is a starkly intriguing visual experience, even to the enlightened observer. And for the unenlightened, a bright, bulb-like body with a long luminous tail, arching over the horizon, is a startling and

ominous apparition.

A comet is a small solid mass, one to several kilometres (km) across, composed mainly of dust, rock particles and complex molecules, frozen into volatile ices. As it approaches the Sun, the ices sublime, spewing gas outward, to forms a large luminous envelop, which the solar wind sweeps into a wispy tail.

“When a comet comes within a few astronomical units (Earthto-Sun distances) of the Sun,” explains Eric Chaisson and Steve McMillan, in Astronomy Today,”…its icy surface becomes too warm to remain stable. Part of it becomes gaseous and expands into

space, forming the exciting display we see…”

No other celestial occurrence affects the psyche, in quite the same way as these occasional visitors from deep space.

Throughout human history, comets have evoked passions of fear, dread, awe, wonder and consternation.

The Astronomical Society of South Africa (A.S.S.A.)) reports that a “dramatic” rock shelter painting found in the Orange Free State, depicts a group of people dancing with objects streaking above them and breaking into two pieces.

Likewise, in Morocco, it notes, comets are generally taken as a sign of promise.

Science@ NASA production editor, “and unscrupulous merchants made a pretty penny selling ‘comet pills’ to counteract poisoning.

Nothing happened. Even direct contact with Halley’s tail produced no ill effects”.

More recently, in California, the Hale-Bopp comet of 1997 prompted the suicides of 39 Higher Source cult members.

They believed, George Johnson recalled, in The New York Times, that an alien spaceship, hiding behind the comet, would destroy Earth— taking on enlightened earthlings, provided they die first.

TO BE CONTINUED.

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SCIENCE & HEALTH

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21 , 2013

Optimal oral health linked to improved life expectancy

By Chukwuma Muanya

GlaxoSmithKline advances product to beat tooth sensitivity

S part of activities to mark the 2013 World Oral Health A Day (WOHD) yesterday, the

relieves dentine hypersensitivity by blocking the nerve impulse within the tooth.

Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth that is triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of one’s teeth.

Medical Director GSK Consumer Nigeria PLC, Dr. Bode Adesoji, in an interview with journalists ahead of the World Oral Health Day (WOHD) said: “Oral Health awareness is poor in Nigeria because people don’t understand the interconnection between oral health and general well being. I have also realised that a lot of people associate the dentist with pain and fear to visit one. Nigerians also believe that dental treatments/procedures are too expensive to bother with and would rather cope with pain.

“It is a long established fact that oral health is a direct reflection of the overall health of the individual and various literatures are in support of this notion including cardiovascular heart diseases.”

Adesoji said that the WOHD was important because there were various activities by different dental bodies all over the world to raise awareness on oral health. He also said that it was a day when dentists go out of their way to raise awareness on oral health and GSK was using the opportunity to educate Nigerians on the need to take optimal care of their oral health as well as introduce a new variant of Sensodyne to ensure this.

World Dental Federation (FDI) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer PLC, makers of Sensodyne toothpaste, advocate maintaining a good oral health by brushing the teeth at least twice a day with recommended toothpaste as key to living longer and healthier life.

They said that although the burden of oral disease and its devastating cost to families and societies was still underestimated, oral diseases were among the most common chronic diseases.

They said that worldwide, 90 per cent of the population was at risk from some form of disorder, ranging from caries, periodontal diseases and tooth decay to oral cancer but just brushing the teeth at least twice a day with ‘good’ toothpaste may be the solution.

GSK has also introduced Sensodyne Rapid Action variant with more flouride, more mint and less abrasion that instantly reduces sensitivity.

Also, stakeholders have decried increasing cases of tooth sensitivity, dentine hypersensitivity or rather sensitive teeth in the country with prevalence as high as 74 per cent. They said that the request for treatment was poor and there was need for increased public awareness on prevention and management of common dental conditions.

Sensodyne toothpaste is made for people, who have sensitive teeth. It contains fluoride and potassium nitrate, which is the active ingredient that

Dentists recommend brushing twice a day He said that Sensodyne was specifically developed for people with sensitive teeth and it had been clinically proven to relief the pain on teeth sensitivity with continues use.

“Sensodyne should be used as a regular daily toothpaste (twice a day) in people with dentine sensitivity, it relieves the pain of dentine sensitivity daily and it also contains fluoride which protects against cavity formation such as the Sensodyne Rapid Action,” Adesoji said.

The WOHD is celebrated every year on March 20. The theme of WOHD 2013 is ‘Healthy Teeth for Healthy Life’. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage individuals, families, communities and governments to take measures to lower the incidence of oral disease.

Communities around the world have been celebrating WOHD since 2008. This fol-

lowed a decision to create the special celebratory day at the 2007 FDI Annual World Dental Congress (AWDC) in Dubai.

The chosen date was September 12, corresponding to the birthday of FDI founder Charles Godon. Later, practical reasons allied to event planning and organisation led FDI leadership to change the date to March 20.

Adesoji said that the first line of oral health care is with individual through prevention, especially good brushing habits and regular check-ups.

“When necessary, the dental profession and dental team are in a position to offer stateof-the-art services to an increasingly large proportion of the population.

Orthodontic treatment, dental implants and aesthetic dentistry play an important role in improving quality of life and the health of the general population.”

A 2010 research published in

British Medical Journal noted that people who failed to brush their teeth twice a day were putting themselves at risk of heart disease. The Scottish study of more than 11,000 adults backs previous research linking gum disease with heart problems.

The researchers said that more work was needed to confirm if poor oral health directly caused heart disease or was a marker of risk.

Meanwhile, dentists at the Department of Periodontics, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, in a recent study published in the Nigerian Medical Journal defines dentine sensitivity as a significant dental health problem, characterised by short, sharp, pain arising from exposed dentine in response to stimuli typically thermal, evaporative, tactile, osmotic, or chemical, which cannot be ascribed to any other form of dental

defect or pathology.

Clement C. Azodo and Awerosa C. Amayo in a study titled: “Dentinal sensitivity among a selected group of young adults in Nigeria” said that dentine sensitivity was commonly encountered, with prevalence as high as 74 per cent, standing it out, as one of the most painful dental conditions affecting oral comfort and function.

They concluded: “The prevalence of dentinal sensitivity was high and also exhibited negative functional and psychological impact. Despite the negative functional and psychological impact among the participants, only a few sought dental professional care. Screening for dentinal sensitivity at community level is required to proffer early treatment and ameliorate its impact on the populace.”

Another recent study published in Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal by researchers at the Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), concluded: “Hypersensitivity of teeth was common among the students studied but request for treatment was poor. There is need for increased public awareness on prevention and management of common dental conditions.”

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, makers of Sensodyne is one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company with the global mission to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

NaturalHealth Researchers explore health benefits of culinary spices Nigerian researchers at the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, have explored the biopotency role of culinary spices and herbs and their chemical constituents in health and commonly used spices in Nigerian dishes and snacks. CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes. recent study published in A African Journal of Food Science has summarised the current scientific publications of researches concerning the potential health benefits of herbs and spices. It also highlighted some commonly used spices in Nigerian dishes and snacks, major useful compounds of these herbs and spices and the need for value addition and product development.

According to the study, some of the herbs used as culinary spices include Afromomum danielli; baobab (Adasonia digitata); basil (Ocimum basilicum); black pepper (Piper nigrum); celery leaf (Apium graveolens); clove (Syzygium aromaticum); cucumin (Cuminum cyminum); curry leaf (Murraya koenigii); fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis); garlic (Allium sativum); ginger (Zingiber officinale); nutmeg (Myristica fragans); onion (Allium cepa); chilli (Capsicum frutescens); red pepper (Capsicum annum); star anise (Illicium verum); tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum); turmeric (Curcuma longa); bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina); spinach (Amaranthus hybridus); Piper guineese; Xylopia aethiopica (West African black pepper, uda in Ibo); Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloxides; Moringa oleifera; Hibiscus sabdarifa (Sorrel, Zobo); Okro (Hibiscus esculenta) and (Corchorous olitorus).

The researchers noted that these culinary herbs and/or spices show high potential as functional ingredients in traditional snacks.

The researchers concluded: “Spices produce vast and diverse assortment of organic compounds, the great majority of which do not appear to participate directly in growth and development.

These substances, traditionally referred to as secondary metabolites, assume great significance. Even though these chemical structures are perceived generally as biologically insignificant, several researches have shown their usefulness in human health concerns. “ Secondary metabolites in spices and herbs have been a fertile ground for chemical investigation for decades, driving the frontiers of chemical knowledge forward. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on secondary metabolites in relation to dietary components, which may have a considerable impact on human health.

“Reports from studies on animals models and in vitro system, leads us to direct future research perspectives in this area. The action of

spices on reproductive functions as well as their potential role as regulators of fertility and/or conception also is an area holding great future promise.

“Synergy is an important concept in spice physiology and has a pharmacokinetic basis. Components of whole spices, which are not active themselves, can act to improve the stability, solubility, bioavailability or half life of the active components.

Hence, a particular chemical might in pure form have only a fraction of the pharmacological activity that it has in its plant matrix thus suggesting that measuring an individual’s food intake and assessing individual variation in disposition, bioavailability, and metabolism of micronutrients might allow for more accurate and individualized nutritional approaches for dietary prescription.

“Dietary modifications will only work if they are in consonance with individual preferences, culture values and philosophical orientations toward health and disease.

This presentation will be useful to plant breeders, nutritionists, other researchers, and the general public who are interested in the antioxidant potentials of various herbs and spices as culinary supplements.”

It has been shown that dietary spices may influence gastric emptying, gastrointestinal motility, secretion of gastric acid as well as intestinal bicarbonate, bilopancreatic secretions, absorptive processes and bacterial microflora. Many of the commonly consumed foods, herbs, and spices contain phytoestrogens and phytoprogestins that act as agonists and antagonists’ in vivo.

Over 150 herbs traditionally used for treating a variety of heath problems were extracted and tested for their relative capacity to compete with estradiol and progesterone binding to intracellular receptors for progesterone (PR) and estradiol (ER) in intact human breast cancer cells.

The six highest ER-binding herbs that were commonly consumed were soy, licorice, red clover, thyme, turmeric, hops and verbena. The six highest PR-binding herbs and spices commonly consumed were turmeric, thyme and red clover. The global spice trade in 2004 consisted of 1.547 million, valued at $ 2.97 billion. Therefore, using herbs as functional ingredients to improve the health benefits of snacks is an interesting alternative.

Onion

Heart benefits from quitting smoking outweigh weight gain EIGHT gain, a common W downside of quitting smoking, doesn’t appear to wipe out the cardiovascular benefits of kicking the habit.

People in a long-term study who quit smoking were about half as likely to experience a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac problem as were people who continued to smoke, researchers report in the March 13 JAMA. The benefits showed up even when the scientists adjusted the data to account for the weight gain that tends to accompany smoking cessation. But the data were inconclusive as to whether people with diabetes accrued the same benefits from quitting as did people without the condition.

Carole Clair of the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and a team of United States researchers analysed heart health data from 3,251 people over six years of an ongoing Massachusetts health project in which participants undergo physical exams every four years. The group included current smokers, those who quit within the last four years, people who had quit long ago and people who had never smoked. Between-visit weight gain was highest, averaging six pounds, in the more-recent quitters. But the researchers conclude that quitting smoking still yields “a net cardiovascular benefit” on average, no matter the weight gain.

Why snacking at night is bad for health ATING that bowl of Cocoa E Puffs at night may be much worse than having it in

Cloves Any good snack should be convenient to consume, inexpensive, nutritious, low in fat, and have long shelf life.

The health promoting effect of vegetables and fruits is thought to relate not only to the general nutritional profile of this food group which are high in dietary fibre, low in fat and salt, low energy density and high in vitamins A, C and foliate, but in addition, wide range of non-nutrient bioactives and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and other phenolics are also found in herbs and spices.

It has been proposed that the additive and synergistic effects of the complex mixture of phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables, herbs

and spices are largely responsible for their health benefits.

Wild vegetables have been reported to contain comparatively high amounts of Vitamins A and C and other antioxidant micronutrients, promote good health by assisting in preventing cancer and high blood pressure, stimulating the immune system, improving drug metabolism, and tissue regeneration. the understanding at the cellular and molecular levels of carcinogenesis have led to the development of a promising new strategy for cancer prevention called chemoprevention. It is defined as the use of specific chemical substances – natural or synthetic,

or their mixtures to suppress, retard or reverse the process of carcinogenesis. It is one of the novel approaches of controlling cancer alternative to therapy. Tamarind is used traditionally as an astringent antiflammatory and antidiuretic agent, a laxative, carminative and digestive agent.

According to the researchers, one of the benefits of culinary herbs and spices are primarily due to their antioxidant properties.

Free radical and related species are generated in the body as a result of metabolic reactions.

Accumulation of free radicals

the morning. The body tends to turn more of that food into fat at night, while turning it into fuel during the day, new research suggests.

The study, published February 21 in the journal Current Biology, found that mice’s ability to regulate their blood sugar varied throughout the day. In addition, disrupting their circadian clock, which signals sleep and wakefulness among other things to the body, caused them to put on more fat.

The findings could explain why night-shift workers are more prone to diabetes and obesity.

“Disrupting your biological clock leads to a disruption of metabolism such that there’s more of a tendency to put on fat,” even with the same amount of caloric intake or diet, said study co-author Carl Johnson, a chronobiologist at Vanderbilt University. “It’s not only what you eat but when you eat it that’s important.”

Several studies in the past have shown that shift workers gain more weight and are likelier to develop diabetes.

Past work also showed that mice (which are nocturnal) put on more fat if they can only eat during the day, even at the same caloric intake.

34 NATURAL HEALTH

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Hypertension, diabetes increase kidney failure risk

By Wole Oyebade ORRIED by the rising incidences of kidney failure in the country, the Kidney Foundation for Africa (KFA) has urged Nigerians to closely monitor their high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes.

The foundation, commemorating the World Kidney Day (WKD) 2013 recently in Lagos, said that people living with hypertension and diabetes were more at risk of renal failure (end-stage renal disease) than is known in the public.

Professor of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre, India, Dr. Manoj Ramsharam Gumzer observed that no fewer than 40 per cent of all hypertensive and diabetic patients were now prone to develop chronic kidney diseases.

Every year, high blood pressure causes more than 25,000 new cases of kidney failure in the United States.

Gumzer, who was the guest lecturer at the event, explained that hypertension could cause damage to the blood vessels and filters in the kidney, making removal of waste from the body difficult. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder and, over time, can damage blood vessels throughout the body.

“If the blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, they may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. The extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more.

It’s a dangerous cycle. The truth is that hypertension and kidney disease are marriage made in hell,” he said.

Gumzer added that in Nigeria where about 20 per cent of the population were suffering from these chronic diseases, there was the need for improved awareness on the conditions and their proper management.

In his words: “Risk factors for these conditions have to do with lifestyle modification, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. If we improve on all these things from the childhood, then the incidence of diabetes and hypertension will be less.”

And for those at risk of renal disease, he said that the condition must be detected early for positive outcome.

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“The screening is really very cheap, compared to the care of dialysis and transplant.

You need to have screening programmes in Nigeria to detect renal disease early and delay the onset of dialysis.

People at risk should screen at least once in a year, and for others, once in three year,” he said.

Though diabetes and hypertension are lifelong disorder and expensive to manage, renal disease is much more expensive. In India, which has become the Mecca for kidney patients in Africa, renal transplant cost about $20,000 (about N3 million). It is about N5 million in Nigeria.

President and Founder of KFA, Dr. Bose Peters appealed to Nigerian public to love

their kidneys to live long in health. She cited that chronic kidney disease was common but also preventable if caught early.

She stressed that all highrisk people — the obese, people with hypertensive or diabetic relations — must check with their doctors.

“They must constantly check to control the problems and reduce the destruction of their kidney. Chief cause of kidney disease is hypertension and diabetes, and if they are caught early, and keep them under control, then the possibility of their continuing to destroy the kidney is less. It is cheaper to treat hypertension than to treat kidney failure. That is our appeal,” she said.

Experts recommend that prehypertensives should maintain their weight at a level close to normal, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and low-fat dairy foods. Limit their daily salt, or sodium, intake to 2,000 milligrams.

They should limit frozen foods and trips to fast food restaurants. They should read nutrition labels on packaged foods to learn how much sodium is in one serving. Keeping a sodium diary can help monitor sodium intake. Get plenty of exerciseat least 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, most days of the week and avoid consuming too much alcohol.

‘Sleep difficulty not connected with aging’

By Wole Oyebade ONTRARY to beliefs that aging causes sleep difficulties including insomnia, researchers have thought otherwise as humanity commemorates World Sleep Day (WSD) 2013.

The experts though noted that about 50 per cent of older adults report difficulty sleeping, but their problem is less as result of aging itself and more related to other conditions that may accompany aging. They are respiratory disorders, medical and psychiatric illnesses and increased medicine use among others.

The experts were unanimous “getting a good night’s sleep is possible at any age – and is vitally important for overall health.”

Consultant Neurologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Njideka Okubadejo noted that older people actually need as much sleep as any adult. An adult requires an average of eight hours of sleep per day.

Okubadejo who spoke on the theme: “Good sleep, healthy aging” at a WSD commemorative event organised by Mouka Foam recently in Lagos, observed that there were unidentified causes of sleep difficulty in about 25 per cent of adults and 10 per cent any population, but known factors like poor sleeping hygiene, lifestyle, psychological and emotional stress, coupled with medical conditions account for more sleep disturbance in adults.

The solution, according to

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her, might mean talking with the doctor about medication or getting treatment for other conditions that are interfering with sleep.

Some sleep disorders, such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, are more common in the elderly, but with diagnosis and specialty care, these issues can be treated and even prevented. “The truth is that in healthy older adults, sleep problems are rare.”

Prescribing good sleeping hygiene for all, Okubadejo said: “There must be a plan and discipline. The bedroom must be for sleep (and sex only, if married) and the environment made conducive, well ventilated and at average temperature. The mattress, pillows and linings must all be comfortable too.”

She also advised a habit of regular bedtime and waking time for adults, while “siestas should not exceed 45 minutes of the daytime, especially for the elderly.”

“Avoid excessive alcohol three or four hours before bedtime and do not smoke.

Avoid caffeine (including tea and coffee) six hours before bedtime. Avoid heavy, spicy or sugary foods four hours before bedtime and exercise regularly but not before bedtime,” she said.

Experts noted that good sleep is a function of hours slept and quality of rest that comes with it. With the demands of coping in the modern world, however, quality and quantity sleep have reduced by about

three hours a day and about half of the world population are now worried about sleep than it was about 50 years ago.

Sleep, a natural process controlled by the brain is important to good health like good diet and exercise. Good sleep restores and repair body function and energises the cells.

The hormone that promotes growth in children is also released during sleep. Good sleep helps the brain develop and builds the immune system.

Okubadejo warned that with insufficient sleep come lots of negative impacts in the society.

“The main reason why many Danfo drivers are irritable is because they are not sleeping well at night. Motor and industrial accidents and workplace errors are common where people do not have adequate sleep.

“Studies have shown that there is increase risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, mood disorder, reduced immunity, short memory and reduced life span with insufficient sleep.”

She said further that with the importance of good sleep to health and longevity, there is the need to promote good sleeping habit among the public.

Managing Director, Mouka Foam, Peju Adebajo earlier said the company had remained committed to commemorating the WSD in the last three years because of its importance to public health.

Executive Director Corporate Services of UAC Restaurants (owners of Mr Bigg’s franchise), Mr. J. Dada (left); Managing Director, Derrick Van Houten; Marketing Manager, Nnena Azuka-Onwuka; and Head of Food Services, Toyin Bamgboye, at a press briefing on Monday to announce the nationwide roll out of Mr Bigg’s Naija Meals yesterday Wednesday March 20, 2013.

PHOTO: CHUKWUMA MUANYA

Total takes HIV/AIDS awareness campaign to host communities From Ann Godwin, PortHarcourt OTAL Exploration and T Production Nigeria Limited (TEPENG) has carried the awareness campaign on Human Immuno-deficency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) to Umubor communities in Egi clan of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Manager, Capacity Development of the company, Mr. Owuso Akobo, during the campaign at the weekend said: “Total was concerned that HIV/AID remains one of the deadliest diseases in subSahara Africa, causing misery to the people and the society at large.”

He stressed the need to intensify efforts to end the epidemic and pointed out that the company was committed to the people’s healthy living, hence the need for a continuous awareness campaign.

“There is need to give priori-

ty attention to preventive measures which remains one of the best ways of ending the spread of HIV/AIDS, because there no cure yet for the epidemic,” Akobo stated.

The manager advised those infected with the disease not to panic, assuring that their health condition would improve with the use of the necessary drugs .He also urged government to remain firm in its effort to sustain the progress in reducing the spread of the disease.

On his part, Chairperson, Nike Charity Foundation, Mrs. Christiana Chuku, noted that 34.2 million people were living with HIV/AIDS globally.

She lamented that the development was not in favour to the country’s growth, adding that it was necessary to make significant effort to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Chuku noted that the awareness campaign by total with the theme ‘Getting to Zero’ signified a great determination by the firm to end the deadly disease.

Why couples need family planning orientation, by group From John Okeke, Abuja HE civil society organisaT tion, Nigeria Urban Reproductive Initiative (NURI) has tasked couples to imbibe the culture of family planning education to help curb the high rate of maternal deaths.

For many cases of maternal deaths in Nigeria has been linked to lack of education among couples.

Mr. Emanuel Oricha, a voluntary facilitator while narrating his experience said that lack of orientation about family planning among couples could be painful as one who is not taking precautions against death notice.

Oricha who revealed this in Abuja at the weekend during one day training on family planning reporting maintained that the knowl-

edge about family planning among the couples would go a long way to save lives adding that married couples should seek a professional advices to avoid the scourge.

He also urged the government to provide an assistant through free care health delivery adding that it would help to encourage women to get necessary knowledge about family planning.

His words: “Let me start from a personal angle, I have that experience when someone who is very close to me died after giving birth as at then I did not have the knowledge I have now, but presently looking back I knew that was a risky birth, so when we have a knowledge that could help us know certain birth are risky, we could prevent such risk based on the knowledge we have.

Fighting malaria unites Christians, Muslims in Nigeria T is rare to hear Muslims Isame and Christians giving the sermon. But, leaders from both religious groups in Nasarawa Egon and Doma local government areas are preaching the benefits of indoor residual spraying -the application of insecticide to homes to kill mosquitoes which began in Nasarawa Egon and Doma Local Councils on March 20 and will protect approximately 346,000 people from malaria, including nearly 16,000 pregnant women and 63,000 children under five years of age.

The Africa Indoor Residual Spraying project (AIRS), which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and led by Abt Associates, is carrying out the spray campaign.

Engaging religious leaders helped AIRS reach residents with information about the benefits of indoor spraying.

“We reached out to Muslim and Christian preachers because they are the most influential leaders in the community. If we can partner with them to increase

acceptance of indoor spraying, then we can protect more people from malaria,” said Henry Nsa, Chief of Party, AIRS Nigeria.

Religious leaders were so convinced of the benefits of indoor spraying that they delivered sermons urging congregants to allow their homes to be sprayed and distributed malaria fact sheets.

Trained representative from AIRS visited the home of every residents targeted for indoor spraying to discuss the benefits of IRS and how to prepare their homes for the arrival of spray workers.

On March 19, road shows of local indoor spraying advocates traveled around Nasarawa Egon and Doma Local Councils putting on theatrical performances to bring community members together in support of the upcoming spray campaign.

Each road show will conclude at the Local Council secretariat where local government officials will address malaria stakeholders and spray workers.

Indoor spraying will kick off the following day and continue for approximately 40 days.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21 , 2013

SCIENCE & HEALTH

VC, newspaper publisher, NAFDAC directors, 51 others emerge PSN fellows

By Chukwuma Muanya Professor A Pharmaceutical Chemistry and

of

Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Technology (ESUTH), Cyprian Onyeji, the publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah, two directors of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Hashim Ubale of Enforcement and Hauwa Keri of Drug Evaluation and Research, Golden Professor of Pharmacognosy at the University of Lagos, Olukemi Odukoya, Director National Drug Policy Programme, Food and Drug Services Department of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Joyce Ugwu, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, Abdu M. Msheliza; and 48 other distinguished pharmacists have emerged as fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

The investiture of the new Fellows and the inauguration of the new President of PSN, Olumide Akintayo will be held on Sunday March 24, 2013, in Lagos.

Akintayo told The Guardian that the 55 new fellows emerged after rigorous selection process that involved assessment on the impact of the pharmacists’ practice to national development especially in the health sector and the growth of the profession.

The Guardian gathered that after about four decades of existence, the society decided to start honouring some deserving outstanding members of the society with the award of the fellowship of the society, that is, fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, FPSN. The first to be so honoured was the Late Azariah Olusegun RansomeKuti, posthumously, in 1971.

Thereafter, fellowship awards were conferred peri-

odically to deserving pharmacists, as the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Annual Conference deemed fit. Usually, the short listed nominations go through a relevant screening committee before the final list for the award is passed.

The selection of deserving members of the society for the conferment of the fellowship of the PSN is the responsibility of the privileges committee.

On Nda-Isaiah, the PSN president said: “He remains a very consistent voice on contemporary and domestic policy issues. He is one who believes everything stands or falls on leadership. No wonder in tandem with this philosophy, Sam who was the National Editor-in-Chief of the pharmacy student’s magazine, Student Pharmacist, is today the publisher of the highly reputable Leadership Newspaper in Nigeria. Call him the epitome of broad spectrum pharmacists and you will not be far from ideal.”

Akintayo said Onyeji has trained and produced generations of great pharmacists.

The PSN President said Msheliza who was one time pharmacist-in-charge of the Borno State Drugs Revolving Fund Scheme before venturing into private practice and politics.

On Msheliza, Akintayo said: “He was a member of the Borno State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2011. As a member of the State House of Assembly he led House committees on Health, Human Rights and anti—corruption as well as the committee on Hospital Management Board.

“He is an incumbent member of the Federal House of Representatives where he serves on numerous committees including the House Committee on Health. It is noteworthy to put on record that Abdu M Mshelliza is the eye of the president of the PSN

Akintayo

at the NASS in the present dispensation. In this capacity he has not let PSN down. To his credit we are blessed with the expected esteemed presence of the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.”

The PSN President said Lekan Asuni, who is also one of the new fellows, is a very unassuming yet successful industrial pharmacist and the Managing Director/CEO of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical (GSK), which is arguably the biggest pharmaceutical company in Nigeria. “By all standards Asuni is a positive reference point having assumed this status at exactly 20 years postqualification. He is a past national secretary of the erstwhile Nigeria Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP) and Chairman of NIROPHARM.” According to the Constitution of the PSN, the qualification for fellowship Award include anyone to be

conferred with the honour must have at least 20 years of post-qualification experience.

Other criteria shall include: long standing service to the Society; evidences of participation/contribution at conferences (national, state, technical groups and international), loyalty and devotion to the course of the Society and the profession, ethical pharmacy practice, academic excellence, political achievement and other achievements in the larger society.

Subject to the approval by the Council of the PSN, the candidates recommended by the Privileges Committee through NEC shall be conferred with the fellowship of the society.

According to the PSN Constitution, “the President shall nominate three pharmacists for the award of fellowship, provided they meet the set criteria. Award of fellowship shall be conducted every three years.”

NAFDAC, ACTLAP, SEV-VA boost free HIV/AIDS treatment in

By Chukwuma Muanya S part of its efforts to increase the access of Nigerians to safe and efficacious anti retroviral drugs (ARV) for the treatment of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has facilitated the donation of free anti-retroviral drugs to the SEV-VA Foundation.

SEV-VA Foundation is the brainchild of the Benue State First Lady, Architect Dooshima Yemisi Suswam.

According to a press statement by NAFDAC signed by the Head Corporate Communications, Abubakar Jimoh, the ARVs donated by the ACTLAP Children Foundation of Canada through their representative, Mrs. Patricia Aghayere, were meant to support the efforts of the Benue First Lady and her foundation to ameliorate the plight of people in the state who are living with HIV. NAFDAC Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii was personally present during the presentation of the drugs to the people of Benue State to assure them of the quality and safety of the drugs, which he said

A

have been tested by the Agency.

Orhii said: “I am personally here to assure you that these medicines have been tested

by NAFDAC, we have looked at the expiration date and they fully satisfy NAFDAC requirement.”

The NAFDAC Director General said ACTLAP has indicated interest in partnering with the Agency to explore further opportunities of increasing access of people in Nigeria to life-saving medicines.

Benue First Lady who is also the Chairperson of SEVVA said the Foundation is a charitable foundation that relies on the generosity of well-meaning Nigerians and global charities. She praised the efforts of Nigerians living in the Diaspora who have continued to identify with their homeland by coming up with positive initiatives that will impact on the lives of the people back home, urging other Nigerians in the Diaspora to emulate them.

Suswam said: “We must do something within our capability to ensure that we rescue our children from death and sickness and that is what the NAFDAC Director General has done.”

She advocated that

Nigerians who are HIV-negative should ensure that they imbibe healthy lifestyles that will ensure they remain so, while those who are HIV-positive should not see it as the end of the road as they can lead normal lives with the right medications. The Benue First Lady said the Foundation needs testing kits to test for HIV and urged that government and stakeholders in the health sector should come together to stop mother to child HIV transmission and provide medication for infants whose mothers gave birth to them without being aware of their status.

ACTLAP representative, Mrs Aghayere said the foundation was in Benue to show support for the great work done by the Benue State First Lady for people living with HIV. She said: “Having confidence in NAFDAC and also having confidence in SEV-VA Foundation we will consider this the beginning of a partnership. Dr. Orhii has made it possible for organisations like ours to bring what we have to Nigeria.” Aghayere lauded Orhii for his good work in NAFDAC and for making Nigerians in the Diaspora proud.

Nigeria expert group on PHC inaugurates 24 boards, submits report

By Chukwuma Muanya S parts of measures to ensure effective primary healthcare delivery to the overwhelming majority of Nigerian population, the boards of 24 Primary Health Care Development Agencies (PHCDA) have been inaugurated.

Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Muhammad, disclosed this while receiving the report of a 25-member expert group on PHC revitalization in Nigeria.

While expressing delight over this development, Ado in a press statement signed by the Assistant Director Public Relations Unit of NPHCDA, Mr. Saadu Salahu, called on other states to constitute and inaugurate their Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB) for better coordination of primary healthcare service in their states.

He gave the assurance that given the synergy and collaboration between the agency, the National Assembly and other stakeholders, the National Health Bill would soon be passed in to law, stressing that the bill, would go a long way in addressing issues affecting PHC in the country.

Ado thanked members of the PHC Expert Group for what he called a comprehensive report on the PHC revital-

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ization, adding that their report would be studied in the spirit of National Strategic Development plan of the country.

Presenting the report earlier, the chairman of the committee, Dr. Shehu Mahadi advocated establishment of PHCDBs in all states of the federation as part of strategy towards addressing issues affecting PHC in the country.

Mahadi appealed to Nigerian leaders at all levels of Government to consider health matters as non- partisan issue affecting everybody and urged members of the National Assembly to ensure speedy passage of the National Health Bill.

Also on its recommendations, the Chairman of the committee called for active community participation and ownership in all PHC activities, Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and a sustained PHC databank system among others.

The committee emphasized the need for the nation to have a clearly adopted Human Resource Health Policy especially on PHC. The expert group on PHC is made up of past chief executives of the agency, former permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), members of the academia, development partners and representatives of states PHCDBs.

Mr Bigg’s advances in menu engineering with Naija Meal Introduces blend of rice, chicken, local spices, vegetables

By Chukwuma Muanya LL Mr Bigg’s outlets in the A country yesterday introduced a new offering, Naija Meal, which is a product of years of menu engineering

by UAC Restaurants. Naija Meal, prepared with most of the local spices, is currently available in Jollof and Fried rice meal portions plus a sizeable chicken chunk at N600 only.

Marketing Manager, UAC Restaurants, Nnena AzukaOnwuka, at a press briefing ahead of the nationwide roll out of Naija Meals on Wednesday March 20, 2013, said: “Mr Bigg’s Naija Meal is the biggest meal deal ever. It is made from the finest ingredients using the original Mr Bigg’s recipe specifically developed to suit the Nigerian taste, and comes to our customers at a price the can afford and it’s enough to satisfy their hunger.”

How healthy is Naija Meal?

Nnenna said: “Very healthy. It is a balanced diet. It contains the major food components from carbohydrate, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. It is made of rice a car-

bohydrate, a piece of chicken that is protein. The chicken is roasted and grilled not fried.

The chicken loses the unhealthy fat component during this process. It contains all the healthy spices you can get in the country.

We also use vegetables.”

Managing Director UAC Restaurants, Derrick Van Houten, said the new offering is not a new formulation.

“We are offering the same great tasting meal for which our customers voted us their most trusted Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand for the last three consecutive years. It our normal portion of rice with a smaller but sizeable chicken piece made from the same trusted peppered and barbecue recipe that we currently offer…

Customers even have the opportunity to add-on a drink or bottle water at highly discounted rates, he said.

Houten said Naija Meal is currently available in Jollof and Fried rice meal options and the company would be extending it to other meals on its counter like the farmhouse beans, heritage pottage, among others.

Ogun organises training on diabetes, hypertension for health workers ONCERNED about the rate C of diabetes and hypertension in the society, Ogun State Hospitals Management Board in collaboration with Codix Pharma Limited has organised a three-day clinictraining workshop on the ailments for health workers in the State in Abeokuta.

Declaring the open workshop which precedes a twoday free screening exercise on the two non-communicable diseases, which is to hold on March 21 and 22 respectively, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, said the

training became imperative for participants to acquire more skills and knowledge using the diagnostic machines for people to know the level of blood sugar in their body.

Soyinka said that Codix has provided the diagnostic machines for use at the hospitals where the free screening would be held. The Hospitals include State Hospital Ijebu Ode, Olikoye Ransome Kuti Hospital, Asero Abeokuta and Ifo. Hospital, General According to him, aside from these three hospitals, other hospitals in the State would

also benefit from the free screening and the diagnostic machines in future.

The Commissioner pointed out that the training serves as a refresher course for the health workers urging them to see themselves as a vanguard, encouraging them to invite people for the screening as they also imbibe their newfound knowledge and skills to their colleagues.

While submitting that healthcare priority in the State revolves round “people in terms of capacity building, prevention, ccure and proven

Intervention in terms of preventing a significant number of diseases from happening,” he advised the public to available to avail themselves of the free screening exercise to know their health status.

In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Oyin Sodipe, explained that the purpose of the training was to prepare the participants for the screening and urged them to relegate the lessons acquired after the three-day training to other health workers.

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‘For about 99 per cent of our patients, UBTH is usually their last place of call’ Prof. Michael Ibadin is the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). In this interview with The Guardian’s MICHAEL EGBEJULE in Benin, Ibadin spoke on the milestones recorded by Hospital in recent times including the first sickle cell ‘cure’ by stem cell transplant, the challenges of meeting growing patients demand, weak infrastructure, and other sundry issues. Excerpt: LL over the world people A are talking about the Obamacare in the United States can we also have something like ‘Jonathancare’ here in Nigeria?

We already have health insurance scheme in the country and we are already keying into it. The problem is that it was supposed to be in nine faces but we are still in the third face now. We are supposed to have for the core civil servant, children under the age of five, the aged, retirees, Armed Forces, corps members and the rest but we are stuck at the third. We have managed to get for the core civil servant, public servant and the armed forces.

So, in terms of health insurance in the country, the beneficiaries are not more than five per cent of our entire population. This is because there was a structure to this effectthey deduct a sum from the salary of the workers every month. You know that health insurance is contributory- all of us contribute for those who require medical care.

However, if you go to a community and tell them to contribute money for medical care, some of them will tell you that they are not sick and that they don’t need medical care. That is why it is difficult.

In a government setting, government, by law, can insist that everybody must pay and nobody will resist.

What we need to do is to cascade it. There are various versions of the ‘Obamacare’ you are talking about by the way of relief. The Armed Forces version is not contributory; government pays all. The one for the public servant is contributory. The one that is supposed to be for under-five, the elderly, retirees and corps members are not expected to be contributory. This means government has to source for the money. But how much money has government? How much money does government vote for health? It is small in relative and absolute terms.

Abroad, government source the money from the people in the public—they collect money from people, pull it and save it. We can do it here but would the public allow it.

Last year, government attempted to remove the subsidy on oil but we all saw what people did. Today, apart from Lagos, Benin and some few other cities, there is nowhere where fuel is sold for N97 in this country. Now, we are enriching individuals. Instead of government getting the money and spread to the needy, where are now enriching the individuals who own the petrol stations and a cartel that distributes oil. If the money that is being used to subsidize fuel can be channeled into health care, the effect will be monumental.

What governments outside this country do is to tax the rich to fund the poor. That is

what Obama health care is all about—they gave lot of relief to the middle class and the highly rich five per cent were taxed maximally. That is what we should also do and it is achievable.

What are the contributions of UBTH to medical care in Nigeria?

First and foremost, the hospital is a tertiary hospital; the mandates given to it are research, training and healing. The structure of governance in the health ministry is that every state should either have a teaching hospital or a federal medical centre.

The UBTH provides medical services to the people of Edo and Delta states and some neighbouring states such as Kogi, Bayelsa Ondo and Anambra. These are where we get most of our patients from.

We are also involved in the three arms of health care services, which are curative, health promotion and prevention. Ordinarily, we are supposed to be a tertiary health centre but as it is today, we provide primary, secondary and tertiary health services.

By primary health care, I mean a situation whereby common diseases such as catarrh, cold or malaria are treated. Secondary care is supposed to be run by state governments and they perform small surgeries such as hernia and among others. Tertiary hospitals are supposed to receive patients who are referred. But in the absence of an effective primary and secondary health centres, a hospital like this (UBTH) now renders the three services. The people in the neighbourhood won’t go to other places when they have malaria but come here and the regulation is that you cannot turn back a patient. As a result, you find out that you are oversubscribed. So, you are going to use more consumables than you actually have. So, it is a drain because you have to expand the facilities to take care of the huge number of figure you are dealing with.

Your budget also has to increase in the course of providing these services.

This is because the local and state governments are not meeting the yearnings of the people in terms of primary and secondary health provisions respectively. So, we try to meet the health challenges of the people of Edo State and the states around it and we hardly refer patients to other places. For about 99 per cent of our patients, UBTH is usually their last place of call.

Whatever facility they have anywhere in the country, be it University College Hospital (UCH), Abuja National Hospital or Lagos, we have here.

There is huge infrastructural work in terms of building project completed that were hitherto abandoned for years

Ibadin in the hospital, how did you achieve that?

That was essentially handled by the last administration. I was the second in command then, so I know a lot about how they were completed. Remember that I also schooled here. When we were students here, we used to see these structures in the bushes and at a point they became a fairy tale because nobody could imagine that they would be completed.

However, God has a way of doing His things and the leadership also had vision. So, all we needed to do was to have the will to complete them. At first, we just wanted to complete one of the buildings and we earmarked about N50 million for it. When we started to clear the place, people were scared of snakes because tall trees had grown inside some of the buildings. Some of the buildings had been left

uncompleted for 28 years!

When we started with the first building, we discovered that we can complete the rest of the buildings and gradually we finished everything. To the glory of God, the place is ready and all the buildings are functional now.

UBTH has been in the news in recent times for its giant strides in medicine. Can you throw more light on the medical breakthroughs that this institution has embarked upon lately?

The one that readily comes to mind is the stem cell transplant that we did in 2010/2011.

We are the only centre in West Africa that has ever done this.

It was a breakthrough because it was the first of its kind in this part of the world.

The concept is that you change somebody internal structure completely. They are call stem cells because they are very, very, immature

cells. In the case of the sickle cell for instance, you harvest from an individual who don’t have the problem and put in an individual who have the problem with the hope that they will grow to a predetermined procedure. It is not just for sickle cell, other carriers of other diseases such as leukemia can also do it. So, stem cell was successfully done here.

Tell us about how it was done?

We were faced with the condition of a sickle cell carrier child of about six years of age.

The child’s condition was so bad that he had suffered stroke twice at a very tender age. His condition was very severe and he was used as the first patient. He was lucky as everything went well. Today, he is okay and he is no longer a sickle cell carrier. He is no longer going to have stroke and he has been saved of the trauma of being a sickle cell carrier.

Government is talking about the performance of individual tertiary health institution to the overall contribution of health care delivery of the country, how will you rate the contributions of UBTH? UBTH has made its own mark.

We were given mandate and we met all of them. In terms of research, I have as many as 174 consultants here and 95 per cent of them are researchers and lecturers. There is no year we don’t have between three and five of them promote as professors based on their research. They are resident in this hospital and their research works are done in this hospital here. In terms of treatment of patients, on the average, we admit at least 35 patients everyday and discharge 30 everyday while 5 die. Those who come here for treatment are about 2500 everyday, except weekends

when the figures drop slightly. This is the only centre in the country where you have a walk-in chemist. In this building, you don’t have to be sick to go there. All you need do is go there and specify what you want or you tell them that you want full screening done on you. It is also highly subsidized at N3000 so as to ensure that people benefit maximally. In the other hospitals you will spend about N25 000 to 35 000 to have it done. In this place, you can have a wide range of investigation done on you. If there are problems, they will refer you to the main hospital and if you don’t have any problem, they will advise you on healthy living.

What are the challenges facing this institution?

Of course there are bound to be challenges. First of all is inadequate funding—our yearnings are many but the resources are few. There are number of things we would love to do but funding has been a major challenge. The challenges, basically, are not inherent in the system; they are from outside. If you give me money, I will have major breakthrough. This is a public institution and there is a limit to the level you can open up.

There are regulations that will not allow you to deal directly with an individual in that regard. Even though government has opened up the space through public/private partnership, you will find out that there are still some restrictions. One is that an average investor is interested in profit.

Almost always when they discuss with you, they want to rip you off. So, one has to be very careful in dealing with them, otherwise you may end up mortgaging all your services to them. You must look at the services they want to bring and see if the patients can afford them.

How Nigeria can achieve elimination of river blindness by 2020 From Oghogho Obayuwana, Abuja IGERIA can reach the desired level in the elimination of the scourge of River blindness (also known as Onochocerciasis) by the year 2020 if all three tiers of government pay attention to curtailing its spread in the nation’s rural communities.

And in addition to genuine engagement of the affected endemic communities, Nigeria needs a sustained coordinated action programme of collaboration with global bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank in order for the 36,000 River blindness-affected communities in Nigeria to derive the maximum benefits from both local and international intervention efforts.

These were the views expressed recently by the 2012 recipient of the Prince Mahidol award in Public health, Dr. Uche Veronica Amazigo. Amazigo follows the footstep of another renown Nigerian public health expert, Prof.

Adetokunbo Lucas, who was the Mahidol laureate in 1999.

Aside the 36, 000 River blindness affected communities in Nigeria, there are over 150,000 communities in 15 other countries in subSaharan Africa.

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Emotions flowed at the reception hosted by the Thai ambassador to Nigeria Somchai Powcharoen in her honour that also had the Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu and Senator Chris Ngige, former Anambra State Governor, among others in attendance.

Raising hopes on the possibility of sustainable River Blindness elimination in Nigeria, Amazigo a former director of the African Programme for Onochocerciasis Control (APOC) of the WHO said: “Today, through scaling up the participation of 170,000 underserved communities, Africa is eliminating River blindness. The perception is that 20 countries will achieve the elimination by 2020.

With continuing commitment of the federal and state ministries of health, Nigeria should be one of them.”

In the words of Ambassador Powcharoen: “Amazigo was bestowed the award by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on behalf of Thai royal family, in recognition of her outstanding and exemplary contribution to the advancement of the worlds public health service. This, Nigeria can be proud of.”

Chukwu and other speakers including Dr. Beatrice

Okonkwo, who represented the Ananmbra State Governor, Peter Obi, as well as former Minister of Information Prof. Dora Akunyili and Lucas, all paid glowing tributes to Amazigo for making Nigeria and Africa proud. And their voices were echoed by the other dignitaries on the night which included the WHO Country Representative, Nigeria, Dr. Rui Gama Vaz, as well as Senator Ugochukwu Uba. The way forward for Nigeria in the quest for River Blindness elimination, according to recipient Amazigo is the continuous “engagement of affected endemic communities. The people are the heartbeat of the health system. It is by fully engaging people in finding solutions to their own health problems that we can make lasting and positive changes in the fight against the disease.”

In stressing the need for commitment in the fight against River blindness, she told a moving story: “It is true that for centuries our people believed that certain bewitched rivers eats the eye... My chance encounter with ‘Agnes’ a 19-year-old pregnant girl, plagued by skin rashes and abandoned by her husband became a turning point for me-coincid-

ing with the unprecedented donation of the medicine, ivermectin... without the willingness of Agnes (in Etteh, Enugu state) to express the sheer desperation of her plight, the horrors that she endured and her sense of hopelessness, my work, the discovery of the importance of skin lesions caused by River blindness and my contributions may have gone unrecognised by the international community and external experts and the world would not be looking at the possible elimination of Onchocerciasis in not too distant future. A disease that has plagued my fellow Nigerians and Africans for centuries.”

Charging health authorities to redouble the current efforts in fighting the scourge, Amazigo said: “The government may wish to create a trust fund that ensures donated medicines reach communities in greatest need. The WHO and the World Bank will provide the necessary support. And Nigeria has a reputable Non Governmental Development Organisations (NGDOs) such as Sightsavers, The Carter Centre, CBM, Mitosath, HKI. This is the time to act. This is the time to turn our attention for a little while to the needs of the poor in our food producing communities.”

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Nigeria, Ghana want health policies to boost production of herbal medicines How safe is the plastic water bottle?

N ones life time, over the Ibeen past 50 to 60 years, there has about three phases of storage of drinking water. In the late 50s and early 60s we had the earthen pot that was usually filled with water from the stream in the village. No matter the environmental temperature, water in this pot managed to remain cold (not as cold as to cause the glass to ‘sweat’).

In the 1970s when rural urban migration was on the increase, one thing that these migrants left behind in the villages was the earthen water pots. This gave way to bottled (glass) water which were kept in the refrigerator to keep the water cold until people came back home to drink. It was not fashionable to carry a bottle of water whenever you were on the move and the fridge was usually the first port of call as soon as you got back home.

One major reason why people did not go about with their bottle of water those days was the possibility that the bottles could fall and break. With the advent of the petrochemical industry, the third phase of water storage - plastic bottle also made it’s entrance. The plastic bottle was quickly accepted by all and sundry because it was more convenient to carry about and even if it fell, it did not broke.

Again, I believe that in those days, people did not carry their water bottles everywhere they went because the incidence of the water related diseases was low and the awareness generated today on the need to drink water was not there. In other words, there is a higher prevalence of water related diseases today than in the 1960s and 70s.

Why is this so? Were the earthen water pots and glass bottles better for storing our drinking water? Absolutely! All we need do is to look at the chemicals that are used to produce these plastic bottles and the handling of them, to prove that they are harmful.

The plastic bottles are generally known as PET bottles because they are manufactured from Polyethylene Terephthalate. It is a tough, clear and shatterproof plastic bottle. The PET bottle is a barrier for carbon dioxide, oxygen and water which makes it ideal for storage of beverages like carbonated soft drinks, water, juices, jelly, jam etc.

The American Chemistry Council confirms that PET has been approved as safe for human use by the Food and Drug Administration.

However, recent studies have shown that there are certain pitfalls with the PET bottle. PET bottles and its other derivatives are manufactured by different types of plastics that come with specific numbers.

Please permit that I do not bore you with the specifics but it must be stated that some of these plastics are supposed to be used once only and discarded or recycled after. One of the dangers encountered is in reusing these bottles over and

over. As you do so certain chemicals will leach into the water and beverage and cause harm to the body. This chemical known as Bisphenol A (BPA) is also released from the plastic bottle when the temperature of its contents, water, beverages and food increases.

Unknown to a lot of people in this country, this is a major source of BPA in the water and beverages in that PET bottle you love so much. Look around you, from the shop next door where you buy your drinking water, they are dumped in cartons and plastic bags under the hot sun.

The heating up of the water in the bottle begins from the point of production to the shop and finally to your house via your car with the window glasses wound up to the top.

The heat in all these places cause a lot of BPA to leach into the contents of the bottle. This situation is worrisome because there is hardly one bottled water that can be said to be safe and completely free of BPA. You need to look around you to confirm what I am saying.

There is a spot in one of the high brow estates in Lagos where water in 20 liter bottles is sold in the open, come rain, come shine. In the concluding part of this article next week Thursday, I will discuss the effect of BPA in the foetus and in the general population. In the interim begin to consider what the alternative might be.

Stay healthy and GOD bless.

By Chukwuma Muanya ERBAL medicine advocates in Nigeria and Ghana have called for more partnership opportunities for the practice and growth of the sector by putting in place health policies that will encourage large scale production of herbal medicines.

A pharmacist and Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Ghana, Peter Arhin, while welcoming the director of Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories, Ewu Edo State, Nigeria, Rev Fr. Anslem Adodo, to his office recently said: “We practice herbal medicine the same way in Africa, what unites us together is the plants. This sums up herbal practice in Ghana and Nigeria. We have to cultivate our medicinal plants and do it in a way that the world will benefit from what we are doing.

“There is need to recognize our herbal practitioners, as well as train them to produce refined herbal medicines. It is also important that the research aspect of our traditional medicine be developed, while we ensure that the intellectual property rights of traditional healers are protected.”

According to a press statement from Pax Herbals signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs and Media, Mrs. Bolanle Alabede, Adodo and his Nigerian team were taken on facility tours of specific herbal hospitals and institutions in Ghana, among others, the Ledzokuku- Krowor Municipal Health services, where the pilot scheme of integrating herbal into a regular hospital started.

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Another pharmacist who is also the patron of the Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Ghana, and Director of PROMETRA (Association for the Promotion of Traditional Medicine), and a paramount chief, Aloka Dabra, said that “what orthodox medicine has failed to do, African herbal medicine is doing it.”

While commending the role of Fr. Anselm Adodo in herbal medicine practice and publications in Africa and the pioneering role of Pax Herbal in herbal medicine research, packaging and manufacturing. He revealed that herbal medicine is being integrated into the Ghana healthcare policy, backed with appropriate laws.

Dabra explained: “To this effect, there are 18 government approved hospitals where

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developing countries. The prevalence of kidney disease is increasing dramatically and the cost of treating this growing epidemic represents an enormous burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

Between 8 and 10 per cent of the adult population have some form of kidney damage,

conventional orthodox medicine practice and traditional herbal medicine. “The orthodox, conventional method of healing is not the only valid health system, as there are other ways of attaining health that are equally valid,” he said.

The statement reads: “Other dignitaries at the meetings were the former director of Traditional Medicine in Ghana, Osofo Pankama Quaram and Dr. Letica A Wiafe, Municipal Director of health services, Ghana Health Services. The Ghanaian Traditional Medicine Practitioners Federation also played host to Rev. Fr Adodo who gave them a motivational address, the practitioners urged the management of Pax Herbal to commence the importation of the company product to Ghana for the health benefits

Govt inaugurates committees on herbal medicine development

By Chukwuma Muanya

S part of efforts to ensure the integration of herbal A medicine into the nation’s

health care delivery system and also realize its economic Federal the benefits, Government has constituted and inaugurated two committees.

The two committees, which have been approved for establishment by the Minister of Health, Prof. Christian Onyebuchi Chukwu, are: Committee on curriculum

NIMR blames kidney disease on drug abuse, unhealthy lifestyles

By Joseph Okoghenun S Nigeria joined the world in marking World Kidney Day (WKD) yesterday, the Director General of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Innocent Ujah and University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan-based Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Samuel Oluwole Ajayi, have blamed the increasing rate of kidney disease among Nigerians on drug abuse and unhealthy lifestyles Endorsed by the World Health Organisation, WKD is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) to raise awareness on kidney health globally. This year’s WKD theme is ‘kidney injury: stop kidney attack!’

Speaking in Lagos yesterday, Ujah told The Guardian that some Nigerians are found of abusing drugs at the expense of their kidney.

He called for a change of attitude and urged Nigerians to always seek early medical help instead of resolving health challenges with self-medications.

Aside drug abuse, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are the most common causes of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in developed and

herbal and alternative medicines are being practiced in Ghana. The consultants at the herbal clinic in these hospitals are trained at the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University with Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in herbal medicine.

Ghana has over 150,000 legally registered herbal practitioners.

“Over 66 universities are offering degrees up to PhD level in herbal medicine in China, while they have over200 patents. Similar progress was taking place in India. By contrast, whole of Africa has less than five patent rights.”

Adodo in his reaction said that what the governments of Africa need to do in the area of health policies is to involve the private sectors and create a level playing ground for both

and every year millions die prematurely of complications related to CKD. Ajayi said that one common cause of kidney disease and failure is the indiscriminate use of herbs, drugs and certain creams. “Certain individuals, at the slightest bodily discomfort will take painkillers.

development for the training of herbal medical practitioners at the medical schools; and Committee on herbal products promotion and export (CHPPE).

This is contained in a letter

by Chukwu to one of the members of the CHPPE, Rev Fr. Anslem Adodo of Pax Herbals and Research Laboratories Ewu, Edo State, and signed by Mrs. M. I. Okpeseyi of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH).

Other members of the 14man CHPPE include: Prof. K. S. Gamaniel of the Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) as chairman; director, food and drug services FMOH; representatives federal ministry of trade and investment; representative of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); representative of the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA); Ben Amodu of Ministry of Defence; Managing Director

Health Forever Products Limited, Olajuwon Okubena; Dr. Hadiza Nuhu of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State; among others.

The Guardian reliably gathered that the terms of reference of the CHPPE are: to identify key manufacturers of herbal products in the country; to identify range of herbal products in the country and classify them example food supplements and therapeutic agents; to determine the volume of herbal products exported from Nigeria; to determine the volume of herbal products imported into the country and their sources; if appropriate, identify impediments to production and acceptability of Nigerian herbal products.

The Committee is also to critically review, identify and recommend means and ways of encouraging the local production of safe, efficacious, quality herbal products for both domestic consumption and export.

Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Ghana, Peter Arhin (left); director of Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories, Ewu Edo State, Nigeria, Rev Fr. Anslem Adodo; and patron of the Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Ghana, Director of PROMETRA (Association for the Promotion of Traditional Medicine), and a paramount chief, Aloka Dabra, during the recent visit of Adodo to Ghana

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Education UNIABUJA: 2010 White Paper reveals genesis of mismanagement

By Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi

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OTION without movement is probably the most appropriate way to describe the evolution of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), established in 1988 as a dual mode institution, to run both conventional and distance learning academic programmes.

But since 1990 when its academic activities eventually commenced in one obscure primary school compound in Gwagwalada, an outstation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which was converted and then referred to as its “mini-campus,” the sneaky university has been enmeshed in one dirty controversy or the other.

Today, UNIABUJA is a disgrace to the university system. It has only been living a pretentious life, taking the whole country for a ride, giving the impression of what it is not, dishing out degrees to cooperative politicians, civil servants and hapless, gullible students, whose only desire is to acquire what they imagine would be a life’s meal ticket.

From available records, especially the White Paper on the Visitation Panel Report, which covered six years – 2004 to 2010; there was hardly anything new in what the most recently constituted Dr Theo Osanakpo-led Presidential Visitation Panel uncovered. The rot only got deeper. And all the university’s stakeholders: the federal government, management, staff and students of the university are culpable.

However, more of the blame should go the university authority, which established programmes without adequate preparations, admitted students beyond the institution’s capacity and managed the institution’s funds poorly.

For instance, the White Paper established that the Aruna Iduma-led governing council, which was inaugurated on April 28, 2005 when Prof.

Nuhu Yaqub was the vice chancellor, and Profs.

J.S.A Adelabu and S.Y.Ingawa were deputy vice chancellors respectively, approved the establishment of five additional programmes and departments without proper planning.

The departments include: Counselling and Science Education; Environmental Education; Foundation Arts and Social Science; Accounting; Banking and Finance. Under the same council, five other new programmes introduced were: Agriculture, Engineering, Linguistics and African Languages, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

The panel declared: “there were many factors not considered and put in place before the new programmes were introduced. The infrastructure – lecture halls/theatre were not suitable or even available at the time the programmes were introduced. The required feasibility study was not done before the commencement of the programmes. There were no wide consultations with the various statutory bodies that were to regulate the programmes (such as) the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). The programmes failed the accreditation assessment.”

It is amazing that the university authority could set up such programmes even when the basic facilities were not put in place. According to the report, the main campus of the university was not connected to the national grid by the Power Holding Company of Nigerian (PHCN), during this particular period. To ameliorate this problem, the university procured 41 generators, 36 of which were functioning at the time of the panel’s assignment. So, UNIABUJA was being run on generators!

And in 2010 alone, a whooping N86, 791, 000 was expended on diesel and lubricants for the generators. Another sum of N5, 830, 200 was spent on their maintenance. Of course, because some individuals were obviously benefitting immensely from this arrangement, it is on record that “no convincing evidence was presented to the panel to show that the university made concerted efforts to obtain the cooperation of the PHCN in connecting the main campus to the national grid.”

As if that was not enough, the panel also found that the university did not have sufficient quantity of water. The volume provided by the Federal

Prof. Yaqub

Prof.Adelabu Capital Development Authority (FCDA), on both the mini and main campuses, including the Giri Staff Housing Estate, was grossly incapable of meeting the university’s needs. So, what did the institution’s authority do?

The panel found that two contracts were quickly awarded for the construction of 11 boreholes: two in the main campus, seven in the mini, and two in the estate. The first contract was for a group of six boreholes and awarded at the cost of N3, 356, 000; while the second for five boreholes was given out at the cost of N4, 795, 000.

However, the panel “observed that the awards of the contracts did not follow due process. The advance payment of 70 per cent of the contract sum was a gross violation of the Public Procurement Act. In spite of these efforts, there was (still) no adequate supply of water in the campuses.”

What about the university library? The report revealed that the total stock of books was 62, 232 volumes, made up of: Main Library – 40, 645; Law –15, 665; Health Sciences – 1,944 and Agriculture/veterinary Medicine – 1,988. The panel averred: “For a student population of 15,000 (regular) and about 35,000 (Centre for Distance Learning/Continuing Education), the main library on the mini campus was grossly inadequate.”

It was also ascertained that all the Faculties: Arts, Agriculture, Education, Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Science, Social Science and Veterinary Medicine had two common denominators: most of their courses were not accredited, just as they all lacked adequate number of qualified academic staff.

Take the Faculty of Agriculture, which has four departments and offers one degree progamme for instance. At the time of the

report, it had four heads of department and 26 academic staff. It also had 399 students across 100 to 500 levels. All the departments were denied accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2010 due to “lack of adequate staff, relevant books, office accommodation for staff, adequate/suitable laboratories, adequate farms and lecture rooms.”

Despite the lack of accreditation, the university still continued to admit and graduate students.

The Faculty of Education, one of the university’s pioneers, has four departments offering numerous programmes. The Department of Arts and Social Science Education has 10 degree progammes, with only 23 academic staff; Counseling and Educational Psychology has two programmes with 12 academic staff; Educational Management Studies has two programmes with 13 academic staff; while the Department of Science and Environmental Education has seven degree programmes with only 17 academic staff. In all, the Faculty has a total of 2, 356 full time students and 4, 054 others undergoing Sandwich programmes, making a total of 6, 410.

According to the report, of the 21 degree programmes resident in the four departments, none has full accreditation. Only 11 had interim accreditation in the period under review. The reasons adduced for denied accreditation were: “Grossly inadequate lecture rooms and staff offices; lack of teaching facilities such as weather station, workshops and laboratories; lack of ICT facilities and counseling clinics; inadequate library facilities; grossly inadequate staff both in number and mix; and lack of teaching practice vehicles as recommended by the NUC. The panel observed that the inadequacy of lecture rooms was so alarming, that venues were occupied on a first come first served basis, irrespec-

tive of who was allocated the venue on the timetable.

For the Faculty of Engineering, which comprises four degree awarding departments – Civil, Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical – there were 557 students and 30 academic staff as at December 2010. The academic staff members were distributed thus: Department of Civil Engineering – 3; Chemical – 8; Mechanical – 13; Electrical – 6.

Of course, all the departments were denied accreditation by both COREN and the NUC. The report explained: “the reason given for denial of accreditation included gross inadequacy of staff, lack of workshops, laboratories, lecture room, staff offices and library facilities. COREN directed the faculty to stop admitting students since 2010. The panel observed that workshop and laboratory classes were not conducted for students in the past three years. For this reason, the students would not be able to graduate as at when due. There was a move to take the students to the Federal University of Technology, Minna (Niger State) for practicals and workshops. This was done once in 2008. However, because of the quantum of funds required, this was not sustained.”

With regard to funding, the university received the sums of N8, 817, 267, 166 and N426, 021, 570 as personnel and overhead grants respectively between 2004 and 2010. Within the same period, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) stood at N7, 352, 370, 060, out of which 91 per cent was derived from students’ fees. The Consultancy Services Unit contributed N14.3million.

However, the actual personnel cost for the same period was N9, 802, 497, 224. The university had to make up for the shortfall of N985, 230, 058. Yet, the panel discovered some anomalies in cash management. For instance, some officers were granted multiple cash advances, many of which were not retired.

As at December 2010, cash advances to the tune of N210, 318, 712 had not been retired. The panel noted that nothing has been done to recover the sum of N21 million trapped in the liquidated Allied Bank plc since 2004. And of the N333, 684, 145.87 trapped in the equally liquidated All States Trust Bank plc, only N87, 975,395.78 was recovered through Eco Bank plc, leaving a balance of N245, 725,750.09.

Interestingly, the panel also discovered that a former Bursar of the university “unilaterally” signed a letter, authorising the All States Trust Bank to raise a draft in favour of the bank manager for N5million from the university’s account, for the purchase of the bank’s shares in 2005. Shockingly, the transaction was not captured in the account books as at December 2010, while the university was also not in the possession of any share certificate.

As if this was not enough, the governing council in April, 2010 approved the sum of N200 million for the purchase of a residential house for the vice chancellor in the city of Abuja and directed the management to source for the money from the IGR account.

But the panel observed that a N48 million vice chancellor’s lodge was already under construction at the institution’s permanent site, and by 2008, a total of N20, 839, 44.10 had been paid to the contractor handling the project.

For a university that is yet to stabilize its undergraduate programmes, offering post graduate courses up to the doctorate (PhD) level portrays the theatre of the absurd. All faculties of the university, except those of agriculture, engineering, veterinary medicine and the college of health sciences, run postgraduate programmes up to the PhD level.

The panel however submitted: “As with undergraduate programmes, there was general inadequacy of senior academic staff who are qualified to teach and supervise postgraduate students. In the sciencebased faculties, there is general inadequacy of laboratory space and equipment. Within the period under review, the NUC undertook an audit of postgraduate programmes but was yet to reveal its findings and verdict.”

Expectedly, the panel recommended the closing down of all postgraduate programmes that fall short of basic minimum requirements. The federal government accepted this recommendation and promptly directed the governing council to ensure compliance.

Members of the panel were: Prof. D. A Guobadia (Chairman); Prof. A.Uba, Mrs O.O.Odegbaro, Mrs. Elsie Achukwu, Mr. J.O Fadare (an Engineer), Alhaji M.J Yusuf and Mr. H.O Anaziah (Secretary).

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Education | 51

THE GUArDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Educomp Solutions (Africa), Mr. Shantaram Hegdekatte (left); Director of Training, EduSoft Associates, Mr. Varrier Devesh; Representative of Education Minister, Mrs. Mobolaji Borha; Director of Operations, EduSoft, Mr. Badri Prasad and CEO, Maxmind, Mr. Guarav Goel, at the workshop on Enhancing Schools’ Pass Rate, organised by EduSoft Associates in Lagos recently.

Education Minister, stakeholders endorse modern teaching aids

By Mary Ogar who particiSedTAKEHOLDErS pated in the just concludmaiden workshop, on how to enhance pass rate in examinations, have urged government and private schools in the country to take advantage of technology to break barriers and the complexities in teaching and learning.

Organized by EduSoft Associates under the theme: “Implementing Best-in-Class Solutions for Enhancing Schools’ Pass rate,” some of the presenters agreed that Nigeria could tap into the benefits teaching the smart way, by utilizing solutions such as the Abacus, Speed Mathematics, Smartclass and Edumate, that are currently in use in 90,000 classrooms across India.

Education Minister, Prof

ruqayyatu rufai, who was represented by Mrs. Mobolaji Borha, said that rather than replace the teacher in the classroom, modern teaching aids would assist them in becoming more effective, and the students, more responsive. She said: “these solutions will act as a very good support for teachers in the area of delivering lessons and as teaching aids.”

The Chief Executive Director, Educomp Solutions, Africa, owners of the Smartclass and Edumate brands, Mr. Shantaram Hegdekatte, explained that teaching methodology has shifted from teacher-led to learner-led, where the emphasis is on enhancing the ability of teachers to be more effective in assisting students comprehend what they are being taught.

According to him, the solu-

tions empower teachers to better engage with their students and ensuring that lessons are tailored to the needs of individual students. He said: “We have about 1000 computer specialists and teachers who are saddled with the responsibility of providing the content. These solutions are being implemented in the rivers State Millennium schools and we have experienced remarkable interest on the part of the students to learn.”

Also, Director, Operations, EduSoft Associates, Mr. Badri Prasad observed that with schools struggling to enhance their students’ pass rate in general examinations, adopting solutions that complement the general curriculum and making learning interesting would boost students’ confidence in taking examinations.

Why Nigerian students excel in foreign varsities, by Oni

By Mary Ogar OUNDEr and Executive FConsulting, Chairman of Abion Mr. Davis Oni, has deplored the emphasis placed on university degrees, insisting that the practice has been responsible for the high rate of unemployment among university graduates in the country.

Oni, in an interview with The Guardian, also asked Nigerians to think about what could be responsible for the excellent performance of Nigerian students in foreign universities, in contrast to what obtains at home. According to him, students who study abroad excel because of the quality and method of teaching and learning, including materials, laboratories, workshops and other resources.

“If you go to Britain,” he observed, “they try to adjust their educational system to the political and economic realities of their country. For example, if you are looking for a plumber or electrician, where are the institutions where you train plumbers and electricians here in Nigeria?

But the United Kingdom, United States (U.S.), Canada, Germany and Australia have institutions that train and certify this category of people.”

Oni argued that the Nigerian mentality that everybody must get a university degree was faulty. “A good plumber could earn more than a university professor in the UK,” he

David Oni, CEO, Dave Abion Consulting asserted. “The plumber is trained in the technical college and is he is happy to be a plumber. Here, everybody is running after university degrees. Government has to fundamentally develop a policy on education and be determined to provide the proper level of funding needed to execute the policy. The private sector should also be encouraged to play a key role,” Oni, who studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Greenwich, UK with a scholarship from the British Petroleum Co. Ltd, added: “Success is equal to opportunity plus capability.

Many Nigerians have the capability, but they do not have the opportunity when they are here in Nigeria. So, when you add their capability to the opportunities that are open to them when they are in the UK, I am not surprised that they

excel: World-class libraries, good lecturers, good facilities and excellent environment.

Describing the UK as the perfect destination for studies, he maintained that his consulting firm is selective in terms of the countries it sends Nigerian students to. “Nigerians tend to love everything foreign.

Whenever some students talk to me, I always ask them whether they want to go abroad for the hope of heaven or for the fear of hell; hope of heaven because there are better libraries and better laboratories, and so on or the fear of hell because there is no electricity here and you are tired of armed robbers and bad roads.

I always appreciate a situation where students want to go abroad for the hope of heaven.”

He continued: “Once you get your qualifications from a top British University, you are from a world class university and you can get a good job anywhere. If you have an MSc or PhD from, say, Glasgow University, you are simply irresistible in terms of employment. There is nowhere in the world you cannot get a job.

Some of the Nigerian Universities are very good and well known abroad, while others are not. So I think the craze for foreign education arises from the fact that people know that if you struggle and make a good grade from a British University, you are more or less made for life.”

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Students, experts discuss character, emotional intelligence

Cross section of students from public and private secondary schools at a seminar on “Character Education and Emotional Intelligence,” held at the Yaba College of Technology and organized by the Quality Assurance and Research Development Agency, Nigeria (QAARDAN).

By Mary Ogar T was indeed a no holds I1000 barred session for about students from both private and public secondary schools across Lagos state, who gathered for the yearly international conference on “Character Education and Emotional Intelligence,” organised by the Quality Assurance and Research Development Agency (QAARDAN).

Both male and especially female students engaged the experts on issues like premarital sex, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, relationships, parental

negligence and character.

Some female students asked sensitive questions that even the organizers had to grapple with. It was clear that many students were dealing with hidden emotional issues.

For instance, Chidera Ntiwanke from the Lagoon Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos told The Guardian that from her interaction with peers, many female students are unaware of the right thing to do when confronted with issues related to sex. She also noted that a lot of teenagers have a low self-esteem, due to bullying and peer pressure.

She said: “Students, especially girls, need to be aware of every

avenue for them to get expert opinions. Some girls can’t say no, so as not to make the opposite sex feel bad, and that is usually the beginning of the problem. Freedom comes with great responsibility, hence, students still require the supervision of parents, schools and the society for guidance, to be able to make the right decisions.

For Nonso Ijeh from Attwool College, “Government should create awareness in public schools, so that students can be open up on cases of abuse.

But above all, we should know God because when you know God, you won’t do certain things.”

Odio Okoyomoh, a student of the Dominican College, Lagos wants parents to have frank discussions with their children, especially girls on any topic. She said: “Parents should not be shy to talk about sex with their children, because there are so many wrong pieces of information flying around. No matter the question, they (parents) should listen, so as to build confidence.”

The social media question was also addressed. Simisola Apatira from Queen’s College, Lagos said: “most girls feel it is in vogue to have a boyfriend and Facebook is not helping matters. It is a distraction and

can become addictive.”

However, experts who attended the session blamed the negative influence on secondary students on the media, which they accused of promoting the wrong values and influencing impressionable children with contents “that are detrimental to their emotional development and intelligence.”

Ms. Catherine Wood, a youth educator based in the United States (U.S) warned that the infiltration of the foreign media into the Nigerian society would have grave consequences if nothing is done to regulate and control it. She said: “I apologise to Nigerians for some of the things American media promotes, because even as American parents, we do not allow our children to watch that. When you see children being disrespectful on television and hopping into bed is the main message or story being promoted, we do not support that at all, because we know that won’t lead to a healthy family and a healthy future.”

Wood also expressed shock at some of the television contents she saw when she arrived in the country. She said: “When I got to my hotel in Nigeria, what I saw on television at the hotel was just Disney and MTV (Music Channel). It’s obscenity.

Even as an American, I find this totally wrong.”

Addressing only female students drawn from the Lagoon school, Queens College, International School, Attwool School and the Dominican College all in Lagos, Woods said: “These young girls have great potentials. For these children, the mentality that everybody is doing it (sex) is a motivation for us to start talking openly about it, so that they are fed with the right information.

When we, as adults don’t want to talk about it, then they are making all their decisions based on what their friends and the media are telling them. It is very important for adults to be able to address this topic honestly and truthfully because if they can handle the truth, then can handle other life decisions.” She encouraged Nigerian parents to get involved in their children’s lives, stressing that 90 per cent of what children take into their world is what their parents taught them.

Meanwhile, the Director of Qaardan, Mrs. Theresa Okafor expressed concern over the common trend among youths to pick the wrong role models.

While she did not condemn American musicians, Okafor could not understand why some students would pick pop idols like Beyonce, Rihanna, Chris Brown as role models.

Her words: “The reason for choosing experts from the U.S. is based on the fact that a lot of our children are influenced by what they see in the media.

They watch DSTV, MTV and others. Pop idols are now their role models, so anything that comes from the U.S., they take in hook, line, and sinker.

“But it is important to hear people from the U.S. say that there are universal values that should not be compromised.

So, those things we share with our children at home, schools and the society are common and important values, that form the basis for a happy and healthy life.”

On the purpose of seminar, she explained that the objective was to integrate the affective domain of education into what is already being done in schools, “since a lot of importance is given more to the cognitive based learning.” But she

described as worrisome the neglect of the behavioural aspect. “When we studied education,” she said, “we were taught the importance of bloom’s taxonomy, which integrates the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of learning. So, we are having this conference to see how children can improve in their emotional intelligence on one hand and also how their character can be improved.”

On the involvement of teachers as part of the training, she said Nigerian teachers were being trained as mentors and facilitators, To enable them compare what is obtainable in both countries and be better equipped to advise their students as well as give them the comparative and competitive edge.

On emotional intelligence, she said: “a lot of emphasis is placed on one’s know-how and intelligence quotient, leaving out the emotional aspect which actually makes you truly successful because when you are able to manage yourself, you are likely to turn out more successful in life. This conference is part of efforts to equip students with these behavioural aspects. We stand a better chance as a country if we develop the youths.”

On sexually transmitted diseases and the propaganda concerning the use of condoms, she reiterated that the essence of the seminar is to get teenagers to think. “If you are flying from Atlanta (U.S.) to Nigeria and the pilot announces that the flight has 85 per cent chance of getting to Nigeria but 15 per cent chance of not landing, that is there is a 15 per cent risk that the flight might crash. Would you fly?

Condoms only offer 85 per cent protection, so the seminar is to ensure that our young children don’t start relationship with the wrong ideas or on a faulty foundation.”

On her view about the education system, she said: “I am quite hopeful, although, there are still so many hurdles to cross. In terms of primary and secondary levels, I think we are actually getting there, because I see a lot of desire for selfimprovement and professional development.

“A lot still needs to be done to develop our university educators, especially in teaching methodology. In advanced countries, they still give a lot of attention to professional development of lecturers. Lecturers have to go through a programme, known as Postgraduate Certificate in Education (programme).

Lecturers are taught to be educators, irrespective of their discipline”.

On quality assurance, Okafor noted that apart from infrastructure and quality of teaching staff including ICT, more attention should be paid to monitoring the desired learning outcomes.

She said: “I don’t see graduate track study taking place in Nigeria, to see the challenges employers are having in workplace with graduates and to see how universities can come and fill that gap. I don’t see that synchrony happening between the industry and our educational institutions. I also don’t see character development happening in universities, even at the very early stages, because if we integrate character development, then students would not be involved in examination malpractice, cultism and other vices and eventually, that would impact on how they would perform as leaders”.

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THE GUARDiAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

ESUT launches N10b Infrastructure Development Trust Fund HE Enugu State University T of Science and Technology (ESUT) is set to launch a N10 billion infrastructural Development Trust Fund under the distinguished chairmanship of Senator ike Ekwerenmadu, the Deputy Senate President.

Scheduled for May 10, at the university campus, the idea, according to the Chairman of the seven-man ESUT Trust Fund Committee, Prof. ike Ndolo, “is primarily to reposition and re-engineer ESUT to be one of the best in Africa.” He said the envisaged donations “will help in many critical sectors of the university needing services and infrastructural development and intervention’.

The infrastructural needs of the institution include: critical teaching and research facilities; post graduate studies building; completion of two new faculty buildings/main university library and the fencing of the entire university landscape. others are: recreational facilities; completion of professors/staff quarters; student hostels and a School of Communication building.

ESUT was established in 1991 with a philosophy of a unique university that must be closely related to society, its industry and above all, serve as a catalyst in the technological advancement of the people.

NYSC DG challenges corps members on SAED project

By Ujunwa Atueyi HE Director General of T National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) brig. Gen. Nnamdi okore-Affia, has charged the 2013 batch ‘A corps members posted to lagos State to avail themselves of the opportunity inherent in Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) project and help the nation in reducing unemployment rate.

At the recent swearing-in ceremony, in which 2323 corps members took the oath of allegiance, he stressed that the SAED project was created for individuals “who are eager to learn skills and become employers of labour after national service, without waiting endlessly in search of white-collar jobs.”

Giving adequate attention to series of training that will take place during and after the orientation programme, he said, would guide them in the pursuit of life goals, as evident in the activities and success stories of the pioneer beneficiaries of the projects. okore-Affia had, at the commissioning ceremony of SAED projects at NYSC lagos secretariat, also commended the pioneer beneficiaries of the project for their achievements.

Some of the projects commissioned include: NYSC SAED Demonstration Fish farm; Fashion Designer Workshop; SAED Studio; Cyber Café; E-library and Computer Training room.

He said: “i’m aware of the SAED project existing in the NYSC scheme.

Soon, you will be going through the training carefully designed for those who are keen at picking up skills that will enable them start up

their own business, all you need is to pay good attention to the programme; no knowledge is a waste, it must be useful to you in the long run.

Those before you are doing great with the skills they acquired through the programme”.

He advised them to integrate with their host community and be of good conduct in dressing and attitude; and also avoid every form of immorality.

The State Coordinator, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, reminded the corps members that rightful alignment with the training modules, will assist them in achieving the right attitude and concise guide to success, since the scheme is designed to channel their intelligence, zeal, energy, alertness and skills into productive activities aimed for national development.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to lagos State government, Dr. Adebule idiat olu’ranti, while reading President Goodluck Jonathan’s speech at the ceremony, on behalf of Governor babatunde Raji Fashola, informed the corps members that NYSC scheme which is in its 40th year has become a viable tool for implementation of critical national development, thus the need for them to contribute their quota to the task of nation building. it was in view of this objective that “the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and NYSC management inserted the skill acquisition training and other youths’ empowerment programmes into the orientation time-table to enable you become self-reliant, you should all participate in it actively and draw maximum benefits”.

Mobil explains investment in education From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo obil Producing Nigeria, M operator of NNPC/MPN Joint Venture said its commitment and determination at investing heavily in the education of Nigerian children is to produce informed minds. besides, the oil giant opined that, such involvement would play a vital role in the use of the country’s energy, thereby fueling economic growth.

These views were expressed by Mobil General Manager Public and Governmental Affairs, Mr. Paul Arinze at ikot Abasi council area in Akwa ibom state during the closing ceremony of a drama competition for Secondary Schools in ikot-Abasi

federal constituency. ’We are acutely aware of the vital role education plays in fueling economic growth. That is why throughout our long history in Nigeria, we have supported many educational development programmes. ‘’This is a testimony of a long term commitment to the development of Nigeria’s most precious resources, its children’’To show its commitment, the organization has sponsored the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) national Quiz and related and related competitions for the past 12 years, and instituted scholarship programme for secondary and tertiary students across the country.

Adekunle Ajasin varsity to hold convocation lecture in Yoruba language From Niyi Bello, Akure NDo State-owned o Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), is set to make history as the first academic institution in the country to host the presentation of a convocation lecture using a Nigerian language as the medium of delivery.

The lecture titled “Kin Ni a Fe Fi Ede Yoruba Se?” which literarily translates to “What Do We Do With Yoruba language?”, would be delivered by renowned academic, literary critic,author and artiste, Professor Akinwumi isola, to mark the fourth convocation of the 13-year old institution.

According to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor N. olufemi Mimiko, who spoke at a press conferene to herald the convocation programme, the choice of the topic and the language of delivery, was borne out of the desire of the university to do things in its own unique way to draw attention to the course that similar institutions should be charting.

Another unique thing about the AAUA which Mimiko, a

Fullbright Scholar and professor of political economy said would be showcased by the institution during the convocation programme that commenced last week, is the departure from the usual norm of using conferment of honorary degrees as instruments of revenue generation.

He said rather than line up known moneybags who

would after conferment, make huge donations and pledges of projects for the institution, as honorary awardees, the University Senate has decided to recognise eminent Nigerians who had contributed immemsely to the growth of the global human community. listed among the three personalities to bag honorary

degrees are Reverend bolanle Gbonigi, retired bishop of the Akure Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, a known figure among the human rights community in Nigeria who had risked his life several times to confront injustices in the land “and who has become like an embodiment of the conscience of the nation.”

TRCN begins accreditation of teacher training institutions From Bashir Bello, Kaduna HE Teachers Registration T Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has embarked on the accreditation of teacher institutions across the country, the Registrar of the organization Professor Edison Wokocha has said.

According to him, the council is concerned about the quality of the institutions “which is also a problem currently facing education sector.”

Addressing newsmen shortly after the 7th Cohorts Mathematics and Science Teachers training workshop

held in Kaduna, recently, Wokocha said: “Currently we have been to over 50 institutions, trying to look at the quality of what is going on and advising them. We are also taking it from the area of capacity building programmes.

“We are doing state by state training of teachers since last year and we also have national programmes. We are partnering with so many international developments partners.”

Wokocha, who was represented by Director of operations, Dr Steve

Nwokocha, said the TRCN was doing its best to tackle the problem of fake teachers. He admitted that the problem of unqualified teachers is also a big problem, which “is being tackle from every angle.”

He added: “We are telling people everywhere about the dangers of using unqualified teachers because many children are being short-changed by the use of unqualified teachers.”

Earlier, NTi Director General Dr. Aminu ladan Sharehu said 400 mathematics and primary science teachers have been trained across the nation.

Cross section of students at the 7th edition of the We are the Future of our Nation programme, organized by Edumark Consult at the Civic Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State recently.

UNilAG’s institute unveils e-resource centre

By Mary Ogar iTH the course contents and other features that allow for self assessment and interaction between the students and their lecturers uploaded online, the eresources centre at the Distance learning institute (Dli) of the University of lagos (UNilAG), facilitated in partnership with Schul Portals ltd, is now ready for use.

Education Minister, Prof.

Ruquyyatu Rufai, formally unveiled the centre during the institution’s recent golden jubilee celebration.

Speaking at the occasion, Dli’s director, Prof olufunke lawal said the institute currently accommodates 15,000 active students and was being repositioned to compete globally. on plans for the future, she expressed the hope that in the next five year, the institute would have nothing less than 50,000 registered stu-

W

dents as members, and they would not required to be physically present to get their study materials.

While the e-resource centre can accommodate 300 students at once with course contents uploaded onto a server which can be accessed online and within the campus, she explained that students could read or study on their own, wherever they are, as long as they have laptops or handset devices that could access the learning materials.

She said: “There is room for active participation, interaction with the course tutor.

Students can also assess themselves as learning progresses, especially in difficult areas. The portal is student friendly and learning materials are student centered”. lawal also stated that materials have been tailored to meet the individual needs of the students, whether they are fast, average or slow learners. “The interaction with the tutor is very engag-

ing such that they can send email or text questions and get immediate response.

There is immediate feedback including mentoring,” she said.

She explained that fully registered students would have to log in with a pin and security number to access all the materials available.

According to her, the eresource centre is geared towards promoting the concept of the open and Distance learning (oDl) mode, which provides students with resources designed to achieve self learning.

While the building houses classrooms, e-library and an e-learning centre, lawal also noted that the resource room which would ultimately accommodate 1,000 students, was designed to cater for students who do not have internet access or laptops.

The Managing Director of Schul Portal, Mr. Julius Momoh-ozoh said:

“Students will not experience down time using the portal because the firm has taken care of power and connectivity issues. Students can connect to the server on their laptops without internet access through an intranet created for the purpose”. on the challenge of power supply within the campus, he disclosed: “Power is not an issue. There is a high-powered 40 KVA inverter, that can power the server for over 40 hours, so that if any student comes he can be connected. The issue of connectivity is also taken care of.

Students can have direct link to the server through the internet,” on the impact of the project, he said: “This is one of the capacity building initiatives of the Dli, to increase enrollment and create more access to higher education. Even if the students are not within the campus vicinity, with their password, they can have access from anywhere.”

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

College to graduate 2855 tomorrow From Chuks Collins, Awka total of 2855 students are A expected to received their respective degree certificates at the 15th joint convocation ceremony of the College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra holding tomorrow.

Fellowships of the institution will also be confered on four distinguished Nigerians who, according to the Provost of the college, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, have contributed immensely to the growth of the institution, the education sector and the human resource development in the country generally.

They include: the Senate Committee chairman on Education, Prof Uche Chukwumerije; his predecessor, Senator Joy Emodi; Director General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, Dr Emeka Eze; and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, Prof Mohammed Junaid.

Briefing journalists at the end of a tour of facilities recently, Ogbuagu noted that despite its humble beginning, the college has recorded “a lot of progress.”

He announced that four more of its courses have now been accredited to award degree certificates in affiliation with the Nnamdi Azikiwe

University, Awka. The departments include: Physics, Computer Science Education, Agriculture Education and the Fine/Applied Art Education.

Before now, 12 other courses had been accredited. Some of them include Mathematics Education, Chemistry Education, Electrical/Electronics Technology Education, Economics and Business Education among others.

The Provost lamented the non-release of the college’s take-off grant and paucity of funds. He also admitted that the severe erosion menace on the premises was his greatest challenge. He acknowledged that a lot has already been achieved with the meager resources at the college’s disposal, “as could be seen in the numerous completed and ongoing projects at the temporal and permanent site campuses.”

He appealed for further financial assistance from institutions, public-spirited individuals and governments at all levels.

With a harmonious labour relationship, zero tolerance for indiscipline and cultism, he stated that the college has adapted a unique parents/management forum to bridge the gap among staff, management and the students.

Otefe Poly denies mass protest report

By Gowon Akpodonor PPARENTLY embarrassed A at last Thursday’s report of alleged commotion in the institution by Sahara Reporters, the management of Otefe Polytechnic in Delta State may expel one of its students and arrowhead in the issue for raising the “false alarm” that triggered the report.

The news medium had reported that commotion in the school on Thursday disrupted business and academic activities following “huge demonstration” by the students against their rector, Dr. Mrs. Evborovbo Clara Sogbaike, who was allegedly planning to impose her own candidate as the new Students Union leader.

However, Sogbaike told The Guardian in a telephone chat that there was no iota of truth in the “imposition” story, claiming that it was “pure imagination” by one of the students, Odiri Imene, who will be contesting for the student union’s presidency in

the March 26, 2013 election.

According to her, “this is embarrassing to the school authority and we will not allow the student go unpunished. This student has just demonstrated that he is coming into the SUG to set the students against the school authority.

“It is a serious offence for him to raise such false alarm of huge demonstration in the school when there was nothing of such. The school will take drastic action against the student.”

In the said report, the protesting students were said to have accused the rector of plotting to impose one Victor Igbakpa as the new Students Union Government (SUG), an allegation Sogbake denied.

“As rector of the polytechnic, I take all the candidates as my children,” she said. “I have not shown interest in any particular person. So, it was surprising to read in the Sahara Reporter of Thursday that I wanted to impose a particular candidate as SUG president, which is not true.”

Oil firm, ABUAD agree on internship programme From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti AN Ocean Oil Corporation (Nigeria) Ltd has entered into a partnership with Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) that will enable the indigenous oil company award scholarship to ten students of the university and allow them to have internship with the company.

Besides, some of the best graduating students of the private university have been promised automatic employment.

The Chairman/ Managing Director of the company Dr Festus Fadeyi who disclosed this at the weekend during a visit to the university said his company has decided to start awarding scholarship to some Nigerian students every year but the scheme would start with ABUAD. According to the oil magnate, “The award will be done annu-

P

ally and in line with Pan Ocean Scholarship policy and the internship programme is to support the development of young talent coming out of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the students would be drawn from top -rated universities within and outside Nigeria.”

Fadeyi, after inspecting the facilities at the university said he was marvelled and never expected to see such modern facilities in this part of the world, he however advised some Nigerians who are still bent on sending their children to universities abroad to have a rethink.

According to him, “Having heard and read so much about your progress, I come to visit the university and see things for myself. I stand here to confirm that I am indeed impressed with what I have seen so far.

Chairman, Rivers State House of Assembly’s Committee on Education, Augustine Ngo (left), vice chancellor, university of Port Harcourt, Prof Joseph Ajienka, chairman of the occasion, Prof Tekena Tamuno, Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr.Richard Ofuru and Prof A. Orubite, at a one-day Rivers State Education Summit, held in Port Harcourt recently.

Rivers unveils new education policy

By Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi HE Rivers State governT ment has unveiled a new education policy, which was presented to and extensively discussed by stakeholders at a one-day forum with the theme: “Towards Sustainable Development in Education,” held in Port Harcourt recently. It was organized by the Rivers State Ministry of Education.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi in her welcome address, said that the new policy is intended to guide and direct all players and stakeholders in the education enterprise, in order achieve the desired objectives.

According to her, a lot of recent developments in the sector had made a review of the former policy inevitable.

She said: “Let us put our

heads and hands together to lift education to its highest level in terms of infrastructure, management and quality in Rivers State. After all, Education for All is the responsibility of all.”

In the meantime, the state government said it has set a minimum standard for both public and private schools to ensure quality in education delivery in the state.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi made the declaration at the presentation of the draft document of the 2012 State Education Policy and the School-based Management Committee’s (SBMC) guidebook during the summit.

Represented by the secretary to the state government, Mr. George Feyii, Amaechi affirmed that said while Rivers had succeeded in putting a solid infrastructure in place, there was a need to

ensure a rich content in the state’s education sector.

The Governor observed: “A lot has been done in the past few years with respect to infrastructural component for education delivery. We have done a lot of structural input at the primary and secondary levels, even at the tertiary level, with the building of a brand new campus for the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

There has also been increased funding for our educational institutions.

“We recognize that infrastructure is one component of what we require to get the educational sector functional. We know that we have to shift emphasis to the content, with respect to curriculum and also very importantly, monitoring and supervision, in order to guarantee quality.”

In a communiqué issued at

the end of the forum, stakeholders commended the state government for its investment in the education sector. They advocated for the establishment of a teachers’ resource centre and the inclusion of teachers’ welfare in the new policy.

The Communiqué also stressed the need for government to include Guidance and Counseling as part of educational services to the people. The stakeholders called for the inclusion of the study of History in primary and secondary schools. The participants at the forum commended the government for its efforts to boost Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), stressing that the time had come for a private sector partnership with government in the establishment of TVET institutions across the state.

ASUSS protests detention of members by police From ALI GARBA, Bauchi S the lingering crisis between the Academic Staff Union of Secondary School Teachers (ASUSS) and the Bauchi state government deepens, hundreds of teachers in the state took to the street recently to protest over the unlawful detention for over one week, 11 of their members, who were arrested by the police.

The union members, who led a procession to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace, while chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as,“ No WAEC, NECO and JAMB” and “No N18,000 minimum wage in Bauchi,” demanded for the intervention of the Emir to facilitate the release of their detained members.

Addressing newsmen over the union’s predicaments, the chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Ningi said the union was not happy with the illegal detention of its members. He accused the Bauchi state Commissioner of Police, the state’s Attorney General and the Commissioner for Education of conniving to punish the union members.

His words: “members of the union are in the Emir’s palace to seek for justice over the detention of our members.

A

Last week, over 200 teachers converged here in the Emir palace to seek for the release of our members, but the Emir pleaded with us to exercise some patience. So, we came back again to remind him of his promise and he has assured us that he was doing everything possible to see that our detained mem-

bers are released. Since we respect him as a royal father, we are giving him a benefit of doubt.”

He alleged that the state’s education sector was now in shambles, while “the quality of education, especially in the secondary schools has dropped drastically because the state government is only

interested in playing political gimmicks with the sector.”

The chairman also accused the state government of being insensitive to the predicament of secondary school teachers, accusing it never inviting the aggrieved party for a meaningful dialogue.

Former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Prof. Yemisi Bamgbose (left), Executive Director, Educational Advancement Center (EAC), Adesina Adegunle; Chairman, Gen Oladayo Popoola (rtd), and Executive Director, Muyiwa Bamgbose at the centre’s first Annual General meeting, held in Ibadan, Oyo State recently.

PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY 55

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

UK pledges shale gas, low emissions cars’ tax breaks NITED Kingdom (UK) U Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, offered tax breaks to low emissions vehicles while promising support for shale gas developers and energyintensive industries in his annual budget today.

Osborne told lawmakers the U.K. will support the manufacture of “ultra-low emission vehicles” with tax incentives. He also said he’ll bring in a “generous new tax regime” to promote early investment in shale gas, and will exempt ceramics and other industries from the climate change levy, a tax on power and gas.

“This is yet another budget from Osborne where he does something good with one hand and confounds it with tax breaks for dirty fuels with the other,” David Powell, a campaigner for the Friends of the Earth environmental group, said in an interview from London.

Osborne, a Conservative, has sought to promote gas and slow the development of renewable energy, especially onshore wind, bringing him into conflict with Energy Secretary Ed Davey, a member of the coalition government’s junior partner, the Liberal Democrats. He also persuaded Davey to delay a decision to set a 2030 decarboniza-

tion target for the power industry until 2016.

The chancellor today almost doubled the so-called carbon price floor, a tax on power generators that use fossil fuels. The rate will rise to 18.08 pounds ($27.42) per ton of carbon dioxide in April 2015, from 9.55 pounds the previous tax year and 4.94 pounds for the tax year starting next month.

Carbon Capture Osborne also announced measures to promote carbon capture and storage.

The government said two groups featuring Royal Dutch Shell Plc and SSE Plc, and Alstom SA, Drax Group Plc, National Grid Plc and BOC Group Ltd. are preferred bidders in its 1-billion-pound CCS competition. The technology seeks to capture factory and power plant emissions and pump them underground for permanent storage.

Osborne proposed to exempt industries using “metallurgical and mineralogical processes” from the climate change levy on power consumption from April 2014. A draft law will be published in the fall, he said.

He also said he’ll introduce a new field allowance for shale gas developers that would reduce their tax burden, and provide clarity around planning rules for them.

Osborne The government proposed tax breaks to businesses using low- emissions vehicles as company cars that will cost 105 million pounds over the three tax years starting April 2015, according to budget documents

posted on the Treasury Website. At the same time, Osborne scrapped a fuel tax rise planned for September.

Osborne’s budget contains a “green economy-shaped hole,” according to Caroline Lucas, the country’s only

lawmaker from the Green Party. She said the chancellor should step up efforts to promote a part of the economy that’s now worth 120 billion pounds, or 9 percent of Britain’s economic output.

“We need urgent investment in nationwide green infrastructure to stabilise the economy, tackle the environmental crisis and deliver clean and secure energy for the future,” Lucas said in an e-mailed statement.

Russia’s pension investment plans uncertain USSIA’S plans to relax R investment limits on pension funds don’t go far enough to ensure demand for the government’s $14 billion asset sale program, say Allianz SE (ALV), Kapital Asset Management LLC and Otkritie Capital.

The Finance Ministry proposed on March 12 allowing funds to invest in share placements, an effort to tap $65 billion of retirement savings for the planned initial public offerings and additional stock sales by state-owned companies.

President Vladimir Putin would keep a mandatory positive annual return requirement for the funds, a disincentive for them to increase equity holdings, according to the money managers.

“This plan opens doors but to enter they need to get rid of the annual positive returns requirement,” Aleksei Belkin, who helps manage about $6.8 billion in assets, including retirement funds, as chief investment officer at Kapital Asset Management in Moscow, said by phone March 13.

Pension funds “will hardly want to participate in IPOs on their own free will,” he said.

While Russia’s private pension funds are permitted to invest as much as 65 percent of their capital in equities, they have allocated only about 10 percent, according to a Goldman Sachs Group Inc. report on Feb. 4. In the U.S., pension funds had about 52 percent of their holdings in shares last year, according to a global survey by Towers Watson & Co. (TW) Many Russian private funds had a majority of their holdings in stocks before the Micex index’s 67 percent retreat in 2008 led them to become more averse to risk,

Putin

Goldman said.

Lower Returns In neighboring Poland, pension funds hold 37 percent of assets in shares, a source of capital for eastern Europe’s busiest market for IPOs, according to data from the government regulator.

Poland caps equity holdings at 48 percent. Russian pension funds delivered returns of 10 percent last year, compared with 16 percent in Poland, data from the National Association of Pension Funds and the Polish regulator show. The Micex Index (INDEXCF) added 0.6 percent to 1,457.30 by 5:57 p.m. in Moscow.

Putin, in a bid to trim the budget deficit, told a

cabinet meeting in January that share sales by some of Russia’s largest state companies must be opened to pension funds by jettisoning rules that restrict equity holdings.

Pension funds are currently limited to investing in about 30 publicly-traded Russian companies selected based on trading volume, capitalization and other criteria, as well as government and corporate bonds and bank deposits. OAO Gazprom, Russia’s biggest gas producer, and OAO Rosneft, the country’s leading oil producer, are both missing from the approved list.

Moscow Spotlight The government plans share offerings for companies

from VTB Group, Russia’s second-biggest lender to OAO Sovcomflot, the largest shipper, and OAO Alrosa, the nation’s diamond monopoly.

The sales should take place mainly on Russian exchanges, Putin said at his residence in Novo-Ogarevo, according to a transcript on the Kremlin website posted on Jan. 25.

The government may turn to Vnesheconombank, the state development bank known as VEB, which managed 68 percent of Russia’s pension savings investments last year, if its share sales fail to attract interest from private funds, according to Vladimir Tikhomirov, the chief economist at Otkritie Capital,

which manages $8.4 billion, including pension money.

The government currently restricts VEB from investing in equity.

“If a private fund decides that the share price is too high and won’t be interested, VEB might step in as an anchor investor,” Otkritie’s Tikhomirov said by phone on March 13 from Moscow.

“As a result, the government and budget interests might be satisfied, while pensioners might suffer.”

Investing ‘Effectively’ The Kremlin’s private equity fund and its partners bought about half of the shares in last month’s IPO of the Moscow Exchange, which raised 15 billion rubles ($486 million) with

shares priced at the bottom of the proposed range.

Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in Moscow on March 12 that asset sales are set to resume in the second half of this year, targeting 427 billion rubles.

“If these amendments are confirmed, this will allow pension funds to enter and participate in initial placements of shares, not only in additional placements of stocks that are already trading,” Russian Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseev told reporters in Moscow on March 13. This will allow pension funds to “invest effectively,” he said.

Sufficient Resources About 1 percent of Russia’s 143 million population participates in the financial market, while pension fund investments account for around 4.5 percent of gross domestic product, Putin said at the cabinet meeting in January.

In Poland, pension fund investments accounted for 17 percent of GDP last year and in the U.S. 108 percent of GDP, according to the Polish regulator’s and Towers Watson’s data.

The amount of pension money under private management in Russia will reach $60 billion by the end of this year, according to Goldman Sachs estimates in the Feb. 4 report. That represents 7 percent of Russia’s market capitalization.

“The government came up with this proposal to use state pension funds in privatization deals,” said Oleg Popov, who manages about $1 billion in assets, including pension money, for Allianz Investments in Moscow. “The fact that there’s a mandatory annual positive return requirement prevents pension funds from investing in equities and IPOs.”

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Britain turns to Bank of England to spur economy RITISH finance minister B George Osborne turned to the Bank of England yesterday, to do more to help spur the country's stagnant economy as he announced a halving of this year's growth forecast.

In a yearly budget statement peppered with catcalls from opposition politicians, Osborne said the central bank's inflation target would remain at 2 percent a year - but that that was not enough.

"As we've seen over the last five years, low and stable inflation is a necessary but not sufficient condition for prosperity," he told parliament.

Osborne said the country's economy was now expected to grow only 0.6 percent this year, half the rate predicted only three months ago, but he vowed to stick the course on austerity.

"It is taking longer than anyone hoped, but we must hold to the right track" he said.

Osborne said he was publishing a review of the Bank of England's mandate and said the central bank might need to use "unconventional monetary policy instruments" and give a clearer idea of what it will do in the future.

Such instruments in the past have included printing money to buy assets as a way of pumping cash into the moribund economy.

"The new remit explicitly tasks the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) with setting out clearly the tradeoffs it has made in deciding how long it will be before inflation returns to target," he told parliament.

Such a change might make the Bank of England operate in a way similar to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which has given increasingly explicit signs about how long it will continue to provide support to the U.S. economy.

Bank of England

Sterling briefly fell against the dollar and was weaker against the euro. British bond, or gilt, futures pared losses.

The BoE moves coincide with the arrival in July of a new governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, currently the head of the Bank of Canada. Carney has previously said he wanted a debate on the role of the BoE. Osborne said Carney and the central bank's current governor Mervyn King both

agreed with the new remit which is set by the UK finance minister each year.

A further review of the mandate would be carried out before the end of 2019.

Shortly before Osborne began speaking in parliament, some details of his market-sensitive statement were leaked on the Internet, prompting goading by opposition leader Ed Miliband.

The Labor opposition argues that the Conservative-led govern-

ment has stuck too long to austerity, failing to provide needed growth.

Forecasts by Britain's budget watchdog showed growth was expected to pick up to 1.8 percent in 2014, after the 0.6 percent this year, Osborne said.

That was also lower than the watchdog's December forecast but Osborne said UK growth was expected to be stronger than in France and Germany in 2013 and next year, Osborne said.

He said Britain remained

on track to eliminate its underlying budget deficit within five years. But a secondary target of stopping the rise of debt as a share of GDP would take a year longer than forecast in December, when it was also pushed back by a year.

Despite a slump in opinion polls, Osborne and Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron have stuck to their push to fix Britain's budget deficit and rising public debt, hoping for a recovery before they fight for

re-election in two years time.

Britain's economy may be back in a recession again, while rising inflation is hurting households.

Osborne announced several tax changes including a cut in corporation tax to 20 percent in 2015 and a cut in employment taxes for businesses.

Individuals would be able to pay no income tax on their first 10,000 pounds of income from 2014, a year earlier than previously expected

Cyprus seeks Russian rescue, EU threatens cut off YPRUS pleaded for a new C loan from Russia yesterday to avert a financial meltdown, after the island's parliament rejected the terms of a bailout from the EU, raising the risk of default and a bank crash.

Cypriot Finance Minister Michael Sarris said he had not reached a deal at a first meeting with his Russian counterpart Anton Siluanov in Moscow, but talks there would continue.

Russia's finance ministry said Nicosia had sought a further 5 billion euros, on top of a fiveyear extension and lower interest on an existing 2.5 billion euro loan.

Cyprus is seeking Moscow's help after parliament voted down the euro zone's plan for a 10 billion euro bailout on Tuesday.

Cypriots balked at EU demands for a levy on bank deposits to raise 5.8 billion euros, an unprecedented measure that opponents said would have violated the principle behind an EU-wide guarantee on deposits of up to 100,000 euros.

Moscow has its own interests in ensuring the survival of banks in Cyprus, a haven for billions of euros squirreled abroad by Russian businesses and individuals.

The European Central Bank's chief negotiator on Cyprus, Joerg Asmussen, said the ECB

would have to pull the plug on Cypriot banks unless the country took a bailout quickly.

"We can provide emergency liquidity only to solvent banks and... the solvency of Cypriot banks cannot be assumed if an aid program is not agreed on soon, which would allow for a quick recapitalization of the banking sector," Asmussen told German weekly Die Zeit in an interview conducted on Tuesday evening.

Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann said he could not rule out Cyprus leaving the euro zone, although he hoped its leaders would find a solution for it to stay.

Cyprus Energy Minister George Lakkotrypis was also in Moscow, officially for a tourism exhibition, but fuelling talk that access to untapped offshore gas reserves could be on the table as part of a deal for Russian aid. Cyprus has found big gas fields in its waters adjoining Israel.

"We had a very honest discussion, we've underscored how difficult the situation is," Sarris told reporters after talks with Siluanov. "We'll now continue our discussion to find the solution by which we hope we will be getting some support.

"There were no offers, nothing concrete," he said.

Speculation was rife over the shape that Russian help might take. Government spokesman Christos Stylianides denied a Greek media report that Cyprus had reached a deal for Russian investors to buy Cyprus's second largest bank, Cyprus Popular, which was taken over by the state last year.

Not a single Cypriot lawmaker voted for the EU bailout, which included a proposed levy that would have taken nearly 10 percent from accounts over 100,000 euros.

Smaller accounts would also have been hit, although the government proposed softening the blow to spare savers with less than 20,000 euros.

It was the first time a national legislature had rejected the conditions for EU assistance, after three years in which lawmakers in Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy all accepted biting austerity measures to secure aid.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose country is Europe's main paymaster, said it was up to the Cypriot government to come up with an alternative proposal but it was fair to expect savers with deposits over 100,000 euros to contribute to the bailout.

The EU has a track record of pressing smaller countries to vote again until they achieve the desired outcome.

Nicosia was eerily quiet yesterday, the morning after demonstrators cheered parliament's rejection of what was seen as an unfair EU diktat.

The government has not allowed banks to reopen this week to prevent a run, but cash machines which were emptied over the weekend have been replenished, giving people access to limited amounts of cash.

"Things won't be so bad as long as people can withdraw from ATMs but if they go too there will be a huge problem," said Titos Pitsillides, 50.

Among the most urgent decisions awaited was whether the government will allow banks to reopen as planned on Thursday, or keep them closed until next week. Deputy Central Bank governor Spyros Stavrinakis said no decision had been taken yet.

A Cypriot official who asked not to be identified said the government was considering whether to impose capital controls when the banks reopen.

President Nicos Anastasiades, barely a month in the job, met party leaders and the governor of the central bank at his office.

Government spokesman Christos Stylianides said a "Plan B" was in the works.

"A team of technocrats has

gone to the central bank to discuss a plan B related to financing and reducing the 5.8 billion euro amount," he told reporters during a break in the meeting with party leaders. He did not elaborate.

Anastasiades later met officials from the "troika" of the EU, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Lawmaker Marios Mavrides told Reuters one option under discussion was to nationalize pensions funds of semi-government corporations, which hold between 2 billion and 3 billion euros.

An opposition politician present at Wednesday's crisis talks said: "The idea is we can get the pension funds of organizations like the Cyprus Telecoms Organisation and the Electricity Authority, maybe some others as well, and raise two to three billion euros. If we raise half of the money then maybe we could top up to the 5.8 billion euro amount by passing the Cypriot banks into Russian hands."

The crisis is unprecedented in the history of the divided east Mediterranean island of 1.1 million people, which suffered a war with Turkey and ethnic split in 1974 in which a quarter of its population was displaced. The Turkish-populated north considers itself a

separate country, recognized only by Turkey.

While Brussels has emphasized that the tax measure was a one-off for a country that accounts for just 0.2 percent of Europe's output, fears have grown that savers in other, larger European countries might be spurred to withdraw funds.

Leaders of the currency union said the bailout offer still stood, provided the conditions were met. Teetering Cypriot banks have been crippled by their exposure to the financial crisis in neighboring Greece, where the euro zone debt crisis began.

Germany, facing an election this year and increasingly frustrated with the mounting cost of bailing out its southern partners, said Cyprus had no one to blame but itself.

With Sarris Lakkotrypis in Moscow, there was mounting speculation that Russian oil and gas giant Gazprom had mooted its own assistance plan in exchange for exploration rights to Cyprus's offshore gas deposits.

"We at Gazprom did not offer Cyprus anything," Gazprom's spokesman, Sergei Kupriyanov, said.

Noble Energy reported a natural gas recovery of 5 to 8 trillion cubic feet of gas south of Cyprus in late 2011, in the island's first foray to tap off-

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Enugu chamber seeks completion of fair site From Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) he 24th Enugu T International Trade Fair has kicked-off with an appeal to the Federal Government to make available the needed funds for the completion of the Fair's permanent site.

President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) Dr. Theo Okonkwo, while making the appeal, said that the non-completion of the fair site was negatively affecting development of business initiatives in the South East geo political zone of the country Okonkwo's appeal came as officials of the Federal Government and South-East governors shunned the much publicized opening ceremony of the fair taking place at its permanent site in Enugu.

While demanding that government should complete the complex like it did in Kaduna and Lagos, the chamber president said “the idea of using the public private partnership to complete the development of the complex may likely pose an encumbrance towards the successful organization and hosting of the fair.

“Our study has revealed that it would be counterproduc-

tive towards the promotion of investment and business, particularly as it affects the small and medium enterprises”.

He disclosed that one of the unique features of this year’s fair was the special agricultural designated area as a major fulcrum in order to refocus attention and adopt a pragmatic approach in restoring the place of agriculture in the national economy.

Okonkwo disclosed that the quality of participation in the fair was highly encouraging.

He assured of adequate security arrangement throughout the fair.

Beside the Enugu State Commissioner for Commerce, Jude Akubuilo, and representatives of sister chambers from Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra States, no other government official showed up at the fair's opening ceremony.

The Enugu commissioner, who declared the fair open on behalf of Governor Sullivan Chime of the state, noted that the Federal Government had shown effective leadership aimed at transforming the economy through encouragement of private sector friendly policies.

Akubuilo said the Enugu state government had continued to provide necessary facilities needed to make businesses thrive in the state.

“In this regards, the state government has continued to make the provision of bacic infrastructure, service delivery and security of lives and property cardinal agenda of the government.

“We are also taking far reaching measures to remove impediment in doing business in the state, such as double taxation and difficulty in accessing loans”, he stated.

Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Dr. Herbert Ajayi noted that the theme of the fair “Positioning the Nation’s Economic Environment as Investment Destination of Choice in Africa and for Effective Global Competitiveness” was appropriate considering the ongoing efforts towards transforming the various sectors of the economy.

He said: “Recent global developments have pointed out clearly that no economy in the world can experience a sustainable level of real growth

Dubai to host Africa Global Business forum S part of efforts to showcase opportunities and advantages current and potential investA and explore investment associated with doing business ments in Africa while highopportunities in Africa, while in the African Continent. lighting the role of Dubai as an highlighting the strategic role of Dubai as a hub for connecting to Africa, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the COMESA Regional Investment Agency (RIA) has concluded plans to organise the Africa Global Business Forum to such end.

According to a statement made available to The Guardian, the forum will provide a platform for businesses to explore and identify investment opportunities in 56 African countries from seven economic blocs.

Tagged “Dubai-COMESA: Bridging the Continent to the World”, and scheduled to hold between May 1-2 in Dubai, the forum seeks to provide participants with a better understanding of the investment

Furthermore, it is expected that the participants through the forum, will be able to identify the frameworks which drive growth and contribute to a favourable business environment, while networking with key industry peers.

The Forum will host African decision makers and local speakers prominent among them being H.E. Sultan Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Managing Director of Expo 2020 Dubai, H.E. Sindiso Ngwenya, Secretary General COMESA, Zambia, as well as top Dubai and global company officials.

Director General, Dubai Chamber, Hamad Buamim said that the forum will attract global business leaders with

international hub for business in and out of COMESA and Africa.

He said: “It also aims to identify the appropriate frameworks which lead to mutually beneficial and fruitful business relations with the African Continent and economic growth while enlightening the private sector on the major positive changes which have taken place in COMESA member states and African countries in terms of business and investment climate and the reforms which have made them possible.”

Buamim further stressed that Dubai recognises Africa as an important emerging market and would like to capitalise on the opportunities presented for bilateral investment and trade.

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Prevailing policy rate regime, by CBN HE Monetary Policy Committee T met on March 18 and 19, 2013 with all the 12 members in attendance.

The Committee reviewed the conditions and challenges that confronted the domestic economy in the first quarter of 2013 against the backdrop of current international economic and financial developments with a view to reassessing the monetary policy options in the short-to-medium term.

International Economic Developments At the outset, the Committee observed that global growth remained subdued throughout 2012 due to the softer than expected level of activities in the euro area and the slipping of Japan into recession during the second half of the year. Weak and fragmented growth was also recorded across major economies and regions including the U.S.. The emerging market economies, however, showed a fair degree of resilience.

The growth outlook, however, appears promising. The IMF January 2013 WEO Update, projected a global output growth of 3.5 per cent in 2013 compared with the 3.2 per cent achieved in 2012. In the Advanced Economies, output was estimated at 1.4 per cent for 2013 compared with the 1.3 per cent achieved in 2012.

1Recession is expected to continue in the euro area although the magnitude of the contraction, estimated at 0.2 per cent in 2013, represents an improvement over the 0.4 per cent contraction in 2012. A slowdown in growth is also expected in the U.S. in 2013, as output is projected to decline by 2.0 per cent from 2.3 per cent in 2012, owing largely to the short term effects of its fiscal consolidation regime as well as the weaknesses in the labor and housing markets.

The emerging Asian economies were projected to post a gradual recovery that would propel global output growth in 2013. China, which previously recorded a slowdown over seven consecutive quarters to Q3 2012, witnessed improved activity in Q4 2012; confirming that an upswing in growth was underway. The recent fiscal and monetary easing operations of the Peoples Bank of China led to increased tempo of investment in infrastructure with indications of further public spending in fiscal 2013. Thus, the economy is expected to grow strongly in 2013 amid gradual improvements in the external environment.

Japan returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2012, raising hopes of an end to the 15-year deflation. The major setback in the region is expected from India, with real GDP growth of 5.4 per cent in 2012 on account of the poor performance of the manufacturing, agriculture and service sectors.

The Committee noted that growth in Sub-Saharan Africa was still robust, although real output growth dropped to 4.8 per cent in 2012 from 5.3 per cent in 2011. The performance of Sub-Saharan Africa during 2013 would partly depend on developments in the euro area as well as the extent of recovery in China. With policy buffers weaker than they were prior to the 2008 crisis, the ability of governments to implement countercyclical fiscal policy may be constrained.

Domestic Economic and Financial Developments (Output) The Committee was satisfied with the relatively robust output growth projections for 2013 despite the slowing global economy, on the back of favorable conditions for increased agricultural production, the outcome of banking sector reforms, as well as other initiatives by government to stimulate the real economy.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the real GDP growth rate declined from 7.43 per cent in 2011 to 6.58 per cent in 2012.

The decline was partly driven by the oil sector which contracted by 0.91 per cent. The major driver of overall growth, therefore, remained the

Lamido Sanusi, CBN governor non-oil sector, with agriculture; wholesale and retail trade; and services contributing 1.37, 2.19 and 2.10 percentage points, respectively.

The Committee was concerned that the declining contribution of the oil sector to growth, which became apparent in the second half of 2011, continued in Q4 2012. Crude oil production, including condensates and natural gas liquids, decreased by 37,000 barrels per day (bpd) in February, 2013, to 2.035m bpd compared with the level of 2.072m bpd attained in December 2012. Oil theft in the Niger-Delta remained a source of concern. The Committee was also concerned that the decline in the growth rate of agricultural output, which started in the 4th quarter of 2011 continued up to the end of 2012.

The Committee was of the view that although the GDP growth projection remained high, there were a number of risk factors that were likely to affect output performance.

These include perception of increased levels of corruption and impunity in the country, insecurity particularly in the northern part of the country, as well as mixed signals from power and petroleum sector reforms.

Prices Headline inflation which had decreased to a four-year low of 9.0 per cent in January 2013 inched up to 9.5 per cent in February, driven largely by the food component.

Food inflation, which was 10.1 per cent in January 2013, increased by 0.87 percentage point in February due mainly to increases in the prices of farm produce and imported food items. Core inflation, however, moderated slightly between January and February 2013. The Committee noted that the sharp drop in inflation in early 2013 compared with early 2012 is largely a result of the base effect of the partial removal of fuel subsidy in January 2012. With the tapering off of the first and second round effects of the increase, the prudent monetary policy stance and stable exchange rates are yielding lower headline inflation figures.

Monetary, Credit and Financial Market Developments Broad money supply (M2) grew by

2.86 per cent in February 2013 over the level at end-December 2012, which annualizes to 17.16 per cent.

Aggregate domestic credit (net) grew by 10.17 per cent over the same period (an annualized rate of 61.02 per cent).

The significant growth in net credit in the period was due to the huge increase in credit to government (net), which rose by 108.18 per cent.

Interest rates in the interbank money market declined between January 21 and March 14, 2013 owing to liquidity surfeit in the banking system. The interbank call and the OBB rates, which opened at 10.35 and 10.33 per cent on January 21, closed at 10.29 and 10.28 per cent, respectively, on March 15, 2013. The average interbank call and OBB rates for the period were 11.38 and 11.23 per cent, respectively.

The average prime lending rate inched up slightly from 16.54 per cent in December 2012 to 16.56 in February 2013, while the maximum lending rate more or less remained flat at 24.60 per cent during the period. The weighted average deposit rate, however, increased from 3.77 to 5.37 per cent during the review period.

The Committee noted the upswing in activities in the capital market, as equities market indicators all trended upwards in the review period. The AllShare Index (ASI) increased by 17.3 per cent from 28,078.81 on December 31, 2012, to 32, 950.08 on March 15, 2013 while Market Capitalization (MC) rose by 17.5 per cent, from N8.97 trillion to N10.54 trillion. The Committee, however, observed that the improved performance was largely induced by the substantial portfolio inflows, as foreign investors took advantage of the favourable domestic environment brought about by the high yield on government debt instruments, and stability in the naira exchange rate.

External Sector Developments At the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (wDAS), interbank and the BDC segments of the foreign exchange market, the exchange rate opened at N157.29/$, N157.10/$, and N159.00/$ on 22nd January 2013 and closed at N157.32/$, N158.65/$, and N160.00/$, respectively, on March 15, 2013. The average wDAS, interbank and BDC exchange rate during the

period was N157.30/$, N157.65/$, and N158.94/$, respectively.

The Committee noted the slight depreciation in the exchange rate at the wDAS and interbank segments of the foreign exchange market. The BDC segment, however, appreciated during the period due to the low patronage by speculators on account of the improved supply of foreign exchange by oil companies, increased inflow from portfolio investors, and the effect of the prohibition of the simultaneous access to the CBN window (Repo and Standing Lending Facility) and wDAS transactions by DMBs. The Committee expressed satisfaction with the significant accretion to external reserves, which stood at $49.38 billion as at March 14, 2013, representing an increase of $ 5.5 billion or 12.68 per cent over the level of $43.83 billion at endDecember 2012. The increase in reserves was driven largely by the proceeds from crude oil and gas sales and crude oil-related taxes, as well as reduced funding of the wDAS. The reserves level could finance over 13 months of imports. The Committee urged the Bank to continue the monitoring of portfolio and foreign direct investment flows, while being conscious of the risks to financial stability of a rapid outflow of hot money.

The Committee’s Considerations The Committee was pleased with the prevailing macroeconomic stability despite shocks from both external and domestic environments; a development which informed the tightening stance of monetary policy since the third quarter of 2010. Having achieved a reasonable degree of moderation in the rate of inflation, there were compelling arguments to consider easing monetary policy, at least from the perspective of stimulating growth in the real sector.

Given the slowdown in overall GDP and agricultural GDP growth, inability of the SMEs to borrow at the current lending rates, and crowding out effects that may require monetary easing. The Committee carefully weighed the option of relaxing monetary policy against the likely risks in the near-to-medium term, noting that reversing the current stance of monetary policy was not likely to

The Committee, therefore, decided by a majority vote of 9:3 to...retain the MPR at 12 per cent with a corridor of +/- 200 basis points around the midpoint; retain the Cash Reserve Requirement at 12 per cent and Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent with the Net Open Position at 1 per cent.

produce a neutral outcome, as it may signal the preference for a higher inflation rate on the part of the CBN. At 9.0 and 9.5 per cent in January and February, respectively, the price data, which largely reflected the base effect of the first and second round impact of the fuel subsidy removal in January 2012, sends a clear signal that there was still an upside risk to inflation in the near-to-medium term.

Furthermore, yields on FGN bonds have been declining steadily, signalling the impact of increased inflows while equity prices have been trending upwards.

Quantitative easing, especially in the U.S. and the EU is already creating a potential new round of asset bubbles globally. The Committee was of the view that the growth in the domestic capital market was driven largely by the huge capital inflows. The principal risk to stability in the medium-tolong-term can be addressed through diligent implementation of sound policies of fiscal consolidation and structural reforms. Without these, the economy will not be able to attract long term foreign capital inflow that makes the gains of monetary policy sustainable and insulate the economy from the risks associated with external shocks and capital flow reversals. Monetary policy will, therefore, seek to preserve the current gains of macroeconomic stability in the short term, while fiscal and structural reforms kick in.

The Committee also noted the wide spread between deposits and lending rates, which it attributed to the inefficiencies in the market requiring institutional and structural reforms that would enforce behavioural change on the market, consistent with the long term needs of the economy.

The Committee was of the view that sustainable low lending rates, could be achieved if the necessary infrastructure such as stable power and good roads, amongst others, were put in place. The Committee noted that the present infrastructural condition has always provided an incentive for asymmetric response on the part of the banks to the policy rate in a manner that was not always beneficial to the small and medium customers. With respect to the price level, the Committee observed that the rising pressure in February after a significant moderation in January, was indicative of the fact that there were some underlying factors that could constitute a threat to inflation in the medium term.

The Committee noted the 2013 Federal Government Budget of N4.9 trillion, passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by the President, which represents an increase of about 5 per cent.

Furthermore, the budget, predicated on an oil benchmark price of $79/barrel as against $75/barrel, proposed by the Executive, potentially slows down the pace of fiscal consolidation with implications for accretion to the Excess Crude Account and gross external reserves. In addition, the Committee observed that the foreign exchange market has started experiencing pressure in March 2013, mainly reflecting compression of yields in the fixed income market as well as outflows to pay dividends by multinational corporations. However, the Committee noted that the exchange rate has remained within the target range and also that the current monetary conditions are conducive to further tightening using Open Market Operations without recourse to an increase in the MPR. In view of these developments, the Committee was faced with three options: (i) An increase in rates in response to the uptick in headline and food inflation; and pressure on exchange rates; (ii) A reduction in rates in view of declining core inflation and GDP growth; (iii) Retaining current monetary policy stance to sustain the gains of monetary policy while utilizing the existing space in the corridor to

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

BUsINEss

MPC meeting communique CONTINUED FROM PAGE 61 influence yields and exchange rates in the short term.

The Committee’s Decisions The Committee considered and rejected option one as being unnecessary since there are no major inflationary concerns at this time.

While acknowledging the merit of the arguments in favour of option two, it was also rejected by the majority because it could send wrong signals of a premature termination of an appropriately tight monetary stance. The Committee, therefore, decided by a majority vote of 9:3 to accept option three and maintain the current policy stance i.e. to retain the MPR at 12 per cent with a corridor of +/- 200 basis points around the midpoint; retain the Cash Reserve Requirement at 12 per cent and Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent with the Net Open Position at 1 per cent.

Firm hosts exhibition to boost bilateral trade

s part of measures to A enhance trade and investment relations among business chains in emerging economies as well as create avenues for sustainable trade relations, Pinnacle International Consulting has concluded plans to hold a trade and business exhibition to the effect.

According to the firm, the exhibition, tagged: AfricaUAE International Trade and Business Exhibition, seeks to promote business opportunities between various chains of service organizations in construction, energy, manufacturing, government agency, education, health and other sectors.

The Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle International, Akande Ojo said the exhibition is a comprehensive trade and business programme designed to provide companies with opportunity to promote their services and investigate the various African regions for emerging synergy market buyers with knowledge platform.

He said: “The theme “Africa and the UAE, The New Future Emerging Market Frontiers” is a way to enhance trade and business marketing in the African region, with the Africa and United Arab Emirates (UAE) first exhibition to take place in Dubai at the World Trade Center March 24-25, 2013.

President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Segun Aina (left); and Chairman, Delta State Branch Chairman of the institute, Rev. Godwin Adolor, after the inauguration of the branch, at Asaba, Delta State.

standard Chartered seeks more productive Nigeria

By Chijioke Nelson TANDARD Chartered Bank said that Nigeria would only succeed in leading the change that is coming the way of the continent, if it braces up to the challenge of its import dependence status.

It also said that the population of the country is its competitive advantage, especially as the continent turns the next great frontier in the world economy with enormous potentials.

The Chief Executive Officer for Africa, standard Chartered Bank, Diana Layfield, made the disclosure on the sidelines of the Nigeria Economist summit 2013, tagged: “Enabling and

s

Implementing Change.” she said that Nigeria would be the power-house economy for the region in future in order to reinforce the scale of the African growth story, but noted that the country would also need to increase its perception to the world on the progress it has made.

“Nigeria needs to be a producing nation and exporting nation. It needs to move from just being an importing nation to that manufactures goods and exports them too. Its all about reforming and financing the economy and that where we can play our part.

While speaking on the topic “Greater intra-regional trade critical to Africa’s

development”, Layfield noted that the continent’s economic integration had lagged. she said: “Africa is the world’s second fastest growth region after emerging Asia, with sub-saharan African GDP increasing by four times over a 10 year period.

“However, we all know that as a region, Africa trades less with itself than just about anywhere else, at least in terms of formal trade. Intraregional trade used to represent around 11 per cent of total trade.

“In recent years, that has increased to 14 per cent. It is still too low, compared to 80 per cent intraregional trade in the EU, and 60 per

kets, or as production markets, to the scale investors are looking for.”

Layfield explained that the case for integration was not just economic, but to achieve greater security across the region, as well as social development that the countries needed to open themselves up to their neighbours and allow for more trade complementarities to come about for the ultimate benefit of all.

Layfield said that standard Chartered, an international bank with a deep local presence in Africa, is playing an important role in assisting the region to counter these existing challenges and achieve sustainable progress.

survey shows rising apathy to banks’ charges HE latest survey by NOI T Polls revealed that the majority of banking Nigerians (about 61 per cent) agree that banks in the country are exploiting

their customers through hidden bank charges.

The survey tagged: “Bank Customer Service snap”, last week, also adjudged First Bank as best customer serv-

ice delivery financial institution, followed by GT Bank.

The survey was randomly selected in the six geopolitical zones of the country, among Nigerians aged 18

Lawmakers honour CBN, others over revenue generation Consolidated Revenue HE House of generating and remitting from the non-compliant.

Fund by way of internally T Representatives revenues showed “mark of a Moreover, we know that generated revenue (IGR) to Committee on Finance has responsible public institu- public institutions are manawarded the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in recognition of “its dedication and commitment to national growth and development through consistent and timely contributions to the revenues of the Federal Government”.

Other government agencies that received the recognition award included the Federal Road safety Commission and the Nigerian Television Authority.

Chairman of the committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, noted that although CBN was not strictly a revenue centre, the singular act of

cent in Asia.”

Though she recognised that Africa has enjoyed record levels of investment and growth, Layfield stressed that integration is essential for three reasons: scale, security and social development.

“Africa, as impressive as the aggregate numbers sound, is not a single country, and should therefore, not be analysed as a single economic entity.

“The reality is that even the aggregate number represents the combined GDP of many small, fragmented economies that fail to attract all of the investment they should be getting, because some are simply too small, as consumer mar-

tion and should be commended by all”.

In the ceremony, which is the first of its kind in the history of the National Assembly, Jibrin explained that the committee decided to recognise the commendable efforts of the agencies in order to show that in the exercise of its oversight functions, the National Assembly will not hesitate to recognise performing public institutions and reprimand non-performing ones.

“This committee has decided to issue this commendation because it is proper to separate the compliant

aged by human beings and we believe that to change human behaviour for the better, three things can be done.

“One is to employ sanctions, give rewards for desired behaviour and the combination of the two. We have chosen to recognise compliant institutions based on our strong conviction that the time has come for public officers to imbibe self-compliance when obedience to law and the delivery of common good are concerned,” he said.

The committee further noted that the CBN remains the largest contributor to

the tune of N180.9 billion during the period under review, in addition to another N30 billion remitted recently.

The CBN Governor, Mallam sanusi Lamido sanusi, expressed the appreciation of the board, management and staff of the apex bank for the recognition, dedicating it to the hardworking staff of the bank. sanusi thanked the committee for making his visit to the House this time a pleasant and memorable one, against some other times when interactions were mired in controver-

years and above, who are banks’ customers.

In recent times, there have been growing complaints and dissatisfaction among the banking public on poor service delivery and unexplained charges by the nation’s financial institutions on transactions.

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC), according to NOI Polls, had received a large number of complaints from bank customers over alleged hidden and unexplained charges.

It could be recalled that in March 2010, CPC organised a consumer interactive forum where the CBN Governor, Lamido sanusi, directed banks to disclose fully all rates and charges associated with their products and services with a view to stemming all forms of sharp practices.

According to the survey, the development has elicited conversation, which were largely centred on reviving global banking

economy, continued crisis in the European Region and its immediate impact on Nigerian banks.

It also noted that reforms in the industry, which reduced the number of banks from about 85 banks to 22 in the last decade, increased pressure on them to stay relevant and profitable in a closely regulated industry, with increased awareness on the range of services and expectations from banks.

The survey rated Zenith Bank, UBA, Ecobank and Access Bank as following the First Bank and GTBank, in that order, on effective service delivery.

Further analyses of the results showed that First Bank was mainly strong in terms of customer service in the south East and south south, while GT Bank was

strong in the south West.

Zenith Bank followed First Bank in the south East, while UBA trailed First Bank in the North West.

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Focus Challenges before NDPHC in power projects’ execution

By Felix Kuye T the launch of the Roadmap to Power Sector Reform in Lagos on August 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan had recalled that one of his friends once jokingly asked him: “Can Nigeria celebrate one day of continuous (uninterrupted) power supply?” And he answered thus: “By God’s grace, by December 2012, Nigeria will not just celebrate one day, but one week, one month, and even better.”

It is almost three years since the President unveiled the power sector reform blueprint and nine years after the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) was conceived in 2004 as a Federal Government’s interventionist initiative to significantly raise the country’s electricity generation, transmission and distribution capacity to meet its electricity demand.

No doubt, this presidential vision has not been wholly realised, however the current federal administration has made some real progress towards meeting this target.

At the last count, specifically on Monday, February 11, 2013, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) disclosed that power generation had risen to almost 4,500 megawatts as against 4, 286 megawatts the previous week.

TCN’s Assistant General Manager (Public Affairs), Mr. Dave Ifabiyi, who gave hint of the new output, had said: “Power generation, which earlier stood at 4,286 megawatts, improved at the weekend. As at today (then), our power generation is hovering around 4,400 to 4,500 megawatts.”

Cheery as the news look, this output remains inadequate to guarantee stable power supply in Lagos city alone, the commercial and industrial nerve centre of the country, let alone in the entire nation.

Before the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo liberalised the sector, and the joint efforts of the federal and state governments in funding the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the power sector had almost collapsed.

Going by the December 14, 2012 NIPP Status Report of the NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. James Olotu, more power stations in various parts of the country have been completed. These plants, he disclosed, had cumulatively added 1,687.5mw to the national output. The completed plants, each of which was said to be capable of generating 112.5MW per gas turbine, are located in Olorunsogo, Sapele, Alaoji and Omotosho. The report showed that as at December 7, 2013, the country’s power generation capacity had risen to 5,000mw.

On Distribution System Enhancement, Mr. Olotu said 43 lots of low high voltage distribution system, 295 injection sub-stations, 3,540 MVA injection sub-station capacity, 2,600 of 11KV lines and 1,700km of 33KV lines are to be completed. The same feat was achieved in the transmission sub-sector where 118 projects in 43 lots are being executed.

These transmission projects covering over 274 km of lines and transmission capacity of 2,370MVA will be completed. The NDPHC also fared well in the distribution segment where it supervised the completion of various projects in Abuja, Benin, Eko, Ibadan, Ikeja, Kaduna and Jos-Yola zones.

Mr. Olotu also unveiled his management’s plan for 2013 where he listed the completion of all gas turbine projects with capacity for 4,264mw, the simple cycle power plant for Alaoji with installed capacity of 510mw and the completion of transmission projects covering 2,19km of 330kv lines and 809km of 132kv lines as well as the completion of distribution projects to evacuate 3,540MVA across 2,600km and 1,700km at 11KV and 33KV lines as new targets in that order.

Within the period, the NDPHC also plans to complete all Gas Sales Aggregator Agreements (GSAA) and Gas Transmission Agreements (GTA), receive and commence the implementation of transaction adviser’s recommendation once approved by the board.

It should be noted that the NDPHC’s achievements since its inception are not without major challenges. To enhance its performance so that the NDPHC can meet its set goals, major problems, which Mr. Olotu listed as gas challenges, security and community issues, way-leave acquisition problems, port clearing coordination and contractor performance, should be addressed.

At all the three major briefings on the NIPP, Mr. Olotu repeatedly drew attention to the same

A

President Goodluck Jonathan

Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo

Calabar (NIPP) Power Station

Nipp Transmission Lot 27t: Rehabilitated Sapele 330kv Switchyard challenges, which showed that nothing serious had been done by the concerned authorities to solving them.

Yet, no further lull should be allowed in the activities of NDPHC as witnessed between 2007 and 2009, with the exit of the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration and the advent of the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua government.

In his presentation to the Senate Committee on Power on October 18, 2011, Mr. Olotu had rolled out a catalogue of achievements, including eight generation projects, which were either partially or fully completed within four years. The agency also completed 15 distribution and transmission projects during the period. The NDPHC boss proceeded to set an ambitious plan to execute 33 projects in the distribution sub-sector within one year.

NIPP Transmission Lot 2T: New Haven SS Nine months after, Olotu again headed for the public domain to present his status report where he unveiled the NIPP Scope as consisting of engineering procurement and construction of 10 new gas-fired power plants with combined installed capacity of 4, 774mw and gas pipelines, gas metering and regulating stations grouped under seven lots for the delivery of natural gas to the power plants.

There were also 125 high voltage transmission network projects for the evacuation of electricity from the new power plants and reinforcement of various segments of the national grid network to increase its capacity to wheel 10,000MW of electricity around Nigeria at 330kv and 132kv voltage levels, which fell under 29 lots.

The NIPP scope also covered 125 electricity distribution network projects of 11kv and 33kv volt-

The Presidential Taskforce on Power...should go beyond the routine to assist the NDPHC to handle matters bothering on right-of-way for power projects and security of equipment. Men of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) should be redeployed to protect power installations from vandals. Their functions should go beyond protecting oil pipelines to securing NIPP facilities across the country.

age levels with injection sub-stations and HVDS transformers, which were grouped under 43 lots spread across the country.

The power generation projects slated for completion within 2012 and 2013 under Lot 11 were the Calabar power station in Cross River State, Egbema power station - Imo State, Ihovbor power station - Edo State, Gbarain power station in Bayesla State and Sapele power station in Lot 6 located in Delta State.

Others were the Omoku power station in Rivers State, Alaoji combined cycle power station located in Abia State, Olorunsogo combined cycle power plant (Ogun State), Omotosho power station (Ondo State) and Geregu power station in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

Mr. Olotu said then that 16 of the transmission projects in Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Abia, Kwara, Oyo states and Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were completed. The projects were to evacuate power from Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Sapele and Alaoji stations.

At that time, the NDPHC chief listed the major constraints as protracted process of acquiring the necessary right of way for the approximately 3,000 km routes for the 330kv and 132kv transmission lines, especially in densely populated and built up areas of Lagos, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Akwa Ibom states.

When Mr. Olotu earlier gave account of his stewardship on October 11, 2011, he said that a meeting the NDPHC held with the TCN and the distribution companies, which were created out of PHCN, identified inadequacy of trained operators to efficiently and effectively manage the substations being delivered.

He said the existing infrastructure in transmission and distribution sub-stations limited the effective utilisation of the sub-stations upgraded under the NIPP and therefore called for more synergy between project implementation agencies in the power sector.

Other impediments to the NDPHC’s smooth performance and meeting deadlines on project execution, Mr. Olotu said, included custom clearance of imported equipment for the power plants and sub-stations as well as insecurity and Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) issues.

It is hoped that Vice President Namadi Sambo’s recent meeting with contractors handling various power projects in the country would lead to the timely completion of the projects.

The Vice President had told the contractors that “2013 is the end year for all NIPP projects.

Nigerians must receive the power that we are able to generate and that is why you have been given this assignment, I know we have all prepared our plans to meet this target, but our analysis has shown a lot of weaknesses in most of you and that is why we will discuss these programmes and come to final understanding and agreements by ensuring that by December 2013, we have 100 per cent completion of all our transmission projects in the NDPHC”.

Vice President Sambo warned that government would not take it lightly with any contractor who failed to meet the target of all the NIPP projects.

With this presidential declaration, it is now clear that all eyes are now on the contractors and the NDPHC to deliver on the new target.

It is also a clear indication that the Presidency is aware that Nigerians are no longer ready for rhetoric and excuses, all they want is stable power supply and that one of the parameters they would use to measure the performance of the Jonathan administration is the availability of stable power supply.

To ease the job of the NDPHC, the Presidential Action Committee on Power, which is mandated to provide leadership, guidance and determine the general policy direction and strategic focus of power reform, should at its weekly interface among the NDPHC and other agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the BPP to ensure that all issues relating to power projects are promptly addressed.

Also, the Presidential Taskforce on Power, which serves as the engine room for the daily planning, development and driving the action plan of the country’s power sector, with achievable targets in generation, transmission and distribution should go beyond the routine to assist the NDPHC to handle matters bothering on right-of-way for power projects and security of equipment.

Men of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) should be redeployed to protect power installations from vandals. Their functions should go beyond protecting oil pipelines to securing NIPP facilities across the country.

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 20/3/2013

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

CAPITAL MARKET 65

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 20/03/2013

PRICE GAINERS

LOSERS

Market capitalisation, All-Share index slide on the Exchange

By Bukky Olajide ESTERDAY, market capitalization lost N29 billion to close at N10.63 trillion from N10.66 trillion recorded on Tuesday. All- Share Index also came down by 91.54 points to close at 33,207.20.

Meanwhile, at the monthly FGN bond auction, N70 billion worth of five year (N35 billion) and 10year (N35 billion) bonds were offered

Y

and sold.

In view of traders’ cautious approach as a result of the current status of the market, marginal rates for the bonds that is, the 15.10 April 27, 2017 and 16.29 January 27, 2022, came out slightly higher at 10.70 percent and 11.08 percent respectively, against 10.68 percent and 11.80 percent recorded at the last auction.

Both securities were reopened. In addition, a

total of N85.0billion worth of 15.10 April 27, 2017 (five year) was allotted on noncompetitive basis. The subscription level for the instruments was N132.18billion, that is, 189 percent.

Against previous trend, the 10year instrument recorded a lower demand at the auction. In our opinion, this may be due to the slowdown in interest from offshore investors.

In line with the prevailing

policy stance, liquidity tightening was maintained as N250 billion worth of OMO bills with tenor ranging from 122-day to 167 day were offered whilst N229.46billion was sold at marginal rates ranging from 10.50 percent to 10.64 percent. Total subscription was N278.62 billion.

Also noteworthy is the announcement by the DMO of the federal government’s intention to raise c.US$1bil-

lion in 2013 via a Eurobond issue.

Amongst the key reasons for the issue is to create a greater window of opportunity for Nigeria’s private sector to access funds internationally at a low cost. The proposed issue will increase the size of Nigeria’s Eurobond to $1.5billion taking into account the $500million issued in 2011, which is currently trading at a yield of 4.16 percent. If

this trend continues, analysts estimated that the planned Eurobond may be issued at a coupon of c.3.54.5 percent in the months ahead.

Since 2011, two private companies (GTbank- 7.50 percent and Access Bank7.25 percent) have been able to access the international capital market to raise funds at a lower rate when compared to rates within the domestic market.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

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GlobalStocks Fed maintains $85b monthly asset purchases HE Federal Reserve will T keep up its bond buying at a pace of $85 billion a month even as the world’s largest economy and the job market pick up.

“Labor market conditions have shown signs of improvement in recent months but the unemployment rate remains elevated,” the Federal Open Market Committee said today at the conclusion of a two-day meeting in Washington. Recent data suggest “a return to moderate economic growth following a pause late last year.”

More than three years into the expansion, the central bank led by Chairman Ben S. Bernanke is pressing on with open-ended purchases of Treasury and mortgage securities to boost the pace of growth and heal a labor market still scarred by the deepest recession since the Great Depression.

The purchases will remain divided between $40 billion a month of mortgage-backed securities and $45 billion a month of Treasury securities.

The Fed said that the purchases will continue until “the outlook for the labor market has improved substantially in a context of price stability” and that it will continue to reinvest maturing securities.

The Fed also left unchanged its statement that it plans to hold its target interest rate near zero as long as unemployment remains above 6.5 percent and inflation is projected to be no more than 2.5 percent.

“Overall, still-high unemployment in combination with relatively low inflation underscores the need for policies that will support progress toward maximum employment in the context of price stability,” Bernanke said at a press conference today after the release of the statement.

Stocks, Treasuries Stocks extended gains and Treasury yields remained

higher. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.8 percent to 1,560.63 at 2:42 p.m. in New York, and the yield on the 10year Treasury note climbed to 1.94 percent from 1.9 percent late yesterday.

The FOMC said that it “continues to see downside risks to the economic outlook.” It also said that “the housing sector has strengthened further, but fiscal policy has become somewhat more restrictive.”

Kansas City Fed President Esther George dissented for the second meeting in a row, saying she was “concerned that the continued high level

of monetary accommodation increased the risks of future economic and financial imbalances and, over time, could cause an increase in long-term inflation expectations.”

Bubble Risk George has said holding interest rates near zero for too long risks creating financial bubbles. She said in January that prices of assets “such as bonds, agricultural land, and high- yield and leveraged loans are at historically high levels” and may signal market imbalances.

Policy makers lowered their expectations for the unem-

ployment rate at the end of the year to a range of 7.3 percent to 7.5 percent from a previous forecast of 7.4 percent to 7.7 percent. The economy will expand 2.3 percent to 2.8 percent this year, they estimate, compared with their earlier forecast of 2.3 percent to 3 percent growth.

Thirteen of the 19 FOMC participants estimated that the first increase in the federal funds rate from its current range of zero to 0.25 percent will occur in 2015, the same as at the December meeting.

Statement Timing Central bankers last provided their forecasts in December.

The Fed today released the policy makers’ quarterly economic forecasts at the same time as the statement.

Previously, on days Bernanke held a press conference, the central bank released the statement at about 12:30 p.m. and the FOMC forecasts an hour and a half later. From now on, both will be released at 2 p.m.

Forty-four of 45 economists in a Bloomberg survey March 13- 18 said the pace of purchases wouldn’t be reduced at today’s meeting. Fifty-eight percent of economists in the survey said officials won’t reduce buying until the

fourth quarter or later, while 55 percent said they expect the Fed to end its quantitative easing entirely in the first half of next year.

Since the Fed last met in January, stocks have climbed to new highs, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average exceeding its prior peak from October 2007. The index, which has gained more than 10 percent this year, remains near its record close at 14,539.14 on March 14. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury advanced to an 11-month high of 2.06 percent on March 11.

Traders at the Stock Exchange floor

Asian stocks extend 18-month record high on global outlook SIAN stocks rose for a third A day, with the regional benchmark index extending an 18-month high, amid signs the global economy is recovering.

South Korea’s Kospi Index led benchmark gauges higher after the Governor of Bank of Korea, Kim Choong Soo, said the world economic outlook is improving.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. led gains among Japanese utilities. BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s largest mining company, fell 0.9 percent in Sydney after reporting a 58 percent drop in first-half profit. Woodside Petroleum Ltd., Australia’s second-biggest producer of oil and gas, added 3.1 percent after full-year profit almost doubled.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index added 1 per cent to 135.44 as of 7:44 p.m. in Tokyo after closing yesterday at the highest level since August 2011. More than two stocks climbed for each that fell. The gauge is

headed for a third day of gains, the longest winning streak since January 4.

“In general, the big picture is much better than last year,” said Grace Tam, Hong Kongbased global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management Ltd., which oversees about $1.3 trillion globally. “In the medium term, we are still pretty positive on equities because monetary policies are pretty easy around the world.”

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index advanced 9.9 percent from the start of November through yesterday, led by Japanese shares as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to beat deflation and pressed the central bank to ease monetary policy. Asia’s benchmark traded at 14.9 times estimated earnings as of yesterday compared with 13.8 for the Standard & Poor’s 500 and 12.5 for the Stoxx Europe 600 Index.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Stock

Average gained 0.8 percent even after the government reported a record trade deficit in January. South Korea’s Kospi Index added 2 percent as Kim said the improving world economy boosts the odds of the nation exceeding this year’s growth forecast.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index advanced 0.3 percent.

New Zealand’s NZX 50 Index fell 0.7 percent as Fletcher Building Ltd., the most heavily weighted stock on the gauge, dropped 4.8 percent to NZ$8.87 in Wellington after saying robust local growth was being offset by a sluggish Australian building market.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.7 percent, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.6 percent.

Taiwan’s Taiex Index added 0.9 percent and Singapore’s Straits Times Index climbed 0.4 percent.

Futures on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index were little changed today. The gauge

added 0.7 per cent to close at the highest level since 2007 in New York yesterday on optimism over deal making and data showing rising investor confidence in Germany.

U.S. office supply retailers Office Depot Inc. and OfficeMax Inc. have discussed a merger and may announce a deal as early as this week, a person familiar with the matter said. German investor confidence jumped more than economists forecast in February to the highest level in almost three years, the ZEW Center for European Economic Research in Mannheim said yesterday.

“We will continue to rally until markets find something that spooks them,” said Donald Williams, Sydneybased chief investment officer at Platypus Asset Management Ltd., which manages about $1 billion.

“Data in Europe — even if you are pessimistic — you’d have to conceive that they are stabi-

lizing and there are points of improvement. There’s nothing you can point to as negative.”

South Korea’s Kospi capped a six-day rally, the longest since October 2011. Samsung Electronics Co., the nation’s biggest exporter of consumer electronics and the most heavily weighted stock on the measure, rose 3.6 percent to 1.545 million won.

Japanese power providers rallied after the Nikkei newspaper reported Prime Minister Abe will inform U.S. President Barack Obama during their Feb. 22 meeting that Japan will reconsider the previous government’s commitment to abandon nuclear power.

Tokyo Electric gained 9.7 per cent to 215 yen, the biggest gain on the MSCI Asia Pacific Index. Shikoku Electric Power Co., which expects to restart a reactor at its nuclear plant in July, surged 7.3 per cent to 1,130 yen.

Of the 343 companies on the MSCI Asia Pacific Index that have reported quarterly earnings and for which Bloomberg has estimates, 50 percent exceeded profit expectations.

BHP Billiton slid 0.9 percent to A$38.65 after reporting a 58 percent decline in first-half profit. It named copper unit head Andrew Mackenzie to succeed Chief Executive Officer Marius Kloppers, who failed to deliver on about $200 billion of potential takeovers.

Woodside Petroleum added 3.1 percent to A$39.07 after saying its net income rose to a record $2.98 billion in the 12 months ended Dec. 31 from $1.51 billion a year earlier. The increase was driven by the A$15 billion ($15.5 billion) Pluto liquefied natural gas project in Western Australia.

Among other stocks that gained, PetroChina Co. rose 2.9 percent to HK$10.74 in Hong Kong after UBS AG recommended buying shares of

67

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Opinion Remembering Obokun High School

By Edwin Madunagu HE year was 1964, 49 years ago. I was in the final year in Obokun High School, Ilesha, presT ent Osun State. A board was placed for members of the school’s debating society to express their opinions on current affairs. The authorities preferred international or foreign affairs since, I now believe, the school’s authorities wanted to avoid being dragged into the bitter political struggles then going on in the country. It was widely known that the senior students who agitated for the board, including myself, were, even at that age, deeply interested in politics. One day, I placed an article denouncing the appointment of Moise Tshombe as Prime Minister of war-torn Congo Leopodville (now the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC). I called Tshombe a national traitor and the murderer of Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the country.

As soon as I placed the article and withdrew, one of my classmates, Isaac Aluko (later AlukoOlokun), moved to the board. Isaac and I were academic rivals. I watched as he read my article; and I observed at a point that he was frowning.

As soon as he finished he re-entered the classroom, took a sheet of paper and left again. When he re-emerged he went straight to the board and placed his response. As far as I can now remember, the thrust of Isaac’s response was that the people of Congo –Leopodville had the right to choose or appoint whoever they wished as Prime Minister. Later, the argument became verbal, with our classmates watching. It was a hot and bitter argument, which I ended by simply walking away, not simply from the argument, but from the school compound.

Isaac Aluko and I, of course, graduated from Obokun High School at the end of 1964 – he, to proceed to Aiyetoro Grammar School to do a Higher School Certificate programme and I, to return a few months later to Obokun High School as a junior teacher and a resident assistant boarding house master. Isaac rose to become a top Nigerian banker, economist and public servant. There are two observations I wish to make on this narrative. First: Throughout my

debate with Isaac there was no ethnic sentiment or any other ad hominem allusion from either of us or from our noisy spectators. Although we spoke both in English and Yoruba, no one was in doubt about my ethnic origin.

The closest to personal “attack” I can remember was Isaac saying that each human being had his or her own strength. But I did not wait to hear him elaborate.

The second observation is this: Although we were both passionate in making our different points, I now know that our positions were both abstract and undilectical. We did not examine – nor were we equipped to examine – how exactly Tshombe was appointed, what historical circumstances led to this appointment and what made the execution of the decision possible. In particular, we did not examine in what historical circumstances and through what mechanisms the right of the Congolese people to choose their rulers was exercised in that instance. The fact, as I learnt later, is that there was no election and the appointment was made by non-Congolese. The country was embroiled in a bitter civil war in which the American government and the United Nations had intervened militarily and diplomatically. For the former it was also an “anti-communist” war.

Shortly after my “historic” encounter with Isaac Aluko, I was involved in another debate.

The venue was the school hall of Ilesha Grammar School, a nearby secondary school. It was between my school, which I represented, and the Grammar School represented by a student whose name I have now forgotten. The subject was the participation of church leaders in active partisan politics. My position was that church leaders should not take part in active partisan politics – as we saw this activity in those days across the globe. I cited Archbishop Makarios, the president of Cyprus and President Ngo Dihn Diem of South Vietnam, a fundamentalist Roman Catholic ruler in a predominantly Buddhist country.

I argued that a church leader or activist who wished to engage in politics should first re-

sign from the Ministry. Why? Because, as I argued, (political) participation of church leaders carried dangers for the Christian doctrine and credibility. That was at least a decade before I heard of the “rebel church” in Latin America and of Camilo Torres, the Columbian Roman Catholic priest who became a guerrilla fighter while still affirming his faith. Much later I read Fidel Castro’s statement that if the martyred Ernesto “Che” Guevara was a Roman Catholic he would have been proclaimed a saint!

Before I left Obokun High School (to return a couple of months later as a teacher), I was involved in an open confrontation with a teacher. I was a day – student, and had to trek a long distance everyday to and from school.

I was a school prefect. One day I came late to school and, unfortunately, for me it was a day the teacher responsible for a “catching” late – comers decided to enforce the rule. He detained the late-comers, including me, in front of the main classroom bloc. I felt a bit humiliated as a school prefect. But I stood there with other students – unfortunately junior students on this particular day! The teacher then asked us, late-comers, to pick the dirts that littered that part of the compound. I inquired if I was included in the punishment, and he said “yes”. I revolted.

I told the teacher that he must first remove me as a school prefect before I could engage in that punishment, that I would not join junior students to serve that punishment with a school prefect badge on my chest. Dethrone me, and I will join the punishment, I challenged the teacher. When he did not take up the challenge but rather insisted I must do the punishment, I walked away from him and from the school. I went home.

When my mother saw me returning from school so soon after leaving, and also noticed my countenance, she knew something had gone wrong, and started weeping. To cut a long story short, my mother had to go to the school to plead (not for the first time) for my recall. She met with the Principal, Rev-

erend Adedayo, and was asked to bring me.

A few days later I was taken back to the school and to the principal’s office. The elderly reverend asked why I did what I was reported to have done. I stated my case very calmly. The principal looked at me for about half a minute and then asked me to join my mother outside and wait. Shortly after, we saw the teacher enter the principal’s office. When he came out my mother and I were called in to see the principal again. This last meeting with the principal was an anti-climax: he commended my mother, warned me to be good behaviour, and asked me to go home and resume my schooling the next day. And that was the end of the episode.

Up till today, 49 years after this experience, I cannot say, or guess, how the discussion between the principal and the teacher proceeded. I cannot even say whether the principal’s decision to discharge me almost unconditionally was taken before the principal’s meeting with the teacher (in which case the teacher was just called to be informed of the verdict) or the teacher was involved in the decision. I did not, and still do not, know the principal’s assessment of the principle I threw up in this case. All I know is that I was not asked to carry out the punishment I had rejected, I was not removed as a prefect and I was recalled to the school to serve as a junior teacher (Mathematics and Religious knowledge) and a resident assistant boarding house master with a tiny Class One student, Gbadebo Aromolaran, as my “boy”.

Long after this incident, when I had become a revolutionary socialist, I once initiated a debate on the mode of treatment of a compatriot who had deviated or even betrayed the cause. I argued that such a compatriot must be given full honours for what he or she had done for the struggle, formally and decently suspended from office, and then put on trial. The sanctity of history must be respected at all times. There should be no falsification or rewriting of history in order to justify current policy or course of action. This principle, in the way I have stated it here, is a central one in my life. I now remember it was first enunciated in Obokun High School, Ilesha.

So are my leftist orientation and beliefs in organised collective action. This last “acquisition” is a story for another day. Obokun High School, I salute you.

Politicians’ death knife, stalled development

By Adeniyi Ogunfowoke HE jubilation of winning the Nation’s Cup is over. Now we are T back to the business of suffering and smiling in a chaotic and lawless country where the government only pays lip service to social security and welfare. A country where everybody claims to be religious but the degree of nefarious deeds is rising on a daily basis. Looking at a country like Nigeria with enormous human and natural resources, it’s so unfortunate that we find ourselves at the precipice.

The eastern region is notorious for kidnappings and heinous killings. The bodies of about 40 Nigerians were dumped in the Ezu River in Anambra State and it is still a mystery to the government and the people of the community how those dead bodies got into the river. A river that is a veritable source of livelihood to the people of that community. The reward of N5 million announced by Governor Peter Obi for reliable information about the source of the bodies has not stimulated anyone to provide a clue. The police would tell you in their usual cliché ‘the matter is under investigation.’

Just recently, the soon-to-be-retired Commissioner of Police (CP) for Kwara, Mr. Chiwinke Asadu was gruesomely murdered by unknown assailants in Enugu State. What a shame! A senior police officer murdered in such dramatic fashion means that even the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar is not safe. He came out few days after with “the killers of the C.P. have murdered sleep”. The I.G. must be dexterous at playing poker because looking at past unresolved murders and the shambolic investigations of the police; it is a foregone conclusion that this case would go the way of others.

South West, a relatively peaceful part of Nigeria is not immune to the protracted Nigerian sickness. The bodies of two toddlers – Toheeb Adedokun and Tajudeen Falilu; both three-years-olds were discovered. The boys had gone missing on January 25, 2013 and they were found in a Honda Pilot Sports Utility Vehicle, which was parked in a compound as collateral. Reports claim that the two boys may have strolled into the vehicle. Unluckily, they were trapped inside and may have suffocated to death. Well, trust the family, accusations and counter accusations are making the rounds. Boko Haram, a sect founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2001 has been terrorizing the country since the spiritual leader was murdered in controversial circumstances. Since then, the contemptible group has adopted extreme violence to coerce the government to meet its unreasonable demands. Over

a thousand people have been killed through bombings, slaughtering of humans like rams etc. Now, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Saad Abubakar has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to declare amnesty for the members of the fundamentalist sect as part of the measures to curb the insurgency by the group. Obviously, the Sultan is right because looking at the politics of amnesty in Nigeria some ideas can be inferred. It was a northerner that granted Niger Delta militants amnesty to quell the kidnap and attack on oil facilities. This is now the time for the Niger Delta to return the goodwill by granting Boko Haram political amnesty. Faceless individuals that have senselessly killed and maimed are allowed to carry on with impunity! It is laughable how amnesty or plea bargain has become a culture in Nigeria.

Furthermore, not all murders necessarily mean loss of life. You can kill a man by incapacitating him and not providing his basic needs such as shelter, food and clothing. That can also be when the path of his future is cordoned-off by the government and the corrupt political class. Meanwhile admission into the house of opportunities and wealth has been reserved for the well-connected and highly placed only.

Take the case of the Lagos State Government and her elitist policies. Notable among them is the restriction of motorcycles popularly called ‘Okada’ from the streets. Inversely, majority of these Okada riders have no jobs and they also have families to feed. How does Fashola expect them to survive? Definitely, the banning on major roads of Okada riders has reduced the number of visitors to the orthopaedic hospital but that has not erased their sufferings. Another example is the ferreting of poor Nigerians from the Lagos Bar beach for the construction of the unprecedented Eko Atlantic city – a city where the impoverished wouldn’t get a slice of the benefits accrued from the construction of such gargantuan project. Also, Lagos is under pressure because the governments of other states have woefully failed to develop the potentials of their economies. They only wait for the federal allocation at the end of each month. To reliably fathom the extent of pressure that Lagos is having to withstand, just wait for the train coming from Oyingbo at ‘Ikeja Along’. You would be shocked at the scene. Nigerians cling dangerously to the edge of the train at the expense of their lives.

The Federal Government is not even helping matters. It has become an expert in constituting committees and engaging in irrelevant bureaucracy. Annoyingly, the white papers of these committees are never released for either media or public consumption. A mess was made of the Petroleum Revenue Special

Task Force (PRSTF) white paper – the committee chaired by former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu. Tantrums have been thrown by those for and against the reports, thereby making any attempt to reveal the can of worms detected by Ribadu to the public a bit difficult. Perhaps, Oronsanye’s duty in the committee was just to destabilize its sittings. Nobody knows. Poor Ribadu, he would definitely think twice before he makes another attempt to accept another juicy offer from the Federal Government. At least as the chair of the committee he may have received some juicy largesse from the government coffers. It was not Free of Charge (FOC) he chaired the committee!

All this unnecessary bickering have cost many Nigerians their livelihood – many pensioners their life and many Nigerians are distraught with the government. Sadly, the government is deaf.

The youths are jobless. Even those with jobs are poorly paid.

It is time that the government becomes proactive rather than reactive. Nigerians must also stand-up to fight for their rights. I was about boarding a bus recently and instead of the fare to be N100, the driver and the conductor connived to increase the fare to N150. I don’t know what happened but the passengers came together and decided not to board for N150. The driver had no choice than to revert to N100. This is unity. If Nigerians can unite under one umbrella despite religious, political and ethnic affiliations, we can combat this scourge. We must tell them that they attained their juicy positions through our votes. Lest we forget, Babangida, Buhari, Abacha, Balewa, Azikiwe, Awolowo and others have licked, sucked and consumed the delicious meal of power. While some of them would be celebrated forever, others have been condemned for generations. For this present gang of politicians, they are too greedy and too covetous that their thinking faculty has been fruitless except to line their pockets and their families’ rather than the everyday Nigerian on the street.

Was it not just recently that an Oba in Ekiti State was chased away from his exalted position and much-abused throne by the youths? Dr. Okoye, a renowned scholar in the department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos then used to tell us that it is little by little that a child licks soup, very soon Nigerians would begin to ingest the bitter pill of reality and gradually, the spirit of revolution would be imbibed. Then we can sack these corrupt politicians just like what happened during the Arab Spring.

• Ogunfowoke wrote from Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

68

Opinion The age of diminishing expectations (2)

By Isaac Igweonwu Continued from yesterday N our political life, voter’s trust and confidence in the ability of the politician to better their lives have fallen to the lowest ebb since independence. At 52, Nigerians are beginning to realise they lost the road to ‘Eldorado’ – the Promised Land.

They squarely blame the politician who in their estimation vulgarised the political process, and brought ruin to the economy. The voters now see in the politician an embodiment of the negation of the productivity of politics for the politician views politics not as an avenue for bettering the lives of the electorate but for what is in it for himself. He is narcissistic and tries to appeal to a narcissistic audience by selling his candidacy. The politician thus degenerates into a confidence man, the master of impressions. Equally for the politician, the age of diminishing expectation has come. Having lost faith in his political skills, he now faces an increasingly sophisticated electorate. This time the politician’s ability will depend not so much on his wealth and charisma, but his political competence and mastery of the issues.

In his heyday, Babangida introduced the structural adjustment programmes. He promised us that with this, the good old days will be back again. The battered Nigeria citizenry have accepted all that come their way with fortitude and stoic resignation. It was not always that bad; the tide of political history has not favoured the Nigerian, instead they have been reduced to a people without a history adrift. It was in this context that Peter L. Berger (1976) warned that people hovering on the edge of despair are always open to messianic myths. Nigerians are!

Of all successive Nigerian administrations since independence, Obasanjo’s second coming (1999) broke the myth as a messianic experiment destined to uplift Nigeria from the abyss.

It was a monumental failure, a major disappointment, a debacle. Successive administrations (both civilian and military) who toyed with Nigeria left it in shambles –widespread corruption and distinctive crises of the spirit as a nation sent us back to Neantherdal days. The game of politics at every level was reduced to a dog-eat-dog spectacle, a ‘do or die’ affair. It was played indeed with deadly earnest.

Political chicanery eclipsed the conscious

I

drive for patriotism, for love of nation and fellow citizenry as politicians of all shades became bare-faced asking what politics can do for them, ‘what’s in it for me’?

That was the genesis of the nation’s political degeneracy, its atrophy and degradation. Successive bouts of Executive-Legislative impasse were the demonstrative symptoms. The perennial question – who is ‘superior’ over the other? was a constant reminder that Nigerians have not learnt much about democratic principles, its ethos and élan. These are coordinate character of the lawmakers and that of the Chief Executive as well. There were obviously scandalous instances of collusion between both arms of government to defraud the nation- remember the infamous ‘printers devil’ invoked by Obasanjo and his cohorts: Pius Anyim and Ghali Na’Abba as responsible for the 2002 Electoral Act fraud? The list is legion for other malpractices: EI Rufai’s N53 million bribery against the duo of Deputy Senate President and the Chief-whip? The countless Executive ‘bribery’ scandal for the law-makers to see things his way? And misdemeanors or ‘crimes’ of similar nature? These escapades have contributed immensely to diminishing returns to our political life. Such dastardly chicanery extended to military administrations who ruled by decrees.

One of them Obasanjo ruled by decrees, and later on by legislative laws. It was him who singlehandedly changed the course of Nigeria’s history by dexterously denying privileges while extending such to those found worthy.

He was wily, crafty as a fox and perhaps even seen as dishonest and insidiously arrogant.

Changing power equations in Nigeria’s political calculus was a stroke of genius, elevating the likes of Jonathan to divine prominence and authority. President Goodluck Jonathan is not as brash as the master who planted him; he chose the peaceful path to governance and no matter how uneventful his administration so far appears to be, he has done rather very well assuaging as much as possible vented interests.

The president is a man not given to theatre and histrionics, he is calculative and purposeful, one whose moves do not risk everything on a quick checkmate; his is a game where the advantage lay in the gradual transformation of the position. His Transformation Agenda’, although driven slowly inches to a purposeful destination. What are the fruits? Too early to

tell? Maybe.

Nigerians suffered through this charade until they weakened. Our foreign benefactors accused us of gross indiscipline and threaten to cut off aid. We capitulated and finally realised that foreign meddling and the reverence for foreign expertise has not solved our problems and will get us nowhere. You remember we debated this matter for quite some time. Now these debates amounted to nothing but serious lessons we should learn about ourselves and the need for self-evaluation, and self-reliance. We are now set for another round of foreign instruction in democracy as the rest of the world or risk being sanctioned.

The ‘triumphalism’ of liberal democratic ideology around the world particularly in Eastern Europe reminds Nigerians of the ‘salvation’ of market liberalism. ‘We can do better’, the western world continuously exhort us when market discipline shape our lives. The sad truth is that western interests despite a professed human compassion are leaving us to our own devises, political or economic conditionality notwithstanding. We cannot expect more from an increasingly cynical world who wish Nigerian problem should remain Nigerian affair. We should expect more of these international reactions.

In sociological terms our expectations of each other have suffered the worst defeat. Today, with the worsening condition of everyday existence, it is a war of all against all. None is spared. Husbands and wives, sons and daughters, all are at each other’s throats in desperate bid to survive. Everyday life has come to resemble those formally confined to men of the underworld. You are never sure of your safety even in the fortress of your own bedroom. You are the lucky one if men of the underworld have not paid a visit. Men of religious calling have suffered the same fate and in the process had their faith shaken. Interpersonal relations, which would have provided succour during periods of hardships and uncertainties, now take on the character of combat. You will never know what your neighbour or even your relations have in stock for you until they strike.

Today men and women treat each other in a war – like manner, each suspecting the ambitions of the other. In sexual relationships, lovers constantly worry about their ability to satisfy the opposite sex because they now view each other as a threat, as a competitor.

It is so also in the area of work when work ethics no longer excite enthusiasm. In days gone by, people took cherishing pride in what they do; teachers saw their work as a calling, doctors were driven by a desire to assist and heal the sick and the brick layer marvel at the beauty of a finished building. You must have noted it has ceased to be so. These days, people seek ways to easy riches. It is of course exceedingly so in a lawless, violent and exploitative society such as ours. It is a season of social anomie.

Responsible professionals, from the civil servants to captains of industries devise ways and means of giving less to a society where they expect and reap so much. Desperate and frustrated, members of society wishing for religious salvation are fleeced blindly by insensitive church leaders – the types that spring all over the place like mushrooms. In an age of diminishing expectations, citizens expect so much less from the members of the Armed Forces who the public now view as the problem and condemn the police for ineptitude and outright incompetence.

There is today a susceptible change on how the public evaluate success. For the true ‘Nigerian’, success must be ratified by fraudulent means.

Nobody cares how our monied men come by their wealth. It is all applauded when the captain of industry produces substandard goods and declares huge profits at shareholders’ annual general meeting.

The politician who habitually award contracts on the basis of 10 per cent kick-back, bankers who embezzle public funds entrusted in their care, the medical doctor who cares less of his patients at a public hospital but devotes particular time in his private clinic, the university lecturer who either receives bribes or invites attention from his female students, students who cheat in examination for success, all attest to the changing mode of making it in Nigeria. We still define success as wealth, power and fame and seem to have little interest in the substance of these achievements. In fact ‘what a man does matters less’ than the fact that he has made it.

Sociability and the demands of a decent society are atrophied. We all end up paying the price because the public does expect more in an age of diminished expectations.

• Concluded.

• Prof. Igweonwu, once with Union Carbide Corporation, New Jersey, U.S.A is a Professor of Politics, Novena University, Ogume, Delta State.

Remove impunity, not immunity

By Albinus Chiedu ECTION 308 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic Sdent, of Nigeria provides immunity for the President, Vice-PresiState Governors and their deputies. It states: “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this constitution, but subject to Sub-section (2) of this section, a. No civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office; b. A person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either in pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise; and c. No process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued.”

Impunity could be defined as “exemption from punishment, penalty or fine for flouting laws or rules.” Impunity appears to be the most suitable word to describe the motivation behind the reckless looting of public treasury by several former public office holders. Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori defrauded the state of £23 million ($37 million) through the sale of Delta State’s shares in V. Mobile, a Nigerian privatized phone company. How was he punished? A Nigerian court in Asaba, Delta State, headed by Justice Marcel Awokulehin cleared him of all the charges brought against him, before a United Kingdom-based court convicted him for fraud and money-laundering.

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former Governor of Bayelsa State was arrested with an amount close to one million British pounds in cash, in his London home. He was charged by British authorities with money laundering. He later jumped bail and returned to Nigeria. What was his punishment for this offence? A Nigerian court sentenced him to merely two years in prison in July 2007 and he spent a few months in jail. Today, he is a free man. The former Governor of Edo State, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion embezzled N2.9 billion but was asked by Enugu High Court to

merely refund about N500 million and forfeit three properties.

The list of examples of reckless looting of public funds by public officers is endless. A High Court at the Federal Capital Territory recently sentenced a former Assistant Director in the Police Pensions Office, Mr. John Yakubu Yusuf to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N750,000, after he admitted that he connived with others to steal over N20 billion that should have been used to pay retirement benefits. Many retirees (who have lost their lives) and their dependants have been victimized as a result of Yusuf’s crime. The minor punishment issued by this judgment has reduced their value to something of less value than the paltry N750,000 fine that Mr. Yusuf paid as punishment for his offence. In fact, the controversial judgment by Justice Talba seems to suggest that federal civil servants should continue to loot public treasury since very minimal punishment would be given to them if they are eventually caught or found guilty in the law court.

The punitive measures against impunity in Nigeria suggestively encourage rather than discourage it. From the examples mentioned above, it appears the challenge of fighting corruption among public officers has more to do with impunity than immunity. The argument for removal of the immunity clause has been based on the fact that it encourages corrupt practices by those it seeks to protect (that is, the President, Vice President, Governors and their deputies).

However, there are some former state governors who are now serving federal legislators. There are also some current local government chairmen and chief executives of federal agencies.

These are not protected by section 308. Some of them have allegedly committed, and some are still committing criminal offenses, including looting of public funds. Yet, they walk freely on the streets without any citizen or organisation pressing charges against them. Those entrusted with public funds steal them unscrupulously because they know and believe that nothing severe would happen to them when they are caught.

Therefore, the removal of immunity clause from Nigeria’s con-

stitution will contribute very little to the on-going anti-corruption programmes of the present administration. It could only lead to a situation whereby the few public office holders protected at present by the clause, would be required to appear in court almost on a daily basis due to litigations by the opposition. This would amount to a total distraction and create more excuses for failure of such politicians to perform, during their tenure. Rather than striving to eliminate immunity clause that only a few public officers enjoy, it would be more reasonable to channel such efforts towards the discouragement of impunity displayed by public office holders and many other citizens.

First, it is important that the existing laws against corrupt practices, including embezzlement of public funds, are strictly enforced to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. The strict enforcement of existing laws in Nigeria’s constitution will help to reduce impunity. Secondly, stealing of public funds should attract capital punishments such as death by hanging.

This will also go a long way in reducing the rate at which public funds are stolen. Those who are found guilty of this crime should be punished and seen to be punished. Again, the judiciary should begin to live up to expectations as regards its role in the crusade against corruption among public office holders. Judges of questionable character should not be allowed to handle high profile cases of corruption.

At instances where justice is suspected to have been compromised, punishment should be meted out to indicted representatives of the judiciary to avoid total loss of confidence in the last hope of the common man. The on-going review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is an opportunity to review the nation’s laws and strengthen sections that are capable of taming impunity among public office holders and the generality of Nigerian citizens.

Eliminating impunity will be more fruitful in the fight against corruption than removing the immunity clause.

• Chiedu is CEO, Output Communications, Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

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For The Record Competitive strategy: The perpetual struggle for a successful life Being continuation of the text of an inaugural lecture delivered by Prof. Ben Emukufia Akpoyomare Oghojafor, professor and Dean of Business Administration (Strategic Management), Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Lagos (UNILAG) at the Main Auditorium on Wednesday, January 23, 2013.

(The second part was published on Monday, March 18, 2013.)

Potential New Entrants UCCESS is like honey, everybody likes it; hence, ants are drawn to any location where honey is found. The newer entrants into the Nigerian GSM sector are a good example that drives this arm of the competitive forces. In July 2001, when the Nigerian digital mobile licence auction ended in Abuja, only three out of the five bidders were licensed to commence the GSM services operation in Nigeria, at a cost of N285 million each. The intense competition began with MTN, ECONET and MTEL. MTEL (old NITEL) was favoured to do well by all factors in the sector because it had already had functional telephone masts installed across the length and breadth of Nigeria, while the other two, MTN, and ECONET (now AIRTEL), were setting up installations for the first time (Adebisi, 2010). Against the foregoing background, one would have thought that MTEL would be the first to roll out its services, but this was never the case.

By August 6, 2001, ECONET became the first GSM operator to roll out its services on Nigerian soil.

This was the beginning of the competition. Two days later, on August 8, 2001, MTN rolled out its own services, becoming the second GSM service provider, after ECONET wireless. It is interesting to recall here that, in spite of this rivalry between the new entrants who did not even understand the telecommunication terrain of Nigeria, our “giant” NITEL, which had all the opportunities to be the first launcher, was still sleeping and was completely unaware of the growing intense competition. In 2002, when MTEL (NITEL) managed to begin operations, the tide had turned; instead of the new entrants competing with it, it became the firm that was running after the two other firms (MTN & ECONET). Unfortunately, MTEL has never recovered to tell the story of the intense race; it is still struggling with its epileptic and jaundice challenges.

Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Sir, if this my story ends here, the beauty of the understanding of competitive strategy which we want to highlight may not be well captured. Let me, therefore, quickly narrate the story of another new entrant, which came to profoundly destabilize the competitive arena. We all will recall that, at the beginning of the GSM era in 2001, many potential customers, who were very eager to have a taste of this new telecommunication technology, bought their SIM cards for as much as N50,000, and the GSM players were charging N50 per minute, even for a one-second call. This led to complaints by subscribers in early 2003. MTN and ECONET came out brazenly then to tell Nigerians that it was not possible for them to start per second billing, even in the next two years. Surprisingly, GLOBACOM entered the market on August 27, 2003, straight away with per second billing (PSB). Alas! The music and the dancing steps in the GSM sector changed 3600, and the stage was set for a new dimension of competition which brought down per-minute charge to N45 while customers paid for whatever they consumed per second. MTN & ECONET had no option other than to respond to this fierce entry strategy of GLOBACOM. Subsequently, ECONET adopted per-second billing (PSB) on November 27, 2003, while MTN adopted the same pricing technique on December 1, 2003, in response to the stiff competition created by the entrance of GLOBACOM and in a bid not to lose their market shares to GLOBACOM. As a result of this, by the December 2003 ratings of the GSM service providers, MTN that was controlling about 55% of the market, ECONET 35% and MTEL 10% in 2002, dropped to, MTN 52%, ECONET 31%, GLOBACOM (that had just been in existence for 3 months) 13% and MTEL 4% (Adebisi, 2011).

One would have thought that this dosage of tur-

S

Prof. Oghojafor bulence would provide sufficient competition among these players for some time before another major competitive force would make its entry. This was far from being the case. The moment the above 2003 ratings came out, those, who had been compelled to shed weight for others to acquire weight, were ready to have their pound of flesh and the player who acquired weight was ready to further gain more weight at the expense of other competitors. This led to the application of many other volatile competitive strategies by these firms in subsequent years. Year 2004 witnessed another round of competitive strategies built around connection fees. A GSM SIM-card, that had been selling for as much as N50,000 before, was re-packaged by GLOBACOM to bring down the connection fees (SIM card cost) to as low as N1 for basic prepaid customers. With immediate effect, the subscribers’ base hit 10 million in 2004 and the market share was redistributed, based on the ability to respond

to this competition in the following order: MTN 42%, ECONET (now AIRTEL) 24%, GLOBACOM 24% and MTEL 10% (Adebisi, 2010).

Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Sir, since my distinguished audience have followed my story of competitive strategy in Nigeria, they will discover that, it was not the oldest in the telecommunication history of Nigeria nor the first to roll out GSM service that eventually came to detonate the competitive bomb in the GSM industry. Rather, it was a new entrant, which, seeing the honey flowing, was ready to take its own share by reducing the shares of its rivals because that is the game of life, the game of success.

Each of the old players had had to introduce one competitive strategy or the other since 2005 till date. For example, MTN introduced a product of “buy one and get one free”, and consumers immediately reacted by switching from one service provider to another and begin sending MTN live as seasonal gift to loved ones. It is essential to remind ourselves that GLOBACOM

One would have thought that this dosage of turbulence would provide sufficient competition among these players for some time before another major competitive force would make its entry. This was far from being the case. The moment the above 2003 ratings came out, those, who had been compelled to shed weight for others to acquire weight, were ready to have their pound of flesh and the player who acquired weight was ready to further gain more weight at the expense of other competitors. This led to the application of many other volatile competitive strategies by these firms in subsequent years.

was unsuccessful in the first round but God blessed the company with all telecommunication accessing and it is fast becoming the winning giant in West Africa. However, another new entrant (ETISALAT) came into the GSM sector in 2008 with its own unique competitive strategy (Naija you choose your number) to gain from the existing market share in the sector. As at December 2011, the market shares of the mobile operators were redistributed according to the strength of their competitive strategies as follows: MTN 46%, (41, 641, 089 connected lines), GLOBACOM 22% (with 19,886,014 subscribers), AIRTEL 20% (with 18, 028, 385 connected lines), ETISALAT (EMTs) 12% (with 10,752,230 connected lines) and MTEL 0% (with 258,520 connected but inactive lines) (NCC Industry Statistics, 2012). Mr. Vice- Chancellor, Sir, the world’s recognition of Nigeria as the fastest growing telecommunication nation in Africa and second after China, globally, is the result of “COMPETITION AND COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES” by the players in the industry, as this lecture has sought to show. As at December 2011, Nigeria could boast of 124,801,018 connected lines, of which 95,836,714 were very active with a teledensity of 68.49; one of the best in Africa (NCC Industry Statistics, 2012).

However, the story of the Nigeria GSM telecommunication sector is a mixture of success and failure for the players. Today, MTEL’s share of 10% has been eroded by the competition while a new entrant (ETISALAT) of less than four years has accumulated 12%. There is no doubt that you will agree with me that competitive interplay was the engine that drove this performance within a decade, compared to the performance recorded by Nigeria from the existence of telecommunication services in the country from 1886 to 1999 (Adebisi, 2010). Today, it is evident that the various competitive strategies of each of the firms are responsible for the position which they occupy in the industry. As a matter of fact, the pressure of the competition had forced ECONET to undergo chameleonic changes five times (ECONET, CELTEL, VODAFONE, ZAIN) in order to sustain its present position in the industry, before it finally became AIRTEL. Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Sir, products and services that offer similar benefits to an industry are called substitutes. They are equally forces to contend with by the industry players. Many a time, firms focus much on their competitors, thereby ignoring the “threats posed by substitute”. Substitutes have the ability to reduce demand for a particular class of products and this happens whenever the customers switch to alternatives. In the case of the telecommunication sector, substitutes to the GSM services producers are the fixed wireless service providers, like Multilinks, Starcoms, Visa-fone, etc. These players are ready to capitalize on any error made by any of the GSM providers to woo their customers, thereby causing disequilibrium in brand loyalty. Besides, they are silent competitors operating like foxes whose activities can be very dangerous, for they can motivate a terrible price war that the major industry players may not have the ability to cope with.

Competition, using the Nigerian Fast Food Industry in the Porter’s Model Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Sir, to further highlight the message of this lecture for my audience and our University community, in particular, and Nigeria and the rest of Africa, in general, kindly permit me to present another scenario to reinforce my argument. The Nigerian Fast Food industry today is another industry that is experiencing competition at its peak. As explained, using the telecommunication sector as an example, the services and products being offered by many of the firms in the fast food industry (i.e., Mr. Biggs, Tastee Fried Chicken, Tantalizer, Chicken Republic, Sweet Sensation, Big Treat, Mama Cass, etc.) are homogeneous and differentiation seems not pronounced. There is the fierce battle to control a reasonable share of the market by each of these firms among themselves, but the ultimate battle

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

70 FOR THE RECORD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 69 that none of them has been able to win is the competitive battle against the substitutes. For every product you find in Mr. Biggs, Tastee Fried Chicken, Tantalizer, Chicken Republic or any of the standard eateries in Nigeria, you find the same product right there on the road in a “showglass” beside every bus stop and at the juncture of every small and big street in many Nigerian cities. Be it Burger, Meat Pie, Roasted chicken, peppered chicken, sausage-roll, hot dog, scotch egg, fried rice, jollof rice, doll-nut, dough or salad, they are available all over the place at very ridiculously affordable prices. Worse still is the weight of the competition of the local eatery, the buka, against these eateries. Some of these bukas combine all the products and offer them at very cheap prices. There is, in addition, the micro-entrepreneur’s appreciation of the customers’ good-bye message. Therefore, it becomes much more difficult for the sophisticated food firms to win competition against these substitutes. Indeed, many of these fast food firms have had occasion to wind down because they were situated too near some of the substitutes. The point is that the bukas offer substitutes with minimal overhead costs to the customers at the prices that are not possible for the fast food industry to sell similar products, packaged in nylon raps and differentiated with brand logos. This challenge poses a strong competitive force to the fast food industry and requires competitive strategies that can enhance optimum production and capacity utilization in this sector in manners that will prevent, or, at least, lower the threats of the substitutes. It is pertinent to observe that product-life cycle of Fast Food/Buka Industry is shorter than any other for obvious reasons.

The other two forces involved are suppliers and buyers. Most of the source in-puts required to be out-sourced by the firms are from external suppliers. In a situation where few suppliers dominate the industry and these few suppliers are equally the ones supplying the competitors, there are bound to be challenges. The suppliers will likely have higher bargaining powers than the firms. This will further heat up the competition arena. Similarly, it is indisputable that customers are very essential to the survival of any firm. Customers become a competitive force when a few large customers account for the majority that purchase a particular firm’s product. Customers will also become a serious force if they can switch between or among firms at very low costs and rely confidently on substitute products as alternatives. It is my earnest hope that the above detailed concrete examples would have provided the audience, and my eventual readers, with a clear insight into the natural reasons for competition. There are some inherent forces that will drive competition, whether the firms or individuals like it or not; hence, the need to launch an appropriate and calculative competitive strategy, using the firm’s core competencies to win the game of rivalry.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AND CORE COMPETENCIES Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Sir, in our discipline, spirited efforts must always be made to outline possible solutions to every problem or challenge identified by us in any business scenario. Therefore, the effective blends of competitive strategies employed by the firms, outlined as competitive forces, will give them the winning card in the game of competitive strategy. This winning card is what we call ‘competitive advantage and core competency’. As simply defined by Thompson, Gamble and Strickland (2006): “Competitive strategy is the firm’s objective that ‘knocks’ the ‘socks’ off rival companies by doing a better job of providing a product offering that best satisfies buyers needs and preference.”

Competitive strategy, which is a plan to execute the game of competition successfully, is primarily concerned with the firm’s efforts to pursue and achieve competitive advantage and core competencies in its industry. Firms basically engage the use of competitive strategy with the sole aim of gaining competitive advantage (Oghojafor, 1998). Competitive advantage is said to be achieved by a firm whenever it offers better products or services at the same price with that of competitors. In this connection, Barney (1995) asserts that: “A sustained competitive advantage is achieved only when competitors have failed in efforts to duplicate the benefit of a firm’s strategy or when they lack the confidence to attempt imitation.”

How does an organisation achieve this competitive advantage?

It is basically hinged on the core competencies.

Core competencies are resources and capabilities that serve as a source of a firm’s competitive advantage over rivals. It is the core competencies that will distinguish a company competitively and reflect its personality (Hitt, et al 2006). According to Hafeez, Zhang and Malek (2002): “Core competencies are the crown jewels of a company, the activities the company performs especially WELL, compared to competitors, and through which the firm adds unique value to its goods or services over a long period of time.”

Competitive strategy: The perpetual struggle for a successful life (3) It is not all the resources and capabilities of an organisation that are qualified to enhance competitive advantage. But those core ones, that the organisation has a better advantage in leveraging on, and which the competitors cannot match, will eventually be the strategic tools for achieving competitive advantage.

How does a firm determine which of its resources are qualified to be termed core competencies? Barney (1995) suggested two tools that are responsible for helping a firm to identify and build core competencies, as first used

by Porter (1985) as: valuable, rare, costly-to-imitate, and none- substitutable capacities. The second tool he called Value Chain Analysis.

Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Sir, whenever an organisation seeks to build competitive advantage, it must have capabilities that are of value to its customers, which the customers attach preference to in considering such a firm’s product/service over those of the competitors.

Firstly, competitive advantage will be achievable if a firm possesses “unique capabilities that are very rare and uncommon”, compared to that of competitors. For example, the strategic location of the University of Lagos in Lagos State, which is the economic hub and commercial heart of Nigeria, makes the University unique.

Secondly, the more “difficult and expensive it is for competitors to imitate capabilities”, the better the advantage which such a firm’s position enjoys. This is always enhanced when a firm has been in the industry for some years ahead of the competitors. Such firms pick up skills, abilities and resources that are unique to them, thereby reflecting their particular path through history. Again, in this respect, our UNILAG is a typical example. Thirdly, costly-toimitate capabilities can arise from the advantage of a firm being in the right place at the right time, with a very sound organisational culture that is very difficult to imitate. Again, in this connection, our UNILAG provides an ideal example in each of the following: Professor Alfred A. Susu, Professor V.O.S. Olunloyo and Professor Tolulope Olukayode Odugbemi, who are National Merit Award Winners, and Professor Ukachi Ezeigbo an LNG Prize Winner for Literature. Lastly, here is the “non-substitutable capability”. This involves capability that is durable and that does not have strategic equivalents or that cannot be matched by the competitors. Imitating such a capability is practically impossible and frustrating to the competitors. It therefore results in a sustainable competitive advantage tool to such a firm. May I say again that our University of Lagos is equally an example of this. As an Alumnus, who proudly identifies with this great University on all occasions, I feel bold to say that hardly can any University in Nigeria parade the high calibre and quality of the alumni produced by University of Lagos. Great Akokites!

Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Sir, the second tool of analysis in determining what constitutes a core competence useful for competitive advantage, is value chain analysis. In this regard, Porter (1985) argued that: “Value chain analysis will allow the firm to understand the points of its operation that create value and those that do not.

Understanding of this concept is imperative because the firm earns above-average return only when the value it creates from the combination of its primary activities and support activities is greater than the costs incurred to create such a value.”

The analysis of the chain is done in two folds.

The primary activities comprise products/services, marketing and sales, outbound logistics operations, and inbound logistics operations. The support activities include the firm’s infrastructure, human resource management, procurement and technological development. The ability of a firm to ensure the effective and efficient combination of these activities together to create value that are lesser in cost than that of the competitors will earn such a firm a sustainable competitor’s advantage.

The reason is that such a firm will have the ability to earn more value or profits whenever it offers its product at the same price with that of the competitors. Besides, such a firm can use price war as competitive advantage because it has the ability to produce at lower costs, compared to the competitors. The benefit of these value chain analyses comes from the ability of firms to differentiate their strengths from their weaknesses and clearly identify what constitute core competencies, based on the four characteristics that have been earlier emphasized. It is also vitally important to stress that only the strengths that

a firm has, and not possessed by other competitors, that can be termed core competencies. Similarly, there are other strategic advantages to be pursued as complements of competitive advantage in the contemporary competitive environment, which include: adaptive advantage, signal advantage and people advantage. Mr. Vice- Chancellor, Sir, permit me to quickly shed some light on these new techniques of achieving competitive advantage in competition.

Adaptive Advantage In “New Bases of Competitive Advantage,” Reeves, Deimler, Morieux and Nicol (2009) argued that increased turbulence in the business environment has invalidated an implicit and critical assumption of classical business strategy: that competition is sufficiently stable and predictable for the basis of competitive advantage to be readily determined. Traditional approaches to strategic planning become futile in a world in which the key variables are constantly shifting and difficult to forecast. In view of this, three important dimensions of turbulence can be distinguished: volatility in market positions, unpredictability of outcomes, and the widening gap in performance between winners and losers. Most industries have experienced instability on, at least, one of these dimensions, but some, such as technology-driven industries and commercial banking, have been affected on all the three. The hardest hit industries are those that have been disproportionately affected by globalization, deregulation, digitalization, connectivity, deconstruction, and the shift from products to services.

Mr. Vice Chancellor, Sir, as a result of the above, most companies, especially those in industries characterized by both unpredictability and a high rate of change, need a more adaptive and dynamic approach to strategy - an approach that emphasizes iterative experimentation in order to overcome the limitations of deductive approaches, and keep pace with incessant changes. In the words of Reeves et al. (2009): “An organization is said to have gained adaptive advantage whenever it has the ability to achieve superior outcomes in a turbulent environment by continuously reshaping the enterprise through a process of managed evolution better than the competitors can do.”

Signal Advantage The volatility of the Nigerian business environment today has made forecasts difficult and adaptation to incessant changes very essential. There is no doubt that there are escalating levels of digitalization, connectivity and processing power which are making the rapid interpretation of external signals increasingly possible, even as the avalanche of data has made it much more challenging. Smart competitors are already raising the competitive bar in many industries and pursuing signal advantage, which is the ability to rapidly capture, interpret and act upon signals gleaned from rich and dynamic data (Reeves,

Customers become a competitive force when a few large customers account for the majority that purchase a particular firm’s product.

Customers will also become a serious force if they can switch between or among firms at very low costs and rely confidently on substitute products as alternatives. It is my earnest hope that the above detailed concrete examples would have provided the audience, and my eventual readers, with a clear insight into the natural reasons for competition. There are some inherent forces that will drive competition, whether the firms or individuals like it or not; hence, the need to launch an appropriate and calculative competitive strategy, using the firm’s core competencies to win the game of rivalry.

Prof. Oghojafor David, Deimler, Thiel and Trollinger, 2009).

The volume of data confronting organizations has risen dra- matically with lots of complexities. At the same time, the shelf life of data has declined dramatically as a result of rapid Readiness (anticipation) • Environmental sensing • Scenario/ megatrend • External network and openness • System shaping Responsiveness (agility) • Shorter cycle time (continuousness) • Modularity • Decentralization • Signal transduction • Fast mobilization • Rough plan Resilience (robustness) • Redundancy • Diversity • Loose coupling • Reserve and Buffer • Insurance and hedging • Environment shaping Recursion (evolution) • Experimentation • Learning • Mobilisation • Iteration • Modulation based on experience replication and diffusion. Storage capacity has also grown, but not at a sufficient pace to accommodate the explosion of information generated.

Smart businesses are effectively using business information for competitive advantage, while many are still struggling to update and connect complex legacy systems to manage an overwhelming stream of incoming data.

Owing to this, investment in “I.T.” has risen, and some organizations are investing heavily in this to create a business environment that is very difficult for the competitors to operate in. Therefore, firms that fail to embrace signal advantage will likely be left behind by information-agile competitors. In today’s competitive environment, to be a leading firm in any industry, a firm must build signal advantage.

This is done by capturing a ladder of benefits to focus on the right information, extract relevant signals, act upon them rapidly, leverage them to reinvent business models, and even reshape the information landscape of the industry.

In developing Signal Advantage, it is important to assess one’s starting position by considering the following questions: • What types of data and data sources are we overlook- ing that could provide signal advantage?

• How quickly and deeply are we detecting and inter- preting patterns about changing customer needs and conditions?

• How rapidly are our insights converted into actions? What is our “clock speed” in relation to competitors, customers and technology?

• How is our company reshaping the information land- scape to its own advantage?

• Do we have the right human and techno-

TO BE CONTINUED

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THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2012

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Sports Why we registered LMC, by Irabor From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HAIRMAN of the Interim C League Management Committee, Nduka Irabor, yes-

Super Eagles players celebrating their victory over Burkina Faso in the final match of the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa. The players have pledged to beat Kenya in Calabar on Saturday.

PHOTO: AFP.

Ahead Brazil 2014 World Cup

Reps wade into Eagles’ threat to boycott qualifier over unpaid $80,000 bonuses From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HEAD of Saturday’s Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya, the Sports Committee of the Federal House of Representatives yesterday said it would ensure the Super Eagles got their bonuses for the Nations Cup final match against Burkina Faso to ensure the players fully concentrate on the qualifier.

The representatives said they

A

decided to take the step to nip in the bud the players’ threat of boycotting the World Cup qualifier if their Nations cup final match bonus was not settled before Saturday.

The NFF recently said it has no problems with the players over their outstanding match bonuses, insisting that the players have not raised any complaint since the whole issue was explained to them before they left South Africa at the end of the Nations Cup.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Sports Committee, Godfrey Ali Gaiya, said yesterday in Abuja that the NFF owed the players and officials $800, 000 as bonuses from the teams’ last AFCON match, adding that the outstanding debt has not been offloaded by the federation because of the non-release of the team’s full grant for the AFCON. Gaiya, who urged the players to concentrate on the game

against Kenya on Saturday, disclosed that he has taken the matter to the speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who, he said, has agreed to take up the matter with the Presidency to ensure that the Federal Government allocation to the NFF for the Nations Cup is released soon.

“Let me authoritatively tell you that yes, N790 million was approved by the Federal Government for the Nations

Harambee Stars arrive, promise to give Eagles tough fight K

ENYA’S ambitious Harambee Stars flew into Lagos yesterday hoping they would not be too much of a mincemeat for African champions Nigeria in Saturday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Calabar.

A delegation of 20 players and 11 officials will sleep over in Lagos before flying into Calabar on Thursday, to be accommodated at Channel View Hotel.

The supercharged Nigerians, with a full house training in Canaan City for the showdown, believe they have all going for them as they file out against a side that had never beaten them previously.

Nigeria and Kenya have clashed at senior level 13 times previously, with Nigeria coming out tops in 11 of them, the remaining two drawn.

Their first-ever meeting was on May 8, 1968 when the Nigerians, on the way from an Olympic Games qualifying match in Ethiopia, stopped by in Nairobi for a friendly and inflicted a 2-1 defeat on their hosts.

Another friendly in Nairobi eight years later ended 1-1, but in August 1981, Nigeria won yet another friendly in Nairobi 3-1 with goals from Henry Nwosu, Ifeanyi Onyedika and Emmanuel Osigwe.

Fatai Amoo and Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), scored in a 3-0 defeat of the Harambee Stars in a World Cup qualifier in Nairobi in April, 1985 with the Eagles completing the rout 3-1 in Lagos two weeks later.

The last two meetings between the teams came in

2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying series in 2009, Nigeria winning 3-0 in Abuja (with goals by Ikechukwu Uche and Obinna Nsofor) and then nicking the return 3-2 in Nairobi on the last day of the series, to earn a ticket to South Africa.

The African champions have a number of haymakers in their fold, with returnee Obafemi Martins in ferocious mood for Saturday’s tie.

Left out of the squad to the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, and therefore with a point to prove, the much-traveled marksman never needs an excuse to go goals-wire.

Harambee Stars will remember Martins with pain in their hearts as he pumped in two of those goals in Nairobi in November 2009. Given to brace accomplishments in World Cup

qualifiers, Martins also hit double in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Algeria in Oran and Zimbabwe in Abuja, and even in his first competitive match for Nigeria – a 2-0 defeat of Rwanda in Abuja in June 2004.

There are also Cup of Nations’ hero Sunday Mba, the pacy Ahmed Musa and Ukrainebased newcomer Michael Babatunde with so much to prove.

The elegant Victor Moses, who shocked Africa with the way he easily adjusted to the African game in his very first tournament, in South Africa, will once more be cynosure of all eyes at the U.J.Esuene Stadium, where he scored a brace against Liberia’s Lone Star in a Cup of Nations qualifier in November last year.

Cup. As I am talking you now, only N590 million was released throughout the championship. So we still have a balance of about N200 million yet to be released.

terday gave the February 2012 declaration by an Abuja federal court that both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) are illegal bodies as reasons the committee decided to register a new company to manage the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Irabor, who is the chairman of the 13-man interim committee set up by the NFF to manage and organise the 2012/2013 league season, following the impeachment of the NPL Chairman, Victor Rumson Baribote by the NPL congress, said he was not unmindful of the legal status of the parent body, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or Nigeria Football Association (NFA), adding that his committee explored all legal avenues to escape any litigation in future.

Reacting to the criticisms that has trailed the change of name of the NPL to the LMC, Irabor noted that with the illegal NPL in the process of being wound up by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as directed by a federal high court, the registration of new name, League Management Committee became necessary because the interim management committee must have a platform and corporate entity to hang on for the interest of the league.

He added that he did not subscribe any share to himself as being reported in a section of the media, noting that he was only holding the 20,000 shares in his capacity as the LMC chairman on trust for the league clubs.

His words, “we want to inform you that we have changed our name to League Management Company (LMC) and the reason is that both the NFL or NPL or whatever name it was called, were illegal. I need to declare that it was the pronouncement of the Abuja High Court. I’m sure that many people are familiar with the case.”

Globacom seals N550m NPFL title right deal with LMC • To pay annual increment of 10 percent • Buys up Total Promotion’s deal with N100m From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja FTER series of meetings A and disagreements between Globacom and Total Promotions on the title sponsorship right of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPL), it seem that the protracted tussle have come to an end.

The League Management Company (LMC) disclosed yesterday that it has finally sealed a N550 million annual deal with Globacom for the league title right.

The interim Chairman of the Nigerian elite league regulatory body, Nduka Irabor disclosed in Abuja yesterday that the deal would run for three years, adding that the telecommunications company also paid N100 million to Total Promotions to buy out the sponsorship deal.

Brandishing two cheques from the telecommunications

outfit containing the N550 million to the league body and the N100 million sponsorship buy out sum for Total Promotions, the league boss praised the efforts of the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, for bringing both parties to an agreement and helping to settle the matter settle out of court.

He disclosed that with the improved sponsorship deal, Globacom will have the title and sponsorship right of the league for a period of three years with an annual 10 per cent increment to be paid after an initial N550 million.

“There is nothing under the law that compelled us to continue with the deal the former sponsors signed. But, we also understand the peculiar situation of the involvement of the former sponsors. It is not as a right because as I keep saying, this regulator is not NFL but LMC.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

SPORTS 73

Ahead Brazil 2014 World Cup

NFF directs Warri Wolves, Rangers to sheathe sword over Mba

By Gowon Akpodonor HE Nigeria Football T Federation (NFF) has directed the management of Warri Wolves and Rangers of Enugu to sheathe their swords in the battle of ownership of Super Eagles star, Sunday Mba, because of the 2014 World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Calabar this weekend.

In the past few months, the management of Wolves and Rangers have been at daggers drawn over the ownership of Mba. It got to a stage when the NFF was forced to set up a special panel to look into the dispute, but the panel has not revealed the outcome of its marathon meeting in Abuja on the issue.

The bitter dispute over Mba’s ownership prompted coach Stephen Keshi to declare that he may consider dropping the star from the squad for the World Cup showdown in Calabar.

The Guardian learnt yesterday that Wolves and Rangers decided to ‘hold back’ their weapons following a directive from the football house to allow the player concentrate on the crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya this

weekend.

Mba played for Wolves in the last domestic season before he went ahead to negotiate a return to former club, Rangers, a few weeks before the AFCON in South Africa.

At the end of the tournament, where Mba gained cult hero status by scoring the goal that won Nigeria the trophy, the 24-year-old midfielder became a hot cake in the international transfer market.

Meanwhile, an agent from an Eastern European club is said to have opened communication with the management of Warri Wolves on their interest to sign Mba. Sources said the agent got in touch with the Chairman of Delta State Sports Council, Pinnick Amaju, who was said to have referred him to Emmanuel Ibru, who apparently is a consultant to the club on international transfers. Nothing has been heard about the deal.

Mba recently made a passionate appeal to the management of Warri Wolves and Rangers to ‘amicably settle’ their dispute over his ownership.

The player has scored five goals in 10 appearances for Nigeria.

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, and players, with Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, when the team visited Government House, Calabar, to present its 2012 AFCON trophy to the governor… yesterday. With them (second right) is NFF First Vice President, Mike Umeh.

LCI pegs charity golf tourney’s entry fee at N5,000 • Seeks donation towards building project at LUTH LAYERS, who want to parP ticipate in the Lions Club International charity golf

tournament, will pay N5,000 as entry fee, the organisers have said.

The tournament holds on Saturday at the Golf Course of Ikoyi Club 1938, and according to the chairman of the organising committee, Lion Tunji Oni, the fee would serve as the individual’s donation to Lions Club International’s building project at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH at Idi-Araba, Lagos.

Hockey season opens with Ilorin’s NHF/SHI Indoor Five-Aside tourney HE Nigeria Hockey T Federation (NHF) will flick off the 2013 season in style

Sunday Mba

Agbakoba, Falana, six others make Lawyers League quarterfinals LISA Agbakoba & O Associates, Falana & Falana and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice are among the teams that have qualified for the quarterfinals of the on-going Bankole Olumide Aluko Memorial Football Tournament, also known as the Lawyers League.

Also in the quarterfinals, which hold on April 7, are Aelex Partners, SPA Ajibade & Co., Probitas Partners/B. Ayorinde, Banwo & Ighodalo and Ricky Tarfa & Co. The teams have been divided into two groups in the quarterfinals with Group A featuring Olisa Agbakoba & Associates, Falana & Falana, Aelex Partners and Spa

Ajibade & Co. Group B has Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Probitas Partners/B. Ayorinde, Banwo & Ighodalo and Rickey Tarfa & Co. The organisers in a release made available to The Guardian disclosed that as in previous years, the quarterfinal fixtures was made by matching the winner of Group A against the last qualifier in Group B, the winner of Group B against the last qualifier in Group A, the first runner up in Group A against the second runner up in Group B, as well as, the first runner up in Group B against the second runner up in Group A.

with the Sustainable HealthCare Initiative (SHI) indoor five-aside hockey competition, which holds in Ilorin tomorrow and Saturday.

Sponsored by the Chief Insight Officer of SHI (a non profit organisation), Mike Omotosho, who also hails from Ilorin, the tournament is expected to help propagate the principles of sound healthcare among Nigerians and promote the new hockey initiative, Indoor Five-Aside.

The two-day tournament will flag off tomorrow at the Indoor Hall of Ilorin Township Stadium and end on Saturday.

The state will be fielding two teams against teams from Union Bank, Rivers State, Yobe State, Oyo State and Police teams, as well as, Edo and Delta states.

Omotosho said the support and sponsorship was borne out of his love for the game and the need to bring back the good old days of hockey to Ilorin.

“Hockey used to be popular in Ilorin and it has produced top players like Tunde Adeyemi and Tunde Ogundele and l believe its magic can be re-enacted again here. At SHI we are also in the forefront of promoting sporting events because it is a catalyst to promoting sound health.”

The tournament, Lion Oni added, is being held in aid of the Mercy Home building project, which is part of LCI’s effort to bring relief to underprivileged persons in the society.

He also said that it was conceived to alleviate the physical and psychological trauma of parents with children that have cancer and other terminal diseases at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Meanwhile, the LCI District 404B Nigeria is appealing to individuals and corporate citizens to partner with it by donating generously to this

noble cause.

“We are looking for N40 million to actualise the project and we want kind-hearted Nigerians and non-Nigerians as well as corporate citizens to join us as we intend to put smiles on the cheeks of the less privileged Nigerians.

“We want to build a 20-room house where parents, who are struggling for the survival of their children and at the same time sleeping in corridors with nowhere for personal hygiene, can have a place to sleep or relax,’’ said Lion Oni. “We have the Adopt-A-Room form where individuals or organisations through a minimum donation of N1 million can adopt a room in the Mercy

Home. A recognition plaque with the name of the adoptee will be placed on the entrance of each room. Apart from recognition, corporate social responsibility value propositions are also attached to each room,’’ he added.

A roll of honour donation plaque would be unveiled at the awards night to differentiate the levels of support and mounted at the entry of the Mercy Home, he said, adding, ‘’in addition, each Roll of Honour Donor will be given an appreciation plaque. All monetary donations should be made via cheques /Bank draft in favour of Lions Club International District 404B project account.’’

HFN trains 14 referees, Moses thumbs up youth tourney

By Adeyinka Adedipe HE Handball Federation of T Nigeria (HFN) referees’ commission has awarded National Grade Three badges to 14 referees, who attended a two-week training during the just comcluded National

under 12 and under 15 handball championship in Isanlu, Kogi State at the weekend.

The training, conducted by International Handball Federation (IHF) certified instructor, Major Yakubu Uduanokhai and HFN referees’ boss, Moses Balogun, was

Ogun and Gombe states battling for honours during the 18th National Sports Festival, tagged Eko 2012. The hockey season will flick off tomorrow in Ilorin.

meant to acquaint the participants on the modern officiating technique of the sports.

The participants were drawn from across the country and they were between the ages of 16 and 20.

Balogun explained that the referees’ commission targeted young people because it would allow them stay longer in the game.

He stated that since he was elected over a year ago, he has conducted similar courses for old and new referees in Lagos, Calabar and Sokoto, adding that he was encouraging young people to take up refereeing so that by 25 years, they would have gained the needed experience to officiate in top games.

“My dream for officiating in handball is to see it grow to a level that we will have many top referees, who can officiate in the leagues and international competitions. We are also encouraging young people to take up refereeing so that they can stay longer in the game,” he said.

Balogun said what the referees’ body was doing was in line with IHF directives, and assured that more of such courses would take place in future.

He said some of the participants were still active players, who would join the referees’ body as soon as they quit the game.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

74 SPORTS

FIFA hits back at Mourinho’s over fixed awards

Real exit not agreed, says Mourinho Mourinho dismissed JanOSE reports that he has reached agreement with Real Madrid to leave at the end of the season.

Mourinho is widely reported to have a less than smooth relationship with club president Florentino Perez, and it is expected that he will not continue at the helm of Real beyond this summer.

But the Portuguese tactician - who admits his next job is likely to be in England - is adamant that an agreement is already in place “I have no agreement with Real Madrid to go. I have signed nothing, that’s a nonsense,” Mourinho told RTP. “The criticism? Nothing affects me, nothing bothers me. I do not go crazy nor do I get depressed. Nothing motivates me more than my own motivation.”

He was again quizzed about his future and said, “my future? I am not training outside of Spain, England, Italy or France.”

Mourinho was nominated for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year award, but he did not attend the gala and he criticised the voting policy.

“I don’t regret not attending the gala at all,” he said.

“One, two or three people phoned me to tell me that they had voted for me and later, when the list of votes was published, another name appeared by their votes. That was why I decided not to go to the gala.

“I’m accusing FIFA of irregularities in the vote for best manager in the world. There was a lack of transparency.

FIFA was aware of these irregularities, knowing they were there, but did nothing to avoid them.”

FIFA denied Mouirinho’s claims.

IFA has defended the FCoach integrity of its World of the Year award in

Mourinho

I was treated like ‘an animal,’ says Boateng C Milan midfielder, KevinA Prince Boateng described how he was treated like “an animal” by six Pro Patria fans accused of chanting racial abuse.

In response to repeated abusive chants from a section of the crowd during a friendly game against the fourth-tier club on January 3, the former Tottenham and Portsmouth player kicked the ball into the stands before leading his team-mates off the pitch.

Boateng’s actions resulted in the abandonment of the match and sparked fresh

debate on the problem of racism in football, with the 26-year-old set to meet FIFA President, Sepp Blatter in Zurich tomorrow to discuss the issue further, having criticised the governing body for not doing more to tackle it.

The Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday reported how Boateng told judge Toni Adet Novik at a court in Busto Arsizio he had suffered similar abuse during his time in Germany, where he represented both Hertha Berlin and Borussia Dortmund.

He said, “every time I touched

Ambassador Beckham lands in Beijing AVID Beckham has arrived D in China to help develop young soccer players.

Beckham will attend league matches in China and visit schools to promote the game at grassroots level.

The former England captain said he isn’t concerned about the match-fixing scandals in China, where several players and officials were sentenced to prison. ‘’I’m not here to clean up anything. I’m here to educate the children and give them a chance to become professional footballers,’’ said Beckham during his first appearance as ambassador at a Beijing primary school.

Beckham, who left the Los Angeles Galaxy in December, said he hasn’t ruled out playing professionally in China one day. ‘’Who knows? People keep saying that it will be my last

Beckham

club, it will be my last season,’’ said the 37-year-old midfielder, now with Paris SaintGermain. ‘’I continue to play and I love playing, so we’ll see.’’

Beckham is scheduled to play an exhibition game in China in November, five months after his contract with PSG expires. If he opts to retire, the match could mark the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star’s swansong before he switches focus to his career off the field.

Developing a youth program is considered a priority for the CSL, with a mere 8,000 players of all ages registered at local associations in a nation of 1.3 billion people.

Beckham indicated he would take a strong interest in inspiring and training talented young players who might one day represent their nation internationally.

‘’I think it’s important that we get a process in hand,’’ he said.

A weak youth system, along with rampant corruption, has been blamed in part for the Chinese national team’s poor international results. The country has only played once at the World Cup in 2002.

the ball I could hear chants being directed straight at me a kind of ‘buh buh’ noise that you’d make at an animal.

“I think they were insulting me because my skin isn’t white. It happened in Germany too and for me this is clearly racism.”

Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri and fullback Daniele Bonera, who captained the Rossoneri during the ill-fated match, also testified against the accused Pro Patria fans.

“He was very shocked and saddened,” Allegri said. “He was not happy over the following days. These are serious incidents which must not happen and the decision to interrupt the match was the right one.”

Milan players Sulley Muntari, M’Baye Niang and Urby Emanuelson - who is currently on loan at Fulham were also targeted, according to Bonera.

“He was being insulted every time he touched the ball and

the (black) players were very upset,” he said.

“The chants reminded me of monkey noises and I think he’s intelligent enough to know the difference between a racist chant and normal teasing.”

Boateng

the wake of Jose Mourinho’s extraordinary claim that the process was fixed.

The Real Madrid coach said in a TV interview on Tuesday that he was right not to attend the 2012 Ballon d’Or Gala, highlighting an apparent adjustment of voters’ submissions which he suggested had compromised his hopes of winning the award given to the year’s outstanding boss.

Mourinho told Record, “do I regret not attending the gala? No, it was the right decision. They called me more than once. Two or three people said they voted for me but they appeared in another vote so I decided not to go.”

FIFA has responded by claiming Mourinho is wide of the mark in his assessment that votes were altered.

A spokesperson for the world game’s governing body told Goal.com, “we can confirm that the list of votes published on FIFA.com is accurate.”

The FIFA website provides an exhaustive list of votes from the captains, coaches and media representatives of all of its member nations.

Mourinho, who was nominated, failed to get enough votes as Spain’s Coach, Vicente del Bosque, who led La Roja to a third successive international triumph at Euro 2012, emerged victorious.

Mourinho also claimed his Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo should have won the Ballon d’Or, rather than defending champion Lionel Messi.

“Cristiano should have won the award to the best player in the world,” he told RTP1.

“He was champion in La Liga, he was decisive in the league with all the records.”

Ronaldo scored 46 of the Blancos’ 121 goals as they marched to the Primera Division title in 2011-12 ahead of Messi’s Barcelona.

England key to Lampard move RANK Lampard has conFEngland firmed he will speak to boss, Roy Hodgson, if his next career move threatened to take him outside Europe.

Despite his sensational form for Chelsea, which includes netting his 200th goal for the Stamford Bridge outfit against West Ham on Sunday, still there has been no offer of a contract extension.

It leaves Lampard’s future beyond the end of this season in doubt.

Clearly, the 34-year-old will not be short of options.

Major League Soccer has been mentioned as one possible destination, whilst lucrative contracts are also available in the oil-rich Gulf States, in addition to the Far East.

Yet all those destinations would take Lampard away from England, and into a football arena of dubious quality.

The midfielder insists it is not an issue he has given much thought to at present.

However, when he does, Lampard intends to consult Hodgson.

“Whilst I am available for England I want to do my best to try and put myself in the

squad,” he said.

“If I am playing and in good enough form, I’d like to be included if we qualify for Brazil. That doesn’t rule anything out. I’ve seen players get picked before playing all over the world.

“If there’s ever a time, whenever it is, where there is an option of going outside Europe, I am sure Roy and I would have the conversation, whether it’s before or during.”

Lampard certainly does not view that conversation as being a difficult one, if and when it happens.

For whilst questions might be asked over the manner in which Hodgson dealt with Rio Ferdinand’s botched call-up given the Manchester United man was evidently not fit enough to accept, Lampard has found communication under the 65-year-old to be a smooth process.

“Roy has been a breath of fresh air,” he said.

“I know players will always wax lyrical about their current managers, that’s just the nature of the beast. You can’t expect them to say negatives.

But I’m being honest talking about Roy. He’s a gentleman,

first and foremost.

“From the minute I first sat down with him at Chelsea when he came to meet a few of us there before the Euros, I found him a very personable bloke, very dedicated on the

Lampard

training ground, very driven, very pushed, very easy and friendly to talk to - in a good way.

“I have complete respect for him. With me, his communication has been fantastic.”

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

SPORTS 75

English Premiership

Szczesny’ s dad blasts Wenger A

RSENAL boss, Arsene Wenger must take some responsibility for the drop in form of keeper Wojciech Szczesny - according to the players’ father.

Szczesny was axed for the Champions League game against Bayern Munich last week, with Wenger claiming the 22-year-old had been “mentally affected” by the number of games played.

The Poland international was then put on the bench for the Barclays Premier League win at Swansea, where Lukasz Fabianski kept a second consecutive clean sheet.

Szczesny has joined up with the Poland squad ahead of their World Cup Group H qualifiers against Ukraine and San Marino, but Southampton keeper Artur Boruc is expected to be first

choice, with Brighton’s Tomasz Kuszczak providing support.

Maciej Szczesny - who won seven caps for Poland and helped Legia Warsaw reach the quarter-finals of the 199596 Champions League - feels Wenger needs to look at how he handled his son, who has been hampered by a series of niggling injury problems.

In an interview with Poland’s leading sport daily paper Przeglad Sportowy, the senior Szczesny said, “Wenger already started to look for the scapegoat. It is not the way the boss should behave.

“Wojciech has had two serious injuries. He played with one in April and May (last year). He shouldn’t have agreed to play that time, but the coach insisted.

“Wojciech did not train the

whole week and then a warm up on Friday and played the match on Saturday. He was naturally more susceptible to minor injuries and his form was going down.

“Wenger was playing with the young man’s good health and Wojciech agreed foolishly.

“In my opinion Mr. Wenger messed up a lot in April and May. I don’t blame the young man who went along with his coach, his current lack of form is a result of those two months.

“Then in August there was a foot (ankle) injury after which he played almost instantly.

After seven weeks out Wojciech trained for just seven days and played the match.

How on earth can he be on his highest form?”

Despite taking Szczesny out

of the firing line and warning no-one can be guaranteed of a place in the team - not even captain Thomas Vermaelen Wenger has said Szczesny is part of his long-term plans, having brought the youngster through the Arsenal Academy after signing from hometown side Legia Warsaw in 2006.

Szczesny Snr is confident his son will soon establish himself as the Arsenal number one again.

“This last period has not been successful for Wojciech, the fact that Arsene Wenger did not take him to Munich shows something,” Maciej Szczesny added.

“However, I think my son can be the number one (Arsenal) keeper over 10 years, he just needs to come back to form and then a situation where we can stop to wonder who will stand between the posts.”

Williams refutes Swansea’s exit WANSEA defender, Ashley Sleave Williams is not planning to the Liberty Stardium in

Szczesny

Agent issues Toure ultimatum AYA Toure’s agent has Y claimed that the Ivorian superstar is ready to tell Manchester City he is leaving if a new deal is not concluded by this weekend.

Toure’s representative Dimitri Seluk says talks have been ongoing for six months over an extension to his current deal, which runs to 2015.

However, Seluk says that things have not gone according to plan and he does not feel that Toure will stay.

“If he signs a contract in the next three or four days, OK. If not, we will not wait any longer and will start negotia-

tions with different clubs,” Seluk is quoted by The Sun. “Today is Tuesday, so it means by Saturday. We will say thank you. Ok, Yaya will leave in May. I do not feel he will stay at City. This is not about money. He wants to leave because of many reasons.

“I do not feel he will stay at City. This is not about money.

He wants to leave because of many reasons.”

“He is one of the best players at Manchester City but does not feel the respect of the staff.

Only Roberto Mancini respects Yaya.”

Table Team Man Utd Man City Chelsea Tottenham Arsenal Everton Liverpool West Brom Swansea Fulham Stoke Norwich Newcastle West Ham Sunderland Southampton Aston Villa Wigan Reading QPR

P 29 29 29 30 29 29 30 30 30 29 30 30 30 29 30 30 30 29 30 30

GD 38 25 28 14 23 11 18 2 2 -4 -8 -18 -11 -11 -9 -10 -25 -21 -22 -22

Pts 74 59 55 54 50 48 45 44 40 36 34 34 33 33 31 31 30 27 23 23

Toure, who is currently on international duty, is believed to be City’s highest earner already - but it is now claimed that if the new deal is not thrashed out, he will consider buying himself out of the remainder of his deal, which in theory he can do under Article 17 of FIFA’s transfer regulations.

“It’s all strange. It’s not normal to have negotiations for six months about a contract,”

the summer, according to his agent.

The Wales centre-back has been linked with possible moves to either Liverpool, managed by former Swans boss Brendan Rodgers, and Arsenal.

Williams’ agent, Jamie Moralee insists he is happy with his role in a developing Swansea side, although he admitted he could be tempted away if a firm bid came in for him.

“What I can say is that my player has got no desire to leave Swansea City Football Club,” Moralee told the this is South Wales website.

“There have been stories linking Ash but his situation now is no different from his situation over the past few years.

“Ash has always remained a Swansea City player. He is happy there, his family are there with him and he is playing better than ever because Swansea have given him a platform. He has been captain for much of this season and he thrives on that responsibility.

“If he is drawing the attention of the big boys then that is a good thing, because it shows he is developing and Swansea are developing.

I am close to my best level for Liverpool, Lucas admits believes he is finally LforUCAS rediscovering his best form Liverpool after a succession of injury problems.

The Brazilian matured into a key figure at Anfield following the departures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, but saw his campaign cut short last season by an anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up in Dec. 2011.

His return was further hampered by a torn thigh muscle in August - but since returning to the side in December he has been ever present, and now he believes the stellar performances of old are returning.

“I am not there yet but I feel I am getting very close to my best level,” he told the Daily Mail. “It feels like a good time again. I was sure if I worked hard, I could make it happen.

I’m very happy it has. After Pepe (Reina) and Daniel (Agger), I have been the longest here.

(Jamie) Carragher and Stevie (Gerrard), of course, are out on their own but each season you are here, your responsibil-

ity grows.

“I am not a kid anymore. I have responsibilities and to be a role model for these kids is something that makes me really proud. It has been an amazing experience. All the work I have put in behind the scenes is beginning to show through.”

Lucas endured a rough ride from Liverpool fans at the start of his career in England, and freely admits it took him considerable time and effort to adapt to life far from home.

“It was very hard,” he added.

“At first I couldn’t speak the language, I didn’t have many friends and family was not here. It was a struggle to get to know people and I found it difficult getting involved in the day-to-day things that went on at the club.

“Yes, the food was different and the city was new but I lead a quiet life and those aspects were not too much of a problem. I just felt that if I could handle it all, I’d get there. I needed to be mentally strong otherwise it would have been tough.”

Lucas

LMA ‘embarrassed’ by manager sackings HE League Managers’ T Association has described the number of sackings in

football this season as “embarrassing.”

LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan said the number of departures is at a fiveyear high, following Michael Appleton’s dismissal by Blackburn on Tuesday.

In total, 103 managers and coaches have lost their jobs in 2012-13.

Bevan said, “it’s embarrassing for the game that all of those sackings are unfair dismissals. The volatility is undermining the profession.”

Appleton became the 32nd manager to be sacked this season after 15 games and 67 days at Ewood Park, while Gary Smith took the tally to 33 on Wednesday when he was dismissed by League One club

Stevenage.

Fourteen managers have resigned from their posts, while another 60 coaches have also been dismissed, the LMA said.

“That’s over 100 people, 100 managers, 100 families,” Bevan told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“I’m not sure where the arrogance of football comes from that we don’t have to behave as any other industry.”

Four Premier League managers - Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea, Brian McDermott at Reading, Nigel Adkins at Southampton and Mark Hughes at QPR - have been sacked this season, but job security further down the Football League seems even more volatile.

In the Championship 17 managers have been dis-

missed, while in Leagues One and Two there have been a combined total of 26 managerial departures.

Nottingham Forest has appointed three managers since July and last month Paul

Di Matteo

Ince became Blackpool’s third permanent boss of the season, after Ian Holloway left to become Crystal Palace boss and his replacement Appleton took up the Blackburn job.

76 SPORTS

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Greenburg joins Showtime to promote Mayweather, Guerrero boxing bout has announced a Sto HOWTIME full slate of programming support its upcoming May 4 pay-per-view broadcast of the Floyd Mayweather Jr.Robert Guerrero fight from Las Vegas.

To fully appreciate the significance of what Showtime announced, though, requires a bit of a history lesson.

In January 2011, Top Rank’s Bob Arum struck a deal with CBS president Les Moonves to bring Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Shane Mosley to Showtime pay-per-view on May 7, 2011.

That move caught HBO officials off-guard and, in many ways, was responsible for Ross Greenburg resigning from his post as president of HBO Sports the following July.

A month later, Arum then announced that Pacquiao would return to HBO Pay-Per-

View for what was then his third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, which was held Nov. 12, 2011. But about a month before that fight happened, HBO Sports hired Ken Hershman away from Showtime to replace Greenburg.

Last month, Mayweather, the top pound-for-pound boxer in the world, announced he was leaving HBO to sign a lucrative deal with Showtime.

And with Mayweather’s May 4 fight at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas against Guerrero the first bout under that deal, Showtime announced it had hired who else other than Greenburg to serve as executive producer on two major projects to promote the fight.

Ross Greenburg is now with Showtime (Getty Images) Greenburg will serve as execu-

Nick set to face Tiger Wood at Bay Hill EN Coley is prepared to B take on Tiger Woods in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and has four selections in total.

The Florida Swing draws to a conclusion at Bay Hill Country Club this week, and it’s a tournament many expect to serve as a perfect way for Tiger Woods to finalise his Augusta preparations.

Woods may not quite be the force of old but he’s the best player in the world right now and victory here would take him back to the top of the Official World Golf Rankings, as if he needed any extra incentive.

As will be well-documented, Tiger’s renaissance since that incident and his subsequent fall from grace has relied on one thing more than most familiarity.

When he’s been asked a new question - to win at Olympic Club or Kiawah Island for example - he’s flattered to deceive. When he’s returned to a place he used to own, he’s reminded us all of his exceptional talent and awesome ability to get the job done.

Bay Hill and the Arnold Palmer Invitational are very familiar to Tiger.

Since the turn of the century, he’s won seven of the 12

renewals he’s taken part in, and fears that some alterations to the layout would diminish his superiority were allayed last year, when he stormed to victory as all others around him failed to cope with the typical Florida winds that can make this golf course a proper test.

Now a par-72, Bay Hill played to an average of almost twoover par in 2012 and winning scores since changes made prior to 2010 have come in at 11, -8 and -13. Scrambling is a real challenge and nothing beats patience and experience here - champions have in the main had both in abundance.

Obviously, there’s a big decision to be made and that’s whether you’re prepared to take 3/1 about Woods. He is hands down the most likely winner and it is very, very simple to argue that 3/1 is fair - his overall strike-rate, his strikerate here, his 2013 strike-rate, his record post-2009 on courses he knows best.

The quandary many will face, though, is that most of those points applied prior to tee-off at Doral and at Torrey Pines, two courses he also adores, yet we were able to take significantly bigger prices.

tive producer of “Mayweather,” a one-hour documentary film on Mayweather’s career that will be broadcast on CBS in prime time at 8 p.m. ET/PT on April 27.

Greenburg will also serve as executive producer of “All Access,” the behind-the-scenes series that will trail Mayweather and Guerrero as they prepare for the fight. That series begins April 10 on Showtime, with a new episode every Wednesday.

Floyd Mayweather (right) battling with Miguel Cotto in a previous bout.

U.S. Open tennis prize fund to hit $50 million .S. Open prize money will Federer described the news as change the schedule for 2015 U hit US$50million by 2017, an “excellent outcome” to the and beyond.” tournament officials have talks.

ATP Executive Chairman, announced.

Following long-running talks with the ATP and WTA, the USTA has agreed further prize-fund increases, while a return to a 14-day format in 2015 has also been revealed.

This year’s prize fund will be further bolstered - another $4.1million being added to the pot just four months after a rise of $4 million had been announced.

The addition takes the prize fund to $33.6 million - an increase of 32 per cent on 2012 levels. It has yet to be decided how the extra money will be distributed.

By 2017 that the total prize money will hit $50 million, meaning the fund will have risen almost 100 per cent in just five years.

It had also been announced in December that this year’s event would be played over 15 days with the men’s singles final taking place on a Monday, thus accommodating a day’s rest between the Saturday semi-finals and championship match.

That move was met by a mixed response from players and, while the system will remain in place for both 2013 and 2014, organisers have now decided to make a change for 2015 and beyond.

The men’s final will take place on a Sunday, with the semi-finals moving to the Friday - the same format employed by both Wimbledon and the French Open. The women’s final will be staged on the Saturday.

The prize-fund move was unsurprisingly welcomed by the ATP and WTA, who have been pushing for greater levels of prize money, particularly for losers in the early rounds. They say it is difficult for some lower-ranked players to meet their expenses.

World number two Roger

He said, “they (USTA officials) approached our concerns with a true spirit of partnership, and as president of the ATP Player Council I am personally grateful for their support.

“Everyone I have spoken with is excited about the increases in prize money, as well as, the agreement to

Brad Drewett said, “we welcome the commitment the USTA has made concerning player prize money at the U.S. Open through 2017.

“These increases are the largest in the history of the sport, representing a significant step forward in truly recognising the input the players have in the success of

the U.S. Open.

“We also welcome the decision from the USTA to adopt a schedule with the men’s semifinals completed by Friday and the final on Sunday, from 2015 onwards.” And fair compensation for our athletes.

“For 40 years the USTA has been a leader for equality and for women’s tennis, and today’s announcement is a testament to their continued, bold vision for the sport.”

EVIN Pietersen will miss the final test against New Zealand with a knee injury, which may also sideline him from the return series in England.

Pietersen faces a “six-to-eightweek” rehabilitation period at best, and he and his advisers have already accepted he will therefore be absent as well from his planned Indian Premier League campaign with the Delhi Daredevils next month.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement revealed that Pietersen, who has been complaining of pain in his right knee since before the start of the ongoing three-Test series against the Kiwis, may have “possible cartilage damage.”

The 32-year-old made a glorious return for England, after his summer of discontent and ‘reintegration’ in 2012, with a matchwinning century in Mumbai on the way to a historic series success in India.

He has had less success with the bat in two drawn tests in New Zealand this month, but did make a battling half-century in Wellington last week and will be seen as a pivotal presence in England’s year of back-to-back Ashes and a home Champions Trophy.

Even the most optimistic reading of his injury prognosis gives him the tightest of schedules, however, to return in time for the first of two Tests against the

Kiwis in May. Yesterday’s ECB statement reads: “England and Surrey batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the remaining Test against New Zealand commencing Friday March 22 due to an injury to his right knee.

“Pietersen experienced knee

pain while fielding in preparation for the four-day game in Queenstown earlier this month, before the test series. This has failed to resolve satisfactorily.”

The ECB has neither ruled in nor out the possibility of surgery - should the initial timetable of recovery prove optimistic.

Pietersen out of final test K

Pietersen

Bhullar to maintain momentum in Malaysia N-FORM Gaganjeet Bhullar Iexcellent can follow-up last week’s display in India at

Nick

the Maybank Malaysian Open.

Luke Donald and Charl Schwartzel add a touch of star quality in Kuala Lumpur this week at the Maybank Malaysian Open with the pair of them on offer at single-figure odds.

World number three Donald will have been pleased with his perform-

ance last week in Tampa Bay as he landed a first top-five of the year to give him some momentum as we move ever closer to the Masters at Augusta in three weeks.

The Englishman has been working on a slight swing change, which may well explain a rather indifferent start to 2013 but no bogeys on the weekend in Florida is a start he can start to build on.

This will be Donald’s debut in the event and although he has

played in Malaysia once in the past and finished third, I am not going to pay to find out at the price how he copes with the intense climate and notoriously trappy greens.

Schwartzel was my fancy at Doral the other week where he never really threatened the protagonists - and that was before his closing 75.

The last time he was in this part of the world he was lapping his rivals in Thailand prior to Christmas and is no

stranger to the course with back-to-back top-11 finishes.

The fact he took last week off to recharge is a plus but he has come up short here before when well fancied and fails to make much appeal at the odds.

This is one of the most physically demanding stops for players all year. Even Thongchai Jaidee admits the heat and humidity are oppressive - and he comes from neighbouring Thailand!

SPORTS 77

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

NSC unveils guidelines for candidates, fixes elections for May

By Olalekan Okusan O acquaint candidates with the guidelines for the elections and appointments into non-concessioned sports federations, the National Sports Commission (NSC) last week published the reviewed copy of the new guidelines.

The new guidelines signed by the NSC’s Director General, Patrick Ekeji states that zonal elections will hold in April while the national polls will come up in May. According to the guidelines’ preamble, the NSC said the criteria for elective and appointive offices must reflect best practices with emphasis on commitment to actualisation of the vision, mission and values of sports federations.

“Having conducted a broad based survey of practices and

T

stipulations in international sports organisations, specifically on duties and functions of boards and secretariat, a set of guidelines and criteria for membership of boards as well as transparent electoral processes have been developed by the NSC to ensure quality governance and management of the federations,” the guidelines stated.

The board of each federation will comprise the president, vice president, secretary general and nine other members representing various constituencies of the federation.

For eligibility to the office of the president and vice president, it said that candidates must not be less than 30 years of age with a clear understanding of the federation’s responsibilities, val-

ues, norms and managerial needs.

In addition, such candidates must have sponsored competitions at state or national levels with a veritable source of income.

With the secretary general expected to be in charge of the secretariat, the role of such scribe is exceptionally critical to the success of the federation. And to ensure that suitable candidates are selected, the aspiring candidates must be knowledgeable in preparation of programmes, budgets and annual reports, as well as, be Information Communication Technology (ICT) literate.

Also, the federations are expected to appoint technical director, who will direct and co-ordinate technical preparation and participa-

tion in competitions.

In appointing secretary general and technical director, the federation’s board will constitute a recruitment panel after advertising the posts in major national dailies.

For the zonal and national elections, NSC will constitute electoral committee while the election will be by secret ballot with all candidates present during the elections.

Also at zonal and national levels, there will be election appeals committee that will see to matters arising from the elections.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in sports have urged NSC, specifically the Minister of Sports/ Chairman, NSC, Bolaji Abdullahi, to ensure that only those federations’ presidents that raised the

profile of their sports are allowed to contest the forthcoming elections.

Some of the stakeholders believe those that have nothing to contribute should not be allowed to contest. They said the country would continue to stutter “if politicians and estacode-hugging” people are not barred from the boards.

“We have to define the caliber of people we want to manage our sports because the success or failure of the sports depend on the people running the federations.

“What we have now is a situation where a clique sits down to select one of their type to run the federations in their own interest instead of the country’s interest.

“We have to define those eligible to vote for the board members and their qualifi-

Oluigbo dumps international tourney for sports federation elections Nigerian Referees Ferguson Oluigbo, yesterday said he shunned an international championship in Ghana to enable him prepare for the forthcoming elections into the sports federations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that zonal and national elections into the various boards of the National Sports Federations would hold in May. Oluigbo said in Lagos that that he cancelled attending the first-ever Taekwondo Team Cup Championship in West Africa, organised by the Mission Taekwondo International because of the elections.

According to him, the time for the championship, scheduled for March 22 to March 23 in Accra, Ghana was too close to the election period.

“I would have attended the championship as an official with the Nigeria representatives’ team if not for the forthcoming elections. It is sad that the trip had to be cancelled because first things come first. I will like to plan and monitor the process of the election procedures.

“This is the time for everyone that is actively involved in sports affairs in the country to show keen interest in the electoral guidelines.

“So that is why my trip to the Ghana championship had to be cancelled, so that I will have room to focus my energies in the coming elections,” he said.

Oluigbo said he was interested in running for a position in the federation but, however, declined to mention the office.

“Let us not let the cat out of the bag on that yet. When the time is right, you will all know the position I will be running for,” he said.

Oluigbo maintained that only appropriate and qualified personnel should be elected to manage the vacant positions in the various federations.

The president then advised the National Sports Commission (NSC) to resist electing officials based on sentiments, saying that it would only lead to poor and unhealthy sports administration in the country.

cations. There must be a system that should ensure that the candidates and the voters are people with the interest of the country at heart,” the stakeholder, who pleaded anonymity, said.

Also in a recent article on the state of Nigerian sports and the forthcoming elections, former international, Rashid Balogun, said the onus is on Abdullahi to weed out all these federations board members for lack of competence, failure to cater for athletes’ welfare or simple lack of ordinary (administrative) skills of communication on behalf of athletes.

2013 World Cup Qualifiers

Demonstrate your superiority over Kenya, TomTom charges Eagles S the Africa champion A –Nigeria’s Super Eagles take on Kenya’s Harambe

RESIDENT, P Taekwondo Association,

Pedro Strop (left) and Fernando Rodney of the Dominican Republic celebrate after beating Puerto Rico to win the Championship Round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic in San Francisco, California…on Monday. The Nigeria Baseball and Softball Federation wants to raise a national team for the 2015 World Classic. PHOTO: AFP. MACROBUTTON HTMLDirect MACROBUTTON HTMLDirect MACROBUTTON HTMLDirect

NBSF begins selection of players for Nigeria/Ghana friendly HE Nigeria Baseball and assisted by three local coaches, West Africa in particular. And T Softball Federation is adding that the friendly match this is why we are using this preparing for a two-day tryout against Ghana is in preparation international friendly to rally to select players for the national senior team that will confront Ghana in an international friendly next month.

The tryout will hold inside the Abuja Baseball Park on April 13 and 14, and according to a statement from the office of Secretary General of Nigeria Baseball and Softball Federation, Kehinde Olaniyan, a national camping in Port Harcourt will follow the two-day Abuja tryout.

“This Tryout is in preparation for the Camping in Port Harcourt, followed by the international friendly holding in Accra, Ghana from April 26 to 28.

“Twenty-five players shall be called to this camp from the Tryout, and camping will start from April 16 and end on 25 when the national team will depart for Accra, Ghana.”

He said the team would be supervised by the Technical Adviser, Coach Gerard Hall,

for the baseball classic next year.

“The next classic will come up in 2015 but the qualifying round will hold in 2014. Africa must prepare itself for it and

our professionals in Europe and America to begin to identify with Africa,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, some Nigerian players in the United States,

Europe and South Africa have indicated interest in taking part in the international friendly between the two West African countries.

Among the players are Tobi Adeyemi, who plays in the Frontier League in United States and Walex Kolawole, who plays for Carpi in Italy.

Stars in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers this weekend in Calabar, the official candy of the national teams, TomTom has charged the Coach Stephen Keshi-tutored side to demonstrate their quality to the visitors.

TomTom, however, drummed up support for the Eagles on their bid to make it to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking ahead of the match scheduled for the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Ugochukwu Nwankwo, Cadbury’s Brand Manager, TomTom said, “the Super Eagles have what it takes to qualify for and succeed at the 2014 World Cup. The team’s recent triumph at the AFCON 2013 is very indicative of the depth of talent available in the squad.”

“The World Cup qualifier against Kenya on Saturday is a match to further demonstrate the superiority of the team, since it would be the first major outing after winning the Nations Cup. As such, the Super Eagles must remain focused, breathe deep, go for it, and come out victorious,” Nwankwo added.

Nwankwo also confirmed that TomTom in line with its tradition as a true fan of the national teams, will be rewarding the Most Valuable Player (MVP) with a cash prize of $5,000.00 in the game against Kenya and will continue to give Nigerian Football teams the invigoration they need to succeed in every competition.

TOMTOM recently hosted the Super Eagles amid a fan fare, after the African champions returned with the AFCON trophy from South Africa.

Thrill, glamour, as semi finalists emerge in Delta Governor’s Cup

By Gowon Akpodonor ARD work and determination played out, as Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogwashi-Uku and three others booked their passage to the semifinal in the ongoing Delta State Governor’s Cup Soccer championship.

Comprehensive School, which finished top at Agbor zone after winning all two matches at the group stage, defeated Community Secondary School, Ogume 3-0 to seal into the last four. The school is being tipped for the

H

trophy by soccer fans across the state, following its consistency in the competition.

On the opening day of the competition at St. Patrick college, Asaba, in November last year, the boys from OghwasiUku displayed high quality of soccer in the game watched by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and top personalities, including ex-Super Eagles stars like Austin Okocha, Davidson Owumi, Christian Chukwu and John Omughele.

In one of their group games at Agbor zone last week,

Comprehensive school defeated Ugbolu Secondary School 11-1 before the 3-0 bashing of Community School on Tuesday.

In other quarterfinal matches played on Tuesday, DonDomingos School, Warri, defeated Emo-Eni Grammar School, Eliu, 5-1, just as Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun, stopped one of the favourites, Gbenoba Grammar School, Agbor 8-7 0n penalties.

The last quarterfinal match between Edjekota Secondary School, Edjekota and Baptist

High School, Orerokpe ended 1-0 in favour of Edjekota School.

The winner of this maiden Delta Governor’s Cup, which started with over 500 schools in November last year, will get a school bus and foreign trip as well as cash reward of N2 million, while the second position will get a school bus and cash of N1million. The third position will get cash reward of N500,000. The semi-final and final matches will hold in April.

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

78 SPORTS

Cross River splashes N25m, plots of land on Eagles • NFF gets N5m ROSS River State governC ment yesterday donated N25 million, as well as, a plot of land to each member of the Nigerian squad that won the 2013 African Nations Cup last month. He also gave the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) N5 million.

Making the pronouncement yesterday when he received the team and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Governor Imoke said the largesse was in appreciation of the efforts of the team, which played its qualifying games and prepared for the competition in Calabar.

Assistant Referee, Peter Edibe, who also worked at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, will also share in the cash gift.

Imoke said his joy knew no bounds when on the medals presentation ceremony, he was watching a team made entirely of black players and Nigerians receiving the medals.

“It shows the tournament was made for Africa and was won

by Africa, unlike in the past when we had white coaches being the only ones that can win trophies for Nigeria. Keshi and his crew must stand to be counted among all time greats of our nation,” he said.

He thereafter announced a bulk donation of N25 million to the entire team of coaches, officials and players, and a plot of land each in a choice area of the state capital, Calabar.

To the NFF for their wonderful organisational abilities, the governor gave them N5 million.

Earlier Sports Commissioner, Patrick Ugbe has regaled the hall with the heroics of the national team and thanked the governor for his support.

NFF Vice President, Mike Umeh spoke in similar vein, assuring the governor that his love for sports, particularly football through support for the Super Eagles and the Golden Eaglets will remain indelible in the minds of true sports lovers in the country.

“Today, we stand proud before your excellency and

members of Cross River State government, with the glittering, most coveted trophy in African football right there before you.”

Super Eagles boss, Stephen Keshi and skipper, Vincent Enyeama, said they were simply overwhelmed by the show of love by Governor Imoke and his fatherly advise at all times, assuring that they will do him and the nation proud at the forthcoming Confederations Cup to be hosted by Brazil in June.

Meanwhile, striker Obafemi Martins was the last player to join the Eagles training camp ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar.

Martins, who have just moved to Seattle Sounders in the Major League Soccer (MLS), stepped into the Transcorp Hotel by 1.30pm.

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi has in the meantime applauded the lush green turf of the U.J. Esuene stadium, Calabar, venue of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars.

Speaking in a media forum for sports journalists covering the match at Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, yesterday, the coach described the pitch as the best in the country and very good for the display of good soccer artistry.

“Yes, we had a feel of the turf yesterday and I must confess that I am highly impressed even though there is still room for improvement. For me, this is the best stadium in the country for now and I hope other states will have something like this soon,” Keshi said.

“The stadium manager deserves a lot of commendation for the good work he has done on the pitch because there is a lot of improvement from our last game against Liberia.

Keshi restated his confidence leading up to Saturday’s showdown.

“It will be a great game as I know one or two things about the Kenyans and we have a team that is rearing to go. It will be tough but we are capable of doing a good job,” he

NFF’s First Vice President, Mike Umeh (right) presenting the 2013 African Nations Cup trophy to Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, at the Government House,

Warri agog as athletics stars arrive for AYAC seminar HE city of Warri was a sight to behold yesterday when those who made Nigeria one of the best countries in track and field stormed the ancient city.

It was the beginning of a twoday refresher course for technical officials, who will officiate during the March 27 to 31 Africa Youth Athletics Championships, and all the stars, who made Nigeria proud in their days were there.

The event is being facilitated

by Commodore Matseye Nesiama, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Technical Director, who is also a member of Local Organsing Committee for the AYAC 2013.

Among those in the city for the seminar are Prof. Lucas Ogunjimi, Alex Onyewenwa, who are IAAF lecturers. Other big names like Elias Gora, Rotimi Obajimi, Emelia Edet, Henry Amike, Tina Iheagwam, Jide Josiah, Akin Folarin, Mary Onyali, Gabriel Okon, Yusuf

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• Zenith Bank doles out N20m for event Ali, Solomon Agbari, Eric Mayuku, Ben Majekudumi, and Beatrice Molokwu are also present in the city for the same reason. ‘’It’s an international championships and we are here to support Delta,’’ Henry Amike said with excitement. ‘’We are here to get everybody up the stage,’’ Okon said.

They were once the star athletes, who gave Nigeria name before the plunge that Mary Onyali hopes events like the AYAC Warri 2013 will help the country recover from.

In her time, the stadium stood to watch a 100m final that had her and the likes of Iheagwam, Falilat Ogunkoya, Faith Idehen and Beatrice Utondu on the tracks. And for the men would be the likes of Chidi Imoh, Olapade Adenikan, the Ezinwa brothers, Gabriel Okon.

Those were the days Nigeria challenged USA in track and field. They are a dream now.

‘’I have been waiting and searching for the next Mary Onyalis, the next Chidi Imohs, the next Olapde Adenikans, Falilat Ogunkaya etc. I have not found them. But with events like this, we have a chance. It will take some time that the AFN has started and with help from the governor of Delta State (Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan) I think we will be there. We can’t thank the governor enough for what he is doing for sports not only in Delta but also for the country,’’ Onyali said.

She was a product of youth development and the sports programmes in Delta State excite her. ‘’We have an international championship here in Warri and what we are doing here is to prepare the officials and I can tell you that everybody is ready,’’ Professor Ogunjimi said.

Meanwhile, Zenith Bank yes-

terday supported the hosting of Africa Youth Athletics Championships, otherwise known as AYAC Warri 2013 with N20 million.

“It is part of our contribution to sports development in Nigeria,’’ Managing Director of the Bank, Godwin Emiefilie, told Amaju Pinnick, the chairman of the Local Organsing Committee for AYAC. ‘’Zenith Bank has been tremendous in trying to develop the Nigerian youth through sports and share the vision of Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan in the area of sports,’’ Amaju said while thanking Emiefilie for his contribution.

Joe Penawou of First Marine Engineering Services Limited also parted with N10m as part of his company’s sponsorship of the African championship.

His company will also supply juice drinks to the over 450 athletes and 200 officials who will gather at the Warri Township Stadium from March 27 to 31.

Lagos sponsors Team Nigeria to ITTF-Africa Junior in Tunisia

By Olalekan Okusan

L

Ojo Onaolapo is one of the players billed for the AJC in Tunisia in April.

AGOS State activated its support for grassroots sports development by sponsoring the Nigeria contingent to the 2013 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) African Junior Championship holding in Nabeul, Tunisia.

The tournament scheduled for next month will have an 18man team led by the Chairman, Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA), Femi Sokoya, will be competing with other teams in the continent.

According to the Secretary General, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Segun Oguntade, the team would depart the country on Tuesday March 26 with four cadet players to take part in the ITTF Junior Circuit, which is preparatory to the ITTF-Africa

Junior.

He added that the remaining players would team up with the team on March 30 for the AJC, which serves off on April 1.

“We want to express our sincere appreciation to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State for believing in grassroots sports development and accepting to sponsor the team to Tunisia.

“This has confirmed that Lagos is indeed a shining example for others to follow because it was this young athletes that the state used to prosecute the 18th National Sports Festival tagged Eko 2012 and they were able to shock other states by winning five of the seven gold medals at stake in table tennis – a feat that has never been achieved in the history of the festival by any state.

“I also want to commend the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi, for ensuring that the team make it to Tunisia and we hope that the players make the country proud,” Oguntade said.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Egypt’s Aly Ghallab, who was impressive at the recent ITTF Global Junior Circuit Finals in Guatemala. He is one of the major contenders for honours at the ITTF-Africa Junior Championships.

The tournament will be staged in the Tunisian city of Nabeul from Monday 1st to Saturday April 6, being immediately preceded by the Tunisian Junior and Cadet Open, an ITTF Junior Circuit event, which will be held from Thursday 28 to Sunday, March

31.

The ITTF-Africa Junior Championships serves as qualification event for the World Junior Championships to be staged in Rabat, Morocco from Sunday 1st to Sunday, December 8, 2013.

At the end of the championship on April 6, the leading three boys’ teams and the leading three girls’ teams will qualify for the World Junior Championships, thus with Morocco as the hosts, and Africa will be prominently represented in Rabat with four teams in each category.

Also, the players selected to represent Africa at the forthcoming ITTF World Cadet Challenge will be named, based on results in the cadet boys’ singles and cadet girls’ singles events in Hammamet.

SPORTS 79

THE GUARDIAN, Thursday, March 21, 2013

2014 World Cup qualifiers

Coleman job on the line EVILLE Southall believes N Chris Coleman could be out of a job if Wales lose to Scotland in tomorrow’s 2014 World Cup qualifier at Hampden.

A Gareth Bale double gave Wales a 2-1 victory over the Scots in Cardiff in October but that was their first Group A victory in a campaign, which is slipping away from both countries after four fixtures.

Scotland are bottom of the group with two points ahead of Gordon Strachan’s first competitive game as boss but Southall believes the win is more important to Coleman, who took over in January 2012 after the death of Gary Speed.

Speaking at Hampden Park yesterday where he was helping to publicise the match, former Wales goalkeeper Southall said, “it is a massive game for both countries, probably more so for us.

“Strachan will be given another chance if he loses, but I think with ours it (defeat) could nail the coffin

for the manager, for us financially and for the fans.

“We are really struggling to get people in the door and when you have a player like Gareth Bale I find hard to understand, so we really need to win this one.

“Personally, I wouldn’t sack him but if we lose this one there will be an awful lot of people queuing up to put a knife in his back.

“I think they should give him until the end of the campaign and have a look then, or give him another year.

“At the end of the day we have a certain number of players to choose from, you need stability and you need people to put things in place and he hasn’t had enough time.

“If you are in the job for a year you have players for five days over six games, which is 30 days, it is really hard to build a successful business in 30 days or in 50 days.

“We need to give him a bit of time.”

Vaughan out of Wales’ versus Scotland clash AVID Vaughan has pulled D out of Wales’ World Cup qualifying clash with Scotland tomorrow due to an unspecified injury.

The Sunderland midfielder has featured in Wales’ last two Group A fixtures - a 2-1 triumph over the Scots in Cardiff on October 12 and the 2-0 defeat in Croatia four days later.

He will miss the reverse against Gordon Strachan’s men at Hampden Park but the Football Association of Wales confirmed the 30-yearold will rejoin the squad before next week’s encounter with Croatia at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium.

Vaughan’s withdrawal gives Coleman yet another selection headache after Liverpool midfielder, Joe Allen and Leeds striker Steve Morison were ruled out over the weekend.

Star man Gareth Bale suffered an ankle knock in Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat

Vaughan

against Fulham on Sunday, although it is believed there are no doubts the 23-year-old will be available for the ‘Battle of Britain’ clash.

Players battling during the 2014 World Cup qualifier between Wales and Scotland in October last year.

Brazil win boosted belief for England, says Milner AMES Milner insists England Jdence are bubbling with confiand belief after last month’s win over Brazil as he hailed the strides forward made during Roy Hodgson’s 10-month reign.

The Manchester City midfielder feels the 2-1 success at Wembley set down a marker as to the progress England have made since Euro 2012 and gives them genuine hope should they qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Milner felt it was the latest indication of how England are developing under Hodgson ahead of the World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro.

He said, “every time you play Brazil, you are playing one of the best sides in the world. To get a win like that at Wembley gives you a lot of confidence.

“It was a good performance as well and we can take a lot of confidence from it, even though it was a friendly.

“We know that if, hopefully, we do qualify, and come up against those teams again, we are well-equipped. We know we can get a win against them.”

Milner believes Hodgson is starting to put his ideas across to telling effect after succeeding Fabio Capello last May. He can see improvements in aspects of their game such as

ball retention, which was lacking when beaten by Italy in the European Championship second-round clash last summer.

Milner said, “I think we are moving forward all the time and the performances are improving as well. That’s a positive sign.

“The squad is changing all the time, there are younger

players coming in, but we have still got the mix of the senior players as well.

“The squad is in a really good place at the moment. The longer we work with the manager, he is obviously going to get his ideas over as well and you will see improvements in the team.

“You can see that already since the Euros. We started

from a strong base and maybe didn’t quite retain the ball as well as we could have done and our forward play was not as good as it could be.

“But that’s improving all the time.”

Milner has confidence in City team-mate Joleon Lescott to fill the gap left in the England squad by Rio Ferdinand’s withdrawal.

Carrick quandary for Hodgson NGLAND boss Roy E Hodgson is considering using Michael Carrick as an

Newcastle’s Steven Taylor has been drafted into the the squad but is uncapped, while emergency centre-back in Tottenham’s Steven Caulker tomorrow’s World Cup quali- has so far made just one senior fier against San Marino.

Hodgson’s defensive crisis deepened when Gary Cahill was forced to pull out of the squad through injury, following the withdrawals of Michael Dawson, Phil Jagielka and Rio Ferdinand.

Chris Smalling is in line to start at the Serravalle Stadium tomorrow and could be partnered by Joleon Lescott but Hodgson is mindful of today’s clash with group leaders Montenegro.

Lescott was booked in September’s fixture against the Ukraine and another caution against San Marino would rule him out of what could prove a pivotal game in Podgorica.

Hodgson floated the idea of Carrick deputising in defence, as he has done for Manchester United on several occasions, before October’s 50 win over Friday’s oppoCarrick nents.

appearance, in November’s 42 friendly defeat to Sweden.

England can reclaim top spot in Group H if they win both matches.

TheGuardian

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Olusola Adegbite UCH kudos I give to the leadership of Channels Television. The day was Monday, January 14, 2013 and the country was oblivious of nothing. Then the 10 p.m. news came and the films began to roll. By the time Channels was done, the President was angry. But what in Heaven’s name could have angered a President, who has never known anger? This, we shall come to shortly. With clarity of thought, simplicity of and a well-grounded appreciation of the potential greatness of my country do I assert that no nation thrives on falsehood forever? Certainly, it may sustain a few countries for a while, in fact it may tarry for decades in some very notorious countries, but the kindness of nature is that somehow stock-taking will happen, someone’s camera will work as it happened to Channels and the veil will be lifted, helping the chicken come home to roost. When this happens, two groups will emerge.

The one to be reported as angry at something that everybody knows, something he should know before everybody knows, and the people who have all their lives wined and dined with the truth, who expectedly will simply dismiss both (the news and the sensation of anger) with a wave of hand, praying no one tell them that which they already know.

This is the Police College story. A story of rotten toilet facilities, of pigsties called hostel accommodation, of tattered training outfits called uniforms, of food worse than that served to prisoners and which they still have to fight over, of N150 stipend allocated to Police trainees daily for feeding, of the giant of Africa married to a dwarf Police College, of stinkingly rich leaders of a poor people who sadly are not ashamed to be the proverbial vacant plot in the middle of a slum? Strangely, the same story that would cause sane countries to weep is a mere sensation in this corridor, while the partying in our government hit the roof. After all, there is enough money to throw around.

After stopping over at the College the President is reported as angry. Now this report beholds me, what was the President angry about? For all its worth I beg to ask, is it anger feigned or anger actual? Is it anger that the Police College should have been a world-class institution, instead of that which we know is what I ask? If the anger be true, I do rather keep my laughter and pretend not to know. However, it seems this question will not lie, and resonating it comes again, angry about what?

Are we to say that since the President assumed office in close to two years, he has not been in the know of the stench, rot and decay that is the story of several government’s institutions scattered all over the country?

These are truly interesting times. For the purpose of encouraging a debate, let us assume but not concede. So what will the President do if he were to visit the following: the several Armed Forces Barracks including that of sister agencies like the Police, Customs, Immigration, Civil Defence, Fire Service and others situated in different parts of the country, the several NYSC Camps in every state where thousands of Corp members are hosted under some of the worst conditions every quarter, the several dilapidated lecture-rooms and hostels in many Federal Universities where future leaders of the country are trained, and several other Federal Agencies and parastatals whose state of habitation is so dingy that non-human trespassers such as cockroaches, rats and other rodents have for a long time assumed possession and taken occupancy. What would the President do if he were to visit the aforementioned places among the continuing list? Perhaps, the President will simply break down and sob. Verily, this is what Nigerians who have passed through these institutions have been doing all these years.

The Police College is a mirror of our 52 years of absentee leadership and 13 years of the Fourth Republic democratic shenanigans. What is more to say? It is indeed

M

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So now that the President has visited the Police College

Mohammed Abubakar, Inspector-General of Police

President Goodluck Jonathan

shocking how the President before this visit can claim ignorance of the years of rot in the Police College and quite frankly that is one shock Nigerians will require a much higher celestial authority to dispatch. With utmost respect do I submit, the rot and decay the Police College evinces, is nothing compared to that which lies frighteningly in several other sectors, erected copiously as the stark reality of our national story in this time and age. Thus, we refuse to be carried away by the President’s reported anger; rather we assert that Mr. President should have been angry a long time ago particularly since he came to power, or perhaps before, when he was just ActingPresident, or perhaps before, when he was a Vice-President, or perhaps before, when he was a governor, or perhaps before, when he was deputy governor, or perhaps before, when he was just a Nigerian. If the President is just angry now, after spending more than 13 years in the corridors of power, if the President is just angry now after spending about two years as Executive President, then ours is

a much more dangerous state of affairs?

So now that the President has visited the Police College will a higher dimension of thought not suggest the President’s anger as nothing more than a rhapsodic rush of momentary emotion that expectedly would vaporise upon his departing the rust-studded gate of the college?

Shall we still not wonder if the said anger will survive the period after the President sufficiently regains his composure and returns to the air-conditioning comfort and staggering opulence of the Presidential Villa?

Having considered this, time is at hand to ask the President the following questions, questions that must certainly evoke a wave of sadness, a burden perhaps too easily faraway from those in power: How will the Police College not be in decay, when about 70 per cent of the country’s annual budget goes into furnishing the belly and attending to the needs and luxuries of those in government in an unpatriotic spending styled “Recurrent Expenditure”? How will the Police College not be in total rot when

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Editor: MARTINS

OLOJA

So now that the President has visited the Police College will a higher dimension of thought not suggest the President’s anger as nothing more than a rhapsodic rush of momentary emotion that expectedly would vaporise upon his departing the rust-studded gate of the college? Shall we still not wonder if the said anger will survive the period after the President sufficiently regains his composure and returns to the air-conditioning comfort and staggering opulence of the Presidential Villa?

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ABC (ISSN NO 0189-5125)

the annual budgetary allocation to the Nigeria Police, a body charged with the core responsibility of securing the country, is a lot less than that continuously wasted on unnecessary foreign travels by Government officials that add no value to the prosperity of the country? How will the Police College not be on its knees crying for help, when about N16 billion is being budgeted to build the VicePresident’s Official residence at the moment, just for where the VP alone lives.

Leadership and governance the world over is not a laughing matter. It is a matter consistently handed over to the most patriotic and best informed minds, while responsibility and accountability is demanded by the people and thoroughly received. We wonder what we are doing here. That is why the question again lingers, what is it that the President was angry about? Is it that as President, he has led by example pruning down Government’s bogus transformation team, thereby checking hundreds of pipelines of wastage in government, and channeling the rescued funds to critical institutions of the state? Is it that as President he has relentlessly fought for increased allocation to the Nigeria Police and several other very sensitive sectors of the country, so as to help turn around their infrastructural facilities, but all to no avail? Is it that as Nigeria’s number one citizen, he has vigorously fought for a life-saving restructuring of annual budgetary allocation in our country to reflect a 70 per cent capital expenditure portfolio and 30 per cent recurrent spending and has failed? With utmost respect I submit, and again ask that profound question, what exactly is it that the President was angry about?

• Olusola Adegbite Esq. is a lawyer and writes from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.