Thur 06 Mar 2014

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,852

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

How Nigeria’s govt frustrates anti-corruption war, by U.S. From Abosede Musari, Abuja DAMNING revelation on A how the President Goodluck Jonathan administration allegedly frustrates the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in bringing to book perpetrators of misdeeds has come from the U.S. 2013 Country Report on Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday re-arraigned Garba

Abdullahi Tahir and Charbo Bureau De Change Limited before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 23count charge bordering on fraud amounting to N514.9 million allegedly obtained from the Pensions Account, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF) of Nigeria.

The report, which was made available to The Guardian, in Section 4 of

the Report titled - ‘Corruption and lack of Transparency in Government’ among others, stated that “the EFCC faced several frustrating setbacks in 2013.”

The report gave several accounts of how the current administration has allegedly frustrated justice against even convicted persons in corruption cases. “In January, the EFCC won the conviction of John

Yakubu Yusuf for embezzling N2 billion ($12.6 million) from the Police Pensions Fund, which carried with it a two-year prison sentence. The judge fined Yusuf N250,000 ($1,570) in lieu of prison time. The day following this judgment, the EFCC rearrested Yusuf on the charge of failing to declare a N250 million ($1.57 million) bank account on his mandatory Declaration of

Assets Form; Yusuf remained in custody pending trial at the end of the year”, the report reads.

The pardon of convicted former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, “who was convicted in 2008 for embezzling more than $10 million in state funds”, was classified as the most offending action of the Nigerian government.

While Alamieyeseigha

served two years in prison and forfeited the property he held in the country, he was still wanted in the United Kingdom (UK) on money laundering charges, and another foreign government seized his assets. “By granting him a pardon, President Jonathan has paved the way for Alamieyeseigha to run for another elected office or to hold other apCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Govt shuts five federal colleges in North-East - Page 5 ‘Secretive’ Chinese woman named world’s youngest billionaire – Page 9

Beware! Fake prophets on the prowl – Metro Page 18

B’Haram stalls oil exploration in Chad Basin, says NNPC - Page 57

President Goodluck Jonathan (fifth right), his deputy, Namadi Sambo (fifth left), People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu (fourth right), and the newly-appointed ministers after their swearing-in at the State House, Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Jonathan swears-in 11 new ministers From Mohammed Abubakar, Emeka Anuforo (Abuja) and Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin) HANGES in the Federal C Executive Council (FEC) which began with President Goodluck Jonathan dropping four ministers last month continued yesterdaywith the removal of Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi and the swearingin of 11 new ones.

No reason was offered for

• Drops Bolaji Abdullahi, APC opposes sack • List of ministerial nominees ready next week Abdullahi’s removal, but in his place, the President appointed Dr. Tamuno Danagogo from Rivers State.

But the Kwara State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Abdullahi’s sack as the triumph of politics over ex-

cellence.

Also sworn-in were Gen. Mohammed Aliyu Gusau from Zamfara State as Defence Minister; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos), Minister of State (Defence); Mohammed Wakili (Borno), Minister of State (Power); Alhaji Abduljelili

Adesiyan (Osun), Minister of Police Affairs; and Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali (Kano), Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Others include Mrs. Ekon Etim Inyekayi (Akwa Ibom), Minister of Lands and Housing; Mrs. Lawrencia Laraba Mallam

(Kaduna State), Minister of Environment; Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger), Minister of State (Agriculture); Mr. Boni Haruna (Adamawa) Minister of Youths Development and Dr. Khaliru Alhassan (Sokoto State), Minister of State (Health).

In his remarks after the swearing-in of the ministers, Jonathan, who did not make reference to the sack of Abdullahi, however,

confirmed that a new list of ministerial nominees would be ready next week.

Later, his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed to State House correspondents that indeed, the Sports Minister had been dropped.

According to the President: “I don’t intend to say much because we have anCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Jonathan drops Bolaji Abdullahi, APC opposes sack CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

other set of ministers that will come by God’s grace next week. After that, at least we will have a clear discussion about how the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will work for the remaining part of the tenure of this administration that is quite close, May 29, 2015.

“So, for today, let me welcome you on board as you join us and see how we can serve our country, men and women and serve our people. Public office, everybody says, is a public trust and you are expected to serve the people.

“You are just joining and so you must have been reading the papers, listening to the electronic media, and of course you know the concerns of Nigerians in all aspects and nobody is to tell you.

“And we are here to serve the people, so we must listen to the people. I want you to see yourselves as servants to add value to whatever you have been asked to do and of course you know that this government is emphasising on the issue of transfor-

mation.

“People look at it from different angles but the key thing is that I believe that if you have been given a responsibility whether as a President, governor, minister for you to serve for a period of time, if by the time you are leaving you cannot look back and say that this is an innovation that I brought to bear based on my own creativity, I have been able to do things differently from what others have done and now things are being done better in my ministry or whatever office you’re holding; if you cannot say that, then you have failed.

“But if you can say that definitely yes I have brought some innovations based on my own creativity and things are being done differently, I have been able to solve these problems within this period, then of course you have succeeded.

“The ability is for you now to adjust. So, your duty is to make sure you bring changes, positive changes and not negative changes.

And I believe you will also work closely with others.”

The President, who stressed the need for harmony among ministers,

said misunderstanding among government functionaries has led to unnecessary schisms within the government, noting that in order to avoid such, the government was reviewing schedule of duties of ministers.

He added: “For ministries that you have to work with another minister, either a minister of state or the minister; two of you will have to relate, you will have to relate with the permanent secretaries, and heads of parastatals working with you too.

“All of you are ministers working for the Federal Government, working for our country. And the designations do not really matter much but you must relate with one another, and do our work in a way that must add value.

And I expect that as you come on board, you will really bring some additional values to whatever you are doing.

“In fact, because of the issues of conflicts between ministers and ministers of states, we will also review schedule of duties in some of the ministries to make sure that we reduce these conflicts to the barest minimum.

“And of course, ministers

are assigned to any responsibility not necessarily based on qualifications or what you know best, but is mainly administrative. If you are posted to area that you are good in, then you’re lucky but wherever you’re posted, it is expected that you bring your experience to bear.”

“There are some people when they get a place, they bring unity and make sure that everybody works together for the success of their administration. But some when they get to a place, they create divisions and all kinds of interests and instead of making sure that the top government functionary, either heads of parastatals, heads of departments work together, you see problems and everyday you talk about solving problems.”

Wakili yesterday resumed at the Power Ministry with a call on him to join the ongoing battle against the evil forces allegedly plaguing the power sector.

Wakili promised to work as a team player and learn as much as possible from the existing team. Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, welcomed him to the ministry and urged him to feel free to ask relevant questions.

He takes over from Hajiya Zainab Kuchi who was dropped last year.

Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Ambassador Godknows Igali, who welcomed Wakili, stressed that there were too many devils that needed to be weeded off in the power sector.

“There are too many devils that have been keeping Nigeria dark. He has come to join us in the battle against the devil of darkness against electricity supply. Since Nebo, we have been busy ensuring that we chase the devils away,” he noted.

According to the state’s Interim Publicity Secretary of APC, Sulyman Buhari yesterday, while we concede the fact that the President reserves the powers to hire and fire, in the exercise of such powers however, international best practices demand that excellence and competence should not be traded on the altar of politics. That a President could sack a performing Sports Minister three months to the World Cup speaks volume of the quality of Nigerian Presidency. This nature of politics is antipeople and anti-development.

‘How Nigeria’s govt frustrates anti-graft war’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

pointed offices.”

The U.S. State Department also stated that there had been allegations that the EFCC is being used to hunt target persons “who had fallen out of favour with the government, while those who were in favour continued their activities with impunity.”

On the activities of the EFCC, the report states: “In February 2012, the EFCC brought criminal charges against former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, for laundering almost N5 billion ($31.4 million) of funds belonging to Bayelsa State. In October 2012, the EFCC seized 48 property worth approximately N1 billion ($6.3 million) allegedly belonging to Sylva in Abuja”. Sylva was granted bail in January. “The EFCC discovered still more evidence of Sylva’s money laundering activities, and after he refused to co-operate with the investigation, the EFCC arrested him again in May to bring new charges, raising the amount of money he was suspected of laundering to N6.46 billion ($40.6 million).

The court held Sylva in custody for one month be-

fore granting him bail of N100 million ($628,000); the court refused his planned trip to London with his wife”, the report added.

The report however, noted that EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, who took over office in 2011, continued previous cases or brought new cases against 12 prominent public officials, while the commission faced several frustrating setbacks during the year.

The Farouk Lawan and Femi Otedola saga was also mentioned. The report noted that “the trial of Representative Farouk Lawan for soliciting a bribe from Otedola, president and chief executive officer of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, started on October 23.

The acquittal of former Minister of Works, Hassan Lawal, was also included.

On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja acquitted Lawal. In May 2011, the EFCC arrested Lawal on 24 counts of fraudulently awarding contracts, money laundering and embezzlement of N75 billion ($471 million). On May 28, the Federal High Court in Abuja started the trial of former Speaker of the House of Representatives,

Our error N the opening paragraph of our Newspeople’s story of IandFebruary 24, 2014, entitled, ‘Men who saved Suntai’s life theirs’ too’, it was stated that, “The Bible exults that ‘Heaven helps those who help themselves.’” Our attention has been drawn to the fact that the phrase, “often mistaken as scriptural, appears nowhere in the Bible.” Check the link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God helps those who help themselves).

The error is regretted.

Dimeji Bankole, for making fraudulent contracts worth N894 million ($5.6 million).”

Police corruption which remains “rampant”, lack of legislative protection for whistle-blowers, nondisclosure of the President’s assets and lackluster in implementing the “Public Access to Information” by the Federal Government also featured prominently in the report.

“Although the law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, the government did not implement the law effectively, and officials frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity. Massive, widespread, and pervasive corruption affected all levels of government and the security forces. The constitution provides immunity from civil and criminal prosecution for the president, vice president, governors, and deputy governors while in office.”

“The anti-corruption efforts of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and EFCC remained largely ineffectual. The ICPC holds broad authorities to prosecute all forms of corruption, whereas the EFCC is tasked with handling only financial crimes. Despite this wider mandate, the ICPC had achieved only 68 convictions since its inauguration in 2000”, the report stated.

One of the counts against Tahir reads: “That you

Garba Abdullahi Tahir on or about July 13, 2009 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court obtained for yourself by false pretences and with intent to defraud, through your Ecobank Plc account, various sums of money amounting in the aggregate to N3,820,800 from the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Pensions Account held by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation of Nigeria, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act, 2006.”

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution counsel, Godwin Obla (SAN), told the court that he was ready for trial but asked for a short adjournment to enable him regularise processes as a result of the amendment and the new practice directive.

The defence counsel, Nicholas Eku, on the other hand asked the court for 21 days to enable him study the new proof of evidence and the amended charge. He, however, prayed the court to allow the accused to continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted to him by the court.

Justice Kolawole adjourned the case to April 9, May 7 and 8, 2014 for commencement of trial while the accused is to enjoy the terms of the bail earlier granted him by the court.

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NEWS Thursday, March 6, 2014

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Alison-Madueke tasks developing countries on utilisation of oil revenue

By Roseline Okere IL producing countries in O the developing world, especially in Africa, need to shift focus from predominantly crude oil production to integrated oil and gas development with emphasis on domestic utilisation of their natural resources.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani AlisonMadueke, who made this submission at the CERA Week 2014 in Houston Texas, United States of America, said there was the need for oil producing countries in Africa to pay attention to the development of the power and industrial sectors, as a pivot for economic growth.

According to AlisonMadueke, who is also alternate president for the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), if this strategy is adopted, it will not only drive growth but also address the ever-increasing unemployment situation in developing economies, which will consequently prevent increases in crime and insecurity.

She emphasised the need to encourage more private participation in the oil and gas sector, rather than the historical majority control by governments in the developing countries.

Alison-Madueke believed that there is an urgent need to privatise the oil and gas sector in emerging economies to free critical funds for infrastructural development by government and also enable it to meet the needs of the citizenry.

Speaking on how reduce the impact of shale oil in develop-

Ahmed urges Christians to pray for peace at Lent From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin S Christians begin this A year’s Lenten season, the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed has urged Christian faithful to use the occasion to pray fervently for the restoration of peace in the country, especially the NorthEast that has been under the throes of insurgence.

Ahmed expressed the belief that the only weapon that could not fail remains prayers and devotion to God urging Nigerian Christians therefore, to use the Lenten season to ask God to stem cases of violence in Nigeria.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba said the Lenten season calls for sober reflection on individual attitudes and national challenges in order to engender an egalitarian society.

“Since the Lenten season in Christendom marks a period of sober reflection, fasting and penitence in anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, it is imperative that the season is also used for a deeper and sober reflection on the state of affairs in our country,” he advised.

Ahmed also urged Christians and Nigerians of other faiths to use the Lenten season to pray and work fervently for the success of the forthcoming national conference and the 2015 polls.

ing and African countries, she stated, “there is the urgent and growing need, for integration and collaboration, especially in Africa towards the utilisation of crude oil and gas, geared towards the stimulation of regional economic growth.

“This calls for the fast track and speedy development of refining capacities in East (Kenya and Uganda) and West Africa (Nigeria), to cater for increasing demand of petroleum products, create employment, and further reduce import dependence.”

She also stressed the need

for oil producing countries to engage more in the discovering of new oil reserves.

“The future of world oil depends strongly on continuous discovery of new reserves and production by both OPEC and Non-OPEC countries. Between them, the current global split of production and reserves is approximately 50/50, even though there exist differentials in production costs tilting mostly in favour of OPEC countries. As a result, non-OPEC producers tend to produce at, or near, full capacity and so have little spare capacity.

“It, therefore, goes without

saying that this dependency on OPEC, will continue to strengthen its ability, to influence the future of world oil and to consequently play a significant role, in stabilising crude oil prices, in the medium to longer term.

“The future of world oil also depends, significantly, on Petroleum Laws that are designed towards a fair share of revenue, between the resource owners and investors in new frontiers, as well as, in maturing basins in the developing countries.

“Laws, such as the Petroleum Industry Bill, must be de-

signed and implemented to promote transparency, accountability and most importantly an equitable share of revenue, and an inherent positive impact on the nation state that will ensure the creation of jobs, along with the expected return for the resource owners and the polity at large.”

She pointed out that the demand for oil has continued to rise steadily, alongside an ever-increasing demand for fossil fuel for the transportation and power sectors, with the exception of a few blips in the 1970s and 1980s.

Wife of former President, Mrs. Bolanle Obasanjo, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu during the 77th birthday celebration in honour of Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex, Abeokuta yesterday.

She hinted that that over 60 per cent of the fossil fuel demands end up in fuel tanks.

“This situation is further exacerbated, by the rapid growth in vehicular transportation in the world’s two most populous countries, China and India with millions of the driving public in the middle class.

“The big oil companies, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and America’s Energy Information Administration, all predict, that demand for crude oil will continue to increase. Expectation is that global crude oil demand will continue to grow from 89 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 97 million barrels per day by 2020 approximately 115mbpd, by 2040.

“As we continue to feel the effects of the recent global recession, many unresolved economic challenges add to the uncertainty associated with long-term assessment of world energy markets. However, based on current reserves estimates, global supply of crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons, based on current consumption patterns, is adequate to meet the world’s long-term demand for liquid fuels up to 2040.

“This supply is expected to sustain world energy consumption, projected to grow by 56 per cent between 2010 and 2040, according to International Energy Outlook 2013,” she stated.

Alison-Madueke stated that the occurrence of recessions and other periods of low or negative economic growth, will typically have adverse impacts on oil demand and supply outlook.

God has not disappointed me, says Obasanjo From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta ORMER President Olusegun Fciation Obasanjo was full of appreto his maker as he marked his 77th birthday yesterday, stating: “I have been lucky in all areas. God has not disappointed me. God has not counted my failures against me, not because of my goodness, but because of His mercy and compassion that fails not.”

Obasanjo, who was without most of his political associates at the ceremony held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library auditorium in Abeokuta, also thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for sending him a text message to congratulate him on his “official” birthday.

And to those speculating over his real age, he said, “what my mother told me was that I was born on Ifo Market day.

Whether I know the exact day I was born or not, God has made my birth glorious.”

He further thanked all those who had influenced his life in achieving all he has been able to, adding that he bore no grudges against anyone who had offended him in any way, “because they had all contributed to make me what I am today, including even the legislators who wanted to impeach me.”

Obasanjo insisted that there is hope for Nigeria despite all the challenges and enjoined all to join hands to ensure a better country.

Yesterday’s event was the climax of five-day activities lined up to mark the former Presi-

dent’s birthday.

Meanwhile, guests poured encomiums, describing him as a rare gift not only to Nigeria but Africa and the world at large. The dignitaries included Ambassador Christopher Kolade, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, and former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, while the royal fathers included the Osile Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, and

Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, among others.

In his brief remarks, Amosun described Obasanjo as a bundle of energy and talents, who has been of immense blessing to the entire African continent, adding that his contributions towards the unity and progress of Nigeria are unsurpassable.

For Sierra Leone’s Education Minister, Dr. Minkailu Bah,

Obasanjo has contributed immensely to the enthronement of democracy in many African countries and remains a living icon and a strong advocate of Nigeria’s unity.

Kolade, meanwhile, wondered at the celebrant’s unchanging physical features even while he grows older, noting: “He keeps on celebrating birthdays, but he remains the same, he does not change

physically.”

However, Oba Dosunmu regretted that Nigerians were yet to come to terms with the reality of Obasanjo’s humanness. He said: “There are so many things that people know about Obasanjo, but what pains me more is they do not know about his humanness, nobody talks about his kindness.”

16 feared killed, houses torched in Plateau From Saxone Akhaine Kaduna; Kamal Tayo Oropo, Lagos; Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos; Chris Irekamba, Lagos; Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri HE orgy of violence in some T northern states continued in the early hours of yesterday when 16 persons were killed and many houses razed by unknown gunmen in four communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to Emmanuel Fom from one of the communities, “gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen accompanied by fake soldiers stormed four communities in the local government in the early hours of today (yesterday) and started burning houses and shooting innocent persons killing not less than 16 people.”

He gave the names of the villages attacked as Torok, Gwon, Gwarama, and Gwarim all in Rim district of Riyom.

Majority Leader of Plateau State House of Assembly, rep-

resenting Riyom, Hon. Daniel Dem, described the constant attacks and killings of villagers as sad, saying that “10 persons mostly women and children were burnt to death in Rim district and many houses were burnt.”

In Gada Gashi, Langtang South LGA, many houses were burnt but no casualty was recorded. Then situation has, however, led to an exodus of villagers to nearby communities.

Spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF), Captain Salisu Ibrahim Mustapha, said that the attackers went there with full force with a view to massacring the villagers but could not carry out their plans as the soldiers of the STF were alerted and they promptly responded.

Mustapha, however, added, “the assailants succeeded in killing nine people and burnt 24 houses.”

Apparently worried about the unending wave of violence and terrorism, Lagos

State Governor, Babatunde Fashola yesterday urged the Nigerian military to develop homegrown expertise to confront the present security challenges in some parts of the country.

Fashola, who made the call when the newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Usman Jibrin paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Ikeja, maintained that the idea of seeking foreign expertise to fight internal security issues will not help the military as it will deny them the opportunity to learn and develop from their experiences.

He pointed out that a country’s military was as good as its ability to effectively respond to security challenges, using its own strategies.

Also, Director of Research, Strategy and Planning, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Sunday Oibe urged government to take steps in exposing the financiers and sponsors of the insurgency

before it affects the corporate existence of the nation.

Similarly, the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Rev. Felix I. Omobude strongly condemned the recent spate of “vile and barbaric acts of terrorism that have defined the last few weeks in the North.”

Meanwhile, Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State, while receiving members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Kaduna yesterday pledged to check the menace of cattle rustlers raiding settlements of Fulani herdsmen in parts of the state.

In Borno State, Governor Kashim Shettima yesterday constituted an eight-man panel headed by the Rector of Ramat Polytechnic, Alhaji Babagana Umara to “assess and rebuild” the Boko Haram destroyed houses and shops at Mafa town, despite the fleeing of 1, 250 residents to Maiduguri for safety.

Thursday, March 6, 2014 NEWS

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News FEC okays N28b for Abuja power transmission From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja

T

HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday gave the Ministry of Finance approval to obtain a loan of $170 million (about N28 billion) from the French Development Agency (FDA) to boost power transmission in Abuja.

It also approved the N80 billion Diaspora bond as part of efforts to encourage the involvement of Nigerians in the Diaspora in revamping the economy, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, told State House correspondents after the

weekly FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa.

According to OkonjoIweala, who was flanked by her counterpart in Information, Labaran Maku, President Goodluck Jonathan and his French counterpart, François Hollande, signed the agreement for the soft loan last week during the centenary security summit when the latter visited Abuja during the centenary celebration.

She said that the loan, which has a 1.6 per cent payback interest, was part of government’s efforts to expand investment in transmission to

ensure steady electricity supply. The amount sought, she added, has been in the Federal Government’s borrowing plan since 2010 but was only approved at yesterday’s meeting.

The minister explained that “the loan, which is usually given on exceptional concessionary grounds to developing and friendly countries by the French Government was taken to undertake a 270-kilometre transmission lines and the construction of additional substations within the FCT to boost power supply.

“The terms include 1.56

per cent interest rate per annum, commitment charge of 0.5 per cent per annum and a service charge of 0.25 per cent per annum payable on the amount withdrawn. The loan is for 20 years with a seven-year grace period that means moratorium on payment for seven years and the rest payable over 20 years.

“We have asked to engage Nigerians, as Mr. President wants Nigerians outside who are very much desirous of engaging in the building of infrastructure and investment in the country, in an organised fashion.

“The size of the bond will be anywhere from $100 million to $300 million and the idea is to have them invest this in infrastructure basically in the country, so it will be in an infrastructure that most of them can see and feel and that is what many of them in our soundings from the Diaspora abroad have said they would like to invest in.”

According to her, “the second aspect is N80 billion of Federal Government bonds. This is part of our regular borrowing programme for this year, so we are not adding anything to it. Out of the N522 billion we said we would borrow this year to help finance the budget, we are saying we are going to float N80 billion in something called Global Depository Notes.

“This is an arrangement you make when you want to diversify and enlarge

the universe of those nesting in your bonds.

You work with an international bank that can issue these notes to people outside. There may be foreign investors who want to invest in Nigeria but their laws do not allow them to invest directly in another domestic currency.

“What they do is work with these international banks, we can arrange to have them facilitate the investment in our own naira by issuing these notes which they can then invest in and purchase.

“This was one of the loans signed when the French President came for the centenary celebrations, because we had an anticipatory ratification from the President and it was ratified today by council – $170 million of very soft credit.”

Govt shuts five federal colleges in N’East From Kanayo Umeh, Abuja

OLLOWING the huge that the activiFtiesdanger of the terrorist group,

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (middle), signing the 2014 Appropriation Bill into law. With him are the Deputy Governor, Alli Olanusi (right) and the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dare Emiola, at the Governor’s Office, Akure… yesterday.

Boko Haram, pose to their students’ lives and safety, the Federal Government has approved the closure of five Federal Government Colleges located within the high security risk areas of North-Eastern Nigeria.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, disclosed yesterday in Abuja that the schools included Federal Government Girls College, Munguno, Federal Government College, Potiskum, Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Federal Science and Technical

College, Lassa, and Federal Science and Technical College, Michika.

He directed that candidates who had registered for WASSCE, NECO, SSCE and BECE in FGGC Potiskum should have their examination centres at FGGC Bauchi, while those from FGGC Munguno and FGC Buni Yadi should also be relocated.

Wike also directed that other students affected by the closure, but who are not writing public examinations, be relocated to FGGC Bauchi, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Maiduguri, FSTC Kafanchan and FSTC Dayi. Parents, however, could choose a school for the affected students, but only from the six listed schools.

APC seeks govt’s honest explanation on fuel scarcity From Bridget Chiedu Onochie and Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja PPOSITION All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Federal Government to tell Nigerians the truth about the ongoing fuel scarcity, which is causing hardship to citizens.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the persistence of the scarcity contradicts government’s statement that the long queues at filling stations were caused by panic buying.

He noted that the queues in Lagos and other major cities in recent days are the longest and most chaotic in Nigeria in recent years, and have shown that the situation is not just due to panic

O

• Crisis ends this week, says NNPC buying but caused by a more serious problem.

However, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu, said the current fuel scarcity across the country would be fully addressed before the end of the week because, “a strong team comprising major stakeholders in the industry was already monitoring the 1,000 trucks distributing the product across the country.

“We have a full team right now in Lagos. Last week, the team was in Abuja and we worked round, distributing the product by releasing the strategic reserve to the stations and we are able to re-

duce the fuel queues.”

He added: “We shifted to Lagos at the weekend and have injected quite a lot into the Lagos market. All the marketers and relevant agencies, including the DPR, PPRA, NNPC as well as PPMC, have a very strong team out there to ensure that the deliveries are made to offshore.

“We have some vessels that had not been offloaded into the tank farms in Lagos and a lot of supplies have gone into most filling stations. In the last couple of days, we have close to 1,000 trucks that had been loaded out of the various depots and jetties in Lagos and the product is being supplied to the various stations in Lagos

and beyond.”

He disclosed that, “as at the close of business on Tuesday, most filling stations on Victoria Island and Ikoyi were dispensing fuel and we expect that other parts of Lagos will be impacted by the increase in the fuel supply strategy that the combined team has been doing.”

The NNPC boss expressed hope that by the end of work yesterday, Nigerians would begin to see a significant change in supply of the product in Lagos.

Nevertheless, he noted that the best way to distribute fuel was through the pipeline network to the various depots spread all over the country, adding that there are over 20 of them serviced by about 5,000

kilometers stretch of pipelines, most of which, though, were breached, causing occasional scarcity.

All the same, the APC said that, “ordinary Nigerians are suffering the consequences of the runway corruption in our country’s oil sector, much as the government would want the citizens to believe otherwise.

“With huge funds unaccounted for by the NNPC, the so-called subsidy shrouded in secrecy and those who robbed the nation blind under the guise of fuel subsidy walking free, it was just a matter of time for the country to witness the kind of scarcity that has now grounded socio-economic activities across the land.

“We know that this Federal

Government lacks credibility and has consistently lied to Nigerians on various issues affecting them, and we urge it to come clean for once on the reasons for this fuel scarcity and also step up efforts to end it.”

It added: “Coming at a time that power supply is at the worst and Nigerians rely on their electricity generators to stave off darkness and heat, it is downright cruel and totally inexplicable that the government would compound the monumental suffering of the people by its inability to provide fuel, which they need to power their generators.

“Furthermore, hapless commuters are paying exorbitant fares to move from one point to another.”

6

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NEWS Thursday, March 6, 2014

PPA wants PDP, APC sanctioned

Protest in Edo over NDDC nominee

From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja

From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City

ACTIVITIES at the Benin ofA fice of the Niger Delta Development Commission

From the obvious, PDP and APC have already commenced their campaigns for 2015 elections without following the rules laid down by INEC that is responsible for regulating political parties and their candidates seeking elective positions or offices HE Progressive Peoples AlT liance (PPA) yesterday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sanction the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly beginning electoral campaign before the stipulated time.

The party, through its National Chairman, Mr. Peter Ameh, said it has watched with dismay the continuous violations of INEC rules and regulations, alleging that the two parties have continued to defy the laid down rules by campaigning for an election that is still almost one year away.

Ameh, therefore, urged INEC to consider sanctioning the two parties. “The Electoral Act 2011 as amended has stated clearly the timeframe required by political parties and their aspirants for elections campaigning.

“We urge the Commission to sanction anyone responsible for rallies. What do you call the President’s and PDP members’ visits to Imo and Kwara states and the APC posters and billboards spread around Ekiti and Osun states? These are purely campaign materials.

“From the obvious, PDP and APC have already commenced their campaigns for 2015 elections without following the rules laid down by INEC that is responsible for regulating political parties and their candidates seeking elective positions or offices”.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio (right) and Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dan Abia, during a town-hall meeting in Eket Federal Constituency

Reps decry N30.4b national budget ceiling for FCT From Terhemba Daka, Abuja HE House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday described as grossly insufficient the N30.4 billion national priority budget ceiling for 2014 given to FCT by the Budget Office of the Federation.

At the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed’s presentation of the FCT 2014 national budget, the lawmakers warned that unless there is improved funding of critical infrastructure and social services in the federal capital, Abuja may end up as a recreation of a congested and ill-planned Lagos.

Mohammed had told the Em-

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manuel Jimeh-led committee that the present envelop of N30.4 billion handed the FCT for 2014 was inadequate to fund the 17 National Priority Projects (NPP) that require N470.3 billion to be rolled off.

He said the implication of this ceiling is that these projects would either be underfunded or abandoned. In the face of the grin funding reality, FCT might have to brace up for litigation by the affected companies, some of which are multinationals.

The minister nevertheless gave a glimmer of hope by disclosing that the FCT Administration on its part was working painstakingly to har-

Okorocha redeploys commissioners, others From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Accountant General, Mr. George Eche, to the Ministry of Works as the permanent secretary. In his position, he appointed Mrs. S. N. Udogwu.

According to a statement signed by Okorocha’s Senior Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Samuel Onwemedo, the governor also relieved the General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Iheanyi Abaekwueme, of his position. No reason was given for the action.

In a similar development, the governor also directed the Commissioner for Transport, Iheukwumere Alaribe, to move to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, while the Commissioner for Environment, Prof.

Okey Okoro, was directed to supervise the Ministry of Transport.

Mrs. Uzoma Uwandu was appointed to replace the new accountant general who was the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, while E. O. Asonye was deployed from the Local Service Commission as permanent secretary to the Ministry

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of Internal Resources and Pensions Affairs. Mrs. Lillian Asuzu, who was the permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance, is now the permanent secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, while Mr. Bona Ibebuike, moves from the Ministry of Petroleum and Environment to the Ministry of Community Government, Culture

and Tradition.

Mrs. Ijeoma Ekeanyanwu was redeployed from the House of Assembly Service Commission to the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, while Mr. Nobert Okoro was redeployed from the Ministry of Works to the Ministry of Finance as the permanent secretary.

ness other avenues to fulfill its strategic role of building a befitting federal capital city that would be a source of pride to Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora.

Among the alternative sources of funding are the Sovereign Wealth Fund and the SURE-P. An estimated N23 billion is expected to be sourced through the latter.

Mohammed also stated that the FCTA would intensify its collaboration with the private sector for infrastructure development through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He appreciated the lawmakers’ support and cooperation with the FCTA towards fulfilling its mandate of providing the required infrastructure to the residents of the FCT pursuant to the Administration’s mandate of delivering a firstclass city that would be comparable to the best in the world.

While reviewing the performance of the 2013 FCT National Priority Budget, the minister said N57 billion was appropriated for the FCT national budget that year.

“To date, FCT has received 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter war-

rants, bringing the total amount released to date to N32,954,483,703.49 and leaving an unreleased balance to date of N24,045,516,294.51,” he disclosed.

The release gives a budget performance of 58 per cent while the expenditure against the actual released sum gives 100 per cent performance.

Lagos A’Court adjourns indefinitely for renovation

By Bertram Nwannekanma HE Court of Appeal in Lagos will from next week put on hold all judicial activities in the court as a result of ongoing renovation at the court premises.

A statement issued and signed by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR), Mr. Akindele Stephen, entitled: “Adjournment of sittings sine die due to renovation of court complex”, stated that the court will not be sitting as from March 10 till further notice.

The statement, however, added that counsel and litigants whose matters are reserved for judgements would be informed of the

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Amaechi urges National Assembly to protect democracy day, the citizens will wake up and start running for IVERS State Governor safety. That is why you and I Chibuike Amaechi has have the responsibility to recalled on the National Assem- pair the damage. We need to bly to apply political and par- protect our democracy,” he liamentary activism as part of said. their oversight functions to Amaechi urged the lawmakprotect the nation’s democ- ers to see their responsibility racy from further disasters. as an extensive commitment The governor spoke yester- that borders on economic, soday when the Chairman, cial and political disasters afHouse Committee on Emer- fecting the citizenry. gency and Disaster in the “I must say that, at different House of Representatives, Ife- occasions, you have risen to dayo Abegunde, led other defend democracy. You have members of the panel to pay a big assignment, which is to a courtesy call on him at Gov- defend not only against natuernment House, Port Har- ral but also man-made disascourt. ters, including those in “The judiciary became judi- Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa cial activism in 2007 when I states. We are living in a got the Supreme Court judg- country where there are disment. If the parliamentari- asters everywhere; there is ans don’t do that, then one even disaster in the revenue

From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt

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that we are sharing. You won’t believe that from N18 billion to N20 billion allocation we had been receiving from the Federal Government, we now receive only about 13 billion monthly, meaning that our wage bills are now affected, social development are also affected, that is disaster too.”

While thanking the federal lawmakers for coming to Rivers to commiserate with the victims of Rumuwoji Market fire disaster, Amaechi appealed to the Federal Government to assist the state in the development of the market and payment of compensation to those affected by the December 17, 2013, inferno.

Earlier, Abegunde said their visit was predicated on the

(NDDC) along the Murtala Muhammed Road were yesterday paralysed as youths, under the name Youths for Good Governance, protested the continued non-clearance of a commissioner to represent the state in the Board.

The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, including some accusing Senator Ehigie Uzamere of working at cross-purposes with the state governor. They said the nonclearance was impeding development in the oil-producing communities in Edo South.

They appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to jettison the politics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and appoint Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s nominee in the NDDC Board.

The protest, which commenced at about 7 a.m., created panic in the area as staff of the Commission took to their heels when hundreds of youths stormed the premises. The protesters later locked up the premises, saying they would not leave there until the President appointed an NDDC representative for the state.

“President Jonathan respect Edo people and give us NDDC Rep”, “Uzamere, don’t destroy NDDC in Edo because of your selfish interest”, “Mr. President stop playing PDP politics and respect Oshiomhole’s nominee”, were some of the inscriptions in the placards.

House Resolution of January 30, 2014, which mandated the committee to commiserate with Amaechi and the victims of Rumuwoji Market inferno in Port Harcourt.

He also said the committee would assess the level of damage caused by the inferno, taking into cognizance the statistics of the affected victims with a view to seeking redress for them from the National Emergency Management Agency over which the committee has constitutional oversight powers.

The committee further commended Amaechi for resolving to build a befitting Rumuwoji (Mile One) Market, describing it as one of Amaechi’s outstanding achievements in terms of provision of infrastructure.

venue, time and date when such judgements will be delivered. ‘’I have been directed by the Presiding Justice to inform counsel and litigants alike that, due to the renovation work going on at the court complex, Lagos, the court will not be sitting from March 10, 2014 till further notice’’, it stated.

In addition, the statement said that counsel and litigants would be informed when the renovation work is completed and sought for their cooperation throughout the renovation exercise.

Jigawa demolishes illegal structures in Dutse From John Akubo, Dutse HE Dutse City Development Agency (DCDA) has demolished over 1000 illegal structures in Dutse metropolis and environs.

The Executive Chairman of DCDA, Alhaji Aminu Bashir Suleiman, who addressed newsmen in his office yesterday in Dutse, said the demolition was carried out after extensive consultation.

He said notice was issued to the owners of the structures but failed to comply with government directives.

The chairman pointed out the exercise was aimed at making the development of the state to be within the designed master plan.

According to Suleiman, the current demolition of illegal structures being carried out within the city is done in good faith and is meant to beautify the city and give it a unique outlook.

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Thursday, March 6, 2014 NEWS 7

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

FRSC warns motorists with expired, fake number plates, others

Katsina okays N230m for scholarships HE Katsina State governT ment has approved N230 million for payment of allowances to its students studying in universities in the country.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), this is contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Scholarships Trust Fund, Alhaji Shehu Muhammad, and made available to newsmen yesterday in Katsina.

Muhammad said the government had already disbursed N190 million to students of colleges of education, polytechnics and health institutions, putting the total sum released as scholarship allowances at N420 million.

The statement said that the scholarship was for the 2012/2013 academic session.

It urged the students to reciprocate the gesture through dedication to their studies, so as to pass their examinations and contribute meaningfully to nationbuilding.

It also urged them to shun examination malpractice and become good ambassadors of the state in their respective institutions.

From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin HE Federal Road Safety T Commission (FRSC) has warned that holders of ex-

Wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (left); Principal Consultant, Edumark Consult, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde and Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu during the eight edition of “We Are the Future of Our Nation” organised by Edumark Consult in Lagos PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

100 Ekiti teachers get car loan

Reps panel cautions EFCC against partisanship

From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado-Ekiti

From Adamu Abuh, Abuja

OPE of a better life for EkEMBERS of the House of H iti State primary school MRepresentatives Committeachers brightened yester- tee on Drugs, Narcotics and Fiday as the government granted 100 of them car loan.

The loan was said to be in keeping with government’s promise of improving the welfare of teachers in the state.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony held at Ola Oluwa Muslims’ Grammar School in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Kayode Fayemi said the gesture was to boost the morale and productivity of the teachers at the lowest rung of education’s ladder.

Fayemi at the occasion also distributed laptops to the best teachers in each of the 16 local council areas of the state, saying that nothing is too much to appreciate them for their noble roles in nation-building and character-moulding.

nancial Crimes yesterday cautioned the authorities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against witch-hunting Nigerians on the basis of settling political scores.

Chairman of the committee, Mr. Adams Jagaba, gave the advice after the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Malam Ibrahim Lamorde, appeared before members of the panel at the National Assembly complex, Abuja, to defend his 2014 budget proposal.

Jagaba, who applauded the EFCC for securing dozens of convictions in 2013, charged the EFCC boss not to allow himself to be used as a tool in the hands of various interest groups to settle political vendetta with the 2015 poll around the corner.

He noted: “You must not al-

low any person or group to use the EFCC for political vendetta, whether it is in the interest of the PDP or APC. Even if it affects me Jagaba, don’t say it is because it concerns Jagaba. I urge you to take instructions from God and nobody else.”

The lawmaker, who promised to liaise with his colleagues in the Senate to ensure adequate budgetary provisions for the completion of the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, also charged the agency’s boss not to toy with workers’ welfare since there was the need to motivate them to discharge their duties diligently.

Earlier, Lamorde disclosed that the EFCC secured a total of 117 convictions in cases prosecuted by his outfit across the country.

He stated that of the total N21.1 billion proposed, he got an approval of N10.2 billion from the budget office, leading to a differential of N10.8

billion.

He further stated that the N1.2 billion approved by the budget office for the EFCC’s headquarters fell short of the N9.8 billion required to offset the outstanding payment for the project billed for completion in January 2015.

‘Airlines, telecoms firms highest violators of consumer rights’

By Chuka Odittah, Abuja TUDIES conducted by the Snon-government Consumer Parliament, a organisation set up to combat bad customer service, have revealed that operators of airlines and telecommunications companies provide poor services, thereby violating terms of engagement with customers nationwide.

Briefing journalists in Abuja on the mission of the Consumer Parliament, Ido Ekong

Again, trial of Nnamani, others suffers setback

By Bertram Nwannekanma EVEN years after he was first arraigned for money laundering, the trial of former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, has continued to be delayed as a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday fixed June 17 for commencement of his trial.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa adjourned the case yesterday, following the argument by Abubakar Shamsudeen, the defence counsel, that the matter was not fixed for trial but for mention.

“Your lordship was attending a conference at the last date and so we agreed for a date for mention,” Shamsudeen said.

But the prosecution counsel, led by Kevin Uzozie dis-

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agreed, stating that criminal cases are never adjourned for mention. “Everyday is a trial day,” the EFCC lawyer said. He said that he had one witness in court to proceed with trial, but will accede to an adjournment if the defence was not prepared to proceed.

He also informed the court that he had a total of six witnesses and could present three of them in a day.

But the judge, who noted that there was need to hasten the trial, adjourned till June 17, 2014, saying with the length of adjournment, parties should ensure that there is remarkable progress.

“We’ll fix very few matters on that day so we’ll have more time,” he added.

The former governor is facing trial by the EFCC along-

side seven others on a 105count charge bothering on laundering of N5 billion.

He was arraigned alongside Sunday Anyaogu, Rainbownet (Nig) Ltd, Hillgate (Nig) Ltd, Cosmos Fm, Capital City Automobile (Nig) Ltd, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have laundered various sums of money to the tune of N5 billion, and had lodged same in a secret account.

It was also alleged that Nnamani conspired with other accused persons to launder various statutory allocations of some local councils in Enugu State.

He is also facing trial, among others, for allegedly stealing

Nevertheless, he said he would require N1.4 billion to settle several outstanding claims of workers, which revolve around contributions to the National Housing Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Pensions Commission (PENCOM).

N1.4 billion from the Excess Crude Oil Funds allocated to local councils in the state.

Nnamani was first arraigned before Justice Abubakar Tijani in 2007.

Three judges had so far handled the trial before it was transferred to Mohammed.

In April last year, the judge granted Nnamani leave to travel overseas for medical treatment - his lawyer said he was suffering from Hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterised by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

The former governor’s overseas trip led to the court adjourning twice - first in May and then in September - because Nnamani had not returned.

and Cynthia Odibeli, both facilitators of the group’s campaign against poor customer service, urged Nigerians to resist further attempts by local or international companies to deliver shoddy services despite being paid.

“From studies and the plethora of cases brought before us, complaints of poor service delivery by Nigerian airline operators and the telecommunications company are highest. This violates consumer rights, and we believe that this is wrong’’.

pired or fake vehicle number plates and driver’s licence, otherwise called vehicle registration documents, will be arrested and prosecuted from July 1, 2014, when full enforcement on the documents commences.

Speaking with reporters yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, Secretary of the FRSC, Kayode Fanola, said old vehicle number plates and driver’s licence would expire by June 30, 2014, adding that the Joint Tax Board had approved July 1, 2014, for FRSC to begin enforcement.

The FRSC boss, who raised the alarm that a lot of Nigerians are innocently carrying about fake vehicle registration documents procured from touts, added that many people only realised their folly when they were stopped on the road by law enforcement agents.

He also said that anyone caught with fake driver’s licence or vehicle number plates would be treated like someone caught with fake naira notes or fake international passport, adding that all these are security documents that are even needed for personal official documentation.

The Corps Secretary advised that Nigerians should not pay cash to anyone to process vehicle registration documents or do it by proxy, adding that they should pay in banks where a code is generated to process driver’s licence, while the holder’s picture and finger prints are captured at the FRSC office.

“There is no short cut to getting driver’s licence or number plates because the process is digitalised and uploaded into FRSC website and national data bank where no fraudster can manipulate it. It will also make it difficult for a traffic offender to hide even if he or she decides to run from being prosecuted.

“Also, stolen vehicle with fake number plates will be difficult to retrieve because FRSC will have no records of the vehicle.

Patronising touts also denies government revenue accruable from vehicle registration, otherwise called road tax”, he said.

8 | Thursday, March 6, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

PHOTONEWS

Recycling Manager, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Tolulope Adeyo (left); Director, Admin and Finance, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Akim Bakreen; Deputy Director, NNRA, Nosiru Bello and Assistant Director, Administration, NNRA, Eyoanwan Bassey, at the stakeholders’ workshop on “Dealing, Processing and Recycling of Scrap Metals and Other Commodities That Could Inadvertently Contain Radioactive Material” in Lagos… yesterday.

Project Co-ordinator, Azura Power Group, Dr. David Oluwole (left); Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, during a briefing on the on-going Edo State Independent Power Producing Plant (IPP) in Abuja.

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY-ELUKPO

Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland, Abuja, Dr. Daniel Cavegn (left) with Managing Director, BMS International Limited – a member of Nigeria-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Bola Osinowo, during a visit by the envoy to Lagos.

Principal, CSS Rumuepirikom, Mrs. Elenwo Justina (left); Principal Ambassador, Nnefuro Kurubo Model Secondary School, Mrs. Rao; Programmes Coordinator, Port Harcourt World Book Capital (PHWBC), Wale Salami; Principal, Holy Rosary College, Judith Amadi and Assistant Programmes Coordinator, PHWBC, Akwarandu Chibuike, after the official project briefing of principals and head teachers for the PHWBC Reading Tree programme in Port Harcourt.

Principal Partner, AD Consulting, Arch Olajumoke Adenowo (right) receiving the Excellent Leadership Award from the National President, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Sunday Ogbonnaya, in recognition of her youth empowerment programmes.

Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Muhammad (middle); Technical Assistant to Executive Director, Dr. Ogbe Oritseweyinmi, and Primary Health Care (PHC) Coordinator, Keffi Local Council, Nasarawa State, Hajia Maryam Ibrahim, while monitoring March 2014 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDS) in the state.

Arik official, Odion Andrew (left); Vice President, Flight Operations, Arik Air, Capt. Ado Sanusi and Director of African Achievers award, Timothy Felix, at the presentation of awards to notable African achievers in Accra, Ghana.

Head of Marketing, Nutricima Limited, Wande Oluwasegunfumi (left); Assistant Director/Coordinator, Lagos zonal office of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Fidelis Ajibogun; Assistant Manager, Legal, Lagos State Lotteries, Gbemi Ajibose; Category Marketing Manager (Standard Mild), Ralph Agbaje and Director, Regulation & Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Prince Emmanuel Jeminiwa, at the first e-raffle draw of Nutricima Mega Cash Consumer Promo in Lagos.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014 | 9

WorldReport World’s oldest woman marks 116 in Japan

U.S., Russia meet on Ukraine as EU backs massive aid NITED States and Russian U top diplomats headed for crucial talks on Ukraine yesterday as the European Union (EU) unveiled an aid package worth at least 11 billion euros to support the country’s new proWestern leaders.

The talks in Paris to defuse the worst East-West stand-off since the Cold War came as proMoscow forces seized part of two missile bases in Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, although all missiles remained in Ukrainian hands.

U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry and Russia’s Sergei Lavrov were meeting for the first time since Ukraine’s Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted late last month after three months of protests, which left nearly 100 dead.

U.S. President, Barack Obama said Tuesday Russia was “not fooling anyone” after it claimed it had no troops operating in Crimea, where pro-Russian forces have taken control.

Lavrov reiterated its claim on Wednesday, saying: “If they are the self-defence forces created by the inhabitants of Crimea, we have no authority over

them. They do not receive our orders.”

But while stepping up diplomatic pressure Washington — with the support of European heavyweights France, Germany and Britain — is also seeking to offer President Vladimir Putin a way out of the crisis in the exSoviet state.

But Obama also spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday and agreed on the importance of a “de-escalation” with the deployment of international observers and the start of talks between Moscow and Kiev, a U.S. official said.

“De-escalation” on the Russian side would include its troops going back inside their bases in Crimea, home to Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet since the 18th century, the official added.

Russian doubts on the legitimacy of Kiev’s interim government would be resolved by elections planned for May. A diplomatic source told AFP that 15 member states of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), including the United States, have agreed to send military observers to Ukraine.

Merkel warns Moscow not to destabilise Kiev govt ERMAN Chancellor Angela G Merkel has called on Russia not to do anything to destabilise the situation in Ukraine after pro-Moscow forces took de-facto control of Ukraine’s majority Russian Crimean Peninsula.

“Russia must desist from any taunting which could lead to a destabilisation of the situation,” Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert told a government news briefing.

Berlin regards the situation in Ukraine as “alarming,” Seibert said.

“As a result of Russia’s actions, the situation in Crimea goes against international agreements that Russia has signed up to. It’s a situation which is not acceptable,” the spokesman continued.

Diplomacy was the only way

forward, Seibert insisted.

“It must be clear to everyone that the territorial integrity of Ukraine must be upheld,” he said.

“It is of paramount importance that all sides show restraint. If there is to be a diplomatic process then everything must be undertaken to ensure the stability of Ukraine. And no action must be undertaken which could lead to destabilisation,” Seibert said.

According to diplomatic sources in Vienna, member states of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have agreed to send military observers to Ukraine.

“We welcome that the first steps of a fact-finding mission

HE world’s oldest woman T yesterday celebrated her 116th birthday in a Japanese

World’s oldest woman, Misao Okawa celebrates her 116th birthday at the nursing home in Osaka, western Japan…yesterday. Okawa last year received a certificate from Guinness World Records confirming her status as the oldest living woman. PHOTO: AFP

Liberal Egyptian group opposes Sisi’s presidential ambition GYPT’S April 6 protest E group, which helped topple Hosni Mubarak in 2011, spoke out yesterday against any attempt by army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to seek the presidency, saying this would be divisive and destabilizing.

Field Marshal Sisi, who is also defense minister, told a military gathering on Tuesday he would soon begin official procedures for registering his candidacy because he could not “turn his back on calls by the majority of Egyptians”.

April 6 at first backed Sisi’s removal of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July, but,

‘Secretive’ Chinese woman named world’s youngest billionaire 24-year-old Hong Kong- founde,r Dustin Moskovitz as A based woman has been the very youngest billionnamed the world’s youngest aire,” Forbes said on its webbillionaire, replacing a former Facebook co-founder and spurring gossip in the city.

Perenna Kei, a graduate from the University of London who lives in Hong Kong, was ranked by Forbes as the world’s youngest tycoon in its annual super-rich list, with a net worth of $1.3 billion.

“Little-known Perenna Kei, a newcomer to the list, displaces former Facebook co-

Fighting breaks out in South Sudan capital soldiers died when those found responsible would FtheIVE heavy fighting broke out in face a court martial. main military barracks in “It’s unfortunate that this war-torn South Sudan’s capital Juba yesterday, underscoring serious tensions within the national army as it battles a rebel uprising.

Fierce gunfire lasting two hours was heard coming from the main barracks near Juba University, home to the presidential guards and other elite troops, from 9:30 am.

The government played down the violence as resulting from a “misunderstanding” over pay. Army spokesman Malak Ayuen told AFP five soldiers had been killed and that

morning fighting ensued among the commandos themselves over salary,” he said.

“What happened was a misunderstanding among the commandos and it ended in their unit.”

According to independent Tamazuj radio, the fighting started after soldiers argued with a military pay committee.

Other local media carried unconfirmed reports that the fighting broke out between guards loyal to President Salva Kiir and a commando unit under top general Gatwech Gai.

like some other secular groups, has since returned to its former stance opposing army-backed rule.

“The defense minister’s candidacy for the post of president of the republic would not be in the interest of the divided nation and will not achieve the objectives of the revolution,” April 6 said on its official Facebook page.

“Rather, it will increase the crisis greatly and detract from stability and desired progress,” it said.

Opposition from April 6, which helped mobilize crowds against Mubarak, but

The United States embassy in Juba issued a statement advising people to stay indoors as hundreds of terrified residents flooded the main church in Juba, fearing a major outbreak of violence.

“When the fighting started we immediately ran to the church for protection,” said Annet Sitima, a local woman.

The conflict in South Sudan started in the capital Juba under similar circumstances nearly three months ago amid tensions within the ruling party between President Kiir and former vice president, Riek Machar.

site along with the release of the billionaires’ list.

It said her wealth grew along with the listing of a company run by her Chinese tycoon father, Ji Haipeng.

“Kei debuts on this year’s Forbes Billionaires List following the Hong Kong listing in December of Logan Property Holdings,” Forbes said, describing her debut as “an unexpected twist”.

The city of seven million, where 45 billionaires were on the Forbes list for 2014, is a popular destination for Chinese high-rollers to set up businesses or invest in property.

A growing number of wealthy Chinese are also relocating to the city.

Logan Property is a mid-sized developer based in the mainland city of Shenzhen bordering Hong Kong.

When the company listed on the city’s bourse in December, it raised some HK$1.6 billion ($206 million), the South China Morning Post said in a report at the time.

Forbes said Kei, also known as Ji Peili, has an 85 percent stake in the property firm through various companies and a trust.

has no broad political base, seems unlikely to dent Sisi’s chances of sweeping to the presidency. No date for the election has been set.

Wildly popular, Sisi looks set to become the latest in Egypt’s long line of rulers drawn from the military - a tradition only broken during Mursi’s one year in power.

The army’s overthrow of Mursi, Egypt’s first freely elected leader, sharply divided the most populous Arab nation between those who supported it and Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood.

nursing home with a cake and candles.

Misao Okawa, a descendant of kimono merchants in the city of Osaka, western Japan, received a visit from town mayor, Takehiro Ogura earlier this week ahead of her birthday, a nursing home employee said.

Wearing a pink kimono with a red flower headdress, Okawa was presented with a bouquet by the mayor at the facility near her own home.

Asked for a comment on this year’s birthday, the centenarian said: “It’s quite a long time.”

She will be given a cake with candles decorated with numbers, 116, later yesterday to celebrate the day with fellow residents and family members, the employee said.

“She is in good shape, and is even still gaining weight,” the employee said.

“She eats sushi, her favourite, and whatever she likes — beef stew, spaghetti, sashimi every day.

“She always says the secret to living a long time is to eat a good meal and relax,” he added.

Okawa last year received a certificate from Guinness World Records confirming her status as the oldest living woman.

She was born on March 5, 1898 and married in 1919, having three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, local media said.

Japan, known for the longevity of its people, was home to the oldest man ever to have lived — Jiroemon Kimura, who died in June 2013 at the age of 116.

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Thursday, March 6, 2014 www.ngrguardiannews.com

Lagos raises alarm over revenue decline

Ongoing Lagos light rail project

By Wole Oyebade T was an unusual scene at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday and so much to suggest that all is not well.

In an uncharacteristic manner, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) paid an emergency visit to the floor of the House.

Ideally, head of the executive arm of government doesn’t just visit the Legislative House.

When he does, it is either to present budget or on an auspicious occasion, it is usually with pomp and pageantry.

But Monday’s visit was sombre. There was no ceremony, no praise singing, no cheering crowd, no advance party and no press crew even. The governor came all by himself.

Some minutes into the House’s proceedings, Speaker of the House, Adeyemi Ikuforiji had craved the indulgence of the lawmakers that an august visitor was being expected to address the House. He apologised for not informing the House appropriately as it was urgent.

And at about 4pm, Sergeant at arms announced the entrance of His Excellency.

Dressed in a grey suit and in company of six commissioners, Fashola forced a cheerless grin as he made his way to the table.

He thanked the Speaker and the House for obliging him of such opportunity to address the House at short notice.

Fashola said the decision was not unconnected with the view that the people are the parliament, adding that matters that concern the people are best tabled in the house and the Lagos Assembly would not be an exception.

He said it was most necessary to intimate the people that there has been a fall in revenue accrues to the Federal government and its attendant decline in monthly allocation to the States.

And barring a quick effort to halt the trend and decline in exchange rate, several states and the federation would be in for more serious economic crisis.

Besides, the governor faulted the Federal Government for failing to hold National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in the last six months, as mandated by the constitution.

The governor noted that for several months in the live of this country, revenue has been falling and several states had gone a borrowing to shore up deficits.

He said while report of the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) only showed a “bleep of stability” in February, failure of the

I

• Faults FG over failure to hold economic council meeting • Assembly alleges sabotage, may sue FG Federal Government to hold the National Economic Council meeting has not availed the much needed opportunity to discourse the problem and salvage the situation.

The NEC meeting is an economic forum for 36 state governors, Governor of the Central Bank, Ministers of Finance, Economy and National Planning among others to converge; and it is chaired by personality not lesser than the Vice President.

Fashola said: “This decline and failure to hold economic meeting are matters that ought to be taken up because the meeting is within the framework of the constitution.”

He informed the House that the decline had been credited to “uncoordinated and discretionary application of the FG’s fiscal policy on waivers,” coupled with the decrease in oil production occasioned by the twin evil of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

Due to the waiver policy, he observed that the Custom Service was only able to rake in 47.8 per cent of revenue in 2013. The FAAC’s report, which Fashola presented to the House also revealed under-remittance of funds by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the tune of N2.4trillion.

Fashola added that while state allocation kept dwindling, the FG had embarked on deducting one per cent of statutory revenue allocation of the States, allegedly channeled into fund for police reform.

He said: “Irrespective of the take of the economic council on this matter, my position is that it is unconstitutional. I have written to the

FG on this, but yet to get their reply. We are planning to go to ” On a larger scale, Fashola noted that the situation would have varying economic implications in different states. While other states have started borrowing, he said the Lagos state account was still in good stead because of the taxpayers that are doing well to keep us going.

He added that the worrisome situation still concerns all because a problem in any part of the country is a problem for all.

To end his 19 minutes address, Fashola said further that unverified claims had it that the Federal Government had allocated Ecological Fund, adding that if it was true, Lagos, with over sevenkilometre of shoreline, was most deserving of the ecological support.

Speaker of the House, Ikuforiji, who thanked Fashola for deeming it fit to come in person to address the members, noted that it was another indication that Lagos takes the lead in democratic precedence.

Ikuforiji said while the lawmakers would need some time to digest the situation and raise questions, the House would invite key principal officers of the state Executive Council to further clarify some issues, especially implication of the revenue decline to the wellbeing of Lagosians and steps most necessary to mitigate the impact.

And at the plenary of Tuesday were Commissioners for Finance and his counterpart in Budget and Economic Planning, State Accountant General and Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue.

Commissioner for Finance, Ayo Gbeleyi said

any keen observer of happenings in the country would begin to see a lack of transparency and accountability, most especially with regards to oil related revenue of the Federal Government.

His words: “In an environment where there is proper transparency and accountability, we should be able to see some decline in what is lost. But what we have been hearing each time we attend the FAAC meeting in Abuja is the same figure.

“In all of our meetings last year, we have had major reconciliation problems between the office of accountant general of the Federation, office of the Central bank of Nigeria and the NNPC. Each time we go there, we hear that NNPC is still busy reconciling those figures with the accountant general office and the CBN. In the last meeting we had, it was still the same position.”

Gbeleyi’s counterpart in Budget and Economic Planning, Ben Akhabueze, said efforts of the state to be less dependent on the Federal Government for revenue has put Lagos in an enviable position, where only 25 per cent of its’ budget is funded by federal transfers.

Federal transfers include statutory allocation, share of the value added tax, and any excess crude revenue and the SUREP. He, however, stressed that 25 per cent still remains a significant portion of its funding and if threatened, it is of sufficient concern and it is from that perspective that we are worried.

Akhabueze explained that Lagos, ab initio, does not get a fair share from the federation account given the burden it shoulders on behalf of the country – its status as former capital territory and over 60 per cent of value added tax of the Federal government are generated from the state. He said only a third of the 60 per cent accrues to Lagos.

According to him, “The budget we currently operate in Lagos is about 50 per cent of what we need to meet the yearnings of the people and in the time frame they desire these goods and services. That for us is a concern.”

Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Bola Shodipo added that Lagos was doing very well with 75 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) but for how long the state would hold on this remains the question.

Reacting to the claims, Lawmaker representing Alimoso I constituency, Bisi Yusuf, said the Federal Government had been exercising “financial imperialism” on the states in its attempt to reduce them to beggars.

Yusuf suggested that it was high time Lagos reported the matter to the National Assembly for thorough investigation.

Sanai Agunbiade, representing Ikorodu I constituency, understood the matter differently.

According to him, it appears there was a grand design by a few to wreck the economic ship of this country.

Agunbiade observed that the primary responsibility of a government is welfare of the people and security of lives and property, which are impossible without proper funding.

Though the House was not able to finalise its stand as at Tuesday, they might, however, be considering a legal suit against the Federal Government.

A possible fall-out in all of these – which was not mentioned either by the governor or his commissioners – is the likelihood of raising bonds or fresh borrowings by Lagos state.

It was reliably gathered that the state already has a high debt profile but whether the government, which is at the twilight of its tenure would further worsen the debt profile or not

In Mushin, mothers urged to immunize children against polio community leaders have a great role to play in ensuring that the children within this age bracket are covered. properly immunized against the She said that from the report deadly attack of polio,” this was the submission of the chairperson made available by health officials of Mushin Local Government, Mrs. in the state, some areas were still prone to polio scourge. She Rachael Oludayo Adepitan at appealed to religious organizaMethodist Church, Palm Avenue, tions, non-governmental and corwhere she led a team of medical porate organizations to lead the personnel to immunize children campaign in ensuring that chilbetween the ages of 0-5 years.

According to her, the church and dren were fully covered.

NE of the ways to keep our “O children strong, healthy and virile is to ensure that they are

Pharmacist Odu Kolawole, a member of the council’s Primary Health Care Board, called on mothers to immunize their children, pointing out that the drugs had been confirmed to be good and genuine.

“Government has invested huge sums of money in the purchase of these drugs for immunization.

Mothers should take advantage of this golden opportunity to get their children immunized”, he

stated.

Similarly, the Vice-Chairman and Supervisor for Health, Emmanuel Bamigboye, revealed that with the level of campaign going in Mushin, almost all the children within the age range would be covered. He called on residents to cooperate with the ad-hoc staff going around the streets, wards and communities to immunize children.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Lagos This Week

11

Lagos In Brief Police brutality at Iyana-Oworo

By Segun Balogun AST Tuesday, on my way to a LLagos, rehearsal at Freedom Park, I boarded a bus going to Obalende/CMS from Abesan Estate, Ipaja. On getting to IyanaOworo, the driver stopped for a passenger to alight from the bus.

Immediately, some guys in mufti swooped on the bus, removed the ignition keys and ordered the driver to get down.

When we, the passengers, asked what the problem was, since our bus was not the only one dropping people off, they started harassing us. They ordered us to get down. We protested and requested for their identity but they refused to show us any.

I then took my phone out and started taking pictures. To my greatest surprise some policemen came from nowhere, demanded for my phone and when I refused to surrender it they pounced on me. They forced out the passengers and drove off the bus, kicking and hitting me with the butt of their guns.

I held on to my phone and kept calling on to passers by for help.

BRISK BUSINESS: Black market fuel on display along Ikorodu Road, Jibowu... yesterday.

When they discovered I was creating a scene, one of them opened a canister of teargas and pumped the content on my face.

They pushed me out of the moving vehicle and threw my bag at me. This was after they had dipped their hands in my pockets and took away my wallet with all the cash in it. They took my Blackberry Curve 7, my Nokia 2700 Classic and a Samsung Galaxy S3. They also damaged my Sony Digital camera and caused me serious bodily harm.

It was not possible for me to get the names and service numbers of some of the policemen. And because I was pushed out of the bus some distance away from the point where the vehicle was arrested, it was not possible for me to see my co-passengers and I did not know what became of them and the driver. Only some kindhearted Lagosians later assisted me with some money, otherwise I would have trekked all the way from there back home.

Segun is a filmmaker and theatre practitioner working for Golden Effects Services Ltd.

Oluremi Tinubu hosts 10th town hall meeting tomorrow N order to render account of her constituent report, giving Ifrom stewardship and get feedbacks account of her official duties, members of her constituen- get feedbacks besides those in

EMPTY: Total Petrol station at Oshodi not dispensing fuel.

PHOTOS: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

LAGOS ASSEMBLY DIARY

State of the nation worries lawmakers, as plenary resumes

By Wole Oyebade AGOS State House of Assembly on Lrecess Monday resumed from its four-week but with worries about the state of the nation and plight of the people.

Besides the State governor’s alarm on declining federal allocation to Lagos and other States, the lingering fuel scarcity was a source of concern and criticism of the Federal Government.

In a related development, the House at Tuesday’s plenary called on the State Commissioner of Police to investigate the mission of some unidentified people currently training around the old tollgate at Ibadan Expressway.

The group, often dressed in black uniform with the inscription ‘Federal Task Force,’ was alleged to have started extorting money from motorists in the state and threatened the peace in the area.

Spokesperson for the House and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Segun Olulade, said the lingering fuel scarcity was an indication that the Federal Government has lost control over the economy and as such incapable to

give succour to the people.

Olulade, who is also the lawmaker representing Epe II Constituency, noted that Nigeria, a leading oil producing nation, had continued to rely on importation of refined petroleum products rather than concentrating on building refineries.

He said: “Meanwhile, local production would have aided availability and reduction in the pump price. And the inability of the Federal Government to take proactive measures on the needs of the masses led to the unwarranted delay in giving approval for fuel importation, which has led to this ugly situation we found ourselves presently.”

According to him, “The distribution process has been proliferated with exploiters even as government continues to close its eyes to gross exploitations being perpetrated by the marketers most of whom are favoured by the same government for political reasons.

“In spite of government’s claims to have been subsidising petroleum products for Nigerians for many years the scenario surrounding the entire petroleum product distribution is shrouded

in vast exploitation of nations’ resources, insincerity to build refineries and stop importation for economic gains of few. The insensitivity to the plight of the people and lack of political will by the federal government have stopped it from taking Nigerians out of perpetual hardship.”

The House noted that the attendant hardship of the scarcity has further worsened the challenges of coping with insecurity, poverty and effects of bad economy, all of which no Nigerian deserve.”

Speaking on the ‘illegal gathering’ of some paramilitary men in the state, Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Rotimi Abiru, observed that contrary to the popular believe, the Minister of Transportation and Managing Director of FERMA, Gabriel Amuchi, has disclaimed knowledge of the task force and the recruitment exercise for the agency.

While expressing fear that the recruitment, allegedly under SUREP, might not be unconnected with the 2015 general elections, the lawmaker, however, urged the House to call on the CP, Inspector General of Police, State office of the Security Service, to investigate the group.

cy, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has concluded arrangement to host her 10th quarterly Town Hall Meeting on Friday, March 7, 2014, at Rockview Plaza, Park Lane, Apapa G.R.A. in Lagos at 9: 00 am prompt.

A statement issued by the Senator’s Constituency Office in Lagos stated that several leaders of her party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), youth, marketwomen and men and other supporters are expected at this edition tagged “Consolidating Our Democratic Gains”.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s quarterly meetings are held to give

attendance making inputs into how every stakeholder can contribute towards making improvements and achieving lasting change in the society.

Her recent efforts in the Senate include the sponsorship of bills to provide social security for Nigeria’s elderly citizens and amendment to sections of the Labour Act, which restricts employment opportunities for women. Besides that, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is currently working with some Senators on a bill seeking Special Economic Assistance for Lagos State.

NLI, FirstBank Hold Youth Capacity Building Initiative In Lagos edge sharing, FLP aims at creating a growing global network of HE Nigeria Leadership Initia- community-spirited Nigerian leaders who will take responsitive (NLI) is partnering First bility for driving the desired posBank of Nigeria Plc to enhance capacity building among youths. itive change. Exceptional youths As part of the collaboration, the who will participate in the threetwo institutions hold what they day seminar will be selected call Future Leaders Seminar (FLS) through an application, which has commenced. that will be held in Lagos May NLI’s Chief Executive Officer, 2014.

Mr. Yinka Oyinlola, said: “Past FLP is conceived to help participants of the seminar who mobilise and groom a critical were inducted as NLI Associates mass of emerging leaders in Nigeria and in the Diaspora who have achieved prominence as will emerge as anchors of public top corporate executives, public and private sectors of the coun- service and political leaders as well as leading reformers in the try. It targets credible young Nigerians between the ages of 25 civil society sector. NLI Associ– 35 with outstanding leadership ates continue to exhibit valueattributes and accomplishments. based leadership in their To be executed within three days spheres of endeavors and will continue to serve as a force for of intensive text-based knowl-

By Geoff Iyatse

T

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THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Politics NEWSSPOT

Blame Taraba lawmakers for crisis in state, says Gani Daniel Ishaya Gani, a member of the Taraba State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee Information, Culture and Tourism, and a loyalist of Governor Danbaba Suntai, spoke to Charles Akpeji in Jalingo on the political problem that has divided the Taraba State Government into two camps.

OW would you describe the role of the H House of Assembly in the crisis in the government?

The Assembly is at the forefront and the members are at the centre of the crisis that is happening in Taraba State. In fact, it is the House that generated the problem that is lingering within the executive arm of government today.

Even though they don’t have the power to do so, but some people in the House cunningly and unknowingly said that they had made a press release, mandating the Deputy Governor to continue acting even when the governor is very much on ground.

That is the genesis and the centre of the problem of Taraba State.

The constitution says in a situation where somebody is not well or incapacitated, the House has the power to set up a medical panel.

Has the House followed that instruction?

Thank God you said the constitution. If we are to go by the constitution, I expected we would have used experts, who know whether you are fit, or you are not fit; whether you are capable or not; whether you are well or you are not well, to tell the House of Assembly that this man is not well.

There are procedures entirely to determine whether this person (Governor Suntai) is well or he is not well. This is somebody, who walks around, who goes to churches, who visits his projects, and you said he is not well.

I don’t know what yardsticks they used.

Whether the legislators have become medical doctors, to determine whether the governor is not well to continue, we don’t know.

What is the strength of the opposition to the governor in the House of Assembly?

They said about 15 or 16 of them signed a document, which I don’t know; I did not see it but I saw it on the news just like that.

The people, who went and signed a press release; I don’t know if the House of Assembly can make a press release mandating anybody, even on the streets, to become the governor or acting governor or any other position.

That they can just wake up one day, go out to the streets, sign a paper and mandate what (who) is not right to come on board.

They said that they had given power to the deputy governor to continue to act. This is the deputy governor, who was brought from nowhere; who did not vote in Taraba State. I don’t even know whether he has INEC voter’s card.

He was brought because of the impeachment of former deputy governor. Coming to that, within 21 days, the governor had an accident.

Fortunately, the governor did not die.

Now, he is back, and yet, he (Umar) doesn’t want to relinquish power because the House of Assembly sat somewhere to sign a paper.

I don’t know whether the House of Assembly has become the law interpreter, to say that this man is not fit to continue. I expected that they would have gone and seen the man, at least juxtapose that he is not capable.

Were the eight aggrieved members, including you not with the majority when the said press release was signed?

They never called any of us. They wrote that thing outside the House of Assembly and probably in the deputy governor’s house.

It was when we challenged them, made a press release telling them that what they did was wrong — because you cannot just sit outside the chamber to mandate somebody to act — that they came and confirmed what they did outside the chamber.

Only eleven members signed it, whereas they needed two-thirds to sit down and agree. Only eleven Muslim members sat down to agree to mandate the deputy governor to continue in office.

So, what do you think is playing out here?

It’s just that the deputy governor is stubborn

Gani and he is hungry for power; or else, why would somebody that brought you from nowhere — he said come and help me take care of my house, I am travelling and I came back, you said that you are not going to vacate my house for me. He is power conscious.

Thank God, they said he (Umar) is going to contest election; this is when he will know whether he is relevant; whether the people of Taraba would give him mandate or not.

The mandate they gave to Governor Suntai still exists up to 2015, precisely May 29, 2015. It’s only one year and some few months to the end of the tenure.

But what he (Umar) is doing now — as I am telling you by constitutional provision — is illegal and he is perpetuating illegality, because the section of the Constitution is very explicit.

It says; if the governor travels or he is not around, on his return, he should transmit a letter to the House of Assembly, notifying them that he is back to continue. Which he (Suntai) has done!

If you are challenging whether he is the one that wrote the letter or not, it’s not for you to determine the authorship; it is the court. You can file a case in the court, challenging the authorship of the letter.

If you said that the governor is not well, the House of Assembly can decide to set up a medical team to investigate the capability or the viability of the governor because he is back.

But now he is back and the mandate is for him and you want to use force to collect it. This is

where we have problems in the House of Assembly.

The eight of us who are law-abiding citizens of this state and the country at large, we respect and swore to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we are defending that provision of the constitution that says he needs to transmit a letter.

Transmission does not only mean writing a letter; I can even call you on phone, notifying you.

HAT is the role of the party — the PDP — in W this matter?

Because the deputy governor now controls the resources of the state, he induces people here and there.

I can confidently tell you that you won’t believe it if you go to Abuja, and see the way Taraba money is being squandered, paving the way for him (Umar) to see that he is confirmed as the substantive governor.

Taraba State is now broke; broke in the sense that we don’t have money in our treasury. We borrow to pay salaries. We wait for the Federation Account allocation and before it comes, we borrow to pay salaries.

Local governments cannot boast of any project.

Their monies, their subventions, their statutory subvention that comes from the Federation Account is being diverted. They cannot even carry out any project.

The subsidy fund is being squandered; SURE-P money is not there. Every local government in Nigeria has embarked on SURE-P programmes

If we are to go by the constitution, I expected we would have used experts, who know whether you are fit, or you are not fit; whether you are capable or not; whether you are well or you are not well, to tell the House of Assembly that this man is not well. There are procedures entirely to determine whether this person (Governor Suntai) is well or he is not well. This is somebody, who walks around, who goes to churches, who visits his projects, and you said he is not well. I don’t know what yardsticks they used.

Whether the legislators have become medical doctors, to determine whether the governor is not well to continue, we don’t know.

apart from the local governments in Taraba State. They have over N4 billion in their coffer for SURE-P but the money is not there.

Call, find out; go to him (Umar) and ask him where is this money; they would continue to give you stories.

So, what we are saying is that the state is in problem; that if care were not taken, we would end up one day having nothing because even the salaries, the state cannot pay except we continue going into loan.

Is there any clear-cut pointer as to who is going to succeed the governor in 2015?

The governor has never even said that this is his candidate. All that he is saying is that for fairness, for justice and fair play, let there be shift. That by 2015, the governor should go to Southern Taraba.

He has never pointed and said this is my blessed child. He has never said this is what I want or this is the person I want you to vote.

He only said the governor should move to Southern Taraba.

And virtually each of the local governments in Southern Taraba has one or two aspirants jostling for the position of governorship.

What is the position of T.Y Danjuma in this ongoing crisis?

General T.Y Danjuma is a statesman, who does not even play politics. Even though this is his state, some people are undermining the status of the man.

If T.Y was to be involved in the politics of Taraba State, I don’t think Garba Umar would have been able to move even closer to the gate of Aso Rock.

The man is not a politician; he does not even participate in politics. All that he has been advising is that we should make sure that there is no any breakdown of law and order in Taraba State. This is all he has been saying.

If T.Y (Danjuma) wants to put in a governor, he alone is richer than the whole of Taraba State. T.Y alone is almost richer than several states in northern Nigeria combined.

This is somebody who is not interested in the politics of Taraba State; yet, he uses his money to assist the state.

It is unfortunate that some people go on dragging in his name here and there.

Do you think the governor will be back on his seat before 2015?

Definitely. From what I saw — I am not God and I am not a medical doctor — but from the interactions I have been having with the governor, the man is getting well, day by day; he is stronger and he is giving instructions here and there.

This is somebody we stay with for almost four hours everyday. If this man is getting acclimatised with his environment, recovering from all the injuries he sustained, who am I to say he is not going back to his office soon?

I can assure you that last week (recently), we were there with him, and he vividly said he wants to be going into office every day at least to spend one or two hours.

We don’t know where some journalists get their reports. He (Suntai) left here — T.Y Danjuma took him to Abuja to make verification for himself whether the man is fit, is capable, is strong, and he’s recovering.

And he went, and the assessment was satisfactory but the news that went round in some media organisations (not The Guardian) was very unfortunate.

It’s shameful for people to continue publishing when they don’t have facts. I pity those media houses that have continued to carry fake reports.

Has the governor made a case to President Goodluck Jonathan, who is the leader of the party?

He is definitely going to see the president very soon. I am assuring you that it won’t be long; he (Suntai) is going back to his office and he is going to see President Jonathan.

Thursday, March 6, 2014 13

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

NEWSSPOT

‘Umar will hand over when Suntai is ready’ Taraba State Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, requested his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kefas Sule, to field The Guardian’s questions on his behalf on the political “disagreement” between him and his principal, Governor Danbaba Suntai, reports Ehichioya Ezomon, who was in Jalingo recently.

OW has His Excellency been H managing the situation, as the For some people to keep His Excellency, maybe in the bedroom and acting governor and deputy governor at the same time?

So far, I’m sure you have gone round, you have seen the situation in town, and maybe you have driven even outside the town and must also have noticed that everything is going on normally across the city.

And if you have had time to visit some of our project sites, you would discover that nothing had stopped; contractors are working; civil servants are on duty — everything is going on normally; nothing has stopped.

I want to say that in the last one year plus, His Excellency has been doing very well. And I’m sure you have also spoken to people from the different classes, and they must have given you their feedback about their impression and how they have seen him function in office.

The truth is that when you have one person doing the jobs of two persons, being the deputy governor and then the governor also, it can be very challenging and so demanding.

This is a man who stays in the office from maybe 9 o’clock in the morning till around 3.00am, late into the night. In fact, some of us will have to sneak away, in order to disappear.

Otherwise, the moment he sees you (he will say), ‘Please, come and do this.’

Today (Friday, Jan. 31, 2014), we were discussing with a colleague; he left the house (at) 4.15am three days ago and he was telling His Excellency, ‘Good night,’ and His Excellency laughed and said, ‘How can you tell me good night; just tell me we will see later because it is already morning.’

He had been working throughout the night till 4.00am. This is the kind of person he is. He works and he’s never tired.

I also want to say that he’s blessed with wisdom, because the way he has been running the affairs of this state, if it were any other person, given the things that had happened in the past one year, you would see that we would have been in serious crisis.

But I take note of even your statement earlier on — you said “disagreement”. Now, disagreement happens; it’s part of human nature. Even in our own families, with our own kids, with our spouses, we are bound to have disagreements. They happen within the community, they happen even within the larger society, and I think it’s normal that it’s happening in Taraba State.

How would you describe the relationship between the acting governor and the governor?

Oh, very wonderful, very cordial.

Now, I’m sure you have heard a lot of things in the media. Well, I want to tell you that those things are not emanating from His Excellency, Governor Danbaba Suntai or from his family. There is a very cordial relationship existing between the two.

I want to say that His Excellency (Umar) has consistently said this: that His Excellency, Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, remains his boss, and that he remains loyal to his boss.

What has just happened is that his boss is not presently disposed to carrying out his duty as the executive governor and the House of Assembly has mandated the deputy governor to act as the acting governor, and that is what he has been doing in more than one year.

I want to say that you would notice that you have not heard complaints from the family, that they are being neglected, that the medical bills of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, had not been settled, or that their upkeep had not been taken care of.

then me and you, when we come, we don’t have access to the bedroom, we only have access to the parlour, and they go into the bedroom and come out and tell us that this is what His Excellency had said, and they want us to accept it like that, to you, doesn’t it prove that something is wrong? You understand? Let the man (governor) say it himself, that, ‘Please, I am strong enough to take office; can you, please, hand over to me?’ Nobody will quarrel with him. You understand? He’s the Executive Governor of Taraba State. And as we have consistently maintained, there is only one government and the government is the Danbaba Suntai administration.

Now, what is happening is simply that His Excellency (Umar) is fighting a situation whereby if his boss went abroad for treatment and returned and called him and say, ‘Alhaji Garba, please, come and let’s sit down. Please, can you give the account of your stewardship while I was away?’

I keep telling people that I am a Christian, and there is this biblical story: A rich man was travelling abroad, and as he went, he gave his subjects talents. And when he returned from his trip, he called them: ‘Give me account; render to me account of what you have done while I was away.’

Now, what His Excellency (Umar) is waiting for is a day his boss will call him and say, ‘Render to me an account of what you have done while I was away.’ That is number one.

Number two; it was the State House of Assembly that gave him the mandate to act in the capacity of acting governor. His is still acting until such a time that the State House of Assembly will again say that, ‘Your Principal has come back and he’s strong enough to do his job or carry on with the duty of his office; please, hand over office back to him.’ And he will go right away to do that!

If that does not happen, now some people are saying, ‘hand over.’ And the question is, hand over to whom?

The allegation is that the governor wants to take over but the acting governor is preventing him from doing so.

Okay, what are the facts? What shows that he wants to take over?

What are the facts?

No, it’s for you to say that he (acting governor) is not preventing the governor from taking over...

You know, if anybody is making an allegation, he needs to back it up with facts; he needs to buttress it.

Okay, as you said, the governor has not asked him to render account, and if he did that...

Yes, if the governor says today, ‘My deputy, please, come; while I was away, you have administered the state on my behalf; now what have you been able to do?

‘Please, let’s look at the account; let’s look at the records, the things you have done. Now, based on what I have seen, oh, congratulations or well done; oh, I am not satisfied with what you have done.’

You know, he (governor) can tell him (deputy) his mind and say, ‘Okay, please, I am now ready to do my work.’ And His Excellency, the acting governor, will have no choice than to hand over power to him.

But for some people to keep His Excellency, maybe in the bedroom and then me and you, when we come, we don’t have access to the bedroom, we only have access to the parlour, and they go into the bedroom and come out and tell us that this is what His Excellency had said, and they want us to accept it like that, to you, doesn’t it prove that something is wrong? You under-

stand?

Let the man (governor) say it himself, that, ‘Please, I am strong enough to take office; can you, please, hand over to me?’ Nobody will quarrel with him. You understand?

He’s the Executive Governor of Taraba State.

And as we have consistently maintained, this is one and the same government; there are no two governments in Taraba. There is only one government and the government is the Danbaba Suntai administration, which started in 2007; the first tenure ended in 2011 and a fresh mandate was given in 2011 and it will end in 2015. So, it’s still Danbaba Suntai administration.

And so, if it’s the Danbaba Suntai administration, the Acting Governor is not saying that ‘I cannot hand over’ because he knows that this is his boss, his beloved boss for that matter, who had called him and said, ‘Let’s run this administration together.’

This is what he is doing. But for people to expect that he will hand over to another person other than His Excellency, Governor Danbaba Suntai, that’s what we are saying is not possible.

What would you say to the reports that the acting governor is spending money, lobbying the party leadership and the Presidency, to ensure that he is elevated to the governor’s position?

Let me ask you this question, sir: If that were true, what does the Constitution say you should do?

What’s the first step to take?

The first step will be that the State

Kefas

Executive Council will constitute a medical panel, but has that been done for more than one year?

No, that had not been done…

So, if it has not been done, why is somebody raising an eyebrow, and why is somebody insinuating that there’s an intention to impeach? I think there’s this figment of somebody’s imagination.

These are baseless allegations, baseless statements that you just throw around anyhow. Maybe you want to spite somebody; you want to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

What about the letter allegedly transmitted by the governor to the House of Assembly...

Thank God that you said, ‘allegedly’.

Yes, because we haven’t seen it, and it has become a subject of controversy…

If you have been following developments in Taraba, the House of Assembly said they want to verify or authenticate the letter. They want to be sure that it is His Excellency, the Executive Governor that wrote that letter.

Right now, the acting governor’s stand is that the governor has to make the first move. Why won’t Umar make the move and say, ‘let me hand over to Suntai?’

Let me tell you something. The people, who have been throwing this story around, are the same people who don’t want the acting governor to visit the governor.

What we don’t want is a group hijacking the machinery of government, and that is what is happening.

Luckily for us, there’s an antecedent

in this country; we all knew what happened in the final days of (President Umaru Musa) Yar’Adua’s administration.

So, exactly the same scenario is being re-enacted in Taraba State. You don’t want the deputy to have access to his principal and you said you want him to hand over power, to whom? That’s the question.

How often does the acting governor see the governor?

That’s what I am saying; in fact, it cannot be once or twice.

Since Suntai arrived in the country?

I am telling you! Quote me anywhere.

Who is preventing Umar from seeing the governor?

It’s the same people that are bandying stories.

Has the governor made any attempt to see your principal; are you aware of that?

No, I am not aware of it. And if it were so, I would have known.

What is Umar’s greatest challenge in this governor-deputy schism?

The greatest challenge is not that my boss is in a soured relationship with his principal, no. It is the people who want to usurp power that are interrupting the process of government, causing confusion; painting pictures as if things are bad.

But do you know one thing? The truth is ultimately coming out — one mistake after the other. And you keep asking, if you keep making mistakes in what you are doing, is it not better that you sit back and re-evaluate what you are doing? Possibly, you are getting it wrong because even right from your foundation, it is faulty.

Any structure you want to build on falsehood can’t stand and that’s what is happening.

As things are now, the ball is in the governor’s court... that is what the acting governor is saying?

Yes, the ball is in the Executive Governor’s court. But remember I said two things: He needs to meet with his boss and say let me hand over to you. And number two; the House of Assembly is another factor.

They said (to the deputy): ‘Continue acting (as governor) until this man (Executive Governor) is strong enough.’

So, any time Suntai makes the move to get back into office, Umar will make way for him?

He’s very willing to do that.

TheGuardian

14 | Thursday, March 6, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

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 To keep the mills running PUSH towards industrial development that was given an official seal by President Goodluck Jonathan the other day as he launched the twin-pack Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDP) certainly sounds good. Only if the push would not end up as a mere public relations gimmick. The articulated industrial revolution plan has also been tagged the National Quality Policy.

Based on perceived weak links in the value chain, the revolution is expected to exploit the country’s competitive advantage in agriculture, mining and the oil and gas related industries to attain frontline position in Africa and over time, a place among the top 10, globally.

Other key economic sectors are in focus with priority attention to manufacturing to improve foreign exchange earnings. The goal will be to ensure value addition, enterprise development and industrialization through industrial cities and parks.

These are no doubt lofty goals, but how sincere the government is and how holistic and integrated the schemes are as claimed remain to be seen. Nigerians are bored with slogans without action. Issues are also genuinely being raised about how much of the revolution would be in the interest of Nigerians for whom it is supposedly being designed. These fears cannot be wished away going by past unfulfilled dreams and designs for industrialisation on one hand and preferences for foreign interests on the other.

For instance the question to be asked about the new automotive master plan, lofty as it looks on paper, is: in whose interest? If such design would only benefit foreign investors, no matter the level of that investment, it is not worth the effort. Nigeria needs a master plan solely targeted at the development of local content and for the benefit of Nigerian investors or manufacturers.

The proposed revolution, it must, however, be said, is lacking in rigorous content for a major policy framework. Significantly, much more serious economies run on a solid national development agenda. In the past decades, planners in the public and private sectors of the economy make projections based on a five or 10-year development plan which are even rolled over in the event of a deficient implementation. Nigeria has not witnessed a faithful adherence to this for a while.

The people have merely been assailed with non-performance dressed in slogans by politicians. As a matter of fact, Nigeria can be said to be set again on a road once travelled with this new push. After all, all industries across all sectors of the economy have ignobly collapsed due to planlessness and policy flip-flops. Nigeria was once in the top five in the league of textile producers. Today, many of the mills have been dismantled with the premises serving as storage for imported cars, buses, parboiled rice and electronics among others.

The steel rolling mills, machine tool plants, and others, all investments have gone down the drain in a rare mortgaging of the future of the country.

It would make sense only if what President Goodluck Jonathan just launched is government’s full commitment to the revitalization of the moribund factories that were criminally run aground by inconsistent policies that encouraged full time importation of materials to kill local alternatives. Otherwise, gleefully announcing any industrial plan for the country without a check on a sector already in limbo is a waste of time. At the root of the fatal shot at the manufacturing sector was a regime of unregulated import licences given to brief-case carrying businessmen and cronies of top public and government officials.

Corruption has, as usual, been the order of the day.

Even now, what effort has been made to correct the cumbersome processes of business registration especially for foreign interests?

Where is the supporting infrastructure to attract further investments?

Are the components of the new plan readily available for studying by interested investors? What is the philosophical foundation? After the launch blitz, what happens next? These and more are based on the realization that a sound policy ought to be based on existing structures. At present, for instance, imports still weigh down the economy.

No one is deceived that as it is, the environment is totally disenabling for local industries to thrive. How much then has the government listened to the manufacturers and other groups to draw ideas for a fullscale industrial revolution?

Hopefully, policy flip-flops that characterised most other plans in the past will not halt the actualisation of whatever is envisaged by the

A

LETTER

Tiv political blocks and Benue governorship seat IR: There are five political tunity simply because another interest. This then cost the peoSState. blocks in Tiv part of Benue Kwande son, Aper Aku became ple of Kwande a Tor Tiv seat and These are Kwande the flag bearer of National Party His Royal Highness, Orchivirigh (Kwande, Ushongo), Jechira (Vandeikya, Konshisha), Sankera (Katsina Ala, Ukum, Logo), Jemgba (Gboko, Buruku, Tarka) and MINDA (Makurdi, Guma, Gwer East and Gwer West). The governorship position goes to any of the five political blocks mentioned above based on the Tiv leadership principle of “Ya na angbian” Kwande (Kwande, Ushongo) produced the first Executive Governor of Benue State and that was Mr. Aper Aku from Ushongo (October 01, 1979 to December 31, 1983). Jemgba (Gboko, Buruku, Tarka) produced Brig. Gen. Atom Kpera from Gboko (January 04, 1984 to August 28, 1985) and Mr. George Akume from Tarka (May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007).

Jechira (Vandeikya, Konshisha) have had Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu from Konshisha (January 02, 1992 to November 17, 1993).

Sankera (Katsina Ala, Ukum, Logo) have at the moment Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswam from Logo (May 29, 2007 to Present).

Only MINDA (Makurdi, Guma, Gwer East and Gwer West) is yet to have one of their own as the State Executive Governor.

In 1978, when the then Tor Tiv, His Royal Highness, Orchivirigh Gondo Aluor, Tor Tiv II died, the most qualified to succeed him was Asema Yuwa from Kwande, but he was deliberately denied the oppor-

of Nigeria (NPN) in the governorship election billed for the following year. This was the handiwork of the late Chief Senator Joseph Tarka who opined that “A tor nga duen ahar hi ijiir imiom ga”. That was the genesis of this statement and by it, Tarka, through the kingmakers, tactfully collected the Tor Tiv position from Kwande and gave Akperan Orshi from Jemgba, the political block where he also belonged.

His action was actually a way of preventing Akperan Orshi who was preparing to contest the forthcoming National Assembly elections as a Senator from contesting because Tarka also had

James Akperan Orshi, Tor Tiv III from Jemgba (Buruku) became Tor Tiv. The present Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Orchivirigh Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula, Tor Tiv IV is from MINDA (Guma).

The truth is that Kwande people were unfairly treated.

MINDA people have been unfairly treated. That is to say, it is either of the two political blocs that should produce the next governor. Any block that emerges victorious should hand over to the other in 2023 after completing its two terms of four years each.

• Donald Gaadi, Abuja, FCT

FRC and financial statements IR: Due to the ongoing saga Saudited/submitted involving the CBN 2012/2013 accounts, it is imperative that the relevant parties guide the general public appropriately. Media practitioners should also obtain true and fair position of events.

By law, audited accounts shall be filed with the CAC, FIRS and FRC. For specialised sectors, further filings and returns shall be made to supervisory agencies. Where queries are raised, it is for the Board and management to respond, possibly through the reporting auditor. Where the explanations are not acceptable, relevant breaches shall be compiled, communicated and

appropriate fines and levies charged where provided.

If it is a criminal breach, agencies responsible shall be notified and details provided for follow-up action. In the case of the CBN, follow-up actions shall include notification to the Senate of criminal wrongdoing and request for removal of officials involved.

There is the need to build institutions and procedures for the good and wellbeing of all of us.

It is not very healthy and tidy for some personalities in government to suspend/remove people without recourse to extant rules.

•Mikail Adisa, Lagos.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

15

Opinion Mystery of true happiness at lent

By Chrysostomos Onyekakeyah HE Season of Great Lent is the longest and T strictest Fasting season of the Ecclesiastical calendar. It was in the 3 century AD that Lent rd

was initiated to which the fast of the PassionWeek, which was practised very long time earlier, was added in the 2nd quarter of the 4th century AD. With the addition of the PassionWeek, Lent therefore lasts for seven weeks. This Great period is called Tessaracoste (Quadragesimal), which comes from the word forty (40 days of fasting). The Institution of the 40 days of Lent precedes the Resurrection of Christ’s feast of Easter.

Lent is a period of preparation for the feast of the Resurrection of Christ. It is the living symbol of man’s entire life which is to be fulfilled in his own resurrection from the dead with Christ. Indeed, it is a time of renewed devotions, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lent is particularly a time of forgiveness, which is the ending of a resentment, indignation or anger when an offence has either subjectively or objectively occurred. The Lord said, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive you, but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses, (Matthew 6:14).

Forgiveness has the power to set us free of every past hence it is centered on Love which enables us to store up treasures in heaven, (Matthew 6:20).

Lent is not just a change of diet and the compliance with all of ecclesiastical regulations concerning fasting. That would be, understanding Fasting as an end in itself, thus, required by God and carrying in itself its merit and reward. But Orthodoxy maintains that, Fasting is but a means, one among many, towards a higher goal – the spiritual renewal of man, his return to God, true repentance and therefore true reconciliation. The Church spares no effort in revealing and warning us against a hypocritical and pharisaic type of fasting, as against the reduction of religion to mere external obligations. Christianity is above all; a religion of Forgiveness with no other content rather than Love and it is primarily the renewal of that Love, a return to it and a growth in it that we seek in the Great Lent.

In the Orthodox concept, Great Lent is not a season of morbidity and gloominess. On the contrary, it is a time of joyfulness and purification. It is our repentance that God desires and not just our remorse. We sorrow for our sins, but we do so in the joy of God’s mercy. We mortify our flesh, but we do so in the joy of our res-

urrection into life everlasting. That is to say, we make ready for the resurrection during Great Lent both Christ’s Resurrection and our own too. Thus, the very mystery of true happiness is revealed.

Great Lent is a “workshop of Holiness”, where the character of the faithful is spiritually uplifted and strengthened. Where his life is rededicated to the principles and ideals of the Gospel; where the faith culminates in deep conviction of life; where apathy and disinterest turn into vigorous activities of faith and good works. Perfectly stated, Lent is not for the sake of Lent itself, even as fasting is not for the sake of fasting too. But rather, as noted above, they are means and not an end itself, by which and for which the individual person prepares him or herself to reach for, accept and attain the calling of his saviour. Therefore, the significance of Great Lent is highly appraised as it constantly and consistently improves the standard of faith and morals of her Militant members. The deep intent of the believer during the Great Lent is, “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

Fasting and prayer makes us more sensitive to God’s personal presence. At important times of

their lives, the Prophets all fasted and prayed.

And so did Jesus, the Apostles and the Church Fathers. When the Jews under captivity in Babylon were released to go back to Jerusalem around two and half millennia ago, they declared fasting to ensure God’s protection in their journey (Ezra 8:21 and 22). In our transient journey to eternity, our ultimate trust and security is to be in God who strengthens us to conquer all kinds of temptations, accusations and intimidations.

At this year’s Lenten Fast, Christians nation-wide are enjoined to collectively seek the presence of God more deeply so as to attract His divine protective power against all sorts of intimidations and persecution.

The Lenten fast and penitence should be undertaken willingly and not by compulsion. Apostle Paul says, “If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die.

But if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13). It is the human tendency to fight always, but its proper orientation is not against each one of us or even other people. But rather, against evils within us and evils in the society. Conquering the passions like hatred, avarice, jealousy, greed, lust, corruption, and favoritism, etc, all through the Lent.

Rev. Fr. Chrysostomos Onyekakeyah is Orthodox Pastor of St. Christophers’ AwoIdemili Parish, Imo State

Resource control, derivation and Tiv interests

By Leonard Shilgba RESIDENT Jonathan has called a national conference to disP cuss important issues that are connected to the interests of all ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria. Those interests are many and variegated. I am a Tiv man with a Nigerian nationality. In this essay, I shall attempt to articulate an issue of utmost importance to my people with respect to the national conference. I also seek to shed some little light on the issues of Resource Control, Derivation and Land Ownership.

The Tiv people are said to be ranked 4th, 5th, or 6th among ethnic groups in Nigeria in terms of population; there is no incontrovertible census data though. During the civil war, many Tiv soldiers fought to “keep Nigeria one”. We also are a major source of food supply in Nigeria. Furthermore, with our level of education, our voice in Nigeria deserves some attention and respect. Within the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, we are the most populous and have provided leadership in the days of resistance to the dominance of the Fulanis in the First Republic.

In the presentation of the “Tiv people” to the Okurounmu Conference Committee in Jos in October last year, the “Tiv people” stated this with respect to Resource Control: “States should be allowed to mobilize and exploit the natural resources within their territories, outside oil, and pay taxes to the federal government. This will allow states a robust budget to implement projects for the development of their areas. The revenue allocation formula should be removed and the onshore-offshore dichotomy should be abolished.”

There are many other Tiv people that do not support this position. It is also strange to support resource control on the one hand and then exclude oil among such resources that should be controlled by the states on the other hand. This essay seeks to resolve certain ambiguities and shine the light on what is in the interest of the Tiv with regard to fiscal federalism and management of the economy.

Our forefathers got us the land on which we live today when there was no “Nigeria”. We were neither conquered by either the Fulani jihadists or British colonial overlords. We have not been slaves to any group of people, and have always resisted oppression. The most important resource of the Tiv person outside of their people is the land. It is a general principle in law that he that has absolute ownership of land has absolute ownership of the resources both on the surface of the land and within it. Accordingly, the issue of land ownership is a sensitive one to the Tiv people. By implication, if the Tiv people are against resource control, then they have officially surrendered their land to outsiders to take it from them and use it as they want. But is this what the Tiv people want; is this in the present or long term interest of the Tiv people and their offspring? With regard to the recent intractable clashes between cattle herdsmen and the Tiv farmers and people, culminating in the attack on the country home of the Tortiv, would the Tiv people oppose resource control?

When we talk of resources, we do not restrict that to oil resources. Item 39 on the Exclusive legislative list includes, “Mines and minerals, including oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas.” In other words, no state government has control over mines and minerals or oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas within its territory; only the Federal Government has the control.

The Gboko-Makurdi federal road is under threat because of the excavation for limestone by a cement factory, which has taken over both federal and state shares of the company, leaving the Benue people empty-handed! The people of Benue State did not through their representatives in the state House of Assembly sell the company. The take-over of the company has thrown many Tiv sons and daughters out of job and crippled the economy of the Tiv capital, Gboko. I should think that the Tiv people should thereby appreciate what the oil-producing communities in Nigeria are suffering. But unlike them, we do not enjoy even the 13 per cent derivation as required in Section 162 (2).

The 1910 Perry Girourd committee on land ownership in the Northern Protectorate recommended as follows: “A declaratory Proclamation should be passed to the effect that the land of the Protectorate should be under the control and dominion of the Government, and that no title to the occupation, use, or enjoyment of any land is valid without the assent of the Government… The control and dominion of Government should be exercised in any particular case with due regard to lawful customs proved to exist at present in the province or district where the land is situated...”

The Tiv people, by this time, were part of the Northern Protectorate by coercion. Fifty-two years later, the Land Tenure Law of 1962 was based in part on the Perry Girourd Committee report. The subsisting Land Use Act of 1978 derives from the 1962 Land Tenure Law. The question that must be answered at the national conference in Abuja is: Who owns the land and all resources therein? In USA, the Federal Government owns only about 30 per cent of the land and controls, for instance, exploration for oil on the land it has control over. This question should be of tremendous interest to the Tiv people. The national conference should resolve which land falls to the Federal Government and which land falls to the states or regions. Once this is resolved, the question of who owns the resources will become a no brainer.

By virtue of Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides recognition for such decrees as the Land Use Decree of 1978, the Tiv people must promote the concept of resource control otherwise it is a matter of time before we lose our land completely through devious contraptions such as the Grazing Reserves Bill being contemplated in the National Assembly. As I have publicly affirmed in some previous essay and public speech, I am first a Tiv man before I am a Nigerian, and I will not accept any public policy or law that is injurious to the interest of my Tiv nation.

The concept of Derivation should be understood only as a compromise on the principle of Resource Control. It is not for any outsider to determine what percentage of my resources should come to me. Rather, in recognition of a common nationhood, federal taxes on exploitation of such resources could be required in order to provide national services for the security and welfare of the commonwealth. Accordingly, having resolved the issue of land ownership, the matter of either Derivation or Resource Control could take natural course as a function of the determination of land ownership.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) provides, among other things, that: “Recognizing the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent rights of indigenous peoples which derive from their

political, economic and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual traditions, histories and philosophies, especially their rights to their lands, territories and resources…solemnly proclaims the following United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a standard of achievement to be pursued in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect: Article 3 Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

Article 4 Indigenous peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as ways and means for financing their autonomous functions.

Article 5 Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions, while retaining their right to participate fully, if they so choose, in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the state.

Article 6 Every indigenous individual has the right to a nationality.

This declaration was approved by an overwhelming vote of 144 countries with a few abstentions (including Nigeria), while a few countries such as USA, Canada and Australia voted against.

The import is that all countries of the world are now bound by it.

The Tiv people will not attend the national conference to promote the interests of any other ethnic groups. Rather, if the interests of any ethnic groups concur with ours we shall collaborate with such groups. We are mindful that we can stand alone as a nation, build our own economy as the hub or bridge for the peoples of West and Central Africa. The processing, packaging, branding and marketing of our farm produce will be so promoted as to make us earn the maximum gain possible. We will not be tools in the hands of the Hausa/Fulanis or blind collaborators of peoples of the Lower Niger or South West.

We recognise that we own our land and shall not release one inch to anyone, either by force or willingly. We have suffered massacre in the hands of the Obasanjo government, and our wounds are yet to be healed. Our investment in the Benue Cement Company (BCC) has been ruined (We demand redress).

We fought to keep Nigeria one, but we have got only insults and no gain thereby. The North blames us for stopping the jihadists.

Our Igbo colleagues blame us for killing them during the civil war. But we blame ourselves for projecting a weak mien in most recent times. We have arisen and must get what is just and right for us and children. We want a nation that recognizes the rights of the federating units and promotes and respects their regional constitutions. Where our fathers made mistakes, we shall make corrections. Whatever gains they made, we shall sustain; and what they did not see, we must identify for our common safety and development.

• Shilgba is a Visiting Professor of Mathematics in a private university in Nigeria.

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THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Opinion Memo to Godwin Emefiele

By Boniface Chizea Y brother, congratulations are very much M in order! When our paths crossed in the early 1980s when you led a team of students on a visit to United Bank for Africa; when I was then the Manager, Strategic Planning with responsibility also for Commercial Research and Investigation Unit, none of us could have guessed that I would ever have the opportunity of sending you this open memo on such auspicious and marvelous occasion of your appointment as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria: the number one banker. The President obviously has a bias for the academic/intellectual and it is no brainer why he demonstrates this preference as often we are inevitably the products of our own experience.

As I observed on the flagship programme of Channels TV; on the suitability of your appointment, you are a conservative person that fits the desirable profile of a governor of the Central Bank; that says a lot regarding your suitability considering our recent experience.

You must not assume duty courting any controversies or resort to speaking out of turn. The Governors of Central Banks across the world are known for not speaking frivolously or engaging in uncalled for controversies. In fact they are known to avoid making any pronouncements as such could have far reaching consequences. You must never resort to communicating with your supervisory fiscal authorities through the formal process of writing memos which risk being leaked to the press with all the problems that could precipitate.

You have access; please use such opportunities to ventilate any issues that agitate your mind.

You must do all possible to depoliticize the office of the Governor of the Central Bank. With the legislature, you must cultivate mutual respect to avoid pressure that could come from not so cordial relationship. In fact, Sanusi was so often invited to appear at the National Assembly for one reason or the other that he is on record to have observed that he would require an office as an annex at the National Assembly.

An important organ which you must learn to manage very well is the Bankers’ Committee Meeting. You know how important this meeting could be for collecting relevant views on

pending policy initiatives and how for the fear of the Governor most Managing Directors of Banks that constitute the membership of this meeting are known not to feel free to air their views. Policy initiatives would not be robust and could suffer embarrassing reversals because members of this body were not encouraged to freely express their reservations or for that matter highlight any gaps which could result in better appreciation of the complexity of the matter in hand. You must find a way to ensure that Bank Managing Directors feel free to make contributions without losing control or allowing any disrespect to the office you occupy.

Please be careful and wary of reversing any existing policy. If there are problems with any policies, first isolate the problem and attempt to fix it. It is only after that that you might contemplate radical departures. The Banking environment of late has suffered with many radical developments that it could do with some semblance of stability. Commencing from the recapitalization agenda of the Soludo era to enterprise risk management that characterised Sanusi era, there had been many unsettling developments. One should expect that the Banking sector is by now stable following the many reforms. Remember that your focus as a Governor cannot be circumscribed with the intention to continue to sanitize the banking system. That is a low level job which should engage the attention of at most a Director at the Bank. I would suggest that your preoccupation would be how to make the Central Bank robust and effective in discharging its core mandate of maintenance of monetary and financial stability.

There is this study initiated under Soludo designated as: ‘Financial Sector Strategy 2020’ which was targeted at making the Nigerian financial system a financial hub in Africa South of the Sahara. I recall that I was engaged then as one of the consultants that worked on this project as a consultant on Quality Assurance.

This project would seem to have been relegated under Sanusi in preference to his focus on enterprise risk management. I would suggest that you try and revisit this project because it is good to be deliberate in designing the desired future architecture of the financial sector.

An attempt was recently made to provide a target range for inflation. But one is not sure to what extent rigour was applied in designating this target. The impression one gets is that this target was determined adopting a rule of thumb approach. But inflation targeting to be done meaningfully is a rather rigorous process that entails the use of models underpinned with a robust data base. This is one area where I would suggest you may wish to up the ante to ensure that if we elect to go down that route that we benchmark best practice.

Naturally there has been some felt concern regarding whether you would maintain the single minded focus on exchange rate stability of the Sanusi era. There is no doubt that this is one area we all agree that some success has been recorded. But it is also important to bear in mind that the exchange rate panders more to the external sector almost to the neglect of the imperatives for growth and job creation in the economy. In fact the Sanusi era it would appear did not consider it necessary to be concerned regarding the level of interest in the economy. All efforts at mopping up liquidity in the economy have only one purpose: that of sustaining stability in the exchange rate of the Naira. But interest rates are factor costs and everyone knows that you cannot do any real sector borrowing at the prevailing cost of capital. And therefore if the Central Bank accepts that its core mandate is price stability, then it should also be concerned about the level of interest rates in the economy if we must have growth that would induce employment opportunities. Fortunately fiscal policy has been supportive as the budget deficits have remained below the threshold of three per cent of Gross Domestic Product as contained in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Therefore Monetary Policy Rate at 12 per cent is already high never minding the talk of increasing it to continue to defend the rate of exchange. It is also necessary to observe that it is not yet Eldorado with the rate of exchange as the parallel market rate premium has increased lately providing arbitrage opportunity. I heard the fallacious argument that you cannot attempt to control at the same time exchange rate, interest rate and inflation. But inflation itself is dependent on the other two variables and therefore you control

inflation once you control these other variables.

The policy of phased withdrawal of public sector deposits from the banks, though one of the 13 point reform agenda of the Soludo era could be problematic particularly now that there is talk of removing 100 per cent of such deposits from the banks. What would then happen when public sector agents want to do banking business? If logically one expects them to still go to the banks because they do not have any relationships with the Central Bank, do we not see that precipitating liquidity crises with the banks and possibly creating another round of instability? And therefore we wish to recommend that this policy measure is adopted advisedly.

Please, ensure that with the Board you formulate a policy on donations to guide your social responsibility efforts with annual budgets approved to stem the current tide of criticisms arising from donations. It is also somewhat inconsistent to be talking about printing 5,000 Naira notes which would make it easier to carry cash against the background of attempts to promote the cashless policy. Please resist the temptation to revisit this programme. There are no new currency notes found anywhere now negating the clean note policy of the Bank.

But these notes at a premium of up to 20 per cent are sold at social events! The speculation is that there is a syndicate in this regard. You may want to investigate this development with a view to ensuring that clean notes are once again in circulation.

In due course as things stabilise, there might also be the need to explore the possibility of divesting the Central Bank of its banking supervision functions to transfer it for instance to Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation. Nothing does considerable damage to the image of the Central Bank than when it begins to reverse itself because it has not exercised due diligence or when some data that it produces are of questionable integrity. You must put an end to such embarrassing developments which casts a slur on the image of the Central Bank. My brother, I wish you the best and pledge to cooperate with you as you deem necessary.

• Dr. Chizea is a management/financial consultant.

Let Nigeria learn from Brazil

By Bayo Ogunmupe GOOD leader must set goals for himself and the nation he A leads. Which is why the Nigerian leader should create a niche for his country in the comity of nations.

Although we are currently grouped with the MINT countries, we should strive to a better position particularly within the group being occupied by our contemporaries. We are now grouped with the MINT nations of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey. All things being equal, Nigeria ought to belong to the BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

It is only natural that if we cannot be counted among the G7 economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA, we should be with the BRINCS, then there being Nigeria. If we are to badger into BRICS, we should imitate its leading light – Brazil. More so when we share similarities. We are a former colony like Brazil. In fact, Brazil’s facts file is entrancing. Brazil has a population of 201 million as at 2011. She is 86 per cent urbanised. Their citizens speak Portuguese as the official language while Spanish and English are widely spoken as well.

But unlike Nigeria, Brazil is 74 per cent Roman Catholic and 15 per cent Protestant. Brazil is a federal republic with a presidential system. She has 25 states compared to our 36. Brazil became independent in September 1822, it became a republic in 1889. Education is compulsory up till the age of 14 and there is 90 per cent literacy in Brazil. She has the largest crude oil reserves in the world.

The nation, which already meets many of its energy needs through biofuels, reported huge offshore oil finds in 2007.

Brazil is on its way to displacing France as the world’s fifth largest economy, coming after the United States, China, Japan and Germany. Its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is larger than those of the other Latin American countries combined. Brazil’s GDP grew by seven per cent in 2010. Brazil’s aerospace firm, Em-

braer is the third largest aircraft manufacturing company in the world, coming after Boeing and the Airbus.

Brazil is a very peaceful country, never having fought a war or skirmish since 1870. Compared with fellow BRICS countries, Brazil’s zero allocation to defence differs from Russia’s $76.7 billion; India’s $46 billion; and China’s $126 billion. Basically, the BRICS are developing countries but who are believed to be at a similar stage of development but still considered to be more developed than Nigeria’s MINT group. In fact the BRICS are expected to overtake the G7 economies by 2027.

The BRICS occupy a quarter of the world’s land area and more than 40 per cent of the world’s population in 2010. However, they accounted for only 25 per cent of the world’s gross national income. Another acronym: MINT coined in 2013 lumped Nigeria with Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey as nations in similar level of development. Though Brazil isn’t in the first world, because 90 per cent of her roads are unpaved and with pervasive slums, yet she does have plans to move up.

Unlike Nigeria, Brazil is quick to adopt new technologies. Her 90 per cent literacy lifts her tops in Information and Communications technology, compared to Nigeria’s 60 per cent literacy. Brazil’s network equipment comes from different sources: Cisco Systems (U.S.), Juniper (U.S.), Huawei (China), Alcatel (France). However, the U.S. National Security Agency’s leak through Edward Snowden, has caused Brazil to re-examine its ICT strategies.

Snowden’s allegations are that the United States is snooping on other countries. This prompted Brazil’s President to cancel a state visit to Washington in protest. What is more, Brazil is now empowering local communications companies for its network procurement. Brazil is now putting her resources in small scale internet companies. Thus, the winners are Brazil’s Datacom and Padtec, both of which already have business relations with the state owned Telecommunications Brazilian.

Brazil’s local content policy is geared towards ensuring protection against back-door security holes, a potentially leakage

source for foreign made products. What is more, there are innovations coming out of Brazil in this new millennium. Embraer, Brazil’s aerospace firm flies own home grown technology, a feat that China is trying to achieve. Brazil is now on the path of building her first geostationary satellite, enhancing the country’s remote-imaging and weather prediction capabilities.

Brazil also prides herself with her online voting and banking facilities. Her information technology sector earned her $37 billion in 2012. Stefanini, Brazil’s telecommunications giant operates in various countries including Canada, China, India, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Stefanini is expanding all over the world. It established a new software centre in China last December.

Apontador is Brazil’s leading geo-location service company. It is developing tools which enable other companies see how users interact with their products. Predicta is also well ranked in Brazil as a tools developing company. The main point is that Brazil is aggressively pursuing the development of local technology as against Nigeria’s over-dependence on importation.

In fact by comparison, taken seriatim, literacy level is the catalyst for development. Brazil is advancing because of her 90 per cent literacy rate. For Nigeria, our 60 per cent literacy rate and over 14 million unemployed put our nation out of touch with development reality.

Thus, like Brazil we should open our doors for industrial development through a coordinated small and medium scale industrial strategy. Wherefore, we should enunciate a Marshall Plan in which various programmes are combined to achieve full employment. For example, both small scale enterprises enhancement loans scheme of the National Directorate of Employment and AMPLE group investment scheme should merge under the proposed plan. This plan must target import substitution schemes as means of full employment. This is the way we can move to the next development level, by imitating Brazil’s small and medium scale development programme.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014 | 17

Focus Report catalogues govt’s achievements

By Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi N what could be described as a direct counterImouthing, action against the constant, ferocious badorchestrated by its large, formida-

Front cover of the report struction include: the Apapa-Oshodi (Lagos); Benin-Ore-Sagamu; Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriage; Kano-Maiduguri; Onitsha-Owerri and Onitsha-Enugu.

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) SURE P works programme has been introduced, and it has so far trained over 6,000 youths on road maintenance works. The fullscale production of cold asphaltic concrete mix has commenced, for an all-year round intervention on failed roads.

In the health sector, the report noted that access to primary health care had improved.

“Under the ‘Saving One Million Lives’ initiative,” it stated, “over 43, 650 lives were saved from November 2012 to June 2013 by scaling up six cost effective interventions, including maternal and child health, nutrition, prevention of moth-

“

er to child transmission of HIV, provision of essential commodities, malaria control and routine immunization/eradication of polio.”

Besides, 1,500 primary healthcare facilities across the country have been refurbished and supplied with essential drugs. Several teaching hospitals and medical centres have also been rehabilitated. With the establishment of the Centre for Disease Control, maternal mortality “has dropped by more than 50 per cent in midwives service scheme facilities from 2009 to 2012.”

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with General Electric, for the establishment of private world-class specialist hospitals and diagnostic centres under the Public, Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The report also stated: “Open heart surgeries

First, the government confronted the fertilizer mafia that had always cornered and diverted subsidized fertilizers worth billions of naira, with, ultimately, less than 11 percent of the intended beneficiaries ever getting to see the product. Direct procurement and distribution of fertilizers and seeds were eliminated while companies now sell directly to farmers, and not the government. Contracts for fertilizers and seeds’ supply were also scrapped. As a result, a whopping N25 billion was saved in 2012 alone

“

ble army of critics, the federal government recently released its progress report, christened: Sure & Steady Transformation, advertising its achievements so far in five Ministries: Agriculture, Works, Health, Petroleum Resources and Aviation.

In the book’s preface, the self-assured Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas, guaranteed the prospective readers: “It is not just a list of policies and programmes, but also a compendium of the concrete achievements of the administration, demonstrated with pictures of projects and activities of ministries, departments and agencies of government.”

Since 2012, when the Agricultural Transformations Agenda was launched, with the goal of adding 20 million metric tones to the domestic food supply and create 3.5million jobs, the report stated that the federal government had made a paradigm shift by treating agriculture, not as a development programme as was the norm, but as a business entity.

First, the government confronted the fertilizer mafia that had always cornered and diverted subsidized fertilizers worth billions of naira, with, ultimately, less than 11 percent of the intended beneficiaries ever getting to see the product.

“The corruption in the system was massive,” the report admitted, “due to government’s direct procurement and distribution of fertilizers. The system disempowered small farmers as the political elites and power brokers siphoned off fertilizers meant for poor farmers. The corruption was so rife in the system that it was common for a bulk of the fertilizers supplied to be half sand, half fertilizers.”

The government effectively ended the corruption of over four decades. Direct procurement and distribution of fertilizers and seeds were eliminated while companies now sell directly to farmers, and not the government.

Contracts for fertilizers and seeds’ supply were also scrapped. As a result, a whopping N25 billion was saved in 2012 alone.

The Ministry of Agriculture subsequently launched the registration of farmers for the first time and by 2012, 4.2 million farmers were registered biometrically, making it possible for the government to reach them directly and cutting off the middlemen. The Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES), which provides subsidized seeds (full) and fertilizers (50 per cent) directly to the farmers, through the private sector was inaugurated.

And to also reach farmers directly with farm inputs through mobile phones, the Ministry developed the Electronic Wallet (e-wallet), which delivers e-vouchers to them, that could then be used, just like cash, to redeem their farm inputs.

The overall results have been impressive.

According to the report, over 250, 000 farmers and youths in the northern states now profitably engage in farming. The first ever database of farmers has been developed with six million already registered. Dry season production, through irrigation has been launched in 10 northern states of Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Gombe, Niger, Kogi, Jigawa and Bauchi, resulting in the an output of 1.07million metric tones.

Government’s policies, the report averred, have also led to the establishment of 13 new rice mills. Production has expanded for high quality cassava flour to substitute imported wheat in the baking industry and the country’s food import reduced from N1.1 trillion in 2011 to N648 billion in 2012.

The report continued: “In 2012, 2.2 million metric tones of cassava chips were exported, exceeding the target by 100 per cent, while 40 per cent substitution of cassava for wheat has been achieved through research and collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).”

On federal roads, the report has a lot to say. It affirmed that through the Ministry of Works, a total of 2,000 kilometres of roads were built or rehabilitated as at 2013. Roads under recon-

have resumed at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu since March, 2013; the country has reduced the prevalence of malaria in children; capacity for kidney transplant has been strengthened within the last one year with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital joining the league.

“Health insurance coverage increased from 6 per cent in 2011 to 8 per cent in 2013; under 5 mortality is down to 94 per 1000 live births, from 157 per 1000 live births; maternal mortality has reduced from 545/1000 in 2008 to 350/1000 in 2012. Guinea worm disease, which previously affected 800, 000 lives yearly, has been eradicated in Nigeria.

“In 2013, government recruited 11, 300 frontline health workers who were deployed to under-served communities across the country. For the first time in history, there has not been any transmission of the Type-3 Wild Polio virus for more than one year. In an effort to bring specialised medical care to the country, in order to significantly reduce the number of Nigerians travelling overseas for medical treatment, the Federal Government has in phases, modernized and re-equipped 14 Federal Teaching Hospitals across the country to international standard.

“Ten out of the 14 have been completed and commissioned. Mr. President recently commissioned Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital, Kano and Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital have now been completed, and awaiting Presidential commissioning, while Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital have reached significant stages of completion.”

With regard to Cancer, the report explained that the Federal Ministry of Health has embarked on a nationwide cervical cancer prevention drive, through the introduction of vaccines against the human papilloma virus. And with a strategic stockpile of meningococcal vaccine in 2010, the sector successfully controlled the seasonal Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM) and fewer than 5,000 cases were reported.

There has also been a massive scale up in the procurement and distribution of anti retroviral drugs for HIV infected individuals. “This means that people living with HIV/AIDS have access to the right medication mostly free, except for the cost of laboratory testing and accurate detecting of the virus.”

With regard to the oil sector, the first point was that “there has been a stable supply of petroleum products as well as efficient administration of the subsidy programme.” But this is no longer the case as scarcity of the products has been prevalent in Lagos for the past week.

However, the report noted that the implementation of the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta region “has helped to increase oil production from pre-amnesty level of 700,000 bpd (barrels per day) to the current 2, 500, 000 bpd.”

It predicted that Nigeria would soon become a major player in the international gas market “through the implementation of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan.”

The Compressed Natural Gas programme “is in full progress, with 2000 cars already converted in Benin.” Domestic gas supply to support power sector “has increased by 72 per cent as part of the emergency gas supply programme.”

The report noted that Nigerians now own crude oil transportation tankers, flying Nigerian flags; while Nigerian-owned marine vessels have increased from 54 to 388, creating employment for 30,000 Nigerians.

It continued: “The Petroleum Bill, an omnibus regulatory instrument intended to turn around the oil and gas industry, has been re-presented to the National Assembly.

Comprehensive framework (is) being developed to bring on stream, other projects such as Egina, Ofon and Bonga NW Fields, to increase national production to four million bpd target in line with the Transformations agenda.”

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TheMetroSection Beware! Fake prophets on the prowl • Rivers Police arrest fake prophets, warn residents

By Odita Sunday

Surprisingly, the self-acclaimed prophet also “prophesied” that the same victim should part with the sum of N200, 000.00 to neutralize a curse placed on him and his household....The victim complied with the instruction and paid them the sum of N90, 000 HE Rivers State Police Command has arT rested two fake prophets who swindle gullible members of the public.

The state’s police boss, Mr. Ayotunde Ogunshakin told The Guardian that the suspects are unscrupulous individuals who operate under the guise of being “men of God” to dupe unsuspecting members of the public.

According to him: “These fraudsters masquerading as prophets are on the loose and preying on the gullible members of the public, through the use of false prophesy and divine pronouncements.

“A resident of the state who had fallen prey to one of the false prophets, was one Mr. Umejiego, a Director in a private firm who was lured into a false scheme through his wife by the operator of a Church named Favour Anointing Ministry, situated at No. 74A Ojoto Lane, Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt, being operated by one prophet who goes by the name of Victory Ibe. “After being arrested by the Police, Ibe confessed to be a perpetual dupe and that he has always had in his possession a proforma change of ownership which he use to make people part with their properties.

“In the case of Mr. Umejiego, Ibe instructed that a Toyota Land Cruiser, V8 be sown as seed by the former. He, thereafter, produced a change of ownership

Rivers State Police Commsissioner, Tunde Ogunsakin

Suspected fake prophets which was promptly signed by the unsuspecting victim, who immediately handed over the original documents to him together with the vehicle.”

According to the police boss, unfortunately for the fake prophet, the said vehicle was involved in a serious motor accident

Brutal attack: Delta police chief dragged to court From Chido Okafor, Warri WARRI- BASED businessA man, Mr. Ndubuisi Akalezie, has sued the Delta State Commissioner of Police and is claiming N100 million as damages after he was allegedly battered by some police officers.

Also joined in the suit is the proprietor of Kayriott Hotel, Efe Afe, a former Delta State House of Assembly member, and two police officers who were the masterminds of the alleged brutal attack unleashed on the plaintiff and two of his associates inside the premises of the hotel.

The plaintiff alleged that he had gone to the hotel on January 30, 2014 with his brother, who is a Naval officer, and a female lawyer and after ordering and taking their meals, he paid the sum of N9, 000 as bill for the food.

According to the businessman, “having paid my money, I waited endlessly for the balance and receipt.

Consequently, I approached the waitress who had earlier

whilst waiting for the outcome of the manager’s intervention, the said waitress went to seek the intervention of police officers on duty at the hotel. Upon their arrival, and without asking to hear from me, they pounced on me and started beating me mercilessly with the butt of their guns and shoes even as some dealt heavy blows on me,” Akalezie said.

The businessman said he was battered and left in a pool of his own blood.

He narrated further that even his Naval officer Commissioner of Police, Delta State brother, who had earlier Command, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba gone to wait for him in the car, came and tried to calm received the money, sadly, the situation but was also she went wild and started beaten up by the two armed insulting me and denied policemen. that I did not give her any Akalezie said they were money.” later rescued after a distress It was learnt that in the call was made to the Joint ensuing argument, the Task Force (JTF), after severe company’s executive sought beating. the intervention of the suAkalezie is also seeking pervising manager to quithe sum of N559, 000 being etly investigate the matter the worth of his personal efand spare him the embarfect, including cash and sevrassment. eral valuables destroyed or “Unknown to me and stolen during the attack.

with the ‘prophet’ inside it.

He said: “Surprisingly, the self-acclaimed prophet also “prophesied” that the same victim should part with the sum of N200, 000.00 (two hundred thousand naira) to neutralize a curse placed on him and his household.

“The victim complied with the instruction and paid them the sum of N90, 000 (ninety thousand naira) on February 17, 2014, which he told his victim would be donated to an orphanage.

“However, as at the time of his arrest on February 25, the supposed man of God was still in possession of the said amount of money. The fake prophet alongside his brother, one Apostle Austin Ibe, who acts as his Assistant Prophet have been apprehended by the Police and both of them would be charged to court at the appropriate time.”

Police kill suspected notorious kidnapper in Owerri home, then to Owerri with the aid of his girlfriend at the hotel.

T was an end-of-the-road Samuel, after suspecting for a notorious kidnapper danger, was said to have in the South East as the potried to escape in his bulletlice have pulled the trigger proof Acura Sports Utility on him in Owerri.

Vehicle (SUV) latest model, After days and weeks on said to have been stolen his trail, a team of crack from someone in Lagos, shooters in the police force when he met his waterloo. on Tuesday evening, about “He hit the gate with force 6 :00 p.m., gunned down as he tried to escape, and the suspect at a sprawling the gate fell immediately. I new hotel located in Works intensified bullets on the Layout, off Imo State Univehicle and the kidnaper versity, Owerri junction, off severally before a bullet hit Okigwe Road, Owerri. his arm. He drove towards According to the young the drainage, hitting an police officer who carried electric pole that fell on the out the assignment, the vehicle. His body was suspected deceased crimibrought out on the ground nal’s name is Samuel (24), for over one hour before we who until his death, was Imo State Governor, carried it away. That was living in Mbaise, Imo state. Rochas Okorocha the end of a terrorist/kidThe brave police officer come on time, leading to a napper on earth.” told The Guardian that the Before Samuel was killed, late suspected bandit, had decision to silence their victim. the policemen had gone to led a team of abductors in According to him, the auhis home country to inLagos, kidnapping a wealthy person with initial thorities of the police force quire about his wherein Abuja were enraged by abouts and his younger ransom of N20 million.

He regretted that after re- this wicked act that they or- brother disclosed to them dered a manhunt for the that he had gone to sell the ceiving the ransom, they late Samuel, trailing him SUV to an Army officer in requested additional N5 from Lagos to his country Owerri. million, which could not

From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri

I

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014

POWA commissions secretariat in Lagos

By Odita Sunday N a bid to empower less privileged women and children in the society, the Lagos State Chapter of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), has commissioned a multi-purpose centre named after the late wife of the Inspector General of Police, Hajiya Mariam MD Abubakar.

The centre called Hajia Mariam Abubakar POWA Secretariat and Multipurpose Hall, would offer myriad of services aimed at giving women a lift. The edifice, which was built by POWA in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, would house a training centre for women, support wealth creation and self-employment.

The new wife Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Zahra Bunu Abubakar, commissioned it.

I

Present at the occasion were the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, (AIG Zone 2), Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe, Lagos State Commissioner of Police; Alhaji Umaru Manko, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Her Excellency Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire; the First Lady of Lagos, Dame Abimbola Fashola; Chairperson of POWA Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Rabi Umar Manko amongst others.

The National President of POWA, Mrs Abubakar, who said it was her first official visit outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the platform of POWA, applauded the state governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola for his support to police in the state.

According to her, the edifice is significant being the first time a state government is supporting POWA in

such magnitude.

According to her: ‘‘This is perhaps the first time in history that the association is receiving a gift of this nature-a magnificent edifice, from any of the states in the country. The kind gesture is not only a manifestation of the love His Excellency and his administration has for POWA; it is also a demonstration of your commitment to the welfare of the families of our husbands-officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force and our children.’’

She further mentioned that the building structure was timely in meeting the strategic plans of POWA aimed at “becoming an effective, sustainable organization that actively enhances the quality of life of women and children, and serve as a recognized resource for community partnerships, post conflict rehabilitation

and youth empowerment.”

She assured the Governor that the building would be well maintained for the purpose it was meant.

On the decision to name the edifice after Late Hajiya Mariam MD Abubakar, Mrs. Manko stated that it was as a result of the numerous significant contributions of the late IGP’s wife while she was the chapter’s chairperson.

She noted: ‘’We must realize the impact and affection that Mrs. Mariam Abubakar had, having been a chairperson of this chapter and her ascension to the national level before her eventual call to glory. It is in view of this realization that the National Chapter of POWA in conjunction with the Lagos State chapter agreed to immortalise her with the Hajiya Mariam Abubakar POWA Secretariat and Multipurpose Hall.’’

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Briefs OURS magazine launches in Lagos AST weekend, the magazine industry got a much-needed Lberth breath of culturally and socially conscious air with the of OURS, a bi-monthly publication of artistic and social expression, which will deliver an inventive and sophisticated experience to its audience- the enlightened and critical citizen.

The magazine, which is based in Geneva, and has launched in the city as well as in London, announced its arrival in Nigeria via an exclusive cocktail with Nigeria’s captains of industry, power players in politics and arts cognoscenti in attendance. The cocktail held in the halls of Lagoon Restaurant, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island.

According to OURS’ editors, the magazine is a gamechanger. “We don’t want to simply “feed” you information, rather we invite you to join us in sharing, exploring, and discovering various people, places, creations and ideas. The magazine is dedicated to accepting cultures, sharing talent, challenging ideas and encouraging social examination,” they said in an interview preceding the launch.

The magazine’s first issue, now on newsstands, centres on “Sustainability” tackling a most interesting and recently consistently debated topic on the global scene.

Every two months, the magazine will continue to address a theme that sparks conversation, with a sharp and studied point of view.

Baptist Girls’ Academy holds inter-house sports APTIST Girls’ Academy, Obanikoro Lagos, will tomorrow B holds its 24th yearly inter-house sports competition at the school sports field (Baptist Academy Compound), Obanikoro, Lagos at 10.00a.m.

Defending Champions, Yellow house (Unity) are seeking to retain the title they won in 2013, with tough opposition expected from other houses namely- Blue (Hope), Red (Peace), and Green (Wisdom) Houses.

Some of the events that would be featured include 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, long jump, high jump, shot put, javelin, shuttle race, inter-house relay, tug-of-war, old students’ race, staff race, parents’ race, and invitational relay.

Others are basketball and volleyball.

Upper Room Brethren Ministries’ programme HE five-day prophetic programme of Upper Room T Brethren Ministries (Interdenominational Prayer And Deliverance Ministry) began on Monday at 6.00p.m. daily tagged: No More Delay (Kosi Idaduro Mo) at the open ground, beside Railway Police Station, Mushin, Lagos.

Host is Prophet Paul Esupofo.

Kingdom Life Summit at New Estate Baptist Church EW Estate Baptist Church has concluded plans to hold its N three-day yearly Kingdom Life Summit 2014. Tagged: “Wonders of the Word,” it will hold from Thursday, March 13 through Saturday, March 15 at noon and 6.00p.m. respectively. Ministers/ Leaders Conference holds at 10.00a.m. on Friday, March 14, at 57, Adisa Bashua Street, off Adelabu Street, Surulere, Lagos. Gbile Akanni is special speaker while Rev. Chika Ossai-Ugbah, Rev. Mike Babatunde and Samson Adedokun will minister. Rev. Amos Achi Kunat is the host while Rev. Julius Omomola is the convener.

Indomie introduces 450g pack Into noodles market Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola (left),wife of the Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Zara Bunu Abubakar, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire and the wife of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hajia Rabi Umar Manko.

PHOTO: ODITA SUNDAY

Borno cleric attributes insurgency to corruption, unemployment From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri

Islam and Christianity. Our greatest problem is corrupHE Bishop of Maiduguri tion and it is one of the Catholic Diocese, Most greatest and dangerous eneRev. Oliver Dashe Doeme mies of this nation.” has attributed the February “There is no reason our 18, 2006 religious crisis and youths should not be the over four years Boko trained. This is why the Haram insurgency in Borno rates of unemployment and State, to corruption and un- poverty continue to rise in employment creating the “devil’s workThe cleric spoke Tuesday at shop” for idle minds to kill a press conference held in without any genuine cause.

Maiduguri at the St. If corruption goes away, Patrick’s Catholic Church there will be no Boko Haram, on the recent multiple atno kidnappings, and no tacks and bombings at armed robbery and, if there Shuwa and Chakawa in is any, it will very minimal Adamawa State and three and could be contained by other villages in Borno. security agencies. These ills The incessant attacks and and vices will vanish into killings by suspected Boko thin air. Collectively we Haram sect has been attrib- must destroy any uted to corruption, accord- enemy or obstacle that hining to Rev. Doeme.

His words: “Since July 2009, we have been witnessing religious crises. Up till now, we are still witnessing the killings of many innocent persons, whose lives are being considered sacred and cherished by both

T

ders this nation from attaining its social, economic and religious heights to improve the living conditions of the people, no matter in which part of the country they live,” the cleric said.

He said some of the leaders and their cronies are, however, sitting on the nation’s resources that could address the country’s unemployment and poverty that have reached more than 50 per cent.

The cleric, therefore, called on the Federal Government to fight corruption head on, warning that failure to do so, could consume the entire nation along with its 160 million citizens living

Politicians should play the game of politics in a manner that will enhance and guarantee free, fair and credible 2015 general elections.

They should also not use or employ religion for their selfish interests

in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

On how politicians could fight corruption and insurgency, Rev. Doeme said: “Politicians should play the game of politics in a manner that will enhance and guarantee free, fair and credible 2015 general elections. They should also not use or employ religion for their selfish interests.”

Speaking on the military’s fight against terrorism, he said: “The military are doing their best, but there is room for improvement, because the equipment are not sufficient to fight this insurgency, and I am calling on Federal Government to fully equip the soldiers.

Compared to the civilian JTF that use sticks and cutlasses in fighting members of the sect, they are doing their best, by saying that these killings are evil and must be fought to ensure peace. But you cannot underrate the powers of prayers in restoring peace in Borno State and the country at large.”

REMIUM noodles brand, Indomie Instant noodles, has P added yet another ‘first’ to its long list of laurels by breaking the market with its revolutionary 450 gramme Chicken Family Pack, a landmark achievement in global noodle circles. The new variant is tied to the brand’s efforts in catering to the growing needs of the family and easing the hassle associated with purchasing multiple packs for meals on the home front.

“As far as the global culinary landscape is concerned, Indomie has recorded a major breakthrough with the launch of our new Family Pack,” said Mr. Deepak Singhal, Chief Executive Officer, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, manufacturer of the product.

“We deemed it necessary to say a big thank you to the family unit, which has been largely responsible for our growing sales volume over the years, and the 450 gramme pack was the best way we felt we could achieve that.”

Singhal, who said the new Indomie variant was not only sizable but packed with enough spice designed to suit the taste buds of parents and kiddies alike, added that it was pocketfriendly and would therefore be easily accessible to varying consumer classes in the market.

This, no doubt, is a feat no other noodles company in the world can lay claim to, as Dufil Prima Foods could now be said to have effectively taken centre stage in the global culinary landscape. After all, the new 450gramme will cater to not just the taste but also the pockets of all consumer classes in the market.

“With all this and more, it is no surprise that consumers view Indomie as the noodles brand of choice which constantly prioritises and guarantees their satisfaction at all times, as captured in its evolving strategies over the years,” he reasoned.

As the new 450 gramme Indomie pack makes its way into the noodles market, it is joining a wide array of successful variants previously launched by Dufil Prima Foods, including Indomie Chicken flavour, Onion Chicken flavour, Pepper Chicken and Oriental Fried Noodles.

“These variants have done incredibly well in the market, laying claim to a strong level of acceptance among consumers in Nigeria’s burgeoning noodles industry,” disclosed Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, PR/Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc. “Our surveys over the years have shown there is a skyrocketing demand for Indomie, which explains why our 450gramme pack is riding on the back of our 210 gramme Hungry Man Pack and 120gramme Super Pack.

“Little wonder Indomie is the only noodles brand in Nigeria with the Superbrand status, which it bagged after being voted one of Nigeria’s strongest brands in recognition of its market leadership status,” he added.

20 Thursday, March 6, 2014

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Thursday, March 6, 2014 BUSINESS

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21

Business Lingering fuel scarcity takes toll on businesses

By Roseline Okere

•Operators scale down production, trim workforce Our generators are down. We are not producing.

USINESSES, especially B manufacturing concerns in the country are facing

terday that small-scale industrialists were the worst hit by the current scarcity, as they have embarked on temporary shutdown of production lines and concomitant staff strength reduction.

The price of fuel from roadside sellers has since hit over N200 per litre while some petrol stations, which only sell at night, are selling well above the pump price of N97 per litre.

Specifically, the Lagos

dwindling fortunes as the fuel scarcity hit their respective operational profiles, with threats of shutdowns assailing the economy.

Specifically, operational costs have mounted beyond the projections of the operators, with workers’ layoffs now being embarked upon for strategic corporate survival.

The Guardian gathered yes-

Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), stressed the need for the Federal Government to find lasting solution to the fuel scarcity saga without further delay.

The Director-General of LCCI, Muda Yusuf, told The Guardian yesterday that the current fuel scarcity across the country has resulted to hike in transportation cost, undermining business prof-

Government should take immediate steps to resolve this situation. Fuel scarcity is death knell for small and medium enterprises...If there is any evidence of economic governance failure, it is in this sector. It is a sad commentary that Nigerians are going through such an experience in spite of our natural resource endowment. itability; hike in energy cost especially for SMEs that depend on small electricity generators; traffic challenges created by fuel queues which also lead to loss of valuable

Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. John Isemede (right); Chairman, Economics and Statistics Committee, Adams Idufueko; National President, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar; Chairperson, Public Relations Committee and National Officer, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu; and Editor, The Guardian, Martins Oloja, during the visit of the association’s officials to Rutam House on Tuesday.

Invisible sector consumes over 50% of forex earnings in Q4

By Chijioke Nelson NDICATIONS have emerged Ination’s that 53.3 per cent of the total foreign exchange earnings disbursed in the fourth quarter of 2013 was to the invisible (services) sector.

Other sectors that shared in the forex disbursements were the industrial sector, 16.1 per cent; mineral and oil sector, 14.4 per cent; food products, 7.9 per cent; manufactured products, 7.8 per cent; transport sector, 3.1 per cent; and agricultural products, 0.4 per cent.

According to CBN’s Economic Report for the fourth quarter, foreign exchange demand by the authorized dealers for the review period was estimated at $12.09 billion, indicating an increase of 19.3 per cent and 182.2 per cent above the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding period of 2012, respectively.

However, $9.1 billion was sold by the CBN during the review period, indicating a decline of 17.1 per cent below the level in the preceding quarter, but an increase of 113.2 per cent above the level in the corresponding quarter

of 2012.

The aggregate foreign exchange inflow amounted to $34.94 billion, representing a decline of 9.7 per cent below the level in the preceding quarter, but an increase of 15.1 per cent above the level in the corresponding quarter of 2012.

The development was due to reduction in inflows through both the CBN and autonomous sources- non-oil exports.

Oil sector receipts, which accounted for 23 per cent of total inflow, stood at $8.03 billion, compared with the $9.52 billion and $10.09 billion recorded in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2012, respectively.

Non-oil public sector inflow, put at $1.10 billion or 3.1 per cent of the total inflow, fell by 53.1 per cent below the level in the preceding quarter, but was 1.9 per cent above the level in the corresponding quarter of 2012.

Autonomous inflow, which accounted for 73.9 per cent, declined by 9.7 per cent below the level in the preceding quarter.

Under the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS), which was introduced last October as part of control measures over

the falling value of the Naira, the average exchange rate was N157.32 per dollar, indicating a marginal depreciation of 0.004 per cent and 0.003 per cent relative to the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2012, respectively.

In the bureau-de-change segment of the market, the Naira traded at an average of N167.86 per dollar, indicating a depreciation of 3.1 per cent and 5.2 per cent below the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2012, respectively.

At the interbank segment, the Naira exchanged at an average of N159.22 to the dollar, indicating an appreciation of 1.4 per cent above the level in the preceding quarter, but a depreciation of 1.2 per cent below the level in the corresponding quarter of 2012.

The premium between the RDAS and the bureau-dechange rates widened from 3.4 per cent in the preceding quarter to 6.7 per cent in the review period, while the premium between the RDAS and interbank rate narrowed from 2.6 per cent in the preceding quarter to 1.2 per cent in the review period Money market rates were

influenced by the liquidity conditions in the banking system, given the monetary policy stance of the apex bank, which remained largely restrictive under the period.

Beside the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) that was maintained at 12 per cent for over two years, the Liquidity Ratio, Cash Reserve Ratio and the Net Open Position were also retained at their preceding quarter’s levels of 30 per cent, 12 per cent and one per cent, respectively.

The introduction of the 50 per cent CRR on all public sector deposits and its full implementation continued to affect the monetary conditions of the market.

Also, banks’ deposit and lending rates generally trended upward during the fourth quarter of 2013, with all rates on deposits of various maturities rising from a range of 2.44 per cent to 7.59 per cent in the third quarter to a range of 2.48 per cent to 7.92 per cent in the fourth quarter.

The prime and maximum lending rates increased by 0.48 percentage points and 0.72 percentage points to 17.1 per cent and 24.93 per cent, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Obama exploits tax loopholes, raises $276b from multinationals HE United States of T America’s President, Barack Obama, is proposing

man hours; risk of fuel adulteration by unscrupulous elements in the society; and disruption of meetings, seminars, symposiums among others”.

According to him, the situation remained a major national embarrassment, as Nigeria is the only oil producing country that depends on the importation of petroleum products.

“If there is any evidence of economic governance failure, it is in this sector. It is a sad commentary that Nigerians are going through such an experience in spite of our natural resource endowment”, he added.

The Director, Membership Services and Public Relations of NASME, Nerus Ekezie also told The Guardian that the situation has affected their business in the last few weeks.

He said: “Some of our members have temporarily shut down, especially the artisans.

The big ones that also depend on fuel to power their operations are buying at very exorbitant prices. The issue is that they are now

more tax increases for U.S. multinational corporations, by seeking ways to prevent them from avoiding taxes and exploiting gaps in international law.

The 2015 fiscal bill proposed on Tuesday, Obama seeks to generate $276 billion over the next decade from what it calls loophole-closing in the international tax system.

The revenue- 75 per cent more than what was sought through such changes in last year’s budget plan would be used to reduce corporate tax rates.

Among those affected by the revisions would be pharmaceutical companies looking to relocate to Ireland, technology companies selling cloud-based services outside the U.S., and non-U.S.-based companies borrowing money in the country.

Already, mixed feelings have arisen as some said that the Obama plan isn’t likely to move forward in a divided Congress that can’t agree on the broad outlines of tax policy, let alone the details.

“The proposals instead set down a marker in the corporate tax debate,” National

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

22 Thursday, March 6, 2014

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MTN posts 27% profit growth on rising Nigeria’s subscriber base, weaker rand TN Group Ltd. (MTN), M Africa’s largest wireless operator, recorded a 27 per cent increase in its profit during its operations last year, after the South African rand weakened and subscriber base rose across its 22 markets.

Headline earnings per share, which exclude one-time items, were 13.86 rand in 2013, the Johannesburg-based company said in a statement yesterday. That beat the 13.4 rand median estimate by 16 analysts in a Bloomberg survey.

Also, sales went up by 12 per cent to 136.5 billion rand ($12.7 billion), helped by the

rand’s 18 per cent decline against the U.S. dollar, while revenue growth on a constant currency basis was 3.1 per cent.

Total subscriber base increased by 9.8 per cent to 207.8 million, supported by 20 per cent growth in Nigeria, its biggest market, and further growth in smaller African markets such as Ghana and Ivory Coast.

South African customer base however declined after weak consumer spending and tough competition hampered the business in Africa’s largest economy.

“While the South African business delivered disap-

pointing results, the executive team is focused on helping this business deliver an improved overall performance in the year ahead,” the company said in the statement, adding that “valueaccretive M&A opportunities will continue to be explored in line with our strategy.”

MTN shares gained as much as 2.3 per cent to 203.89 rand, the highest on an intraday basis since January 29, and

traded 2.1 per cent higher as at 9:36 a.m. yesterday in Johannesburg. The stock has declined by 6.1 per cent this year, compared with a 7.9 per cent fall at main competitor Vodacom Group Ltd. South African wireless companies are looking at Internet access across Africa as consumers increasingly use more profitable dataenabled smart phones and domestic voice service rev-

enue declines.

Already, MTN has commenced talks with fixed-line specialist Telkom SA SOC Ltd. (TKG) about an infrastructure sharing arrangement for the two companies’ mobile units. The company cut jobs in South Africa last year as revenue declined by 6.1 per cent following an accounting charge relating to handset sales and lower voice revenue.

“The cost structures of the

business will continue to be reviewed in 2014,” MTN said in the statement.

MTN has been under pressure from regulators in Nigeria, where it was fined last month for poor service, while the company is seeking legal action in South Africa over plans to halve mobile termination rates, the amount it can charge smaller competitors to use its network.

Operators scale down production CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 passing the cost on consumers. Some have even told some of their employees to stop coming to work until the situation normalises.

This is because there is no point retaining your employees when there are no production activities in the company due to fuel scarcity”.

Speaking on the way out, Ekezie canvassed proper information dissemination between the Federal Government and the oil marketers.

He also stressed the need for the government to ensure that it gives allocation to fuel importation as at when due to avoid future scarcity, which he described as a national embarrassment.

He added: “It is an embarrassment for the government to continue to import fuel when the country is a major producer of crude oil with four refineries. We cannot arrest the problem until we begin to refine our products. Government should set policies that will encourage private refineries.

Government should create the platform to allow for micro refiners by putting up

a regulation that will create room for illegal refineries to become micro refineries in the country”.

A small-scale industrialist and Managing Director of Dominic Enterprises in Isolo, Lagos, Emeka Johnson said: "Our generators are down.

We are not producing.

Government should take immediate steps to resolve this situation. Fuel scarcity is death knell for small and medium enterprises.

"This high cost will worsen the current food prices. Many food processors have shut down their processing plants as a result of the high cost and scarcity of fuel. Some of these people employ 30 to 40 people daily when their plants were operating at full capacity. For the past one week, they have not engaged labourers and there is a ripple effect on employment," he said.

A barber in Okota, John Iseyemi said with the failure of public power supply system, fuel scarcity is simply death penalty for small businesses in Nigeria. A business like ours cannot survive under these harsh conditions if the scarcity is allowed to linger."

Executive Director, Heritage Bank Limited, Robert Mbonu (left); Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Josephine Aligwekwe; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ifie Sekibo, during an event to mark the bank's one year anniversary, held in Lagos, yesterday.

At last, insurers adopt IFRS for operational accounting

By Joshua Nse HE nation’s insurance and T reinsurance entities may have overcome initial challenges arising from implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the

industry.

The Commissioner for Insurance, Fola has confirmed that majority of the insurance institutions have got their 2012 yearly financial reports and accounts approved.

For instance, out of the 58 underwriting firms operating in the market, 53 got approval of the commission, four insurance companies are still processing their accounts, while one underwriting firm failed to submit the 2012 accounts to the regulator.

He expressed satisfaction that the industry has fully been integrated in the IFRS process.

According to him, ‘‘NAICOM

took the responsibility for transiting the Nigerian reporting entities to IFRS as directed by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

NAICOM is the regulator of the insurance industry and felt we should not fold our arms and let this project either succeeded or failed. ‘‘We came in to provide leadership role to the industry to ensure that we transit to IFRS without much problem. We did not only want to achieve seamless transition, we also wanted to do it in most cost effective manner so that at the end of the day, the implementation of IFRS from the cost of transiting will be minimized.’’

He said, ‘‘For us as regulator,

I think one of the reasons is that we have intervened, and intervention is on-going to reposition the industry to international accepted standards. The nature of audited reports that are not truthful, Nigerians and other investors are misled to buy their shares on the basis of false presentation, and NAICOM is not liable for insurance company’s actions. ‘‘As a result, the IFRS has come to stay and we are not offering apologies that the accounts are delayed. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and NAICOM are on to share information that what we are doing is correct and perfect.’’

Obama raises $276b from multinationals CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Leader of the International Tax Practice at KPMG LLP in Washington, Manal Corwin, said.

“I don’t know that anybody’s predicting that we’re suddenly going to see tax reform happen. There are certain themes that seem to be repeating themselves,” Corwin, formerly a Treasury International Tax official in the Obama administration, said.

Obama, congressional Republicans and many U.S. multinational companies support reducing the corpo-

rate tax rate of 35 percent, which is the highest in the industrialized world.

They disagreed on how to finance such a cut and whether to pair corporate tax changes with higher taxes for individuals and also differed on the details of potential changes to the international tax system.

Under current law, U.S.based companies face the full 35 per cent tax on income they earn around the world.

They receive tax credits for payments to foreign governments and don’t owe the residual U.S. tax until they repatriate the money.

As other countries have

reduced their tax rates, U.S. companies have stockpiled about $2 trillion in untaxed offshore profits. They’ve also become creative in using cross-border transactions that locate profits in low-tax jurisdictions.

Obama’s proposals would make it harder for companies to move profits offshore and defer U.S. taxes.

The administration’s emphasis on curbing international tax maneuvers shows that officials are properly concerned that corporations are gaming the U.S. tax system, said Ed Kleinbard, a tax law professor at the University of Southern California.

Thursday, March 6, 2014 BUSINESS | 23

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Commodity Exchange to provide warehouses for farm produce HE Nigeria Commodity T Exchange (NCX) on Wednesday said it had con-

cluded plans to construct warehouses for the storage of farm produce.

Mrs Zaheera Baba-Ari, its Head of Management Services, made this known in an inter-

view with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She said the warehouses were

Heritage Bank launches agent banking services

By Chijioke Nelson ERITAGE Bank has offered H traders and artisans of the Gbagada Plank market located in Gbagada Industrial Estate of Lagos State the opportunity to enjoy financial services without the risk and stress walking kilometres in order to visit a bank branch.

The bank on Tuesday launched its agent banking scheme with the opening of what it calls the ‘Corner Shop’ bank in the market.

“The choice of the market as the first place to launch our agent banking is deliberate. We decided to launch our agent banking in this market because of the importance we attach to the business that you do”, said Mary Akpobome Executive Director, Ivory Banking, Heritage Bank.

Addressing members of the market at the launching, she said, “Agent banking is about bringing banking services to the bulk of the many people, so that they don’t need to go far away to do their banking services.

“If you look from the beginning of the road to this place, there is no bank around. I believe if you want to do banking business in this place, you have to cross the bridge to other side. So we have brought to you our agent bank, what we call in Heritage bank, the Corner Shop.

“You can now make your deposits, make withdrawals.

First Bank raises stake on financial literacy, youth empowerment

By Helen Oji HEAD of this year’s A Financial Literacy Day, First Bank of Nigeria Limited through its FutureFirst Initiative has kicked off a Financial Literacy Programme as part of its strategy to empowerment the youths.

The Financial Literacy Programme, which according to the bank, is in partnership with Junior Achievement of Nigeria (JAN) will run for 13weeks across various secondary schools in the Lagos metropolis.

The bank explained that the programme was designed to provide an experiential supplement to the business education of high school students in Nigeria and empower them with financial knowledge through training on how to manage a business and other basic skills to promote a savings culture and building future financial managers.

According to the Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Folake AniMumuney, “at First Bank, there is no denying that the future is our most present priority. It is on this premise and coupled with our passion to see a more financially independent generation that we have designed the Financial Literacy programme because we believe that young people, who are the beneficiaries of this project, are indeed critical for economic growth and therefore represent the future of the nation, as well as the future of the bank.

You can purchase anything that you need to purchase that involves use of money, in that shop. You don’t need to go far, to different places to do different things like paying Water bills, Nepa bills, you need to go to different places to do different things, you can now do everything in one place, right within your shop area.

In his opening remarks, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo said, “Banking services is not only for some people, it is for everybody, and with the small bank we are opening in the market today, we are offering banking services to everybody in this market, irrespective of your edu-

cational background and what you do”.

“From this small bank, you can enjoy a lot of banking services, which is available in the bank branches. You can send money to people, receive money from others, buy recharge card. You even send money to people abroad. You can do all these at this corner shop bank”, he said.

Speaking further, Akpobome promised that Heritage Bank is also open to suggestions on how it can help their business.

“We are not a bank that believes that we know everything that our customer needs, if there is any service, anything that the bank can do to improve the business that you do, please use

that shop to let us know. Our promise is that we will do our best to ensure that we meet the financial needs of this market.

Our prayer is that through this corner shop prosperity will come to this place, through the financial services we have brought here; your business will grow in leaps and bounds”, she said.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, Chairman of the Market Association, Alhaji Subairu Akano said the Association is very delighted by the gesture of Heritage Bank. He assured the bank of the cooperation and support of every member of the bank to ensure the success of the Corner shop.

on a pilot programme, which would begin in 2014.

Baba-Ari said that the programme was also conceived to provide easy access to funds by farmers.

According to her, after harvest and the price of any commodity is very low, the farmers will take the commodity to the warehouses and deposit it there.

Baba-Ari said that the project, tagged “Warehouse Receipt System”, would provide places to store farm produce.

“The warehouse will give the farmer a receipt stating the quality, quantity, size and everything about the commodity. The farmer who needs to use his commodity as collateral to access loan can take that document to a bank. So, the warehouse receipt system is a way whereby farmers have easy access to finance,” she stressed.

Baba-Ari said that the loan,

which would be given to farmers under the scheme, would be on short term basis which would not exceed 180 days because of the shelf life of farm produce.

She remarked that the programme was intended to be a “win-win” affair for the farmers.

“The commodities will appreciate with time and the farmers will collect their goods from the warehouse and sell at higher prices”.

Baba-Ari said that the basic challenges faced by farmers were storage and access to finance and that the warehouse receipt programme was designed to address the problems. ``The programme will address the problems of the farmers; the traders will have the commodities all through the year and processors will always have a steady supply of those commodities that they need,” she said.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

24 | Thursday, March 6, 2014

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY

Europe’s strengthening recovery may defy ECB’s stimulus uro-area services growth E accelerated more than forecast in February, underlining a strengthening recovery that takes pressure off the European Central Bank to add stimulus when policy makers meet today.

A services index rose to a 32month high of 52.6, exceeding the provisional reading of 51.7, Markit Economics said yesterday. A separate report showed exports increased 1.2 percent in the fourth quarter, helping gross domestic product rise 0.3 percent. In the U.K., services grew more than economists forecast.

ECB President Mario Draghi held out the prospect of further policy easing on Feb. 6, saying the Frankfurt-based

central bank needed “to get more information” on the recovery before making any decision. Since then, data on inflation and economic sentiment exceeded estimates, and only a quarter of forecasters in a Bloomberg News survey say the ECB will reduce the benchmark rate from the current record-low 0.25 percent.

“It should give them confidence that the recovery, albeit modest, is still ongoing,” said Nick Matthews, senior European economist at Nomura International Plc in London. “What it will mean is that there are no revisions to the ECB’s forecasts when it publishes the staff projections.”

The improvement in the

euro-area services index was led by Germany. The gauge in Europe’s biggest economy jumped to 55.9 in February, a 32-month high, from 53.1 in January. That exceeded the flash estimate of 55.4. The French gauge dropped less than initially estimated.

Spain’s government bonds rose today, pushing 10-year yields to the lowest level since January 2006, as HSBC Holdings Plc recommended investors buy the debt at an auction tomorrow. Spain’s 10year yield fell five basis points, or 0.05 percentage point, to 3.39 percent at 11:37 a.m.

London time, the least since Jan. 24, 2006. The euro fell 0.2 percent to $1.3716.

The GDP report from

Eurostat in Luxembourg showed that imports increased 0.4 percent in the fourth quarter and household consumption rose 0.1 percent.

Net trade added 0.4 percentage points to GDP. The 0.3 percent economic growth matched an initial estimate published last month.

The euro area will record annual growth in 2014 for the first time in three years, according to forecasts by the International Monetary Fund and the ECB, though high unemployment and weak price pressures remain risks.

With inflation less than half the 2 percent level the ECB defines as price stability, Draghi has said he stands “ready to act” to provide more support.

China plans 2014 budget deficit of 1.35 trillion Yuan HINA plans to run a budget C deficit of 1.35 trillion yuan in 2014, the Ministry of Finance said in Beijing today, amounting to 2.1 percent of gross domestic product.

Fiscal spending is targeted to rise 9.5 percent to 15.3 trillion yuan and revenue will grow 8 percent to 13.953 trillion yuan, excluding funds to be transferred from the stabilization fund, the ministry said in a budget report presented to the National People’s Congress.

Including transfers from the stabilization fund, fiscal revenue this year will be 14.053 trillion yuan. Total fiscal spending will be 15.4 trillion yuan.

The finance ministry will this year sell 400 billion yuan of bonds on behalf of local governments, according to today’s report.

China’s ruling Communist Party said late last year it would implement a “proactive” fiscal policy in 2014, maintaining the stance for a sixth

No plans to raise capital, cut payouts, says StanChart Chartered's SnoTANDARD (STAN.L) boss said he had plans to raise capital from shareholders or cut the dividend, saying his bank had strong capital "on any measure" despite a drop in profits and a challenging outlook.

Asked whether he had any plans to raise capital or cut its dividend, Chief Executive Peter Sands said: "None"

"At the level we're at, we are already significantly and materially ahead of the target ratios the PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority) has guided us to achieve by 2019," he told Reuters in an interview.

He was speaking after Standard Chartered reported its first drop in annual profits for a decade.

Ecobank’s biggest investor wants CEO to quit COBANK Transnational E Inc.’s (ETI) biggest investor repeated a call for Chief

The Euro logo outside the European Central Bank in Frankfurt am Main, central Germany

Yahoo to stop user access of services with Facebook, Google IDs AHOO Inc will stop letting Y consumers access its various online services, including Fantasy Sports and photo-sharing site Flickr, by signing-in with their Facebook Inc or Google Inc credentials.

The change, which will be rolled out gradually according to a Yahoo spokeswoman, will require users to register for a Yahoo ID in order to use any of the Internet portal's services.

The move marks the latest change to Yahoo by Chief Executive Marissa Mayer, who is striving to spark fresh inter-

est in the company's Web products and to revive its stagnant revenue.

"Yahoo is continually working on improving the user experience," the company said in a statement, noting that the new process "will allow us to offer the best personalized experience to everyone".

The first Yahoo service to require the new sign-in process is Yahoo Sports Tourney Pick'Em, a service focused on the NCAA college basketball tournament, which begins later this month. News of the

change to Yahoo's Tourney Pick'Em sign-in process was first reported by the technology blog Betanews.

Since Mayer took the reins in 2012, the company has rolled out new versions of many of its key products, including Yahoo Mail and Yahoo Finance. Last year, Yahoo announced a program to recycle inactive Yahoo user IDs, letting new users claim email addresses that have not been used for more than 12 months.

In eliminating the Facebook and Google sign-in features,

Mayer, a former Google executive, is effectively reversing a strategy that Yahoo adopted in 2010 and 2011 under then CEO Carol Bartz.

The change to the Tourney Pick'Em sign-in process began on Monday, the Yahoo spokeswoman said, noting that users could still access other services with Google or Facebook IDs. The sign-in buttons for Facebook and Google will eventually be removed from all Yahoo properties, the Yahoo spokeswoman, though she declined to provide a timeframe.

EU to support Ukraine with 11 billion euros in financial aid HE European Union is Fund. nomic mismanagement, high year, and will work on providT ready to provide 11 billion "The package combined could energy costs and currency tur- ing energy to Ukraine via euros ($15 billion) of financial bring an overall support of at moil fuelled by a conflict with "reverse flows" of gas from the support to Ukraine over the next couple of years via a series of loans and grants, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Wednesday.

The assistance would be delivered in coordination with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank, and is in part contingent on Ukraine signing a deal with the International Monetary

least 11 billion euros over the next couple of years, from the EU budget and EU-based international financial institutions," Barroso told a news conference.

The announcement comes a day after the United States offered $1 billion in loan guarantees and said it would send technical experts to Ukraine to advise its central bank and finance ministry on how to tackle economic difficulties.

Ukraine is on the verge of bankruptcy because of eco-

Russia since the ouster of Moscow-backed President Viktor Yanukovich in February.

The West has stepped up efforts in recent days to persuade Moscow to pull its forces from the Ukrainian Crimea peninsula, which they seized after the fall of Yanukovich, and avert the risk of war.

The EU also plans to bring forward trade benefits that Ukraine would have received had it signed an association agreement with the EU last

EU. Kiev's new rulers have said they need $35 billion over the next two years. But its shorterterm requirements are much less and are estimated to be around $4 billion, according to some EU officials.

European leaders will hold an emergency summit on Thursday in Brussels to discuss what steps to take next on Russia, having threatened sanctions if Moscow does not reverse course in Ukraine.

Executive Officer Thierry Tanoh to quit after a shareholder meeting on Tuesday failed to resolve corporate governance issues.

“We believe it is in the best interest of the company that he steps down,” Dan Matjila, chief investment officer of South Africa’s Public Investment Corp., which owns more than 18 percent of Ecobank, said in an e-mailed response to questions today.

He said the board of the Lome, Togo-based bank couldn’t meet today because the representative of the International Finance Corp., the secondbiggest investor, had left the city.

Investors decided at an extraordinary general meeting yesterday to retain the 12person board and withdrew a motion to create a smaller interim grouping, said Mwambu Wanendeya, a spokesman for the lender.

Shareholders unanimously approved a plan to improve corporate governance following recommendations by Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission, he said.

Nigeria’s regulator investigated Ecobank after former Director of Finance Laurence do Rego told the SEC in August that Tanoh and former Chairman Kolapo Lawson planned to sell assets below market value. Do Rego said she was pressured to write off debts owed by a business headed by Lawson and manipulate the bank’s results. Both Tanoh and Lawson deny any wrongdoing.

Tanoh’s mobile phone was engaged when Bloomberg called for comment and he didn’t immediately respond to a text message or e-mail.

“The SEC is still weighing the outcomes of the Ecobank EGM against the backdrop of our concern for the enthronement of a new, sounder regime of

corporate governance,” Obi Adindu, a spokesman for the Abuja-based regulator, said by e-mail today. The SEC said last month that it had told Ecobank in January to reinstate its finance director after the lender said do Rego was no longer an employee.

Founded in 1985, Ecobank operates in France and 35 African countries and has representative offices in Beijing, Dubai and London. Ecobank reported in October that profit increased 65 percent to $250 million in the nine months through September as its businesses in Nigeria and Ghana expanded.

At Tuesday’s meeting, shareholders voted to limit the maximum size of the board to 15 members and to ensure that no directors can serve more than nine years in total.

A motion to raise capital didn’t pass after getting the backing of 68 percent of shareholders, short of the 75 percent required, Wanendeya said.

The PIC said on March 1 that it wanted Tanoh to resign immediately. The CEO used “strange tactics” to stop Ecobank’s board meeting on Feb. 25 and continues to use the “Ecobank platform and shameless abuse of the judicial system of Togo to pursue what we believe to be his own political and personal interests,” Matjila said in a letter to the bank’s interim Chairman Andre Siaka.

The IFC holds about 6 percent directly and a further 8 percent indirectly.

Asset Management Corp. of Nigeria owns about 8.6 percent.

Under the new articles of association approved at yesterday’s meeting, Ecobank shareholders agreed that the bank shall not undertake any acquisition, merger or disposal of the company’s assets whose value is equal to or above 20 percent of the book value of the lender without the approval of a majority of investors present in a general meeting.

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Appointments Unemployed graduates lament exclusion from national confab From: Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan HE over 4.5 million unemployed graduates in the country have lamented their non-inclusion in the mem-

T

bership of the proposed National Conference.

Under the aegis of National Association of Unemployed Graduates, the aggrieved citi-

zens in an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan signed by the National Coordinator, Ehis Abuya and made available to

reporters in Ibadan said it was unfortunate that the unemployed graduates of Nigerian institutions of higher learning have no represen-

Head benefits Trustfund Pensions Plc, Olatun Longe, participant, Igwe Godwin Ikefu, Head Customer Service, Mrs Maha Longe, business manager Enugu, Kelechi Eboh and Consultant, Ponmice Joseph

Jigawa tasks lawyers on research From John Akubo, Dutse HE Jigawa State Attorney General and commissioner of Justice Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba has challenged lawyers to improve on their reading habits and research to enhance their practice for justice delivery.

Ruba who spoke during a one day seminar organised by the ministry for all practitioners in the ministry recently at the conference hall of the ministry, said lawyers who refuse to read regularly would be left behind.

The commissioner pointed out that his ministry engages the services of senior lawyers of repute to deliver lectures on topics that have bearing on the practice fortnightly to enhance their practice.

“We invite seasoned, respected and experienced lawyers within the country to come to the ministry and give us lecture series on practical aspects to guide us for a quicker delivery of justice in our legal system.”

He encouraged lawyers to prepare in advance on the topics.

“It encourages reading habits among lawyers because if you don’t read on a daily bases you would be left behind and this is what we are doing to bring the state to global standards in the practice of the legal profession.”

He said the training of legal practitioners in the State would be sustained even after the tenure of Governor Sule Lamido.

T

“This has been the policy of Governor Sule Lamido as far as we are concerned this training will continue even beyond his tenure.

“All the lawyers in the ministry benefited from the training even myself i use the opportunity to correct mistakes I made earlier in court, it is a learning process. We ask questions on practical bases.

The topic of the lecture, ‘leading and crossexamination of witnesses in the court’ had a Senior Advocate of Nigeria Barrister Effiong Offiong as its presenter.

Effiong reiterated the importance of cross-examination, which proves cases.

He said because the ministry is involved in defending or protecting persons against whom crime has been committed and in defending the interest of the State from the persons who have taken legal action against it the practitioners have to know the art of cross examination.

“The essence of this workshop is to equip the staff of the ministry in the area of prove; how do you ensure that when you have cases you can achieve the outcome of successfully proving that case and therefore protecting the State’s interest. “Examination of witnesses is the key thing.

Judges and the court rely on what the witnesses say in order to come to the conclusion of who is right and who is wrong and therefore the manner in which that evidence in presented in the court is very critical.

He said the seminar has enabled him to share with them skills and action which they need to take in order to be effective in presenting their cases to prove their points as well as the steps they should take in debunking the case of those who want to defeat the state through the tool of cross examination.

Effiong observed that the

NGO urges youths to embrace agriculture From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City

S a way of encouraging self A employment, the All Season Agro-Allied Development Initiative (ASAADI), a non government al organisation has urged youths to go into agriculture with incentives of providing stipends for take-off, equipment and introduction to markets where they could market their produce.

At a one day seminar on agriculture in Benin City ASADDI trained youths and interested members of the public on the intricacies in agriculture as a means of creating employment.

President of ASAADI, Phina Adams in her opening remarks said the event was organised to complement government’s effort in fighting

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

essence of law is to ensure the force of arms does not do everything.

“For reason that the State has the police and the army does not mean they have to use them any how to suppress the people, they have to go to the court and ask court to clarify issues.

tatives at the forthcoming conference.

Having read the modalities of the National Conference and components involved, they said “we are convinced without prejudice or doubt, that our children would blame us if we fail to inform you, Mr. President, of the mockery of the committee as a result of misplaced priorities.

W h i l e acknowledging Jonathan’s investment in the next generation of youths by presenting a budget that contains reasonable projects, some of which were aimed at dealing with the far-reaching malady of unemployment, the group lamented that the problem remained unsolved.

According to them, the only common element, which costs less, and can solve the myriad of problems faced by most “Nigerians is employment.

Unemployment is a big challenge in Nigeria, which over the years has represented a lost opportunity for national economic development. With the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) putting the current rate of unemployed Nigerians at 23.9 per cent, up from 21.1 per cent in 2010 and 19.7 per cent in 2009, the rising unemployment rate in Nigeria has in no small measure contributed to the continuous rise in social vices like terrorism, political thuggery, violence and even teenage pregnancies among youths in many parts of the country.

“We represent the frustrated, angsty and angry youths in the society, forced to act after going through the 492 political selections for the National Conference and noticing the deafening silence concerning unemployment and the unemployed.

They explained that the political selections would only give the same answers and report only what they “feel you would be comfortable hearing. The truth, Mr. President, is far from comfortable.

The group urged President Jonathan to take a critical look at the contract Staffing and age limit as a prerequisite for employment in the country.

“We passed through various challenges and delays in school such as ASUU strikes, late school enrolment due to poverty and/or ignorance, bureaucratic arrangement in government, unfortunate policies and administrative problems.

“Mr. President, we live in a country where people now sell jobs. Everyone had hitherto been quiet about this completely unacceptable and despicable act and it must be looked into. We are human capital, and this is by far, the greatest asset any country can have. We are worth more than the oil in the South-South or the pepper from the North, we cannot afford to sit down and watch ourselves waste away anymore,” part of the letter read.

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APPOINTMENTS Thursday, March 6, 2014

Taraba NBA to drag Umar to court over illegal deduction of salaries From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo OT comfortable with the N lukewarm attitudes of the state government towards its members, the Taraba state chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association {NBA}, has beckoned at the state Executive arm of the government to as a matter of urgency respect the rule of law or be compel to

face the wrath of the law.

The members who could not fathomed why the state government would slash salaries of the law officers as well as that of the magistrates without following due process issued out a three day ultimatum for the government to revert to statuquo or be drag before the court.

Briefing journalists immedi-

Lagos ICSAN gets new chairman

By Joseph Okoghenun TUNBA Francis Meshioye has been installed as the O seventh chairman of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).

Meshioye, who was installed weekend took over from the administration of the from the former chairman, Adeyinka Hassan.

At the event held in Lagos recently, Meshioye, who is a director at JMG, promised to take the institute to the next level through “ five enduring values”, which include quality output, community service partnership with other organsiations, sustainable and stable structures. “ But the challenge of building a vibrant chapter in an environment where resources are limited require new thought processes and new approaches to problem solving. We shall strive not to be held back for lacking any resource but rather use any seeming limitation as a driving force in the search of excellence,” the new ICSAN chairman said.

Meshioye, who sits on the

board of several companies in Nigeria, holds Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) and MSc in International Management from the University of Liverpool, England.

Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of Vitafoam, Dr. Bamidele Makunjuola, challenged ICSAN to direct Nigeria on appropriate corporate governance and leadership techniques.

Makunjuola explained that Nigeria was not functional because “ we never do things right.” He added that many Nigeria corporate bodies are not run on the best corporate governance best practices “ because most of the owners of these companies see these companies as extension of their belly.”

ICSAN Vice-President, Dr. Nat Ofo, who represented ICSAN President, Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, said ICSAN was at the forefront of corporate governance in Nigeria, adding that the institute had held a number of several roundtable discussion and seminars in Nigeria.

ately after its monthly congress, at the premises of the New High Court, Jalingo, the NBA chairman, Ibrahim Effiong felt sad that the Judiciary arm of the government in the state is being relegated to the background in spite of its contribution The grievances of the NBA, as noticed by The Guardian, was the decision of the present state government to slash the salaries of both law officers and the magistrate by 57percent without deeming it fit to amend the law that led to the earlier increased.

Describing the act as “An illegal” Effiong made known that “Whoever is responsible, wherever it emanated from there must be a reversion to the

statuquo immediately.”

“It is until and except there is an amendment to the existing law that anything outside what is in the law can be seen to be lawful.” Of which he observed that there “Is no such amendment.”

Flanked by his Executive members, Effiong affirmed that “Anything done in violation of the law, is an illegal act” hence the need for the state government to as a matter of urgency tread the path of peace by desisting from deducting the welfare packages meant for the law officers and the magistrates.

While observing, “In democratic setting like is operating in Nigeria, illegality of this nature cannot be allow. It is an

NGO urges youths to embrace agriculture CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 unemployment adding that, the level of dependency on white collar jobs by youths in the country are increasing daily thereby creating an alarming level of unemployment which only encourage SMEs (Small and Medium scale Enterprises) among the youths would be a remedy.

In a paper titled; starting a small farm business, the president of ASAADI highlighted the steps involved in starting a farm business, developing a business plan as well as assembling business management team.

She urged participants to take note of “the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in farm business, financial management, marketing of the farm produce and human resources issues”

She also taught participants on low cost agriculture business ideas that “could be established with as a little as N10, 000 like rabbit farming, selling fresh fruits, herbs, flowers farming, gardening, fish farming and livestock feed production. Others include mushroom farming, frozen chicken production and grass cutter farming.”

One of the facilitators of the event, Sir Alfred Braimah said that apart from the free training, participants would be given grants to start their own businesses in their choice in Agriculture with ASAADI providing adequate supervision and monitoring HE added that they would also be given needed equipment and introduced to various markets to sell their produce.

impunity” Noting that the “Collective stand of the NBA is that if there is any time the Executive arm of the government should be learning to respect the law, it is now.”

They collectively agreed that the Executive arm of the government “cannot amend the law by fiat.” Failure for the state government to adhere to the three day ultimatum, the Bar, according to Effiong, would not hesitate to engage the government in legal battle.

Stressing the readiness of the NBA to continue to hold tenaciously to the rule of law, the “simples way to save the state from embarrassment is for the government to simply reconsidered its steps before it is too late.”

In the same vain, the bar also frowned at the recent molestation of one of the magistrate whose name was given as Magistrate Husseni Galadima, by officers of the Special Anti-

Robbery Squad {SARS} of the Nigeria Police Force here in the state.

According to Effiong, the magistrate “Was molested by men of the Nigeria Police Force, Taraba state command, particularly men from the SARS under the control of the commissioner of police, of Taraba state” The action which they unanimously agreed that “It was uncalled for.”

In spite of the legitimate action put in place by the Bar to make the police apologize to the magistrate as well as the NBA, the police, as made known by the NBA Executive have continue to drag their feet, the situation which they observed to be “unfortunate.”

The bar, which has resolved to go to court, observed, “One of the aim and object of the NBA is to defend fundamental human rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of their professions.”

Women directors hold confab HE Co -founder of African T Women Development Funds (AWDF) and First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi will be addressing top-level women directors and technocrats in Lagos.

The event, scheduled to take on Tuesday April 1st 2014, is part of the 2014 institute of Directors Women Conference.

The theme of the event is Women as Leaders: Discovering Authentic Leadership.

According to a statement signed by the acting DirectorGeneral of Institute of Directors (IOD) Nigeria, Dr. Tony Fadaka, other distinguished speakers at the event

are the first female President, Nigerian Trawlers Owners Association (NTOA), Mrs Margaret Orakwusi; Chief Executive, Famfa Oil and Rose of Sharon Group, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, and a renowned Educationist and Chairman, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta Iyalode Alaba Lawson, Other speakers are past President, Institute of Directors Nigeria, Ms. Benedikter Molokwu; Chief Executive, Omatek Technology Limited, Dr. Florence Seriki, and former Head, Gynae Department National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Yinka Olaniyan.

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WIMBIZ set to reposition women

By Bisi Alabi Williams and Toyin Olasinde HE Chairperson of Women T in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Osayi Alile Oruene has reiterated WIMBIZ’s commitment to addressing the issues of gender inequalities in the workplace and business and to assisting women in managing these challenge in their everyday living even in public service.

Oruene was speaking at the 2014 WIMBIZ Press Parley and pre – Annual Lecture meeting recently in Lagos. According to her WIMBIZ was established to strategically create a networking, training and mentoring platform to build value added business relationships and leadership capacity among women. ‘‘So far we have reached over 11,000 women through our conferences, seminars and training programmes since inception. More specifically, in 2013, we reached 2,544 women across Nigeria. In turn, these women are making giant strides in their chosen careers and businesses. Their successes are translating into business growth and employment creation; thereby contributing their quota to the country’s economic and national development’’.

She stated that WIMBIZ’s is more than ever before committed to inspiring and empowering women to rise to their full potential and make significant impact in the country. ‘‘Through our line of programs, and activities this year, we plan to reach over 4500 women and increase our impact across

Nigeria. This is a tall order but we strongly believe that with hard work and the unwavering support of our key stakeholders, especially the media, we would surely surpass our target for this year God willing’’.

According to Oruene, it goes without saying that the media has played an instrumental role in the success that WIMBIZ has recorded since inception and indeed in 2013 under the leadership of the organization’s immediate past Chairperson, Adeola Azeez. She used that occasion of the media parley to thank the practitioners for their immense

contribution and continued support while pledging that their activities will continue to meet the needs and aspirations of Nigerian women especially those in management, business and public service”.

We are often asked why this women? And we always say, why not? WIMBIZ founders identified the gap in the development of women that very few noticed. At that time however, several organizations catered to various needs that women have but limited attention was placed on the challenges that women face in the workplace and in business. “ To this end, WIMBIZ was

established to help women face these challenges boldly and headlong with a view to reducing them to the barest minimum’’.

Similarly, the Executive Director of WIMBIZ , Mosunmola Layode said women the desire of WIMBIZ is to inspire promising women to become leaders in Management, Business and the Public Service.

On WIMBIZ’s growth, she explained that it has grown from a humble beginning of thirteen women and one man sat down at a round table to discuss change, and become change agents.

British Council to improve graduate employment in Nigeria From Kanayo Umeh, Abuja HE British Council has comT missioned a three-year research project to conduct an in-depth investigation into the challenges of unemployment facing graduates of higher institutions Nigeria.

The research is led by the Institute of Education, University of Ibadan and University of Lagos, Nigeria; University of London in, partnership with Kenyatta University Kenya and University of Free State, South Africa.

The research is designed to assess the overall situation in the selected countries and identify recent initiatives that have sought to address the challenges, which attempts to

reduce inequality in access to higher education, improve quality and ensure relevance.

Speaking at an interactive session with stakeholders in the Education sector, former Vice Councillor of the University of Ibadan, Professor A.O Bamiro stated that preparing young people to enter the labour market is a critical responsibility for universities.

According to him: “The relevance of their programmes and the employability of their graduates are posing an increasing challenge for the universities, particularly in view of two sets of statistics: enrolment and youth unemployment rates.

“Statistics reveal that while Africa has the world’s youngest population, with great expectations for education, nearly 60% of those who are unemployed

are youth between the ages of 15-24, and a significant number of these are graduates.

Professor Bamiro noted to increase the graduates’ chances of obtaining decent jobs that match their education and training, universities need to equip their students with the necessary competences to enter the labour market and to enhance their capacities to meet specific workplace demands.

In his remarks, Dr. Tristan McCowan, Institute of Education, London stated that the project is expected to provide insight into and greater meaning and understanding of how learning, teaching and research in universities can link with graduate employability and inclusive development.

WAIFEM, WAMZ train supervisors

By Ujunwa Atueyi O avoid systemic risk and T ensure sound, stable and healthy banking system across West African financial institutions, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), in collaboration with the College of Supervisors, West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), has organised a ten-day capacity building workshop on ‘Foundation Banking Supervision’ for central bank workers across west Africa.

The Director General of WAIFEM, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, who declared the workshop open on Monday, said the training has become imperative to avert the seeming danger; introduced international best practices and save the banking sector from total collapse.

According to him: “In the past decade, the banking industry witnessed a dramatic change in its overall profile. Rapid innovations in financial markets and the internationalization of financial flows have changed the face of banking almost beyond recognition.

Technological progress and deregulation have provided new opportunities for, and increased competitive pressures among banks and nonbank financial institutions.

“In such a dynamic financial environment, it is imperative that the regulator/supervisor has a firm grasp of the different risks associated with the various

banking activities. It is also important to equip banking supervisors not only with tools but also update their knowledge to be in line with current development and challenges in the financial sector.”

Ekpo hinted that the course would provide participants with basic knowledge in banking supervision and avoid excessive risk of bank failure. Participants, he added, would be evaluated after the training based on attendance, class participation and a test to ascertain if the participants actually grasp what they have been taught.

“This is the first module in a series of Banking Supervision courses to be executed this year. There is no doubt that the establishment of College of Supervisors in the subregion will enhance information sharing, and ensure effective and coordinated supervision of the banking industry so as to forestall bank failures resulting from risks exposures. This course will expose supervisors to best practices germane to the execution of their roles.”

The Course Director/Director for Financial and Sector Management Department, WAIFEM, Mr. Ousman Sowe, remarked that the banking sector especially in the west African region constitute the biggest chunk in the financial system, thus the need to build capacity that would be able to regulated them.

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ScienceGuardian Scientists advance in personal medicine NITED Kingdom (U.K.) sciU entists have given one glimpse of the future of personalised medicine.

Using supercomputers, they simulated the shape of a key protein involved in Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) infection in an individual patient and then ranked the drug molecules most likely to block the activity.

The research was reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

In the future, it is expected that patient-specific drug selection will become routine.

Researchers now recognise that pharmaceutical products do not have the same effects in all people. Subtle genetic differences between individuals will lead to a range of outcomes.

Prof. Peter Coveney and colleagues from University College London have demonstrated how you might tackle this problem using the latest genetic sequencing techniques and big computation.

They took as their target the HIV protease molecule, which is critical in helping to build the viral particle, or virion, in a cell that will eventually break out to infect the next cell.

The protease has a slightly different shape in each individual, in particular in the protein’s active zone where it slices the components that will form the next virion.

This is a consequence of the very specific genetic sequence of the virus in that person, but unless that shape is known, there is uncertainty as to which particular drug will bind to the protease and stop it in its tracks.

The University of California Los Angeles (UCL) team showed how one could take the specific viral sequence, infer the shape and then work out the most appropriate drug.

Pharmaceutical products do not have the same effects in

all

people “We show that it’s possible to take a genomic sequence from a patient; use that to build the accurate, patientspecific, three-dimensional structure of the patient’s protein; and then match that protein to the best drug available from a set. In other words, to rank those drugs - to be able to say to a doctor ‘this drug is the one that’s going to bind most efficiently to that site. The other ones, less so’.”

There are currently nine US Federal Drug Administrationapproved HIV-protease inhibitors on the market. The UCL project ranked seven of them in its proof of principle experiment.

Although the idea sounds simple, working out how each drug molecule would fit into

the patient’s shape-specific protease protein required enormous computing capability.

“We’re having to run upwards of 50 simulations of these models, each one of which needs a hundred cores on a computer. So that’s a machine with 5,000 cores, and then you run the calculations for about 12 to 18 hours,” explained the director of the Centre for Computational Science at UCL. “You get a huge amount of output data, and then do post-processing and analysis to get the ranking.

“A doctor need not know about any of this complexity; all they’d be interested in would be the list of best-toworst drugs for that patient.”

Although the required com-

puting power might make this approach look somewhat impractical today, Prof Coveney’s point is that the relentless improvement in processor capability means these types of simulations will become much more reasonable in the future.

“Today’s supercomputer is on your desktop in 10 years, right?”

What it is more, in principle, it is possible to turn the calculations around in two to three days, which is very relevant to the timescales required by doctors to make treatment decisions for their patients.

As well as reporting this work at the AAAS meeting, Prof Coveney’s UCL team has also written up the research in the Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation.

From artificial to natural, food industry makes major shift Melody M. Bomgardner, labels to check for artificial col- fruit as a preservative and XTRACTS from algae, roseE mary and monk fruit could senior editor at C&EN, notes ors and flavors. That’s 15 per- sweetener, respectively, the states. soon replace synthetic ingre- that the trend has built cent more than the year article dients and food additives such as Blue No. 1, BHT and aspartame that label-conscious grocery shoppers are increasingly shunning.

Research is enabling this shift from artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives to naturally derived ones, and could soon yield many more natural options, reports Chemical & Engineering News, the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society.

momentum as concern over negative health effects of artificial ingredients and additives grows. Recent studies have suggested a link between some artificial colourings and hyperactivity in children.

Others have suggested that certain synthetic preservatives may cause cancer in rodents. These results are sinking into the consumer psyche.

By 2013, almost a quarter of United States (U.S.) consumers reported that they read food

before. In Europe, regulations spurred a faster changeover and have largely driven the dramatic shift in global sales toward natural colors. In the $1.5 billion market, growth of the latter has overtaken synthetics, which have plateaued.

Now many food manufacturers are turning to colors derived from foods, such as turmeric; to new fermentation routes for natural yellows, reds and purple dyes; and to rosemary and monk

Natural green and blue food colorings are harder to come by, but researchers are finding sources for these as well. Last summer, M&Ms candy maker Mars got the OK from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to color their blue treats with an extract from blue-green algae.

Scientists are also investigating new natural ways to preserve meat, produce vanilla and sweeten foods without the calories.

30, 000 year-old giant virus found in Siberia new type of giant virus A called “Pithovirus” has been discovered in the frozen ground of extreme north-eastern Siberia by researchers from the Information Génomique et Structurale laboratory (CNRS/AMU), in association with teams from the Biologie à Grande Echelle laboratory (CEA/INSERM/Université Joseph Fourier), Génoscope (CEA/CNRS) and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Buried underground, this giant virus, which is harmless to humans and animals, has survived being frozen for more than 30,000 years.

Although its size and amphora shape are reminiscent of Pandoravirus, analysis of its genome and replication mechanism proves that Pithovirus is very different.

This work brings to three the number of distinct families of giant viruses.

In the families Megaviridae (represented in particular by Mimivirus, discovered in 2003) and Pandoraviridae, researchers thought they had classified the diversity of giant viruses (the only viruses visible under optical microscopy, since their diameter exceeds 0.5 microns).

These viruses, which infect amoebae such as Acanthamoeba, contain a very large number of genes compared to common viruses (like influenza or AIDS, which only contain about ten genes). Their genome is about the same size or even larger than that of many bacteria.

By studying a sample from the frozen ground of extreme north-eastern Siberia, in the Chukotka autonomous region, researchers were surprised to discover a new giant virus more than 30,000 years old (contemporaneous with the extinction of Neanderthal man), which they have named Pithovirus sibericum. Because of its amphora shape, similar to Pandoravirus, the scientists initially thought that this was a new member — albeit certainly ancient — of this family.

Yet genome analysis on Pithovirus showed that this is not the case: there is no genetic relationship between Pithovirus and Pandoravirus. Though it is large for a virus, the Pithovirus genome contains much fewer genes (about 500) than the Pandoravirus genome (up to 2,500).

Researchers also analyzed the protein composition (proteome) of the Pithovirus particle (1..5 microns long and 0.5 microns wide) and found that out of the hundreds of proteins that make it up, only one or two are common to the Pandoravirus particle.

Another primordial difference between the two viruses is how they replicate inside amoeba cells. While Pandoravirus requires the participation of many functions in the amoeba cell nucleus to replicate, the Pithovirus multiplication process mostly occurs in the cytoplasm (outside the nucleus) of the infected cell, in a similar fashion to the behavior of large DNA viruses, such as those of the Megaviridae family.

Paradoxically, in spite of having a smaller genome than Pandoravirus, Pithovirus seems to be less reliant on the amoeba’s cellular machinery to propagate. The degree of autonomy from the host cell of giant viruses does not therefore appear to correlate with the size of their genome — itself not related to the size of the particle that transports them.

In-depth analysis of Pithovirus showed that it has almost nothing in common with the giant viruses that have previously been characterized. This makes it the first member of a new virus family, bringing to three the number of distinct families of giant viruses known to date.

This discovery, coming soon after that of Pandoravirus, suggests that amphora-shaped viruses are perhaps as diverse as icosahedral viruses, which are among the most widespread today. This shows how incomplete our understanding of microscopic biodiversity is when it comes to exploring new environments.

Finally, this study demonstrates that viruses can survive in permafrost (the permanently frozen layer of soil found in the Arctic regions) almost over geological time periods, i.e. for more than 30,000 years (corresponding to the Late Pleistocene).

These findings have important implications in terms of public health risks related to the exploitation of mining and energy resources in circumpolar regions, which may arise as a result of global warming.

The re-emergence of viruses considered to be eradicated, such as smallpox, whose replication process is similar to Pithovirus, is no longer the domain of science fiction.

The probability of this type of scenario needs to be estimated realistically. With the support of the FranceGénomique infrastructure, set up as part of the national Investments for the Future program, the “Information Génomique et Structurale” laboratory is already working on the issue via a metagenomic study of the permafrost.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

32 | SCIENCEGUARDIAN Thursday, March 6, 2014

WHO identifies surveillance as backbone of polio eradication URVEILLANCE was the Sagainst game-changer in the fight polio. It marked a strategic shift in India’s polio eradication efforts.

“The setting up of a surveillance system proved to be the most important milestone in the journey of polio eradication in India as it formed the backbone of the eradication drive by helping identify areas and populations that were at risk and the type of poliovirus circulating in different areas besides measuring progress,” explains Dr. Nata Menabde, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to India.

“This information in turn led to the development of various strategies that helped to cover these populations and areas better,” she further elaborated.

New strategies Examples of such strategies include the development of the underserved strategy to improve coverage of the underserved and marginalized populations, the Kosi

operational plan to vaccinate children living in the access compromised areas around the Kosi river in Bihar and approaches to cover the most vulnerable children such as newborns and those that belonged to migrant populations.

National Polio Surveillance Project Polio surveillance started in 1997 with WHO setting up the National Polio Surveillance Project to support the government with early detection and prompt investigation of children with recent paralysis.

Investigations included testing stool samples of paralysed children in WHO accredited laboratories to identify polio cases.

Polio surveillance in India is a highly sensitive and high quality surveillance model. It is a laboratory-backed system that extends to all parts of the country and has enrolled more than 40 000 health facilities from the public, private and non-formal sector to

report paralytic cases. Stool specimens from these cases are collected and sent to one of the eight WHO accredited laboratories in the country to rule out polio. The surveillance system is instrumental in generating real time, credible data that helps to identify areas and populations at risk. Tailored strategies to ensure high coverage in these areas are subsequently developed.

To further strengthen the system, environmental surveillance was initiated in 2001 in Mumbai. This was later extended to Delhi in 2010 and subsequently to Patna and Kolkata (2011). This was further strengthened with the inclusion of Punjab and Gujarat in 2013.

“The WHO supported surveillance system for polio in India not only meets all of these requirements but also surpasses all quality performance indicators and standards that are recommended globally for such a system,” said Menabde.

Novel blood screen reveals risk of dying among healthy people new screening technoloA gy reveals a signature of mortality in blood samples.

Researchers have identified four biomarkers that help to identify people at high risk of dying from any disease within the next five years.

Researchers from Finland and Estonia have discovered novel biological markers that are strongly indicative of risk of dying from any disease within the near future.

Blood samples from over 17,000 generally healthy people were screened for more than a hundred different biomolecules. The health status of these study volunteers was followed for several years.

The researchers looked for measures in the blood that could reflect who had died within the following five years after the blood sample

was taken. In a study published in PLOS Medicine today they describe identification of four such biomarkers of death.

The identified biomarkers were albumin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, citrate and the size of very-low-density lipoprotein particles. Of these, albumin was the only one previously linked with mortality. All these molecules are normally present in everyone’s blood, but it is the amount of these molecules that was shown to be important.

The novel biomarkers helped to detect individuals at much higher risk of dying during the five-year followup. The measures were independent of well-known risk factors such as age, smoking, drinking, obesity, blood pressure and cholesterol. The

result did not change even when only apparently healthy persons were examined.

“What is especially interesting is that these biomarkers reflect the risk for dying from very different types of diseases such as heart disease or cancer. They seem to be signs of a general frailty in the body. Next we aim to study whether some kind of connecting factor between these biomarkers can be identified,” says Dr. Johannes Kettunen.

“We believe that in the future these measures can be used to identify people who appear healthy but in fact have serious underlying illnesses and guide them to proper treatment. More studies are, however, needed before these findings can be implemented in clinical prac-

Stethoscopes more contaminated than hands LTHOUGH healthcare A workers’ hands are the main source of bacterial transmission in hospitals, physicians’ stethoscopes appear to play a role.

To explore this question, investigators at the University of Geneva Hospitals assessed the level of bacterial contamination on physicians’ hands and stethoscopes following a single physical examination. The study appears in the March issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

“By considering that stethoscopes are used repeatedly over the course of a day, come directly into contact with patients’ skin, and may harbor several thousands of bacteria (including MRSA) collected during a previous physical examination, we consider them as potentially significant vectors of transmission,” commented lead investigator Didier Pittet, MD, MS, Director of the Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University

of

Geneva Hospitals.

“From infection control and patient safety perspectives, the stethoscope should be regarded as an extension of the physician’s hands and be disinfected after every patient contact.”

In this study, 71 patients were examined by one of three physicians using sterile gloves and a sterile stethoscope. After they completed the examination, two parts of the stethoscope (the tube and diaphragm) and four regions of the physician’s hands (back, fingertips, and thenar and hypothenar eminences) were measured for the total number of bacteria present.

The stethoscope’s diaphragm was more contaminated than all regions of the physician’s hand except the fingertips. Further, the tube of the stethoscope was more heavily contaminated than the back of the physician’s hand. Similar results were observed when contamination was due to methicillin-resistant S.aureus

By considering that stethoscopes are used repeatedly over the course of a day, come directly into contact with patients’ skin, and may harbor several thousands of bacteria (including MRSA) collected during a previous physical examination, we consider them as potentially significant vectors of transmission.

(MRSA) after examining MRSA-colonized patients.

This work is the first to compare directly the level of contamination of physicians’ hands and stethoscopes.

Stethoscope contamination is not trivial and is comparable to the contamination of healthcare workers’ fingertips, the hand region most implicated in microbial cross-transmission.

Physicians must be aware of the need to disinfect their stethoscope after each use.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

33

NaturalHealth The verdict is out: popping multivitamins has no additional health benefits unless one has deficiencies.

CHUKWUMA MUANYA examines recent studies showing conflicting results.

EVERALreports have shown Svarious that most Nigerians take types of multivitamin

supplements with the promise of improving vitality, increasing blood count, boosting energy and libido.

But recent studies suggest otherwise. The researchers are rubbishing the popular practice as a waste of money with no additional health benefits. They have created a furore among the population that believes taking multivitamin supplements every day keeps away cardiovascular diseases and increases cognitive ability.

Long-term daily multivitamin supplement use decreases cataract risk in men A new study published last week in Ophthalmology found that long-term daily multivitamin supplement use decreases cataract risk in men, and also although statistically non-significant, increase in age-related macular degeneration risk among users.

According to a study of nearly 15,000 male physicians, long-term daily multivitamin supplement use may lower cataract risk in men.

Past observational studies have indicated a relationship between nutritional supplement use and eye health.

However, randomized trial data on the effects of longterm multivitamin supplement use and risk of eye diseases are limited and, in some cases, non-existent.

To address this, researchers based at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School- as part of the Physicians’ Health Study II (PHS II) -conducted a randomized, double-blind study from 1997 to 2011 of 14,641 U.S. male doctors age 50 and older. Half took a common daily multivitamin, as well as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements.

The other half took a placebo. The researchers followed the participants to identify how many participants in each group developed new cases of two common eye diseases: cataract, which is a clouding of the eye’s lens, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the deterioration of the eye’s macula that is responsible for the ability to see fine details clearly.

The researchers found that in the placebo group 945 cases of cataract developed, which were self-reported and confirmed by medical records, while only 872 cases of cataract developed in the multivitamin group, representing a 9 percent decrease in risk. This risk was even lower, at 13 percent, for nuclear cataract, which occurs at the center of the lens and is the most common variety of cataract associated with the aging process. Given that an estimated 10 million

Furore over health benefits of multivitamins adults in the United States have impaired vision due to cataract, even a modest reduction in risk of cataract has potential to improve public health outcomes.

The study’s lead author and researcher from Harvard Medical School, William Christen, said: “If multivitamins really do reduce the risk of cataract, even by a modest 10 percent, this rather small reduction would nonetheless have a large public health impact.”

In terms of AMD risk, the researchers found there were 152 new cases of visually significant (best corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or worse) AMD in the multivitamin group compared to 129 in the placebo group, but the difference was not statistically significant. While this finding may seem to contradict results of other studies, such as AgeRelated Eye Disease Study (AREDS), the researchers note that the studies had different nutrient supplements, dosing and objectives. AREDS included daily zinc and a high-dose antioxidant combination of vitamin E, vitamin C and beta carotene, whereas the multivitamin in PHS II included these nutrients and many others.

All the nutrients were provided to the PHSII participants at the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance dose levels, which are much lower than the AREDS supplements.

Furthermore, the objective in AREDS was to prevent AMD progression among persons who already had the disease, whereas the objective of PHS

Multivitamins

One study in the report followed 6,000 individuals in the US over the age of 65 for more than a decade, and tracked cognitive function among those who took multivitamins as well as a control group- no benefits were found in the vitamin-takers. In another study, patients recovering from a heart attack were given multivitamins or a placebo for four years.

Although many in both groups stopped taking pills eventually, the vitamin group appeared no better off than the control group.

II was to prevent new cases of AMD, and thus persons with a diagnosis of AMD at baseline were not included.

Christen added: “This finding of more cases of AMD in the multivitamin group than in the placebo group, although not statistically significant, does raise some concerns. Clearly, this finding needs to be examined further in other trials of multivitamin supplements in both men and women.”

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the use of antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements as recommended in the AREDS reports, including high daily doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper only for patients who have intermediate or advanced AMD. Patients are advised to contact their ophthalmologist to learn if these supplements are appropriate for them. Some people should not take large doses of antioxidants or zinc for medical reasons.

Current smokers and patients with a smoking history should be advised to avoid taking beta-carotene because of the increased risk of lung cancer and consider taking

the other components of the AREDS formulation. The recent AREDS2 results would suggest other nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin may be an appropriate substitution for beta-carotene in the formulation.

The Academy does not at this time have a recommendation for the use of nutritional supplements to prevent cataracts or delay their progression.

Vitamin E, selenium supplements tied to prostate cancer risk A new study published last week suggests that men taking selenium or vitamin E supplements might double their risk of prostate cancer, depending on the levels of selenium already in their bodies.

Men who already have high concentrations of selenium in their bodies nearly double their risk of aggressive prostate cancer if they take selenium supplements, said lead author Dr. Alan Kristal, associate head of the Cancer Prevention Program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

The new study, published February 21 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also

found that vitamin E supplements can more than double a man’s prostate cancer risk, but only if the man has low concentrations of selenium in his body.

The upshot, said Kristal, is simple: Don’t take high-dose selenium or vitamin E supplements.

“No one’s ever been able to demonstrate any benefit for taking high doses of selenium or vitamin E, so why do it?” he said. “There’s no benefit, there’s only risk, so what’s the point?”

Men can still take their daily multivitamin without fear, however.

“The levels they were giving these men in the study are much higher than would be found in most multivitamins and higher than the daily recommended allowance,” said Durado Brooks, director of prostate and colorectal cancers for the American Cancer Society.

The new study is based on data gathered during the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), which was funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The study, begun in 2001, was prompted by early research that indicated the

supplements might protect against prostate cancer.

The trial was designed to last 12 years, but was stopped early in 2008 after finding no protective benefit for selenium and an increased risk of prostate cancer among men taking vitamin E. During the trial, men took 200 micrograms (mcg) of selenium and 400 IU of vitamin E daily, either separately or in combination.

By comparison, the recommended daily intake of selenium for adults is 55 mcg, and recommended daily intake of vitamin E is about 22 IU, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Researchers in this new study used toenail samples taken from SELECT participants to determine the level of selenium already in their bodies before taking the supplements.

They then re-analyzed the data to see if the amount of selenium already present in the body made any difference when it came to prostate cancer risk. They focused in on 1,739 men from the SELECT trial who were diagnosed with prostate cancer and, for comparison purposes, a random sample of 3,117 men without prostate cancer who were matched to the others by race and age.

Multivitamins may lower cancer risk in men An earlier study, which was the first large study to test these pills, published in 2012 had found that dietary supplements, multivitamins, modestly lowered the risk for cancer in healthy male doctors who took them for more than a decade.

The result is a surprise because many studies of individual vitamins have found they do not help prevent chronic diseases and some have even caused problems.

In the study, multivitamins cut the chance of developing cancer by eight per cent. That is less effective than a good diet, exercise and not smoking, each of which can lower cancer risk by 20 per cent to 30 per cent, cancer experts say.

Multivitamins also may have different results in women, younger men or people less healthy than those in this study.

Taking multivitamins can raise miscarriage risk A 2012 research revealed that women who take multivitamins while trying to get pregnant are more at risk of having a miscarriage.

The study released on 21 January, concentrating on 35,000 expectant mothers, found that they were 32 per cent more likely to lose their babies if they had been taking vitamins in the six weeks pre conception.

The researchers said in the International Journal of Epidemiology: “Women are advised to take multivitamins when they plan to conceive, believing it can do no harm.

“We found a modest but consistent increased risk of early foetal death in multivitamin users, especially in women with a regular pre-conceptional intake.”

While they said that this result ‘causes concern’, there was no explanation given for why this might contribute to women losing their babies.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

34 | NATURAL HEALTH Thursday, March 6, 2014

Breastfeeding reduces poverty, says Alonge

NAFDAC begins clampdown on drugs without anti-faking devices

Mrs. Lola Alonge is the Programme Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Child Health Advocacy Initiative (CHAI), a non governmental organization (NGO) with focus is to improve the survival and development of women and children in Nigeria.

Alonge, a public relations practitioner and entrepreneur, is the Managing Director of FOC Communications, a Public Relations outfit. Alonge holds a Masters Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor of English Language from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. CHAI works with the Lagos State government, local governments, United Nation Children Education Fund (UNICEF), Save The Children International and some other organizations to raise awareness and advocate for the development of women and children.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF recommend: early initiation of breastfeeding with one hour of birth; exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life; and the introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary foods at six months together with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.

However, many infants and children do not receive optimal feeding. For example, only about 38 per cent of infants aged zero to six months worldwide are exclusively breastfed.

According to the National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), 2012, in Nigeria, only 17 per cent of mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies.

Alonge in this interview with The Guardian’s CHUKWUMA MUANYA ahead of the ‘Breastfeeding Awareness Month’ (March 4 to 26) said exclusive breastfeeding could save an estimated 1.5 million lives each year. Alonge said exclusive breastfeeding gives immunity to the baby and most breastfed babies rarely fall ill because of the antibodies present in breast-milk. She said breastfeeding also reduces poverty because the money to buy baby formula can be saved to buy food and other essentials for the family.

Alonge said as part of efforts to encourage more Nigerian women to exclusively breastfeed their babies, CHAI is visiting Primary Health Care Centres in Lagos State to educate and inform mothers on exclusive breastfeeding techniques and giving out posters and leaflets on exclusive breastfeeding to show how to position and attach a baby while breastfeeding and also highlight the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding. Excerpts:

By Chukwuma Muanya

HY the emphasis on early W child nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding?

Evidence abounds that improving nutrition for mothers and children is one of the most cost effective and impactful tools for poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

The provision of adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is critical to the development, growth and general well being of any child. The World Health Organization (WHO) stipulates that if every newborn child is breastfed within 30 minutes of birth with only breast milk for the first six months of life and breastfeeding continued till the child is two years, about 220, 000 child lives would be saved every year.

Breast-milk is the right of the child, best investment for the child and best food for the child.

Breastfeeding is the ideal nourishment for the first six months of life; it contains all nutrients, antibodies, hormones and antioxidants.

Research has it that breastmilk protects the baby from diarrhea and acute respiratory infections; It also promotes love and bond between mother and child.

What informed the introduction of the breastfeeding counseling lines by CHAI? Exclusive breastfeeding is giving a baby breast-milk alone without water, herbal drink or any other food for the first six months of life. Except medicines prescribed by the doctor.

In Nigeria, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is very low. Only about one in ten about 13 per cent, of infants below six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Report have it that when mothers get off to a good start with breastfeeding, after some weeks or months there is a sharp decline in breastfeeding rate and most times there is no one to give

them the necessary support or counsel them.

Based on the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and it’s implication to the overall development of the child, we realized that if the mother and those around her are well equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills of exclusive breastfeeding, mothers would not be easily discouraged when they have challenges but rather call the help line for necessary support and counseling.

The breastfeeding counseling help line is the first of its kind in Nigeria; it’s been proven to be successful in promoting exclusive breastfeeding in the United States of America and other developed countries where it is practiced presently.

Some mothers say exclusive breastfeeding is impossible for today’s mothers. How can women who desire be helped to achieve exclusive breastfeeding?

Exclusive breastfeeding is possible and practicable if mothers are determined to do it. We have testimonies from mothers who have done it successfully and are determined to continue doing it for their other babies because of the enormous benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Mothers must be willing and ready to learn the necessary skills and techniques of positioning and attaching the baby to the breast properly.

They also need to feed the baby regularly on demand in order to produce more milk.

HE National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will this week begin clampdown on malaria and antibiotic drugs without approved anti-faking devices.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, had given September 2013 deadline for all pharmaceutical industries to implement anti-faking technology on their antimalaria and antibiotic drugs or face them being taken off the Nigerian market.

According to NAFDAC, 80 companies have so far complied with the directive and there are plans to extend the anti-faking technology measures to food products.

The agency has also in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) set to shutdown any media organizations and traditional medicine practitioners engaged in indiscriminate and unapproved advertisement of traditional cures.

NAFDAC’s Director of Special Duties and Head, Media and Publicity Unit, Abubakar Jimoh, in an exclusive chat with The Guardian yesterday said: “We put up a deadline for September last year and we have allowed people to tidy up their things and this year we will begin the clamp down on defaulters and there is no going back on that. This is for antimalaria and antibiotics and we are saying that anybody that does not implement that or any product that does not have the anti-faking technology features is going to be taken off from circulation.”

Jimoh further explained: “The DG about one month ago unveiled his manifesto and clearly we are directed towards consolidating on

T

Alonge If the mother must return to work before six month she must be willing to express her milk, so that the baby can be fed with it when she is not around or if possible get a place near her place of work like a crèche where she can go regularly to breastfeed the baby. “Remember it is just for six month and the benefit to the mothers and child is for a life- time, that is why we call it “The best investment for a child” Is there any link between the increase in child mortality and drop in breastfeeding?

Obviously, reports have shown that exclusive breastfeeding could save an estimated 1.5 million lives each year.

In Nigeria, only 17 per cent of mothers breastfeed exclusively.

Exclusive breastfeeding gives immunity to the baby and most breastfed babies rarely fall ill because of the antibodies present in breastmilk. Breastfeeding also reduces poverty because the money to buy baby formula can be saved to buy food and other essentials for the family.

Can women who are HIV positive breastfeed?

The national infant and young child feeding policy for mothers diagnosed and certified HIV positive mothers can breastfeed exclusively with appropriate antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis for six months of child’s life and up to twelve months with complementary feeding, while providing appropriate ARV prophylaxis for infants exposed to HIV from birth.

Some women complain of not having enough breast-milk to feed their babies. How true is this?

The amount of milk produced by a mother is not determined by the size of the breast. The mother’s breast is like a factory, the more the demand the more the mother produces milk. This means the mother should have adequate rest, be relaxed, eat well and feed the baby on demand, the more the baby suckles the

Mothers must be willing and ready to learn the necessary skills and techniques of positioning and attaching the baby to the breast properly. They also need to feed the baby regularly on demand in order to produce more milk. If the mother must return to work before six month she must be willing to express her milk, so that the baby can be fed with it when she is not around or if possible get a place near her place of work like a crèche where she can go regularly to breastfeed the baby. “Remember it is just for six month and the benefit to the mothers and child is for a life- time, that is why we call it “The best investment for a child”

more the milk flows. Even a mother with twins or triplets can produce enough milk to feed the baby for six months, I have seen practical examples with my personal interaction with breastfeeding mothers.

The golden rule is for the mother to be determined to do it, put the baby to breast within the first 30 minutes after birth, feed the baby on demand and express enough milk to feed the baby when the mother is not around.

Is there any legislation on promoting of breastfeeding?

The theme for the 2013 world breastfeeding week was “Breastfeeding support; Close to mothers.” The campaign is for government to support breastfeeding mothers by putting in place policies to assist mothers to breastfeed exclusively e.g. Making it compulsory for employers to have crèches in places of work, extend maternity leave or give paternity leave to fathers as well and even support breastfeeding mothers with child care allowance so they are not in hurry to get back to work.

What are the breastfeeding skills for mothers?

Position and attach your baby to the breast properly and allow your baby’s hand touch the breast while breastfeeding. Let your baby’s mouth be wide open to cover most of the black area of the nipple (areola). Baby’s head and body must be in a straight line during breastfeeding and the baby’s nose must be opposite to the nipple. During breastfeeding baby’s whole body should be supported and the baby should be held close to the mothers.

What is your message to government on advocacy issues?

Increase health budget at federal, states and local governments’ level. They should champion reduction in maternal and child mortality rate and in malnutrition through exclusive breastfeeding campaign. They should also champion the provision of crèches at places of work to promote exclusive breastfeeding and water in schools and communities. There should be enforcement of child abuse laws in states, education and empowerment of the girl child, provision of free antenatal care to pregnant women and monthly allowance for new mothers, improvement of immunization rate and use of life saving vaccines and provision of child health clubs in schools and other child led activities that educate the children on how to protect and empower themselves.

almost 14 key areas that we enumerated. One is deepening the penetrating of cutting edge technology. As much as we are being celebrated we know we still have a lot of homework to do in terms of the acceptance. We started with the issue of anti-malaria and antibiotics in the implementation of cutting edge technology.

“As I speak to you now, close to, about, not less than 80 companies have leveraged on this technology. We say no based on the population and number of companies we have in Nigeria we should go beyond that. As speak with you now we are trying to convey a meeting on the 5th of March with the stakeholders and local companies to ensure there is no going back and the deadline for implementation is sacrosanct. That is the watchword for the meeting we are going to hold.”

Reacting to the question that most of the anti-malaria and antibiotic drugs do not have the anti-faking technology features, Jimoh said: “We are past the deadline so we are going to start the enforcement now.”

So we are not giving a new deadline? The NAFDAC Director said: “No, September 2013 was the deadline and we are not going to shift the goal post.

We had shifted it from February/March 2013 to September 2013 when they made the plea passionately to the Presidency, passionately to the Minister of Health and that is the last deadline and we are not joking.”

So you are going to start the clampdown now?

Jimoh said: “Yes! On those who do not implement the features strictly on antimalarials and antibiotics because we have held several stakeholders meeting.

New quality criteria to be developed for booming spice, herb sector N international effort has A been launched to develop quality standards for key products of the multi-billion dollar spice and herb trade.

The sector has been enjoying rapid growth for several decades on the back of burgeoning demand from the booming economies of Asia and elsewhere, and increased recognition of the health and culinary benefits of herbs and spices.

In response to the sector’s growth and the extraordinary diversity of the trade and its products, the global food standards body the Codex Alimentarius Commission last year established the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH). The first meeting of the CCSCH was held in the southern Indian city of Kochi in Kerala state from February 11 to 14.

The new Committee was hosted by India and is responsible for promoting worldwide quality standards for many of the most important spices and culinary herbs.

“By developing such standards, Codex wants to contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of the international spice and herb trade,” Ren Wang, Assistant Director General of FAO’s

Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department said.

“Once clear internationally accepted standards are established, consumers can trust the safety and quality of the spices and herbs they buy.

“Importers can trust that the spices and herbs they order and then have delivered will be in accordance with their specifications.

“Perhaps most importantly, the millions of smallholder farmers who grow spices and herbs for a living can see more clearly what they should be growing and to what standard,” Wang said.

Established by FAO and WHO in 1963, Codex develops harmonized international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice to protect the health of the consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade.

The Commission is already helping to regulate the safety of many spice and herb products - like all other foods with its general standards for hygiene, contaminants, and pesticide residues. The new committee will be part of a continuing effort to establish quality standards at a global level for many of the world’s most important spices such as black pepper, vanilla and nutmeg and herbs like rosemary, thyme and basil.

Thursday, March 6, 2014 SCIENCE & HEALTH

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

35

Chevron donates x-ray machine to clinic

By Paul Adunwoke HEVRON Nigeria Limited C has donated Mobile X-Ray Machine to Kizito Clinic, in

L-R, Tuberculosis and leprosy supervisor Ibeju/ Lekki Local Council, Mr. Kareem Sikiru, Mrs. Onynwenyi Anthonia from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Tuberculosis and leprosy supervisor Etiosa Local Council, Mrs. Omowumi Dawodu, Medical Director St. Kizito Clinic, Dr. Alda Gemmani and the general Manager, policy, government and public affairs; Chevron Nigeria Limited Mr. Deji Haastrup, during commissioning of mobile X-Ray machine donated to Kizito Clinic by Chevron Nigeria Limited in Lekki Lagos on… last Thursday. PHOTO: PAUL ADUNWOKE

9.4m ‘poor’ Nigerians to benefit from World Bank’s healthcare financing scheme From: Emeka Anuforo, Abuja HE World Bank yesterday T in Abuja launched the Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP), an innovative system that aims to enhance the effective use of public resources to deliver essential health services to the poor.

The scheme, which officials described a ‘game changer’, uses result based financing approaches, thereby encouraging transparency and accountability at the various levels of healthcare management and service delivery.

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Maria Francoise Marie-Nelly, explained at the launch of the scheme that the project would make significant contributions towards achieving key health indicators of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

She was optimistic that it would fast track reductions in maternal and under-five child mortality by reaching a target population of 9.4 million people in Adamawa, Nasarawa and Ondo states over a period of five years.

She said: “The project we are launching today- the Nigeria State Health Investment Project is a product of joint learning between the World Bank and the Government of Nigeria from the Bank’s operations in the health sector in the last decade. Both parties recognized the need to focus on results, innovation and limiting the operations to few states – with major shift from focus on inputs to outputs (quantity and quality) The design of the project also benefited from the current National Strategic Health and Development Plan which expresses the aspiration of the Nigerian people to provide equitable, accessible and quality health service to Nigerians.

“NSHIP aims to increase the coverage of essential health services and strengthen the health system through multiple result-based approaches. A US$150 million IDA credit and US$20 million grant from the HRITF support it.

Specifically, the project aims to “increase the delivery and utilization of height impact maternal, child, reproductive and disease control

health interventions particularly among the poor and improve the quality of care provided in publiclyfinanced health facilities within Adamawa, Nasarawa and Ondo States.” The project is anchored at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) while Federal Ministry of Health performs the steering role.”

She went on: “Although the board of the World Bank approved the project in April, 2012; it did not become effective until August 22, 2013. The delay was positively used by the project to build capacity in performance based financing and pre-piloting PBF for proof of concept. Since then, the pre-pilot has demonstrating remarkable performance. The average coverage of institutional delivery in the pre-pilot Local Government Areas (LGAs) increased from 11 per cent in December 2011 to 40 per cent in September 2013.

“Completely vaccinated children increased from 7 per cent to 43 per cent.

Other indicators also show similar increases. Quality scores of health facilities also increased from 21 per

FOC assures Ikot Abasi of access to health facilities From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo HE Flag Officer T Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Obiora Medani, has said that, the people of Ikot Abasi Community have the full right as Nigerians to enjoy health facilities at the NNS Jubilee Sick Bay in the area.

He said this during a familiarization tour to NNS Jubilee Naval Base in Ikot Abasi council area of Akwa Ibom.

According to him, the host community of the Base deserves the right to the health facilities in the Nigerian Navy Base.

He said: “The Navy is Nigerian Navy, it belongs to the Nigerian people, without the Nigerian People, the

Nigerian Navy will not have any meaning, we will be like fish out of water .

“The Ikot Abasi Community that has hosted us deserves whatever we can do for them and our limited health facilities will help to improve the community health,’’ he said.

He expressed optimistic that the host community would not abuse the security implications.

“If a child is sick and the mother have to trek 2km when they can walk in here and receive some level of health care. We want to work in harmony with the host community, we want them to see that we are part of them and we want them to share so that they will also share w h a t

they have with us.

“I think that I will allow the child to be treated here than a l l o w i n g the child to die because the health care is not near them,’’ he said.

He promised to address criminality in the Nigeria water ways, adding that his administration would fight crude oil theft to a standstill.

Medani said that the Nigerian Navy would continue to work in harmony with the host community to achieve its objectives.

He expressed appreciation for the facilities on ground, saying that, there was evidence of progress in the Base to improve their environment.

cent to 81 per cent in Nasarawa state and from 25 per cent to 66 per cent in Adamawa state. There is clear evidence of improvement in drug storage, cleanliness of facilities and staff’s motivation in these facilities. The project has put all project structures in place and it is in the process of scaling up PBF and other approaches to cover the whole states by the end of 2014. Similarly, the embedded impact evaluation will provide enough information for policy makers on options to quickly improve maternal and child health in the country.”

She congratulates the project team on the achievements of the project so far but recognizes that it is too early in the day to declare victory.

She noted, however, “But if we continue with the tenacity and doggedness exhibited in the last year and the environment continues to be supportive we will really bend the arc of history in the three states in particular and in Nigeria.

Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu noted that under the project health facilities and personnel would receive financial incentives to meet preagreed and independently verified results such as numbers of women delivery babies in health facilities and the quality of care delivered at these facilities.

“Reimbursements will also be made to state and local governments according to a set of predefined disbursement linked to indicators under the eligible expenditure program for institutional strengthening activities such as governance, financial management, monitoring and supervision and procurement of drugs.”

He noted that the Performance Based Financing (PBF) part of the project had already been pre-piloted and tested in some local governments of the three benefitting states.

Jakande Estate, Lekki Lagos.

The donation is in line with the Chevron’s efforts in pursuit of its corporate responsibility obligations with the views healthcare as a crucial social service that needed support. Chevron therefore implemented health intervention programmes in the broad areas of malaria, Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Mass de-worming of children, rivers blindness, cancer awareness and primary healthcare delivery in Lagos State and across Nigeria.

Chevron has partnered with Kizito Clinic over the years with the aim to add value to people’s lives in Jakand, Lekki and Lagos State at large.

Chevron donated a chest clinic to St. Kizito Clinic in 2005 and also provided the center with Tuberculosis fighting drugs in 2009 including annual donation of N3milion to the clinic as part of their efforts to combat Tuberculosis in Lagos.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited Mr. Deji Haastrup, said the gesture was to improve healthcare delivery, adding that Chevron did not only donate to Kizito Clinic alone but they extend it to other health institutions. “We have donated facilities to the Ibeju/lekki General, Igbo Efon Maternity Centre, and Okun-Afa Health Center. We donated a medical incinerator to Epe General Hospital; we also appreciate the support of Lagos State government for partnering with us to execute these projects”.

He continued: “In help to fight the spread of HIV/AIDs, Chevron, through the Global fund, directed $55 million to grants in six countries where it operates, including Nigeria, though this contribution, $5 million was directed to HIVAIDs grant managed by the National Agency for the control of AIDs (NACA). On December 2, 2013 Chevron corporation; committed an additional $5 million over two years to the

Global Fund to target the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services in Nigeria. This commitment raises Chevron’s investment to fight these pandemic in Nigeria with $10 million and our 8 years investment in the Global Fund to $60 million to help to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

“World Health Organization, ranks Nigeria 13th out the top 22 high burden tuberculosis countries in the world, it is our hope that the donation of the mobile Xray unit to St. Kizito will improve considerably the diagnosis and monitoring of tuberculosis especially among children, and it will reduce the risk of Tuberculosis in the high populated area of Lagos State, while also eliminate hazards of spreading and co-infection, which could increase risk or result in deaths of inhabitants. With this donation, not only would the scourge of tuberculosis receive a considerable blow, but improved diagnosis for other prevailing health challenges affecting majority of patients assessing the clinic to ensure promotion of quality and equitable healthcare delivery in Nigeria”, he said.

The parish priest, SS Philip and James Catholic Church, Lekki Region, Very Rev. Monsignor (Prof) Francis Ogunmodede said the donation was evidence for St. Kizito to care for the good health and general welfare, development of the people of the community. “I want to express gratitude for remembering St. Kizito Clinic and donating the machine will help the clinic to eradicate tuberculosis and other deadly diseases in the community”.

“I must commend Management and staff of Kizito Clinic for their humanitarian and medical care for the people in the ghetto town of Jakande in Likki Lagos. Please continue you good work. We need other companies; also to join Chevron to bring more facilities to St. Kizito Clinic in order improve on their provision of health services to the community”, he said.

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SCIENCE HEALTH Thursday, March 6, 2014

Community pharmacists to reject mobile authentication system

By Wole Oyebade

NITIAL optimism that pharIMobile macists once expressed on Authentication System (MAS) and its ability to check counterfeit drugs in the country is fast vanishing.

And barring a quick action

by National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to restore earlier confidence, the pharmacists have threated to reject products using such “unscientific and embarrassing technology.”

That was the mood of pharmacists, under the aegis of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos branch, who protested inconsistency of the technology, at their annual general meeting recently in Lagos.

Lagos ACPN Chairman, Adebayo Aminu, observed that the initial challenge was the cost-implication of MAS on drugs and end-users. But today, the concern is loads of embarrassments MASenabled products are bringing to outlets that sort their drugs from genuine manufacturers.

According to Aminu, “We have on several occasions raised questions on the ability of the unscientific MAS to authenticate genuine medicines. The truth is now emerging as many companies are now promoting their own products as fake through MAS. This development has embarrassed many of our members who sourced their medicines genuinely,” he said.

Aminu added that the association condemns such counterproductive system, adding that it would be considered as tyranny if NAFDAC and managing companies continue to turn deaf ears to their cries.

He said: “As community pharmacists, we are at all times ready to partner with relevant bodies to save Nigerians from fake products.

But we shall also not hesitate to help spread the message for companies promoting their own products as fake to safeguard the lives of people

living in Nigeria and prevent further embarrassment.”

MAS allows individuals with mobile phones to check whether a drug is fake or original without direct contact with the manufacturer. It was introduced by NAFDAC in response to the increasing rate of fake drugs sold in the country.

MAS uses Truscan technology, which enables consumers to enter a 12 digit number printed on the back of the packaging of a drug and send it via SMS to a dedicated number, which automatically sends a negative or positive responds about the genuineness of the product before it is purchased. MAS currently covers antibiotics and the antimalarial drugs.

A member of the association also complained that there was an instance the MAS did not produce any result on Ciprotab, which led to the customer turning down the purchase.

He said: “That was a regular buyer that just left, though quietly but it says a lot. We’ve had instances where customers call us sellers of fake products because MAS is inconsistent. Someone could

go to the police to have us arrested over that.

“We are tired of hearing political statements on resolving this matter. We have to be frank with ourselves, MAS is not working, at least not for now and often, the blame is all laid at the door-step of the community pharmacists,” he said.

It was also gathered at the meeting that the matter has been on for about two years, leading to litigations in some quarters.

Member of the committee that resolved one of such issues in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, added that it was high time ACPN had informed NAFDAC that community pharmacists were pulling out of MAS-enabled products.

He said: “The Port Harcourt scenario was a big embarrassment that an entire community labelled all outlets as fake dealers, meanwhile, the product in question was later found to be genuine and not fake. This has dragged on for too long, and I think it is time we give an ultimatum to NAFDAC to clear this mess and also let the public know the true situation of things.”

National Secretary of the

ACPN, Olatunji Koolchap told The Guardian that community pharmacists are at the receiving ends, since such scratching of numbers on medicines are not done in public and private hospital pharmacies.

He said: “You know in the hospitals before you are given your medicines they are already removed from the manufacturers packs.

Another thing is that our people are so gullible to believe more in the word ‘hospital’ than going out to buy medicines elsewhere.

“The administration of the technology MAS has caused havoc in many circumstances even when the medicine in question that MAS failed, was found to be original afterwards. The message ‘FAKE’ has resulted in labelling many pharmacies ‘sellers of fake products’ and has damaged the reputation of many colleagues in their respective community.

“There is need for stakeholders forum to involve NAFDAC, PSN, ACPN and the pharmaceutical companies using this technology in authenticating their products very urgently before the condition gets out of hand,” Koolchap said.

TAKEHOLDERS in healthSernment care service have tasked govto remove taxes on private health sectors, saying it would help on quality healthcare delivery.

They said it is time to consider the tremendous political will and action being taken by both Federal and some State Ministries of health to engage the private sector in various form to create an enabling environment for private healthcare investment.

According to them there is need to reduce fragment nature of private healthcare and come together to speak with one voice on major national health care issues, adding that unity among healthcare operators would help to make difference in the quality of healthcare.

The health stakeholders said this during a consultative forum for health sectors stakeholders, organised by

From: Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka HE Federal government T has restated its commitment at providing primary health care delivery system to the grassroots, with the commissioning of the implementation of Mental Health Gap Action Programme (MHGAP) for the south East region at Nnewi.

The ceremony was held recently at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Complex (NAUTH) Nnewi in collaboration with International partners and federal ministry of health, was witnessed by top officials from Federal Ministry of Health (FMH), including the permanent secretary, FMH Abuja, Amb Bala Sani represented by Dr Aliyu Magaji, the Director, public health FMH, Dr Bridget Okoeguala, the chairman Mental health Action committee, Prof Oye Gureje and the National Coordinator NonCommunicable diseases, Dr Anthony Uzoro.

Other are Anambra State commissioner of health, Dr Lawrence Ikeako represented by the director, medical services, the Chief Medical Director NAUTH, Dr Anthony Igwegbe and the college of medicine provost Prof Clement Ozichukwu among servant Heads of Department

of the Institution.

In his address, Prof. Gureje disclosed that mental, neurological and substance use disorders are the causes for considerable suffering and disability to individuals, emotional and financial burden to families, in addition to great loss of productivity and economic growth to communities and states.

He said such disorders rank among the most disabling conditions in Nigeria in particular and the world in general, with mental and behavioral disorders alone accounting for 7.4 per cent of the total years lost due to premature death and disability globally in 2010.

Citing WHO’s report which states that up to 75 percent of persons in need of mental health service do not get the care they desrve, he lamented that there is a gross shortage fo mental health specialists in Nigeria, where the ratio is about one psychiatrist to one million people.

“Only about 20 percent of persons with common but serious mental disorders such as depression with suicidal risk had received any treatment in the previous 12 months… and it often takes an average of 6 years for persons who eventually get treatment to do so from the time of illness,” the Prof said. .

Why texting during a walk more injurious than driving EXTING and walking is a T known danger, but Dietrich Jehle, professor of

L-R, Vice president Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Dr. Ayodele Benson, president HFN, Mrs. Clare Omatseye, and president African pharmaceutical forum of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Mr. Anthony PHOTO: PAUL ADUNWOKE Akhimien during consultative forum for healthcare sector stakeholders in Lagos.

Stakeholders task government to remove taxes on private health sector practice

By Paul Adunwoke

Govt commissions Mhgap for S’East zone

Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, (HFN) in Lagos.

In her remark, the president HFN Clare Omatseye said if private healthcare should truly transform and build a robust tertiary healthcare system, there must be fiscal and incentive like tax exemption, duty waivers on pharma manufacturing and medical equipment tax breaks.

She added that access to affordable finance, singledigit interest rates via a dedicated health fund and passing of the enabling healthcare delivery and set standards for healthcare services and healthcare providers were all important features.

According to her a robust policy that will protect private investors in healthcare should be provided. “With the private sector being responsible for the provision of 60 percent of the healthcare services in Nigeria covering all income classes, there’s a rising need for action bearing in mind the growing burden of non-com-

municable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and the increase in demand for quality and affordable healthcare by the citizens.”

She said. “There’s a need to regain the confidence of the general populace in the Nigerian healthcare system and curb the alarming rate of medical tourism to other countries seeking better healthcare services” “The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria is a coalition of Nigerian private health sector stakeholders an apolitical, non partisan, non profit organization speaking with one voice for the purpose of improving the Nigerian health sector through advocacy”.

“We need government to have more interactive session with private pharmaceutical practitioner where they can invite active members to discuss some of the challenges; such as the high cost in house rent in Lagos today and it

drives some people away from Lagos. There are multiple taxations for advertising and some of all these things could be removed; we need to have mega hospital in Lagos and we need government’s assistance to enable us achieve this”, she said.

Vice President Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Dr. Ayodele Benson, said that poor enabling environment with inconsistent policies making implementation tough are the challenges of private healthcare. “Brain drain with issues of trying to retain and attractive back vital specialists. Theoretically education workforce, from the gape between what Universities are teaching and what health need, they are major challenges. We hope this gathering will be the start of great things to come for private sector healthcare and healthcare as a whole, bringing access to quality healthcare and universal coverage to all Nigerians in the near future ”, he said.

emergency medicine at the University at Buffalo, says distracted walking results in more injuries per mile than distracted driving.

Consequences include bumping into walls, falling down stairs, tripping over clutter or stepping into traffic. The issue is so common that in London, bumpers were placed onto light posts along a frequented avenue to prevent people from slamming into them.

“When texting, you’re not as in control with the complex actions of walking,” says Jehle, MD, who is also an attending physician at Erie County Medical Center, a regional trauma center in Western New York. “While talking on the phone is a distraction, texting is much more dangerous because you can’t see the path in front of you.”

Though injuries from car accidents involving texting are often more severe, physical harm resulting from texting and walking occurs more frequently, Jehle says.

Jehle explains that pedestrians face three types of distraction: manual, in which they are doing something else; visual, where they see something else; and cognitive, in which their mind is somewhere else.

In his practice, Jehle has seen, first-hand, the rise of cell phone-related injuries.

Tens of thousands of pedestrians are treated in emergency rooms across the nation each year, and Jehle believes as many as 10 percent of those visits result from accidents involving cell phones. He says the

number of mishaps involving texting and walking is likely higher than official statistics suggest, as patients tend to underreport information about themselves when it involves a behavior that is embarrassing.

Historically, pedestrian accidents affected children, the intoxicated or the elderly, says Jehle. However, cell phone related injuries have skyrocketed over the past 10 years, coinciding with the rise of smartphones.

And with social media so pervasive, texting isn’t the only concern. It’s not uncommon to find a person walking, head down, scrolling through their Twitter feed or checking email.

A study from Ohio State University found that the number of pedestrian ER visits for injuries related to cell phones tripled between 2004 and 2010 — even though the total number of pedestrian injuries dropped during that period.

The study also found that the age group most at risk for cell-phone related injuries while walking are adults under 30 — chiefly those between the ages of 16 and 25.

Laws discouraging texting and walking have been written up, but are strongly voted down, says Jehle. His suggestion: mobile applications that text via voice command or use the phone’s camera to display the approaching streetscape while pedestrians text.

Although Jehle prefers that pedestrians keep their eyes off of their phones until they reach their destination, he says the apps are better than nothing at all.

Thursday, March 6, 2014 SCIENCE & HEALTH

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‘Fewer than 17m of Nigerians have health insurance cover’

Women more attracted to masculine mates during ovulation

• NHIS begins accreditation to enlist more facilities

men with a masculine body type. But there is good news for men who do not fit this description.

New research suggests that most women are only attracted to this type of man for a few days a month - during ovulation - and do not desire them as long-term partners.

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), led by Kelly Gildersleeve, say their findings suggest that the desire for masculine characteristics during ovulation may be a result of genetic evolution.

The research is due to be published online this month in the journal Psychological Bulletin.

According to the investigators, whether women change their mate preferences during the most fertile point in their cycle has been an ongoing discussion for more than 20 years.

The research team decided to analyze 50 published and unpublished studies that looked at this association.

Women may ‘sniff out’ preferred mates From this, they found that women demonstrate a significant “shift” in mate preference during their menstrual cycle. Furthermore, they found that women may determine which mate they prefer through a man’s body scent.

Researchers say that during ovulation, women experience a “mate preference shift” - meaning they are attracted to more masculine men.

The researchers explain that previous studies have asked women to smell a variety of T-shirts that have been worn by men with different degrees of body and facial symmetry.

These experiments revealed that during ovulation in the menstrual cycle, women preferred the odors of men who were more symmetrical.

The investigators say that past research has shown that facial and body symmetry are linked with better health, large bodies and sexual characteristics. They add that facial and body symmetry could be a sign of genetic quality.

But the research team says they have a theory that may

Dr. Olufemi Thomas is the new Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Thomas, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and former Commissioner of Health, Ekiti State, in this interview with journalists in Lagos said less than 10 per cent of Nigerians that is about 17 million have health insurance cover. He, however, said the Scheme has a Presidential mandate to raise the number to 30 million by 2015, which in-house the NHIS has decided to raise it to 40 million. Thomas said to meet the target, the Scheme has started massive accreditation to enlist more facilities for the programme. CHUKWUMA MUANYA was there. Excerpts: ONGRATULATIONS Sir on C your recent appointment as the Executive Secretary of the NHIS. It is good to see that you have hit the ground running. You are here in Lagos today visiting some facilities.

Why are you here at National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi?

We are here to job start our massive accreditation programme in readiness of massive enrollment that we intend to do later in the year. I am sure you are aware of the fact that Mr. President has given us a directive that we should cover 30 per cent of Nigerians by end of 2015, but in-house we have decided to go for 40 per cent. So for us to enroll 40 per cent of Nigerians, which translates to 70 to 80 million Nigerians we need more health facilities. So that is why we are trying to do massive accreditation to enlist more facilities for the programme.

One of the major issues as regards the low uptake of the NHIS is the plan to make it mandatory by amending the Act. How far with the plan?

The legislation process is going on and we believe that should be concluded this year.

Even before then we will continue to make do with what we have to advance our course.

But what do you think about the issue of making the NHIS mandatory?

Well that is the way to go because the language now is UHC that is Universal Health Care that is the language worldwide now; and for it to be universal it has to be compulsory. As long as you don’t make it compulsory people will still have reasons not to enroll but the moment you make it compulsory for everybody then there will be no rea-

son for anybody not to be enrolled. The thing is that what we operate is cross subsidization. You see a situation where people who are strong and able are paying and the state will have to provide for the vulnerable group. The people who cannot meet their needs, they have to be taken care of. So that is the whole essence of making it mandatory.

What is the provision in the health Bill as regard the NHIS? Well we are glad that the Health Bill has just been passed and we are expecting that Mr. President will give his assent.

The moment he does that it will become a law to operate with and if that is the case we are expecting about one per cent of the consolidated fund annually for the scheme and that is a good way to go.

It is believed that only about three million Nigerians are registered with the NHIS. Most Nigerians in the organized Civil Service are not on the Scheme.

How can they get involved?

The statistics is not correct. The thing is that there are many forms of insurance going on in the sector. We have the formal sector and the informal sector.

Within the formal sector we have the public sector and the organized private sector. You belong Organised Private Sector (OPS) and your scheme is clearly defined. If you go to our website I am sure you will read more about that. If your organization wants to enlist their workers they write to us and we will assist them. We can work through info@nhis.gov.ng or you call me directly. You can even walk into any of the state offices or the zonal office here in Lagos and they will help you.

How many Nigerians are on the scheme now?

In terms of the number of

Thomas Nigerians on the Scheme, the truth is that we are not where we want to be. The coverage is still low, a little less than 10 per cent. But I can assure you that by the end of the year we will be on 17 per cent and by the end of 2015 we should be on 40 per cent.

Part of the problem with NHIS is that the service providers complain that the Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) seem to benefit more.

Like when people come for malaria treatment for example the HMOs pay N500 and then the patients are told to pay N3,000 to co-treat malaria and then that becomes a problem. So how do we address this?

Well the truth is that it is not very correct that a particular group is benefitting over the other. I think the issue is about risk pulling. The truth is that the enrollees are still few compared to the total population and that is why all the various participants or stakeholders are complaining. The truth is that risk pulling is even at the level of facility because we pay the facilities monthly or rather quarterly. We give them money quarterly in advance whether the enrollees fall ill or not. So they are the ones keeping the money and they can still trade with the money, they can do

all sorts of things with the money until the enrollees need them. If you look at this, where is the risk pulling? It is right at the level of the facility.

So they cannot complain that HMOs that are supposed to be like conveyor belts. HMOS collect the money, give the thing to the facility and they take a token, a percentage as running cost, that is all. So how can they de the ones shortchanging them.

There are some diseases that you spend a lot of money to treat like cancer that are not covered under NHIS? How do we go about that?

We thank God for the Centenary celebration and the Scheme has come out with a programme for that such that as part of the centenary celebration the Scheme has approved some funds to take care of tertiary diseases and super tertiary diseases for this year. So this year we are going to cover like 100 open heart operations and major cardiac interventions, 100 major cancer cases, 100 major orthopaedic cases, 100 major renal cases all over the country; in hundreds like that as part of centenary celebrations.

So there is a window of opportunity for our enrollees to benefit from that this year. Maybe as we go along we will develop

TEREOTYPICAL belief holds Swomen that the majority of prefer dominant

explain this “mate preference shift” in women.

Evolutionary adaptation Before the development of modern medicine, sanitation and nutrition, child and infant mortality rates were extremely high.

The researchers hypothesize that the mate preference shift may demonstrate an “evolutionary adaptation.”

In other words, female ancestors were attracted to “stronger” men because this may have ensured the strength and survival of offspring.

Prof. Martie Haselton, of UCLA and senior author of the study, explains: “Ancestral women would have benefitted reproductively from selecting partners with characteristics indicating that they’d be good co-parents, such as being kind, as well as characteristics indicating that they possessed high genetic quality, such as having masculine faces and bodies.”

She continues: “Women could have had the best of both worlds - securing paternal investment from a longterm mate and high-genetic quality from affair partners but only if those affairs were timed at a point of high fertility within the cycle, and probably only if their affairs remained undiscovered.”

The investigators also propose that this mate preference shift could have been adaptive in a species now extinct that predated humans.

They explain the shift could now be “vestigial” in humans.

They compare this to the human coccyx, or tail bone, which is still present in our body but does not appear to serve any function.

The researchers conclude that further research is needed surrounding the mate preference shift of women.

“If women understand the logic behind these shifts,” says Prof. Haselton, “it might better inform their sexual decision making so that if they notice suddenly that they’re attracted to the guy in the next cubicle at work, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t have a great long-term partner. They’re just experiencing a fleeting echo from the past.”

Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that women are attracted to low-voiced men who cheat.

New models help address kidney organ donation shortages N any given day in the O United States, approximately 100,000 patients are waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant.

The main problem is availability. In 2012, only 14,209 transplants took place in the United States (U.S.), leaving many on the waiting list for an available kidney. And the longer they wait, the lower their chances for survival.

So, what is there to be done? While it’s very difficult to increase the amount of viable kidneys available for transplantation, researchers from Northwestern and Stanford Universities have proposed new, innovative ways of optimizing kidney distribution throughout the country – using simple mathematical models.

Their initiative, presented

at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Chicago, helps to address two major issues within the organ donation process: decreasing geographic disparity and increasing available living donors.

Geographic disparity According to the researchers, the U.S. population is continuing to live longer and longer, which ultimately leads to a growing incidence of kidney failure throughout the nation.

However, since most kidneys come from deceased donors, organ donation has remained fairly stagnant over the years, creating a wide gap between the number of donors and the number of recipients on the transplant waiting list.

And as the gap widens, the

amount of time an individual waits for a kidney can be highly variable, depending on that person’s location. According to panelist Sanjay Mehrotra, organ allocation and wait times can vary drastically across certain regions of the country.

“From a geographic perspective, depending on where you live, the time that is spent while waiting on the waitlist can be quite different,” Mehrotra, professor in the department of industrial engineering and management sciences at Northwestern University, told FoxNews.com. “That difference can be within in a state and across states – and it can be significant. If you live in Illinois … you may be waiting four years, but just north in Wisconsin, it could be [two]

years.”

Mehrotra explained that a patient’s expected wait time greatly depends on their state’s population, as well as the region’s number of organ procurement organizations (OPOs) – local facilities responsible for coordinating the donor process within a designated service area (DSA). For example, Illinois, a state with a larger population, only has one OPO, meaning a patient waiting for a kidney in that region is also waiting on a list with many other individuals – much more than in Wisconsin.

Nationwide, this kind of geographic disparity has gotten much worse, Mehrotra said.

So in an attempt to shorten wait times in the U.S., he has utilized both retrospective and prospective model-based

analytics to devise new methods for organ allocation.

Based on his research, he proposed a way of making supply and demand better balanced – by have OPOs that allocate the most organs send some of their kidneys to DSAs in need.

He noted that oftentimes, these high-allocation centers discard their lower quality organs, which could be used in other regions that have longer wait times.

“What we’re finding is if you link up DSAs across regional states and DSAs within a state, you can actually make substantial progress to address this disparity issue,” Mehrotra said. “Our estimates are that 500 lives can be saved a year by essentially reducing this disparity.”

The panel also addressed the concept of better matching

kidney life expectancy to recipient life expectancy, so that higher quality kidneys can be utilized for the longest periods of time.

“A kidney that may last someone 30 years may be given to someone with a 5year life expectancy,” Dr. John Friedewald, an associate professor in medicine nephrology and surgery-organ transplantation at Northwestern University, told FoxNews.com. “A lot of kidneys are outliving their transplant recipients. And vice versa; there’s a mismatch in candidates to kidneys. One of the things we’re doing is doing longevity matching, where kidneys with the longest longevity will be matched with candidates with the longest estimated transplant survival.”

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42 SCIENCE & HEALTH Thursday, March 6, 2014

UITH boss canvasses regular exercise for office holders From: Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin HE Chief Medical T Director (CMD) of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, (UITH), Professor Abdulwaheed Olatinwo has canvassed regular physical exercise for political office holders in Nigeria towards a reduction in the risks of developing cardio vascular diseases among them.

Olatinwo, who has recommended the same procedure for all the staff of the UITH said until individuals in Nigeria are fit, the country could not be regarded as a healthy nation.

According to Olatinwo, “regular physical exercise is costless, but rather helpful.

It is hierarchical, so individuals according to his level of fitness should make of choice of the type he will fit into.

“This does not exempt our elected officers, in fact they need it more because of the sedentary ways of life of many of them. As a matter of fact we don’t joke with it at the UITH. If we want Nigeria to be healthy individuals in it must first be healthy.”

Olatinwo spoke yesterday in Ilorin at the flagging off of the monthly keep fit exer-

This does not exempt our elected officers, in fact they need it more because of the sedentary ways of life of many of them. As a matter of fact we don’t joke with it at the UITH. If we want Nigeria to be healthy individuals in it must first be healthy. cise of hospital with 1.6 kilometre jogging, and flexibility exercise at the MainBowl of the Kwara State Stadium.

After the exercise introduced for members of staff of the medical institution, the CMD commended members of staff for supporting the initiative by attending, charging them to take it as a habit.

He commended all those that contributed to the success of the initiative, especially the Kwara State government and the management of the Kwara State Sports Council, for making facilities available for the exercise.

The Director of Sports, Sports Council, Tunde

Kazeem commended the CMD, other management staff and staff of UITH for the initiative, even as he charged them to take advantage of the availability of the facilities at the stadium to keep fit.

The Director of Administration at UITH, Dr. (Mrs) Yetunde Ayo-Bello who said that the monthly keep fit exercise would assist them to do quality healthcare services effectively, averred that the staff who came for the exercise came to honour the CMD who just got his second tenure of office.

The keep fit exercise was coordinated by Pharmacist Lanre Alege, who said that the benefits of the keep fit exercise include enhancing physical, social and social well-being, reduces high blood pressure or risk of developing it, improves muscular strength and makes one feel good, livelier and stronger.

Among the recommendations he proffered are regular exercises, “at least three times in a week”, seeing the doctor first before exercise, especially those with major ailments, and stoppage of exercise if pain, dizziness and fainting is developed.

Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Muhammad (middle), Technical Assistant to Executive Director, Dr. Ogbe Oritseweyimi, and Primary Health Care (PHC) coordinator, Keffi Local Government Area (LGA), Nasarawa State, Hajia Maryam Ibrahim while monitoring March 2014 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDS) yesterday in Nasarawa State

Zamfara distributes cancer test kits to 30,000 women From: Isah Ibrahim, Gusau IFE of Zamfara State governor and founder of ‘Hands of Helping Foundation’ in the state, Hajiya Asma’u Abdul’aziz Yari, had distributed selfexamination breast cancer test kits to 30,000 women across the state, as part of the foundation’s determination to prevent breast cancer disease among women of the state.

The maiden event, which took place in Gusau, the state capital, was also designed to educate and sensitise women on the risks associated with breast cancer diseases, and majors to be taken towards preventing the disease.

Hajiya Asma’u explained that the kits could be used by any woman that wants to ascertain her breast health condition, adding that, the kits could be used for a long term period.

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We understand that if our women should be educated in this area, prevention and control will be eased up to the point that our women will not know their status but also seek health information that reduces risks of infection.

She said: ‘This event of distribution of breast cancer test kits is not only relevant but timely considering research reports the world over especially where Africa is most hit.

“We understand that if our women should be educated in this area, prevention and control will be eased up to the point that our women will not know their status but also seek health information that reduces risks of infection,” Asma’u said.

She added that the foundation had recently excelled in its three thematic areas of intervention for women in health, women in agricul-

ture, and women in education.

She appealed to wives of the 14 local councils of the state to make proper monitoring of women discovered with breast cancer, as the foundation is determined to assist them in alleviating their sufferings.

Earlier, the state commissioner for local governments and chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Muttaka Rini, expressed appreciation with the foundation’s initiative, and applauded other non governmental organizations working in the state for their effort in reducing the rate of maternal and mortality among women and children.

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Education Education on trial in North East With about 15, 000 pupils stopped from schooling, more than 800 classrooms and 200 schools allegedly destroyed in Borno, Yobe and Yobe states respectively, education is clearly on the crucible of Boko Haram in the North East. ENO-ABASI SUNDAY writes that with the unabated gruesome killing of student, teachers and school proprietors in the three northeastern states by the dreaded Islamic sect, (which name means “western education is sacrilege) despite the state of emergency imposed on the states, prominent groups, individuals have issued a flurry of condemnation even as they are calling for fresh vistas to tackling the malaise in a bid to save education.

VER the years, northern Nigeria has got its O share of under-education to grapple with, as it is common knowledge that the region plays host to some of the most educationally disadvantaged states in the country.

While the pall of illiteracy pervading the area is, among other things blamed on government paying lip service to the sector over the years as well as activities of the northern political elite, whose actions and inaction have continued to pay scant heed to the importance of education to individual and national development, the fresh onslaught on education by a violent religious sect, Boko Haram, presents yet a fresh vista of worries for both pupils, their parents, the country and indeed the international community.

With the three northeastern states now serving as the epicenter of religious extremism, schools in the area have become theatres of war, where Islamic fanatics march in both in the day as well as in the dead of the night to slaughter innocent Pupils play beside the main auditorium of Maiduguri Experimental School, a private nursery, primary and secondary school burnt by the Islamist group Boko Haram to keep children away PHOTO: AFP students to appease their cravings. from classes in Borno State, Northeast of Nigeria.

Consequently, education, which was hitherto on crutches here is left comatose, with an tions and had over 3, 000 student population.

Gujba and the unity school in Buni-Yadi have Abdu claimed, “In the past eight months, over extremely uncertain future.

In October 2012, over 40 students were gunned been attacked.

100 students have been killed in different As the insurgents continue to engage in activi- down by suspected Boko Haram members in a In the heat of the mayhem last year, the state attacks on schools in the North East. The perpeties akin to drawing blood from an anaemic commando-style attack, which took place at government in September 2013 ordered the trators should, of course, be brought to justice, patient, it is safe to conclude that if the trend about 10pm at Wuro-Fatuje. Wuro-Fatuje, a sub- closure of all schools to avoid further attacks. but the government, at all levels, must also be continues, education may gradually die in the urb of Mubi, Adamawa State is thickly populatGov. Ibrahim Gaidam issued the order after held accountable; it is their duty to protect the area, a situation that would succeed in plung- ed by off-campus students of three tertiary visiting students with burns and gunshot lives and education of children. A duty they are ing the zone into deeper misery occasioned by institutions. wounds from an attack on a boarding school utterly failing to uphold.” ignorance, lack of development and the sorts.

Expectedly, the casualty list in that incident outside Potiskum, the state’s second largest The country director, who noted that the Last week’s massacre of over 40 innocent had 26 students of the Federal Polytechnic who town, where the extremists set a dormitory North East was already behind the rest of the pupils of the Federal Government College, Buni- were shot dead. The balance was made up of ablaze, burning some students alive. At least country in education enrollment, retention Yadi, Yobe State, is tipping the scale in drawing students of the School of Health Technology 29 students and one teacher were killed. and completion, added that security challenges condemnation to the ugly trend, which and the Adamawa State University, all in Mubi The governor’s directive was issued few days in the zone would undermine education of appears to be gaining momentum daily even as as well as a few residents of the town. after UNICEF regional director Manuel their children. heads of governments, eminent Nigerians and On July 5, 2013, hell was again let loose in Yobe Fontaine, said that 48 students and seven “More than 200 schools have been destroyed groups are stridently condemning the perpe- State, when about 42 people, mostly students, teachers have been slain within a four-month in Yobe and over 800 classrooms destroyed in trators for their act of cowardice, and the gov- were murdered in cold blood in a school attack, period in the North East.

Borno State. Since February 2013, over 15,000 ernment for the seeming lack of capacity to con- which took place at Government Secondary These rampant killings, including the Bunichildren have stopped attending classes in tain the menace.

School in Mamudo town in Yobe State. Barely Yadi incident and the ones after that, apart Borno State alone. Every child has the right to This, perhaps explains why they are also calling two months after this incident, gunmen sus- from strengthening the fact that these were learn in an environment free of danger,” the on governments at all levels to come up with pected to be members of the Islamic sect, Boko indeed perilous times for education in the statement added. proactive measures to curb the excesses of the Haram on September 28, 2013 stormed the North East, also presents a shocking sign that It continued, “ActionAid Nigeria demands that terrorists, in other to avert a situation where College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State the country could be gradually drifting the federal government upholds its obligations evil permanently prevails over good. killing 40 students killed. towards total breakdown of order. This much as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights In the same vein, security experts are proffer- Barely 24 hours after the deplorable Bun-Yadi is reaffirmed by the shrill calls for action and of the Child and immediately implement speing effective ways of tackling the menace, massacre, the dreaded insurgents killed no the resort to new approaches to curbing reli- cial protection mechanism to safeguard the which many say, has the capacity to perma- fewer than 37 persons in three separate attacks gious extremism, which the latest events have lives and education of our children, particularly nently undermine education in the three states in Adamawa State. elicited. those in the vulnerable North East. under emergency rule in particular, and in the Chairman of the Madagali local government One of the first groups to deplore the attack “As Nigerian citizens, we must consciously entire northern states in general.

Area of Adamawa state, Maina Ularamu, while on the innocent students was a non-govern- hold the government at all levels to account This ugly scenario, which is playing out at reg- confirming the attack said, “The gunmen divid- mental organisation, ActionAid Nigeria, and demand that the government go beyond ular intervals, is not limited to a particular level ed themselves into three groups and separately which also described the killing of the stu- rhetoric and take concrete steps to end this of education as can be gleaned from the vic- attacked the three locations,” including a dents as “a heinous crime and a violation of senseless violence.” tims’ list. In other words, nursery school pupils, Christian theological college and a section of a the rights of children to life and education.”

On its part, the National Human Rights their primary and secondary counterparts as secondary school.

Country Director of AA, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, in Commission (NHRC) has called for the transfer well as those in tertiary institutions in the It is on record that more than half a dozen a statement shortly after the incident present- of pupils in the eight unity schools in affected states have come under gun and knife schools in Yobe State, including Government ed a grim scenario, which has caused thouAdamawa, Borno and Yobe to other schools outattacks by the Islamists, who loathe Western Secondary School in Damaturu, and the one in sands of pupils to stop attending classes for side the region. education.

Mamudo as well as the College of Agriculture, fear of being gruesomely murdered.

Chairman, Governing Council of the commisThis outline will suffice. In July 2012, a set of 15sion, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, urged that while govyear-old twin students were slaughtered in ernment explores all options available to it, in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital by persons its bid to curb the killings, “In the interim, proThese children were killed while exercising their right, and education is a suspected to be Boko Haram members. The oldposals for the transfer of children in the eight est private school in the state-Yobe Children’s unity schools in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe to basic right guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Academy was on that day set on fire. A total of 30 other schools outside the region should be classrooms were razed down as only the staff African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Constitution of the taken seriously.” room, library and laboratory were spared. As at While noting that, words were “insufficient to Federal Republic of Nigeria the time of the attack, the school housed a prenursery, nursery, primary and secondary secCONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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Improve on your predecessors’ achievements, government tasks new NISLT council HE Supervising Minister, T Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) to carry out their functions in the overall national interest at all times.

Inaugurating the council at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton

Hotels and Towers, Abuja recently, she said members were selected based on proven integrity, unwavering patriotism and uncommon sense of duty.

She urged them to bring those worthy attributes to bear in the discharge of the very vital national assignment.

She also called on them to provide policy guidelines for the operations of the paras-

tatal, so that it would continue to render technology related services to industries, entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors and innovators as it relates to their mandate.

Johnson emphasized the need for members to, at all times make integrity, accountability and transparency their watchwords in the discharge of their mandate as enshrined in the Act establishing the institute.

FIIRO, Inter Academy Council partner on industrial technologies

By Paul Adunwoke HE Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) is partnering the United States National Academies, and the Nigerian Academy of Science to strengthen its position as the hub for industrial technologies.

The Director-General of the institute, Dr. Gloria Elemo, who stated this Tuesday during the visit of representatives of the organisations to the institute, said FIIRO prides itself as the foremost industrial research institute in Nigeria and the hub of indigenous technologies for micro, small and medium enterprises in the country.

While noting that the institute was among the research institutes that NAS was commissioned by the Federal Government to accredit in

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2011, Elemo added that FIIRO went through a rigorous accreditation exercise that evaluated so many indicators like institutional efficiency and effectiveness; research and development vision and institutional resources, among others.

“The exercise gave the institute a new impetus to harness most of its research and technology in such a way that it becomes a major player in driving job creation and human capital development.

“In achieving some of these goals, the institute organised a Fabricators’ Conference in 2012 with the aim of exposing local fabricators to best practice in prototype equipment fabrication.

It was then adjudged by the participants to be the first of its kind between them and a

research institute,” she said.

Former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner Isoun, who led the delegation said, “The US Academy is partnering with five African academies, we are told to evaluate and rebuild that partnership, and FIIRO is working closely with Nigerian Academy of Science, in partnership with FIIRO. He noted that Nigeria cannot develop without science and Technology and FIIRO is key to small and medium scale enterprises, which is where SMEs started and they are well circulated.

Isoun called on government to invest in science, technology, and capacity building saying it was where numerous opportunities for the country would come from.

She also charged the council members to consolidate on the achievements of their predecessors by taking the institute to the next level.

In her remark, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Rabi Shuaibu Jimeta, assured the council members of the ministry’s maximum cooperation as they undertake their assignments.

According to her, the approval of the council by President Goodluck Jonathan and its inauguration were geared towards strengthening the parastatal to play an effective role in the

implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy.

“As you are all aware, science and technology hold the key to the industrial and economic development of any nation,” she said emphasizing that no nation develops without placing premium on science and technology.

The permanent secretary also said that it has become imperative to deploy STI apparatus in nation building by achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President.”

Speaking on behalf of the

council and the National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) governing board, the Permanent Secretary, FMST, Mrs. Rabi Jimeta who was also appointed Chairman, of NOTAP’s Governing Board, said members should be mindful of the enormous responsibility placed upon their shoulders as regards the task ahead.

She also assured Nigerians of their resolve to justify the confidence reposed in them by not leaving any stone unturned in the quest to achieve the noble goals for which the agencies were established.

Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma (left), Director, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, and a student of Government Technical College, showing the dignitaries the equipment MTNF provided for the Electrical workshop of the school.

Education… a basic right threatened by religious bigotry CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 comfort parents of the affected pupils as the killing of children is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Odinkalu added that, “the pursuit of education cannot be a cause for the mass murder of innocent children.

“These children were killed while exercising their right, and education is a basic right guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’

In demanding that: “this carnage must stop,’’ the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its president, Mr. Okey Wali said, “We call on the President Goodluck Jonathan, the service and security chiefs and governors of the affected states to intensify efforts to address the increasing security challenges that we are currently facing in Nigeria.”

As calls for the closure of the eight unity colleges in the three affected states reached higher decibels, the Yobe State government has relocated students of the attacked college.

According to the state Commissioner for Education, Mohammed Lamin, the action was to enable them continue their educational pursuits and also prevent parents and guardians from withdrawing their children and wards from secondary schools at Buni-Yadi and Goniri Secondary School, 24 kilometres north of destroyed

college.

He said the state government and the security agents were not taking chances in their bid to protect the lives of students and their teachers in Gujba council area of the state.

He added that with the “fear and apprehension” already in the minds of affected students and their parents, surviving students of the college at Buni/Yadi and the stateowned secondary school at Goniri town would be relocated to other schools in the state.

He said the relocation exercise had become inevitable, as students in the council area could not continue to live and learn because of the fear and apprehension caused by insecurity of lives and property in the council area.

“Even though the military and other security agents have assured us of protecting lives and property in schools in the state, the relocation of students to other schools was to enable our children and grand children prepare for their examination, which is scheduled to take place in the next two or three months,” said Lamin.

But the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) is not satisfied with the steps so far taken by relevant authorities. That it why it has called for an immediate closure of all the eight federal unity colleges in the three states as well as others that are prone to attack.

Secretary general of the asso-

As the insurgents continue to engage in activities akin to drawing blood from an anaemic patient, it is safe to conclude that if the trend continues, education may gradually die in the area, a situation that would succeed in plunging the zone into deeper misery occasioned by ignorance, lack of development and the sorts ciation, Muhammad Kabir Nuhu Koko, who said the association: “totally condemns the killings and callous slaughter of the students,” insisted on the “transfer of all the students in these unity colleges to other federal unity colleges in the country to continue with their studies.”

While the Rotimi Amaechiled faction of the Nigeria Governors Forum is of the opinion that the current approach to tackling the insurgency has failed woefully, it has called on the Federal Government to review its strategies and engage new allies, wherever they may be in the world.

The Forum, in a recent statement stated: “It is gratifying that governments (federal and states) are working hard to get to the root of the killings and nip these orgy of violence in the bud...however, we also believe the time has come for the Federal Government to comprehensively review the strategies with which it is fighting this insurgency.

“The current approach is definitely not working and it is important that all of us are humble and sincere enough

to accept this reality and then work out a stronger and more workable strategy.”

The factional NGF, which said it was alarmed by the slaughter of 29 pupils at the unity school in Yobe and the unprovoked attacks against defenceless people in those states, however, urged Nigerians to help security agencies with accurate and timely information that would aid the fight against the terrorists instead of leaving same to the federal and state governments.

In condemning the school attack, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), also called for a new approach to fighting Boko Haram insurgency.

President of the Congress, Abdulwaheed Omar, while reacting to incessant onslaught called for a new approach to fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in parts of the North.

Speaking in Calabar at the 4th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers and a meeting of the NLC, Omar said, “We call on government to have a rethink over what they do. There is nothing

wrong with the Nigerian government coming up with a special squad to ensure that we get to the root of the matter and it is unbundled and brought to an end.

“To go to the level of very innocent students who don’t even know what is happening, just massacre them, set their buildings on fire and so on. I think this is a very serious issue and it is unacceptable to Nigerian workers,” he said adding, “I think we need to train people specially in the area of intelligence and in the area of combating this kind of terrorism. Let them be seriously trained and let them be sent to all nooks and crannies of the nation where they can be able to tap information, so that we can stop this callous killing of innocent citizens.”

In the same vein, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the federal government to track down and punish the perpetrators of the cold blooded and gruesome killings as well as “take inventory of all the victims of these horrendous and lingering attacks anywhere in the country, with a view to rehabilitating victims of such attacks and minimising the effect of psychological damage on them.”

The group’s national public relations officer Comrade Seyi Mohammed in a statement said, “though the attack on the students was not the first time members of the notorious terrorist outfit, Boko

Haram, would launch an attack against innocent and defenceless people of this country since the group registered their horrendous presence in the consciousness of ordinary Nigerians and the government over three years ago, this is an attack too many, both in brutality, scope of targets and rationality for shedding the blood of youths that cut across both geo-political zones and religious lineages of this country.”

It also called on the government “to enhance security and underground surveillance at likely targets of attacks, considering how the Boko Haram group has resorted to attacking soft and helpless targets in recent time.”

Meanwhile, proposals for the transfer of children in the eight unity schools in the three states to other schools outside the region may have been adopted by the Federal Ministry of Education The Guardian learnt.

According to Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the supervising Minister for Education, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, “the relocation of students of the eight unity colleges is almost a done deal as we speak.

“The ministry is working with all the principals involved in efforts to relocate the kids to areas that are less volatile. But at the moment, modalities were being worked out to ensure success. The students would, however, not be relocated to places where their parents want them to be relocated to.”

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Members of Trinity International College choir performing at the annual thanksgiving service held at the college in Ofada, Ogun state…recently

FUTO close to accessing N2.6b special intervention fund From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri and Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta HE Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Chigozie Cyril Asiabaka, says the institution was only a short way from accessing its allocation of N2.6b special intervention fund for capital projects from the Federal Government.

This is as it matriculated 5,075 new students, who recently gained admission into 40 departments in the six schools of the institution.

Also, over 5, 000 new students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, who were administered their matriculation oaths by the institution have been advised by the institution’s Rector,

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• MAPOLY matriculates over 5,000 students Professor Oludele Itiola, to be mindful of groups, associations and societies they join on campus.

Asiabaka in his address at the matriculation ceremony said: “As I address this special assembly now, preparations have reached advanced stage for the university to access its allocation of over N2.6b from the Federal Government for the development of more capital projects in the university.”

Insisting that a lot of efforts were made in taking the institution to where it currently is, he warned the new students against indulging in acts that were capable of damaging the school’s reputation.

Said he, “You should not be involved in “examination malpractices, cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, drug addic-

tion, fighting, extortion, vandalism, use of dangerous weapons, sexual harassment, rape, threat to lives and other acts of gross misconduct”, as such would attract expulsion and possible prosecution in the law courts.

He urged parents to contribute either materially or financially to the provision of infrastructure in the institution.

Over 30,000 candidates applied for admission to study various courses in the school.

And to those admitted, the vice chancellor said, “To God be the glory that you were fortunate to be among the 5,075 candidates who were offered admission into this reputable university this academic year who applied and chose FUTO as first choice university in the

last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) and who earnestly sought for admission into our university in the 2013/2014 academic year.”

The MAPOLY rector, who deplored the upsurge in incessant vices in institutions of higher learning in the country, informed the students that their primary assignments in the school was to study hard in order to bag their national diploma c e r t i f i c a t e s .

“We want you to face your studies squarely, shun any acts of cultism and other vices and be responsible citizens.

You should put MAPOLY in good light all the times.”

He added, “It is also to reduce the vices to the barest minimum that the Polytechnic had invested greatly in sports through the building of a

Julius Berger promotes writing, reading culture in public schools From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo Berger’s aim at supJforULIUS porting government quest improvement in writing and reading habit of Nigerians is beginning to bear fruits. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the company’s Literacy Campaign started about two years ago amongst youths in public schools across the country.

Among the four pillars upon which the JBN’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities rest upon, Education is considered the most important; hence, the coming on stream of the short story writing campaign held in 2013 in some schools in Abuja, Lagos and Uyo as one of the permanent driven Literacy Campaigns.

Others included the Community Book Drive launched in 2012, which involves donation of books to secondary schools and the initiation of a Julius Berger Book Clubs and distribution of over 5, 000 copies of the book “The Great Fall” by Nigerian author Chinyere Obi-Obasi to chosen schools in Lagos, Abuja and Uyo. The JB Club launched in June 2013 was created based on achieving the goal of improv-

ing reading culture in today youths while another component ‘Writing workshop’ facilitated by Obi-Obasi was tailored to further improve the reading and writing skills of participating students using short story writing as a platform.

In Akwa Ibom State, two public schools, Community Secondary School, Ikot Okubo and West Itam Secondary School, Itam in Uyo and Itu council areas respectively were presented with the book “Togetherness”, a compilation of the winning short stories from the top three stories and seven others making it a total of ten stories compiled by Julius Berger.

Of the 10 stories in the book ‘Togetherness’, Akwa Ibom State students contributed three, two from Secondary school Ikot Okubo while one came from West Itam, Secondary school Itam. Two of the winning short stories from the state include “Community Love” by Mmenyene Nse Etim, 16 years, Narrow Escape” by Glory Ekanem Edet, “Unity”,.

Ten copies of “Togetherness” and vetted by the author Chinyere Obi-Obasi were distributed to the participating schools for the school library

and 3 copies each of the winners of the Short story competition held last year in Abuja, Lagos and Uyo. Presenting the book to head of each of the schools, Head of Public Affairs of Julius Berger, Mr. Clement Iloba, said the Publishing of the short stories is part of JB’s CSR drive Literacy Campaign launched in 2012.

“This is just an aspect of what JB is doing in the area of education. There are other areas we are going to tackle in the coming years. After this, we will come back to give them text-books and writing materials.

“It is a continuous thing every year we come up with basic events that will impact on the lives of students in the public schools”, he said.

On the criteria the company in selecting just three states in the country, he said: “The three states we have now are where we have our major works. We don’t just go anywhere; we are working so that we can impact on the communities who have supported us as a company. But we did it in these three states on experimental basis. Julius Berger is working almost everywhere in the country but we took these three states as an experiment and it has been very suc-

cessful. The next level we have to spread out and go into more states.

He added that the company believes that printing the winning stories entitled “Togetherness’ and distributing copies to all participating schools, winning candidates and the state Ministries of education would encourage more participation/interests among the youths and as well promote reading and writing culture among young minds.

“It is also a challenge to the students especially those in SS 1- SS3 to aspire to higher level of achievement in their academic pursuit. Most students however indicated interest to join the JB Book club during the event.

Earlier, the Principal of West Itam Secondary School, Itam, , Mr. Patrick Edem and the Vice Principal, Community Secondary School Ikot Okubo, Mrs. Ime Udonta in their separate remarks, commended JB for the noble gesture and for identifying itself as stakeholders and dependable partners in the state government’s education policy, particularly in the improvement of reading and writing culture among Akwa Ibom youths.

modern sports complex and provision of sport facilities, which we will improve and renovate from time to time.

All these are for you to recreate, burn energies and showcase talents in various sports”.

Firm supports child education through excursion activities ANA Airline has broadened D the focus of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to also include child education as the airline, in partnership with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), took pupils on an educational excursion of airport facilities that included having a firsthand experience of how an airplane works.

The weeklong exercise saw the airline opening its aircraft doors to over 500 pupils drawn from various schools across Lagos State.

The Chief Pilot of the airline, Captain Segun Omale, while welcoming the teenagers on board for the expedition said the outfit was delighted to once again lead in the drive to positively impact the lives of children.

“We are a caring airline that will continue to pay serious attention to issues that concern proper education of the

future generation and our commitment to take the children on this all-important excursion is anchored on our firm belief that a wellinformed child represents hope for the future of mankind as information drives the development of any nation,” Omale stated.

He also noted that the firm through its “Kidz Fly Programme,” has always given children the chance to be ferried from one state to another aboard an aircraft.

It would be recalled that through the airline’s charitable trust, the Sri Sai Vandana Foundation (SSVF), Dana Air, through its in-flight envelope donation programme has helped to raise millions of Naira for the National Sickle Cell Centre in Lagos since 2009, as well as been involved in the Autism Awareness Drive.

At education fair, officials shed light on opportunities, others HE Global International T College (GIC) 4th Annual United Kingdom (UK), United States (US) and Canada Fair, which recently held witnessed an impressive turnout of representatives from top universities in the respective countries.

The fair, which also witnessed the attendance of embassy officials as well as parents and prospective students, saw representatives of schools furnishing the students and parents with educational opportunities, admission criteria, facilities, courses and fees of their respective institutions.

The fair, which also had in attendance of representatives from American and Canadian embassies, saw the officials spoke glowingly about their institutions and the advantages of studying in their countries.

In her remarks, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIC, Mrs. Osime,

said the school works assiduously towards developing globally competitive students, who are self-motivated, independent and able to adapt to different cultures and environments with ease, in the course of their educational pursuits.

“Because of our high academic achievements, we have been able to establish strategic partners with top UK, US and Canadian universities. This therefore allows seamless progression for our students into these universities. This is very important for our students as corporate organisations today are looking to employ graduates who can engage globally and are equipped with highlevel skills that have been developed over time. This inevitably sets our students apart from their peers when applying for a job.

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Govt to harmonise Basic Education Certificate Examination From Kanayo Umeh, Abuja HE Federal Government T has set the necessary machinery in place to develop the Basic Education Examination Syllabus based on the recently developed Revised Basic Education Curriculum.

The curriculum, which was approved by the National Council on Education, would ensure that the instruments of testing at the basic education are generally of the same standard and universally acceptable for admission to all senior secondary schools nationwide.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala, stated this Tuesday in Abuja at a oneday Annual Review Meeting of the Chief Executive Officer of the National Examination Council (NECO) and Registrars/Directors of all state examination bodies.

According to him: “You will recall that the National Council on Education (NCE) held in Katsina State in December 2007, gave approval to the Federal Ministry of Education to harmonise and standardise education at the basic education level nationwide.

“Prior to this time, states independently conducted the Junior Secondary Certificate Examination (JSCE) in their respective domains while NECO was responsible for the federal and the Nigerian Armed Forces schools.

The Permanent Secretary

who was represented by Director, Human Resources Dr. M.B. Umar noted that an annual inaugural meeting on Harmonisation and Standardisation of the Basic Education Certificate Examination was held in Minna, Niger State, in February 2009.

“It was at that meeting that the document on Guidelines on Uniform Standards for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) was drafted. At the same meeting,

the 36 states, the FCT and relevant paralstatals agreed that, “as a matter of urgency, an examination syllabus should be produced by the Federal Ministry of Education in line with the core curriculum, to take care of standards in the BECE.” The Permanent Secretary disclosed that though states and the FCT would continue to award certificates, which shall be called Basic Education Certificate, he stressed that every activity of

states and the FCT towards the BECE would be in accordance with the Guidelines on Harmonised Procedures and Standards for the Basic Education Certificate Examination.

Dr. Nwaobiala also urged all states and FCT to as a matter of urgency, establish the state and FCT examination bodies.

“I would advice that each state and FCT should liaise with the respective Governor’s offices/FCT Ministers office, to draft the necessary bill that

would kick-start the process of establishing the examination body. This would fast-track the smooth implementation of the Harmonized Procedures Standards for the BECE nationwide.

He, however, expressed optimism that the outcome of the review meeting would culminate in harmonised and standardised basic education certificate examination in the country.

In his remarks, the Director, Basic and Secondary

Education department of the Ministry of Education, D.C Uwaezuoke, stated that the purpose of the meeting was to review the procedures and standards for the conduct of BECE, harmonise and standardise them to align with the Guidelines on Harmonized Procedures and Standards for the BECE. He therefore urged participants to fashion out ways of eliminating the disparities that exist in the planning and conduct BECE.

Education stakeholders chart ways of ending unemployment

By Ujunwa Atueyi SSUES surrounding unemIyouths ployment of Nigerian and graduates formed the major talking point at a stakeholder’s interactive session, which was aimed at proffering a lasting solution to the national challenge.

At the event organised by the British Council, the education stakeholders called for collaboration between government, institutions and other industry players in tackling the issue.

In his paper titled “Graduate Employability: Nigerian Case and Lessons from Africa and Beyond,” Mr. Olufemi Bamiro, disclosed that good academic qualifications were not enough to make one employable, as there were other competencies expected of a 21st century graduate.

According to him, “Graduates need to also have

other attributes and competencies often referred to as “soft” skills. Indeed, many employers give greater importance to soft skills than qualifications. These skills include communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, team spirit, creativity and adaptability”.

“Graduates can no longer expect to be employed in just one sector throughout their professional life. They will need to be imparted with skills that enable them to adapt to different situations as they move from one job to another,” he stated.

Bamiro maintained that graduate employment was a complex concept, involving not only each individual’s characteristics, skills, attitudes and motivation, but also, other external factors which lie beyond the scope of education and training policy, such as labour market regulations, demography, struc-

ture of the economy and the overall economic situation.

Explaining that, “strengthening employability is a policy concern for all public authorities, including those responsible for education, training and employment,” Bamiro enjoined stakeholders in African higher institution to ensure that in the selection of leadership and management of universities, meritocracy should be the prime-driving factor.

He therefore called on African governments to invest in tertiary institutions by increasing substantially, their financial commitment, so they would be able to impart world-class education to students.

Earlier, the British Council, as part of its contribution to finding solutions to graduate unemployment, commissioned a three-year study, exploring the role universities’ can play in promoting

graduate employability in five countries, that is Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The research, as explained by the British Council Communication Manager, Desmond Omovie, is led by the Institute of Education, University of London, in partnership with Kenyatta University, Kenya; University of the Free State, South Africa; University of Education, Winneba, Ghana; and University of Ibadan and University of Lagos, Nigeria.

He revealed that the research would assess the overall situation in the selected countries and identify recent initiatives that have sought to address the challenges.

“It will draw on national statistics where these are avail-

able, but also select four representative universities in each country as in-depth case studies. The project also assesses the key role of university partnerships – with a particular focus on how UK universities might collaborate with universities in Sub-Saharan Africa on these pressing agendas”, he added.

Meanwhile other participants at the forum, in their various presentations, noted that assessment of existing research showed that in spite of global attention on higher education and employability, not much has been achieved in that regard. They argued that little is known about the causes of poor graduate outcomes and what universities are doing to improve their services.

Corona to raise technically qualified teachers with i-teach programme

By Ujunwa Atueyi Executive Director of T Corona Schools’ Trust Council (CSTC), Mrs. Olufunto HE

Igun, has expressed the trust council’s determination to rebuild the dignity of the teaching profession and change the concept on standard using the i-teach programme.

The i-teach programme is a world-class graduate trainee programme, designed to attract the nation’s most promising future leaders into the teaching profession; equip and empower them for 21st century classroom practice.

Briefing the media at the council’s office, Igun remarked that the significant area that has continued to pose serious challenge in the education sector is the dearth of technically qualified teachers, adding that the council had chosen to invest in trainable youths, who will be ready to impact students in a positive way.

Long before now, a general belief and experiences “showed that the best talent are not in the teaching profession where they should belong and we feel strongly that it is critical that we change this and enthuse these talent with the bright prospect of teaching as a viable, profitable and noble career”.

The recruitment and development programme, which is the third in the series, “is also part of our corporate social responsibility. We will provide the platform for a wide-spectrum core teacher and personal development training. There are several built-in evaluation processes in the four-month programme. However, at the end, the very best candidates

who met our shortlisting criteria will graduate into the trainee scheme.”

The Director, Corona Teachers’ College, Mrs. Ifueko Omowunmi Thomas, explained that the programme is only open to fresh graduates, who made second class (upper division) in their first degree from recognised institutions; must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for not more than a year; must be between 21 and 26; be willing to make teaching a priority and be literate in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with strong communication skills.

Knowledge of a foreign language would be an added advantage.

She said in the last edition in which 25 persons were trained, the school employed four of them while other schools that understand the worth of i-teach programme recruited the remaining 21 persons. However, the third cohort of 50 trainees will commence next month.

The Educational Administrator, Mrs. Maureen Ihonor, who insisted that teaching must be for the best brains, hinted that the scheme taken cognizance of what is expected of a 21st century teacher ranging from aptitude, attitude, character, personality, and has incorporated it into the training.

Meanwhile, Miss Nnenna Okore; Victor Olugbemiro; Olawale Jebutu; Oluwagbenga Ganiyu and Camille Obomanu who were all gainfully employed at Corona Schools, expressed job satisfaction, fulfillment and enthusiasm over their choice of profession.

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DFID plans support for Lagos private schools through DEEPEN

By Ujunwa Atueyi ELP may soon come for H sub-standard private schools in Lagos State following the introduction of “Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria” (DEEPEN), an initiative put together and funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).

The five-year project aimed at addressing the poor quality educational services rendered to a large chunk of Nigerian children, especially those from low-income households is intended to improve learning outcomes in Lagos private schools, using market development approach.

At the formal launch and

public presentation of the innovative programme in Lagos, DFID’s Private Sector Adviser, Patricia Seex, remarked that the project was conceived because of the growing number of children in Lagos private schools.

DFID has been supporting public sector education in the state since 2008 through the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN).

But this support, however, is being extended to the private sector following a recent research, which revealed that private schools in Lagos have large numbers of children in preprimary, primary and junior secondary schools, offering education with little or no

supervision.

The area of concentration for the project implementation would be private schools providing services for children from poor homes, near poor and the ultra-poor.

Findings, according to Seex, revealed the existence of about 15,000 private schools, both registered and non- registered, offering educational services to about 1.5 million children in the state.

“Private schools are major players on the Lagos education scene, dominating at the pre-primary and primary levels, and serving children from all levels of household income. However, most of these schools, located in Lagos streets and communi-

ties are not licensed to operate for several reasons, yet they deliver educational services to these children. In this context, it is clear that a better educational future for Lagos requires going beyond state schools.

“Lagos has a growing population, a vibrant economy and an aspiration to be Africa’s model megacity.

Education is recognised to be central to fulfilling this aspiration. With 15,000 private schools, Lagos has one of the largest private education markets in the world.

Credible efforts to improve the human capital of Lagos clearly needs to include the private sector; which is now the main provider of education, even for children from low-income families.”

The DEEPEN Team Leader, Mr. Gboyega Ilusanya, who presented the programme’s overview and implementation, noted that children, either from public or private schools need to be well groomed since they will all come out some day to affect or afflict the economy.

But “DFID justifies the case of supporting private education as they keep growing and employing large number of people. So there is need for creation of an enabling environment for private schools to provide the best for our children and that is the development task.”

“DEEPEN has conducted detailed market analysis to identify the main constraints and challenges for

Mahama urges agric varsity to spearhead useful innovations in agriculture From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi HANAIAN President, G John Mahama, says agriculture remains a vital tool in solving most societal problems, and should therefore be made attractive to people especially the youths.

In this direction, he has challenged the Federal University of Agriculture (UAM), Makurdi, Benue State, to evolve ways of turning around the fortunes of the people as well as work towards improving the living conditions of people through useful

innovations in agriculture.

Mahama, alongside other dignitaries including former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, and Johnnie Turner, were conferred with different honorary doctorate degrees by the institution at its 20th convocation ceremony and silver jubilee celebration in Makurdi.

Represented by the country’s Education Minister, Prof.

Naana OpokuAgyemors, Mahama pledged to champion the cause of promoting agricul-

ture not only in Ghana, but in Africa as a whole.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr Macjohn Onyikwara, urged the awardees to partner with the institution in raising its internally generated revenue (IGR).

The President reiterated that his administration attached high priority to education in order to enable universities turn out quality graduates who can compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the

world.

While stressing the need for individuals to step up assistance to government in its bid to emancipate the people through quality education, he charged management of the institution to fashion out ways that could help it improve on its internally generated revenue in order to tackle its financial problems.

In his remarks, the ProChancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Chief Chike Udenze, said that the university had evolved ways that would enable it step up its internally generated rev-

enue by establishing commercial crop farms.

Kucha on his part urged the graduands to be good ambassadors because “the training you have received has equipped you sufficiently as role models to humanity. The society and indeed the nation is looking up to you for improved scientific output, increased agricultural production and enhanced economic performance.

A total of 2, 010 graduand, comprising 1,676 Bachelor’s degrees and 434 postgraduate degrees holders

improved private education in Lagos. Rules and standard; finance; information and school improvement are the four priority areas, through which the programme will be delivered and which make up the intervention areas.

“By the conclusion of the project in 2018, we anticipate a vibrant and dynamic market for private education especially in low-cost schools across Lagos. We expect a sector characterised by learning innovations and quality improvements for children at all levels of household income. We envisage private schools that respond to parental demands and adapt to meet their expectations for better education,” he said.

The state Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, expressed hope that the programme would “ultimately be beneficial to us as government, because we are looking at intervention in our private schools, you know we have quite a number of them and those children in private schools we don’t have capacity as government to put them in our own schools. So if they are ready to assist us, it is highly commendable, but they must work by our rules and standard. They must participate the way government wants it, they must work in line with government’s programme and policies so that at the end of the day they must be able to guarantee good outcome from the beneficiary schools.”

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Why LASU fees will remain high, by Lagos Deputy Speaker

By Wole Oyebade MArTING from the hard Stimate knocks he received penulweek, when angry students of the Lagos State University (LASU) protested to the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Taiwo Kolawole, says the increment was neither arbitrary nor insensitive to the plight of the students.

In fact, the lawmaker says it was a necessary condition that has to take place in order to restore LASU back to its glory days.

The Deputy Speaker told reporters that the students’ alleged lack of consideration and insensitivity of the House towards indigenes of the state were baseless, coupled with their claim that high tuition fee was the root of the crisis in the school.

Seething students of the school, in company of right activists had staged a showdown at the House protesting over fees, some of which are as high as N350, 000.

“How many minimum wage earning parents or Level 14 officers in Lagos can afford that?” the students demanded to know.

Other than being drenched in invectives, the lawmakers who were led by Kolawole managed to escape being mauled by the angry students even as the latter explained that the issue in question was making a choice between educationfor-all or quality education for those that can afford it.

He stressed that if it “is quality education, then it will involve giving more resources to the system to function.”

The longest serving lawmaker in the Lagos Assembly (1999 till date) observed that there was a time in this country when LASU’s law department was a toast of all.

“Then, if anybody says I read law at LASU, people would bow in agreement that this is a qualified lawyer. If you hear Sanai Agunbiade (member of the House) talk about law, you’d want to be a lawyer.

“But today, we know there are some afternoon lawyers who know nothing about law. This is part of what led to changes in the school, and the management could not have done anything without a reason for it,” he said.

He pointed out that an indication that the school’s fortunes were dwindling was the then de-accreditation of 11 courses (including law), by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in October 2010, adding that the Assembly was peeved with that development.

Said he: “We (lawmakers) were never happy with that development. In response, the Speaker set-up a committee that I headed then and we went to the NUC in Abuja, where they told us that most of the courses in LASU had been on probation three times. They had the plan of coming to LASU to further deaccredit other courses. It was in that sad state that we returned that day.”

Continuing, he said: “When we returned from visitation to NUC, we went to see the law that established LASU and we realised that the governor ought to send Visitation Panel to LASU every five years but they had not done that for 10 years.

“We passed a resolution

that the governor should send a Visitation Panel to LASU and told NUC to give us six months that we would change LASU. One of the situations on ground was that the best law faculty in Nigeria few years ago, did not even have a single professor, whereas the condition of NUC is for a law faculty to have at least six professors.

“The governor set up a Visitation Panel, which told him to introduce new fees and they came up with a white paper in September 2011. When we saw what it contained, we turned it down because we wondered where undergraduates that were currently paying N25, 000 would get N250, 000 to pay?”

Kolawole noted that given the imperative of fee increment vis-à-vis the plight of the students and those already on the verge of admission into LASU, it was agreed that they should be exempted from the hike regime.

“We initially had an argument, but we agreed that they (undergraduates and freshmen) would still pay N25, 000 instead of N190, 000 and we would have a scholarship fund to pay the balance. So, those who were admitted from the 2011/12 session, cannot claim to be ignorant of the new law guiding tuition fees.”

Kolawole, representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun I

FUNAAB admits 3,493 students, inducts vet doctors medicine in Nigeria, adding N what could be described ism. The pursuit of academic mote the rules and regulathat, “the swearing-in of the Irestricted as a further confirmation of work flourishes best in a free tions and the good name of graduates today is subseaccess to tertiary and peaceful environment the university. Let the education in the country, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Prof. Olusola Oyewola, has revealed that out of the 25, 467 candidates that applied for admission into the university, only 3, 493 were eventually offered provisional admission.

He admonished the students to consider themselves fortunate to have secured admission into the school considering the high number of prospective students who applied. He, however, attributed the high number of applications to the “remarkable progress and development the institution has witnessed in all ramifications.”

He informed the admitted students that their credentials would be verified with the various examination bodies warning that: “Any student found to have falsified or forged any of his or her credentials would be promptly asked to leave the university and may even be handed over to the law enforcement agents for prosecution. The university has zero tolerance for academic indiscipline, disrespect for constituted authorities, rascality, irresponsible unionism, cultism, laziness, truancy and vandal-

devoid of rancour, antisocial behaviours and other un-warranted disturb a n c e s . ” Besides, he said that students who engage in examination malpractices and other related vices would face severe sanctions, ranging from rustication to expulsions, advising any new students facing harassment and undue pressure from any person to report the matter to the Dean of Students Affairs for advice.

“Your identity will always be protected but mischievous allegations are not encouraged at all,” he warned.

Oyewole said concerted efforts would be made to ensure that the students were empowered through entrepreneurial skills and given the opportunity to showcase their talents just as he lauded the outgone Students’ Union Government for its maturity.

He said: “Matriculation is not just a ceremony of merry-making and taking of photographs, but a serious business of oath-taking and signing of legal documents.

It is an agreement between you and the university with a promise to perform your duties and obligations; to respect, defend and pro-

Students’ Handbook be your guide.”

Meanwhile, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Professor Garba Sharubutu has charged FUNAAB’s newly inducted veterinary doctors to see their induction as a call to greater service, professionalism and unalloyed commitment to the practice of Sharubutu gave this charge at the sixth induction and swearing-in ceremony of graduates of the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. represented by his Vice-President, Dr. Allswell Emejuru, Sharubutu said that by virtue of the induction oath, the new doctors had accepted “to give unalloyed loyalty to the practice of the profession with diligence and precision in line with best practices.”

Commending the university for its commitment to applying best practices in all its dealings, the president said the law establishing the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) provided that only graduates from recognised veterinary schools, who satisfied the training conditions of the council were qualified to be registered to practice veterinary

quent to the positive report received from the VCN Examinations Observation Sub-committee, which visited the institution and observed its examination.”

He admonished the new doctors to be good ambassadors and strive to constantly update their knowledge, stressing that the profession “is a highly respected profession the world over.

Sharubutu pointed out that professional activities expected of them include carrying out diagnosis and performing laboratory test on sick animals, treatment

Constituency, stressed that the public should be aware that the state government has no business funding university education, neither should anyone be disillusioned that university fees would be cheaper.

His words: “I was happy reading in the newspapers that the cost of university education would always be higher in state-owned universities. To start with, it is not even the function of the state government to fund universities. The state government is to fund secondary education and intervene when there are issues with primary education. That is why we have the State Universal Basic Education Board.

of diseased animals including the performance of surgical operations.

Chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Professor Oyewale Tomori, who was represented by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Petcare Nigeria Ltd, Dr. Kunle Abiade, welcomed the new doctors into the body promising that their rights would not be infringed upon The Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET), Professor reuben Arowolo, lauded the contributions of the school’s management and other stakeholders in the development of the practice in FUNAAB.

260,000 students compete in Cowbell’s mathematics competition in 13 years

By Florence Utor rOM a modest beginning Fpupils in 1998, over 260, 000 have competed in the National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC), which is now in its 14th year.

And as the sponsoring firm clocks 20 years in business, it has promised to pull all stops and make the 14th edition a grand event, in appreciation of the widespread acceptance it has enjoyed from Nigerian students.

The Executive Director (Commercial) of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Kachi Onubogu, while speaking at a media briefing to kick-start activities leading to this year’s edition, said the competition, which began in Lagos in 1998 has not only covered the entire country, but has “seen over 260, 000 students sit for the examination and the number keep rising.”

The Executive Director who said the competition was aimed at encouraging the teaching, learning and study of mathematics and other sciences subjects among secondary school students across Nigeria, unarguably Nigeria’s longest running mathematics competition for secondary schools.

As this year’s edition coincides with the 20th anniversary of the sponsoring firm, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, “We are therefore ready to make it big and a landmark that it is,” adding that “this iconic competition is already in its 14th year and we are excited about the level of achievement we have made thus far and we are set to celebrate it big.

“NASSMAC has come to be the focal point of the teaching, learning, study and development of mathematics in Nigeria. It is the foundation upon which our journey to economic recovery and prudence must be built if we want to advance as a nation and take our rightful place among developed nations of the world. The importance of mathematics to our development and advancement as a developing economy cannot be over-emphasised. It is the basis of our development pursuits. It is fundamental to every aspect of our life as a nation. We need it in everything we do,” he said.

Onyekachi wins Ultimate Mathematics competition ASTEr Madumere M Samuel Onyekachi of God’s Pride Group of Schools, Ota, Ogun State has emerged winner of the 2nd edition of The Ultimate Mathematics Ambassador (TUMA).

Master Ogbebor Abraham Louis of Solid Heritage School, Ojodu, and Bale Idris Mayowa of Prestige Group of Schools finished second and third respectively in the competition.

The chairman of The Ambassadors Schools, Ota, Mr. Samson Yomi Osewa and the proprietor, Mrs. Victoria Olayemi Osewa initiated the competition.

Among others, the competition is aimed at engaging the young mathematicians in enrichment programmes as well as reduce and ultimately eliminate the phobia, which many pupils in the country have for mathematics.

At the end of the event, which was chaired by Evangelist D.A. Akinmosin, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Education represented by Zonal Education Officer in Ota, Mr. Abdulwaheed Olanloye, the winners, their subject teachers and schools carted away different monetary prizes.

Other dignitaries who wit-

nessed the competition were former dean, School of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Professor J.O. Moody, Head of Department of Mathematics, Covenant University Ota, Dr. Timothy Anake among others The first edition of the competition attracted over 120 nursery and primary schools in Ogun and Lagos states.

Based on the popularity of the competition, the number of the schools that participated in this year’s edition rose to over 200. A total of 600 pupils took part in the competition.

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B’Haram stalls oil exploration in Chad Basin, says NNPC Group demands contract documents, may sue corporation From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Azimazi Momoh Jimoh and Kanayo Umeh, Abuja IGERIA National P e t r o l e u m Corporation’s (NNPC’s) Group Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Yakubu has blamed delay in commencement of oil exploration in the North Eastern part of the country on the activities of the Boko Haram terror group.

Speaking when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) for the 2014 budget defence, he said, however, that there were additional seven basins apart from those of Chad that NNPC was exploring.

He said, “what we did last year was to acquire the aero magnetic data from the geometric survey department.

We have Yola, Bida, Sokoto, Dahomey and others. The main focus now, which was the result of an extensive geological study that was done a couple of years ago is on the Chad Basin.

“The data for the other basins had been acquired and as soon as we progress

N

with the Chad basins. It has 13 phases and we are now in phase six.”

While disclosing that the projection of a daily crude production of 2.44million barrels in 2014 was realistic, he also expressed fears that the security challenges occasioned by the pipeline breaches may affect the projection.

Meanwhile, a civil rights organisation, African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), has given NNPC a seven-day ultimatum to provide it the Certified True Copy of the bid tenders, awards and other related documents in respect of alleged oil deals with Swiss firms between January 2010 till date.

The organisation, which affirmed that it was relying on Section 1 (1) and (2) of the Freedom of Information Act (2011), said it would institute proceedings in court for an Order of Mandamus compelling the NNPC to comply.

Counsel to ANEEJ, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in a letter written on his behalf by lawyers in his chambers,

John Ainetor and Benedicta Obanye, to Yakubu, said the rights group was working on revenue transparency in the extractive sector and on several issues around the reforms in the oil and gas industry.

He said, “in the course of our legal activities with our client, we have a need to confirm certain information in your custody in respect of the offshore processing contracts, crude swap contracts and NNPC crude lifting contracts that were executed from January 2010 till date.

“Based on the foregoing, we hereby demand for the Certified True Copy of some documents within seven days of your receipt of this letter pursuant to Section 1 (1) and (2) and Section 4 (a) of the FoI Act. Take notice that should you fail, neglect or refuse to comply with our demand herein, we shall proceed to institute proceedings in court for an Order of Mandamus compelling you to comply in accordance with Section 1 (3) of the FoI Act. Please be advised.”

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Ahmed cautions opposition on workers’ welfare From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin WARA State Government has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to stop politicising issues that concern the welfare of workers and indeed all citizens of the state.

The government advised the party to provide credible alternative to government programmes rather than playing to the gallery “with weighty issues.”

Abdulwahab Oba, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, during a press briefing in Ilorin, said: “We reject the PDP’s attempt to politicise the on-going dialogue between the state government and organised

K

• PDP will reclaim mandate from APC in Kwara, says Akpabio labour. Labour’s dispute was due to a misunderstanding, which both parties are currently resolving through dialogue.”

Meanwhile, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, has assured PDP members in Kwara State that the party under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman, Dr. Adamu Muazu would reclaim its stolen governorship seat from the All Progressives Congress (APC), just as he noted that what the people of Kwara State needed was not just change but real change, which only the PDP can bring.

Speaking at the unity rally

of the party in Ilorin, which was organised to welcome some defectors from the APC on Monday, Akpabio, who is also the chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, commiserated with the people of Kwara over the calamity, which befell them during the last Sallah celebrations in the home of an APC chieftain, praying for the repose of their souls.

Akpabio, who was accompanied by his colleagues to deliver a goodwill message to the new members assured them that “with the turnout we have witnessed here today, it is clear that come 2015, the people of the state will come out en masse to install the PDP at all levels of governance just like you

did in 2011. Kwara since the days of our late Baba, has always been playing national and not regional politics, which the APC wants to impose on you. We are here today to join you to say no to oppression and intimidation. We are here to declare freedom over the state.”

Oba went on: “As a labour friendly governor, Governor Ahmed last week had separate meetings with organised labour unions during which some of the misunderstandings were resolved while high-powered committees comprising labour representatives and top government officials were set up to expeditiously identify solutions to all outstanding issues. For

example, the annual increment has already been implemented while the issue of minimum wage for other cadre is receiving attention.”

“It is on record that the Kwara State Government was one of the first to begin implementation of the national minimum wage despite its lean FAAC allocations. Furthermore, our labour friendly administration continues to prioritise workers’ welfare through prompt salary payment, training and retraining, provision of access to affordable credit such as N4 billion in car loans and provision of conducive office accommodation, among other welfare programmes.

“Outside the civil service, government’s empowerment efforts such as

employment of 5,000 youths, disbursement of N520 million in revolving credit to artisans and other groups are some of the impactful programmes designed to enhance the welfare of the people. As a responsive and responsible administration, we refuse to politicise the people’s interest and welfare.

Rather, we advise the PDP to imbibe our progressive agenda as their attempt to play politics with the issue of workers has failed and will continue to.

“We salute organised labour for its maturity and understanding of government’s position.

Government is doing all in its power to meet workers’ aspirations on a timely and mutually satisfactory basis”.

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At Open Mic Forum, artistes showcase talents

By Cleopatra Eki EORGE Bako Villa at Federal Radio Corporation Nigeria (FRCN) Ikoyi, Lagos came alive recently as artistes, lovers of arts and stakeholders gathered for the Metro Open Mic event, which witnessed electrifying performances from artistes, as they showcased their talents and works The event featured over 25 artistes from Lagos and environs, who thrilled the audience through spoken word performance, poetry, songs, music, readings, story-telling among others. The event was hosted by Metro FM’s slam master, Mr. Ken Ike Okere and powered by Eko Society Literary Society.

In his welcome address, one of the organisers and the master of ceremony, Adeniyi Kunnu, charged the artistes to remain true to their dreams

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Lubricant Research and Development Manager, Mohammed Dahiru (left) displaying one of the Oando Lubricant brands to star distributor and overall winner of the Lubes Award, Alhaji Amishu Dansiki, while other distributors look on during distributors’ products facility tour of the company.

Oando Marketing rewards distributors ANDO Marketing Plc has O lifted the fortunes of its distributors nationwide by rewarding committed and diligent partnership demonstrated by star distributors who met and exceeded year 2013 set targets in the sale of Oando Oleum range of lubricants.

The reward include incentives ranging from cash prizes, 15kv generator sets and a brand new Nissan Pickup truck were presented at the weekend during the Lubes Distributors’ Awards held at the new ultra-modern head office complex of the company located at Apapa, Lagos.

As an integral part of the award ceremony, the distributors who came from all parts of the country were availed the opportunity to have a better understanding and firsthand experience of the meticulous product manufacturing process for all premium lubricant brands as they were taken round on a facility tour of the state-of-the-art Apapa Lubes Blending Plant.

Earlier in his welcome address at the occasion, Lubricant Research and Development Manager, Mr. Mohammed Dahiru had disclosed that the award initiative was instituted as Oando Marketing Plc’s way of recognizing the distributors for their outstanding performance in year 2013. Dahiru hinted that the company last year made a promise to reward distributors that met their targets or exceeded it and as such, the lucky winners were the ones that lived up to expectation as they were able to take the company’s lubricant brands to all nooks and crannies with astonishing results.

Presenting the awards, Oando Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Olaposi Williams commended the distributors for their hardwork, astuteness and resourcefulness in making sure that Oleum range of lubricants remains the leader in the Nigerian lubricants market.

She stated that, “whereas 2013 was a difficult and challenging year with attendant negative factors militating almost all sectors of the economy, lubricants market inclusive, the distributors persevered and excelled in promoting Oando lubricants to higher pedestal in the market.

despite all odds, believing that with time their efforts and endeavours would pay off. He advised them not to undermine the Open Mic Forum, as a little beginning would metamorphose into a huge platform in the future.

Kunnu said the Open Mic event would be two-in-one event every first Saturday of the month. In addition, there was interactive session among the artistes on current issues such as National Conference, alleged missing funds at NNPC, lingering Benue primary school teachers’ strike, Central Africa Republic crisis, among others.

The forum champions social change and educates the masses.

Among artistes who thrilled the audience were Joyce Nwahokwai (aka JYC) with the poem titled “This world this life”, Endurance Emmafino

with “Arise and shine”, Fidel Daniel with “Change is not a dream”, St Rhythm with “Love”, Audu Ehis with “Forgive me”. A female poet, Atilola, thrilled guests with a poem on social victims, while Dan Darey entertained with a poem titled “I love music”; it was dedicated to late Sule from Kwara State, who died during the fuel crisis. Other artistes who performed during the event were Osigwe Benjamin, AK Daniel and Hassan Peter.

The high point of the event was the performance of Ezzdeon Duane, with his freestyle poetry rendered in French; a female poet, Kenny Bakare (aka Kemistry), who thrilled guests with her poem “Why should I hide”, dedicated to the female folks. Kunnu also brought the show to a climax with a story titled “Ministry politics”.

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MarketReport EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

AS AT 05=03=2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014 MARKET REPORT 65

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MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 05=03=2014

PRIMERA AFRICA

NSE lauds Meristem’s new technology platform Stories by Helen Oji HE Nigerian Stock Exchange T has lauded the new platform Meristem’s Meritrade platform, noting that the platform would enhance operational speed and accessibility.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Oscar Onyema stated this at the launch of the platform in Lagos yesterday.

He said: “the Meritrade platform being launched today has been demonstrated as one that provides Speed, Accessibility and Robustness of technology systems...all critical success factors of Modern Trading where key industry trends embrace Mobile/e-Trading and new technology-enabled trading models amongst other realities.

We have been working towards increasing the retail investor base with intent of reaching out, even to the rural areas.

“Anticipatorily, Meristem’s Meritrade should contribute substantially to the realization of this intent. Meristem Securities has demonstrated they have what it takes to continue moving forward and we wish them all the best as they continue their progressive ride in the Capital Market.

“On April 20, 2011 during the Nigerian-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Monthly Breakfast Forum, we shared that our vision at The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) was “To be the leading Stock Exchange in the African region for capital formation, driven by Transparency, INNOVATION, Efficiency and Liquidity.”

“We confirmed that we shall adopt global best practices that will increase efficiency, improve transparency and drive operational excellence.

We also made it clear that our strategy for developing and protecting the Nigerian Capital Market would be driven by collaboration with market participants. My presence

here today is to further demonstrate that we are focused on the strategic declaration made in 2011 and we have been guided by same till date.” He said.

Onyema assured that the Exchange would continue to supports innovations such as MERITRADE, adding that in the NSE’s transformation strategy, a 21st century technology strategies was a key part of the ‘five pillars’ for growth.

The growth strategy, according to him was designed along with targeted Business Development, Strong Regulation, appropriate Investor Protection Strategies and growth enabling Market Structure.

“While the NSE’s focus from 2011 to 2013 has been on restructuring, improving technology, product development and advocacy for changes to policy, in 2014 we determined to shift gears to drive innovations centered on increasing global visibility into the Nigerian capital market, developing a larger footprint on the continent and ultimately, targeting emerging market status. We believe that these steps are critical to the NSE becoming the foremost securities exchange on the continent.

“One of the strategic drivers of our 2014 -2016 objectives is to transform our market operators. Technology, process and human capital will be the hallmarks of this capital market operator transformation.

On the Technology front, we rolled out X-Gen, which is our next generation Trading Platform that supports FIX protocol. We believe that this will drive our market to the next level.

“We have mentioned over time that Mobile and Online trading are part of the next wave in our market development efforts as we exist in a hyperconnected world. This position is rooted on the realization that the Securities industry is largely powered by Technology.” he

Exchange’s All/share index depreciates further by 0.1 per cent qUITy Transactions on the Insurance recorded 61.748 milE Nigerian Stock Exchange lion shares cost N50.570 milcontinued on a downward note yesterday, even as more blue chip companies joined the league of losers, resulting to a further slide in the All/share index by 0.1 per cent.

Specifically, at the closed of trading yesterday, market capitalization fell by N23 billion to N12.568 trillion from N12.591 trillion recorded on Tuesday.

Similarly, the All Share Index (ASI) slide by 72.00 basis points from 39199.41 to 39127.41 points.

Further review of yesterday’s review transactions showed that investors bought 884.273 million shares worth N4.477 billion in 4956 deals against 341.165 million shares valued at N4.839 billion exchanged by investors the previous day in 4993 deals.

Wema Bank was most active stock for the day, accounting for 409.236 million shares worth N410.222 million, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (TRANSCORP) followed with account of 86.647 million shares valued at N341.580 million while NEM

lion.

Zenith International Bank Plc traded 56.028 million shares worth N1.197 billion and African Alliance Insurance sold 50.000 million shares valued at N25.00 million. On the price movement chart, Mobil Nigeria Plc led gainers table, appreciating by N5.84 kobo to close at N125.98 per share.

Nigerian Breweries followed, adding N3.88 kobo to close at N148.89 per share.

Flour Mill Nigeria Plc, Guinness and UAC Property enhanced by N3.30 kobo, N1.00 and N0.98 kobo respectively to close at N81.30 , N180.00 and N21.95 per share.

On the contrary, Nestle Nigeria Plc emergedthe highest price loser, dropping by N15.00 to close at N1060.00 while Total Nigeria Plc trailed with N7.00 to close at N166.00per share.

Dangote Cement declined by N2.00 to close at N238. Other stocks that depreciated in Price were NCR and CAP Plc shed N0.84 kobo and N0.75 kobo respectively to close at N15.00 and N45.25 per share.

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

GlobalStocks U.S. stocks almost steady on Ukraine’s tension, jobs data NITED States (U.S.) stocks fluctuated, after the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rallied the most this year to a record, as investors assessed the Ukraine crisis and weakerthan-estimated data on payrolls and services.

Exxon Mobil Corp. dropped 2.7 per cent to lead a gauge of energy producers lower. Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. jumped 17 per cent after the gun maker raised its profit forecast. GameStop Corp. added 3.8 per cent after boosting its quarterly dividend.

The S&P 500 (SPX) gained 0.1

U

per cent to 1,875.23 at 10:47 a.m. in New York. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 20.51 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 16,375.37. Trading in S&P 500 stocks was 7.4 per cent below the 30-day average at this time of day.

“I think Ukraine is certainly on the market’s radar screens and certainly still in the headlines,” Jeffrey Kleintop, chief market strategist at LPL Financial LLC, which manages $414.7 billion, said by phone from Boston. “Markets are continuing to give a free pass to any weak economic number

because of the weather. That could be the case for much of the data we’re going to get through February. Stocks will ignore the data if it’s bad and rally on the number if it’s good.”

The S&P 500 jumped 1.5 per cent yesterday for its biggest rally this year after comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin spurred speculation that the Ukraine crisis won’t immediately worsen.

The index had dropped the most in a month on March 3 and a gauge of volatility spiked 14 per cent on concern that

Russia’s military presence in the Crimea region could lead to a larger conflict.

Secretary of State John Kerry was expected to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Paris yesterday to discuss the crisis. The U.S. has considered sanctions against Russia and aid to the government in Kiev.

Putin said yesterday he saw no immediate need to invade Ukraine, though he reserved the right for military action to defend ethnic Russians in the region.

“Markets globally are very resilient to these types of

events,” Patrick Spencer, head of equity sales at Robert W. Baird & Co. in London, said in a phone interview, referring to the tensions in Ukraine. “The volatility certainly for this geopolitical situation is noisy but I don’t think it’s the key. Far more important is policy on interest rates. The macro direction and economic growth environment has been strong.”

U.S. companies added 139,000 workers in February, fewer than the 155,000 advance estimated by economists, a sign that employers were waiting for a pickup in demand before

boosting headcount, a report from the ADP Research Institute in Roseland, New Jersey showed today.

Separate data indicated that service industries in the U.S. expanded in February at the slowest pace in four years, reflecting a plunge in hiring that shows the biggest part of the economy is struggling as harsher weather weighs on consumers and businesses.

The Institute for Supply Management’s non-manufacturing index slipped to 51.6 in February from 54 the previous month.

European stocks slide over China’s strains, Crimea UROPE’S main stock marE kets fell yesterday on fresh concerns over Chinese growth and after a rollercoaster start to the week caused by the crisis in Crimea of Ukraine.

London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index dropped 0.61 per cent to stand at 6,782.19 points in afternoon trade, with the heavyweight mining sector knocked by unease over China, traders said.

Frankfurt’s DAX 30 slid 0.29 per cent to 9,561.62 points but in Paris the CAC 40 edged up 0.03 per cent compared with Tuesday’s closing values to 4,397.35.

“UK markets have taken a turn for the worse this morning after more news from China and a number of disappointing updates weighed on the benchmark,” said CMC Markets trader Toby Morris.

“China re-affirming a 7.5-per cent growth target should be good news on recent form, but analysts have cast doubt over whether that is achievable...

The lack of clarity has weighed on basic resources which is

Traders in front of the DAX board at the Frankfurt stock exchange … recently.

one of the worst performing sectors.”

Among the fallers were mining giants, shares in AngloAustralian Rio Tinto shed 1.27 per cent to 3,273.5 pence while rival BHP Billiton fell 2.39 per cent to 1,881 pence.

China’s National People’s Congress began its annual meeting yesterday, with Premier Li Keqiang saying the government was targeting 7.5 growth in 2014, unchanged from last year’s forecast.

The figure is below the 7.7 per cent recorded in 2013 and 2012 — also the lowest growth rate since 1999.

Meanwhile, data released yesterday suggested the eurozone economic recovery is strengthening.

Gross domestic growth accelerated to 0.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2013, while the Eurozone Composite Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), compiled by Markit Economics, showed that business activity expanded at the fastest rate in two-and-a-half years in February.

Asian shares higher as Putin plays down prospect of war SIAN markets mostly rose A yesterday, following a global rally on easing fears about Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin played down the prospect of war.

His comments, which sent the S&P 500 on Wall Street to a new record high, fuelled a second day of buying in much of Asia. The dollar edged up against the yen as investors became more confident in higher-risk assets.

Australian shares were also boosted by better than expected growth data. But Shanghai and Hong Kong edged lower as China’s leaders tempered expectations for the world’s number two economy this year with a modest forecast for expansion.

Tokyo jumped 1.20 per cent, or 176.15 points, to 14,897.63 and Seoul climbed 0.88 per

cent, or 17.13 points, to close at 1,971.24. Sydney added 0.85 per cent, or 46.0 points, to 5,446.2.

But Shanghai ended 0.89 per cent lower, giving up 18.39 points to 2,053.08, and Hong Kong lost 0.34 per cent, or 77.85 points, to close at 22,579.78.

Investors breathed a sigh of relief after Putin said Tuesday that while he reserved the right to send troops into Ukraine, “so far there is no such necessity” and such a move would only be a last resort.

Global markets had tumbled on Monday after lawmakers voted to allow Putin to send troops into Crimea, a mainly Russian-speaking peninsula in the southeast of Ukraine, following the ousting of the country’s proMoscow government.

On Wall Street Tuesday, the

S&P 500 advanced 1.53 per cent to a new record, the Dow surged 1.41 per cent and the Nasdaq gained 1.75 per cent.

“We’re not sure how one says ‘phew’ in Russian, yet that is a collective exclamation at this juncture,” said Briefing.com analyst Patrick O’Hare.

The latest news boosted the dollar against the yen in New York trade after it sank earlier in the week as traders sought out the relative safety of the Japanese unit.

The dollar bought 102.36 yen, compared with 102.24 yen late in New York and well up from the 101.74 yen in Asia earlier Tuesday.

The euro fetched $1.3731 and 140.61 yen against $1.3740 and 140.49 yen.

China’s National People’s Congress began its annual meeting yesterday, with Premier Li Keqiang saying the

Investors breathed a sigh of relief after Putin said Tuesday that while he reserved the right to send troops into Ukraine, “so far there is no such necessity” and such a move would only be a last resort. government was targeting 7.5 growth in 2014, unchanged from last year’s forecast.

The figure is below the 7.7 per cent growth seen in 2013 and 2012 — which was the worst rate since 1999.

The economic growth estimate is closely watched for insight into the leadership’s thinking about the economy and how they expect it to perform.

The “around 7.5 per cent” goal came after soft recent economic data, with a key manufacturing index slipping to an eight-month low in February.

“On one hand it serves as a signal to stabilise expectations, while on the other it

shows policymakers have confidence in maintaining stable momentum in the overall economy,” said Ma Xiaoping, Beijing-based economist for HSBC. Shares in Sydney were supported after official data showed Australia’s economy expanded 0.8 per cent quarteron-quarter in the last three months of 2013, higher than the 0.7 per cent forecast thanks to a pick-up in exports.

The figures add to indications in Australia that the country is at an upwards turning point.

The Australian dollar rose to 89.92 US cents in response to the news, from Tuesday’s close of 89.31 US cents.

Oil prices were mixed. New York’s main contract, West Texas Intermediate for April delivery, rose seven cents to $103.40 in afternoon trade, while Brent North Sea crude for April eased 30 cents to $109.00.

Gold fetched $1,333.97 an ounce at 1040 GMT compared with $1,337.11 late Tuesday.

In other markets: • Bangkok gained 0.43 per cent, or 5.82 points, to 1,351.64.

Coal producer Banpu closed unchanged at 26.50 baht while Bangkok Bank rose 1.70 per cent or 3.00 baht to 179.00 baht • Jakarta climbed 1.26 per cent, or 57.89 points, to 4,659.17.

Palm oil firm Wilmar Cahaya Indonesia jumped 24.90 per cent to 1,630 rupiah, while retailer Ramayana Lestari Sentosa slipped 0.35 per cent to 1,420 rupiah.

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For The Record Place of education in political, economic and cultural Speech delivered on the occasion of the maiden public lecture/conference of National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) on Saturday, March 1, 2014 in Warri

By Tony Afejuku LL of us here may not know how perfect or A how suitable my title is to the main theme of this one-day public lecture/conference, and any or all of the sub-themes. I say so because all of us here may not know what cholera precisely is even though we hear the dreaded name now and then.

The cholera bacterium is usually “transmitted through infected food and water. It causes a profuse, painless, watery diarrhea with consequent [severe or] extreme dehydration, weakness and often death.” It causes incessant stooling and non-stop vomiting. Ultimately, as I have just said, it births extreme dehydration with tragic/catastrophic consequences. Without an urgent intervention it can level, devastate and depopulate the most populous of territories. You can imagine what it can do to a sparse and minority ethnic nationality such as ours if it invades our territory or homeland of Warri.

In Nigeria today, we all are being devastated by its onslaught education-wise. In our land, in particular, that is, in our Itsekiri-land, we are really in for it. The pain of education, or of the lack of it, is having a telling effect on us.

Or perhaps I should say that the pain of improper education or of the lack of proper education is having a devastatingly telling effect on us. In fact, this lack is crushing, devastating our land in the way and manner cholera does, cholera that is out of control and which is not remedied.

In times past, at least in early colonial times as well as in early post-colonial times, Itsekiriland, or better tendered, our Itsekiri ethnic nationality, was a well talked about one, a very famous one, in terms of the educational endowments and achievements of Itsekiri sons and daughters. Our Itsekiri people were universally acknowledged educationally as members of the leading light of our great country that today’s little and tiny men and women are diminishing, little and tiny men and women who wish to be recognized and called leaders. In times past we had Itsekiri men who were beacons of light of progress even though they were people of slight learning. But their slight education or standard six education stood them in good stead as businessmen and businesswomen (and as political leaders who played immeasurable roles in the destiny of Itsekiriland and of eventually Nigeria). I don’t wish to mention names, but from the point of view of my present focus, who will fail to remember our Festus OkotieEbohs, Alfred Rewanes, Pastor Omatsolas, Nelson Asingboro Afejukus, James Awadagin Thomases, William and Olumaro Sagays, KB Omatseyes and Madam Ojojos, all of whom (minus KB Omatseye perhaps) may now be of distant memories to many Itsekiris of the present generation? These personages played leading roles in the respective destinies of their ethnic Itsekiri nationality and of their 1914 amalgamated country called Nigeria.

They, as human beings, had their foibles, but they were universally recognized as great cultural, political and economic personages of their land. Let me spare you the details of their achievements and accomplishments for their Itsekiri fatherland.

They were selflessly industrious pioneers and forebears who deserve to be remembered and eternally honoured in the annals of their Itsekiri-land and Nigeria. That all or none of them are not remembered today in Nigeria’s centenary celebration calls to question the genuineness and truthfulness of those who conceived the idea or thought of the event, which we must laugh to scorn and consign to the trash-can or humour-basket of historical derision. We are Itsekiri people,

Prof. Afejukwu and we must not fight shy, no matter what, of the great contributions of our heroes past to the making of Nigeria, past and present. So let us not make murmurs about the sham centenary celebration in Abuja. After all, this is the time of cholera. This partly also explains why a colossus such as Paramount Ruler Dore Numa of the great Kingdom of Warri, for instance, is not remembered in Abuja. On this perhaps greatest of the greatest Itsekiri historical personages, O.N. Rewane also of blessed memory, wrote as follows: You will always be remembered as the “Justinian” of Itsekiri Jurisprudence. Your political skill and unprecedented industry earned you a place in the Nigerian Council of Five in 1932

to assist Sir Fredrick Lugard in the process of the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 and in the formulation of government policies. We recall that the other Nigerians were the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Kano, the Alafin of Oyo and Chief Henshaw of Calabar.

This quotation speaks volumes. And it should prick the conscience of Abuja if it has any.

What is significant in this lecture, however, is that the named Itsekiri pioneers (and those not listed here) overcame all odds to do what many Itsekiris of the present generation have not achieved and may never achieve for Itsekiri-land in spite of their superior education. And we must put their superior

What is significant in this lecture, however, is that the named Itsekiri pioneers (and those not listed here) overcame all odds to do what many Itsekiris of the present generation have not achieved and may never achieve for Itsekiri-land in spite of their superior education. And we must put their superior education in inverted commas, in quotation marks. In other words, we must question the superior education of the class of the current generation who are a bunch of Itsekiris of choleric propensities. Of course, they belong to a generation suffering from cholestasis, I mean political and economic cholestasis.

education in inverted commas, in quotation marks. In other words, we must question the superior education of the class of the current generation who are a bunch of Itsekiris of choleric propensities. Of course, they belong to a generation suffering from cholestasis, I mean political and economic cholestasis. I say this without qualms because their educational gall bladder and flow of bile have been obstructed by choleric learning. And their greed is choking and ruining Itsekiriland. This greed results from their gluttonous gluttony, which cholera bacterium has infected severely. What is happening in Ugborodo today is a fitting example to cite. The wealth generated there can transform the whole of Itsekiri-land for good and forever and forever technologically, scientifically, educationally, economically, culturally, and medically. But the negatively blessed ones are too, too sick to be patriotic heroes of our ethnic nationality. This is cholera season, this is cholera time. Perhaps we should put the blame squarely and squarely where it belongs: the Kingdom of Cholera. And the chieftains and denizens, for how long will they choke us with the emotions of cholera? How pertinent are these metaphors of choleric greed!

But I am jumping the gun.

In post-colonial Itsekiri-land, I mean in early post-colonial Nigeria running from the 1970s (and even earlier), several Itsekiri men and women who had acquired university degrees, diplomas and pertinent certificates overseas and in Nigeria played outstanding roles in the educational advancement of Itsekiri-land and Nigeria respectively. The Ogbemi Rewanes, Andrew Agbaminebitse Esanjumi Sagays, Beghos, Boyos, and Grace Alele-Williams easily come to mind. Of course, when you recall our early lawyers – the Egbes, Godwin Boyos, Mason Beghos, Rufus Ogbobines, Franklin Atakes and technocrats and professionals such as the Ejueyitsis, Alison Ayidas , Pilot Bob Hayes, and Sam Amukas and outstanding academics such as the Billy Dudleys, Oritsejolomi Thomases and others of very shining abilities, you don’t need to compel this lecture deliverer to overlabour the point that Itsekiri-land has had its more than fair share of its golden age and era of men of learning and of character who gave, individually and collectively, the Itsekiri ethnic nationality an excellently worthy name and stamp befitting the Itsekiri nation.

What we have now and what we shall have, regretfully, in the years ahead is a sad, a very sad, reflection of what gave our Itsekiri nation the blessed name of a blessed people.

I presume that members of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) are leaders of tomorrow. A glance at their letter of invitation to me for this lecture is an evidence of the choleric education plaguing Itsekiri-land and Nigeria as a whole. A glance also at the document detailing the “Aims and Objectives of the Association” is a similarly telling evidence of what has become of us now and what might become of our aspirations for tomorrow. This is the time of cholera, the time when education in all sectors and levels of education in Itsekiri-land and Nigeria is dying of the education disease known by its rightful name of cholera-of-education.

But I must put the blame squarely where it should be put. The current Itsekiri political class and their friends and loyalists have failed us. Not only are they intolerant of criticism (no matter how mild) and their critics, they, very fully so, are not thinking of giving Itsekiris and Itsekiri-land the necessary advancement politically, educationally, economically and culturally, for instance. From the mannerism of almost each and every one of them, what is foremost is what they can store and stock for themselves and their nuclear families up to the next and next and next generations. Why, for instance, are they not dwelling on the great thought of giving Itsekiri-land a university worth its name and

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advancement of Itsekiri-land in time of cholera worthy of what we are courtesy of our excellently illustrious ancestors? They are establishing a polytechnic in Itsekiriland but who says that is what Itsekiris want now? A polytechnic is good but a university befits Itsekiri-land now in view of who and what we are. A polytechnic is dear to us but a university is dearer. This is the truth. We are grateful to our governor brother and son for giving us a polytechnic, but we shall be doubly grateful to him if he establishes a university in our land now or if he kindly converts the yet-to-take-off Abiugborodo Polytechnic to a University of Warri at Abiugborodo. Governor Uduaghan should borrow a leaf from President Jonathan and do the rightful thing for his Itsekiri people before he leaves office. Warri Kingdom deserves a university even in the season of cholera. There can be no better time than now. Am I wrong?

And why are the political class not putting into reality the necessity of giving our land cultural experts and icons through encouragements and sponsorships of talented Itsekiri sons and daughters? Or don’t we need journalists, writers, poets and novelists of note in our land? And how many Itsekiri billionaires of true worth are they producing across the Itsekiri divide for the sake of tomorrow? There are many patriotic questions to ask them, but the negatively lucky men and women of the moment seem too far gone in their choleric land to tolerate any meaningful contribution from an outsider and sharp critic like this lecturer who must be feared and who must kpimenyin (get back – from the mainstream), as they would put it in their ekun, that is, in their coven of covens. But who is the genuine critic who is hankering after the porridge served with porringers infected with cholera?

The genuine critic must serve his fatherland genuinely and patriotically, without the negative thought that patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel. On this note, I must leave you with extracts of a poem by Bertolt Brecht (1898 – 1956), German radical dramatist and poet. The poem is entitled “In Praise of Learning:” Learn the simplest things.

For those whose moment has come It is never too late.

Learn the ABC, it’s not enough, but Learn it. Don’t let it get you down!

Get on with it! You must know everything.

You must take over the leadership.

Learn, man in the mad house!

Learn, man in the prison!

Learn, woman in the kitchen!

Learn sixty-year old!

You must take over the leadership.

Search out the school, you homeless.

Secure yourselves Knowledge, you who are frozen!

You who are starving, grab hold of the book: It’s a weapon.

You must take over the leadership.

Don’t be ashamed to ask, comrade!

Don’t let anything dissuade you See for yourself!...

Put your finger on every item Ask: how did that get there?

You must take over the leadership.

The poem is self-explanatory. It does not need us to comment further on it. It means exactly what it says and means.

We are in the time of cholera. But learning, good, effective learning which will enable us to embrace our creative cultural properties and etiquette of goodness and its benefits will give us a lasting cure to the highly dangerous and infectious disease in our land. I want to believe that the “REBELS” in Ugborodo are determined to end this disease for us. Perhaps I am wrong. But the leadership must change for the better. If they don’t want to change, change them. And we must sing the song that says that only change changes. You must take over the leadership. The season of cholera cannot last forever. But we must note this: to survive as a minority ethnic nationality in present-day Nigeria and Nigeria of tomorrow, we must now and henceforth imbibe the mentality that is responsive to change. Dr. Charles Robert Darwin (1809 – 1882), the English naturalist and scientist, informed us long ago, that species that survive all odds to live in (and outside) their habitats are those that are responsive to change. The tough ones that don’t adapt to their surroundings die and go into oblivion, despite their toughness, power and strength.

The soft, feeble ones always live, always grow because they are responsive to change.

Itsekiri-land must not be submerged or submersed in a multi-ethnic Nigeria through the inefficient service of those that pervade and parade Itsekiri-land as leaders of today and tomorrow and of our destined eternity. The season of cholera

And why are the political class not putting into reality the necessity of giving our land cultural experts and icons through encouragements and sponsorships of talented Itsekiri sons and daughters? Or don’t we need journalists, writers, poets and novelists of note in our land?

And how many Itsekiri billionaires of true worth are they producing across the Itsekiri divide for the sake of tomorrow? There are many patriotic questions to ask them, but the negatively lucky men and women of the moment seem too far gone in their choleric land to tolerate any meaningful contribution from an outsider and sharp critic like this lecturer who must be feared and who must kpimenyin (get back – from the mainstream), as they would put it in their ekun, that is, in their coven of covens. will not last forever. Those who must dare must dare to wipe out the unusual type of cholera plaguing Itsekiri-land. Think, Itsekiris, think, you off-springs of your forebears! Plan, Itsekiris, plan, you off-springs of your forebears! You are not dastards and are not the off-springs of dastards.

To round off, this subject has no conclusion because it is not a matter we can conclude now or in the foreseeable future.

We must keep on talking to ourselves. Other pertinent matters are not subjects of a public lecture, or for a public audience.

Thank you for your kind attention.

• Afejuku, an international scholar-poet and newspaper (Tri-

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

ISSUE

Bridging the gap between overseas, Nigerian education With the growth and demand for university and post-graduate education far exceeding supply, the possibility for resolution for the provisions for qualitative output of tertiary education standards in Nigeria is being questioned. While foremen in the education sector examine solutions with the government, a large segment of Nigerians prefere the overseas education option. The Managing Director of FAB Consulting Nigeria Limited, Felix Adedayo, speaks with OLUDARE RICHARDS on Nigerian education and the overseas advantage.

From Oludare Richards, Abuja AVING been professionally H involved in the educational consulting and ICT related field for 10 years now, Adedayo has helped to facilitate the education of over 5,000 Nigerian students in different universities outside the country — Asia, Europe and America in the last six years.

Representing various foreign tertiary institutions as education consultant, his consulting firm has provided enabling channels for Nigerian students to study abroad. He says: “I studied abroad too, and if you must be told, there’s a huge difference between studying in Nigeria and overseas. Though, we do have a fantastic schooling system in Nigeria, especially our high school system that is better than some developed countries maintain. The major area where development is needed is the tertiary education system.”

He firmly believes that the education system in Nigeria can get better if improvements in terms of infrastructural development and provision of adequate up-to-date equipments and educational training tools are incorporated into schools.

Adedayo adds, “though, it is good to study both at home abroad, the one overseas exposes you to so much infrastructural facilities that are lacking in here.”

While showing his preference to overseas’ study, Adedayo says it is a whole different experience in itself, to this end, he encourages Nigerians, who can afford it to study abroad.

“Education is not the only benefit,” he says, “there are so much things to learn outside the classroom.”

He gives an example of the ASUU strike as phenomena, you won’t get to experience in developed countries. He says a foreign colleague had once asked him, “do you mean that ‘when strikes like this happen, the whole schooling system just shuts down?’ They just don’t understand. This is a

Educational minister, Wike

Adedayo

whole system, I mean, it’s like having hospitals shut while you have patients on life support systems. Education is a lifestyle too.”

With so many Nigerians dependent on the education system and with interests on ‘going concerns’ too, issues of welfare, infrastructural development, up-to-date learning equipment and tools, needs to be addressed—as the importance of the effects of educational balance and advancements in the economy should not be ignored.

Adedayo expressed displeasure at the state of the higher

institutions quality of education, infrastructures and amenities. He said, “I recall the Mechanical Engineering Department of a school I once visited around 1994 before I travelled; a laboratory that had suffered deterioration, between then and now, has known no improvement, I mean it is only worse now.”

In a country where its universities and its institutions of higher learning were rated with the best in the world in the 60’s and 70’s, stating that it has only suffered ignorance and neglect is not at all far from the truth.

Reps to unearth how Danjuma panel allegedly spent N700m on hotels From Adamu Abuh, Abuja EMBERS of the Public M Accounts Committee (PAC) are beaming their searchlights on a presidential advisory committee led by former Minister of Defence, Gen Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma over an expenditure of over N700 million as accommodation expenses in 2010.

In a bid to ascertain the veracity of the expenditure, the lawmakers, who are probing how the service wide votes, was expended from 2002 – 2012, also summoned the authorities of Transcorp Hilton Hotel to explain its role in the expenditure.

The committee, led by Mr. Adeola Olamilekan, has expressed readiness to summon the head of the five star hotel to authenticate if the vouchers covering the expenditure were genuine or fake.

The lawmakers intervention was engendered by a query from the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF) to the budget office demanding a convincing explanations on how the T.Y Danjuma led committee expended about N1.28 billion to execute its assignment in 2010.

The Director General, Budget Office, Mr. Bright Okoku, while testifying before the lawmakers, submitted a voluminious compendium of vouchers covering the expenditure incurred by the presidential advisory committee.

But when Olamilekan asked Okoku if his office would be held responsible in the event it is discovered that the accommodation vouchers

were fake vouchers, Okoku said there was no way he can be held responsible since it was the office of the secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) that oversaw both the disbursement and activities of the advisory committee.

The lawmakers thereby demanded a written explanation from the budget office boss to enable the committee have the basis to summon the SGF to render account of the monies on behalf of the presidential advisory committee.

Relatedly, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on AntiCorruption, National Ethics and Values, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has expressed concern over the decision to under fund ICPC, Code of Conduct Tribunal and Code of Conduct Bureau.

Enjoining the authorities to fund the anti corruption agencies in the country, he maintained that there was no way the war on corruption could be won if such agencies were underfunded.

Lamenting that most of the anti corruption agencies operates from rented apartments in most states of the country, he explained that poor funding of the anti corruption agencies has led to low moral of the staff, stressing that there was the need to place the ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau and Code of Conduct Tribunal and other anti corruption agencies staff on Special Scale Salary to boast the moral of their staffers.

Noting that the ICPC ought to have offices in all 36 states of the federation including Federal Capital Territory, he said it was unfortunate that it can only baost of 13 offices.

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Sports NBBF names Bakare technical director

Anxiety at NSC over Abdullahi’s removal From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HOCKED members of staff of the National Sports Commission (NSC), who were still trying to come to grips with the removal of Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi from office as Minister of Sports, were seen yesterday at the National Stadium complex office of the commission discussing what the latest development portends for them.

The situation at the Sports Commission was a mixture of joy and sorrow, as while some members of the staff, said to be in the A team of the former minister, were seen discussing the effects of the development on their status in the Ministry, others were celebrating secretly in anticipation of ‘better days’ ahead.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that there was secret jubilation by some staff present when the news for the sack filtered in, adding that the news expectedly came as a thunder bolt to many of his loyalists.

To ensure that the business of the day went on without interruption, the NSC Director General, Gbenga Elegbeleye, met with all the top staff of the ministry for several hours before honouring setting on his daily activities.

A top source in the ministry revealed that the meeting was

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aimed at adjusting the administration of the commission ahead of the resumption of the new minister.

Meanwhile, barely two hours after the removal of Abdullahi was announced, his relations and personal aides arrived in his former office to evacuate his personal effects.

When The Guardian visited the Abuja National Stadium yesterday afternoon, the minister’s personal driver and a security aide on an SUV with registration number FG 133 A27 were seen taking away Abdullahi’s Muslim prayer rug and other materials he uses for ablution, as well as his photo albums and other personal effects.

While that was going on, another deep blue Toyota Camry official car with registration number FG 536 O12 arrived with two occupants to take more of Abdullahi’s personnel belongings.

Speaking on the appointment of Tamuno Danagogo as the Sports Minister, former Bayelsa State Sports Commissioner, Opukiri Jones Ere, described the new man as an achiever who would be fair to all sports. ‘’Danagogo loves sports. He is thorough and very transparent. He is one man who is not petty and follows what is good to its logical conclusion. He will bring goodluck to sports,’’ Opukiri said.

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Enyimba must beat AS Real Bamako in Mali to qualify for the third round of the CAF Champions League.

CAF Champions League fall out

Enyimba can still qualify for next round, says Ezeugo

By Alex Monye

The man Danagogo HE new Sports Minister, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo, can be described as a very lucky man following the circumstances that led to his new appointment.

Born 44 years ago, Tamuno Danagogo hails from Abonema on Akoku Toru Local Council Area of Rivers State. He is a 1990 graduate of Law of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, but came into limelight in 2004 when he was elected chairman of Akoku Toru Local Council Area under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) His closeness to the supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike, helped in his nomination to serve as Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs in the

RESH into the new season, FFederation the Nigeria Basketball (NBBF) has

Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi administration in Rivers State.

He also served as Commissioner for Urban Development in the same administration.

He, however, resigned his appointment as a commissioner in the Amaechi administration in December when he told the governor that he would not join him to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His resignation proved a blessing to him when his name was submitted to the Senate by President Goodluck Jonathan as a minister designate about two months after he left the Amaechi government, beating such names as Austin Opara and Chubudum Nwuche, whose names were equally forwarded to the President for consideration.

Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Technical Officer, Yusuf Alli (left); Chairman, National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM), Yemi Idowu and Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi, with Pupils of Igbo-Owu Senior Secondary School, Rasheed Babatunde and Chidiebere Solomon, as well as Itire Community Secondary School students, Okonkwo Devine and Nwachukwu Sebtance, at the on-going Lagos Premier Lotto Schools Athletics Championship…yesterday.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

ESPITE Enyimba Football D Club’s 2-1 home defeat by AS Real Bamako of Mali at the weekend, former Super Eagles’ star, Emeka Ezeugo, still believes the Aba side can get a good result in Bamako to qualify for the second round of the 2014 CAF Champions League.

Ezeugo described the loss to the Malian outfit as a big disappointment to the nation after the Home-based Eagles’ excellent performance in the recent

CHAN. He attributed the defeat to match rustiness due to the break in the Nigeria Premier League and called on the ‘Peoples Elephant’ to remain steadfast and resilient as they prepare for the second leg of the tie.

“The result Enyimba got against the Malian club was embarrassing judging by the standard of Nigerian football in Africa, but this does not imply that the team should lose hope of playing in the final of the CAF

championship. ‘‘The boys need to work hard and go all out to beat their opponents in the second leg.

Enyimba has the pedigree to win the second tie. The players were not coordinated in the first leg because they have not been playing regularly due to the break in the Nigerian league. This is the advantage other African teams have in the CAF Champions League over Nigerian teams. Kano Pillars also suffered defeat in this circumstance,’’ Ezeugo explained.

Taekwondists begin camping for Youth Olympics qualifiers, junior championships in Chinese Taipei

By Olalekan Okusan HE new national taekwondo coach, Jin Beom Kim, began his first assignment as nine athletes are at present in camp for the Youth Olympics Qualifiers cum World Junior Champions holding this month in Taipei, Chinese Taipei.

In a letter by the President, World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), Chungwon Choue, the 10th WTF Junior Championship and Youth Olympics Qualifiers would help the athletes to display their skills to the full.

“I expect that the 10th WTF World Junior Taekwondo Championships and the WTF Qualification Tournament for 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games will serve as an opportunity for the youth to display their skills to the full and also to

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exchange friendship among the youth from all parts of the globe,” the WTF boss said.

However, the nine athletes at the Abuja camp are all gold medalists at the maiden National Youth Games organised by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and they are expected to represent Nigeria at the two events on March 20 to 26.

The athletes made up of five male and four female will undergo intensive training under the tutelage of the Korean tactician in Abuja.

Aside from the Chinese Taipei tournament, the team will have another opportunity to qualify for the Youth Olympics at the African Youth Championships later in the year.

According to a taekwondo buff, the tournament would help to expose the athletes as most of them are below 18 as the likes of Chika Chukwumerije and Britain’s Jade Mary Jones, who won gold at the maiden Youth Olympics and went further to claim the first gold medal in taekwondo for Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.

“I am hoping that these athletes will attend these two competitions for them to be exposed and get the needed experience to compete at big stage. If at all they are not able to win any medal, I think participating alone will help the country to groom new set of athletes that will take over from the likes of Chukwumerije,” he said.

appointed Ayo Bakare as its technical director to drive its 2013-2017 Strategic Plan aimed at developing and adding value to all its leagues and programmes.

After considering a number of candidates, the federation said it settled for Bakare, the former national coach, board member, team owner and international scout for New York Knicks.

Bakare is expected to bring additional impetus and experience to the rather difficult job of implementing, supervising and diversifying the various initiatives of the federation.

The new Technical Director, who has resumed duties with the federation, has served as Head Coach on several teams within the national team programme and has won medals on the African continent at junior and senior (men and women) categories.

He qualified Nigeria to its first FIBA Men’s and Women’s World Championships in 1998 and 2006, as well as the Olympic Games in 2012, for which he has been honoured by FIBA Africa.

In a related development, the federation says it has also reconstituted some key committees to ensure a successful 2013/2014 season.

Fuludu unveils Aimhigh/UBA football talent hunts in Asaba FOOTBALL talent hunts, A tagged Aimhigh/UBA, which is aimed at promoting the game, especially from the grassroots was unveiled yesterday in Asaba, Delta State capita.

The event has former international, Edema Fuludu, as its National Coordinator. It was attended by top sports personalities, including former Super Eagles coach, Shauibu Amodu, Christian Chukwu, Ex-Golden Eaglets coach Sebastian Broderick, Coach Manu Garba, ex-Super Falcons coach Godwin Izilien, Nduka Ugbade and Sam Elijah.

Speaking at the ceremony, which took place at the Golden Land Hotel, the Aimhigh Project Manager, Efe Grant, said it was an opportunity to discover new talents and facilitate sports innovation by focusing and developing sports talents with youth empowerment.

Fuludu said that the aim was to identify talents, adding that a total of 432 coaches from 109 senatorial districts were involved in the first phase. He also disclosed that coordinators from the 36 states of the federation were involved.

A team of selected players, according to Fuludu, will depart Nigeria between July and August this year to feature in the U-17 and U-19 competitions abroad.

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Malaysia 2014 WCL Division Five Championship

Adegbola sure of success, as Nigeria opens campaign against Jersey

By Christian Okpara EAM Nigeria’s Captain, T Adekunle Adegbola, is confident his team will do

Team Captains with the trophy, Ronalds Ebanks (left), Adekunle Adegbola, Hamisi Abdallah, Ahmad Faiz Mohammad Noor, Jamie Nussbaumer and Peter Gough.

Lagos International Polo Championship Fall-Out

Hard work, dedication gave Lagos teams success, says Fasinro

By Tony Nwanne HRILLED by the performT ance of his teams at the just concluded Lagos International Polo Championship, Captain, Lagos Polo Club, Mustapha Fasinro, says the club would build on the achievements recorded this year.

Fasinro, who attributes the success of the Lagos teams to hard work and determination, says: “We were just determined not to see all the titles carted away before us again this time around.”

He, however, commended the Kano and Ibadan teams for giving a good account of themselves at the championship.

On the final day of the championship, Lagos Ironclad/Fifth Chukker beat city rivals, Lagos Auden/Delaney, 13-11 to win the Majekodunmi Cup. Lagos enjoyed a near allround success in the dualphase 10-day tournament as Lagos Goodfellows also won the Low Cup. The Majek Cup match, which took place at the Brightwater,

which has served as an alternative venue to the Lagos Polo Club Ikoyi home ground due to rainfall, saw Fifth Chukker fighting off the challenge of the Delaney team.

Delaney had hoped to bag their second title having won the Independence Cup by beating Kano Titans earlier in the competition.

Obafemi Otudeko of The Chukkers was voted the MVP of the prestigious Majek Cup, while Maya, from the stable of the Ironclad, was adjudged the best playing pony. .

well at the Malaysia 2014 ICC World Cricket League Division Five Championship, which begins today.

Nigeria will open their campaign in the competition with a game against Jersey at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur.

Speaking when the teams’ captains met with the press yesterday, Adegbola said the team has been programmed to excel at the championship, adding, “we went to Sri Lanka for two weeks and they are a test playing nation… so it is a great exposure for us. We lost three games there and won one.

“We played a very highlevel of cricket and it was good work out for me. My guys are really determined and they are in good spirits,” he said.

Adegbola hopes to see his team play in the good spirit of sportsmanship and also make sure they win every game.

“My guys are riding on a good form. We have actually worked on our weakness and we are good to go.

“Cayman Islands will be the toughest. We have played with the other teams and I think we can capitalise from their weaknesses. We

have never played a game against Cayman Islands and I think it is going to be the toughest,” said Adegbola He named three players, Ricky Sharma, Leke Ovede and Saheed Akolade, as the Nigerian players to watch in Malaysia, saying, “these guys have stepped up their game and they are going to cause damage for the other teams.”

Nigeria will pit it out against Jersey, Tanzania, Guernsey, Cayman Islands and Malaysia for the two promotion spots to Division Four.

Nigeria will meet Guernsey in their second game on Friday and battle with Cayman Islands on Sunday.

The Olisa Egwuatu boys will engage fellow Africans, Tanzania, on Monday, meet Malaysia on Wednesday next week and going by the results of the games, will play in one of the final game, third/fourth place game or the relegation survival battle on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Jersey Captain, Peter Gough, thinks that Malaysia’s weather will not affect them as they look to take one game at a time throughout this tournament.

Jersey meets Nigeria today in their opening game.

“No, I don’t think the weather will affect us. We concentrate on getting fit as possible.

“We had a whole week to get used to the weather and the

heat. It was tough on the first day off the plane but now we’re used to it.

“We’re going to think about the first game in Nigeria and we want to win it. Take it one at a time and we shall look together after that game. We believe in ourselves and hopefully we can win as many games as possible,” said Gough.

Gough said that Jersey has a confident group of players, who hope to continue their good momentum after their Division Six success.

“We respect all of the oppositions and the good thing about the competition is that all the games are going to be interesting.

Confidence is high and everyone is happy in the group,” he said.

Gough says all the teams present different challenges and all of them are tough sides.

“For now, we are thinking about the Nigeria challenge and it is going to be a tough one. We want to prepare as well as we can. We know that Malaysia is going to be a good side because they are the host nation.

“We are happy with the team that we brought here.

We have a balanced bowling attack and we have strengths in our spinners.

We also have balance in our seamers as well and we have a batting line-up that has great partnerships,” added Gough.

Athletes, coaches divided over sports minister’s sack

By Gowon Akpodonor ORMER board member of FNigeria the Athletics Federation of (AFN), Jide Josiah, screamed at the top of his voice when the news of the sack of Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, broke out yesterday.

“Oh, you mean Bolaji has been sacked? Josiah asked repeatedly in a telephone chat with The Guardian. “He was the most friendly sports minister we ever had in athletics.

“This is a man who attended all athletics events. He had dinner with the youth athletes in Warri before the commencement of the African Youth Championship (AYAC) and he was with us in Porto Novo during the senior African Athletics Championship. He was also there with us at the last IAAF World Athletics Championship in Moscow.

He was the only sports minister to attend all editions of the All Nigeria Open in Calabar.

His tenure was good to athletics,” Josiah stated.

Incidentally, Abdullahi was said to be on his way to Sopot, Poland to attend the IAAF Indoor Athletics Championship when his sack was announced yesterday.

He is expected to return home immediately. The Presidency has picked Tamuno Danagogo from Rivers State to replace Abdullahi. The new sports minister was among those sworn in yesterday.

Since the return of civilian government in 1999, 13 ministers have held the sports portfolio. They include Damishi

Sango, late Engr. Mark Aku, Steven Ibn Akiga (also late), Col. Musa Mohammed (rtd), Dr. Saidu Sambawa, Bala Ka’Oje, Abdulrahman Gimba and Engr. Sani Ndanusa, who is the current president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

Others are Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Bio, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, Bolaji Abdullahi and the new man, Tamuno Danagogo.

While Josiah, who is a Special Assistant to AFN President, Solomon Ogba, was lamenting the sack of Abdullahi yesterday, some athletes were praising President Goodluck Jonathan for sending him packing.

A weightlifting coach, Emmanuel Oshomah expressed his feelings in a chat with The Guardian, saying Abdullahi’s administration was only favourable to footballers and their coaches only.

Oshomah led the Nigerian weightlifting team to the Commonwealth Games Championship in Malaysia and returned home with three trophies late last year.

Apart from topping the overall medals table in the female category with eight gold, Nigeria won the trophy as Overall Best Lifter of the championship both in the senior and junior categories.

The team was looking forward to a red carpet reception on arrival the way Abdullahi usually received footballers and their coaches from international events.

“We were disbanded at the airport and till this moment, nobody has asked us about

the three trophies we won in Malaysia,” Oshomah told The Guardian.

“The man (Abdullahi) never treated footballers that way whether they won or not.

“He (Abdullahi) came to our camp in Abuja one morning and announced that the Jonathan administration was no longer going to give cash reward to the team, even if they did well in any African championship. The excuse he gave was that some teams would do well in Africa and fail at world level. But look at what he did to the football team at the CHAN competition in South Africa. He gave them $100,000 as motivation in their quarterfinal game against Morocco and dangled another $100,000 for them in the semifinal against Ghana, which they lost.

“And despite the defeat,

Abdullahi redeemed the pledge and went ahead to convince the Presidency to organise a reception for the team despite finishing third in that competition. This was the same man who said no more reward for teams that participate in African championships. As we speak, nobody has bothered to say thank you to the weightlifting team for making the country proud in Malaysia.

“We just got a message from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) that one of our male lifters, King Kalu from Cross River State, who picked a silver medal at the C o m m o n w e a l t h Championship in Malaysia has been awarded the gold medal because the Malaysian lifter, who defeated him, has tested positive to drug. What that means is that Kalu is the

New Sports Minister, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo.

gold medalist in the male 62 kg and that brings our total medals to nine gold, two silver and three bronze.

“I didn’t see much difference between Abdullahi and other sports ministers before him because his administration actually favoured footballers and their coaches only. Only few ministers in the past tried to carry all sports along. The only thing I can say other sports achieved under his (Abdullahi) administration was putting in place this High Performance Programme of a thing for all sports federations.

“Outside that, his administration was for footballers only. I just hope the new man (Danagogo) won’t follow that direction. He has to carry all the sports federations along,” Oshomah said.

For months, the country’s junior athletes who won the African Junior Athletics

Championship athletes and their officials have been appealing to President Goodluck Jonathan to extend his naira rain to them for their fate in Mauritius last August, where they overcame stiff opposition from South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and the host country to top the medals table with nine gold, nine silver and seven bronze medals.

The athletes have argued times without number that if Jonathan could give cash reward to the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles who came second and third respectively in their African championships in Morocco and Algeria in their qualifiers for the World Cup last year, and the CHAN Super Eagles who finished third in South Africa, it would be improper to ignore them after making the country proud in Mauritius.

Outgoing Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi.

Thursday, March 6, 2014 SPORTS

THE GUaRDIan www.ngrguardiannews.com the likes of the late Eusebio and Frank Beckenbauer.

“Thereafter, I was to facilitate the coming to Portugal of the duo of late Okey Isima and Sylvanus Okpalla. The rest, they say, is now history.

Back to the nigeria game against Tunisia, it was as if mother luck had deserted us, as all our efforts went futile on the day.

“But then one had to move on, with first coming to america in search of the Golden Fleece, and thereafter staying put in a period that has now spanned over two decades.” nwokocha will not fail to remind us about the planned reception for the team, which must now depart today after last night’s Mexican fixture and therefore can’t be part of it.

Still, in excitement, he would readily put calls across to andrew atuegbu and Ikechukwu Ofoje, kenneth Boardman on the OR long moments on the Stephen keshi, the former soaring spirit of the team, pitch, he always take his international relieved with assuring of a huge turn out time, finding the right nostalgia and tinge of for- of nigerian fans in the game spaces and waiting to do gotten pain, memories of played earlier today. what he loved best - shoot- the Green Eagles non-qualiThe one with the once ing in spectacular fashion. fication for the 1982 FIFa feared lethal finish in front Many could not forget his Mundial in Spain. of goal is today putting his stylish sense of marksman- Quick to situate keshi as one energy into organizing the ship and he enjoyed the alias of the youngest players in ex internationals in and “camel.” Languid in move- the christian chukwu cap- around atlanta into a cohement, huge in size and effec- tained side coached by the sive unit.

Otto Gloria, tively carrying the burden of Brazilian Former Falcons also…. the team, christian christian nwokocha was HEY are here in their nwokocha, a.k.a. camel, full of praises for the Brazil numbers….nkiru could not be ignored by the bound 2014 team and then Okosieme, Patience avre, opposition and for Rangers went into a monologue.

Florence Iweta, Mercy akideFrom the misfortune of ‘82 Udo, Florence Omagbemi.

International and the Green Eagles, he was a scoring ter- and all the talk about They all want to form some Godwin Odiye, the team has cohesive unit of ex internaror. now in United States of moved on. and it is more tionals with a firm determiamerica and easily forgot- gratifying to note that one nation to make the differten, he resurfaced in atlanta, of the survivors, keshi, is ence, as it concerns the Georgia at the Super Eagles’ making so much progress game back home. hotel, two days ago and it with the team.

Ever relaxed, keshi remains “You know, I was recalled optimistic about the team was only a few like us who could sort out the face and from Portugal, where I fea- he is putting together for hail this jewel of attacking tured then for Sporting the World cup.

Lisbon, as one of the first set football.

With the full compliment of Locked in warm embrace of exports to Europe. I had invited players, most of with former team mate and been opportuned then, to whom are bent on nailing Super Eagles Head coach, have early kick around with down Brazil 2014 places, keshi, however ponders philosophically, on the absence of Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo.

The expected return of the team’s erstwhile supermodel has again been cut short by the hamstring injury copped in norwich city’s last English Premiership game. and now the Super Eagles head coach believes the side can forge ahead, whilst Yobo takes his time to recover fully.

“I have consistently asked Yobo to be patient about his return to the team.

My assurance to him at all times is that he remains not only a part and parcel of the team, but leader and captain, who must steer the Super Eagles ship from within and outside the Sea. “I went through a similar experience in the run-up to the USa 1994 World cup. He remains prominent in my Skipper Keshi with the Nations Cup trophy the Super Eagles won at World cup plans, either on or off the pitch,” says the Big the Tunisia 1994 edition of the competition.

Ejiro Omonode

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My World Cup story…Keshi

Reporting from Atlanta, USA

…And Nwokocha, the ‘Camel,’ came calling F

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Coach Keshi savours the joy of winning the 2013 African Nations Cup.

Boss. atlanta beats.

TLanTa based ESPn were the production crew for this morning’s high profile international that threw up the fourth fixture between The Super Eagles and Mexico. and they did take full advantage of their official production company status, by pinning down Super Eagles hot shot, Emmanuel Emenike for an exclusive close up interview session.

Indeed, the ESPn studio was temporarily moved to Watlanta Buckhead hotel of the Eagles. Other key members of the team had their fair share of the sessions that will feature prominently on the Road to Rio programme being put together by Mastersports International.

But the four home based players, who were in atlanta Sunday morning never had

a

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a look in, nor a glance!

Emenike on Messi. vEn before last night fixture against Mexico, Super Eagles goal poacher, Emmanuel Emenike, had his sight firmly focused on the crucial game against argentina, June 25 at Brazil 2014. He was emphatic, that the Super Eagles defense had the right quality to manage the menace of Messi.

“I started from a humble beginning. Reaching the World cup finals in June to compete amongst the world’s best will obviously sign post the icing in my playing career,” the Fernabache ace begins, adding “We have the players and the quality to take charge of Messi and the rampaging argentine squad, just we hope to break the argentine jinx at the Mundial. Pay back time

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you will say.”

Super Eagles kits. ack home, the talk was B about the colour and perhaps, design of the Super Eagles’ Brazil 2014 outfit, with all manner of pedestrian insinuations being imputed. Yet the atlanta end is not about colors and design but ready availability. Late arrival of the kits from abuja, meant some of the foreign based players had to wait a little longer for the delayed supply, caused by flight hitches.

But then, the team spirit soared as they eventually tickled in for every one. The game is now over and we can look ahead to more friendlies and a continuation of our close-up on a team with a mission to set new marks.

• Mastersports International (c) 2014

’

You know, I was recalled from Portugal, where I featured then for Sporting Lisbon, as one of the first set of exports to Europe. I had been opportuned then, to have early kick around with the likes of the late Eusebio and Frank Beckenbauer. Thereafter, I was to facilitate the coming to Portugal of the duo of late Okey Isima and Sylvanus Okpalla. The rest, they say, is now history. Back to the Nigeria game against Tunisia, it was as if mother luck had deserted us, as all our efforts went futile on the day.

78 | SPORTS Thursday, March 6, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Kosovo footballers in World debut, draw with Haiti

Vidic joins Inter, Adam banned for three games HE end of one era signals T the beginning of a new one for Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic.

Inter Milan announced yesterday that the 32-year-old Serbian, a rock in the centre of United’s defence since January 2006, had agreed to join the Italian giants.

The Nerazzurri won five consecutive league titles from 2006 through 2010 but are currently 28 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus.

Inter president Erick Thohir is hoping the addition of Vidic, a winner of five Premier League titles with Manchester United and one Champions League crown, ushers in a new period of sustained success at the San Siro.

“Vidic is a great champion,” he said on the club’s official website. “I am extremely satisfied with the completion of this agreement that will bring Nemanja to Milan.

“He is one of the strongest defenders in the world, for his characteristics, his international experience, his charisma as a leader will be crucial for the team and the growth of our younger players.

“He will add value to the club and will be another pillar for the construction of a great Inter.

“Finally, I want to thank Manchester United, Nemanja and his entourage for his availability and the professionalism shown during the negotiation process.”

Vidic announced last month that he would be leaving England this summer with his contract at United expiring in June.

“It’s the last year of my contract and I have had eight wonderful years here,” he said. “My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career.

“The only club I ever wanted to play for here (in England) is Manchester United.

“I never could have imagined winning 15 trophies and I will certainly never forget that fantastic night in Moscow, memories that will live with me and the fans forever.”

That Champions League triumph over Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium in 2008 remains the high point of Vidic’s career.

Vidic overcame a serious knee injury in December 2011 that required two major operations but returned and skippered United to their historic 20th championship - his fifth and the last under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

IX years after declaring Sfootballers independence, Kosovo’s have played their

Vidic

Don’t believe the hype, Ronaldo is a good guy, says Pique BARCELONA defender a Gerard Pique has insisted • Xavi wants PSG wonder kid in World Cup squad that Cristiano Ronaldo’s public image does not correspond with how the Real Madrid attacker is in real life.

The Portugal international is often criticised for his perceived arrogance, yet Pique is adamant that the prolific for-

Encomium, as Puyol set to leave Barca in and summer I thought much more ARLES Puyol has been season.

C hailed as a legend, a one- The 35-year-old Spain interna- than the surgeons told me. off and an example to future tional had a contract with That’s why I have made this generation as tributes poured in for the long-serving Barcelona captain following the news he is to leave the Catalan giants.

After weeks of speculation about his future, Puyol announced at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that he would be bringing the curtain down on his title-littered, 19-year career at the Nou Camp at the end of this

Puyol

Barca until 2016 but has reached an agreement with the club to rescind the final two years of the deal.

Puyol, who has struggled with injuries in recent years and has managed only 12 appearances in all competitions this season, said: “After two very serious operations, I’m finding it very hard to get back to the level I need to be at to stay here - much more than

decision.

“I’m not going today. There are three months of the season left and anyone that knows me will know that I won’t give up and I’ll keep fighting to the end to try to improve and help the team to achieve its objectives this season.”

Puyol has made 593 appearances for Barca since making his first-team debut in 1999 second only to current teammate Xavi in the club’s history and helped the club win 21 trophies.

Among them are six La Liga titles, three Champions League crowns, two Spanish Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.

The veteran central-back was also a pillar of the Spanish national side, making 100 appearances for La Roja between 2000 and 2013.

Puyol was a member of Spain’s triumphant teams at Euro 2008 and the World Cup two years later, although he missed the side’s successful title defence at Euro 2012 with a knee injury.

As to what he plans to do after leaving the Nou Camp, Puyol admits he is not sure yet - save to take a break.

“I don’t know what I’ll do after June 30, but what I am sure of is that when the season ends I’m going to need to get some rest. I haven’t stopped for four years because of injuries. After that, we’ll see what happens,” he said.

Culled from Sportinglife.com

ward is a friendly guy off the pitch.

The pair were teammates at Manchester United between 2004 and 2008 and the Spain international centre back has nothing but good words for the Madrid star.

“He may have been a bit too sincere when he said that people are jealous of him because he’s handsome, rich and a great player,” Pique was quoted as saying by Marca.

“I know him very well and he is a friendly guy. His public image does not correspond with how he is in real life.”

Pique left United for Barcelona in the summer of 2008, with Ronaldo saying farewell to Old Trafford for Madrid one year later, yet the duo have maintained a good relationship ever since their time together at the Premier League club - despite the rivalry between their current clubs.

Meanwhile, Barcelona legend Xavi , believes Marco Verratti has come a long way over the course of the last two years. When he signed for Paris Saint-Germain on a fiveyear deal after arriving from his native Pescara, he had never played top-flight football before in his career. Now the 21-year-old should go the World Cup with Italy.

Strangely for a player so talented, the issue in the mind of Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli is clouded. Four midfielders are certain to travel to Brazil barring injury: Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Riccardo Montolivo, one of the coach’s favorites. Only one further deep-lying midfielder is expected to be named, which means a battle between Verratti and club mate Thiago Motta for the remaining berth.

“Perhaps I am being punished a bit because I ply my trade in France,” Verratti complained ahead of yesterday’s friendly against Spain in Madrid. “However, PSG are

still in the Champions League and not all Italian teams can say the same.”

PSG boasts one of the most dominant midfields in the world, so it seems ludicrous to think that one of the fulcrums will be omitted before Italy has even departed for South America, yet Wednesday’s encounter with Spain will provide a crucial stage upon which the two teammates must audition.

For Verratti, he will go headto-head with Barcelona legend Xavi, the man whose style he most resembles. All season he has provided the lubrication in the PSG midfield machine, ever willing to receive a pass and ever able to retain possession for his side.

Culled from goal.com

first match at international level, drawing 0-0 with Haiti in a friendly.

The match, approved by football’s world governing body FIFA, took place in the ethnically divided city of Mitrovica.

Kosovo is not recognised by Serbia or Russia and is not a member of FIFA. But Serbia’s football association has agreed that Kosovo can play friendly internationals provided no flags are displayed and no anthems played.

The Caribbean state of Haiti, 79th in the FIFA rankings, may be a surprise choice of opposition for Kosovo’s international debut, but the game fulfils a major ambition for the Balkan territory.

Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj tweeted as the match got under way: “The first friendly international game between #Kosovo and #Haiti has just started. Great day for Kosovo’s sport.”

Selecting the 22-man squad has been difficult. All but one of them plays football abroad.

Three of the country’s best players now represent while Switzerland, Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj, whose heritage makes him eligible for Kosovo, declined an invitation to take part.

Fifteen years after NATO bombed Serbian positions to halt ethnic cleansing, Kosovo does not have a seat at the UN but does have the recognition of more than 100 countries.

It has also secured the backing of FIFA president Sepp Blatter to take part in nonmatches, competitive although Tuesday’s game was not mentioned on the FIFA website.

The 17,000 tickets for the match at Mitrovica’s renovated Adem Jashari stadium sold out within hours.

The town, divided between ethnic Albanians and ethnic Serbs, has been a frequent flashpoint since the conflict ended in 1999.

Sobiech to miss rest of season ANNOVER striker Artur for several weeks.

H Sobiech is likely to miss “This diagnosis was conthe rest of the season after firmed in an MRI in the early suffering a knee injury in training.

An MRI scan revealed the Poland international had suffered ligament damage to his left knee and the club has confirmed he will be missing

Sobiech

evening,” read a statement on hannover96.de.

“The Polish national team player is missing for several weeks and most likely will no longer be used in the current Bundesliga season.”

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Thursday, March 6, 2014 79

TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Raheem Oluwafunminiyi HE controversy surrounding the Anti-Gay Bill recently signed into law as announced

by Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, a few weeks back, has continued unabated. It even gets more exciting seeing several foreign countries strongly voicing their concerns on what they have described as an ‘obnoxious law’ and which they have argued threatens the ‘human right’ of some minority to freely associate. More than half of all social media platforms as well as the electronic and print media have joined in the euphoria. They have been publishing a barrage of articles, letters, opinions and commentaries from concerned citizens on the issue. In fact, this may arguably pass as the most discussed topic this year.

The anti-gay law has brought to the fore the very division that characterises the core of the Nigerian state. When I talk about division, I am looking at it from the angle of our collective senses or consciousness, which usually fails to table critically issues with reason, but rather on sentiments and supposition. It is even more saddening that as a people, we have lost our sense of history such that we cannot but miss the point when ordinarily we should be using our historical antecedents to solve issues of the day pronto.

A peoples’ history is synonymous to its culture and way of life; it is heavily tied to the identity one carries from one generation to the other. This is why the Yoruba sees bowing and kneeling as a greeting culture that must be respected and preserved for posterity and why the average Hausa-Fulani would not jettison the handshake and hug for another form of cultural greeting to mention a few.

I am perturbed by the fact that the Anti-Gay Bill or law has come to divide a nation like ours with a rich sense of history, tradition, culture and values. A part of the divide is looking at the issue from the vexed standpoint of human right and its effect on a minority created from the imagination of its rabid supporters. I am even further irked by the fact that few characters among us are steadily losing grip of our African roots and consciousness that we now see the impunity inherent in being gay as the right thing for certain groups of people. The question I have failed to find ample answers to is how we as humans who claim to be higher animals have reduced ourselves to inane beasts with little or no sense of how we must relate intimately with ourselves. It is strange we cannot see how lower animals in our contemporary times have become so intelligent and sensible than the human mind in their relation with one another and in accordance with the dictates of nature.

It is appalling that the opponents of the law

T

It is appalling that the opponents of the law have failed to realise the present and future implication of their actions. Were they to understand, they would have seen the urgent necessity to quickly nip the vexatious cankerworm in the bud to avoid disaster. I feel strongly about it not because I profess a particular religious faith, but because I am an advocate of common sense, deep reasoning and true African values whose lessons must never be exchanged for abnormality.

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The Anti-Gay Bill, a matter of culture and common sense (1)

have failed to realise the present and future implication of their actions. Were they to understand, they would have seen the urgent necessity to quickly nip the vexatious cankerworm in the bud to avoid disaster. I feel strongly about it not because I profess a particular religious faith, but because I am an advocate of common sense, deep reasoning and true African values whose lessons must never be exchanged for abnormality.

The issue which arises here first is the notion in some quarters that the law was

aimed at garnering popular support against 2015 from unforgiving Nigerians who more than ever before see everything wrong with the current administration.

One may not know some of the strategies being put in place for next year’s general election, but it is the most laughable idea to believe that passing a law as important as the anti-gay law weeks back could be linked to some future political exigencies.

This is so, because more than ever before and unprecedented in Nigeria’s history, the vast majority of our people have

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I am perturbed by the fact that the AntiGay Bill or law has come to divide a nation like ours with a rich sense of history, tradition, culture and values. A part of the divide is looking at the issue from the vexed standpoint of human right and its effect on a minority created from the imagination of its rabid supporters. I am even further irked by the fact that few characters among us are steadily losing grip of our African roots and consciousness that we now see the impunity inherent in being gay as the right thing for certain groups of people.

become conscious of the Nigerian political space that they cannot but wait to effect a change at all levels. The belief of the past that elections are won through all kinds of electoral malfeasance is fast dying out. The Anambra election, meandering and logistically deficient as it was, is a typical example of people’s power and how Nigerians are fast using their votes to effect change. Therefore, it is totally out of place to think the anti-gay law must have been aimed at drumming support for an administration whose ship, to many, is fast sinking by the day.

Opponents of the anti-gay law speak of human right. Does human right constitute giving individuals the right and privileges to constitute nuisance and commit impunity in the society? If because one’s sexual orientation does not fit into the natural existence of man, does it constitute an infringement of one’s fundamental human rights? Having deeply thought about it, I have come to the conclusion that the noise peddled about infringing the rights of gays to freely choose who to enter into a union with is total and absolute balderdash and simply the creation of the imagination of few elements who only want political and legal protection for their abnormal behaviour.

TO BE CONTINUED • Raheem Oluwafunminiyi writes via premiermotivationalconcepts@gmail.com