Mon 17 March 2014

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Monday, March 17, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,863

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Jonathan empowers new panel to dialogue with Boko Haram From Madu Onuorah and Emeka Anuforo, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan has constituted an eight-member committee to work outside the public view towards negotiating for ceasefire, amnesty and demobilisation of members

of Boko Haram.

The constitution of the panel is one of the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North headed by Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru

Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

The Kabiru Turaki-led committee had while submitting its report to President Jonathan in Abuja on November 5, 2013 recommended, among others, the setting up of an advisory committee on continuous dialogues that will have

powers to advise the President on all matters related to dialogue and resolution or crisis. It also recommended the setting up of a Victims Support Fund for casualties of insurgency to be administered by a new agency established specifically to assist the victims.

Presidency sources told The Guardian that President Jonathan, in opting for multi-faceted approach towards solving the problem of insecurity, especially in the North-East, empowered the panel to immediately begin work towards possible amnesty and disarmament

of

the insurgents.

Though the name Boko Haram was not specifically mentioned in one of the letters of appointment to the panel members sighted by The Guardian, copious reference was made to ‘insurgencies’ and ‘North.’

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Kudos, knocks as national conference begins today

By Nnamdi Inyama ODAY, what may go down T in history as one of the landmark achievements of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Administration, the National Conference, will be inaugurated by the President himself.

This is coming about fiveand-half months after he approved the membership and terms of reference of an Advisory Committee on National Dialogue headed by Dr. Femi Okurounmu.

That the inauguration is taking place can be interpreted to mean that, despite protests, some of them quite loud, the Federal Government intends to push the National Conference through, hoping fervently that in the end, it would turn out to have CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Outrage trails death of Immigration job seekers –Page 5 Obiano takes over as Anambra gov today –Page 7

Chief of Staff to Delta State Governor, Dr. Festus Okubor, representing Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (right); President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia; Dr. Ifeanyi Monye and her husband, Chairman, Governing Council of Africa Institute for Public Policy, Prof. Sylvester Monye, during the commissioning of the institute in Onicha-Ugbo, Delta State.

PHOTO: JACOB GBOGIDI

How Badeh’s fears sparked Gusau’s resignation rumour From Madu Onuorah, Abuja Bureau Chief

facts have emerged FlastonRESH the events leading to week’s rumoured resignation of Minister of DeAliyu Lt.-Gen. fence, Mohammed Gusau, and how

the ‘crisis’ was resolved.

Sources told The Guardian that the row was over the command and structure of the Nigerian military and the suspicion by Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh, that Gusau may be planning to

• Feud resolved deal directly with the Service Chiefs – Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Tobiah Jonah Minimah (Army), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (Navy) and Air Marshal Adeola Amosu (Air Force) and give

them operational directives.

So, instead of seeing the Minister of Defence and clearing his doubts, he (Air Chief Marshal Badeh) “broke protocol” and openly, in the presence of witnesses, said no to his immediate supervi-

sor and the President’s political representative in the ministry.

Badeh had allegedly told Gusau in the presence of Minister of State for Defence, Chief Musiliu Obanikoro and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji

Aliyu Isma’ila, that he can’t dictate to him or the Service Chiefs on the operations of the military, a comment that was seen as “procedurally rude.” The comment was interpreted by Gusau as “insubCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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2 Monday, March 17, 2014

How Gusau, Badeh’s feud was resolved CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ordination” which in a military is “greatly frowned at.”

Badeh’s outburst before Gusau angered the minister who lodged a formal complaint with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Gusau allegedly told President Jonathan that he cannot work with a CDS and Service

Chiefs who cannot subordinate themselves to the Minister of Defence, his (President’s) representative.

This was interpreted by even some close to Gusau to mean that he tendered his letter of resignation, which he never did.

Piqued by the development, President Jonathan last Thursday sent his Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa (rtd) for a rapprochement. Gen Arogbofa took the Chief of Defence Staff and Badeh with him. The duo first visited the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Isma’ila.

The three then went to Gen. Gusau’s office where Isma’ila opted to leave but Gusau, who was with Obanikoro, prevailed on the Permanent Secretary to remain since he was a witness to the misunderstanding that led to the

rumoured resignation.

There, Badeh “apologised profusely” to Gusau over his comments which he never knew would trigger such a whirlwind of political turmoil. Sources told The Guardian that Gusau told Badeh “a part of his mind, which was a shock to the former Chief of the Air Staff.

But contrary to reports, Gusau was magnanimous in accepting the apologies tendered by Badeh and they immediately renewed the necessary commitment to work together for the good of the nation. And following the siege on Maiduguri by Boko Haram insurgents last Friday, Gusau same day hosted the meeting of the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to work out ways of managing the continuing violence in the north eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

Operationally, the President sits at the top of the command structure of the military and passes operational orders to the Chief of Defence Staff through the Minister of Defence. The Chief of Defence Staff then passes such directives to the Service Chiefs for implementation by their various services.

But Badeh may have gone for a legalistic interpretation of his functions as contained in Part III, Section 7, sub-section 1 of the Armed Forces Act which states: “The Chief of Defence Staff shall, subject to the general direction of the President and of the National Assembly, be vested with the day-to-day command and general superintendence of the Armed Forces.”

Sources said Badeh’s interpretation of his office’s relationship with the Minister of Defence may have been that as the Chief of Defence Staff and the President’s principal military adviser, he reports directly to the nation’s Commander-in-Chief, though the Minister of Defence has direct administrative supervision.

Essentially, it is his duty and responsibility as the CDS to formulate and execute policies, programmes towards the highest attainment of the military’s national security and operational competence.

The CDS is assisted in this task by the Service Chiefs.

Many trace Badeh’s non-po-

litical interpretation of his relationship with the Minister of Defence to the long absence of a substantive minister. Others believe it had something to do with the initial position of President Jonathan on the need for a substantive Minister of Defence. In the ensuing anxiety over the long absence of a substantive Minister of Defence last year, President Jonathan dismissed it as a non-issue during last September’s presidential media chat.

President Jonathan said: “Those who handle defence issues are the Service Chiefs, not a civilian who handles administrative duties. That is why I don’t envy being a Service Chief. There is no way you can do away with the Service Chiefs. But we can even do without a Minister of Defence.

You can do away with Minister of Defence.”

But as a Service Chief, Air Chief Marshal Badeh is not used to working under the direct supervision of a substantive Minister of Defence, not to talk of dealing with Gusau who is a hands-on, assertive and experienced former Chief of Army Staff and three-time former National Security Adviser. A vacuum was created in the ministry since June 22, 2012 when Dr. Haliru Mohammed Bello was relieved of his duty as the substantive Minister of Defence. The vacuum was only filled on March 5, 2014 when Gusau was appointed Minister of Defence.

And Badeh was appointed as Chief of the Air Staff on September 8, 2012, almost three

months after the exit of Dr Bello. Former Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Olusola Obada, who herself was relieved of her appointment last September, was never officially designated as Minister of Defence.

It was only at the exit of Obada that President Jonathan designated Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, as Supervising Minister. This meant that Maku was a “visiting” Minister as he still had full responsibility to his core ministry while exercising oversight functions over the Ministry of Defence. And Badeh was appointed as Chief of Defence Staff on January 16, 2014. So, Badeh was neither briefed nor had he any institutional knowledge of how to deal with a substantive minister.

Many believe that Badeh may also have reacted to Gusau the way he did because he may have been acting out the frustration of Defence Headquarters that is battling with the issue of having the fight against the Boko Haram involving the three Services, Army, Navy and Air Force, without being directly in charge of the operations.

Though the war against the Boko Haram sect is a joint-service operation, it is under the direct control of the Army. Defence Headquarters’ role is “supervisory.”

He may have suspected that the Minister of Defence may be planning to deal directly with the Service Chiefs behind him or giving them operational orders, which means

bypassing him and rendering his office and Defence Headquarters inactive.

Others believe that as the top military commander in Nigeria, Badeh ought to have known or be briefed on the political implication of saying no directly to an appointee and representative of the President and Commander-in-Chief. The defence minister exercises political direction over the military and supervises the activities of the tri-service Defence Headquarters and the three services – Army, Navy and the Air Force and all the training and operational institutions under the three services.

The minister also represents the President and Commander-in-Chief as the chairman of the various councils for the Services. They include the Nigerian Army Council, Navy Board and the Air Council.

The councils act as the governing body of the services responsible for the direction of policy. It is also the confirmation body for promotion and retirement of officers. Statutorily, the Minister of Defence acts as the chairman of the councils. Statutorily, the minister is also the chairman of the governing boards of triservice institutions, including the National Defence College, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the Nigerian Defence Academy, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Kudos, knocks as national conference begins today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 been in the best interest of Nigeria.

So far, there have been knocks as well as kudos for the government.

The kudos come from those who commend the widespectrum the delegates have been drawn from: professional groups, retirees, women, ethnic nationalities, states, religious groups and others.

That the conference will not be tied to the purse-strings of the government has also been commended.

But there have also been knocks that it is going to be a N7 billion jamboree which the nation can hardly afford.

There have been complaints too that most of the delegates are pro-establishment personalities who have benefitted so much from the way things are that they may not want to ‘rock the boat’.

But, perhaps the most scathing criticism has come from the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Rise Networks, Toyosi Akerele who laments that the national conference does not have enough slots

for Nigeria’s youths.

In The Guardian’s Youth Speak page today, she wrote: “A National Conference is about to happen in my country. We have less than 10 per cent participation of people below the age range of 30-40. Many others are above 50, and please stretch it to 70 and 80. I do not detest these people. In fact, I am inherently a traditional Yoruba woman and so, respect and reverence for my elders are not obligatory, they are mandatory.”

Jonathan constitutes new panel to dialogue with Boko Haram CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The letter of appointment from the Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation (OSGF) with title, “Appointment as a member of the President’s committee on continuous dialogue and resolution challenges in North” reads: “I am pleased to inform you that the President, Goodluck Ebele

Jonathan, has approved the constitution of the committee on continuous dialogue and resolution of security challenges in the North.”

The letter listed the terms of reference of the panel to include: • To continue from where the previous committee stopped in its task and particularly engage any group

that may be ready for dialogue; • To develop together with relevant agencies of government a frame-work for the granting of amnesty; • To develop and implement together with relevant agencies of government the frame-work for disarmament; and • To develop with the relevant agencies of government

Corrigendum on conference minority report N our front page story of ItledFriday, January 10, 2014 ti“Jonathan never got minority report on confab, says Presidency” with the riders: ‘Declares Asemota backs panel’s proposal’, ‘Nwabueze tackles Okurounmu on comments’, references and allusion were made to Mr. Solomon Asemota, SAN – a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Proposed National Conference – which tended to cast

doubt on the existence of a Minority Report on the work of the Presidential Advisory Committee, reportedly prepared by him, and the submission of such a report to the President.

The Guardian has since confirmed that there is in fact a minority report prepared by Mr. Solomon Asemota, SAN, and that a copy of this Minority Report was formally sent to the President on December 6, 2013.

The Guardian therefore sincerely apologises to Mr. Solomon Asemota, SAN, for any contrary impression created in the said story and or aspersions cast on his person and integrity, and assures him that The Guardian family continues to hold him in high esteem.

Any embarrassment or inconvenience caused the learned senior advocate by the aforesaid story is deeply regretted.

a comprehensive victims support programme and strategies for its implementation to further the development of strategies and mechanisms to address the underlining causes of insurgencies to prevent reoccurrence.”

“Your appointment is at the pleasure of Mr. President”, the letter concluded.

But a Presidency official explained to The Guardian that “this is a small administrative committee that would help and work outside media or public view. There is supposed to be no publicity about this at all. You can say they are supposed to work underground. Their job is to be done outside public glare, to continue the process of engagement with members of the Boko Haram sect. Their job is covert, not overt. With any publicity and naming of members of the committee, the essence will be defeated.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, March 17, 2014 | 3

4 NEWS Monday, March 17, 2014

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Borno shuts 85 schools over insecurity From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri

OVERNOR Kashim G Shettima of Borno State has ordered the closure of 85 government-owned secondary schools following security challenges.

The directive, which was inevitable, according to a Government House source in Maiduguri, was “an emergency precautionary measure” to safeguard the lives and property of the over 115,000 students and their teachers in both day and boarding secondary schools.

Complying with the governor’s directive, Borno State

Commissioner of Education, Musa Inuwa Kubo, ordered the principals of secondary schools to close down their respective schools on or before Friday, March 14, 2014, until further notice.

The Guardian, however, learnt that because of the Friday attacks on Giwa Barracks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, students of boarding secondary schools at Government Girls’ College (GGC) and Yerwa Girls’ Science Secondary School (YGSSS), Maiduguri, were advised to remain in their dormitories until the security situa-

tion improves to travel and join their parents within and outside Maiduguri, the state capital.

It was the following day (Saturday) that the students began to leave the school premises.

The Federal Government last week also closed two Federal Government Colleges at Monguno and Lassa in Borno State, following the killings of 59 students on Monday, February 24, 2014, at Federal Government College (FGC), Buni/Yadi in Yobe State.

Mother in Israel and wife of the General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye (left) and the Chief Host, the Pastor in Charge of RCCG Province 8 and Region 2 and Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Finance, a member of RCCG Governing Council, Joseph Obayemi, during the dedication of RCCG Exousia Dunamis, The Citadel Parish, Freedom Way, Ikate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos… yesterday.

PHOTO: ISAAC TAIWO

Stakeholders seek public-private partnership to improve education globally From Olawunmi Ojo Dubai, UAE ITH unemployment rate at an all-time high across the world and funding for education dwindling in regions where it is most needed, leaders, stakeholders and policy makers in education have stressed the need for effective partnerships between governments, the private sector, non-profit groups and the civil society, to provide access to quality education.

This was the general view expressed by notable speakers as the second annual Global Education and Skills Forum (GESF) opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the weekend.

Among the speakers were former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair; erstwhile President of the United States of America (USA), Bill Clinton; Director General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Irina Bokova; the Secretary General of Amnesty International, Salil Shetty and UAE’s Minister

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of Youth, Culture and Community, Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

The Forum, co-organised by UNESCO, Varkey GEMS Foundation, UAE Ministry of Education, GEMS Education, Global Education First Initiative and Dubai Cares, is being attended by more than 850 delegates, among them world leaders, business chiefs, government ministers, and education experts, including eight former heads of state and prime ministers, 24 education ministers, 13 chairmen and 45 chief executive of businesses, more than 50 principals of schools.

And indeed, the need for a sense of shared responsibility by all, resonated through the opening plenaries as the only way of stemming the dwindling fortune in education across the globe and ensuring the acquisition of required skills-set for a prosperous future for young people.

Faced with an undeniable crisis of unemployment, poor quality education and equity amid growing world popula-

tion, with the young and disadvantaged most affected, stakeholders were in agreement that the burden needed not be borne solely by government. The private sector too, it was identified, has a critical role to play.

In his keynote address, former President Clinton, who is the Honorary Chairman of the Varkey GEMS Foundation, said the goal of the conference was to elevate education as a global concern on par with health, poverty and climate change.

Clinton said this was be-

for their whole life.

Describing the issue of inadequate access to education as ‘serious’, UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova, said that lack of access to education is costing countries around the world $29 billion every year.

The issue is not just about access to education but access to quality education, said Bokova, stressing the enormity of the challenge by pointing out that three out of four teachers in some of the poorer countries had no formal training.

cause young people who are educated are likely to earn greater incomes, resist conflict and support democracy.

“A high quality education is profoundly important to get children off to a good start,” he said.

Clinton also championed the cause of teachers, stressing the need to invest in their training and welfare. He expressed the view that children who had a great teacher for just one year of their education would experience an increase in earning potential

‘Inflation rate down to 7.7 per cent’

By Chuka Odittah, Abuja ATA from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) released yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that the rate of inflation in prices of goods and services in the month of February stood at 7.7 per cent.

In January, inflation rate rose to 8.0 per cent year-onyear, even as growth rates remained in single digits and relatively steady for the second consecutive month in line with trends exhib-

D

ited in 2013.

According to details in the February CPI, the moderation in year-on-year rates in February was as a result of higher year-on-year changes exhibited in February 2013. During the period under review, prices increased by 0.75 per cent on a monthly basis (the second highest price hike observed during the year), as compared to a moderated increase in the month-onmonth rate of change of 0.5 per cent observed in

February 2014.

Food prices also rose at a relatively slower rate in February 2014. Food prices, as observed in the food subindex, rose by 9.2 per cent year-on- year. Prices of yams, potatoes and other tubers, vegetables and fruits increased at slower rate in February, while prices of bread and cereals rose at a faster rate during the period. The price of meat products grew at the same rate year-on-year compared with January 2014.

PDP demands forensic audit of CBN accounts From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh (Abuja) and Seye Olumide (Lagos) OLLOWING the allegations of financial mismanagement against the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded a detailed forensic audit of all the accounts and financial activities of the apex bank from 2009 till date.

In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP also demanded that the audit must establish and publish all movements of monies from the CBN accounts such as contract sums, donations and other extrabudgetary spending under Sanusi.

Meanwhile, the Lagos PDP chapter has accused the APC of double standards in the fight against corruption. In a statement yesterday, the spokesman, Taofik Gani, described the celebrated revelations of missing money as politically instigated by the opposition APC and aimed de-

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NCAA lifts ban on airline

By Ibe Uwaleke IGERIAN Civil Aviation N Authority (NCAA) has lifted the ban it placed on MedView Airline on Saturday after one its passenger aircraft made an emergency landing in Lagos, minutes after take-off.

The plane took off from Murtala Mohammed Airport at 8.12a.m. to Abuja but could not continue the journey minutes after owing to smokes detected in the cabin.

The aircraft was forced to make a return and made an emergency landing back to base.

MedView airline got the clean bill of health for its aircraft after a test -flight conducted by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) inspectors yesterday.

The 30-minute test flight took the aircraft to Ibadan and back to Lagos with the inspectors on board.

On arrival, the inspectors okayed the aircraft to enter into operation, saying they found nothing wrong with it.

They concluded that what was mistaken for smokes, which caused false fire alarm could have been thick fog from the aircraft cooling system.

Ondo hosts DFID’s • Alleges fraud in contracts’ awards regional conference • Accuses Lagos APC of double standard on corruption liberately to embarrass the President Goodluck Jonathanled administration.

Gani said the trend portends danger for the economy and polity, “especially in view of the inconsistencies in the figures reeled out in such purported revelations.”

He stated further: “It is the handiwork of the opposition to embarrass the Goodluck Jonathan administration.”

The party said the CBN audit should reveal all contracts awarded by the apex bank within the period, the beneficiary companies and persons behind them, as well as the value of the contracts and their status of execution.

It noted that available facts, some of which have already been published by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), showed that within the period, the apex bank engaged in reckless award of inflated contracts through which over N680 billion was frittered away.

Alleging that the beneficiaries of the contracts comprised

highly corrupt persons who have been hiding under the toga of anti-corruption crusaders and whistle blowers, the PDP said there were huge infractions on the management of the banks’ funds, which made it impossible for it to properly prepare its financial statements since 2012 using International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The party also claimed that its investigation revealed that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and its stalwarts have been the beneficiaries of syphoned CBN money, which were surreptitiously diverted to them by the suspended governor Alleging that a fraudulent N48 billion contract was awarded to a leader of the APC while N5 billion was further paid to another stalwart of the party as consultancy fee, it said the bank also diverted over N1 billion to the APC to open offices across the nation in addition to N100 million donated each to some of its chieftains to fund their activities last year.

KURE, the Ondo State A capital, will tomorrow host the Department for International Development’s (DFID’s) regional conference on internally-generated revenue for states in South-West Nigeria, including Kwara State.

DFID is the official agency of the government of the United Kingdom on development assistance.

According to a statement

by Ondo State Information Commissioner, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, the conference is aimed at gathering evidence and tools to develop better internally generated revenue (IGR) strategies, experience sharing by states and ensuring effective and efficient management resources.

It added that the conference would create a platform for the host government to showcase its achievements in the last five years.

Monday, March 17, 2014 | 5

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

News Outrage trails death of Immigration job seekers • ‘It was corporate manslaughter’ • NLC, TUC, CNPP grieve • Tofa, others want Moro, Parradang sacked, prosecuted • HURIWA alleges extortion, wants victims compensated • ‘Immigration must refund fees collected’ From Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna), Iyabo Lawal (Ibadan), Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Adamu Abu, Lemmy Ughegbe, John Okeke (Abuja), Yetunde Ebosele (Lagos), Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) NGER is trailing the death A of over 20 persons at the recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) held across the country on Saturday with eminent Nigerians, including the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, calling for sack and prosecution of the Interior Minister, Mr. Abba Moro and the Controller General of the NIS, David Paraddang.

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) yesterday described the death of the job seekers as tragedy of gross unemployment in the country.

In its reaction to the incident, a pro-democracy group, HURIWA, condemned the alleged practice of demanding N1,000 from each job applicant by the management of the NIS, saying such a policy amounts to extortion of jobless youth to enrich the pocket of a government and her officials that have failed to create enabling environment for youth employment in the last two decades.

The Interior Minister was said to have blamed the job seekers for the stampede. “The applicants lost their lives due to impatience; they did not follow the laid down procedures spelt out to them before the exercise. Many of them jumped through the fences of affected centres and did not conduct themselves in an orderly manner to make the exercise a smooth one. This caused stampede and made the environment unsecured,” Moro was quoted as saying while monitoring the exercise in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The social media had also been awash with criticisms of the minister.

Odinkalu, who was said to have spoken on twitter, described the incident as corporate manslaughter.

“Manslaughter is a crime in Nigeria. What happened to these job seekers is a crime and should be treated as such.

I’m willing to go on record and call on the Minister of the Interior to do the right thing and leave office,” the chairman of NHRC said.

In a statement, some concerned Nigerians, including Alhaji Bashir Tofa, Dr. Ayesha Imam, Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed, Dr. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Chukwuma Odelugo, Prof.

Ernest Ojukwu, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN) and 36 others are calling for the sack and criminal prosecution for homicide of Moro and Parradang.

They condemned the minister’s alleged reaction to the incident in which he was said

to have blamed the victims’ impatience for the tragedy .

“This tragedy was needless, foreseeable and avoidable. The failures of the ministry of the Interior and NIS to adequately manage the process and safeguard the safety and security of the jobseekers is inexcusable.

“The deaths that resulted from these failures, therefore, were unlawful. If the lives of Nigerians mean anything, the leadership and management teams in the Ministry of the Interior and the NIS must be held to account for these deaths.

“In the circumstances, we the undersigned, as citizens of Nigeria, respectfully demand that Moro and Parradang be immediately relieved of their positions.

“The Attorney-General of the Federation and the InspectorGeneral of Police together with the Director-General of State Security, should launch a joint criminal investigation into the deaths of these jobseekers. An independent audit should immediately be instituted into the monies made by the Ministry and the NIS from the jobseekers and criminal investigations should be commenced as appropriate. The government should demonstrate readiness to address the problem of youth unemployment as a national security priority through a partnership involving the agricultural sector, public sector, private sector, voluntary sector, and multi-laterals.”

CNPP in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu, and made available to The Guardian in Enugu lamented that the ambitious youths and pregnant mothers died hungry, poor and in a state of agony in the midst of plenty.

“It is our candid view that the tragedy of unemployment is the outcome of Federal Government’s nebulous and inchoate economic policy which regrettably posits that government has no business in business. It exposed the monumental corruption which governs the reproachable economic policy.

“Otherwise, if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government had, in the past 15 years, invested our unprecedented oil and gas revenue in critical infrastructure like refineries, modern railways and power supply, there is no way over 40,000 youths will pay N1,000 to chase less than 3,000 jobs in a single department of the state across the country.”

CNPP still maintains that heavy investment in critical infrastructure is the only solution to durable employment; how long do we wait for the Chinese, Dangote or Julius Berger?

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian economy is informal and therefore has no infrastructural form; it is primitive and

Moro non-capitalist, for a capitalist state is predicated on an industrialized system.

“The fact is that the overdependence on the private sector is a farce, for 98 per cent of the captains of industry in Nigeria have no factory, even ‘pure water’ factory, they are petrol-dollar predators and therefore cannot provide employment”.

According to CNPP, “This is the paradox of the much-touted Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s seven per cent annual growth for the one per cent, in the mix of gross unemployment for the 99 per cent which led to this avoidable tragedy. This is why those that got the 1.6 million quasi-jobs she claimed was created last year were among the 400,000 chasing Immigration job.

“CNPP opines that it is not too late in the day for the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Economic Team to come to the reality that our economy is a primitive one, and allows President Goodluck Jonathan to build refineries to stem the unbridled $10.8 billion PMS and kerosene subsidy scam, for one refinery employs over 80,000 persons directly and indirectly.

“Alternatively, the 2015 presidential election offers Nigerians golden opportunity for regime change.”

In a statement by its National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said charging job applicant before taking test to be recruited into the para-military outfit is not only a criminal scheme that undermines national security but economically impoverishes the Nigerian youth who are deceived into parting with their scarcely available financial resources for job slots that are only available for only a handful.

The group said it was immoral and a scandal of monumental proportion that government agencies benefit financially from the evil of unemployment when, in fact, government is obliged to pay unemployment benefits to jobless youth to keep them away from being recruited as agents of destabilisation and terrorism.

HURIWA therefore urged President Jonathan to order refund of the application fees paid by over six million jobless youth who sat for interview to seek placement into only 500

Paradang employment slots.

Besides, HURIWA also wants the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute the officials of the Nigerian Immigration Services for engaging in alleged criminal syndicate of obtaining money through false pretences since only 500 slots are available but over six million application forms were sold to vulnerable and jobless Nigerians.

“This is a deliberate criminal scheme carefully planned by some fraudsters in the private sector and their allies inside government circles which must be stopped. We found out that each applicant sat for recruitment exercise into the Nigerian Immigration Services paid N1000 and over six million unemployed graduates picked the forms but only 500 vacant slots are available which means the government reaped the profit of over N6 billion from the misfortune of jobless Nigerian youth.”

The group called on the Federal Government to compensate victims of the ill-fated recruitment exercise to the tune of N10 million each.

Also yesterday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemned the stampede, urging delegates to the national conference to make the nation’s unemployment problem a priority of the national dialogue.

Reacting to the unfortunate stampede that followed the recruitment exercise, NLC said “it was a tragic weekend for millions of applicants for the 4,500 employment vacancies declared by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)”.

Vice Chairman of the NLC, Issa Aremu, who addressed a press conference in Kaduna yesterday stated that the “unacceptable development runs against the best employment practices as contained in conventions and resolutions of International Labour Organisation (ILO) guiding decent work as subscribed to

by Nigeria.”

He urged the delegates to the national conference to discuss and make recommendations on how the nation can overcome the problem of unemployment, otherwise the current wave of unemployment among youths may lead to a social revolution in the future.

The labour chief urged the

Federal Government to “probe into the circumstances which led to the death of the scores of applicants”.

Insisting that President Jonathan “must act fast on the prosecution of those behind the industrial murderers”, he said “Nigerians demand for direct government actions on the part of Jonathan to demonstrate that no life of an applicant will be further wasted at any recruitment centre.”

“The President should take actions to prevent shameless exhibition of incompetence and non-service delivery by some of his ministers.

Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro must get to the bottom of the recent deaths, falling which he must resign from administering a ministry increasingly notorious for employment scandals and tragedies”.

Aremu argued: “The Minister is wrong to blame the victims /job-seekers. The blame must go to the Nigeria Immigration Service bureaucracy which reportedly collected illegally as much as N6 billion from applicants but failed woefully to put in place appropriate mechanisms for genuine aptitude tests and applicants crowd control”.

He further stated that following the unprecedented rate of unemployment in Nigeria, “what the nation needs urgently is a far reaching new labour market policy that will put an end to this serial primitive recruitment exercise which leaves in its trail despair, tears and dead bodies rather than living employed applicants.”

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), described the stampede and subsequent death recorded as a national disaster. “It is unfortunate and disheartening that the victims paid the supreme price while trying to be more useful to the country, it said.”

While commiserating with the families of the deceased, the Congress prayed for speedy recovery of the wounded and charged the Ministry of Interior and all relevant agencies of government to immediately swing into action to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the stampede.

A statement signed by TUC President, Bobboi Kaigama and Secretary General, Musa Lawal said the union was

shocked and “deeply saddened by the news for the fact that the young citizens were at the exercise not only to secure jobs but to be allowed the opportunity to contribute towards the development of their fatherland. ”We also charge all government agencies and parastatals as well as all elected and appointed officials at all levels to redouble their efforts in curbing unemployment in the country.”

Two Ibadan-based activists and legal practitioners, Doyin Odebowale and Femi Aborisade, in separate reactions condemned the recruitment exercise which turned sour and called on the Federal Government to put in place mechanisms to solve unemployment problem in the country.

Odebowale, who also teaches Classics at the University of Ibadan (UI), said: “It is tragic, it confirms the country’s status as a nation-state in a free fall to the abyss. This is not the first time that the criminal exercise dubbed recruitment will be taking place.

“Nigerian youths are swindled routinely. Government agencies design extortionate means and they even declare revenue made from the brazen exploitation of the masses.

What aptitude test can be conducted in a stadium with credibility?

“Is the Comptroller-General serious about recruiting the best materials for the service through this transparent dishonesty? Our country is sick!”

Aborisade, who lectures at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, said the death of between 16 and 21 persons at the recruitment exercise “is a mirror of the magnitude of the unemployment problem in the country. Over one million youths struggled to have a space to take a test for only about four thousand (4000) job openings. Rather than paying N4 million per month to each of the participants at the confab, government should use such resources to establish public enterprises and create jobs while groups sending representatives are made to cater for the needs of their reps at the confab.”

Meanwhile, the PDP has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of seeking to play politics with the death of Nigerians during the recruitment exercise.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday said the APC has again shown that it lacks respect for human life, adding that its statement lacks class, and politicizing the unfortunate incident was a clear manifestation of its Janjaweed ideology.

The PDP said it was despicable for the APC to condescend so low to trivialize and politicize weighty issues bordering on human lives while the families of the deceased were still mourning, all in a bid to score a cheap political point.

The party described the APC statement as crass, adding it has further exposed it as a party of insensitive persons blinded by inordinate quest for power.

6 NEWS Monday, March 17, 2014

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Fuel queues back in Lagos, others as depots run out of product

By Yetunde Ebosele and Roseline Okere HE scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) witnessed in Lagos and some parts of the country few weeks ago, which seemed to have normalized, has reoccurred most especially in Lagos State.

Apart from Lagos, some states in the Northern part of the country, like Jos and Kano were said to be suffering from persistent fuel scarcity despite assurances from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Major Oil Marketers Association that there are enough products in the country.

The Guardian noticed that there were long queues at filling stations across the Lagos metropolis between Friday and Sunday as motorists made frantic efforts to buy fuel in different parts of the state.

Meanwhile Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Bobboi Kaigama and Secretary General, Musa Lawal yesterday cautioned the Federal Government against reported plans to remove petroleum subsidy.

A statement by the union said, “The attention of the TUC has been drawn to the reported resolution of the Forum of States Finance Commissioners, as stated by its chairman, Ebonyi State Commissioner of Finance, Hon. Timothy Odaah, calling for the removal of fuel subsidy in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

“We particularly note his assertion that ‘the subsidy

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• TUC cautions against subsidy removal should be removed so that every state or any member of the federating unit sharing from FAAC will take its own money and determine how to use it or grant subsidy to the level that it can afford.”

The union argued that it is not totally against the removal of petroleum subsidy at some “appropriate time in the future”, adding, “we are of the view that this should be done only after several fundamen-

tal pre-requisite conditions have been met by the government.”

TUC described the reported commissioners’ position as “selfish”, pointing out that “it shows the share-and-grab-themoney-and-run approach of the political elites, and we advise the government to completely ignore the position of the commissioner and his likes.”

Even after Federal

Government payment of N41.074 billion to 27 oil marketers, whose claims for fuel subsidy have successfully scaled through the verification process, some filling stations, like Rain Oil, Shark, Mobil, Conoil, Total visited by The Guardian yesterday claimed they did not have the product hence could not open for business.

The few filling stations, which were selling as at yesterday, were filled with vehicles making frantic efforts to get the product.

For instance, Petroleum Manager along Lagos-Apapa Expressway, was selling at the official pump price, but had a long queue of vehicles.

Many filling stations visited yesterday were not opened for business, due to their inability to get products from the depots. Some that were opened for business were dispensing from only one or two pumps.

The Guardian gathered that many petroleum tanker drivers were stranded in Lagos due to their inability to get products from depots at Apapa.

Former Chairman, SURE-P Board, Dr. Christopher Kolade (left); Senator Oluremi Tinubu; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; Mrs. Moyo Adebayo and Pastor Muyiwa Adebayo, during a Success Summit at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Harvest House) in Abuja.

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY-ELUKPO

Don asks govt to clarify what constitutes national security, interest From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta RENOWNED Mass A Communication icon, Prof. Ralph A. Akinfeleye, has challenged the country’s leadership to come out clearly with what constitutes national or security interest.

Akinfeleye, who spoke yesterday, insisted that national interest, as currently being pursued by the security agents is “certainly not the collectivity of the people’s interest but the interest of some privileged individuals in our society.”

The don, who spoke in Sagamu, Ogun State in a lecture he delivered at a workshop organized for some journalists stressed, “This must change through the symbolic work relationship between the media professionals and the security agencies.” He spoke on “Democracy, the Media and National Interest.”

He stressed that for patriotism, stability and societal integration purposes, it is imperative for the security agencies and mass media professionals to set up a new agenda to positively regulate the public perception of what constitutes

true national interest. “Both”, he said “Should play a crucial role in all matters of national importance.”

In his view, “Patriotic press, adversary press, nationalistic press and combative press should all be allowed to co-exist in a stable democracy, so as to bring about both the unit and content media pluralism that can stop the current adulterated interpretation of the national interest by the few overzealous agencies.”

His words, “Certainly, the abuse of Press Freedom, nonpassage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill by the

government and the lawmakers is not in our interest.”

Akinfeleye suggested that both the media professionals and security agencies must work together in “The true interpretation of what is or not the national interest”, insisting that both of them, in their duties must reflect the true interpretation of national interest so as to “sustain the public good.”

He affirmed, “It is candidly not in Nigeria’s interest to concede the power of granting radio and television licence to one person, in this case, Mr. President.”

Akinfeleye argued, “Combative journalism is not in the national interest, damages of image by both the media people and the law enforcement agencies are not in national interest.”

The former Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mrs. Funke Fadugba, who spoke on “Empowering the Electorate to Enhance Dividends of Democracy” regretted that in Nigeria dividends of democracy were noticeable among the politicians only and warned political office holders not to take the electorate for granted.

Court rules May 16 in NBA’s suit on clients’ transactions

By Bertram Nwannekanma USTICE Gabriel Kolawole of JAbuja a Federal High Court, has fixed May 16, 2014 for judgment in a suit filed by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) challenging the legality of the directive by Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) that lawyers report to it certain transactions relating to their client The defendants are the Attorney General of the Federation and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The court set the date following conclusion of arguments by counsel for the

parties last Thursday.

While the plaintiffs were represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), leading Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Mr. Babajide Ogundipe and 12 other lawyers, the 1st defendant was represented by Mr. M. B. Wali (with H.A. Gudaji) while the 2nd defendant was represented by Charles UwensuyiEdosomwan (SAN) (with Seun Owolade and Dayo Ashagbaya).

Following the adoption of written addresses by all the counsel, Olanipekun argued that by virtue of the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of Professional

Conduct, legal practitioners have an obligation not to permit any entity outside the Bar or Judiciary to control the practice of law, adding that this is what Section 5 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act (MLA) 2011 seeks to accomplish.

Section 5 (1) of the MLA 2011 enacts that “A Designated Non-Financial Institution whose business involves the one of cash transaction shall: (b) Prior to any transaction involving a sum exceeding US$1,000 or its equivalent, identify the customer by requiring him to fill a standard data form and present his international passport, driving

license, national identity card or such other document bearing his photograph as may be prescribed by the Ministry.” Section 5(1)(c) directs all such Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) to “record all transaction under this section in chronological order, indicating each customer’s surname, fore names and address in a register numbered and forwarded to the Ministry.”

SCUML is an agency currently under the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment with operational linkages to the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC). The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had in its Circular No. FPR/CIR/GEN/VOL.1/028 of 2nd August 2012 classified legal practitioners as DNFIs. In an originating summons dated March 15, 2013 and taken out on behalf of the Registered Trustees of the NBA by Olanipekun, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN), Messrs Babajide Ogundipe, Emeka Nwadioke and Davison Oturu, the NBA asked the court to declare that the provisions of Section 5 MLA, insofar as they purport to apply to legal practitioners, are invalid, null and void.

ICPC arraigns monarch over alleged embezzlement of community’s funds From Abosede Musari, Abuja TRADITIONAL ruler from A Ipupe Community in Ubalaka, Umuahia South Local Council of Abia State, Eze Chima Bolo Ubiaru and his brother, Iyke Patrick Ubiaru, a soldier, have been arraigned before an Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia over alleged misappropriation of N40 million belonging to the community.

The prosecutor, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), said in a statement yesterday that the traditional ruler allegedly embezzled the sum of N40 million out of N60 million paid to the community by the Federal Government through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited as compensation for the relocation of shrines in the sacred forest of Okota, Ipupe Community.

Eze Ubiaru and his brother, Patrick were alleged to have diverted the sum of N40 million into their private use contrary to and punishable under Sections 19 and 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

According to ICPC, members of the Ipupe Development Union (IDU) in a petition forwarded to ICPC said that Eze Ubiaru, a retired captain in the Nigerian Army acted fraudulently by going to the NIPP alone and deceiving the community as to how much was paid to the community.

Dep Speaker wants mediation board over insecurity From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo O put an end to the insurT gency and other crises presently ravaging the country especially in the NorthEast region, the Deputy Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Kwamati Laori, has urged states and federal governments to as a matter of urgency establish Mediation Board.

Laori, who was in Jalingo, Taraba State to deliver a lecture on Peace and Reconciliation organized by the Maryann International expressed sadness that, “our leaders are not exploring the process of dialogue to resolve disputes in the country.”

Laori faulted the lukewarm attitude of the government to the continued spread of violence in the country, maintaining that the crisis would have long been nipped in the bud had government taken positive steps during the genesis of the upheavals.

He said that the Attorney Generals of both the federation and the states have refused to hold tenaciously to Section 174 of the Constitution where they are empowered to discontinue any litigation and embark on round table dialogue.

According to Laori, “By the time you mediate, you allow the parties to talk, you allow the parties to look at each other and you settle the conflict. It is a win-win situation because both of them would go back home satisfied. It is a game of give and take.”

Monday, March 17, 2014 NEWS 7

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Expectations as Obiano takes over in Anambra • Obi gives N700m cheques to institutions From Chuks Collins, Awka S the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Governor-elect in Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, is sworn in today, kinsmen and opposition parties have bared their minds on what he should do for the state.

One of the political parties in the state, Accord Party (AP), has urged him to give priority to the development of the state capital, Awka, as well as carry all facets of the state along.

It also urged Obiano to continue to develop the infrastructure and pay less attention to issues and tendencies that might distract him.

AP National Vice Chairman, South-East, Chief Innocent Igboekwe, said this yesterday in Enugu, adding that the people weighed all the candidates before election and discovered that Obiano outweighed them in terms of professional competence, pedigree and integrity.

On his part, a kinsman, Chief Charles Egwuoba, wants Obiano to instill value re-orientation and overhaul the state’s education system, among others. He also wants every citizen, especially salary earners, to justify their salaries or be sacked.

Governor Peter Obi yesterday visited institutions that are in strategic partnership with the state and gave them cheques for the continuation of different projects they are executing. Obi who took the opportunity to bid farewell to the people of Anambra State as his tenure expires today, called on them to give his successor maximum support for him to sustain the tempo of development in the state.

Some of the institutions visited are: General Hospital Nimo, which he gave N50 million; Iyienu Hospital, Obosi (N50 million); Immaculate Heart Hospital, Nkpor (N100 million); Diocesan Hospital/Farm, Amichi (N50 million); St. Joseph Hospital, Adazi-

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Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba (left), speaking during his visit to the 708 displaced victims of gunmen attack at Faskari Model Primary School on Saturday. About 177 were reportedly killed and 37 injured when the gunmen attacked at different communities in Faskari and Sabuwa local councils of the state.

NCC urges N’Assembly to pass pending bills

By Adeyemi Adepetun and Bankole Orimisan O curtail the rising cyber crime rate in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass laws on cyber crime and data protection, which have been pending before it for years.

NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Eugene Juwah, who made the call at a workshop the commission held for the lawmakers over the weekend in Lagos, said the passage of the bills would also positively enhance telecoms activities in the country.

Speaking on the theme, “ICT Infrastructure as a Key Driver for Economic Development: What Role for

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Building for Edo flood victims the 2012 flood FpartsOLLOWING disaster that ravaged many of the country, Eternit Nigeria Limited, one of the leading manufacturing companies in Nigeria, as part of its corporate social responsibility, appealed to the Edo State government to provide an empty space for the company to erect a ‘dry construction’ building for the victims.

Anegbette, one of the most affected communities, was chosen by the government for the building to be located.

According to Adeniji Kayode, Eternit’s General Manager (Marketing), “the state government gave us Anegbette, a community in Etsako central local government area, which was one of the several places affected by the flood disaster.

The project, he further stated, was completed within a few weeks because ‘Dry Construction’ is a specially designed pre-cast concrete slab.

He said “the materials used for the construction was high quality durable products that meets international standard”. He recommended ‘Dry Construction buildings as being the most suitable for floodprone areas and assured that Eternit would replicate the same in other parts of the state, if given the chance by the government.

• Nigeria’s Internet subscription now 64.2m the Legislature?” Juwah said the workshop was to acquaint and keep the members of the National Assembly abreast of existing and emerging legal issues in the telecoms sector in the country.

According to Juwah, who was represented by the Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi, “it is hoped that by carrying our distinguished senators and honourable members along, they will recognise the need for new laws that are needed to advance and protect the Nigerian telecoms sector.

Meanwhile, statistics from the NCC have revealed a quantum leap in the country’s Internet usage, as Nigeria ended 2013 with 64.2 million Internet users through the GSM platform.

Going by the World Bank estimate of the country’s population (about 170 million), it means that Internet penetration is currently at 37.6 per cent. The country also ended

last year with 127 million active voice (telephone) users from about 400,000 lines in 2000.

The Internet penetration statistics, according to The Guardian’s investigations, checks showed that Nigeria started 2013 with 32 million Internet users in January, which grew to 38.1 million in May, 57.8 million in October and 64.2 million by December.

MTN Nigeria has 32.7 million Internet users, Globacom has 15.1 million, Airtel has 10.3 million and Etisalat has six million users.

The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators Visafone, Starcomms and Multilinks - which strength lies in data service provisioning, ended the year with 172, 968 users.

According to World Internet Statistics, Africa has 167.4 million Internet users as at 2012, with Nigeria estimated to have had 48.3 million users, ahead of South Africa, Egypt and Kenya, which had 8.5

million, 28.8 million and 12 million users respectively.

Nevertheless, the minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, identified high cost of access and multiple regulations as major hindrances to the use of Internet as well as the rollout of its infrastructure in the country.

Johnson, at a forum organised by the Alliance for Affordable Internet on the way forward for penetration of Internet in the country, said that efforts must be channeled to addressing the challenges affecting penetration in the country.

Besides, she noted a clear evidence of demand for broadband in many facets of the country’s economic and social lives, adding that there is broadband for education, health, business, entertainment and leisure.

On government’s policy and direction for broadband, the minister said the intention was to pursue, by the end of 2017, a five-fold increase in broadband penetration over the current penetration rate.

Dickson tasks religious bodies on nation’s security

By Isaac Taiwo S the nation continues to grapple with untoward situations, even with the 2015 general elections in view, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday tasked religious bodies to help in addressing the nation’s security concerns.

Speaking at the grand finale of a three-day revival service organised by the Deeper Life Ministry, the governor condemned the terrorist acts by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in the northern part of the country, particularly the recent killing of school children in Yobe State.

Noting the contributions of the church to the growth of the society, the governor expressed the readiness of his administration to partner the ministry in making the revival service an annual event.

He therefore approved the construction of the camp link road in the Okutukutu area of

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• Nigeria will survive, says Adeboye’s wife the Yenagoa metropolis.

According to him, the world is passing through troubled times and the earnest prayer of the church would go a long way in complementing efforts at curbing terrorism.

“Our nation is going through very trying times. I know that you are always praying for us your children but I will like to, on behalf of our people and well-meaning Nigerians and the citizens of our world, urge you to pray for us because we live in a time when man has become man’s worst enemy,” he said.

“We live at a time brothers turn against their own brothers in our country and so many parts of the globe; we live in a time of unprecedented insecurity, brutality and cruelty by man against his fellow man.

“Just some few days ago, innocent children sleeping in their dormitories were in-

vaded and slaughtered like rams. Even animals are slaughtered with some dignity and compassion. Since then till now, only God knows how many innocent souls have been taken by agents of the devil.”

He urged the youths to shun criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and related vices, even as he called on leaders to strive at all times to positively affect the lives of those they lead.

Meanwhile, wife of the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mrs. Folu Adeboye, has assured that Nigeria would certainly survive and by the time God has finished what He intends to do, every Nigerian would be happy.

Speaking yesterday after the dedication of RCCG Exousia Dunamis (The Citadel)

Branch at Ikate, Lagos, Adeboye described God as the only “Overflowing Helper,” and assured that just as He comes to the aid of individuals, so He assists every nation that looks up to Him for assistance.

She said: “Some people are crying on behalf of this nation and as God heard the cry of the Israelites and turned their situation around, He will definitely hear our cry. A situation that lacks overflowing is a hopeless situation but when God, the only Overflowing Helper intervenes, He brings hope to a hopeless situation.”

Nevertheless, the chief host and Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Finance, Joseph Obayemi, said that nation building requires that every individual does what is right. He advised leaders to seek God’s wisdom instead of accumulating questionable wealth because only God’s wisdom will lead them to transform the nation.

Nnukwu (N50 million); Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha (N20 million); CKC (N20 million) as well as Pope Pius X Farm at Akwoukwu (N40 million).

Obi visited some sporting complexes he built or supported for their development. Speaking to athletes, he reminded them to be serious with sports so as to win laurels for the State.

Satisfied with the level of rehabilitation carried out at Rojenny Stadium, Oba he gave the proprietor, Chief Romanus Ezeonwuka additional N30 Million naira and urged him to restore the place to what it used to be.

Obi who inspected the rehabilitation of the Upper Iweka – Zik’s Roundabout, said it was among the project dear to the state. He commended President Jonathan for the work going on at Zik’s final resting place and presented the cheque of N100Million Naira to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe for the rehabilitation of Zik’s round about and Park. He said the gesture was informed by the stature of Zik that made his place compelling as a tourist site.

The governor also visited the three senatorial zones in the state, where many Anambrarians came out in tears to bid him farewell.

Total denies report on project, employment IL industry giant, Total O E&P Nigeria Ltd (Total), has denied media reports on the Ofon-2 project and employment of Nigerians by one of its contractors.

In a statement at the weekend, it said: “Total E&P Nigeria Ltd (Total), the operator of the NNPC/Total Joint Venture, has received a notice of non-compliance with the Nigerian Content Act, issued by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) against Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), a contractor on the NNPC/Total Joint Venture’s Ofon-2 project.

“Contrary to some recently published media reports, the board has not now and did not at any time, make a request or issue an instruction that the Ofon-2 project be shut down.

“Furthermore, the media report suggesting that there are only two Nigerians working for HHI on the Ofon-2 project is incorrect. There are over 100 Nigerians currently working for HHI, which is just one of the contractors on the Ofon-2 project.

“Total will be meeting with HHI and NCDMB to ensure a timely and satisfactory resolution of the issues raised by the NCDMB notice.”

It added: “The Total Group operates in over 130 countries around the world and we and all contractors working for us are required to carry out all operations in a diligent and professional manner and in full compliance with, and respect for all national laws and regulations.”

8 NEWS Monday, March 17, 2014

Utuama ties family cohesion to proper upbringing ELTA State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, has advocated proper upbringing of children as the best way of ensuring family cohesion rather than depending on the writing of Wills.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) spoke at the weekend while declaring open a legal seminar organised by Aequitas Chambers, Asaba, in conjunction with the Asaba Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) with theme, “The Role of Wills in Property Succession and Family Cohesion.”

Utuama noted that writing Will has its advantages and disadvantages, but stressed that so many Wills had later become subjects of litigations as a result of complaints and rejection by family members.

Therefore, he said: “Proper upbringing of children is the best way to ensure family cohesion rather than the writing of a Will. A Will may not necessarily guarantee the cohesion of the family. A Will can only reinforce it.”

He emphasised that Will, as a legal document, states who gets what or part of somebody’s property when such a person is no more, but if a Will is not properly executed, it could lead to disintegration, rather than the cohesion of the family.

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NERC, new power owners to engage gas company From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja OLLOWING the challenges of poor gas supply to plants and the nation’s attendant inability to generate electricity, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the new power owners have joined forces to engage the National Gas Company (NGC).

NERC Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, said in Abuja yesterday that NERC and the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the utilities agreed to engage the NGC as a way of finding a lasting solution to the problem of gas availability for the power plants.

Meanwhile, the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) yesterday accused the Federal Government of failing to respond to queries from the United Nations

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• ‘Govt ignoring UN query over tariff’ (UN) in respect of electricity tariffs.

This followed a petition it filed at the world body last year in conjunction with some civil society partners after NERC increased tariff on June 1, 2012. Reacting, however, NERC accused the civil society organisations of playing to the gallery, alleging that they were consulted on the review of electricity tariff.

He also cleared that no petition was sent to NERC but confirmed that the Presidency received the petition and asked the Commission its position.

In the meantime, NERC has charged the new owners of the distribution companies to improve service delivery to the populace or face the full wrath of the law.

In a letter from NERC Chairman, Sam Amadi, to the Chief Executive Officer of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (also delivered to other Discos) and obtained by The Guardian, NERC said that three months had gone by since the handover to private investors, stressing the need for improved service delivery.

“You took over at a time of great expectation that with the sale of publicly-owned generation and distribution assets, there will be discernible improvements in power supply to homes and businesses,” he said.

“Three months after handover, the state of electricity supply has not improved significantly. We recognise the problem of gas supply,

which reduced the amount of power that you could sell to customers and consequently, revenue from the market.

“We also recognise that many of you were burdened with repayment of debt used to acquire the assets.

But our investigations show that apart from the wellknown problem of insufficient generation and periodic transmission failures, failure of supply to these communities is caused more by your failure to invest in routine maintenance and facilities’ upgrade for the past three months.

“Your failure to step up maintenance and improvement of the network, as well as communication with electricity consumers, has resulted in widespread criticism by public commentators, who now doubt whether you have the capac-

Orji pledges to support Ohanaeze leadership From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia O ensure that it is not hijacked politically, Abia State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Theodore Orji, has pledged to support and fortify the leadership of the Igbo apex socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Orji, who spoke at the weekend when the Ohanaeze national executive, led by its President General, Chief Garry Igariwey, visited to congratulate him on his emergence as Chairman of SouthEast Governor’s Forum and sympathise with him over his relation’s death, said that Ohanaeze cannot be effectively run without funds, but urged that the organisation to shun partisan politics.

He solicited their support for the national conference, just as he urged Igbo generally to take the group seriously, stressing that there is no conflict between it and the governors.

Why I opted out of confab, by Afe Babalola

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Okorocha approves board appointments in Imo From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri OVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has approved the appointment of Dr. Carol Amadi as chairman, Board of Imo Teaching Hospital, Orlu, as well as the appointment of Dr. Frederick Anoruo as the chief medical director of Imo Specialist Hospital, Owerri.

According to a statement in Owerri yesterday by his Principal Secretary, Dr. Paschal Obi, their appointments took immediate effect. Amadi had been a Commissioner for Health in the state.

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ity to deliver on the expectations of the sector.

“The two fundamentals of electricity regulation are availability and affordability. Power must be available and affordable before tariff review will be possible and legitimate.”

He added: “Distribution companies may not do much to increase the amount of power available in the short term, but it can improve power supply by making investment to strengthen distribution networks so that the available power is reliably supplied to consumers.”

Amadi said his commissioner was now taking issues of customer complaints seriously and would use all the instruments at its disposal to ensure compliance, noting that his team would insist on the Discos meeting all the requirements of customer care.

These, he said, include meter reading, billing, handling of customer-requests and complaints, among others.

Nevertheless, Amadi told SERAP that the agency’s “methodology for setting tariff satisfies every requirement of due process. There is no breach of human rights to fix a tariff, which allows operators to supply reliable and adequate electricity. This is, in fact, promotion of human rights.

From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head, S’West Bureau), Ado-Ekiti) EGAL luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), said he declined President Goodluck Jonathan’s listing as a Federal Government delegate to the national conference because of “pre-scheduled national assignments outside the country.”

In his letter of March 7 to President Jonathan, which was made available to The Guardian, Babalola said that though he considered it an honour to be nominated, he would have loved to be at the conference, being one of those who advocated for it.

“As a matter of fact, I was also nominated separately by the Ekiti State government and the Forum of Yoruba Elders to attend the conference as a delegate of the state and forum respectively,” he disclosed, adding: “I respectfully turned down these nominations for the same reasons stated above.”

Nevertheless, he said he had at different fora traced Nigeria’s problems to the “lopsided nature of the 1999 Constitution, adding: “I remain an unrepentant advocate of one Nigeria governed under a non-presidential federal constitution.

According to him, such constitution should concede “only specific powers to the Federal Government while developmental, cultural and traditional, religious and residual matters are left for the states under a regional or zonal arrangement similar to a less expensive 1963 Parliamentary Constitution, which was made by our fathers.”

L

Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar (left); Representative of the Minister of Culture and Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mallam Abdallah Usman and Director General, National Gallery of Arts (NGA), Abdullahi Muku, at the opening of the maiden Nupe Arts Conference/Exhibition organised by the NGA in Bida, Niger State…recently

‘How eco-friendly investment can tackle climate change’

By Anthony Chidubem Nwachukwu ORRIED at the dangers of climate change, even to economies, some investment and financial associations have called on private and public organisations to urgently address the phenomenon by investing in eco-friendly projects and businesses to save the environment, as “the world is being pushed into a point of no return.”

An indigenous investment company, RegCharles Finance and Capital Ltd (RFC), and Canada-based Finance Alliance for Sustainable Trade (FAST) – an international non-profit association of financial institutions on sustainable production and trade - noted that the threats of global change on the ecosystem, which manifest in poverty, destruction of biodiversity, pressure on food sources, price and security, and lack of energy and infrastructure, require

W

more than “lip service” to contain.

Speaking at the sustainable banking forum organised recently in Lagos by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the World Bank Group (WBG), in conjunction with financial sector regulators and financial services providers, RFG Group Managing Director, Peter Mbama, warned that the planet was being pushed to a tipping point.

Mbama, who also spoke on behalf of FAST, which RFC is a member of, said that “FAST is determined to channel their investments and resources into enterprises that primarily address environmental issues” and “as impact investors, both organisations make investment companies and organisations with the intention to generate a measurable, beneficial, social and environmental impacts

alongside a financial return.”

In their bid to synergise initiatives across continents so as to catalyse impact investment sector’s development, he added that RegCharles and FAST entered a partnership in 2013, and “both have been channeling their resources through investments in chosen Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs), thereby generating social and environmental values and financial returns.

According to him, both have funded impactful innovations in diverse and sustainable sectors such as agribusinesses, clean technology, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and financial empowerment for people at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP).

Mbama disclosed that the development impact of their investments included reduction in deforestation, reduction in production of nonbiodegradable waste and en-

hanced use of natural gas, which is usually flared as a by-product in oil exploration activities.

“We also encourage our investee businesses to form strategic partnerships with governmental agencies, such as Lagos Waste Management Agency, in sourcing resources for their businesses,” he noted. “As impact investors, we urge other financial institutions and economic stakeholders in Nigeria to embrace impact investing, as part of their investment objectives, in businesses that provide innovative solutions for the environment and address issues surrounding climate change,” he added.

He challenged the global community, businessmen, politicians and policy makers to do more now because addressing the threats of climate change will require concerted efforts of all stakeholders to achieve this.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State presenting a plague to Air Vice Marshall B. A. Ajawo from Tactical Air Command, Makurdi during a courtesy visit at the governor’s office in Uyo.

Managing Director, Future Concerns Nigeria Limited, Tony Oguike (left); General Manager, Supply Chain Management and Nigerian Content, Addax Petroleum, Valentine Agwu; Manager, Nigerian Content, Addax Petroleum, Frances Peters-Omaruaye and guest speaker, Olukayode Soremekun, during the Addax Petroleum Supply Chain Vendors Forum in Lagos.

PHOTO: SUNDAY AKIN-

Senior Sales Manager, Mtrading Nigeria, Esther Oyama (left); Country Director, Ejike Jeremiah and Sales Manager, Victor Andrews during the Mtrading Nigeria Conference in Lagos.

President, Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Nigeria (Western Nigeria Union Conference), Pastor Oyeleke Owolabi (left); Elder Wole Oyelese; President, World Church Headquarters of Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ted Wilson and President, West Central African Division of the church, Pastor Gilbert Wari, during Wilson’s visit to Nigeria as part of celebration to mark 100 years of existence of Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Nigeria, in Lagos.

PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

Monday, March 17, 2014 PHOTONEWS |9

President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey (left); Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State; his deputy, Emeka Ananaba and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Ude Oko Chukwu, during a courtesy visit on the governor by Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide in

Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide (middle); Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Sally Mbafeno (right) and Director, Tourism, FCT, Elegbede Adebola during a visit by the NTDC to the minister in her office in Abuja.

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCIE ELUKPO

Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson (left); Director, Planning Research and Statistics of the Ministry of Communication Technology, Wole Edun and the Principal, Federal Government Girls College, Bwari at the launch of the Digital Girls ICT Club in Bwari, Abuja.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson (left) and General Superintendent of Deeper Life Christian Church, Pastor William Kumuyi during a three-day revival service at Deeper Life Camp Ground at Okutukutu, Yenegoa.

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Monday, March 17, 2014

WorldReport EU ponders next steps against Russia HE European Union is takT ing steps to increase sanctions against Russia over what many believe is a planned annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region, as Moscow has changed from a wary partner to a diplomatic adversary in the space of a few months.

Yesterday’s referendum in Crimea on secession has been called illegal by the EU and the United States, and EU foreign ministers will decide today whether to impose asset freeze and visa sanctions and, if so, who to target.

EU diplomats were working feverishly over the weekend to set up a list of Russian and Moscow-leaning officials from Ukraine who have been involved in pushing for the southern peninsula’s secession and possible annexation.

Diplomats said member states arrived at weekend talks with different suggestions, so a common list could be drawn up for today’s meeting of the 28 foreign ministers to make a final decision.

“There must be a firm and united response” at the meeting, said British Foreign Secretary William Hague.

“The time has come for tougher restrictive measures to be adopted.”

They would likely include military officials who ordered Ukrainian troops to leave their barracks in Crimea and others who were responsible for breakaway actions there.

On the other hand, diplomats said they would shy away from economic operators at the moment.

Depending on developments in Moscow and Ukraine, further sanctions could follow during a twoday summit of EU leaders starting on Thursday.

“We will be — I am quite certain — ready for Monday morning. This will be discussed by ministers in order to reach a decision on that second stage of sanctions,” a senior EU diplomat said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

An EU summit last week suspended talks with Russia on a wide-ranging economic pact and a visa agreement.

On top of that, the EU could move quickly, possibly within a week, to sign the political chapters of a far-reaching association agreement with the provisional government in Kiev, underscoring its support for the new Ukraine government.

Pope Francis arrives the Roman parish of “Santa Maria dell’Orazione” in Guidonia Montecelio near Rome…yesterday.

Syria recaptures key rebel town troops backed by SkeyYRIAN Hezbollah fighters seized a rebel supply town on the Lebanese border yesterday, driving them from the area and scoring a major blow against them in the threeyear-old-conflict.

The fall of Yabroud immedi-

…As U.S. urges Putin to back down in Crimea F Russian President, Idown Vladimir Putin doesn’t back in Crimea, he will face penalties from the West that will hurt the Russian economy and diminish Moscow’s influence in the world, the White House said.

White House senior adviser, Dan Pfeiffer said the Obama administration’s top priority is supporting the new Ukrainian government “in every way possible.”

He also said the United States would not recognize the results of a referendum

taking place in Crimea yesterday on whether it should become part of Russia.

Pfeiffer said everything that Russia has done in Crimea has been a violation of international law and bad for stability in the region.

“President Putin has a choice about what he’s going to do here. Is he going to continue to further isolate himself, further hurt his economy, further diminish Russian influence in the world, or is he going to do the right thing?”

Pfeiffer said on NBC’s “Meet

the Press.”

Members of Congress said they were prepared to enact tough sanctions on various Russian leaders. It’s also considering action to help the Ukrainian economy, but $1 billion in loan guarantees is on hold because Congress is on a break.

“President Putin has started a game of Russian roulette and I think the United States and the West have to be very clear in their response because he will calculate about how far he can go,” said Sen. Robert Menendez, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

ately emboldened government forces to attack nearby rebel-held towns, pressing forward in what has been nearly a yearlong advance against rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar Assad.

Support from the Iranianbacked, Shiite Hezbollah appears to have tipped the balance in the border area, even as it has partly prompted the conflict to bleed into Lebanon where it has ignited polarizing sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shiites.

In Lebanon, 13 people have been killed in Syria-related violence in recent days: 12 in gunbattles and one in a rocket attack. And in the capital, Hezbollah supporters celebrated Yabroud’s fall with celebratory gunfire in Shiitedominated areas, while youths on motorbikes waving the yellow Hezbollah flag noisily roared through the upscale central district.

Yabroud was an important supply line for rebels into Lebanon, and overlooks an

important cross-country highway from Damascus to the central city of Homs. It the last major rebel-held town in the mountainous Qalamoun region, where Assad’s forces have been waging an offensive for months to sever routes across the porous border.

Its fall comes just a week after the Syrian army seized the village of Zara, another conduit for rebels from mountainous northern Lebanon into central Syria.

Syria’s state television reported that military forces were removing booby-traps and bombs and hunting down rebel hold-outs in Yabroud.

“Our armed forces are now chasing the remnants of the terrorist gangs in the area,” said a uniformed soldier reading a statement on Syrian television. “This new achievement ... cuts supply lines and tightens the noose around terrorist strongholds remaining in the Damascus countryside,” said the soldier.

PHOTO: AFP

China urges restraint on Ukraine after UN resolution veto HINA abstained from votC ing on a United Nations Security Council resolution to condemn the referendum in Crimea because it does not agree to a confrontational move, its foreign ministry said.

The referendum underway yesterday in Crimea — to decide whether it should rejoin Russia or stay with Ukraine but with greater autonomy - was denounced in the Western-backed UN resolution as invalid.

The draft resolution received 13 votes from the 15-member council at an emergency vote Saturday, but was rejected after permanent member Russia exercised its veto.

China, which often backs Moscow at the council, chose to abstain.

“China does not agree to a move of confrontation,” foreign ministry spokesman, Qin Gang was quoted by state news agency Xinhua as saying.

Malaysia pleads for broad international help in jet hunt ALAYSIA has appealed M for help and international coordination in a search for its missing passenger jet that stretches across two corridors from the Caspian Sea to the southern Indian Ocean, diplomats said. officials briefed envoys from 22 countries on the progress of the investigation after calling off a search in the South China Sea for the jet that vanished from radar screens more than a week ago, with 239 people on board.

Although countries have been coordinating individually, the broad formal request at a meeting of ambassadors marked a new

diplomatic phase in a search operation thought increasingly likely to rely on the sharing of sensitive material such as military radar data.

“The meeting was for us to know exactly what is happening and what sort of help they need. It is more for them to tell us, ‘please put in all your resources’,” T.S. Tirumurti, India’s high commissioner to Malaysia, told Reuters.

The diplomatic initiative could become significant as nations ponder whether to share any military data on the Boeing 777’s fate, and fills a void left by the failure of Southeast Asian nations to work as a bloc on the crisis, a diplomat said.

“There are clearly limits to military data,” the diplomat said, adding that nations were nonetheless aware of the strong public interest in cooperation on a civilian issue.

Malaysian Defence Minister and Acting Transport Minister, Hishammuddin Hussein said Malaysia had itself fed the findings of its own military radar tracks into what is now a domestic criminal enquiry into suspected hijacking or sabotage.

He declined to say whether Kuala Lumpur had asked others to open up their military radar tracks, but told a news conference that it had asked for both primary and secondary radar data.

Experts say military forces mainly use primary or classic radar, which works by listening for its own echo bouncing back off a potentially unfriendly object.

Civil air traffic control mostly uses secondary radar, which relies on hearing a signal sent back from the aircraft’s transponder along with data designed to identify the plane.

It was the apparently deliberate decision to turn the jet’s transponder off that left Malaysian authorities relying on the blips picked up by primary military radar to form the theory that the aircraft - on a flight to Beijing had turned back west before disappearing.

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Monday, March 17, 2014 | 11

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Monday, March 17, 2014

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AfricanNews Egypt pledges ‘decisive’ action after militants kill soldiers S the countdown to the A presidential elections begins, Egypt’s interim government pledged “decisive” action and ordered heightened security after gunmen killed six soldiers at a Cairo checkpoint,.

According to AFP, the shooting on Saturday morning came two days after gunmen killed a soldier in Cairo, as militants once based in the Sinai Peninsula widen attacks that surged after the army overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi last July.

The government is preparing for a presidential election this spring that will likely be contested and won by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the field marshal who overthrew Morsi.

Sisi is expected to resign as

defence minister and army chief and announce his candidacy this week, following the interim president’s approval of a law to organise the poll.

His supporters see him as the best suited leader to restore stability and law and order amid persistent militant attacks and street protests by Morsi’s supporters.

In Saturday’s attack, masked gunmen opened fire on military policemen as they were finishing their morning Muslim prayers and then planted two bombs to target first responders, the military said in a statement.

The health ministry said six soldiers were killed.

In an emergency meeting that ended early Sunday morning, the cabinet decided to “decisively confront whoever

attacks citizens and civilian and government installations,” it said in a statement.

It emphasised that attacks on the army would be dealt with by military courts, in accordance with a constitution approved in a referendum in January.

The government also ordered heightened security measures to counter what has become a

low-level insurgency that has killed more 200 soldiers and policemen since Morsi’s overthrow.

Most of the attacks since have been carried out in the Sinai, but militants have expanded their reach to the Nile Delta and the capital in recent months.

The government has mostly blamed Morsi’s Muslim

Brotherhood, which renounced violence decades ago and has denied any involvement.

The most prominent attacks, including a car bombing at a police headquarters in Cairo and the downing of a military helicopter in Sinai, have been claimed by Ansar Beit alMaqdis (Partisans of Jerusalem), a Sinai-based jihadist movement.

Spain deports Madrid train bombing convict to Morocco FTER he completed a 10A year jail sentence for obtaining the explosives used in the 2004 Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people, Spain yesterday deported a Moroccan man, the govern-

ment said.

Spain’s National Court in 2007 sentenced Rafa Zouhier, 34, to ten years behind bars for collaborating with the Islamist cell that carried out the country’s deadliest terrorist attack.

The court found that Zouhier had acted as the intermediary between a former Spanish miner who supplied the explosives used in the bombings and the leader of the cell that carried out the attacks.

Although Zouhier, a former police informant, was not convicted and sentenced until 2007, he had been behind bars since March 19, 2004.

Spanish police escorted him to Tangiers in northern Morocco immediately after his release in the early hours of Sunday from the Puerto de Santamaria prison in Cadiz in southwestern Spain, an interior minister spokesman said.

Zouhier, a martial arts expert from Casablanca, was deported to Morocco under a provision in Spanish law that makes conviction for a serious crime grounds for expulsion, the spokesman added.

Burundi opposition party suspended MID worsening tensions in A the small central African nation, a key Burundi opposition party has been suspended for four months, Interior Minister, Edouard Nduwimana said.

The four-month suspension of the Movement for Solidarity and Development (MSD) follows violent clashes in the capital Bujumbura on March 8 that pitted party activists against police.

In a statement overnight on national television, the minister said MSD leader, Alexis Sinduhije had “incited party militants to acts of revolt, hatred and violence”.

Sinduhije and party militants had “committed barbaric acts by kidnapping, holding and undressing police officers”, the minister alleged, suspending the party’s activities for four months and closing its headquarters across the country.

Francois Nyamoya, MSD secretary general, called the decision “unfair” but urged party militants to respect it.

“On Saturday (March 8) our militants were staging a calm demonstration when they were taken to task by the police,” he said.

Nyamoya added: “We had already effectively been suspended because for months now the government has prevented us from demonstrating or even from holding meetings”.

‘Cameroun is under anti-homosexuals apartheid’ AMEROUN is suffering C under an “anti-homosexuals apartheid”, says lawyer

undi n

Alice Nkom, who has spent a decade defending gays and lesbians in the African country where same-sex relations carry a jail term.

“When a country uses weapons, the police and all available legal and prison means against a section of its population, while it has a commitment to protect,” it is apartheid, Nkom told AFP in an interview in Berlin.

The 69-year-old prominent Camerounian lawyer will receive a human rights prize from the German branch of Amnesty International in Berlin tomorrow.

“Currently in Cameroun, it’s an anti-homosexuals apartheid,” she said, also drawing a comparison between their situation and that of slavery in the United States until the 19th century.

Homosexuality is banned in Cameroon, where it has carried a prison term of five years since 1972.

In a society that remains hostile to gays and lesbians, a mere suspicion is often enough to trigger someone being hauled in front of a court for homosexuality or to be sentenced, according to Amnesty.

Dressed in a vivid yellow African robe known as a boubou, Nkom, her eyes

sparkling behind tortoiseshell spectacles, describes the situation for gays in Cameroon more widely as “a human rights problem”.

Paraphrasing United Nations Secretary General, Ban Kimoon’s comments, she says: “Every time a homosexual is negatively affected, it’s a negative effect on all of humanity.”

Sexual relations between same-sex couples are currently illegal in at least 76 countries, 36 of which are in Africa, according to Amnesty.

But Nkom disputes the idea that homophobia is an intrinsically African problem.

Pointing to the example set

by South Africa’s late antiapartheid leader Nelson Mandela, she says that on the contrary the continent’s values are anchored in non-discrimination.

Biya

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, March 17, 2014 | 13

Focus Agencies, Judiciary trade blame over graft Everybody talks about how much corruption has damaged the country, but few people have the answers on how to effectively curtail it. The recently released United States (U.S) Country Report on Nigeria has, once again, brought the vice to the fore. From Abuja, ABOSEDE MUSARI writes on why the war against corruption has been slow and excruciating.

HE Nigerian criminal justice system has T again received a knock for inaction as far as corruption cases are concerned. But actors in the anti-corruption war are blaming the judiciary for dragging its feet on several filed cases, making it seem as if the anticorruption agencies are ineffective.

Reacting to the recently released 2013 United States (U.S) Country Report on Nigeria, a source at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told The Guardian that politicians alone should not be blamed for the very slow pace of the the war against corruption in the country.

The judicial system, according to him, also has a major share of the blame, because of the numerous loopholes in the system that allows for manipulations by defence counsels. These loopholes, he said, make cases drag on for several years without trial, especially when high profile individuals or politicians, who have the money to throw around, are involved.

The EFCC source noted that although, the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) hadm, in 2013, ordered expeditious dispensation of corruption cases, lawyers and judges are yet to comply; a situation that has made the enforcement of the new directives difficult.

The report, in its Section 4, titled Corruption and Lack of Transparency in Government among others, stated: “the EFCC faced several frustrating setbacks in 2013.”

It gave several accounts of how the current administration allegedly frustrated the justice against even convicted persons in corruption cases.

The report stated: “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 following day after this judgment, the EFCC re-arrested 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 pardon of 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 properties 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 appointed offices,” the report noted.

The U.S. State Department also stated that there had been allegations that the EFCC is being used to hunt targeted persons “who had fallen out of favour with the government, while those who are 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 properties 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

Lamorde

Muktar N6.46 billion ($40.6 million).

The court held Sylva in custody for one month before 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 the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, who took over office in 2011, continued previous cases or

Nta

Kerry 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 pardon of 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 properties 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 appointed offices, the report noted

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

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

The case against Bankole has since been dismissed under controversial circumstances; and another one not mentioned in the Report, was the case against former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, which was also dismissed in court.

Although, the EFCC lost many high profile cases in court, it won 117 cases in 2013, for which it was commended by the Federal House of Representatives.

In a recent exclusive interview with The Guardian, a Director at the EFCC, Mr. Chile Okoroma gave an extensive explanation on the way the judicial system in Nigeria hampers the fight against corruption. He cited examples of long standing cases, such as the ones against former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu and former governor of Enugu state, Chimaroke Nnamani. He called for the overhaul of the judicial system.

Apparently in response to criticisms, the CJN had issued new regulations that would give no chance for frivolous applications and adjournments, but the regulations are yet to be obeyed. According to the EFCC source, the new regulation orders that corruption cases be heard everyday until judgment is delivered. “But this has not taken effect several months after it was issued because the lawyers and judges are not even aware of the regulation,” he said.

The performance of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) was questioned, despite its broad authority to prosecute corruption cases, while its anticorruption effort and EFCC’s were said to have 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.

However, the ICPC has not been quiet about its challenges. A source at the commission told The Guardian on the condition of anonymity, that the agency faces gross underfunding. With a little over N3 billion allocated to it yearly, the agency which is supposed to be in all states of the federation, do not have enough operating space in its Abuja office, let alone spreading nationwide.

The Commission’s chairman, Barrister Ekpo Nta, in a recent interview, told The Guardian that the head office building was dilapidated and needed urgent repairs. “If the ICPC office is as comfortable as the National Assembly, we will work 24 hours,” he had said.

Despite the challenges however, the Commision has adopted a preventive approach, through its review of the operating systems of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Through this effort, funds that were hitherto available for siphoning have been blocked. Nta said it was better to prevent the funds from being stolen, rather than chase thieves around and waste government’s funds to prosecute them.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

14 | Monday, March 17, 2014

Politics Let’s stop graft to save Nigeria The Amaechi–led faction of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) at the weekend in Lagos held its 3rd retreat where it reviewed some major economic and security challenges facing the country. They posited that corruption should be tackled. Abiodun Fanoro, Kamal Tayo Oropo and Seye Olumide who were at the retreat report TATE governors in Nigeria may have at last had their eyes opened to see the evils and Sdangers corruption constitute to the wellbeing of Nigerians, the growth of the country, her greatness and her future as a united entity, which concerned Nigerians as well as concerned members of the international community have un-relentlessly raised alarm about.

Indication to this came at the weekend when the governors under the umbrella of the NGF had their retreat at the Eko Hotels and Suites Lagos, they did not only find their voice to condemn openly the evils that corruption is foisting on the country, they cried loud that urgent and a united efforts to combat the malaise which they vowed must be stopped before it stopped the country from existence.

The governors were united in their condemnation of corruption and is evil effects, describing it as the mother of all crimes which is worse than murder.

To the governors corruption has attained an intolerable level. To demonstrate their determination that it must be routed out through a concerted effort they made it “Building Systems and Institutions that Prevent Corruption” the main topic for the retreat and followed it up by bringing prominent Tsars of ant-corruption campaigners to discuss the issue and proffer solutions.

Indeed, the governors raised alarm about what they described as the intolerable level corruption has attained in the country and therefore warned that: “now is the time for the country to stop corruption before corruption stop the country.”

Other urgent issues of national concern that gained the attention of the Forum were the collapsing state of education, the dwindling fortunes of agriculture and the frightening state of security in Nigeria.

Present at the Forum were the NGF factional Chairman, River State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Chairman of the Forum and Senator Representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr Bukola Saraki, the host and Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, his Edo State counterpart Adams Oshiomhole, that of Nasarawa, Tanko Almakura and his colleague from Sokoto, Aliyu Wamakko.

Represented by their deputies are Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Abiola Ajimobi Oyo State and Rochas Okorocha of Imo State.

Although the retreat was expected to have all the 36 state governors of the federation to participate in the discussion, governors under the Peoples Democratic Party and the Jonah Jang led faction of the NGF shunned it.

Other dignitaries include: Chairman of the occasion and former Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and related crimes Commission (ICPC), retired Justice Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, former Vice Chancellor University of Benin, Prof. (Mrs.) Grace Alele-Williams, former Minister of Police Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Lame, Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akin Oyebode, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu from the University of Ibadan and a Professor of Agricultural Economics, Victor Okoruwa.

The dignitaries unanimously lauded the governors for finding their voice and for putting the fight against corruption on the front burner.

This move, according to the dignitaries deserved to be commended and encouraged because this was the first time Nigeria governors as an institution would be putting the fight against corruption first on their agenda.

The governors cited for instance the case of the missing $20 billion as an evident that corruption had got to intolerable level.

Justice Akanbi, who observed that the quality of the leadership of anti graft agencies is very crucial to its success advised that such leaders

Fashiola

Amaechi

Akanbi

Ribadu

must not only live by example but must be ready to put their lives on the line. While commending the NGF for putting corruption on the front burner he urged them to go to the next level of putting it in their manifestoes.

According to him, “Corruption is the bane of development and until it is reduced to the barest minimum, this nation cannot move forward.”

The former ICPC chairman said the leadership of the nation must live by example “whoever will lead Nigeria must be bold, courageous, determined and must be ready to put his life on the line.

“Over the years we know it was quiet possible to take governors and other highly positioned public officials to court for corruption but today, the case is different.”

He debunked the claim that people were driven to engaging in corruption because of poverty, noting that “but most of the people we arrested are not poor people. We should handle those that are corrupt in a way they will ever regret that they dabble into corruption.”

Wondering why it took President Goodluck Jonathan so long to sack the former Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah when she was accused of corruption but was swift in acting over the allegation of misconduct against the Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Lamido Sanusi Lamido, Akanbi said, “Leaders must live by example.”

In his presentation, Prof. Oyebode warned that except Nigerians do everything possible to stop corruption “it will eventually stop Nigeria.”

He flayed the ruling class for demonstrating inability to rule the nation.

In his conclusion, Oyebode warned that corruption has become a threatening virus in the polity that needed to be addressed drastically

adding that no efforts should be spared to stop it.

According to him, “Nigeria has enough institutions to fight corruption what is lacking is the political will to stop it.”

He enjoined the authorities to rejuvenate and empower all the anti corruption institutions and that those in the forefront of the fight against corruption must be empowered and government must show commitment.

Ribadu admonished the NGF to lead by example stressing that what they do is what others would follow.

He said if public officers could lessen their private jets, ostentatious life style, convoy and other related nuisance, corruption would reduce naturally.

According to him, “If the governors do what is right, it would be very easy to go after the bad guys who are corrupt.”

Ribadu, who said the governors have a lot all to do if the nation must successfully wage war against corruption, urged them to lead from the front and instill morals that would stem corruption in governance.

He charged, “Preventing or fighting corruption requires your personal lead as political leaders and those at the pinnacle in your states.

More than anything else, installing probity, transparency and honesty is through leading by example.

“Personally, I heap all this reasonability at the doorsteps of the executives because by my experience, I tend to believe that when the chief executive (the president or the governor) behaves well, the other arms of the government appear to follow suit”.

Ribadu added: “Crime of corruption must be made unattractive and difficult to commit.

When there is transparency there will be less room for stealing.

Suggesting a way out for Nigeria, the former EFCC boss advocated for,” moral leadership; making the system of corruption unfriendly; having laws that promotes transparency; set the stage for effective sanctions regime against defaulters.”

In his intervention as one of the discussants, Fashola said corruption has reached unbridled proportion in the country, saying “a situation where $20 billion US dollars disappeared and it’s taken, as a way of life is appalling.”

He said while it is necessary to engage public servants in the fight against corruption, attention must also be shifted to the private sector and values. According to him, “A situation where people spray money and steps on money, people stages party with millions of naira their earnings cannot support. We reward people for work not done, award national honour to people of questionable character the society needs to thinks.

“It is a very challenge where people spray and step on the money that they had worked for in a party. People holding party that their resources cannot sustain or a situation where people organise wedding that cost over N50 million.”

Governor Oshiomhole noted that corrupt practices have pervaded the political class, the public and private sectors and urged Nigerians to immediately unite in a war against corruption.

Ogun State Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun while calling on Nigerians to wake up and join the fight against corruption warned of the dangerous consequences of delay and allowing revolution to set in to change the situation.

When this happened he noted everybody would be at risk.

Speaking on the topic: ‘Improving Access and Quality Education at the Sub-national level’, Prof. Alele-Williams, who moderated the session called for overhauling of the sector if Nigeria must grow and meet up with the challenges and development around the world.

In similar vein, Amaechi, Fayemi and the Osun Deputy Governor of, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori emphasised the need for reassessment of education in the country.

On the topics: ‘Overview of the Current State of Agriculture in the States and Nigeria Without Oil: Unlocking Agricultural Value Chain’, Okoruwa and Dr. Babagana Abba Gambo emphasized the need for the country to do away with the total dependence on oil and gas with the aim to revamping the agricultural sector for development.

The duo said Nigeria could do better in job creation and economic development if attention is focus on the agriculture sector instead of the present dependent on oil and gas. To them, this has turned all the states of the federation to a baby, being spoon-fed by the Federal Government through the monthly Federal Allocations.

Addressing the gathering on the topic: ‘Institutional and Social Drivers of Insecurity the Subnational level: Finding Workable Solutions’, Governor Fayemi said what Nigerians mistakenly called as Boko Haram insurgence in the northern part of the country is a situation of a full blown war.

According to him, “ A situation where over 1000 people are killed is usually described as full blown war but since the insurgence stated, more than a thousand lives has been killed.”

The governor put the statistics of live that have been lost in various crises since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 above 100, 000 “we are in a stage of war and something needed to be done to address the security situation.”

Dr. Lame also expressed similar concern and called on the Federal Government to take the issue with utmost seriousness, saying: “It is not possible to dream or plan for any development in a situation of insecurity of life and property.”

The NGF Chairman Amaechi, read the communiqué, which covered all the issues that were thoroughly discussed at the retreat.

Monday, March 17, 2014 POLITICS 15

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

National Conference Debate

Put no legal huddle on way of confab, Anyaoku Ahead of the inaugural edition of the Public Service Debates, being organised by St. John’s Forum for March 26, 2014 at Agip Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and moderator of the programme, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has urged all Nigerians to support the National Conference which opens today.

The debate titled: Will Nigeria be better served by a parliamentary system of government, will feature Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; former External Affairs Minister, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia (SAN); Senate Deputy President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and renowned Oxford University scholar, Dr. Abdu Raufu Mustapha.

Anyaoku, in this interview with SEYE OLUMIDE, pleaded with Nigerians seeking court actions to stop the Conference to have a rethink in the national interest. Excerpts: OW do you see the planned debate and H the topic coming on the heels of the National Conference?

I believe the debate is a very necessary public service, particularly at this period of the country’s centenary. We are celebrating and reflecting on the history of Nigeria for the last 100 years and one of the key areas of discussion is on governance and how to deal with the areas of challenges confronting the people at the moment.

These are challenges of insecurity, poverty among the masses, the poor economic condition we are facing, and also the continuing debate about governance structure, which is the constitution of the day.

It is quiet correct that we haven’t got our governance structure right. We are still debating; we are still plague with ethnic, religious oriented politics and the huge amount that we still spent on administration is worrisome. Over 70 per cent of our revenue is spent on recurrent expenditure, leaving very little for capital development.

These are the exact situations we are and I believe that the public debate will be a very good opportunity for sound minded and prominent Nigerians, to express their views.

Would you agree that the parliamentary system of government failed in Nigeria?

I am not sure. What we had was an interruption of the parliamentary system by the military. The military intervened in our politics and after the intervention, the system of governance changed.

While we can say the presidential system of government has served the country well, but by all economic and social indices, the country was developing faster during the first six years of our independence, when we have the parliamentary system and now we have the presidential system, which is far too expensive to run and our National Assembly members are the highest paid parliamentarians in the World. The cost of the present system is too expensive.

Anyaoku I am looking forward to the debate and to hearing various points of views on the parliamentary and the presidential system.

Are you of the view that Nigeria electorates would grasp the message from the debate?

Yes I believe that the Nigerian electorates are mature enough. I believe that the experience we had with the two systems of governments will help. The parliamentary system was a lot better but the experience of the two systems will enable us to further reason on which of the two systems would serve us better.

Would the debate serve as a veritable tool to assist the delegates at the Confab?

It is indeed, and I would like to say that the debate is coming up at the most appropriate time the National Conference is ongoing, which is expected to deal with the issue of governance structure. I am convinced that this debate will be a very useful contribution to the success of the Confab.

How would you assess the delegates of the national conference?

I believe the list is a very good one and you could never have any that would satisfy everyone in this case. The 492 representatives, I have seen their names, they were carefully chosen and they represent the major stakeholders in the country and so their deliberations should be able to inspire confidence in the future of the country.

In view of the fat that some people have gone to court to challenge the legality of the conference, do you suspect any ploy to destabilise it?

All Nigerians from the onset have never unanimously supported the idea of the Conference. We have those who doubted

If we proceed with the elections in 2015, without a national consensus, that will emerge from the Conference, the country will be in great danger because we are now preparing for elections in circumstances where sections of the country are insisting that it is their turn to produce the president of the country…

its usefulness but I believe that the overwhelming Nigerians want a dialogue; they want a national conference to address the major challenges that this country is facing. This Conference will be an ultimate opportunity to address the crises in the country. I just hope that the court will not give succor to stop the confab from those challenging its legality because I think the country needs the Conference and I hope we will reach a national consensus there on how to deal with our current challenges.

Do you think the conference is well timed with the 2015 elections fast approaching?

If we proceed with the elections in 2015, without a national consensus, that will emerge from the Conference, the country will be in great danger because we are now preparing for elections in circumstances where sections of the country are insisting that it is their turn to produce the president of the country, one section of the country say its our turn and if we do not produce the president, the country will become ungovernable. Another section says, it is our turn, if we are not allow to complete our eight years, if we do not have that opportunity there is no guarantee that the main source of revenue of the nation, mainly crude oil will be sustained and can you imagine what would happen if this country oil industry becomes disrupted, Nigeria will be in total kiosk.

What is your dream for Nigeria?

My dream for Nigeria will be a Nigeria in which meritocracy is the determining factor in selecting leadership, both political leadership and the professional leadership. I believe that this country has fallen back because we have never been able to put forward its first eleven, mainly because we are developing on the basis of the so-called Federal Character.

The Federal Character has enthroned mediocrity in the country; and so my dream for Nigeria, would be a Nigeria that is in a position to tap its best human resources for its development.

‘We cannot afford to waste N7 billion on exercise’ OUSE of Representatives’ former Minority H Leader, Alhaji Farouk Adamu Aliyu, has vowed to lead persons of like minds today to seek judicial declaration to stop the convocation of the National Conference billed to take off today. Justifying his position, he told Adamu Abuh that the conference was politically premeditated, illegal and a sheer waste of the nation’s resources.

WHAT do you make of the confab? .

I don’t believe in it because it is a waste of our money; it is diversionary. In fact, I am going to court today to stop it. I was waiting for Mr. President to convoke it and by the grace of God the day has come. I the way I went to court to ensure Mr. President was installed as President of this country when the President Umar Ya’Adua was ill. I am going to court because I believe that as a nation, we cannot afford N7 billion on a jamboree, we cannot afford to waste such huge sum on a reckless project like the Confab.

Why do you consider the Confab illegal?

First of all it will be subjudice for me to determine. But the way I see it the waste of resources is enough to make it illegal. The President has sworn to protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and one of those responsibilities is for him to be prudent with our resources. Where the President has failed to do this is a breach of the Constitution for which he could be sued The other aspect of my decision is to determine whether the President has the power with the National Assembly in place to convoke the Confab.

What are the issues that would dominate the discourse at the confab? ?

I am sure Ohaneze and MASSOB (Movement for the Actualisation of a Sovereign State Of Biafra), which is part of Ohaneze would want to excise the Ibos from Nigeria; the Oodua Peoples congress (OPC) would also want to be out of this country and certainly Boko Haram would also want their own country. So you would see that it is going to be a gathering on how to take

the decision on how to divide Nigeria.

What do you make of subjecting the confab’s decisions to the approval of the National Assembly?

You remember the House of Representatives in particular conducted public hearing in 360 federal constituencies to get the aggregate view of the people on the constitutional amendment. How come all these people agitating for conference did not submit their memos at their constituencies? After that the National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment headed by Senator Ike Ekweremadu held six sittings in the six geo-political zones asking people to come forward to enhance the process. How come these people did not make their submissions? So if they had given their submissions, let them wait for the decision of the National Assembly and if they have not, the time is not late as they can kick-start the process of constitutional amendment. The confab is a duplication of work. This is why I feel it is illegal to.

Do you think the personalities saddled with the responsibilities of directing the Confab achieve the desired goal? could Well, they are all respected Nigerians. Whether they can handle the job, I think they cannot.

Justice Idris Kutigi is coming from a system where they obey orders; where there is civility.

But he is coming to head a riotous crowd from market women to all manners of people with different characters and background. Same for distinguished Professor Bolaji Akinyemi who was Minister of External Affairs. So they would see that it is going to be chaotic; the number is too large and there is nothing they can do.

Why did the All Progressives Congress elected to stay away from the Confab?

The party is thinking along my line and I am also thinking along the party’s line. Like I said, as a person, I feel it is wasteful and as a party we feel it is diversionary. Yes we need to talk, yes we need to restructure the country if possible, yes we need to decide whether we need to live

Aliyu together but it shouldn’t be on the eve of an election, not in a period where more than eighty people have been killed in Katsina and the President is visiting Katsina on the same day instead of making a detour and visit those two local government that were affected.

This is happening at a time Boko Haram is killing students and anybody that comes their way, yet the President has not visited those areas. So of course as a party we feel pained it is

normal to feel this is diversionary. If Jonathan says let me call a national conference on how to protect security of lives and properties, which is the cardinal principles of the Nigerian Constitution, we would have hailed him. If he comes up to say look, I am overwhelmed, I don’t know what to do, what do we do, I need the input of all Nigerians. We would all support him and proffer solutions because you need peace to be able to govern the country. Instead of Mr. President to do this, he decided to go for political gains. I am quite sure that the Moslems would definitely defend sharia with the last drop of their blood; the Christians would oppose sharia and would say to hell with sharia. So do we need to be talking about sharia or no sharia, or discussing secession or not on the eve of an election when there is no peace, when the economy is bad and when the burden of governance is so much? No, I mean as a nation, we should start looking inward on how to govern ourselves very well. We shouldn’t support the Confab.

Why do you think the confab is diversionary?

It is diversionary because the President’s party is in turmoil; he has lost five Governors ‘and we know that he wants to re-contest which I am also going to court to challenge. I am waiting for him to get the candidature because I believe Mr. President was sworn in twice and the provision of the Constitution is clear on two terms and no more. He wants everybody to forget that he is re-contesting because by the time he convokes this Conference.

In specific terms, what do you want to achieve in the court?

I Farouk Adamu Aliyu, the person that got judgment for Jonathan without seeing him would go to court on behalf of some people who are also voiceless to enforce the Constitution. I am going to seek a declaratory judgment that the Confab is unconstitutional, null and void.

TheGuardian

16 | Monday, March 17, 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 The zero hunger initiative T is indeed a good step towards ensuring real security of the countries of West Africa that there is genuine talk now of food security in the region.

Against the backdrop of the skyrocketing prices of staple food items and the growing hunger among the populace, the recent workshop by officials of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and other partners, to address food production issues in the West Africa sub-region is worthwhile, if only to find new ideas on how to tackle hunger.

At the three-day workshop, held in Accra, Ghana, the participants launched what they called the West Africa Zero Hunger Initiative, aimed at eradicating hunger by adopting a new approach to the governance of agriculture, food and nutrition issues in West Africa. The workshop, according to the organisers, is to enable stakeholders take a common stance on the nature of the initiative, which is a country-focused and results-oriented set of actions that reinforce and strengthen existing strategies and programmes for eliminating food insecurity and malnutrition in ECOWAS member-states.

It is noteworthy that many governments in the sub-region have declared commitment to eradicating hunger through various national and regional agricultural investment plans and they now seek how the Zero Hunger Initiative would add value to existing regional and country-level food security and nutrition efforts.

Interestingly, the Zero Hunger Initiative subscribes to the UN vision for a future where no person is hungry, where every woman, child and man enjoys the right to food; women are empowered; priority is given to family farming and food systems everywhere are made sustainable and resilient.

Wrong-headed policies, civil and political unrest, coupled with natural forces of droughts and floods have contributed to poor food production and hunger. The threat of hunger and malnutrition has remained the lot of many countries for a long time and Ethiopia, Mali, Chad, Niger and many countries across the Sahel region of Africa are in this unfortunate category.

The situation in Nigeria is not different. It is sad that following the oil boom of the mid-70s, agriculture was abandoned with the result that food production dropped drastically. Since then, efforts to boost food production through such policies as Green Revolution and Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) failed woefully. In the same vein, other interventionist measures such as the N200 billion loans to farmers by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria have yielded little results.

Consequently, most foods consumed in the country are imported. Rice, chicken, pineapples, oranges, apples, etc are all imported. Their prices are on the high side, making them largely unaffordable.

Obviously, poor feeding habit leading to malnutrition is also rampant and families have difficulty preserving or storing food staples due to epileptic power supply. There is no doubt that the situation is unbearable. Perhaps, the Zero Hunger Initiative is coming at the most auspicious time when new thinking is needed to boost agricultural production and ensure food security.

If well articulated and carefully implemented, the initiative could leverage food production and reduce hunger in the ECOWAS sub-region.

It is regrettable that the optimism of bumper harvests from various agricultural intervention strategies and improved food crops has waned. Statistics show that the populations of at least 40 poor countries, which in absolute terms run into millions, face severe hunger and starvation. This is worsened by a sharp decline in global food production, raising fears of a possibility of a widespread famine.

Historically, the only solution to famine is increased food production and not importation. The culture of food importation in Nigeria is wrong and should be curtailed. Food has direct impact on health. A hungry population is a sick population.

In some cases, the problem lies in preserving the food products during harvest. Each year, hundreds of tonnes of tomatoes, mangoes, oranges, carrots, etc, are wasted due to lack of preservative capacity. The Zero Hunger Initiative should include driving agro-based industries to process and preserve food staples.

There is the issue of land grabbing for development as well as land-grabbing for commercial farming by expatriate farmers in which, quite often, local farmers are shut out of food production without compensation.

Governments in the sub-region should not shy away from this reality and they should seek ways to balance investment drive with the local food production needs in the national interest. After all, there can be no national security without food security.

I

LETTERS

Of soldiers, road blocks in Warri and environs IR: It is disappointing and for and whoever made them to should be educated on how to Slifeindeed distressing making be there should arrange for their mount road-blocks; but not unbearable through unending road blocks by soldiers in Warri and environs. The roads mostly affected are Osubi, Agbarho, Oviorie junction, Orerokpe junction and Ughelli where soldiers mount road blocks with drums and make the existing narrow roads to become one lane. The soldiers just sit and check nothing and causing incessant hold-ups as a result of non-movement of vehicles. At Osubi, motorists do spend over three hours before escaping from the stern-looking soldiers who I think and believe can successfully fight and conquer the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East of the nation.

Obviously, what we are now seeing in Warri, Effurun and environs on the highways is embarrassing and unorganised with the way and manner soldiers cause hold-ups for hours.

As a result, pupils, students, workers, businessmen and women arrive at schools, offices and business places late and very many miss their flights and other businesses that would bring development to the state.

What a dangerous dichotomy indeed! Who gave them the right to make motorists and other road users suffer on these highways? This is not good.

They should be called to order.

For many motorists and other road users to remain on a spot for over three hours is uncalled

removal or add decency to the way and manner they conduct their assignment.

We appreciate the way and manner the police park their vehicles in strategic places in the towns and highways and remain vigilant and coordinated, thanks to the Inspector General (IG) for the new style, not for irrelevant checks, but to monitor very closely passers-by and motorists, no mounting of drums, woods, sand, etc.

It is not so even in our neighbouring states like Edo, Bayelsa, Anambra. Alternatively, they

causing confusion or suffering to the poor masses to remain on one spot for several hours.

May I, therefore, appeal to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Effurun barracks, the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as well as the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan to address this burning issue expeditiously in order to ameliorate the sufferings of the motorists and other road users, for a stitch in time saves nine.

• Okute Emmanuel Okute, Warrri, Delta State

Epileptic power supply in Makurdi In Makurdi, Benue State SWhoIR:capital, we are still in darkness. should we blamed – the Benue State government, the Federal Government or the new investors?

Let me be honest by giving kudos to the present administration under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan for the efforts made so far in addressing epileptic power supply in the country. However, the problem of epileptic power supply is not yet over. The Federal Government keeps telling us that we should not expect immediate manifestation of PHCN privatisation.

Agreed, but now, there are so many complaints from across the country over this worse-thanepileptic power supply. This is

because, after the handing over of the defunct PHCN to the private investors, power supply has moved from epileptic to permanent darkness.

Markurdi, the Benue State capital, is a good example.

From Akpehe one to Akpehe two, all in Makurdi cannot enjoy electricity for at least two hours in a day until after another week.

The same goes for North-bank, Judges Quarters, Old National Assembly Quarters, and so on in Makurdi.

Can we then be allowed the luxury of the epileptic power supply for now because half bread is better than none?

• Awunah Terwase, Markurdi, Benue State.

Monday, March 17, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

17

Opinion ‘Religionalisation’ of presidential politics

By Olubunmi Adetunmbi N the past few months, President Goodluck ItionJonathan has embarked on a Church visitaexercise that some have now humorously christened ‘Church tourism.’ It started with a trip to Jerusalem, the Holy Land. Nineteen governors, as well as some serving ministers and key government functionaries including the ever voluble President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor accompanied the Nigerian President on a pilgrimage of sorts to Israel on what could be termed a spiritual sojourn of discovery. At the end of the spiritual odyssey, hands were laid on the President and prayers offered for his success.

Perhaps still energised by the spiritual rebirth he experienced after the trip bankrolled by public funds, the President embarked on a church voyage with the usual array of top government functionaries and spiritual leaders in tow. In the last few months, the President has visited over six churches and still counting.

The Dunamis Church has played host to the new-found love of the number one citizen who worshipped there a few weeks ago. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Living Faith Church and the Apostolic Church, Utako including some notable churches in Lagos have also opened their doors to the President who has more or less used their hallowed pulpit to advocate what many have tagged, ‘the political patronage of the average church goer.’

The Nigerian Constitution clearly grants the President freedom of association, religious affiliation and worship. But it must be noted firmly that he also holds a unique position as an embodiment of the ethno-religious diversities of over 160 million Nigerians. Therefore, President Jonathan should pursue his religious belief mindful of his status so that he is not seen as politicising religion or religionizing politics or further polarising an already fractured nation dangerously along ethno-religious cleavages.

The President has been criticised severely in the past for being a master at playing the ethnic and religious card whenever it suits him best politically. His recent visits to churches filled with Nigerians who more or less share his religious beliefs, while harmless on the surface, undoubtedly gives credence to this

school of thought. Given the vehement defence by the President’s handlers, Nigerians are to expect more of such visits in coming weeks as Jonathan has vowed to worship at least once every month at churches outside the presidential chapel. By using the intimidating paraphernalia of office to sway a religious segment of the society to his side, President Jonathan has taken the manipulative exploitation of religion for partisan political gains to a level unbecoming of a statesman. This desperate deployment of faith as a tool for political eligibility or qualification for election or reelection into office is a dangerous precedent.

In retrospect, the President must be urged by well meaning Nigerians to learn to separate the pulpit from politics even if he banks on the voting strength of the Church in his mission to succeed himself in the face of mounting opposition within and outside his party. History has shown that when politics is brought into the church, or the church into politics, society is worse off in the end. The suppression and manipulation of the society by the state, through the Church and religion, dates back to medieval Britain and 20th century pre-revolution Russia where some of the worst atrocities mankind has experienced took place. A multi-ethnic and multi-religious society like ours is certainly not immune to the dangers awaiting a nation which allows power and politics to lie comfortably on the shoulders of its religious institutions. The fragility of Nigeria will be further exacerbated by heightened religious and ethnic tension which is indirectly being stirred by the President’s ‘church tourism.’ Many across religious and even political divides agree that these politicised church visits are harmful on the long run to the President’s score card which is dismal at best and his warped political calculations. The question must be asked: why has GEJ allowed religion to take the centre stage of his campaign rather than corruption, jobs, security, defence spending, education, etc? As a political analyst puts it succinctly, church or not, issues of performance with measurable indices are what would define the next elections. Therefore, the President should refrain from using the pulpit to make policy statements of government.

Like every other Nigerian, the President is free to worship in churches or mosques if he

so chooses, but pulpits and sacred altars should not be platforms for partisan political statements by presidential aspirants. The President’s speeches from the pulpits of prominent churches have begun to attract disparagement from a large segment of society and sadly are perceived as a subtle campaign for votes from the altar. Many say that this is not the first time the President would play the religious card in his political voyage.

In 2010, before the 2011 presidential election, he visited the RCCG to secure the votes of Christians. Two years after that presidential electioneering, he paid another widely publicised visit to Redeemed camp to give thanks to God and asked for prayers to enable him rule the country. The President has the freedom to decide his religious leaning and worship in any Christian denomination of his preference. However, Nigerians, including those of other faiths, also own the inalienable liberty to express their dissatisfaction at a situation where the nation’s Chief Security Officer and number one citizen makes sensitive political pronouncements in churches.

The President needs to be called to order quickly in order to avert a potentially divisive situation in the ever tense ethno-religious country like Nigeria. As canvassed by no less a religious figure than President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Ignatius Kaigama, the President needs to stop forthwith his politically motivated visits to churches and the usage of Church pulpits to indirectly request for votes of Christians. Bishop Kaigama is not just a lone voice in this call. A prominent clergyman, George Ehusani puts it succinctly: “I think that the current President is mixing politics with religion. He is the President of the whole Nigeria; he is not only the President of Christians. He is a Christian who is President but while a Christian is President in a country that is 50% Christian and 50% Muslim, you have to be careful.”

For the church, it is time to take up the gauntlet against this subtle presidential onslaught on its age-long independence. It is wrong for the President to bring the soapbox into the church. I also don’t think Pastors should allow their pulpits to become public policy platforms for politicians, it contaminates the gospel. The sanctuary is a hallowed chamber and should not be debased by politics of transient power. This is a desperate bid

of a Christian politician to use the church for a subtle endorsement without reference to the capacity to perform and deliver welfare to the people as Jesus Christ did by feeding the multitude, healing the sick and giving hope. The President should be encouraged and advised to rise above partisanship and religious bigotry and scale up to the status of a statesman. The burden of personal desires and the clamour for power is real and it takes the grace of God to rise above these.

The President should ask God for this exceeding grace to overcome self and all primordial desires that do not edify him, the church and the nation.

No one should commit the error that my views are ‘anti-Christian.’ No! Far from it! I am a confessed believer in the Person and the Divinity of Jesus Christ and He constitutes the centre of my being and hope for eternal life. I therefore consider it degrading to the status of Christ to be dragged into the politics of temporal power in a manner that excludes people of other faiths that Jesus gave His life for. And if Mr. President feels he must continue on his religious trail, I enjoin him to visit Pastor Tunde Bakare’s Latter Rain Assembly, he should also extend his worship to churches in Yobe, Adamawa, Borno and Benue states. If Mr. President cannot worship with the Christian community in these volatile states, then he should stop henceforth this obnoxious religious campaign.

On a final note, from the accounts in the Holy Bible, Priests took messages of God to kings of nations and read riot acts to them through the famous quote, ‘Thus sayeth the Lord God.’ Ironically, we are now faced with the situation where an un-ordained person climbs the altar of God to say “Thus sayeth the President”. This is a reversal of spiritual protocol as we know it in the Holy Bible and this is a subordination of spiritual authority of Priesthood to the temporal powers of the President.

Indeed the President needs to be careful in his new found vocation. His decision in the coming weeks will determine if Nigerians have a President who shares the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religion or a leader who quickly retreats into his religious or ethnic enclave to achieve transient political gains. This is not exemplary leadership and clearly not the mind of Christ.

• Senator Adetunmbi is Senator representing Ekiti North and also the Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Interior.

A Pope Francis for all seasons

By Matthew Hassan Kukah RUST me. These are true stories I am about to tell you. I have a T friend called Richard Daniel. My friend Richard is not a Catholic. He belongs to Church of the Brethren, but he loves the Catholic Church and I think he wants to join us, but I am still sizing him up. Richard is brilliant, but mischievous and you will like him almost naturally. At my niece’s wedding last year, he followed me to the Catholic Church, but swore that next time he comes to a Catholic Church he would rather insist that offertory be taken after Communion since the Church took his money but denied him holy Communion. If you won’t give me Communion, he complained to me, why take my money at the offertory? I just want you to know what kind of person he is before I narrate the next two incidents that are relevant to Pope Francis.

Around the 10th or so of March last year, Richard called me from Rome just ahead of the conclave and announced with confidence: I am in Rome and I am not far from the Vatican. I am here and we are poised to ensure the election of an African Pope this time. If you know Richard, this will not surprise you. Before I could comment on the futility of his quixotic exercise, he retorted. Bishop, you may wonder what contribution people like us can make to the election of a new Pope, but know that I am a member of the PDP. I am here with some of my people to do what we know how to do to get the result we want and we want to help Africa and the Catholic Church get a good Pope, but from Africa. At this point, I could not contain my laughter. Well, I have an idea about how we can elect a black Pope, he pressed on. Let me tell you a plan I have: We will assemble our black people to St. Peter’s square and wait for the elections to start. As soon as we see black smoke, we shall all break into songs and

dance and rejoice that we have a black Pope! The white people can wait for their white smoke as a sign that a white Pope has been elected. At this time, I had to simply cut Richard off from his bizarre theatrics. After the election of Pope Francis, Richard still had some strange ideas in his head.

Some months after Pope Francis had been elected, Richard called me one evening and asked where I was. I am at the airport, because I am travelling tonight, I told him. Bishop, Richard literally shouted as if he was scolding me; You are travelling tonight and out of the country and you have not told me? Are you disobeying Pope Francis? Did you not hear what he told us? After his election, Pope Francis bowed and asked us to pray for him and to bless him, how much less you, a Bishop? How can you travel without asking for my prayers and blessings? According to the new Pope, we are the ones to be blessing you now. If I tried to tell Richard that this was not applicable to him, he would probably remind me that even the Pope did not intend this for only Catholics alone. I ignored this heresy but needed my freedom so, I apologized and asked if Richard could please pray for me and bless me. He mumbled something but I was not sure how far his prayers and blessings went because I could not control my laughter.

Looking back, I now think Richard’s heresy may have had some iota of truth. We got a new Pope, but he seems to be one with a head from Argentina and a heart from Africa. Like Richard and millions of others, I was taken aback, but was energized when I recovered, at the thought of a Pope entrusting so much power into the hands of ordinary people by bowing and asking to be prayed for. It is ordinary folks who kneel at the wonderful opportunity of being prayed for or blessed by the Pope. That first sign was a spectacular demystification and appropriation of power, a signal of the hammer the Pope was go-

ing to use to break down some layers of some walls that have held back the blessings of God for his people. As we have now seen, nothing could have prepared us for the freshness that Pope Francis has brought to a tainted, troubled and fractured world since his election on March 13th, last year.

Even as a Bishop and having been to the Vatican and encountered both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul 11 severally, nothing prepared me for the shock of my first formal personal encounter with Pope Francis on November 28th, 2013. I arrived in the morning of November 26th for the inaugural meeting of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Council to which I had been appointed by his predecessor and retained by him. I had checked into the very comfortable (at least by the Spartan Vatican standards of accommodation) Domus Sancta Martha residence where accommodation had been reserved for us. I showered, finished my prayers and went into the Dinning Room for breakfast. I was just about to descend on my plate of cereals when I saw someone with a white soutane walk into the same Dinning Room. Only the Pope wears white and so I had to clear my eyes, and yes, the Pope had come in for breakfast with us. Three persons, two priests and a layman accompanied him.

They went straight down to a table barely 10 metres from where I had sat. He was chatting away with his three friends, occasionally saying a hello to someone else and stood up twice and went to the central table where all the morning’s breakfast was laid out for all of us. He helped himself, as opposed to being served! It was my first shock.

• To be continued tomorrow • Bishop Matthew Hassan KUKAH is Bishop of Sokoto Diocese

18| Monday, March 17, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Opinion Public education and the private sector

By Abimbola Agboluaje VERY chatty taxi driver once told me that he A would never send his kids to public schools because he wants a better future for them. He was very confident that his investment is already paying off as the kids speak far better English than him. The man’s only economic asset is a car that costs around N300,000. As the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit “Transforming Education Through Partnerships for Global Competitiveness” begins tomorrow in Abuja, my taxi driver’s choices and hopes for his kids should guide the discussion.

Why are low income Nigerians opting for private education? What jobs will their kids be in, in 1520 years? How many of them will go into higher education and will the economy generate enough jobs requiring higher education for them? What can be done for the poorest Nigerians who remain trapped in the public school system?

The private sector has a clear interest in education. Proficient workers who grasp concepts, perform tasks and solve problems quickly make companies more efficient and profitable. Their abundance in an economy boosts productivity and competitiveness, thus attracting investment.

Our education system hasn’t been supplying such to the Nigerian private sector. Companies have to interview thousands of candidates to recruit just 20 entry-level staff; many have set up academic finishing schools where graduates are trained for a year to become employable. The education system itself doesn’t have a lot of confidence in its own filters and products; universities set up post-JAMB examinations and some make law graduates sit English proficiency tests before admitting them into LLM courses.

The rich discussion of the evidence of Nigeria’s malfunctioning education system has unfortunately not been matched by an analysis of realistic solutions. For NES 20 to deliver concrete results, it must focus not on desirable objectives e.g. modernised curriculum or ICT-enhanced teaching – but the how of achieving these objec-

tives. Improving education isn’t about enhancing “implementation”. The answer is redesigning the policy or institutional framework so that the right balance of incentives is created for all actors – parents, teachers, students and small and large employers – to make choices that promote the attainment of the objectives.

There is universal agreement that poor quality primary and secondary school education do irreparable damage to students. The building of consensus around required policy solutions could start here i.e. from the bottom up. It seems weak and indifferent management that allows teachers to do as little as possible is as much a problem as funding. Kenyan private schools students do much better despite paying less than the $350 per student that donors and the government provide public schools. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the teachers in Nigerian private schools are not significantly better paid than their public school counterparts. School management and parents who create the incentives for teacher dedication and productivity are a critical difference. On the basis of this insight, policy and institutional redesign must incorporate and change the roles of private and public sector actors.

A national policy framework, backed by legislation, is required that aggressively promotes and regulates management and funding of public schools by “partner” social groups. The group taking over the school – a charitable foundation, company, religious or old students association, would set up a Governing Board (on which parents would also represented). The Governing Board would have the power to hire and fire teachers and invest the funds the partner social group and the Government commit to the school. Substantial funds would flow into many schools because the school administrators who manage donated funds are employed by the Governing Boards, which are set up and controlled by the donors.

This would see a revival of Nigeria’s leading colonial era public schools such as Government College Ibadan, Igbobi College and King’s College Lagos which produced world class academics, engineers and scientists as their old students pour

funds into them. They will emerge as an alternative to today’s leading private schools which are set up exclusively for the stupendously rich. These schools will be required to keep fees as low as possible and provide scholarships to indigent students because they remain public schools rather than for profit.

Corporations would ‘adopt’, manage and fund many schools attended by indigent Nigerians as corporate social responsibility. This framework, which should be understood in five minutes by even an absentee primary school teacher, was ferociously attacked as privatising education by Nigeria’s mob of social critics when one-time education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesilli, attempted to introduce it.

There should be a move towards funding projects in schools that remain wholly in government management directly. Governing Boards made up of parents and volunteers could be raised where no company or group is found to adopt and manage schools. Information on capital projects to be funded in schools should be widely diffused locally and nationally. A private sector managed system of student assessment and ranking schools performance by states could be developed. Government should develop a system for closing consistently underperforming schools and making these have implications for the careers of education officials, including schools monitors.

Enhancing remuneration for teachers and university lecturers will boost education outcomes because more passionate, dedicated and better quality graduates will be attracted rather than those for whom teaching is a last resort. The high remuneration and status of teachers in countries like Finland and Singapore has been a key reason for their world-beating performance. Facilities could be upgraded as teacher training colleges and generous bursaries offered as a signal to talents. A ready means of funding this is to shrink funding for university education by charging the real costs required to maintain decent facilities, invest in research and attract some of the best graduates into lectureships. The economic case

is clear. Good quality products of primary and secondary schools make good quality university graduates. They could do many of the jobs for which university graduates are currently employed for e.g. entry-level jobs at banks, and so could start contributing very early to the economy. The economy simply has no jobs for thousands of graduates of English language, Business Administration, and Religious Knowledge who have been poorly trained by (relatively) ill-paid lecturers.

Many of the young Nigerians going or waiting to go into higher education should be candidates for high-quality training in technical trades, the profitability of which could be enhanced by firm government regulation. What Nigerians currently spend educating children abroad is said to be greater than what is spent on all Nigerian universities. The spending in foreign universities could be used to attract Nigerian professors from America and Europe if we make the majority of students in our universities pay the real cost of acquiring high quality education while generous scholarships are given to the indigent but poor. We can no longer decry the poor quality of education while ignoring the funding high quality education requires or pretending that the government can pay for it alone. Universities need to become autonomous, setting their fees, competing to hire and pay star lecturers on individual contracts and admitting students directly. Government can award grants based on clear criteria such as the number of papers published in foreign journals, thus creating incentives to reduce the disgraceful nepotism and provincialism with which many universities are afflicted.

The 20th Nigerian Economic Summit for Education must produce an actionable agenda. It should be based on clear ideas-private-publicpartnerships, autonomy, decentralization, real costs – around which consensus could be built and which will form clear demands for policy change.

• Dr. Agboluaje is a Visiting Member of The Guardian Editorial Board.

Amalgamation was a mistake

By Victor Oshisada MALGAMATION not a mistake, says Jonathan. That was the headA line of a news-story in The Guardianof February 27, 2014. I disagree with him. In my considered opinion, the amalgamation of North and South of Nigeria on January 1, 1914, was a great mistake. A mistake is an action that is not correct or that produces a result that is not wanted. If a mistake is made, the next line of action is to correct it. If the President says it is not a mistake, it means we deserve the bad governance since October 1, 1960 till today. Even though, the celebration of the amalgamation has come and gone, what lingers on is the staccato debate on the country’s unity. Sycophantic remarks are not lacking. Most of our leaders prefer servile flatteries, because they are pleasant to their ears. Why should anyone be pleased with the continued existence of a country which has many countries in its fold?

Nigeria is a conglomeration of diverse States. It is four times the size of the United Kingdom, and the largest single African political unit, with various ethnic groupings making it to lack in homogeneity. We have the main and preponderance of Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo races. I detest the use of “tribe”, which connotes barbarism. In its place, I prefer the word “race”, because Blacks had civilization before the arrival of the Whites. We were governed by our Obong, Obi, Oba and Emir. Under these races, there are sizeable ethnic groups – the Kanuri, Nupe, and Tiv people among the Hausa; Yoruba race has the Itsekiri, Urhobo and the Ijaw people; in Igboland are the Ibibio and the Efik.

Another point for consideration is the artificiality of the boundaries. Admittedly, the series of States creations since 1967 have tremendously reduced the preponderance of the major races, even so, the welter of the incompatible races are still discernible. Each of these is as big as Sierra Leone or The Gambia. So, the country is heterogeneous and not homogenous. This is one of the reasons why our fragile unity is negotiable and must be negotiated. Our corporate co-existence is precarious. Other reasons abound. If there could be the possibility of unity, our long period of existence is enough to attain it. But we are not united in the real sense of it. Rather than be welded together in national unity, poor economic deliveries and bad governance continually tear us asunder because of its unwieldy size.

What we have today is bogus unity. And this is only among our political leaders who have access to the national cake. In short what is uniting the country today is the national cake through corruption.

How many of our fore fathers were consulted before the amalgamation? Many of us believe that January 1, 1914, was the beginning of our existence. This is not so. The British came to us long before that date. British interest was commercial and not altruistic. British contact with the port of Lagos was in the first half of the 19th century. Before 1861, when the annexation of Lagos took place, Lagos was a British protectorate. On July 22, 1861, United Kingdom instructed that Lagos should be annexed for the British Crown for “successful suppression of the slave trade”. Force was used in the process of the occupation.

Initially, Oba (king) Dosumu of Lagos refused to sign any Treaty.

But Britain applied force before hoisting her flag. The Oba’s signature was obtained by duress. By 1897, greater part of Yoruba kingdoms became a protectorate attached to the Colony of Lagos.

Another personality who was treated with wild justice by British officials was King Jaja of Opobo. He was powerful and possessed business acumen. He was also an independent ruler, controlling the trade of the Opobo area. But because of his strong insistence on keeping the retail trade in the hand of his own men, the Consul did not like Jaja’s independence and intrigued to depose him. This was a mistake. Britain should allow trade to flourish among the Blacks.

So, this country was amalgamated as a British Nigeria by subterfuge, for administrative convenience and cheaper administrative costs without consultation or support of the indigenes. At the Berlin Conference (1885), Britain’s claim to the Niger Basin was acknowledged by other European Powers. The Royal Niger Company got its Charter in 1886, “to administer, make treaties, levy customs and trade in all territories in the Niger Basin”. The trading Company had to provide the government in the area where it operated.

Britain came under criticisms, because of its combination of administrative powers with commercial monopoly. This led to the revocation of Royal Niger Company’s Charter in 1899. So, in 1900, the Southern Protectorate was established. Western and Eastern Provinces were created with River Niger as the boundary in 1939.

The amalgamation exercise was a ruse to serve the interests of Britain. To that extent, it was a great mistake, for our cultural diversities, including languages, religious faiths and economies, were not considered before we were lumped together. If Britain was sincere, why the applications of duress to effect acquisition? After 100 years, are we truly united? The Action Group crises of 1962 exemplified the mistake in the amalgamation. The Federal Government should not have intervened in that party’s infighting that formed the genesis of coups, counter-coups and the civil war of later years.

The intervention was the outcome of 1914 mistake.

There is the need for our unity to be negotiated. It must be negotiated. And this is the time to do so. The National Conference is the forum to correct the mistake of over 100 years. The spurious unity cannot endure for too long. Every child must bear the name of his father – the surname. Taking the plunge is the fear; once we take it, the sky is the limit for the economic developments of the parting races. Each child will grow at his own pace for structural developments. Pakistan parted way with India. Both countries are today in the best of the world, telling the stories of blessings and not of woes.

In Africa, there are as many land-locked countries as there are coastal ones. Therefore, North can survive economically to tell success stories hereafter; separation does not mean the end of our cooperation. Difficulties make a man, and by extension, it also makes a nation. It is a postponement of the evil day, if the right to secede is excluded at the Conference. Two issues threaten our corporate existence – corruption and insecurity, making bad governance.

The first breeds the second evil. If corruption is effectively tackled, insecurity can be reduced, because there shall be progress.

Why should a few people be in opulence, while a hoard of others are in penury in the same country, with no corrective measures?

What is uniting this country as at now is corruption. Our leaders are benefitting from corruption in unity. They therefore do not wish for a break-up. But the common citizens are suffering. Yet poor Nigerians are exhorted to work hard. What are the bases for hard work?

As for insecurity, if there is a break-up, there shall be solution. In a country where soldiers flee from terrorists, it leaves much to be desired. The country is too unwieldy for effective governance.

Most of the world leaders are ambivalent and insincere because of what they are benefitting from the country. They cherish the illusion that this country shall be one for long. They are deceptive in their utterances, thinking that they are encouraging people. The leaders condemn killings, but claim that an indivisible Nigeria would make Africa stronger. Another world leader said: “Amalgamation had made Nigeria one of the most powerful and vibrant African nations in the world”. Is this the reality? How else to deceive a host country? In the inner recesses of their Chanceries, they laugh us to scorn. They say nice things to cajole us, when they mean the opposite.

As a country, we must control our destiny. We ought to know what is good for us and realise that amalgamation was a monumental mistake to sap our vibrancy. As a result, the country’s unity must be negotiated.

Monday, March 17, 2014 19

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TheMetroSection ‘I smoked 30 wraps of marijuana a day’ • Reformed addict warns youths against bad friends, addiction to illicit drugs

By Odita Sunday HEN 35-year-old Gilbert Akerara tasted his first wrap of marijuana popularly called Indian Hemp in 1999 at a night club in Kaduna, he thought he was just cooling off to forget his sorrows, having been jilted by the girlfriend he loved so much, little did he know that only one wrap of ‘ganja’ could get him hooked.

But for the intervention of God, his family and public-spirited organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Akerara would have become history.

The young Gilbert participated in a workshop organized by the UNODC in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) where he shared his experiences with participants and advised youths to learn from his mistakes.

“I want to express my appreciation and indepth gratitude to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the privilege to share my story. Secondly, to tell you all about myself, my family background and how I was given a second chance as an exdrug addict.”

“I got addicted to drugs, precisely marijuana, in 1999 via peer pressure. I was having problems with my first love in a club in Kaduna named A Square Night Club. She jilted me for my friend. I was actually feeling sad that day and two other friends of mine offered me a joint and I was glad to oblige them though that wasn’t the first time of seeing them smoking “ganja’’ or offering me, which I always politely turned down. But that particular day, my state of mind was sad due to the break-up with my girlfriend. I wanted something that would lift my morale and after the first and second wrap, I was hooked. That was the genesis of my romance with illicit drug use,” he said.

Akerara went further to experiment with other drugs such as alcohol, volatile solvents, hallucinogens, crystal-meth, Rephnol, Crack-Cocaine and Ecstasy, but his preferred choice of hard drugs then was marijuana, followed by crack-cocaine.

According to him: “I could smoke 30 wraps of joint in a day. It became a full-time occupation. If I did not take “ganja’’ in the morning I could not eat, there would be no appetite for food except after smoking marijuana. Even if it was 3.00p.m. in the afternoon and for some reason whatsoever I had not smoked a joint, I would not eat food till after I’d smoked a joint. Sometimes, I would have compulsive night vigil just smoking marijuana from 11.00 p.m. to 5.00 a.m. It got to a point in my life then that if you were not a drug user we could never have a

I could smoke 30 wraps of joint in a day. It became a full-time occupation. If I did not take “ganja’’ in the morning, I could not eat. There would be no appetite for food except after smoking marijuana

W

Akerara rapport.”

“Then in March 2002, after attempting suicide, I had my first psychiatric case and a file was opened for me at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna. In November 2003, I was admitted in the same hospital for four months. In March 2014, I was discharged on parole and I was sober for a full year in which I re-wrote my JAMB and WAEC examinations and also enrolled for a lesson in Kaduna at Classic Tutors, for tutorial classes in preparation for my examinations (JAMB & WAEC).”

Miraculously, Akerara passed the two examinations and gained admission to University of Abuja to study Sociology in January 2006.

His words: “In my first semester in school, my GPA was 4.2 and I was doing relatively well, not only in academics but in extra-curricular activities on campus. But somehow, I relapsed into my old ways of illicit drug use by the second semester in 100 levels. I was taken by the school authorities to Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital because I had broken down physically and mentally

and the Dean of Student Affairs then, Dr. Yusufu Zoaka, now an Associate Professor of Political Science, contacted my family in Kaduna and the school ambulance with school security personnel and armed policemen forcefully took me to Kaduna and admitted me at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital with the consent of my parents.”

“I spent three months in the hospital and I was discharged. After discharge, I attempted suicide with an overdose of my medication and I was unconscious and also re-admitted in the hospital of which I spent another three months making a sum total of six months.”

“In my life as an addict, I had three failed suicide attempts of which each one ended up in the hospital, but somehow, I did not die but I really meant it and wanted to die.

It felt like the only way out of my misery, despair, woe, pains and hopelessness of a life of compulsive illegal drug use.”

The ex-addict had been to several rehabilitation centres across the country during his days of addiction. He visits rehabilitation centres sometimes voluntarily, sometimes coaxed and sometimes out rightly forced regardless of his own stands. “ I had been rehabilitated in Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja (LASUTH) and House of Refuge, Lekki in Lagos. When I was admitted at the Psychiatric Ward of LASUTH, Ikeja, I was chained to my bed for two weeks. It was a terrible experience, he recalled.”

To document his experience, Akerara, the only male child in a family of seven, is writing a book titled: “Reconciliation, Restoration, and Redemption: A Tale of an Ex-drug addict.”

It’s about my life, my mistakes, my experiences and God’s Grace in turning everything around for good and giving me a second chance not only to be drug-free but privileged to be helping others in the process of recovery, coping with cravings and dealing with relapse. I’ve seen it all, I’ve experienced it all and somehow, I came out of it all triumphantly and victoriously,” he said.

Lagos tackles mosquitoes, begins indoor spraying exercise in seven councils

By Wole Oyebade S part of efforts to combat malaria epidemic in the state, the Lagos State Government at the weekend commenced Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) exercise in seven Local Councils and their resident Local Community Development Areas (LCDAs).

IRS is the application of long-lasting chemical insecticides on the walls and roofs of all houses and domestic animal shelters in a given area. The aim is to kill the adult vector mosquitoes that rest on these surfaces.

Targeted LGAs are Ojo, Ikorodu, Badagry, Amuwo-Odofin, Kosofe, Ibeju-Lekki and scale up to Epe LGA. The exercise would last for 40 days.

A

Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris told reporters that the primary effects of IRS, towards curtailing malaria transmission, are to reduce the lifespan of vector mosquitoes so that they can no longer transmit malaria parasites from one person to another.

It is also to reduce the density of indoor resting and indoor feeding female anopheles mosquito – the major culprit of vector transmission in Nigeria.

Idris observed that malaria is both a cause and consequence of underdevelopment and remains one of the leading causes of sickness and deaths in the state.

“Hospital reviews of the past years show that it accounts for over 60 per cent

of outpatients visits and equally responsible for 30 per cent and 11 per cent mortality in children under five and pregnant women respectively,” he said.

One of the preventive measures that have been put in place to combat malaria in the state is the Integrated Vector Management Programme, consisting of the use of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs), IRS and larviciding.

Idris stressed that the role of the households was significant to the success of ongoing spraying exercise.

He said it is expected of households to receive and cooperate with the spray teams when they visit.

Households must ensure basic housekeeping rules before and after spraying,

such as having all food items properly covered.

Continuing, he said: “Households are expected to stay outside during the spraying and significantly, to observe the two-hour waiting period after the spraying, before members can re-enter their houses.

Critically, walls and ceilings of sprayed houses are not to be painted within six months of spraying to prevent deactivation of the insecticides.”

Idris said further that though side-effects are not expected, but if any, such persons should report to nearest Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) for care services.

Encouraging all residents to support the exercise,

Idris said: “As a State, we exude optimism that we are on the home stretch of this marathon race against malaria. We cannot, therefore, rest on our oars.”

“My appeal goes to all affected residents of the Lagos to extend their fullest cooperation to our spray teams and supervisors when they come. This is a collaborative effort between the state government and the people of Lagos State and therefore everyone must be involved in malaria control,” he said.

Major findings of entomological studies – beginning with the pilot phase of the IRS project in Ojo and Ikorodu back in 2010 – revealed that the Anopheles mosquito species was highly endophiles (resting indoors)

and thus a good target for IRS. Since 2010, there have been two rounds of six-monthly cyclical sprayings in six of the seven LGAs targeted in this current exercise.

A total of 49, 003 households have been sprayed, by far the majority of the targeted wards recording coverage of 85 per cent and above. In terms of effectiveness, an estimated population of 3,570,113 has been protected.

The choice of these seven LGAs/LCDAs was entirely evidence-based following the results of the entomological and epidemiological (malaria prevalence) surveys carried out across the State.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

20 Monday, March 17, 2014

Briefs Berger Paints donates to SOS Children’s Village

Pain, tears still for former PHCN workers

S part of its effort to provide • Ikeja District security staff yet to get severance package A quality education for the vulnerable children in society,

By Tope Templer Olaiya Berger Paints Nigeria Plc has donated several educational materials to SOS Children’s Village Isolo, Lagos.

Speaking at a visit to the village, the managing director of Berger Paints, Mr. To Nygard, said the gesture was to give back to the society and invest in the future of the younger generation through provision of learning materials.

He said: “We are proud to be part of the SOS family and the ethics for which it was founded. We pledge to continue in our effort to support quality education for the next generation. The educational material donated ranges from English, mathematics and science textbooks.

The village director noted that the Nigerian Children’s Village recently embarked on another area of communitybased programmes, aimed at preventing children from being abandoned.

Firm holds infrastructure management summit HE third edition of Asset T Summit Africa holds in Lagos from March 31 to April 1,

2014.

This event, organised by Codub Consulting, is about promoting effective asset management and maintenance culture in developing countries, said a press statement. Tagged ‘Reduce Costs, Improve Safety & Increase Profitability through Effective Asset Management and Maintenance,’ it has been put together in collaboration with the UK Trade and Investment, Alpha Mead Facilities and the Nigerian High Commission to the United Kingdom.

According to its organiser, the event will bring together over 150 senior managers and decision makers from oil/gas, real estate management, banking, manufacturing and the public sector.

Principal Consultant of Codub, Chidi Umeano, said: “Productivity growth is higher in countries with an adequate supply of infrastructure services.

Elders’ Prayer Week at Praise Tabernacle HE Redeemed Christian T Church of God, Praise Tabernacle will from today to Sunday mark its Elders’ Prayer Week, with the theme: Glory of the Latter House at the church auditorium, Nos. 9, 10 & 12, Ebun Street, Lawanson,Surulere, Lagos at 6.00p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 6.30p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. It will be rounded off on Sunday at 7.45a.m. and 10.00a.m. respectively. Pastor Solomon Cole will minister while host Pastor is Amos Emovon.

Irede Foundation walks for child amputees N April 12, 2014, a thousand O people will walk two kilometres to create awareness for child amputees.

The walk, organized by the Irede Foundation, is tagged “out on a Limb” and is aimed at bringing the attention of the society to the challenges faced by children living with limbs loss and the need to appropriately care for them.

The walk is free and participants will receive a free branded T-shirt. However, the Foundation hopes to raise funds to empower two child amputees; hence sponsorship is open to individual and corporate donors.

ISENGAGED workers of D Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), former Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have protested the non-payment of their severance package. The protesters, numbering over 100, carried placards and marched to the Alausa office of the firm last Friday.

Leading the protesters, spokesperson for the group, Mr. Bolanle Otunuga, said after the sale of PHCN, all workers were paid their severance package, except the regularized corporate guards of the Ikeja district numbering 113, who are security staff of former PHCN. “We are being owed 21 months arrears of salary (from February 2012 to the time PHCN was unbundled and ceased to exist in October 30, 2013), two years’ leave bonus, among other emoluments and severance package. Surprisingly, it is only Ikeja zone that has not been paid out of all the 18 zones all over the federation, including generation, transmission and distribution companies.”

Otunuga noted that they were not captured in the biometrics used to prepare the severance payment of PHCN workers due to some administrative lapses between the Human Resources Department of the Ikeja District and the corporate headquarters of PHCN in Abuja.

“We have written petition to the Minister of Power on

Some of the protesters...on Friday December 12 last year but action is yet to be taken on that letter. Some of us have put in 22 years of service, some 15 years with no kobo.

We have been abandoned.

We were supposed to have been regularized since 2011 on the same day the casual staff in PHCN were regularized nationwide, but for reasons best known to Abiodun Abikoye, our Human Resources Manager, it was not done for us.”

“This is why we decided to protest. When you have paid the other staff, why must our own be different.

When we complained to the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), they told us they didn’t recognize us because we don’t have staff number, they said it is only the presidency that can solve our problem. Why must we be suffering for the problem created by Abikoye’s negligence? We are appealing to President Jonathan to help us in this matter so we can collect our benefit,” he said.

To make matters worse for the protesters, the whole security staff of IKEDC was disengaged two weeks ago without pay, when the new

Ejigbo Spelling Bee winners urged to clinch Lagos One Day Governor prize IFE of Ejigbo Local CounW cil Development Area (LCDA) chairman, Mrs. Fatimah Bamigbetan, has urged winners of the council’s 2014 Spelling Bee competition to work hard to emerge as the Lagos State One Day Governor, during the grand finale of the competition, at the state level.

Mrs. Bamigbetan gave the charge during the conduct of the council’s edition of the competition recently, where all the 14 public primary and secondary schools in the council participated in the Spelling Bee competition held at Ejigbo Senior High School.

At the end of the keenly contested competition, Miss Kehinde Yusuf of Ejigbo Senior High School emerged as the first prize winner in the secondary school category, while Master Adediran David of Ageke primary school won the first prize in the primary school category. Both of

them will represent Ejigbo LCDA at the Lagos State Grand Finale edition later this year.

Other winners are Miss Opeyemi Adebayo of Ejigbo Senior High School, who won the second prize, and Okoye Ifechukwu of Oke-Afa

Junior College, who won the third prize in the secondary school category. Miss Favour Hogan of Low Cost Housing Estate Primary School 2 won the second prize in the primary school category and Master Peter Gideon of Ifoshi Primary School won the third prize.

Mrs Bamigbetan presenting a gift to Miss Kehinde Yusuf

owners outsourced security services to a private firm.

“We are not interested in their job, we are interested in our entitlement. The bottleneck is the staff number.

We were told that without the staff number, there is no way we can get anything.

Our letters of appointment migrating us from contract to permanent staff were given to us by the management of Ikeja as authorized by the corporate headquarters in Abuja.

“We were not fresh recruitment, we were only regularised. And, as stated in the

letter, the period of our contract appointment will count fully towards the computation of our retirement benefits, while payment of salaries will commence from February 24, 2012. We are yet to receive either our salary arrears for the period before PHCN was sold or severance pay,” another affected member, Oyibo Bamide said.

When contacted, the management of IKEDC told The Guardian that the issues predate the privatization of PHCN and could only be entertained by the BPE.

Japan’s Embassy, CBN donate clinics to Nasarawa community From John Okeke, Abuja

T

HE Embassy of Japan in Nigeria and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) have brought succour to Angwan Ahmadu and Angwan Ayaba villages in Karu Local Council of Nasarawa, by handing over two clinics to the two communities, as a part of the effort to improve the health services in the communities.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy granted the amount of $102,356 under the Japanese Grant Assistant for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) to Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) to assist the project.

Speaking during the commissioning of the two projects in Nasarawa yesterday, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Japanese Embassy, Mr. Masaya Otsuka, explained that projects were borne out

of the difficulties that the communities were facing to obtain healthcare services.

“Before the initiation of this projects, there was no single health facility in Angwan Ahmadu and Angwan Ayaba communities and people were losing lives from treatable diseases and recoverable injuries.”

“In case of emergency, people in these communities had to go to the nearest hospitals, which are 40 kilometres away from here.

According to Otsuka, access to primary health cares is essential in our daily lives.”

Also, the Regional Director, CBN Anglophone West Africa, Dr. Felix Oisamoje, who said that they choose the communities to implement the projects, noted that one of the criteria for the building of the clinics, was the lack of access to hospital to rural communities.

Community seeks government’s role in rural education

By Emeka Nwachukwu HE Kuaru Irepodun Community Development Association (KICDA) in the Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State has called on the state government to be more involved in rural education and development through support to community associations.

Speaking during the second edition of the yearly InterSchool Quiz competition held at Tonnette Multi Pur-

T

pose Centre, Ikotun recently, the Chairman of KICDA, Mr. Adebisi Lawani, said the quiz competition was the association’s contribution towards the mental development of children “by stimulating a healthy competition between the schools within our neighborhood because as a community development association, we believe in the human capital development and that the greatest resource a community, state or nation has is its human re-

source.”

“We want to call on all other schools, whether private or public, to take very seriously the training of our children. We also want to implore our leaders and parents as a matter of urgency to invest in the development of our children by giving them all the support that is required for good quality education,” he added.

Lawani also acknowledged the support of Cowbell Milk

and Olive Microfinance Bank towards sponsoring the event.

The representative of Olive Microfinance Bank, Mr. Henry Ogbulogun also urged the students to brace up for not just the quiz competition, but for other challenges ahead even as he reminded them that competition was not all about winning but about being challenged to do more.

He also advised parents to play their own crucial part

and not leave the training, growth and development of their children in the hands of government as they alone cannot do it.

At the end of the quiz competition, Living Spring College and Pearly Gate Primary School took the first positions in the Secondary and Primary school’s categories respectively.

All the participating schools were also rewarded with gifts from the sponsors.

UNHABITAT begins city structure plan project in Kogi, Zamfara

THE ENVIRONMENT /59

Agenda for new Environment Minister, by SRADev

PROPERTY GUIDE /37

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014

Investors stake N15.1b on equities in one week

By Helen Oji

A TOTAL of 1.989 billion shares worth N15.098 billion were exchanged in 21,948 deals last week by investors on the floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange in contrast to 2.145 billion units valued at N18.487 billion that changed hands in 22,697 deals during the preceding week.

Last week, the financial services industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.608 billion shares valued at N9.644 billion traded in 12,904 deals; thus contributing 80.83per cent and 63.87 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The conglomerates industry followed with a turnover of 149.215 million

CONTINUE ON PAGE 22

Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema (left); Group Managing Director, Dangote Sugar Refinery Company, Graham Clark; Company’s Secretary, Chioma Madubuko; and Deputy Group Managing Director, Dangote Sugar, Abdullahi Sule; during the closing bell ringing at NSE, Lagos.

CBN sets June deadline for ATM risk mitigating devices

By Chijioke Nelson HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set a June 1, 2014, deadline for all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in the country to install anti-skimming devices on all their respective Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

The directive was sequel to observed renewed efforts by fraudsters, who manipulate the ATMs and banks’ customers debit and credit cards to perpetrate the evil acts.

Perhaps, the move became imperative given the planned rollout of the cash-less initiative nationwide and the need to preserve the confidence of the masses in the evolving electronic payments system.

However, the directive, signed by the Director of Banking and Payments System Department, Dipo Fatokun, to all banks, did not stop short of reeling out plans by the apex bank to invoke appropriate sanctions for non-compliance after June 1.

The circular read: “CBN has observed with satisfaction, the growth in the adoption of ATMs by Nigerians, as one of the channels of e-payment.

The bank is therefore, committed to ensuring that the

T

deployment and management of ATMs are in line with global best practices.

“However, we have observed with dismay, an increase in the number of ATMs-related fraud in the banking system.

This development does not portend good for the industry and requires urgent steps to curb the abuse.

Consequently, in addition to the existing guidelines on card related frauds and to guard against card skimming at ATM channels across the country, all DMBs are hereby mandated to comply with the provisions of Sections 3.2 ATM Operations and 3.4 ATM Security of he Standards and ATM on Guidelines Operations in Nigeria.”

According to ATM operations guideline, a bank or independent organization that deploys an ATM for the use of the public shall ensure that ATM vault replenishment is carried out as often as possible

to avoid cash-out; not stocked with unfit notes; while acquirers monitor suspicious transactions and report statistics to CBN based on the agreed format and timeframe.

The machine’s downtime, due to technical fault, should not be more than 72 hours consecutively; all ATM surcharges are fully disclosed to customers; issue receipts, where requested by a customer, for

all transactions, except for balance enquiry, stating at a minimum the amount withdrawn, the surcharges, date and time of the transaction; and that the dispensing deposit and recycling component of the machine is in proper working condition, among others.

The ATM Security guideline also stated that every ATM shall have cameras which

shall view and record all persons using the machines and every activity at the ATM, including but not limited to card insertion; PIN entry; transaction selection; cash withdrawal, card taking, among others.

However, such cameras should not be able to record the key strokes of customers using the ATM and where a surveillance camera is used, it

should be kept secretly to avoid thieves removing, damaging or compromising it.

Also, all ATMs must be located in such a manner that guarantees safety and security of users and confidentiality of their transactions and where the user of an ATM blocks his image for camera capture, the ATM shall be capable of aborting the transaction.

Exchange Rates as at Friday, March 14 Currency US DOLLAR POUNDS STERLING EURO YEN CFA WAUA YUAN/RENMINBI RIYAL SDR

Buying (NGN) 154.74 258.6015 215.9242 1.5076 0.3087 238.8749 25.2158 41.2585 239.6304

Central (NGN) 155.24 259.4371 216.6219 1.5125 0.3187 239.6467 25.2978 41.3918 240.4047

Selling (NGN) 155.74 260.2727 217.3196 1.5173 0.3287 240.4186 25.3797 41.5251 241.179

22

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014

FINANCIAL GUARDIAN

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Forecast on global oil demand stokes prices RUDE oil prices gained as much as one per cent as C the International Energy Agency said worldwide oil consumption will increase this year more than previously forecast.

“I’m sure that the market has been rallying on the IEA demand forecast for this year. That certainly is going to lend support to the market,” said Andy Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates LLC in Houston.

Ultra low sulfur diesel for April delivery rose 1.99 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $2.9395 a gallon at 10:24 a.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Trading volume was 12 per cent below the

100-day average.

Brent crude for April settlement advanced 86 cents to $108.25 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

World oil consumption will increase by 1.4 million barrels a day, or 1.5 per cent, this year to a record 92.7 million a day, or about 95,000 more than forecast last month, according to the IEA, a Paris-based advisoil-consuming to er nations.

Diesel’s crack spread versus West Texas Intermediate crude, a rough measure of profitability, refining widened 30 cents to $24.72 a barrel. The premium over

European benchmark Brent fell 1 cent to $15.22 a barrel.

Gasoline for April delivery advanced 2.13 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $2.9542 a gallon

on trading volume that was 1 percent below the 100-day average.

The motor fuel’s crack spread versus WTI gained 27

cents to $25.25 a barrel.

Gasoline’s premium to London-traded Brent crude was up 12 cents to $15.79.

The average U.S. pump

price rose 0.9 cent to $3.513 a gallon, according to Heathrow, Florida-based AAA. Prices are the highest since September 15.

Major Global Markets (U.S., Europe, Asia) DOW S&P 500 500 S&P NASDAQ NASDAQ TR UUSS INDEX INDEX FTSE FTSE 100 10 0 DAX DAX CAC 40 TR EUROPE EUROPE NIKKEI NIKKEI HANG EN G HANG SSENG SENSEX SE NSEX

16,065.67 16,065.67 1,841.13 1,841.13 4,245.40 4,245.40 168.61 168.61 6,527.89 6,527.89 9,056.41 9,056.41 4,216.37 4,216.37 173.56 173.56 14,327.66 14,327.66 21 21,539.49 ,539.49 21,809.80 21 ,8 0 9 .8 0

-43.22 -43.22 -5.21 -5.21 --15.02 15.02 -0.32 -0.32

--0.27% 0.27% --0.28% 0.28% --0.35% 0.35% --0.19% 0.19%

-25.89 -25.89 +38.62 +38.62 -34.14 -34.14 -1.13 -1.13

-0.40% -0.40% +0.43% +0 .43% -0.80% -0.80% -0.65% -0.65%

-488.32 -488.32 -216.59 -216.59 +35.19 +3 5 .1 9

-3.30% -3.30% -1.00% -1.00% +0.16% +0 .16%

Chief Executive Officer of HKLM Group, Dr. Sean Mccoy; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Markets Dealers Quotations, Bola Onadele; Managing Partner, Brandzone Consulting LLC, Mrs. Chizor Malize; and Director HKLM, Gary Harwood, at the strategic brand workshop organized by HKLM/Brandzone, in Lagos.

Investors raise stake on equities in one week CONTINUE ON PAGE 22 shares worth N738.887 million in 1,531 deals.

The third place was occupied by the consumer goods industry with 64.818 million shares worth N2.465 billion in 3,334 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely- UBA Capital Plc, N.E.M Insurance Co. (Nigeria) Plc, and Access Bank Plc (measured by vol-

ume) accounted for 686.251 million shares worth N2.250 billion in 1,639 contributing deals, 34.50per cent and 14.90per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively Also traded during the week were a total of 4.283 million units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N82.146 million executed in 102 deals compared with a total of 743 units valued at N1.584 million transacted in five deals

during the preceding week.

Similarly, 12,896 units of FGN bonds valued at N14.551 million were traded this week in seven deals compared with a total of 25,075 units of FGN bonds valued at N22.942 million transacted last week in two deals The NSE All-share index and market capitalization depreciated by 2.01per cent to close on Friday at 38,171.32 and N12.261 trillion respectively while all the

NSE Indices depreciated during the week.

18 equities appreciated in prices during the week lower than 32 equities of the preceding week. 65 equities depreciated in prices higher than 54 equities of the preceding week, while 115 equities remained unchanged higher than 112 equities in the previous week.

A total of 159,400,000 units of Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF Securities at N17.27 were also admitted to

Currency Table Currency EUR/USD GBP/USD USD/JPY USD/CHF USD/CAD AUD/USD

Last 1.3913 1.6644 101.34 0.87200 1.1103 0.90270

Day High --101.34 0.87200 -0.90270

Day Low --101.34 0.87200 -0.90270

% Change --+0.00% +0.00% -+0.00%

Bid 1.3913 1.6644 101.34 0.87200 1.1103 0.90270

Ask 1.3916 1.6649 101.37 0.87290 1.1109 0.90300

Monday, March 17, 2014 23

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FINANCIALGUARDIAN

MONEY & BANKING

‘Economy, banks desire aspiring entrepreneurs’ Stories by Chijioke Nelson HE nation’s economy and T deposit money banks eagerly desire aspiring entrepreneurs, who represent the future of small and medium enterprises as backbone of the economy.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Plc, Yemi Adeola, made the assertion at the maiden edition of the bank’s “Meet the Executive”its entrepreneurship development project, at the weekend.

According to him, entrepreneurs with innovative ideas not only provide employment and income opportunities to

others, but also at the forefront of technological advancement and export diversification.

He said that three entrepreneurs are expected to emerge from the ongoing initiative and will not only get projectbased grants, but would be introduced to local and international investors by the bank.

Adeola explained that the programme is driven by the lender’s passion for helping budding entrepreneurs attain great heights, which is part of its corporate social responsibility.

“We plan to choose three out

of the whole people and workout the modalities or logistics of the fund with them, but it is easy money. The fund will be project-based.

“Any economy anywhere is the world is driven by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). And unless we encourage them, create conducive atmosphere for them to operate, we will continue to struggle as an economy,” he said.

He advised the participants to persevere in the face of daunting challenges facing

the subsector, adding that it is one’s ability to rise above limitations that determine the level of success.

Adeola pointed out that over 700 entries were received from entrepreneurs, who also submitted proposals to the bank.

“We then pruned the number down through meritbased assessment. We are now about selecting the final list, and by the end of the day, whatever project they are putting on the table, we are going

to partner with them, and give them grants in the first instance, introduce them to mentors and ensure that they grow into conglomerates.

“The programme is not going to be a one-off thing, but what we will continue to do so that we build and create more entrepreneurs in the country.

“The programme remains a social responsibility for the bank. We owe it as a duty to continue to create employment, encourage entrepreneurs and ultimately they will

become our customers, and their customers will also become our customers,” he said.

Adeola noted that the bank is making it easier for the youths to think beyond all the negatives in the society and become creative entrepreneurs.

“We owe it a duty to continue to create employment, encourage entrepreneurs and knowing that when they succeed, they will definitely become our customers,” he added.

Standard Chartered raises Africa’s investment in power by $57m TANDARD Chartered SEquity Bank, through it Private Africa division, has invested $57 million into Zambian Energy Corporation, the controlling shareholder of Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC).

The structured equity investment equates to an effective 25.8 per cent equity stake in CEC Plc. CEC Africa division had recently acquired two operating assets in Nigeria through the concluded power sector privatisation programme and has a rich pipeline of development power assets in Zambia, Namibia and Sierra Leone.

In Nigeria, CECA has acquired a controlling interest in the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and a 20 per cent stake in the 600MW Shiroro hydro plant.

Nigeria’s power privatisation initiative is expected to increase system-wide generation capacity and connectivity, while reducing costs and technical losses, thereby facilitating a self-sustaining power sector, which supports Nigeria’s economic growth.

Standard Chartered’s investment supports CECA’s pan-African expansion strategy, and is the first investment within the bank’s $2 billion commitment to ‘Power Africa’, a public-private sector partnership launched by U.S. President Barack Obama on his trip to Africa last year.

The Chief Executive Officer, Africa, Standard Chartered, Diana Layfield, said, “this is our first contribution towards the bank’s USD2 billion commitment to ‘Power Africa’ – a public-private partnership which is set to double Sub Saharan Africa’s access to electricity over the next five years.

“Power Africa enables us to live our brand promise and be here for good, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals. By financing the real economy, investing in the continent‘s infrastructure and supporting trade and its people, banks can really help transform Africa’s prospects.”

The Managing Director for Corporate Development at

CEC, Michael Tarney, added, “our success in Zambia has given us the experience and capability to generate, transmit and distribute power in other African markets. We are excited about our two strategic acquisitions in Nigeria. Over time, we expect that the Abuja Disco will deliver consistent and reliable power to more than 750,000 customers in Nigeria.

“Capital investment of more than $180 million is anticipated in the business plan covering our distribution operations in Abuja, Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa states.

With Standard Chartered’s valuable support, we look forward to building significant business scale and delivering sustainable benefits to Nigeria’s economy.”

Also, the Director, Standard Chartered’s Africa Private Equity Division, Ronald Tamale said, “CEC is another African success story, and is emerging as an important Standard Chartered client.

CEC has a strong management team and inspiring growth potential, extending commercial and economic benefit to multiple countries across the continent.

Private Equity is an increasingly useful tool in supporting the growth of African companies, who have achieved local success, but now need structured capital and specialist expertise to develop a profitable, panAfrican presence.”

According to the World Bank, Africa’s total infrastructure spending need is $93 billion yearly and Africa should be spending $41 billion on power, installing 7,000 MW yearly of generation capacity, just to keep up with electricity demand.

The ‘Power Africa’ partnership will provide $7 billion of U.S. financing support and an initial $9 billion of private sector commitments for power generation projects – ultimately delivering 10,000 megawatts of new electricity generation across six countries, reaching 20 million individuals in five years.

However, Standard Chartered has made the largest private sector contribution to the partnership thus far.

Chairman, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Yemi Cardoso; Programme Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ms. Salah Goss; Chief Executive Officer, EFInA, Ms. Modupe Ladipo; and Vice-President, InterMedia, Mr. Peter Goldstein, at a workshop organized by EFInA, in Lagos.

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Monday, March 17, 2014 25

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FINANCIALGUARDIAN

MONEY & BANKING

GTBank posts N242.7b gross earnings, 107.09b PBT in 2013

By Helen Oji UARANTY Trust Bank Plc has posted gross earnings of N242.7 billion in its 2013 operations, against N223 billion achieved in 2012.

Specifically, the bank’s audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed a strong and positive performance across all financial indices as its gross earnings stood at N242.7 billion, higher than N223 billion recorded in 2012 while Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose to N107.09 billion from N103 billion in 2012.

According to a statement from the bank, profit after tax also increased from N87 billion to N90 billion during the year under review with an increase in both pre-tax

G

Return of Equity (ROE) and pre-tax Return on Asset (ROA) of 34.9 per cent and 5.6 per cent.

The percentage increase in gross earnings is nine per cent while profit before tax rose by four per cent.

The bank also posted an

impressive 28.6 per cent growth in loan book from 783.91billion in 2012 to 1.01trillion in 2013 while customer’s deposits grew by a remarkable 24.3per cent from 1.15trillion in 2012 to 1.43trillion in 2013.

Consequently, the group

closed the 2013 financial year with a balance sheet size in excess of 2trillion while shareholders’ equity increased by 17.9 per cent from 281.83 billion in 2012 to 332.35billion in the period under review.

It added that the bank’s risk

management framework remains very strong as NonPerforming Loans (NPL) ratio decreased to 3.58 per cent in 2013 from 3.75 per cent in the comparative period of 2012.

Commenting on the results, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the

bank, Segun Agbaje stated, “as a growing franchise and in spite of the regulatory headwinds, our bank has posted respectable results that reaffirm our reputation as a market leader and a highly ethical financial institution.”

UK’s biggest insurer eyes underwriting market in Nigeria, others

By Chijioke Nelson, with Agency Reports NITED Kingdom (UK) U b i g g e s t insurer- Prudential Plc, said it is eyeing markets in Africa, including Nigeria and Kenya in its next phase of growth and expansion agenda, after surging profits in Asia helped to drive its stock to a record high.

Already, the insurer extend-

ed its partnership in Asia with Standard Chartered Plc (STAN) by 15 years and plans to expand the venture to more Asian and African nations.

The company posted a 17 percent increase in 2013 operating profit and boosted its dividend 15 per cent, beating analysts’ estimates.

“Africa is ‘a country story and a city-by-city story’. It’s like Asia in the 1990s. We rode Asia

in a wave of urbanisation, and the same forces are at play in Africa,” its Chief Executive Officer, Tidjane Thiam, a 51year-old Ivory Coast native, said.

According to the company, it is looking Africa’s direction to capitalise on rapid economic growth and a rising middle class.

In December, it bought Ghana’s Express Life Co. for an

undisclosed sum, marking its entry into the region’s lifeinsurance market and Thiam still sees Asia as at the “heart of future prospects” after the company doubled its profit in the region by 2013.

The shares rallied as much as 5.8 per cent to the highest level since at least 1988 as group operating profit rose to 2.95 billion pounds ($4.9 billion), beating the 2.83 billion-pound

median estimate of 24 analysts surveyed by the company. The full-year dividend increased to 33.57 pence a share, above the 31.56 pence estimate.

Prudential, which gets about half of its revenue from Asia, said new business profits in the region climbed to 1.46 billion pounds and operating profit rose to 1.08 billion pounds, more than double of 2009 levels.

26 | Monday, March 17, 2014

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FINANCIALGUARDIAN

EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

MARKET REPORT AS AT 7=03=2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

Monday, March 17, 2014 MARKETREPORT | 27

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MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 7=03=2014

PRIMERA AFRICA

28 Monday, March 17, 2014

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THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Critical Success Factors for Nigeria’s Privatised Power Sector Part 2

Monday, March 17, 2014 29

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FINANCIALGUARDIAN

INSIDE TAX

Tax treatment of share-based compensation

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MONEY & BANKING

CITN partners FRC, agencies to fight graft

By Chijioke Nelson HE Chartered Institute of T Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has unfolded plans to develop a strong manpower base for Nigeria’s tax system, as it seeks to join forces with government agencies to fight corruption.

According to CITN, it has already enlisted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to aid the efforts to tackle the menace of corruption and economic crimes in Nigeria.

However, the Institute has taken proactive steps to educate its stakeholders, particularly tax practitioners, on various statutory requirements stipulated in the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), the Financial Reporting Council Act of 2011, the EFCC Act of 2004, and the Terrorism

(Prevention) Act, 2011 (as amended).

In a statement by the Acting Registrar/Chief Executive of the Institute, Adefisayo Awogbade, CITN stated that “in strict compliance to the statutory requirements of the regulatory bodies designated, as non-financial institutions for the purpose of registration, reporting and conduct of customer due diligence as described in the regulations, the institute intends to create a forum where tax practitioners would be enlightened on what the Acts expect of them.”

Awogbade, who described the rate of corruption in the country as alarming, explained that, more often than not, majority of the acts of corruption were facilitated by professionals on behalf of culprits.

“That is why the institute, in conjunction with these anticorruption agencies, is facilitating an avenue to inculcate in its rank and file the various statutory provisions that are obligatory on them in the process of performing their

professional callings.

“The taxman plays a dual role, to the government, on one hand, and to the taxpayer on the other. It is, therefore, expedient to ensure that tax practitioners perform their duties professionally within the ambit and dictates of the laws of the land.

We need to ensure that whatever we do as professionals are in tandem with the Charter of our Institute, as well as other statutory provisions,” he said.

He explained further that the council of CITN was now better positioned than before to monitor all practitioners carrying its practising licence.

“It is not enough for members to have practising licence to practice once and for all.

The Institute will continue to monitor each practitioner to the extent that re-certification would be done as regularly as practicable. This is to ensure that tax practitioners are not only in tune with global best practice at all times but to ensure that they uphold the tenets and ideals of Tax Practice and Ethics.”

CIMA charts new path for global accounting principles

By Adeyemi Adepetun HE Chartered Institute of T Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) have proposed a comprehensive framework to bring consistency to management accounting practices around the world and help organisations to make smarter, faster decisions for the long-term amidst growing complexity and change.

According to CIMA Regional Director for Africa, Samantha Louis, the draft framework, entitled ‘Global Management Accounting Principles: Driving better business through improved performance’, is now out for consultation with feedback sought from businesses and institutions across the world – public and private,

small and large.

The draft principles document, according to Louis, which is available for download, has already attracted considerable support from within the business community.

To the Chairman of the International Integrated Reporting Council, Professor Mervyn King, “I am pleased to see a framework that provides disciplined management accounting practices and ensures that reporting is fit for the 21st century. In an era of a gradual return to economic growth, integrated thinking is essential for sustainable value creation.

“The ability to use information effectively will be a crucial part of sustainable growth and ensuring the business models of organisations and their outputs have positive impacts

financially, socially and environmentally.“ The draft Principles outline the values and qualities that represent best practice management accounting on a global scale. They include guidance on preparing relevant information, modelling value creation, communicating with impact and establishing the professional values of management accountants. The framework will include a diagnostic tool to help businesses and institutions ensure that they are making the most efficient use of key information.

Louis added: “Management accountants have the ability and judgment to make objective, ethical decisions that consider the public interest, however, the quality of management accounting systems remain varied.”

ASHON canvasses more regulatory collaboration

By Helen Oji SSOCIATION of A Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) is seeking more collaboration between the regulators and market operators to enhance growth.

The Chairman of the Association, Emeka Madubuike stated this in Lagos at the weekend during a meeting of ASHON executive members with representatives of top 30 stock broking firms operating in the market.

Madubuike, who affirmed that the capital market had enormous potentials and opportunities, however, lamented that the market community has not leveraged these opportunities because the operations and regulators are not working in harmony.

“The regulators and market operators need to work together to realise the potential we have in the Nigerian capital market. Regulators should carry us along more with whatever policy change they want to make.

We have operators. We have

regulators and all of us are supposed to be working together in the interest of the market. That is what we are asking for. We should be able to sit down, talk and arrive at what we need to do for the market to be the better,” he said.

The ASHON boss, who is also the managing director of Compass Investment and Securities Limited, admitted that the regulators were doing everything within their powers to ensure that the market is deepened through new products and other initiatives, but, however, added that without participants in the market, those products and initiatives would not succeed.

“Our objective is that we do not want a situation where policies are put in place without going through due process. Policies are put in place without taking all critical stakeholders into account.

Because that is what international best practice is all about.

“The meeting with representatives of the top 30 stock

broking firms was high fruitful because they were able to see the plans of ASHON and made positive contributions on how to realise to plans and move the market forward,” he said According to him, the topical issues in the market such as the demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and recapitalisation of market operators were also discussed at the meeting.

“The contributions made by those at the meeting very useful. Regarding the meeting, what we did was to first of all, invite the 30 members to interact and look at the issues we are grappling with.

The critical issues we have are demutualisation, recapitalisation and programme for the whole year and how we can get ideas and support from them for us to be able to carry out those programmes. And the ideas we got from members on these issues are very helpful. The ASHON executives will work on these ideas to see how our contributions to the growth of the market would

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FINANCIALGUARDIAN

MONEY & BANKING

GLOBAL MONEY WEEK Stanbic IBTC raises stake in financial awareness

By Helen Oji S part of activities to mark A the Global Money Week, Stanbic IBTC Bank, a member of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, has offered a one-day enlightening and mentoring programme to students of Ikolaba High School Ibadan, Oyo State.

Global Money Week is a worldwide celebration to empower the next generation to be confident, responsible and skilled economic citizens. Every year, during the second week of March, young people around the globe talk, play, create, sing, read, discuss and learn about saving, money, changing economic systems and building a financial future. It is about joining together – children, youth, parents, organisations and entire communities to start action to reshape finance, and give young people the tools to shape their own future.

The Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Yinka Sanni, who made a presentation at the occasion said the initiative was in recognition of the strategic role of qualitative education in stimulating socio-economic development of society.

The training, which focused on saving, benefits of saving, knowledge and planning, among others, according to the bank, would go a long way

in preparing the students on how to save for the future.

According to Sanni, “we see ourselves as a catalyst for progressive change. Everything we do as an organisation is tailored towards making you move from where you are to the next level. This mission is evident in our pay-off line –Moving Forward. We know that the cure for the social ill of financial illiteracy is to start practicing financial discipline from a young age and that with the right financial knowledge; the future generation will be able to make informed decisions and move themselves forward. “ Our desire is to equip these students to be able to make smarter, more informed decisions than the generation before them. The knowledge that we have impacted in them will surely place them ahead in the learning curve.”

The Principal of the school, Omolola Adetoro stated, “this is a welcome development.

Education goes beyond what is being taught in the classroom.

We need partnerships with corporate organisations like Stanbic IBTC to share life lessons with the students. We are very grateful to Stanbic IBTC for filling the gap. We are optimistic that the knowledge impacted today will stay with the students through their lives.”

How financial literacy engenders smart decisions, by Ecobank

By Chijioke Nelson HE Managing Director of T Ecobank Nigeria, Jibril Aku, has called on children across the country to imbibe the habit of saving and investing money now that they are still young.

Speaking at the Army Children School, Obalende, as part of the Global Money Week, Aku, who lectured the children on what financial literacy entails, stated that savings is putting away money in a safe place like a box or real bank, while investment is something purchased with money and expected to produce profit.

“Financial literacy means being smart about how you make money. Talking about money is important to everybody. As a matter of fact, it is most important throughout life. As you grow up continue to ask your parents and teachers how to save money,” he said.

The Ecobank boss took the students through the role of money; trade by barter; the use of cash and coins as medium of exchange and other forms of accessing cash through cheques, credit and

debit cards.

He encouraged the children to open account with banks, noting that banks are trusted businesses where people can save their money, pay customers for using their money, which is called interest.

“You earn money by working and that is called income. I encourage you to study hard to make it in life,” he added.

Responding, the school Head, Mrs Victoria Akintola, who was highly elated, commended Ecobank for choosing the school, stating that, the lecture was beneficial to both the students and teachers in the school.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo (left); and Senior Manager, Risk Management, Fidelity Bank Plc, Chima Igboenyesi, at a lecture at Girls Secondary School, Amaenyi, Awka, Anambra State to mark the Global Financial Literacy Day.

EFInA urges banks to raise stake in financial literacy programme

By Chijioke Nelson NHANCING Financial E Innovation & Access (EFInA) has urged the nation’s deposit money banks to upscale the investments in financial literacy initiative, especially as the cash-less project is about to nationwide.

The Chief Executive Officer of EFInA, Modupe Ladipo explained that the financial services industry can drive uptake of mobile money by educating customers, providing reasonably priced products that meet customer needs, and creating the right incentives for both customers and mobile money agents.

Ladipo, made the appeal at the workshop with the theme of “Maximising the uptake of digital financial services through understanding consumers’ needs,” EFInA organ-

Awareness on mobile money low, say reports ised, in conjunction with InterMedia.

The workshop featured findings from two new studies conducted by EFInA and InterMedia about mobile money and other digital financial services, in which both showed that awareness and usage of mobile money remains low in Nigeria.

According to the InterMedia’s financial inclusion insights as of November last year, only 12 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 and older were aware of mobile money, and less than one per cent of them used mobile money.

Mobile money awareness and usage was however, slightly higher in “Cash-less Phase II” states- Abia, Anambra, Kano, Ogun and Rivers and the FCT.

EFInA research found that as at October 2013, only four per cent of adults in the Cash-less Phase II states used mobile money.

It also revealed that in these states, cards (debit, credit cards and pre-paid cards) were the most widely known and used electronic payment instrument among respondents; and that men were more likely than women to use electronic payments.

The findings indicated that the barriers to the uptake of mobile money in Nigeria include low customer awareness, lack of trust in mobile money, and unreliable GSM networks.

The Vice-President of InterMedia, Peter Goldstein said that Nigeria has a higher

percentage of bank account holders, but a lower percentage of mobile money users compared with other countries studied, including Uganda and Kenya.

He emphasised the need to educate potential customers about mobile money services, particularly regarding security measures that have been implemented to protect against theft and fraud.

The Programme Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Salah Goss, spoke about her foundation’s innovative approach to managing data on digital financial services, including the deployment of www.fspmaps.com, an interactive map that shows financial access points in Nigeria.

She challenged financial services providers to fully realise the power of data.

Keystone Bank lauds financial inclusion initiative

By Chijioke Nelson HE Managing Director and T Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Bank, Philip Ikeazor lauded the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the programme specifically targeted at school children to raise awareness on finances, even as it joined the global community in celebrating the Global Money Week.

Already, the apex bank, in

conjunction with other stakeholders in the financial literacy steering committee and the Ministry of Education, is developing the financial literacy curriculum to be included in the Nigerian school system from 2015.

According to Ikeazor, who was represented by the Executive Director, Corporate, Investment and International Banking, Dr. Shehu K. Muhammad, the

Global Money Week was designed to raise awareness in finances among children and youths in primary and post-primary schools, saying that financial literacy constituted an integral part of developing tomorrow’s leaders.

“Children can begin to build a culture of saving from an early age”, he enthused, adding that the bank’s participation in the Global Money

Week was also “in fulfilment of one of the pillars of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) thrust, geared towards taking education to young Nigerians and encouraging financial literacy amongst the youths.”

The highlight of Keystone Bank’s involvement in the programme was the ‘Adopt a School’ Initiative, which entailed a pep talk delivered by the Senior Technical

Assistant to Ikeazor, Temitayo, Olutoye, to the pupils of Dodan Barracks Primary School, Obalende, Lagos.

The bank equally donated new reading chairs and tables, three white boards for pupils’ classrooms, as well as, a brand new percussion (band) set to the school.

The third annual Global Money Week was commemorated by over 80 countries

Financial literacy will empower youths, says Union Bank

By Chijioke Nelson NION Bank of Nigeria Plc U said the empowerment of the youth through financial education is a lifetime impact that may not be easily erased from mind.

According to the bank, the Global Money Week, which seeks to increase efforts aimed at engaging the chil-

dren and youth on financial education, incorporated savings culture, making livelihood, gaining employment and entrepreneurship in the scheme.

The Managing Director of the bank, Emeka Emuwa, at St. Mary’s School- the lender’s adopted school in Lagos, said that the financial institution will evolve a year-long pro-

gramme of financial literacy support and mentoring for the institution.

“We at Union Bank see opportunities like this as a privilege, where we are part of the process of educating our children and equipping them for the future.

“We believe that proper financial education will empower our young ones to

make sound financial decisions in the future and convinced that financial literacy is a key step in the attainment of the nation’s inclusion strategy.

“These are our children and we have to start from the basics and plant the seeds now for the future. At this stage, when they imbibe a certain behaviour, it will stay

with them for a long time. It is right to get more people informed on how banks work and the financial services available,” he said.

Also, The Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Mrs. Oyinkan Adewale, added, “the absence of financial literacy often leads to the development of poor financial habits. This

can have adverse effects on an individual, the community and the nation at large. It is therefore important that our children understand the basics of finance early in life.”

According to her, the bank had already developed a number of product offerings to support the efforts to inculcate good financial habits in the youths.

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GlobalStocks China’s big four banks lose $70b at stock market

China Construction Bank HINA’S four-biggest C lenders, which reported $126 billion of earnings in the 12 months through September, sank to the lowest valuations on record in Hong Kong trading yesterday. The MSCI China Financials Index dropped to an almost decade low versus the global industry benchmark while the market value of Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., the nation’s largest lender, fell below net assets for the first time on March 12.

The state-controlled banks known as China’s Big Four are getting squeezed by slower economic growth and rising bad debts just as policy makers open up the nation’s financial system to non-government competitors. Their shares have lost $70 billion of value this year, equivalent to the size of New Zealand’s entire stock market, even as U.S. and European peers rally.

Wells Fargo & Co. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. have knocked ICBC from its ranking as the world’s biggest bank by market value.

“The market is concerned about future profitability” in China, Diana Choyleva, the head of macroeconomic research at Lombard Street Research, said by phone from London on March 11. “I would not be investing Chinese bank shares just yet. They have further to go.”

ICBC, China Construction Bank Corp., Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. (1288) and Bank of China Ltd. were stock-market darlings as recently as 2011, when the world’s second-largest economy was growing at close to 10 per cent and banks reaped profits from a $3 trillion lending spree during the previous

two years. Now investors are concerned that those loans will turn sour at an increasing rate as growth slows toward 7.5 per cent, the weakest annual pace since 1990.

At the same time, the ruling Communist Party’s plan to increase the role of markets in China poses a threat to stateowned banks that have benefited from tightly regulated interest rates. Central bank Governor Zhou Xiaochuan said on March 11 that the government will free up deposit rates within two years, while the China Banking Regulatory Commission said the same day it has approved a trial program to establish five privately-owned banks.

“The more the government moves to freeing the market, the more they have to compete on more level terms,” Michael Aronstein, whose $21

billion MainStay Marketfield Fund (MFLDX) has outperformed 96 percent of peers tracked by Bloomberg during the past three years, said in a phone interview from New York. “They are not prepared to do that. It’s like releasing your house cat into the jungle.”

Calls to spokesmen at ICBC, China Construction Bank and AgBank weren’t returned. A Bank of China official said she couldn’t immediately comment.

The Big Four banks, all based in Beijing, tumbled an average 15 percent in Hong Kong this year through yesterday, led by an 18 per cent retreat in AgBank. The shares are valued at a mean 0.94 times net assets, or book value, the lowest level since AgBank’s initial public offering in 2010 and down from a level of 2 in

March 2011, data compiled by Bloomberg show. JPMorgan, the biggest U.S. bank by total assets, has a price-to-book ratio of 1.08, while BNP Paribas SA, the largest French lender, fetches a multiple of 0.87.

The MSCI China Financials Index, which includes banks along with developers and securities firms, trades at about the same level as its net assets, a 19 per cent discount versus the MSCI All-Country World Financials Index. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI), a benchmark for mainland companies listed in Hong Kong, has dropped 14 per cent this year and is valued at 1.1 times book.

ICBC declined 0.7 per cent at the close in Hong Kong, while China Construction Bank fell 0.2 percent and AgBank lost 0.6 percent. Bank of China

was unchanged.

Some analysts say the selloff has gone too far. ICBC is poised to rebound and will surge 38 per cent over the next 12 months, according to the average of 24 analyst forecasts.

China Construction Bank has a return potential of 42 per cent while AgBank may increase 28 per cent, according to estimates tracked by Bloomberg.

“Even in the worst case scenario of a sharp increase in nonperforming loans, the impact for the banks’ net profit will not be very significant,” said Steven Chan, an analyst in Hong Kong at Maybank Kim Eng Securities Pte, which has an overweight rating on Chinese banks.

Lenders rallied in early Hong Kong trading yesterday on media reports that regulators will allow them to sell pre-

Global shares slip ahead of Crimea vote ROWING tension between the West and Russia ahead of Ukraine’s weekend referendum in Crimea pushed down G stocks on major world markets on Friday and drove up buying of safe-haven gold and the yen.

Financial markets watched nervously as the West increasingly talked about sanctions and Russia hit back with promises of retaliatory measures and displays of military prowess. The vote being held on Sunday by pro-Moscow authorities is to determine if Crimea will join Russia.

Jitters also remained over the degree to which China’s economy is slowing after unsettling data this week and China’s first corporate bond default.

Stocks posted hefty losses for the week, with the MSCI global market index .MIWD00000PUS falling 2.5 percent, its worst weekly decline since June. Gold rose to a six-week high on Friday and gained three per cent this week.

On Friday, Moscow’s MICEX index fell more than five per cent before recovering to end down 0.9 per cent. The ruble was close to recent record lows.

Russia’s central bank on Friday kept lending rates on hold after raising them two weeks ago and said it would fight for financial stability after the standoff with the West over Crimea. The bank said there would be no easing of rates in the months ahead, suggesting it expects more tough times ahead for the ruble and for stocks, which have lost about a quarter of

their value since mid-February.

Part of the concern over the Crimea referendum on Sunday is that it could encourage other pro-Moscow parts of the country to follow suit and potentially embolden Russia in the region.

“It’s the primary drag on equities and risk assets this week because of the uncertainty as to how the events will play out, particularly the referendum this weekend and what the response from the rest of the world and Russia will be to that,” said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice president at BB&T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in London in last-ditch diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions, but Moscow and the West appeared increasingly far apart.

Russia shipped more troops into Crimea on Friday and repeated its threat to invade other parts of Ukraine. A German newspaper reported that the chief executive officers of Russia’s two largest firms are on a list of those who may be hit next week with European and U.S. sanctions.

U.S. stocks ended lower, and the S&P 500 posted a two per cent decline for the week, its biggest weekly drop since late January. For the day, the Dow Jones industrial average .DJI fell 43.22 points, or 0.27 percent, to 16,065.67, the S&P 500 .SPX lost 5.21 points, or 0.28 percent, to 1,841.13, and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC dropped 15.023 points, or 0.35 percent, to 4,245.396.

ferred shares for the first time, giving banks a new way to meet long-term fundraising requirements. The shares then erased most of the gains after data showing China’s industrial-output, investment and retail-sales growth cooled more than economists estimated in January and February.

The figures were the latest signs of a weakening expansion in the $9 trillion economy. Previously released data for February showed exports unexpectedly plunged the most since the global financial crisis, producer-price deflation deepened and credit growth trailed estimates.

The slowdown is making it harder for Chinese borrowers to repay their debts.

Nonperforming loans increased by 28.5 billion yuan ($4.7 billion) in the last quarter of 2013 to 592.1 billion yuan, according to the banking regulator. While that’s still just one per cent of total lending, it’s the highest amount since September 2008.

Some lenders are increasingly financing insolvent companies to help them pay off maturing debt in a bid to avoid outright defaults, according to Mike Monnelly, a money manager at Arhammar Global Capital Management LLP in London.

The practice, known as evergreening, reduces banks’ ability to lend to profitable businesses, he said.

“The capital consumed by evergreening is capital that could otherwise be used productively,” said Monnelly, a former analyst at hedge fund Kynikos Associates Ltd., which rose to fame shorting Enron Corp. before the energy company went bankrupt.

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Engaging expatriates should be an exception, not a rule, says NIOB President Page 54

Platinum Mortgage pledges homeownership, raises share capital to N5 billion Page 44

Abuja’s Gloch apartments offer luxury living Page 39

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014

A cross section of United Nations officials with team leader, Prof. Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Zamfara State Governor, Mr. Abdul’ Aziz Yari Abubakar (middle) and some members of the State Executive Council during the UNHABITAT/UNEP Scoping Mission to Zamfara, recently

UNHABITAT begins city structure plan project in Kogi, Zamfara Urban Development Stories by Chinedum Uwaegbulam, Assistant Housing & Environment Editor AR-REACHING structural Fhighlights and urban schemes are the of a new proposal by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT) to transform eight cities in Kogi and Zamfara States into sustainable urban development centres.

If all works according to approved projections, the development of a city structure plan for the selected cities and towns will be completed before the end of the year. The new move was unveiled at the Inception Workshop for the Kogi project and Scoping Mission in Zamfara State organized by UNHABITAT in collaboration with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Prof. Oyebanji OyelaranOyeyinka led the UN mission.

Others in the team include Jose Chong, Gianluca Crispi, Head of UNHABITAT Office in

About eight cities in Kogi and Zamfara states will participate in the city structure plan project, initiated by UNHABITAT and would benefit from city wide strategic planning, which involves multi-sectoral coordination of spatial planning, sectoral investment plans, financial resources and institutional frameworks to meet inter-sectoral city development objectives over a longer time period of say 10-20 years Nigeria, Mallam Kabir Yari, Prof. Johnson Falade, Zinter Zommers, Mr. Paul Okunlola, Sunday Leonard and Akolade Aderibigbe.

The programmes are coming on the heels of agreements sealed between the state governments and the UN body.

The Kogi State Deputy Governor Mr. Yomi Awoniyi told The Guardian that the project would see a development of a city structure plan for selected cities and towns in Kogi state to better integrate physical, spatial and social aspects.

He said the plans would also improve the quality of water and sanitation in major cities of the state as well as developing waste management for the state. It is also aimed at improving the understanding

of urban law and norms and their relationship to institutional structures leading to

empowered local authorities able to efficiently guide and manage urban development.

Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka explained that under the scheme, an urban observatory, a unique monitoring system that builds indicator systems through data collection, analysis, monitoring and reporting on sustainable urbanization would be established by UNHABITAT. He also disclosed plans to develop an integrated solid waste management model,

and an early warning system for climate related extreme events such as floods and droughts as well as public spaces project that will aim at clear contributions to poverty alleviations. It will also address social inclusion, improved integration, mobility and connectivity, better service delivery.

Similiarly, in the Zamfara

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BPP endorses estate surveyors as govt property managers, valuers Professional Practice ENCEFORTH only memH bers of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) will be patronised by government agencies in the award of contracts as it relates to property management and valuation in the country.

This is sequel to a letter by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) which affirmed and endorsed Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria

(ESVRBON) as the accredited regulatory body for the industry and enjoined all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to only pre-qualify firms of estate surveyors and valuers for facility management valuation, property management and estate agency services.

The letter in which BPP communicated their position was dated March 7, 2014 with reference number BPP/S.1/CCM/14/Vol.1/40 and signed by the Director General, Emeka Ezeh, reads, “the Estate

Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVRBON) regulates the practice of estate surveying and valuation in Nigeria and as such only professionals duly registered with the body are eligible to practice the profession in the country and can be patronized by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government for valuation, property management and estate agency services”.

This is a major breakthrough for members of NIESV in their age long campaign to regulate

and rid the industry of quacks and non-registered professionals.

NIESV President, Mr. Emeka Eleh, said the clarification from the government’s procurement agency is a welcome development which will when implemented rid the industry of the corruption arising from the patronage on non-professionals by government agencies and the private sector.

“We are of course delighted that the government’s pro-

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Monday, March 17, 2014

LITIGATION

PROPERTY GUIDE

Supreme Court sacks customary tenant in Osun land ownership tussle Litigation

By Emmanuel Badejo NXIETY has continued to A mount over a Supreme Court of Nigeria’s judgment, which sacked a customary tenant, Mr. Ezekiel Apata from a landed property located at Imoo near Itagunmodi, Ilesha, Osogbo, Osun State.

The verdict has also created fears among some homeowners within the community, whose stay over the land is traceable to the Apata, the appellant, whose action of selling portion of the landed property led to the initiation of the suit by one James Olanlokun and Rufus Ajibade for themselves and Ogidan family, at the Osun State High Court.

Curiously, it was Samuel Apata, father of the appellant that first approached a Customary Court Grade B in 1976, claiming ownership of the land. But he lost and failed to honour the Court’s order, which led to the Ogidan family to initiate a suit in 1991 at the High Court of Osun State, Ilesha Division.

Before the trial court, the present respondents, as

The Supreme Court of Nigeria recently decided the ownership feud among some interests over an Osun State landed property, where the customary tenant has been denied redress or respite from any court in the land plaintiffs for themselves and on behalf of the Ogidan family, took out a writ of summons against the present appellant claiming as follows: declaration that they are entitled to the Customary Right of Occupancy to that piece or parcel of land situate and lying at Imoo near Itagunmodi bounded on the west by the motor park, on the south by John Fagbewesa’s farm, on the east by the Kuku hill on the north by Joseph Ola’s farm; forfeiture of the customary tenancy of the defendant on the land;16 cwt. of dried cocoa beans at one cwt per year from 1976 or its cash equivalent; and injunction restraining the defendant, his servants, agents and those claiming through him from entering the land in dispute.

During the trial, the second respondent testified in evidence that, his ancestor, rep-

resented in the person of Pa Ogidan, was the original owner of the land but granted the parcel to the appellant’s ancestor, Samuel Apata, for farming purpose.

It was stated that the terms upon which Ogidan gave the land to Samuel Apata to farm initially on annual payment of yams as ‘ishakole’ or rent and that when Samuel Apata’s cocoa became mature, he was paying one hundred weight of cocoa to Ogidan as ‘ishakole’.

The plaintiffs said this arrangement was agreeable to both parties, as Samuel Apata complied with the annual payment of cocoa to Ogidan as ‘ishakole’ until the death of the former. After Ogidan’s passage, it was stated that the appellant’s ancestors, Samuel Apata continued to pay one cwt of cocoa annually as ‘ishakole’ to John Fagbesa, who succeeded Ogidan for sometime but later refused to fulfill the

binding agreement.

This led to the present case.

Interestingly, it was the tenant, Apata, who first sought a legal intervention, through Grade B Customary Court against the first respondent.

That was in 1976.

But the findings and conclusion of the Customary Court, however, favoured the first respondent. Thereafter, the tenant, Apata, appealed or sought for a review of the decision at the Grade A Customary Court in suit No. R/33/76. This attempt was also unsuccessful.

And despite the two failed attempts to own the landed property, Apata, still refused to pay the agreed ‘ishakole’.

After the death of Samuel Apata, the present appellant, Ezekiel Apata succeeded his father. Like his father before him, Apata junior was said to have refused to pay the ‘ishakole and even went on to grant portions of the land outside his holding to

strangers. His action, therefore gave rise to the respondents’ decision to sue him in 1976.

At the conclusion of the trial, the trial court in its judgment decided the case in favor of the respondents, holding that the identity of the land was not in dispute and that what the appellant forcefully contested had been put forward unsuccessfully by his biological father, Samuel Apata, who had failed to prove his title to the land.

Consequently, Ezekiel Apata, took his case to the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, specifically to obtain the judgment of the trial court. But the court held otherwise, as it upheld the judgment of the court of first instance, while it dismissed the claim of the appellant.

Reacting to the Court of Appeal’s judgment, Apata, asked that the Supreme Court should wade in.

Essentially, the appellant, who appealed on 13 grounds, complained that the Court of Appeal, erred when it based its decision on mixed law and facts, contending that their reasoning was other than grounds of law and as

such the Apex Court should do the needful by reversing the verdict to his favor.

And just like the appellant’s father lost at the Customary Court, his son, Ezekiel, lost this appeal, as the Supreme Court endorsed judgments by both the High and Appeal Courts.

In his lead judgment, Justice Stanley Alagoa, said from all the facts and pleadings before the court, there was nothing to show that there was miscarriage of justice in the findings by the lower courts, hence, the Apex Court will not set aside the verdicts.

“I do not find the concurrent findings of the lower court and the High Court or even the findings by the Customary Courts bedeviled by any of these shortcomings. This appeal cannot be sustained. It lacks merit and ought to be dismissed. I dismiss it and I hereby affirm the judgment of the court below delivered on the 2nd December, 2003. I however make no order as to costs.”

Their lordships, Ibrahim Muhammad, John Fabiyi, Suleima Galadima and Musa Muhammad unanimously affirmed the lead judgment.

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PRIME ESTATES

PROPERTY GUIDE

Abuja’s Gloch apartments offer luxury living Housing

By Tunde Alao the projections of an AbujaItoFbased estate company come pass, the firm will be handing over keys to subscribers of its 24 units’ of luxury apartment at Life Camp by Magistrate Court, Dape district, Gwarinpa II soonest.

Promoted by an indigenous developer, Gloch Global Services Limited is ready for occupation for would be buyers, who desire to subscribe into the porch residential development. Located Gloch luxury apartments occupy a site of 2493sqm of land with an ample parking space, playground for the children, including roof garden for evening relaxation.

It has 24 units of three bedroom apartment all ensuite, designed with ideal open floor verandah including first living room, living room, dining, laundry room, fully furnished kitchen, a service lift to all floors and it is in an established neighborhood with quick access to major highways.

Electric fence, gymnasium, with interlock compound, water treatment plant, Intercom from the security post to each apartments , professional security personnel, CCTV and a fully furnished kitchen with cabinets, microwave, electric/gas

The proposed units at the Gloch luxury apartments in Abuja cooker and dishwasher, are additional features that make the estate stand out.

It is also adorned with inbuilt DSTV connection with dish; roof garden, Daycare/Creche facility, alternative power source and service lift to all floors.

Besides, there is going to be a professional facility manager that will ensure that the apartment is constantly clean and

facilities well functioning. ”We have a shared ideology that each person has priorities that start with family ideals and evolve into a way of life.

Based on our core business of real estate, we need to ensure not only quality and professional services; we also ensure that our buildings are relatively affordable”, said Chinedu Odiaka, the spokesperson for Gloch.

According to him, the development is an apartment with a design philosophy, which is premised on the belief that the occupant can enjoy freedom of open spaces without sacrificing privacy and safety.

Odiaka explained that the term of payment has been structured for easy takers to subscribe. According, Plan A: - 30 percent deposit to first floor slab as first payment and

additional 30percent to second floor slab; 20 percent to third floor slab; 10percent to roofing level and10 percent before handing – over of keys.

Plan B: 50 percent deposit to first floor slab as first payment. (This option attracts 2.5 percent discount); additional 30percent to second floor slab; 10 percent to roofing level; 10 percent before handing over of keys.

Plan C: 70 percent deposit to first floor slab as first payment. (This option attracts 5percent discount); Additional 20percent to second floor slab; 10percent before handing – over of keys; while Plan D is100 percent down payment and the option attracts 10percent discount and the privilege of choosing an apartment on any floor.

The above payment are only applicable to off takers, payment plan can be renegotiated if need be.

Gloch Global Services is partnering with Heritage Bank to develop the project. Besides, the bank offers mortgage facilities to the would-be customers, if they meet the banks’ conditions.

The firm has grown to be one of the best firms of estate managers and developers in Nigeria. Founded in Nigeria in 2002.its growth has been influenced by what was defined as “high-standards of professionalism, commercial acumen and integrity of our management, who are working closely with owners, occupiers, developers and investors. Our commercial and residential specialists are members of Nigerian Institutes of Architects (NIA) and Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), adhering to the highest levels of industry code of conduct, at all times”.

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HOMES

PROPERTY GUIDE

Kogi, Zamfara pick cities for structure plans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 Scoping Mission, four cities, namely, Gusau, Talata Mafara, Kaura Namoda and Gummi were selectd by the government for the city structure plan. Zamfara State Governor, Mr. Abdul’ Aziz Yari Abubakar noted that his vision is aimed at developing safe cities to address social inclusion, improved integration, mobility and connectivity and better service delivery. The state is expected to make a contribution of $2 million (about N340 million) to UN-Habitat over three years (2014-2016) for socio-economic and urban planning projects in selected towns and cities.

He recalled that under the agreement signed between the state and UNHABITAT, the project seeks to develop an urban observatory programme to address the statewide base of urban knowledge to support the government, local authorities, nongovernmental organisations and civil society in applying policy-oriented urban indicators, statistics and other urban information.

The overall goal of the project is to increase the state capacity to implement participatory urban management through structural planning and land reform, and to enhance the capacity of the state in handling early warning system for climate change and a holistic, strategic and systematic approach to solid waste management by using strategic planning, approaches that harness urban development, local assets and capabilities.

The project will target unemployed young men and women living in urban areas.

Under the pact, Zamfara is expected to contribute the seed fund while the UNHabitat which provides manpower, knowledge and skills is to be responsible for receiving and administrating the funds contributed for the implementation of the chosen projects such as Local Economic Development Initiatives focusing on youth e m p l o y m e n t .

The Urban Economic Branch will be the executing office in UN-Habitat, in collaboration with the Scientific Advisor office and HAPSO office, Projects Office and the Africa Regional Office managing the

Project. The project implementation and management shall be jointly carried out between officials of UNHabitat and Zamfara state government with a view to building the capacity at the local level and shall cover the period from 2014 to 2017.

Governor Abubakar remarked that his state has a lot to offer and expressed optimism that the agreement with UN-Habitat would go a long way in helping them achieve their urbanisation targets.

“The state has a lot of potential but lacks the technical expertise and I am assuring you that my government is ready to work with UN-Habitat so that we realize our full potential,” the Governor who was flanked by several members of his cabinet said.

Prof. Oyeyinka who is the overall coordinator of the programme listed the benefits of the partnership which include Zamfara plugging into UNHABITAT’s vast network of partners, relative lower cost of projects compared with private consultancies and the leveraging of funds and international aids based on the outcomes of the programme.

Prof. Falade said the strategic plan for a city is a road map of how to get from where the city is now to where it ought to be.

“The Structure Plan is an example of strategic plan, which is a physical development plan for the city and contains a set of inter-related strategies for city development.

“At the city wide scale the process of strategic planning involves multi-sectoral coordination of spatial planning, sectoral investment plans, financial resources and institutional frameworks to meet intersectoral city development objectives over a longer time period of say 10-20 years.”

Among risks factors to overcome in adopting a structure plan for cities include, lack of capacity of the planning agency including poor staffing, inadequate institutional structure and organization, absence of inactive private sector and lack of support and the necessary political will on the part of the policy makers, lack of finance and lack of support of the public for the plan.

Meanwhile, Lokoja, the Kogi State capital was one of the ten

NIESV gets govt nod as property managers, valuers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 curement regulator has come up with this major clarification which NIESV has been campaigning for over decades now and the immediate impact will be a drastic reduction in untoward practices and the corruption that has been rife in the sector as a result of dealings with persons that are not trained to manage property and offer services as estate agents”, Eleh said.

The BPP in the letter also advised the ESVRBON to encourage its members to ensure that their practice data is lodged with the National Database of the Categorization and

Classification of Contractors and Service Providers to enable them access invitation for bids for government businesses in their sector.

According to the letter, “…to this effect, the Board of ESVRBON is enjoined to encourage its members to submit their firms’ data in the National Database of the Categorization and Classification of Contractors and Service Providers so as to avail themselves of the opportunity to be categorized and classified as Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the database developed by the Bureau for all contractors and service providers intending or already doing business with the Federal Government”.

cities selected by UN-Habitat for its City Resilience Profiling Programme CRPP. Working through partnerships with stakeholders including international agencies such as United Nations Office for Disaster Risk reduction UNISDR, academic and research institutes, private sector actors, and non-governmental organisations, NGOs, the CRPP will develop a compre-

hensive and integrated urban planning and management approach for profiling and monitoring the resilience of any city, to all plausible hazards.

The programme seeks to develop a model for measuring urban resilience to environmental, social and economic crises. The CRPP will provide forward-looking, multi-sectoral, multi-hazard,

multi-stakeholder approach integrating all functional aspects of human settlements to planning and developing urban settlements.

CRPP will be implemented over four years in partnership

with primary stakeholders including international agencies, academic and research institutes, private sector actors, NGOs, and representatives from a number of pilot cities.

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HOUSING

PROPERTY GUIDE

Jonathan to open NIESV 44th conference in Uyo Professional Practice th

HE 44 Annual General T Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) will be declared open by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Le Meridien Hotel Conference center in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, March 27. The conference holds from March 25-28 at the Ibom Hall of the hotel.

President of the Institution, Mr. Emeka Eleh who will be hosting his valedictory conference as head of the Institution’s Council also dis-

closed that Governor Godswill Akpabio of the host state will be attending as the special guest of honour at the conference which has businessman and founder of Visafone, Mr. Jim Ovia as the keynote speaker.

Guest dignitaries to the conference include the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, a former Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission, Mrs. Tayo Omotosho and Engineer Etido Inyang.

“It has always been our tradi-

tion to invite the President who is our grand patron to declare open the annual conference and we have assurances that he will honour us in Uyo”, Eleh said in Lagos and expressed satisfaction with preparations by the Conference planning committee.

Ovia, a former Managing Director of Zenith Bank, which he co-founded, will be speaking on the theme: Maritime, Coastal and Inland Waters Investment and Management in National Development.

Mr. Eleh will at the confer-

Flood resistant building donated to Anegbette community in Etsako Central local Government Area

Eternit completes flood resistant building in Edo Housing S part of its corporate A social responsibility, one of the leading manufacturing companies in Nigeria, Messrs Eternit Nigeria Limited has appealed to the Edo State government to provide an empty space for the company to erect a ‘dry construction’ building for the victims of the 2012 flood disaster.

The company made the appeal during the commissioning of building built for the Anegbette people, one of the most affected communi-

ties. The community was chosen by the government for the building. According to Eternit’s General Manager (Marketing), Adeniji Kayode, “the state government gave us Anegbette, a community in Etsako central local government area, which was one of the several places affected by the flood disaster.

The project, he further stated, was completed within a few weeks because ‘Dry Construction’ is a specially designed pre-cast concrete slab. He said “the materials used for the construction was

Mayor seeks investors for build-to rent schemes Housing NSTITUTIONAL investors such Iance as pension funds and insurcompanies are being sought to get involved in building thousands of new homes to rent in London.

London Mayor, Boris Johnson, has outlined plans to create more than 1,000 new high quality homes for long term private rent to help relieve pressure on the capital’s housing market, improve standards for tenants and boost the economy.

Over the last decade the number of households privately renting in London increased by 66% with over a quarter of Londoners now renting in the private sector.

At the MIPIM property conference in Cannes, France, the Mayor outlined his drive to use land owned by the Greater London Authority and seek institutional investors to put

money in the construction of long term rental developments and help meet this need.

high quality durable products that meets international standard”. He recommended ‘Dry Construction buildings as being the most suitable for flood-prone areas and assured that Eternit would replicate the same in other parts of the state, if given the chance by the government.

At the presentation ceremony, Malvis Bemigho, the General Manager (Business development), said: “The building was constructed to meet the need of flood victims and showcase ‘Dry Construction buildings which are flood friendly.”

Responding on behalf of the community, Hon. P.O. Akienobor, the Secretary to the king’s palace, and Amagbor S.A, the Chairman Flood Disasters Committee in Anegbette, commended Eternit for the gesture.

ence, hand over to the in-coming President as well as swearin the new council members.

NIESV President, said ‘the choice of the Conference theme, Maritime, Coastal and Inland Waters Investment and Management in National Development was deliberate as the country need to explore alternative and none-oil revenue generation capacities by focusing on the development waterway resources”.

Mr. Victor Ayeye, the National Publicity Secretary said the quality of speakers listed for the conference promises to make the most enriching so

far in the history of the event for the expected 5000 dele-

gates from all the NIESV State branches in the country.

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44 Monday, March 17, 2014

MORTGAGE FINANCE

PROPERTY GUIDE Group builds multi-purpose centre in schools Projects PRIVATELY funded philanA thropic organization, Bolanle Marinho

Becky Gardens, Karu, Abuja financed by Platinum Mortgage Bank Limited

Platinum Mortgage pledges homeownership, raises share capital to N5 billion Mortgage Finance ETERMINED to improve D the lots of all categories of Nigerians, the management of Platinum Mortgage Bank Limited (PMBL) has announced that the mortgage firm has met the recapitalization benchmark of N5 billion set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for national banks, which qualifies it to operate in all states of the federation.

The Executive Director, Platinum Mortgage Bank Limited (PMBL), Mr. Okechukwu Onyejiuwa also said that Platinum Mortgage Bank Limited was able to raise its share capital to N5 billion as stipulated by the CBN ahead of the deadline December 31, 2013.

Onyejiuwa recalled that two years ago CBN directed mortgage banks to shore up their capital to be able to take up the challenges of mortgage banking. “This was done in good fate to sanitize the indus-

The mortgage firm has met the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recapitalization requirement for national banks, saying the additional capital is an impetus to create more mortgages and affect more Nigerians positively try and position mortgage banks to be able to serve the people and reduce the huge housing deficit which stood at 18 million. The recapitalization requirement by CBN was N5 billion and N2.5 billion for National and State mortgage banks respectively and we met the N5 billion recapitalization benchmark.”

He stated this at the IMPACT Nigeria Awards 2014 held recently at Ladi kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, where the Managing Director of Platinum Mortgage Bank Limited was honoured with “Outstanding Professional Personality Award” for service and development.

Onyejiuwa, who represented the awardee, Mr. Emmanuel Mbaka, an engineer at the

award ceremony said that Mbaka does not see award as a reward or recompense but as a challenge to do more. He has received several awards in the past and it only challenges him to do more each time he receives a new award.

“It is his nature to do what we does-philanthropy; he is a firm believer of hard work and diligence” he added.

His words: “He has worked very hard I can tell you. I think Mr. Mbaka deserves every award for service and development of mankind. Mbaka works day and night, he doesn’t stop working. Again, he reaches out to less privileged but does not make noise about it like going to the press.”

He explained that to achieve

the feat, Platinum Mortgage Bank Limited went to its shareholders who have implicit confidence on the Managing Director and they raised N5 billion which enabled the bank to recapitalize well ahead of the deadline.

“With this we have more money to finance our transactions in the business and housing sector”, he said.

“Mortgage business requires huge capital, so the additional capital is an impetus for us to create more mortgages and affect more Nigerians positively; that is more Nigerians would own homes through Platinum Mortgage Bank Limited. “ For now Platinum Mortgage Bank Limited has created more than 10,000 housing units in Nigeria.

Platinum financed the Trademore Estate, which has over 3,000 housing units. We also have in Minfa Estate, Lokogoma consisting of over 250 housing units. Then we have Minfa Estate II, which

has 150,000 housing units, and we have Trademore Estate in Apo consisting of over 250,000 housing units. “ We also have presence in Badagry, Lagos state where we financed the development of Emmanuel Estate.

Although the estate in Lagos is not so large as a result of land constraints, but we are able to provide houses for 80 families.

In Makurdi, Benue State, we were able to finance the development of Aper Aku Housing Estate consisting of 500 housing units.

“We are currently in the process of developing Ochendo Estate in Abia state which is designed to have 5,000 housing units. Already, over 1,000 houses have been built as part of the proposed 5,000 housing units. All these we did with a lower capital base. Now that we have recapitalized to the tune of N5billion, you can imagine the extent to which we will churn out houses for all categories of Nigerians.”

Plumbing contractors to partner Lagos on water management Briefly EMBERS of the Lagos M State Association of Plumbing Contractors (LSAPC) have solicited effective partnership with Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC), on water management and delivery. They particularly called for government recognition and regulation

of their members’ activities to curb avoidable water pipe damage resulting from activities of quacks among them.

Speaking during a courtesy call at the Commission’s Ikeja, Lagos office, President of the Association, Dr. Femi Awotoye, leading members of his executives, noted that a lot of discrepancies were associated with the

current system of water connection to homes, as some of the contracts were given out to non-professionals masquerading as experts.

He called for a stricter law to ensure that only professional plumbers are allowed to operate in the state, Awotoye said it was only when this is done that sanity will return to the

profession with multiplier positive effects on water management in the state.

Besides, he said effective enforcement of water regulation would curb waste and increase revenue for the government.

Welcoming the executives, Chief Executive Officer, LSWRC, Mrs. Tanwa Koya expressed the commission’s readiness to work with the Association

with a view to sanitizing their profession.

While reiterating the Commission’s mandate of ensuring proper delivery of water supply and sewerage (waste water management services) in Lagos State, she said efforts would be intensified to ensure a return to the golden days where people can boast of access to hygienic potable water in the state.

Foundation has taken its philanthropic role further with the donation of a multimillion naira multi-purpose children activity center to Hope and Ireti Primary Schools, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The center, designed by internationally trained Architect, Oludolapo James and constructed to exacting standards by Projectscope Limited, a foremost indigenous construction company was commissioned last week

by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola. The project will be replicated in at least 10 schools in the state, according to a Trustee and Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr. Akinola Marinho.

The site is a single-storey building on a raft foundation and is approximately 130 square metres in area and finished in brilliant white. The multipurpose centre comprises an Art workshop, Computer room and Music room. The aim, according to him, is to encourage children from lesser privilege backgrounds to experience and appreciate other educational and artistic means of expression that students in the expensive private schools of Ikoyi and elsewhere in Nigeria and the world take for granted.

The building has aluminium windows and an aluminium roof finish. The project is also served by a small generator house which is of a similar construction and is approximately 6 square metres in area.

Both buildings are set within a landscaped area, which is paved with concrete interlocking tiles, which serve as paths for access between both buildings as well as the adjacent school compound.

The project is demarcated with a fence.

Commending the Foundation, Governor Fashola, represented by Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye said the gesture shows that quiet and targeted philanthropy is still active and well in Nigeria as exemplified by the choice of public schools as the beneficiaries of the Foundation.

On the choice of beneficiary and rationale for the donation, The Foundation Chairman, Chief (Mrs) Lanre Emanuel urged the beneficiaries to ensure careful use of the facilities built for their use. She also thanked Mrs Dawodu, Chairperson of the Lagos State Education Board and also Mr Taiwo Lukmon, Education Secretary of the Eti Osa LCDA for their strong and unwavering support.

Speaking on behalf of both schools, an elated Head Mistress of Hope Primary School, Mrs. Abibu Shakirat Modupe said the Foundation will impact positively on the pupils who take pleasure in the new-found conducive environment for learning.

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PROPERTY GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Planners urged to embrace modern technologies Urban Planning

Town planners, who desire to remain abreast of devel-

By Emmanuel Badejo

opment and their professional practice, cannot afford to lag behind in the emerging technologies that affect town planning’ practice all over the globe

ETTLEMENT experts who desire to grow their professional practice and favourably compete with their peers either locally or abroad must embrace and master modern technologies that affect their profession, else, they soon become outdated, and thereby loosing plum emerging opportunities.

Professionals within and outside the profession, who gathered last week in Lagos at the instance of Association of Town Planning Consultants Nigeria (ATOPCON), 2014 Professional Development Workshop (PDW), agreed that town planners could not afford to fail in updating their skills on evolving technologies that directly or indirectly have bearing on their field.

Consequently, ATOPCON’s PDW 2014, therefore was on a theme: ‘Application of Emerging Cutting Edge Technologies in Town Planning Practice’, featuring three speakers including a professor of Urban Systems and Geographic Information Science, Fabiyi, Oluseyi; Managing Director, AAC Consulting, Anthony Salako, a surveyor; and a specialist in transport planning, Salau Taofiki.

Justifying the choice of the theme, President, ATOPCON,

S

Moses Ogunleye, said it was simply to sharpen the skills of members in the use of modern information and communication technology in their work, and he, therefore called his colleagues to advantage of the workshop as best as they could.

“We are aware of the wonders, which technologies have brought and will continue to bring to the practice of our profession. As practitioners, we cannot afford to be left out. I therefore, enjoin all workshop participants to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Chief Steve Onu, said the focus of discussion was apt considering the advances in spatial and information technologies.

Onu, represented by Mr. Ranti Osoko, Chairman, NITP, Ogun State, said the constant change in human settlement patterns has brought some complexities into urban and regional planning practice and this has made the practitioners to continually revisit the various methodologies involved in the practice, adding one of such technologies, is geospatial technologies.

Geospatial technologies is an umbrella phrase associated

with a suite of technologies including remote sensing, Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), information technologies, and field sensors, that help in capturing, storing, processing, displaying, disseminating information tied to a particular location.

According to NITP president, geospatial technologies in urban planning and management has immense potentials and benefits, which are yet to be tapped by developing countries in which Nigeria is one of them, therefore urging all town planners especially the consultants to seize the opportunity of the workshop to explore the geospatial technologies in their professional practice.

On his paper, ‘The Value of Geospatial Technology in Town Planning Practice in Nigeria’, Fabiyi, said one of the challenges facing modern day planners was how to effectively, manage large urban centres, adding that planners have to battle increasing urbanization that appears as monster in many developing nations.

Fabiyi said while activities of the spatial organisation of cities and rural area have been

NITP President, Onu limited to the jurisdiction of the town planners in the government employment in the past, the vogue in spatial planning today is the public private partnership in the development and implementation of spatial plans, adding when practicing planners and developers are actively involved in modeling and management of our cities the goals of aesthetics, convenience an functionality of planning would be realized.

According to the preparation, implementation and management of spatial plans would benefit from modern technologies such as geospatial technologies if the paradigm shift, is driven by the planners in the private sectors today.

Professor of Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS), Obafemi Awolowo University Campus,

Ile-Ife, Nigeria, however, lamented that Nigerian planners have not befitted much from the immense opportunities available in GIS or SPDSS in formulating better plans and sophisticated city administration.

To him, GIT, is not an optional but operational tool for spatial planning and that the use of GIT, permeates all stages of planning process and the modern state of the art tools and techniques, and it will require pragmatic and robust science and technologies for management, adding that the use GIT in planning will necessary expand the scope of planning activities and planning practice.

Anthony Adeoye’s paper on ‘The Interactive-ness of Geospatial Technology for Modern Da Urban and Regional Planning Practitioners in Nigeria’, said urban and regional planners require geospatial technology solutions that address day-today work needs while also fostering the ability to effectively predict and respond to urban problems and future market fluctuation, adding further that the success of urban and regional planners in combating modern urban problems is largely determined by the ability to utilize effectively geospatial technology tools and techniques as planning support systems that will allow urban and regional planners to make

informed decision based on actionable intelligence.

He added: “The use of geospatial technology in modern day urban and regional planning will ensure adequate provision of increasingly complex urban challenges. Geospatial technology is a solution to humanity’s need to better manage our resources and assets… therefore, the geospatial technology in urban and planning will no doubt make the profession model for change in e-planning.”

Speaking on ‘Information Technology Management and Planning Practice’, Salau Taofiki, said that ICT has become significant factor affecting spatial change and this presents some challenging problems to planners. He added that spatial change from the urban and regional planning point of view is both as asset and a constraint and that current on-going changes offer opportunities to use the new possibilities inherent in ICT to enable regions, cities and rural areas to make better plans.

For planners, who regulate, support and advice planning authorities, Salau, said that including a new aspect into the old planning system is not an easy endeavor and therefore, a systematic approach is needed to incorporate the impact of ICT as a new element into urban and regional planning, and into the respective plans for different areas.

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BUILDING MATERIALS

PROPERTY GUIDE

Cement price skyrockets in Calabar, UniCem blames poor infrastructure Building Materials From Anietie Akpan, Calabar EMENT consumers in C Calabar, Cross River state have decried recent hike in the price of the product.

But the United Cement Company of Nigeria (UniCem), Nigeria’s third largest cement manufacturer and the leader in South-South and South East regions attributed the high cost in Calabar and other parts of the country to high cost in generating electricity, poor infrastructure and multiple taxes.

Some builders in Ekorinim new layout and Parliamentary road lamented that it was unfortunate cement has suddenly gone up when people are struggling to build houses.

Mr. Okon Iyasa said at the beginning of the year, a bag of 50 kilogramme of cement was between N1,400 and N1,500 but now the price has gone up to as much as N2, 000 to N2, 300. This is not acceptable but unfortunately there is nothing we can do.

“As you can see, I have suspended work in my site. We expect the government step in and stablise the price, but funny enough, the same government is adding to the woos of builders as they have introduced new taxes, which is forcing cement transporters to pass the burden on us”.

Another builder, Mr. John Effiom pointed out that if current high prices of cement persist, “it may even be worse

UNICEM plant in Calabar, recently now that the government is contemplating forcing cement manufacturers in the country to step their quality to 52.5 cement grade which is mainly for industrial consumption. Small consumers like us will suffer because the price per bag will further go up”.

Commenting on the high cost of cement, the Managing Director of UNICEM, Mr. Olivioer Lenoir noted that “prices have generally been stable for more than a year and amongst the lowest in the country in South-South and

South East regions”.

However, he said, “some external factors like road levies, high cost of energy, poor road infrastructure with attendant impact on cost of transportation and general inflation in the country has resulted in the slide increase currently experienced, though demand and Supply balance have also a direct impact and distributors play a key role in retail prices”.

He lamented that, “cement manufacturing is highly energy dependent as consistent

and adequate supply of gas is a must. We experience frequent interruptions, leading to loss of production and increased cost. Poor infrastructure like the absence of rail and poor condition of roads in our operating region is a big handicap – this result in slow and costly movement of incoming raw materials and dispatch of finished goods (cement) to the customers. Taxes and levies in Nigeria are not harmonized.

This exposes operators to multiple taxes over one prod-

uct by government at different levels”.

Despite the high cost of cement, Lenoir said, “there is good demand, steady growth of 15 per cent in 2013, primarily driven by the need of housing and infrastructure. Total cement consumption has reached about 21million tons as at 2013 as against 9million metric tons in 2005”.

He attributed this growth to “the backward integration policies of the government along with the strong support of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment have been a catalyst for the growth of the cement sector. It should be emulated in other manufacturing sectors as a role model.

However, Nigeria’s per capita consumption per annum at 110 kg, is lower than many other developing countries. It has potential to grow higher to transform Nigeria into a developed nation”.

UniCem, he said, “is well placed to meet the growing regional demand, with its current capacity of 2.5 million tons and doubling to 5.0 million tons by 2016. UniCem is proud of its role in development of manufacturing in the region and recognition as quality cement provider”.

He plans by the Federal Government to step up cement grade, he explained that “UniCem has a state of the art, modern manufacturing plant with capability to produce quality cement of all types. All our products meet the SON requirements and fully MANCAP certified by them. Currently we produce Cements of 32,5 & 42,5

strength grade to meet the customer needs for their various applications ranging from housing, commercial buildings to infrastructure projects like bridges and roads.

“UniCem is fully supporting free competition & product differentiation for the customer to choose based on his requirement. If there is a requirement to supply 52.5 grade cement in our region, we will do so”.

On collapsed buildings and concerns of substandard cement in the market, the UniCem boss said:“There is no substandard cement manufactured in Nigeria”, he said, noting that, “all Cement Manufacturers (including UniCem) fully comply and are certified by SON. He explained that the unfortunate occurrences of building collapses, the causes have been well stated and documented by leading experts to include, “poor or no design – most buildings in the informal sector are done by unqualified persons, who cut costs and do not involve qualified professionals, absence of soil testing and designing, leads to foundation failures in coastal regions.

“Poor construction practices– not following the correct construction methods and lack of proper supervision, e.g. concrete is properly mixed, inadequate formwork and scaffolding leads to building collapse during construction itself, lack of design and supervision and non involvement of qualified professionals”.

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PROJECTS

PROPERTY GUIDE

Elim housing estate for commissioning in May Housing From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu ARRING any last minute B hitches, the 324 -unit Elim housing estate currently in its final stages of completion will be inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan in May this year.

This was made known to newsmen after the team led by the State’s Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam and his counterpart at the Enugu State Capital Development Authority (ESCDA), Mr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede inspected the Estate .

Government officials were being appreciated for the inputs made in the aspect of reduction of fees for the perfection of title for the allottees that bought into the estate, using National Housing Fund loan from the FMBN. The Managing Director of NBP Projects Limited, developers of the estate, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime, said the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMB) funded the development.

According to Chime, the estate is scheduled to be delivered later this month, while that President Goodluck Jonathan will commission it within the next two months.

He noted that the estate was

designed to meet the needs of both middle and low-income earners, stating that the types of units delivered range from one-bedroom and two-bedroom terrace flats to threebedroom fully detached bungalows.

He also pointed out that prices of the house types had already been set by the FMBN and that the bank had also made provisions for easy purchase of the housing units

with minimal initial deposits as low as 10 percent. “ Besides, there is also a stable mortgage loan repayment rate of six percent per annum (on the balance) for an extended period of up to 30 years subject to the applicant’s age,” said the NBP managing director.

The ESCDA Commissioner expressed his joy for the quality of the construction being put in place by the contractor.

He said: “I am equally happy with the fact that the housing units are both available and affordable and by this means, many Nigerians resident in Enugu State would be opportune to own a house. It would no doubt ease the housing challenges in the country,”

Ogun targets 2015 completion date for Ilara-Ilase road Roads

By Tunde Alao N continuation of efforts to IOgun fix infrastructure decay in State Government, has embarked on the reconstruction of some intra-connecting roads across the state.

As such, the government has commenced construction works on the 107-kilometre long Ilara-Ijoun-Eggua-Ilase road that links Yewa South, Yewa North, Imeko Afon and Ipokia Local government

areas of Ogun West Senatorial District. The roads have been slated for completion before the end of 2014.

Highlighting government’s efforts, the Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, an architect, gave the assurance in Abeokuta, stated that contrary to perceived insinuation in some quarters, “the Senator Ibikunle Amosun led administration does not intend to abandon the project it considers as one of its most people

oriented and economic inspiring infrastructural project”.

Adegbite stated that: “Like every other road that we are constructing, government will not abandon the 107 km long road. As a matter of fact, we intend to complete the road before the end of 2015. It is one road that this government attaches a lot of importance. It is one of the most people oriented and economic inspiring infrastructural project”, said the Commissioner.

He however added that the

MAN Enterprise to lead Ghana’s Ambassador Heights development Projects HE owner and developer of T the Moevenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Messrs KHI Ghana has announced plans to partner with contractor, MAN Enterprise to complete the exclusive residential phase in the Ambassador Heights development.

Work on the development touted as most prestigious is expected to commence development soon.

MAN Enterprise has commenced design work and will begin

site mobilization in March 2014. Development will begin in April 2014 and the project is scheduled to complete in late 2015.

Located immediately adjacent to the Moevenpick Ambassador Hotel, Ambassador Heights will offer an unparalleled luxury, lifestyle, and investment opportunity. Homeowners will enjoy the services and amenities of the hotel including pool, fitness, restaurants, retail, and meeting and event facilities.

MAN Enterprise is an accom-

plished international leader in the Construction Industry.

Headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon, MAN Enterprise was established in 1971. MAN is fully operational in Lebanon, Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Libya, Iraq, Morocco, Congo, and Ghana. The Company provides turnkey construction project solutions throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Their diverse portfolio encompasses a wide range of quality large scale developments in the sectors of residential, infrastructure, recreation, hospitality, education, commercial and industrial.

project that commenced in January 2013 would be delivered in phases. Justifying that this was a faster and effective method of completion, doing this would also make the people have an idea of what the road would eventually look like.

“Already, the Ilara axis had been completed and that following the directive of the governor, the Alagbe axis which was not initially part of the project had been include2d” adding that with this development, the road would be extended to the border side.

Ugwuegede said.

Speaking in the same vein, the state Commissioner for Lands, also expressed satisfaction that the allocation of land given from his ministry to the developer had been put to judicious use.

Meanwhile, the developer, Rev. Chime, thanked Ujam and the state government for the inputs made in the aspect of reduction of fees for the perfection of title allottees that bought into the estate using

National Housing Fund (NHF) loan from the FMBN. Chime, however, canvassed for further assistance from the state government in the provision of water to the boundary of the estate, saying, “That has been a challenge for the layout in which the estate is locate d . ” Elim is the fourth of such estates in Enugu State within the last four years. Others before it were Bethel Estate, Goshen Estate and Jubilee

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PROJECTS

PROPERTY GUIDE

SSL Project picked for N300m Lekki tech complex contract Projects

By Chinedum Uwaegbulam IVEN the skyrocketing G prices of building materials and rents for multi-use accommodation across the country, Messrs Richards Infrastructures Limited is making good it’s promise to cushion the effect by providing 167 shops for show rooms, business offices, phone repairers and retailers to prospective investors.

The company also announced that Messrs SSL Project Limited has been picked as the main contractor and construction activities is expected to commence next month at the Lekki Technological Complex, estimated to gulp N300million.

Located along the newly constructed Lekki-Epe Expressway, directly in front of Abraham Adesanya Estate, in Aja, the centre has proximity to the Lekki free trade zone and newly proposed Lekki International Airport.

Designed by Bonty Building Construction Company, completion date is estimated for December 2014 and handover to shop owners will be The proposed campus by first quarter of 2015.

However, the contractor has been given project duration of 18 months. For out right sales, each shop goes for N350, 000 per square meter.

The Chief Operating Officer, Messrs Richards Infrastructures Limited, Mr. Oludayo Oyedele told The Guardian that the centre is will be a one stop centre for of undeveloped land. The individuals and corporate Lekki axis is known for severOrganisations that commute al elitist residential estates to Ikeja for their technologi- and communities such as cal needs. He plans to tap VGC, Lekki phase 1, Nicon into the booming real estate Town, Northern Foreshore, along the Lekki-Epe corridor. and Thomas Estate. There are “Reality has shown that other low income residential there is a huge development settlements such as Agungi, and population drift to the Ajah, Badore, and Osapa.”

Oyedele disclosed that Lekki epe axis. The driving factors have been the Free nature has strategically Trade Zone and availability assembled major dealers

The price for each of the shopping units in the proposed complex ranges from N350,000 per square metre. The developers are also offering business growth and company expansion opportunity for small, medium and big enterprises, even start up companies on completion and retailers of these items at Computer Village OtigbaIkeja and Saka Tinubu in Victoria Island of Lagos.

These markets are not planned with too many roadside minor players and chunks of major brands representatives occupying the residential houses that have been converted to shops and stores. “We are providing state-of the art centre and

conducive environment for both the owners and shoppers.”

On why the developer preferred the specialized development, he said: “The use of computers and other electronic gadgets for everyday life activities has become the order of the day in Nigerian.

Electronic items like Computers, phones, printers, photocopiers, cameras, Television sets and so many

other gadgets and spares consumables.”

The promoter is also planning Wi-fi and Internet facility at a very cheap rate for all shop owners, business guests, ICT Training and development. Other features of the proposed complex include banking facility, eatery and lounge, ATM facility, constant power supply through standby generator, 24Hours Security, ample

parking space, adequate water Supply, and Toilet Facility.

Warehousing Facility.

Oyedele who confirmed that prior to the commencement of construction - bush clearing, excavation, sand filling, and perimeter hoardings; there has been upsurge in off plan sales and request by the several off takers. He added that the complex will be offering business growth and company expansion opportunity for small, medium and big organisations, even start up companies as there will be access to a pool of several ICT dealers with diverse product line and the shops affordable with easy payment plan.

FCTA sets up committee on Abuja mass housing scheme, tackles illegal structures Housing From Terhemba Daka, Abuja PPARENTLY dissatisfied A with the emergence of illegal and unplanned settlements masquerading as ‘mass housing estates’ across the city, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated a 14-member committee to advice it on the decision to exit or continue with the mass housing scheme in the territory.

Specifically, the mass housing initiative was introduced by the FCTA in 2000 to facilitate the provision of affordable houses to meet the increasing demand for shelter occasioned by the population upsurge in the territory. The Committee has three weeks to submit its report.

But the programme was beset by a myriad of gaps

The committee is to critically examine the recommendations of the Ministerial Committee, as it guided the provisions of Mass Housing Development Guidelines for Federal Capital City; guidelines for final engineering design of infrastructure and Satellite Towns; FCT Development Control Manual and deficient structures prompting the establishment of a full fledged Department of Mass Housing, to streamline procedures and guidelines for proper coordination and regulation of mass housing activities in the territory.

This was also confronted with implementation challenges, a development which compelled the FCT Minister to set up a Ministerial committee on October 26, 2011 to carefully examine the challenges in the mass housing sector with a view to making appropriate recommendations for improved service delivery in that sector.

The committee submitted its report to the FCT administration for consideration and further action.

Consequently, the administration approved the report and last week inaugurated a 14-member White Paper committee headed by the Director of FCDA Engineering Services Department, Adamu Alfa Abu, an engineer, to look at the document and advice it with a view to give the FCT Mass Housing Scheme the character it desires in conformity with the Abuja Master Plan.

Inaugurating the panel in Abuja, Wednesday, the FCT Permanent Secretary, John

Obinna Chukwu, an engineer, said the effort will go among way to revolutionize the Abuja Mass Housing sub-Sector to meet the housing needs of the residents.

With the White Paper in place, Chukwu assured that a drastic change will emerge in the territory with a view to improve service delivery in that sub-sector in line with the Transformation Agenda of the federal government.

Part of the Terms of Reference of the Committee is to critically examine the recommendations of the Ministerial Committee, as it guided the provisions of Mass Housing Development

Guidelines for FCT; Guidelines for final Engineering Design of Infrastructure for the Federal Capital City and Satellite Towns; FCT Development Control Manual as well as generate conclusions that will represent the position of the FCT Administration on the matter.

Other members of the Committee include the FCT Solicitor-General, Managing Director, Abuja Property Development Company, Directors of Urban and Regional Planning; Land Administration; Mass Housing; Public Building; Satellite Towns Development Agency; Resettlement & C o m p e n s a t i o n ; Development Control as well as SSA (Technical) HMS office; SA (Project) HM Office and SA (Lands) PS Office.

Meanwhile, the FCT Minister mandated the task

team headed by the new FCT Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu, to remove all shanties and other illegal structures in the city centre; put in place necessary strategies to reduce gridlock and ease traffic flow in the metropolis; arrest and prosecute prostitutes who constitute social menace within Abuja metropolis and arrest, detain and prosecute road traffic offenders among others.

The team was also asked to carry operations in hideouts occupied by suspected criminal elements with a view to forestalling nefarious activities in the territory.

The members were equally to identify all flash-points for street hawking and other untoward activities in the metropolis as well as arrest, detain and prosecute environmental sanitation defaulters, street hawkers and their sponsors among others.

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INTERVIEW

PROPERTY GUIDE

Engaging expatriates should be an exception, not a rule, says NIOB President Property Interview Just recently, you were elected as the president of the Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB), what are you bringing on board?

After I was elected, I have remained focused in two areas, namely, to bring into the fore, the consciousness of the professional builders to the public domain and the issue of building collapse. In our council meeting, I set a 12point agenda, which I called “Project 999”.

Embedded in this agenda is career talk for students in Secondary Schools. I also realised that there is need for adequate Libraries where students and professionals can horn their skills and knowledge.

Another thing is publicity. When I came on board, we saw the need to have jingles in three different languages, namely; Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo, including pidgin. This is to enlighten the populace and advise the artisans. It should be understood that builders are housing managers, who will tell artisans what to do and what not to do. In any event, supervision of artisans rest squarely on builders, hence, the need for builders to be abreast of situations. Our leaders meet annually to discuss germane issues. We are also intensifying the involvement of women builders under the aegis Association of Women Builders of Nigeria (AWBN).

The institute has faced numerous challenges such as the infiltration of quacks, what are your plans to stop or reduce the trend? Do you think your membership can supply enough houses for the country? What is the membership strength of the institute?

We plan to train our artisans. This issue was also contained in the building code. When the code is passed into law and becomes operational, the issue of quackery would be effectively dealt with. However, the major concern is enforcement, even if the building code bill is passed today. For example, if a builder get to a site and meet unqualified person working on a project and you challenge him, what if the owner of the project ask what is your own business, that is the person I want. What are you going to do? So, enforcement is what we need to worry about. But if enforcement were effective, issue of quacks would drastically reduce.

Our membership is already 8,000 qualified and registered personnel and we are still increasing.

Is it true that the government is stalling the progress of the professionals by not engaging them, and stalling the progress of the nation by not harnessing the potentials of its professionals?

This is what we are saying every time. Every government would always want to engage the service of expatriates at the expense of indigenous builders. Although, this is not limited to builders alone, it cut across other professional bodies, be it the architects, engineers or surveyors. But, how can you develop your own professionals if you neglect them and you are patronizing foreigners? There is nothing wrong in engaging the services of expatriates, because indigenous professionals can benefit from their experience, but engaging them should be an exception and not a rule.

At your inauguration, you canvassed the reform of Nigeria’s major professional sector, as a much needed vehicle for genuine national transformation. What are you proposing?

What I am proposing is that government should look at the built environment and shift from the process of the past.

Governments at all levels should look inward to the indigenous professionals, where lies our development. If we are properly engaged and given the same treatments giving to our foreign counterparts, we will get the best for the country. We are up to the task and we will always be up to our responsibilities. This position is also being canvassed for in the building code.

The issue of building collapse, which is a national malady for several years, has been treated with levity, what strategies should be adopted to arrest the situation?

One of the major strategies is information.

With 8,000 qualified and registered personnel, builders under the aegis of Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB) agitating for more recognition by both the public and private sectors. It’s President, who is also the Principal Partner, Career Developments Consult, MR. BABATUNDE LASABI believes that governments at all levels should look inward to the indigenous professionals, where lies the key to national development. In this interview with The Guardian’s Tunde Alao, NIOB President bares his mind on these sundry issues such as building collapse, building code and housing delivery. Excerpts:

NIOB President, Lasabi

There is need to let people know that there are professionals who need to do what at a giving time and stage, especially, in the building process. Besides, there is need for continuous professional development. Continuous professional development would put us in a very good stead, including what is going on globally, especially, in building construction.

However, if clients would continue to patronise quacks, it wouldn’t augur well for us as a nation. We will not relent to inform the public, be it in the radio, television, jingles, newspapers, and through other media.

Do you think that the revised National Building Code has the key to ensure collaboration between all the built environment professionals and bring sanity in the building industry?

Of course, I remember in October last year, when we met at Rockview Hotel, to look at the revised Building Code, we examined it holistically, and we cooperated on the revised version. No area of disagreement. What we believe is that government should come first especially, the National Assembly. If there is a law, there should be a whistle blower. Our members would be acting as a whistle blower anywhere we see infraction in building process.

Just recently, another organization, Building Collapse Prevention Guilds (BCPG) came up.

What is your view about the guild?

I have nothing against the Guild. The guild involves the relevant professionals in built environment. Someone, or group has to propagate that all of us are tired of what is happening in the construction industry, particularly, incidences of building collapse. As a frontline professional body, the whole thing rests on our shoulder. As builders, we have the responsibility for building management, this include the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CRBN). That is why it is compulsory that after going through the training of the NIOB, you must be register with the council.

Developers and builders are facing myriads of challenges in the process of housing delivery in Nigeria. What are your concrete suggestions on how to address such problems?

What we must realize is that a builder by profession can be a developer, while a developer may not necessarily be a builder. A developer may be an entrepreneur- a businessman or woman. The major point is that all developers must have a builder supervising his project(s).

Developers should endeavour to have professional builders around them. It is for the overall interest of the stakeholders. In the area of collaboration, we do collaborate. There is Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN), where we normally discuss issues bordering on low quality building materials, cost of these materials and other sundry issues. So, there is a perfect collaboration among the builders and the developers.

What is your vision for a sustainable housing delivery in Nigeria?

Sustainable housing delivery is a function of government policies. My vision is to ensure that we latch on at the recent mortgage refinance policy put in place by the Federal Government. I want to commend government for the initiative. It would go along way in bridging the housing deficit in the country, if faithfully implemented.

The annual 17 million housing deficit will whittle down, if government can help the developers to have access to the fund. Housing delivery will get along very well. We have had in the past various institutions charged with management of housing funds, with little results. But we are optimistic that if the present policy is well coordinated, it would achieve much in housing delivery.

Another part of my vision is to ensure that we do not witness loss of lives and property, occasioned by building collapse. I want a situation whereby professional bodies in the construction and building sector would see each other’s functions as complimentary. We should see ourselves as collaborators and not to be at each other’s throat. Besides, I want a situation by which government would be looking inward to make use of its own professionals in project execution.

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REAL ESTATE Global property investment market turned a corner in 2013, says report PROPERTY GUIDE

Real Estate HE global property investment market delivT ered US$1.18 trillion of transactions in 2013, a 22.6per cent increase on 2012 and the highest total since 2007, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest International Investment Atlas.

The firm says that global real estate investment turned a corner in 2013 with market activity and values picking up as recessions ended, business sentiment rallied and increased liquidity affected most global markets. This strong annual performance has also helped to push prime yields back down to pre-crisis levels.

Looking forward to 2014, Cushman & Wakefield is forecasting a 13 percent increase in investment globally to US$1.33 trillion, with the US and Western Europe predicted to drive the uplift in activity.

‘The real estate market ended 2013 on a high on the back of greater confidence and rising liquidity. That momentum is building further this year with signs of a firmer occupier market as well as greater investment demand and new sources of debt set to drive investment activity and property pricing higher,’ said David Hutchings, head of EMEA investment strategy.

All regions saw a positive trend over 2013 but developments within each became more diverse. Asia, for example, led the way for volumes thanks to growth in China as well as Japan and Australia but this had to offset declines in Taiwan, India, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.

In EMEA, while trends were again diverse, the upturn was broader than in recent years. The UK and Germany are still driving the majority of regional growth but Russia, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium are all posting marked increases.

The United Arab Emirates, Israel and South Africa in the Middle East and Africa sub-regions also experienced strong growth. At the same time, markets such as France, Sweden and Poland did little more than keep pace with 2012 while Norway, Switzerland and Denmark all fell back.

The Americas meanwhile failed to be the driver

Parts of the region may be vulnerable to a shift in yield as capital flows change and liquidity is diverted from emerging markets by an end to quantitative easing. But at the same time, better economic performance should encourage portfolio investors seeking medium-term growth opportunities behind global growth for the first time since 2009 but still produced a very strong outturn driven by the US and a significant upturn in Mexico along with a stable showing from Canada. By contrast, Brazil saw a decline in volumes as did a number of smaller markets such as Argentina.

“Core markets remain in high demand but a search for stock, for yield and for performance has rapidly led investors to look further afield.

Selected emerging Asian markets, second tier US cities and Southern Europe were back in favour in 2013 and that recovery is set to deepen this year,” he explained.

He also said: “If investors can see past the politics, the US market must be strongly placed to outperform in 2014. All fundamentals of supply and demand point to good growth and the US market will be increasingly a target for international capital. A further improvement in the finance market is likely as CMBS comes back, helping the push into second tier markets,” he added.

In all regions, foreign investors grew in significance and their activity rose by 24.3percent over the year versus a 22.3percent increase in domestic demand, delivering a slightly increased market share of 17.6%. A significant shift in the nature of cross border players is taking place however, with global as opposed to regional investors coming to the fore. Regional investment rose 13percent while global investment was up 36percent, driven particularly by investment into EMEA. The report also says that the main source of international capital is the Asia Pacific region, accounting for nearly 40percent of all nondomestic spending. The majority of this is invested within the Asian region however. Looking at global rather than regional spending, it is North American investors who very much drove the

market, investing US$43.8 billion, 43percent of the total spent outside an investor’s home region.

However, the fastest growing source of global capital is no longer North America. Asian investors increased their spending outside their region by 88% while Middle Eastern investors beat that, increasing spending by 96percent. By contrast, North American investment outside the Americas rose 23% and European in-vestment outside the region was virtually flat.

North American players increased their regional spending, up by 44percent, largely due to stronger Canadianinvestment into the US, while European investment within their own region actually fell, partly due to a greater focus domestically as well as strong competition from global players.

Pension and sovereign wealth funds remain more focused on Europe than other regions with 59percent of 2013 commercial investment, excluding land and multifamily units, heading towards EMEA followed by 28percent for the Americas and 13percent for Asia. Country targets were relatively similar for the two with the US and the UK dominating as they do for most investor types.

Asia Pacific saw the fastest growth in investment volumes of any region in 2013 with a 25percent increase delivering a year end volume of US$568.6 billion, 48% of the global market.

However, that a very significant share of this related to land sales in China, which soared 37percent to US$397 billion, 34percent of the global total.

Asia Pacific markets are forecast to see a robust performance in 2014 against the backdrop of an improving global economy and rising domestic demand and a further steady rise in activity is forecast of 7 to eight percent.

Demand for prime standing investments picked

up in emerging markets in the final quarter, led

by China for retail and offices. Industrial had a strong year overall with core markets such as Japan and Singapore performing well and looking set to remain in strong demand. Vietnam and Malaysia led the way for global emerging markets, bettered only by Mexico, with volumes up 58percent and 37percent respectively.

“In Asia Pacific, changing growth dynamics and a divergence in performance should be taken as an opportunity for investors to realign their investment strategy,” said John Stinson, head of capital markets in Asia Pacific at Cushman & Wakefield.

“Parts of the region may be vulnerable to a shift in yield as capital flows change and liquidity is diverted from emerging markets by an end to quantitative easing. But at the same time, better economic performance should encourage portfolio investors seeking medium-term growth opportunities,’ he added.

A strong final quarter drove volumes in EMEA to a six year high of US$246.3 billion in 2013, 23percent up on the previous year. The story of the year was the bounce in activity in peripheral markets led by Southern Europe, which rose by 107percent.

Overall demand in the core remains high, supported by a greater availability of debt, and the big three of France, Germany and the UK saw a 24percent rise in volumes to maintain their market share of 66%. Opportunistic investors have made their presence felt and foreign demand in general has been a key part of the renaissance of European markets, which are forecast to rise by 12 to 13percent in 2014.

“The market is on fire in Europe. Overall demand is still rising as institutional allocations are raised and foreign interest increases,” said JanWillem Bastijn, Cushman & Wakefield’s head of EMEA capital markets.

“Greater debt availability and lower pricing is adding to buying power and while still restricted to prime in many areas, risk appetite among lenders is improving, leading to a slow broadening in availability. Alongside an appetite to invest quickly, this has helped to support a stronger level of interest in portfolio sales,” he explained.

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58 | MONDAY, March 17, 2014

TheEnvironment Negotiations towards new universal climate agreement in 2015 begin Climate Change OUNTRIES got down to the C business of fleshing out how a new universal agreement on climate change might look by the deadline of Paris 2015 as part of worldwide efforts to keep a global temperature rise under 2 degrees century. this Celsius Last week’s meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the for Platform Durban Enhanced Action (ADP) marked the start of an intense year with a calendar of meetings.

In late 2014 countries will meet in Lima, Peru with the aim of having a draft universal agreement on the table to be finalized in 2015. The new agreement is to enter into force in 2020.

In advance of that, the UN Secretary-General will host a September Climate Summit involving heads of State to leaders of the private sector, again with the aim of catalyzing climate action and raising worldwide. ambition Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Christiana Figueres said: “We are now entering a serious and significant phase in the evolution of international, cooperative climate policy as we look towards both Lima and Paris .

“The next 9 months will require all nations to raise their eyes beyond business-asusual in order to counter the threats and deliver the multiple opportunities from moving rapidly towards a cleaner, healthier, low carbon world,” said. she

UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Figueres At the last UN Climate Change conference held in Warsaw late last year, countries agreed to initiate or intensify domestic preparations for the intended, nationally-determined contributions to be included in the 2015 agreem e n t .

The Warsaw conference also called for support from developed countries, organizations like the UN and bodies providing funding for that domestic process.

Minister of Environment, Laurentia Laraba Mallam

As week-long negotiations ended last week in Bonn, Germany, several nations and groups of nations known as Parties also outlined ideas, proposals and pathways towards raising domestic ambition and transitioning towards more low carbon economies The UN and other organizations this week briefed countries on the support they can provide, which will be further coordinated by the UNFCCC, including via an online portal.

As week-long negotiations

ended at the weekend in Bonn, Germany, several nations and groups of nations known as Parties also outlined ideas, proposals and pathways towards raising domestic ambition and transition-

ing towards more low carbon e c o n o m i e s .

“Bonn last week underlines how these outcomes and mandates from Warsaw are being taken forward by Parties with support from the UN system and others. It is a positive sign that nations have got down to business – and got down to business with focus and with enthusiasm – to start really shaping how that crucial agreement

may look and operate,” added Ms. Figueres.

The ADP also saw the launch of technical expert meetings, a process in which countries outlined projects, policies and initiatives that are supporting their efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the period up to 2020.

This week’s technical meetings focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency as two areas where the technical process can assist countries in achieving their sustainable development objectives faster.

The process will continue at meetings in June with a focus on the potential of cities and the urban environment alongside land-use change, including forests and agriculture, to further assist in reducing emissions.

The co-chairs of the ADP, Kishan Kumarsingh and Artur Runge-Metzger last week framed the challenge: “By the end of the year we should be able to see tangible results: new and strong national and international initiatives; Parties – especially developed countries – adopting new policies and taking on further actions; greater participation in innovative partnerships; and mobilization of the resources needed to make action happen.”

Close to 20 organizations ranging from UN agencies like UNDP and UNEP and the World Bank to the International Renewable Energy Agency were also present to outline how they can support pre-2020 emission reductions with, for example, finance and technical expertise.

Lagos to unfold opportunities in climate change strategy at summit The Environment ITH reports that leading W organizations and investors are reaping great rewards by leveraging on climate change agenda for business successes, Lagos authorities have moved to transform threat of environmental doom to financial boom as fresh measures to generate revenue, reduce costs and meet stakeholders’ expectations.

Under the new move, the government plans to tap into a range of emerging profitspinning prospects, engage in proactive marketing of their climate change strategies to enhance its brands, exploring emerging carbon market opportunities, seizing opportunities to offset reductions through existing carbon markets, and taking full advantage of tax credits, grants and other incentives to encourage businesses to become more climate change friendly .

This new bargaining will be unveiled from tomorrow by the Lagos State Government, at the Sixth Edition of its

Climate change is a fundamental business issue that will only continue to increase in visibility and importance over time. Viewing climate change, as a transformational opportunity will only strengthen organizations and position it for future growth and success.

Annual Climate Change Summit on “Exploring Business Opportunities in Climate Change: Lagos State in Focus” holding at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In what appears to have become a tradition, state authorities are once again confronting the climate change challenge, albeit via a yearly forum that has received global acclaim. Viewing climate change, as a transformational opportunity will only strengthen organizations and position it for future growth and success.

All past Climate Change Summits – as well as the upcoming one – have held under the tenure of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who seems committed to tackling the global environmental scourge in general and the unsavoury impact of the cli-

mate change phenomenon in Lagos in particular.

“Gone are the days when we could succinctly draw a line between the rainy season and dry season; gone are the days when harvest was predictable and bountiful; gone are the days when select species of certain fish were readily available on the menu table,” the governor observed in 2009 at the maiden Lagos Climate Change Summit.

Subsequent events have proved him right as, for example, when the weather went haywire on July 10, 2011. The heavens suddenly opened up and, for 16 hours non-stop, Lagos experienced a torrential rainfall that was unprecedented in the history of the state.

The memory still lingers on in the minds of Lagosians.

Then on February 13, 2012, an unprecedented storm with wind speed hovering between

75km and 100km befell the bustling city, damaging numerous homes and several properties.

Curiously, the rainstorm occurred in the middle of February, a month not usually associated with such an extreme weather condition.

However, for the first time in the history of the summit, participants are brainstorming on the “positive” – albeit the business – aspect of the phenomenon, which has seen investors jostling for a piece of the multibillion-dollar global carbon m a r k e t .

Valued at a whopping N170 billion, the increasingly lucrative industry has become the beautiful bride and indications are that participants at the 6th Lagos Climate Change Summit will attempt to steer Nigeria in the right direction towards becoming an active p l a y e r .

Nonetheless, Nigeria is currently operating several Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects approved by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

One of such is the Lagos State

Government’s Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Composting Project in Ikorodu. It was registered December 2010 with the UNFCCC and operated by EarthCare Nigeria Limited.

Similarly, the state’s Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) at its Olushosun Landfill Site at Oregun is turning waste to wealth by curbing carbon emission and producing gas from wastes.

National and state officials are also involved in the promotion of the Save80 Fuel Efficient Wood Stove, which reduces by 80 percent the amount of wood needed for cooking, thereby keeping the carbon sink and slowing the rate of desertification.

Other CDM projects, which entail the gathering and use of hitherto flared associated gas, are: Recovery of Associated Gas at the Kwale Oil-Gas Processing Plant, owned by AGIP; Pan Ocean Gas Utilisation Project in OvadeOgharafe; and, AsuokpuUmutu Marginal Field Gas Recovery Facility, owned by Platform Petroleum.

Lagos State Environment

Commissioner, Tunji Bello, submitted that past summits have produced a wide range of recommendations, which, upon their implementation, have helped to advance the state’s adaptation and mitigation capabilities to the impact of climate change.

He said: “For instance, government a couple of years ago declared July 14 of every year as Tree Planting Day in the state. It came under a programme aimed at planting millions of trees to beautify Lagos and also provide a carbon sink. Over 6 million trees have so far have been planted.

“Similarly, the government has established the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) to beautify and regenerate the Lagos environment from the effect of climate change, in the light of the intensity of global warming that is threatening the entire ecosystem.

Speaking on the idea behind business opportunities in climate change, he added: “There is likely to be an increasing demand for products and services designed to function in the new climate.”

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THE ENVIRONMENT

PROPERTY GUIDE

US, EU to stand together on climate change draft Climate change NITED States President U Barack Obama and EU leaders meeting in Brussels

Nigeria needs to step up fight against deforestation as part of mitigation measures to stop climate change

Agenda for new Environment Minister, by SRADev The Environment SYMPATHIZE with the new ILawrencia Minister for Environment, Labara Mallam, in terms of the enormous and challenging situation her coming to office will face based on the challenges of the environment sector.

First is the problem of a short term of service (probably from now till May 2015) and second is the peculiar political intensity of the country culminating to Confab and national elections. In my own opinion, these distractions are sufficient reasons for the new Minister not to be sharply focused on the task ahead, not minding the concern of the relevant experience of the new Minister, which is also very key to her success.

However, I remain poised and resolute to making the following comments and suggestions that I consider can be used to assess her per-

In this treatise, the Executive Director, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), LESLIE ADOGAME sets an agenda for the new Minister. He suggests review of all environmental laws and more funding to ensure sustainable development in the sector formance at the end of tenure. The Minister needs to immediately conduct a gap analysis/assessment on what Ministry (as the custodian of sustainable development concept) has to do to make the Ministry the environmental gateway for Africa.

She has to re-position the country’s environmental mapping and do a quick “forensic analysis” on how to mainstream environment issues with others sectors of the economy like health, food security, agriculture, science and technology, lands development, petroleum resources, trade and investment, tourism, water

resources, mines and works etc if Nigeria’s growth in the League of Nations must be sustained.

Environment Ministry can no longer be handled as a stand-alone ministry the way it is now. Effort must be galvanized to understanding and actualizing the nexus otherwise it is another business as usual. If possible put in place an advisory “national environment thinktank group” to advice on synergy.

Towards achieving this, the most germane task for the Minister is to immediately undertake the review of all environmental laws in the country before 2015. These

laws are long overdue and no longer stand the test of today’s tenet, time and spirit.

The environment sector has suffered most from regular change of its minister since its creation in 1999. She should not embark on an ambiguous responsibility of addressing lingering Air, water, soil pollution issues or food poisoning or climate change jamboree. She should attempt instead to addressing key gaps for these sectors to thrive in 2015.

Above all is federal government’s will in funding environment issues, in the past years the ministry has been so very poorly funded. The Minister must look inward for increased appropriation funds from federal government and private sector, away from the dependence on foreign donors to addressing environmental issues.

Environmental issues are right-based as enshrine in the fundamental human rights of citizens and as such cannot be funded almost entirely

from donor funds as it is today. Only increased prejudicial funding of environmental issues will help to achieve Dr Goodluck’s expectation of “human and environmental security” advocated in his recent Nigeria Centenary keynote address.

The ability to develop more sustainably depends on the capacity of Nigerian citizens and institutions to understand the complex environment and development issues so that they can make the right development choices. Citizens need to have the expertise to understand the potential and the limits of the environment. There is also the need to increase the sensitivity of the Nigerian populace to, and involvement in finding solutions for environmental and ethical awareness, values and attitudes, skills and behaviour needed for sustainable development.

The new Minister at this daunting time therefore, has to give the Nigerian environment a human face.

this month will throw their combined weight behind tackling climate change, a document seen by Reuters says, in a show of developed world solidarity on the need for a new global deal.

But the guarded, diplomatic language is likely to disappoint environmentalists calling for urgent, ambitious pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“Sustainable economic growth will only be possible if we tackle climate change,” a draft communique ahead of the EU-US summit on March 26 says. The text is subject to further negotiation between the European Union and the United States.

Both the European Union and the United States are preparing new pledges on cutting emissions for the first quarter of 2015, ahead of a U.N. summit in Paris that is meant to agree a new worldwide deal.

Its aim must be to limit any global average temperature increase to less than 2 degrees Celsius compared with preindustrial levels “and should therefore include ambitious mitigation contributions, notably from the world’s major economies and other significant emitters,” the document said.

The European Union has sought to lead efforts to curb global warming with more ambitious carbon-cutting goals than any other bloc, but some of its member states, notably Poland, say there is no point in Europe taking the lead when it is responsible for only just over 10 percent of global emissions.

The United States, the world’s second biggest emitter, together with China, the top emitter, account for about 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

Earlier this month, the U.N.’s climate chief, Christiana Figueres, said closer cooperation between China and the United States could boost prospects for a U.N. deal in 2015.

European environmental campaigners say such a partnership could also marginalize Europe in the debate and in the race to keep up with technological advances to decarbonise energy.

World Bank intervenes in Cross River gully erosion menace The Environment From Tina Todo, Calabar HE World Bank would T soon intervene in five gully erosion sites in Calabar, the Cross River State capital within the next two months.

The gully erosion World Bank project is the initiative

of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to handle erosion in Ikot Anwatim, Ikot Ekpo, Edim Otop, Nyaghasang and Atakpa.

The intervention would constitute the first phase of such which would be under the NEWMAP and is expected to cover other areas of the state in subsequent phases.

Project coordinator, Mr

Fidelis Anukwa, did not give a figure for the erosion project but said the Federal and State Governments would also provide counterpart funding to the project.

He said the project would be carried with a participatory integrated approach where communities would be carried along in every step taken.

“There is need to create

awareness among the communities as they have to be integrated in the programme. There is need to carry everyone along and put hands together to achieve this,” he said.

At one of the gully erosion sites at Ikot Ekpo, a consultant, Mrs. Mojisola Akpojyovbi, said they had been bringing contractors to see how the slopes can be

stabilized and work would begin on the sites in less than two months.

She said only people whose houses were affected by the remedial measures would be compensated after consultations and negotiations.

Victims, whose houses were already destroyed by the erosion, would not be accountable for, she said.

One of the victims, Ayi

Edet, Ayi, whose house is already at the edge of being swept away, said, “sometimes when it is raining, I will stay awake to control the erosion from sweeping away my house and the life of my family”.

In his words, “I planted the Indian bambu tress in the golly to protect this house from falling into the golly”.

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TAX WATCH

Monitoring of compliance with transaction taxes the taxman’s way A review of the recent FIRS’ notice on nationwide Value Added Tax (VAT) and Withholding Tax (WHT) verification exercise

‘

By Taiwo Oyedele

Various studies have shown that there is a high correlation between tax compliance and good governance as people who pay taxes tend to ask questions and hold their leaders accountable. This is due in large measure to the feeling that since they contribute to government funding they have a stake in the way they are being governed.

Therefore getting services from government will no longer be a privilege to thank politicians for but a right to demand of government.

’

HERE is no doubt that T tax compliance rate in Nigeria is very low.

According to the Heritage Foundation, the ratio of tax revenue to GDP in Nigeria is only 6.1%. This is within the range of countries with no income taxes such as the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and in fact less than some war-torn countries like Afghanistan at 6.4%. At the other end of the spectrum are countries such as Denmark with 49.0%, France 44.6%,

and United States 26.9%. In Africa some of the leading countries include Botswana with 35.2%, South Africa at 26.9% and Ghana with 20.8%.

Various studies have shown that there is a high correlation between tax compliance and good governance as people who pay taxes tend to ask questions and hold their leaders accountable. This is due in large measure to the feeling that since they contribute to government funding they have a stake in the way they are being governed. Therefore getting services from government will no longer be a privilege to thank politicians for but a right to demand of government. A typical example is Britain where car owners sue their local councils for damages to their cars due to potholes. In 2012 alone more than 22 million pounds (about N6 billion) was paid in compensation to drivers for pothole damages to their vehicles and other related injuries.

A few years back I was window shopping for a new car. I was surprised when one of the car dealers I visited on Victoria Island asked if I would like him to include VAT on my invoice. Very curious to know if VAT had become optional, the salesperson told me that some customers don’t like VAT to be charged on their purchases and they would not agree to pay. I was thoroughly amazed at such an attitude towards tax compliance by a notable company in the commercial center of Nigeria. This in a way is also a reflection of the general attitude of the populace towards tax compliance which must be addressed as a matter

of urgency. Government must provide social services but the people also have a legal obligation to pay their taxes.

Apparently in a bid to stem the ugly trend, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced its intention to commence a nationwide verification exercise to ensure full compliance with VAT and WHT requirements. The exercise is scheduled to take place from 12 March to 11 April 2014 as stated in the public notice published in some national newspapers dated 12 March 2014.

According to the public notice, the FIRS will deploy four tax auditors to each organisation selected for the exercise within this period to verify relevant records of transactions over the last six years, covering the period from January 2008. Taxpayers are expected to have the following documents readily available and presented in an organized manner in anticipation of the audit: • Relevant remittance schedule of VAT and WHT, with evidence of bank tellers and FIRS receipts (where obtained); • Audited accounts, cash books and general ledgers printed out; • Year-end trial balances; • Evidence of input taxes paid on raw materials and fixed assets; • Sales/purchases documents and related import documents; and • Relevant bank statements.

Under section 35(1) of the VAT Act, an authorised officer of the FIRS can at any time enter without warrant, a taxpayer’s

premises to determine the level of compliance with respect to VAT and can if necessary, carry out such inspections or make such requests as the Revenue may deem fit.

Section 26 of the FIRS Establishment Act also empowers the FIRS to examine a company’s books, documents and any other information at a place and time stated in the notice for a period deemed necessary. The Act however requires a minimum of not less than seven days’ notice from the date of service of such notice. However, where an officer of the FIRS not below the rank of a Chief Inspector of Taxes or its equivalent requests for such information for the purpose of inspection, then he can do so without prior notification. The Notice was signed by four Directors of the FIRS. It is therefore apparent from the above that the

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FIRS has a legal basis for the proposed action as published in some national newspapers. This serves as a notice to taxpayers and would therefore take effect from the date of publication being 12 March 2014. The verification exercise will cover the period January 2008 to date which is within the six years statutory period permitted for the FIRS to raise additional assessment for non-remittance of taxes or underpayment.

This restriction does not apply where fraud, neglect or wilful default is established. It is also important to note that the statute of limitation does not preclude the FIRS from carrying out examinations beyond six years with or without fraud, wilful default or neglect although it may be impracticable in some cases given that the Companies and Allied Matters Act only requires records to be kept for six years.

Overall, the exercise is a step in the right direction but the notice given and the one month timeline slated for the exercise is rather short, raising questions about the depth and quality of review that will be carried out and the FIRS’s capability to start and conclude the exercise diligently within the stated time. There are over a million companies registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), as well as unincorporated entities who are taxable persons for VAT purposes.

Even if one takes into account that many companies registered with the CAC are dormant, there is still a significant number of active companies and given the 6-year period to

be covered the FIRS may be faced with manpower constraints. Also the notice makes no reference to how the inspection would be done and the selection criteria. While this may not be made public for obvious reasons, it will be necessary for the FIRS to limit the exercise to organisations that are either not registered with the FIRS or have not been filing their tax returns as at when due.

Where the taxpayer is unable to meet the timeline specified, he has the right to apply for an extension of time if there is good cause for his inability. Taxpayers should also expect the verification exercise to identify and flag non-compliance in other tax areas such as companies’ income tax, capital gains tax and so on for subsequent follow up and tax audit. For companies that have been audited for parts of the period in view, the FIRS should exclude such periods from the verification exercise to avoid unnecessary duplication. In any event it is advisable for all taxpayers to be prepared for this verification exercise and expect the completion to possibly extend beyond the specified period.

Taiwo Oyedele is a Partner and Head of Tax and Corporate Advisory at PwC Nigeria. He is a regular writer and public speaker on accounting and tax matters.

Blog with Taiwo for indepth analyses, unique insight and superlative perspective on tax matters: www.pwc.com/nigeriataxblog. Subscription is free!

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW

My life as an engineer, inventor, Apple Corporation’s co-founder and inventor of the personal computer, Steve Wozniak was in Nigeria recently under the auspices of the MTN Leadership seminar, to speak on “Exploring new technology frontiers for life and business”. The leadership seminar series has featured globally renowned resource persons such as Farrah Gray, Les Brown, Chris Gardner, David Plouffe and recently Dr. Ram Charan, and has become an influential thought leadership platform. Woz, as he is fondly called in technology circles, addressed packed audiences in Lagos and Port Harcourt, respectively, animatedly holding the audiences spellbound with interesting anecdotes from his life’s history, as well as current realities of the marketplace, while in Lagos, he spoke with Business Editor, ADE OGIDAN on some of his life experiences and germane industry issues. Excerpts.

HAT are your first impressions about W Nigeria?

This is my first time here. My first impressions are based on what I have seen out of my window. I have been meeting with a lot of people and I am very impressed by the people at MTN, the thinking and the belief in the importance of technology and its role in our lives and for the future. I think it is the future really. Because if you look at the quality of life, in developed countries across the world, that is where Africa is headed, they have gained massive points of development, using technology.

There are so many things we used to do physically - with our arms and legs; they are now done with machines. And we love these machines, because they give us so much power as individuals and that should be the future for everyone.

As an innovator, when do you know that you have created a very good product?

I am not so much a businessman that knows the market so well. Steve Jobs was my best friend and of course, he had a good sense of what people really wanted, how to judge what was good and bad. I just knew what was good for me. So, I was a market of one person. If I build something, I am building it for myself and I know it will do the task that I want it to do in my own life. It just turns out that usually, that generalises to things that other people want as well. This is something you see in many great products all the time. Even the Macintosh, I think the person who built it was building it for self. Another example is the automobile. Even the guys who built Facebook did it for themselves. When you are building for your own needs and life, so many decisions about the business model as well as the technologies come from one person.

Ultimately the result is supreme and excellent coming from one person with a strong mind.

How important is it for innovators and inventors to work like artists in terms of product development as against team collaboration?

Both forms are relative and innovation can happen both ways. Now would you say that Einstein worked in a team? Or that Isaac Newton worked in a team? Would you say that Shakespeare worked in a team? Not necessarily. So, a lot of the very well-known innovators and inventors who view their thinking and innovation as art tend to do an awful lot of it alone. This is partly because they excelled above others around them and also partly because one mind solving an entire problem, doing all the disciplines to one solution can come up with a better solution than a lot of cooks in the pot.

Wozniak On the other hand, the reality is that nothing can really get done all the way without collaboration. Look at myself and Steve Jobs– even when I had just developed a little terminal device, he would make a PC board and go down to sell it to a company to get us some money. When we started Apple, somebody had to think about a whole product - what does it look like, what are the screws that hold it together, what about the parts, where do we get sales from, where do we get places to build it and all that– I was just a pure engineer. So, you see, it’s not enough to have some great thinking, some great ideas, and build a great product. Such a product can’t do any good unless it reaches the world. And it could reach the world now on the internet where you shoot and publish great ideas. And they go viral and they get out there and affect a lot of people for free. That can happen now but it sure couldn’t happen back then. You really have to work with a lot of partners in different areas.

When you start a company, nowadays, the business of technology is so big and huge in terms of the capital requirement that usually there are few start-ups like Facebook that just come out of young people feeling that something is good or an idea that’s good. These days, you start off by setting up a company, then you get some sales. You get some money, and before you know it, you are confronted with stiff competition. You’ve then got to start acquiring and merging with other companies in order to be the best in your category; to hold your position. That’s another type of partnership that’s critical.

In your book, iWoz, you talked about two approaches to innovation. The step by step and logical process and the point when you see the complete solution in a flash, without going through all the steps. Are these two very separate processes or do they sometimes go hand in hand in helping you innovate?

Well, this is kind of tricky. I was one type of

innovator that wasn’t like your typical engineer. A typical engineer has studied ways to design things, he is given an assignment by a company and he goes out and designs it.

However, I would always set a goal of something I wanted, a finished product, and I knew that I could create the steps to get there. I had never studied them; I had never learned them or seen them in a book. But then I could create them – I call that writing the book yourself.

The best innovators are the ones who can write the book and find the best way for an individual product that didn’t come out of a book they were taught. This is an authentic way to create things as it is their own answer.

When it comes out of a book – you get good grades in school; they tell you that you are intelligent but you are intelligent for having the same answers as everyone else. And that’s not your answer because it’s out of a book.

You have been quoted as saying that in the early days of Apple, lack of money and resources forced you to think differently. Is having limited resources one of the keys to creating original and authentic solutions?

And how far can it take you?

I was very lucky. When I worked for Hewlett Packard, they had a policy that an engineer could take spare parts out of the store room for something of their own design if their supervisor approved. Their thinking was it would cost a little money for parts but if engineers designed something for themselves, their brain power go up and they become more valuable as an employee. Also, HP felt that it was a lot less expensive than paying to send engineers to a university.

What a country like Nigeria could take out of that kind of thinking is to take young people and somehow find ways to get especially chip making companies and all to provide parts – little Raspberry Pi boards and Arduino boards so that kids have those hard-

ware resources they can’t afford. They also need to provide the tools with which they can test their own designs and make things. But if these young people had some little electronic boards, some wiring things and enough parts to build little amplifiers and motors, while building metal making equipment – they can make little robots that might do an effective task for a human being.

And it’s not very expensive to put that kind of value in, but schools are never going to have that kind of money because this technology is never considered a part of school. Schooling is - you teach the same thing that has always been taught for a hundred years because the teachers learned it. But the teachers don’t know technology. It’s very difficult to bring technology – the kids understand the things that the teachers don’t. When I went to school, I felt that every one of my teachers knew more about everything than I did. Now, if you go to schools, most kids know more about computer and games and all this technology stuff but we have to give them the resources. But schools are unfortunately, severely resource-constrained. The kids don’t get counted in the allocation formula which allocates money to schools.

You have summarised your life as a lucky one.

How strongly do you hold luck to finding the right people, organising processes and creating great solutions for life and business? How big is luck?

I can’t give you a number for how big luck is, but I can look at a lot of cases back in time. Was it lucky that Mark Zuckerberg started working on Facebook and said “this is a thing that people really wanted”? It was luck, he kind of stumbled into it, but he was also a builder, which means that you need to have certain elements in place, a certain discipline.

I was going to build the Apple II computer for myself, the day that I found an affordable method to do it. It turns out in that particular point in time, due to prices of electronics and things, it was going to become valuable to

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW

by Wozniak, Apple’s co-founder other people and solve important needs in life which they could not do with pencils and paper. I was just lucky that the year I decided to build the great computer was the year it was important to the world. I would therefore go on to have all this notoriety in starting Apple Computer and starting the whole personal computer revolution. But I would have built a computer for myself that year no matter what, even if it wasn’t useful to anyone. So, I was luckily, in the right place at the right time you might say, but I hope to be a good inspiration to other people.

What are you currently working on?

Currently I am involved with a company that is changing hard disks into chips and I favour that because I am electrically oriented. But the reason I am with that company, it’s called Fusion i-o in Salt Lake City, is that they are changing the data centres of the world. They have made a huge impact. Interestingly, they were a start-up about five years ago. But I joined them because everybody else was going in one direction and they went in a totally different direction. All the other companies, like Intel and Micron, big companies like Samsung said “you are doing it wrong; we are doing it our way.” It turns out now, three to five years later that they are all coming and doing it our way because we were right. We had an approach, much like when I design things myself; they cost less money, run faster and very easy to maintain and understand.

What are the ingredients to excelling as an inventor?

I will look at my own case and my own answer because I excelled a lot. Obviously, it helps if you are good at building things but you have never built them before. Companies tend to want to hire people who already have a lot of experience on the exact products they are working on. But I say it is much better to find very smart people that are able to look at a new thing they have never worked with before and write the book themselves rather than reading the book on how it is done. So my advice is write the book on how it is done and you will come up with better answers.

What lessons do you think Nigeria can learn from the Silicon Valley, especially since you grew up in Silicon Valley?

It is difficult to say because you can’t really duplicate Silicon Valley. You have got to be what you are on your own, maybe Lagos Valley. What happened was, Silicon Valley developed over many decades, a lot of decades and it really goes back to the invention of the

transistor. Sometimes you have a seed of a certain technology, this technology is called the transistor and that seed leads to other parts.

The transistor led to chips with more than one transistor and those led to chips system which led to more than 10 million transistors.

So, everything we have in our lives - be it electronic, whether it is portable or a computer and digital, still uses a transistor to this day.

Silicon Valley got started because one of the inventors of the transistor set up his shop there, his shop and labs and this led to several spin-offs. Other engineers were attracted and started companies of their own, and became successful making transistors. With time, there was critical mass, a high density of people who were knowledgeable about silicon engineering and other electronics related to it. So, Silicon Valley had a lot of engineers who were doing the same thing in the same area.

We didn’t have the benefits of modern day entrepreneurship but still we developed a venture capital community that looked at the ideas and funded the lines that they knew that the people would be successful with. Silicon Valley grew up over a lot of decades, so if you’re thinking, how can we duplicate that in five years, it’s probably impossible. I think it starts slow but it has to come out around strong tactical universities and has to be up there and of a certain level. In the Silicon Valley, once we had Stanford, Berkley and a few other schools with those two being particularly outstanding contributors to the engineering community, companies like Hewlett Packard, just spun right out of Stanford, themselves.

So, what are those values that have influenced your work ethic?

One of them is if you create something in your work as an engineer, go back and look at it and say “is there somewhere I could have done it better?” Come up with ideas, start developing methods in your head, new ways by which you could use fewer curves for instance, or be cleaner, or use fewer parts to get the device to do what it does. This was always very important to me because it helped to turn the entire process into something of a game. Everything I ever designed was a game.

The underlining question was - can I possibly do it any better than any other engineer in the world? As such, it becomes a personal motivation for doing things. Personal reasons will motivate you and get much better results out of you than other rewards like salaries, titles,

I certainly hope to return here and I hope that this country (Nigeria) really finds the formulas to really get rid of a lot of the poverty and do things a lot better and get corruption out of the way.

awards, grades and scores. Those types of rewards are kind of phoney. The one that matters to you, that’s when you do your best.

You have achieved so many things. What would you like to be remembered for most?

I want to be remembered for being a good engineer. People don’t see that today, people say this computer is just so important in my life that I started Apple Computers but engineers can go back and look at my designs and read the software that I wrote and say whao! This was incredible stuff, it’s not just normal engineering.

That means the most to me because all my life, I wanted to be a great engineer more than anything else. The trouble is I also wanted computers, so the Apple II computer is certainly an incredible invention and really, it is one of those steps like I said, the transistor started everything. Somewhere along the line came personal computers, eventually came the internet, then our mobile devices, cellular phones and things like that.

Personal computer was a big step in time because everything on the internet was really based on having that personal computer.

To a lot of young people, you are a hero and a role model. Who did you look up to while growing up and while you were at Apple?

My father was my greatest mentor. When I asked questions about computers and how do you build certain things, he would pull out a blackboard and teach me. He was very patient as a teacher. He influenced me to have positive feelings for education. He influenced me about my values, life, peace and war in the world, justice and how we achieve it, things like that. I wish he was still alive so badly.

I had a hero, my electronics teacher in

school. He wrote his own lessons. He was the only teacher in the entire high school that wrote his own lessons. He had a better laboratory than many of the local colleges and a better course. So, when I taught for eight years, because I had always wanted to be a teacher, even after Apple was successful, I went and taught 10 to 12-year old children every single day of the week. I did it that way, I wrote my own lessons.

I had fictional heroes, like Tom Swift, Jnr. He was a hero in books and owned a company with his father. When there was a problem in the world, he would sometimes go into his laboratory and work for two weeks and he would come out with something that he had built that solved the problem. That was probably my greatest fictional hero of my life. I would read a book where someone solved the problems of kidnapping and they caught the criminals and they did it because they were smart about electronics and they knew how to send signals as amateur radio operators. And so, I went and got an amateur radio licence. I wanted to be a part of that.

What are you taking back home with you about Nigeria?

I will be taking back home with me memories for a life time. I have never been to a place like this, a part of Africa that isn’t South Africa. The intelligence of the people, which comes out in their questions is amazing, so also is their pursuit and interest in technology from a lot of the people I have met in my very short time here.

I will take back a lot of the other images driving in the car, a lot of the third world look but I like a lot of that. I used to visit those sorts of places for vacation. I certainly hope to return here and I hope that this country (Nigeria) really finds the formulas to really get rid of a lot of the poverty and do things a lot better and get cor-

Companies tend to want to hire people who already have a lot of experience on the exact products they are working on. But I say it is much better to find very smart people that are able to look at a new thing they have never worked with before and write the book themselves rather than reading the book on how it is done. So my advice is write the book on how it is done and you will come up with better answers.

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OIL&GAS WEEKLY

FINANCIALGUARDIAN agencies continued to deny that there was any shortage, urging consumers not to panic-buy. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said it had enough stockpile of products to last 3 weeks leading many to question why it did not immediately release some of that stockpile into the system. A few days later, NNPC released 209 million litres of petrol to Lagos and other neighbouring cities bringing a brief respite.

Barely a week later, the queues are back again at the few petrol stations that are selling petrol at well over the regulated official selling price. Once again, everyone is looking to NNPC to release more of its stockpile into the system to stop the problem from degenerating to the level that it did the editor@NOGintelligence.com last time. www.NOGintelligence.com There have been conflicting reasons given for the recent scarcity of petrol in many capital cities in the country. Among these are: the delay in awarding importation licences to marketers, failure to pay fuel subsidies on time, pipeline vandalism and hoarding of products by marketers. Now, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has announced that it has sanctioned 57 marketers for hoarding petroleum products, validating its own claims that petrol stations were diverting petroleum products in order to turn a quick profit thereby exacerbating the problem.

The DPR had previously complained that due to its stringent enforcement of the official pump price for petrol in Abuja, many marketers were HELL has had to defer deliveries of Forcados diverting petroleum products to other cities grade crude oil as a result of a new leak in the where they could sell at an inflated price. The marpipeline supplying the terminal. The Dutch giant keters involved will be not be allowed to load petrosays it is working hard to repair the pipeline. They leum products for a month. Once the suspension said in a statement: "The line was immediately shut is over they will have to pay commercial prices for their petroleum products. The Abuja Zonal down when we observed the leak.”

As a result of the pipeline breach, deliveries of Controller, DPR, Mr. Aliyu Halidu, confirmed the Forcados grade are delayed for at least a week. sanctions when he gave evidence on the petrol Reuters reports that two cargoes that were due to scarcity situation during his appearance before load in March had yet to do so and that six cargoes the Senate Committee on Gas. of Forcados oil were due to load in March, repre- While a month’s suspension may not seem very long, charging them commercial prices could senting 177,000 barrels per day.

Shell said in its annual report that it lost about $1 wipe out their profits and could lead to those billion a month due to oil theft. Shell's Nigerian oil organisations being put out of business. and gas output averaged 265,000 barrels of oil Mr Halidu also took the opportunity to deny sugequivalent per day (bpd) in 2013, down 100,000 gestions that bunkering operations in Nigerian bpd from 2012 and equal to about 8 per cent of total territorial waters, which the DPR will soon begin to issue licences for, could lead to fuel scarcity in supply of 3.2 million bpd. future, a fear expressed by some Nigerians. Some have suggested that bunkering operations under which ships are refuelled within territorial waters, will divert much needed petrol supplies to ships rather than motor cars. He explained that the fuel used as petrol is not the same as that used for bunkering.

“Bunkering fuel is either Automated Gas Oil that we use for generators or Low-Pour Fuel Oil. Those are the bunkering fuels; it is not PMS. So bunkering can in no way affect the supply of petrol because PMS is not used for bunkering.”

As a result, said Mr Halidu, there was no danger to N spite of poor management of the nation’s four supplies of PMS once bunkering operations begin under performing refineries, the Nigerian in earnest.

National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is apparently intending to build 2 new refineries. The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, disN a move that will give Lekki Free Zone a signifclosed this whilst speaking at a lecture organised icant boost, Pinnacle Oil has announced its plans by the Society of Petroleum Engineers recently.

Engineer Yakubu said that they plan to increase to construct a $250 million mooring facility at Nigeria’s local refining capacity of petroleum prod- Lekki Free Zone, giving the Free Zone a real boost. ucts to 850,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2020. In The Single Point Mooring (SPM) and Conventional addition, he said, the existing 4 refineries are to have Buoy Mooring (CBM) facilities will enable tankers to load and offload gas or liquid products. Such a complete overhaul.

This announcement comes after the Federal moorings provide low-cost facilities for the rapid Government made a complete U-turn over its plans loading and discharge of crude oil and refined to sell the existing refineries. Late last year, the products imports and exports. The facilities will Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke also be able to accommodate very large crude carhad announced on a foreign television programme riers and will be able to handle 100 metric tonnes of product within 48 hours. that the 4 refineries were being put up for sale.

The project is now looking more likely after the Whilst many analysts welcomed the move, it was Minister of Transport, Mr Idris Umar, granted the vehemently opposed by the industry’s labour company a valuable waiver for the project meanorganisation and eventually the Federal ing that the project is much more viable. Neither Government caved in with an announcement that the company nor the Minister stated the value of the sale of the refineries was no longer on the cards. the waiver. However, the Minister said that when Dangote last year announced his plans to build a completed, the project would provide about 5,000 400,000 bpd capacity refinery costing $9 billion. jobs for Nigerians.

The construction of the refinery which, will double Managing Director of Pinnacle Oil, Peter Mbah said Nigeria’s refining capacity, is expected to begin that when completed, the facility will also provide soon. a national shortage storage base with the capacity to provide a three weeks bridge. He did however stress that the project is more than just a tank farm and was really about the speedy discharge of products. He said: “Right now if you have 100,000 metric tonnes of products, it will require about three months to get them discharge into the terminals.”

He added that the project, when completed, was going to mark a radical transformation in the way in which products are discharged.

Pinnacle Oil is constructing the facility in partnerESIDENTS of Lagos and Abuja and other capital ship with the China Petroleum Technology cities are once again experiencing the pain of Development Corporation (CPTDC). fuel shortage. It is less than a week since a debilitating fuel shortage threatened to shut down busi- OPEC Daily Basket Price Stood at $103.71 nesses. Many were unable to get to work as public a Barrel Thursday 13 March, 2014 transport almost ground to a halt. Long queues he price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood formed outside petrol stations causing gridlock on at $103.71 a barrel on Thursday, compared with the roads. $103.75 the previous day, according to OPEC As the shortage continued to bite, the government Secretariat calculations.

Remi Aiyela, Editor-in-Chief

UPSTREAM NEWS

Shell Delays Forcados Oil Delivery Due to Oil Pipeline Breach

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MIDSTREAM

Nigeria to Build Two New Refineries

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Pinnacle Oil to Construct $250 Million Mooring Facility at Lekki Free Zone

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DOWNSTREAM NEWS

Fuel Scarcity Returns to Lagos, Abuja

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T

On the demand front, OPEC has made an upward revision in its demand estimates for this year as economic recovery continues to stoke global fuel consumption. OPEC says its members need to pump an average of 29.7 million barrels per day this year to satisfy demand. The 12-country organisation, which provides 40 per cent of world oil consumption, is forecasting that there will be need for an additional 100,000 barrels per day more than its forecast in last month’s report.

According to an OPEC report, global oil consumption will increase by 1.14 million barrels a day, or 1.3 per cent, this year to an average of 91.14 million a day, according to OPEC’s report. That is 50,000 a day more than its estimate in last month’s report.

FINANCIAL

Seplat To List on London Stock Exchange IGERIAN independent, Seplat Petroleum N Development Company has announced its plans to dually list in London and Nigeria, making it the first indigenous company to do so when the listing is complete. The company, which has a strategic focus on Nigeria confirmed its intention to proceed with an initial public offer (IPO) of its Ordinary Shares. Seplat intends to apply for admission of its Ordinary Shares to the standard listing segment of the Official List of the London Stock Exchange’s main market and to the Official Trading List of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The company expects to raise $550 million from the IPO. Seplat has been extraordinarily successful. Formed in 2009, it acquired a 45 per cent participating interest in, and was appointed operator of, a portfolio of three onshore producing oil mining leases (OMLs) 4, 38 and 41 located in the Niger Delta. In June 2013, via a wholly-owned subsidiary, the Company entered into an agreement for the acquisition of a 40 per cent participating interest in the Umuseti/Igbuku marginal field located within OPL 283 in the Niger Delta.

In 2013, Seplat averaged a gross 51,300 barrels of oil per day (bpd) in production from its 3 OMLs having grown production from 13,900 bpd in 2010, while gas production in 2013 was 99 million standard cubic feet per day (“mmscfd”). Seplat is hoping to take production up to 85,000 bpd by the end of 2016. Total working interest oil production for the company was 8.4 million barrels for the year ended 31 December 2013, equivalent to average daily production of 23.1 million bpd.

As of 31 October 2013, it was estimated that the Group had total working interest proved plus probable (“2P”) oil and condensate reserves of 111 million barrels and total working interest best estimate contingent (“2C”) oil and condensate resources of 61 million barrels. In addition, the Group has total working interest 2P natural gas reserves of 663 billion cubic feet (“bcf”) and total working interest 2C natural gas resources of 105 bcf. Total working interest 2P oil and gas reserves were 226 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Seplat declared $880 in revenue for the year ended 31 December 2013 as against $625 for the previous year. Operating profit was also up from $330 million in 2012 to $479 million in 2013. Its net debt position at the end of last year was $141 million.

Seplat is the only company, so far, to secure National Nigerian Petroleum Corporation (“NNPC”) approval for operatorship over assets acquired as part of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (“SPDC”) onshore divestment process.

Seplat says it intends to use the funds to support its long-term aim to become a leading exploration and production company in Africa. Among the uses it has for the funds are: a) increasing production, reserves and cash flow from its OMLs 4, 38 and 41. It says it will bring at least one new field into production each year in order to replace and add reserves year-on-year; b) pursue a focused acquisition and farm-in strategy; c) commercialise its gas production (up till now the company has used gas produced solely for satisfying its domestic gas obligations but there are now plans to commercialise and market the gas and two off take agreements have already been signed with Azura Power and Southfield Petroleum, at a minimum unit price of US$3.00/Mscf); and d) a dividend policy under which a core ordinary dividend, paid annually, can be increased progressively under conservative long-term oil price assumptions and through the economic cycle.

Chairman of Seplat, ABC Orjiako said; “The global offer proceeds will allow us to further implement our business strategy, which includes acquiring new assets.”

in association with

CAMAC Reports Losses for 2013 OUSTON based CAMAC Energy, founded by H Nigerian business man, Kase Lawal, has announced its results for last year, revealing a net loss of $15.9 million or $0.04 per basic and diluted share for the full year 2013. For the fourth quarter of 2013, CAMAC Energy reported a net loss of $5.0 million, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share.

The company also gave an operational update on its activities. They have had some recent successes after encountering 115 feet of net oil pay and 93 feet of net gas pay in its Oyo-7 well in offshore oil mining lease (OML) 120. They were also able to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons in the deeper Miocene formation.

Another highlight for the New York Stock Exchange listed company last year was the $270 million equity investment it secured from the Public Investment Corporation of South Africa. The first tranche of $135 million has closed. As a condition of the deal, the company has now dually listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

CAMAC also acquired the remaining economic interests that it did not already own in the offshore producing OMLs 120 and 121 after entering into a definitive agreement with Allied Energy.

Drilling on its West African interests assets is assured after securing Northern Offshore’s Energy Searcher drill ship for up to 2 years. The drill ship will commence with Oyo field where it will begin drilling the horizontal section and completion activities for Oyo-7 in April.

It has also secured FPSO Armada Perdana for up to 7 years for its existing and future production from OMLs 120 and 121.

CAMAC Energy has a portfolio of assets in 2 other African countries, onshore Kenya and offshore Gambia.

REGULATORY NEWS

NEITI Clarifies Presentation at House of Reps Public Hearing EITI had to issue a statement to clarify the posiN tion regarding its presentation to the House of Representatives’ public hearing on the accusation of fraudulent dealings between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Swiss oil traders. Last year, NNPC was accused by a Swiss NGO of colluding with certain Swiss oil traders to defraud the nation of about $8 billion dollars in revenue. Following publication of the NGO’s report, the House launched an investigation and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (“NEITI”) was called to give evidence.

On 26th February 2014, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed gave evidence at the hearing. However, many newspapers published inaccurate reports of the presentation, leading NEITI to issue a statement clarifying the evidence it gave.

In the first instance, the media (but not NOGintelligence) widely reported that NEITI said the nation had lost $8 billion annually through crude oil swap arrangements. What NEITI in fact said in its presentation (as correctly reported by NOGintelligence) was that there is no cost efficiency in the arrangements that NNPC has with offshore processing organisations, popularly known as crude oil swaps. NEITI said that the total cost of offshore processing compared with the reported price of PMS, DPK, AGO, and other oil products paid to NNPC was not economically efficient. This arrangement, says NEITI, results in the under delivery of petroleum products to the tune of $866 million by companies involved in the swap.

Another report attributed by the media to NEITI was that the agency had uncovered $22.8 billion in funds that NNPC had failed to remit to the Federation Account. NEITI says this is incorrect.

What the agency in fact said to the House Committee (as correctly reported by NOGintelligence) was that it had discovered some off-balance sheet items to the value of $22.8 billion in NNPC accounts. The criticism was that as a result, the Federation was being exposed to some contingent liabilities that it might not be aware of since these sums are not disclosed in NNPC’s audited financial statements. These sums are due to third party financing arrangements with banks and modified carry arrangements with NNPC’s joint venture partners which are used to fund NNPC’s share of its joint venture exploration and production.

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INSURANCE

FINANCIALGUARDIAN

NIA lists obstacles to sustainable growth in industry

By Joshua Nse HE Nigerian Insurers T Association (NIA) has outlined challenges that are responsible for the abysmally poor contribution of the insurance sector to the national economy.

They include encroachment on insurance business by government agencies, low government patronage of insurance services, the need for prompt payment of premium, restriction on insurance investments and recognition of offshore investments, insurance of oil and gas imports, among others.

The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Remi Olowude, speaking during the interactive session between the governing board members of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and industry operators in Lagos, said that these are issues that affect the stability and long term growth of

the insurance industry.

He said the NIA welcomes NAICOM’s recent regulatory interventions and shares its aspirations towards making the insurance industry more competitive and to operate in line with global best practice.

We note especially the Market Development and Restructuring Initiatives (MDRI) of the Commission which was designed to promote compulsory insurances.

We also note the rejuvenated policy of No Premium, No Cover; the regulation on micro-insurance and the exposure draft on market conduct guideline, which emphasises ethics and best practice. Our members have actively embraced these reforms, including the rigorous conversion to IFRS. We are confident that with constant regulator-industry engagements the insurance industry will align properly with various reform initiatives.

Olowude, also Executive Vice Chairman, Industrial and

General Insurance Plc (IGI), said “Mr Chairman and members of the board permit me, at this juncture, to restate some of the issues that bother our members, which we would like the board to take up with higher authorities, in the interest of the industry and the economy in general.

“The encroachment on insurance business by government agencies, which try to provide insurance protection to aviation passengers and public liability for nuclear risks.

The Federal Government in 2007 divested its interest in Insurance business when it sold NICON and Nigeria Re, on the understanding that such concerns are better managed by the private sector. But ironically, the same Government extracted workmen’s compensation insurance business and transferred it to NSITF as Employee Compensation Scheme.

“In similar vein, the Federal Government split pension

business between insurance industry and PFA’s, assigning the chunk of the business to Pencom and PFAs; while it also moved health insurance from the insurance industry to NHIS. It is an open secret that the NCAA, under the Ministry of Aviation, is planning to establish insurance fund for aviation passengers’ liability.

All over the world, aviation passengers’ liability is subject to international conventions and the risks are covered by conventional insurance policies; Nigeria cannot be an exception. Similarly, the Nuclear Agency wants to establish fund for nuclear damage insurance, instead of seeking conventional Insurance cover for the risks which are covered in international insurance market”.

He went on “Government patronage of insurance services and the need for prompt payment of premium.

Government and its agencies have been paying lip service to the importance and benefits of

Best marketer of the year, Mrs Vernatius Ify Antonio, (Left) receiving key of a brand new car from Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance, Mrs Izare Aret-Adams, Chairman, Chief Chamberlain Oyibo and Group Managing Director, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, during the company’s Eastern Region awards/thanksgiving ceremony held in Port Harcourt recently

Sovereign Trust settles N1.7 billion claims OVEREIGN Trust Insurance Savowed Plc has again shown commitment towards prompt claims settlement in the past financial year. The Underwriting Firm recently released its 2013 claims record detailing the total claims paid between January and December 2013.

In the published statement, the claims figures revealed that the sum of N1, 716,526,202.91, (One Billion, Seven Hundred and Sixteen Million, Five Hundred and Twenty Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Two Naira, Ninety-One Kobo) was paid in the period under review.

A rundown of the claims composition paid revealed that Energy Insurance claim recorded the highest figure of N645,344,360.02, followed by Motor Insurance accounting for N417,736,383.36, (four hundred and seventeen million, seven hundred and thirty six thousand, three hundred and eighty-three naira thirty six kobo) while

N235,090,788.81(two hundred and thirty-five million, ninety thousand, seven hundred and eighty-eight naira, eighty-one kobo) was paid as claim under General Accident. Other figures as released by the organization are N186, 692,578.68,(one hundred and eighty-six million, six hundred and ninetytwo thousand, five hundred and seventy eight naira, sixtyeight kobo) for Fire and Allied Perils, N186,047,113.67,(one hundred and eighty-six million, forty-seven thousand, one hundred and thirteen naira, sixty-seven kobo for Marine Insurance and N45,614,978.37,(forty-five million, six hundred and fourteen thousand, nine hundred and seventy-eight naira, thirty-seven kobo) for Engineering.

While commenting on the claims payment, the Divisional Head, Technical, Mr. Olaotan Soyinka reiterated the fact that the company is totally committed to set-

tling all genuine claims within agreeable periods. In his words, “there is no compromise to claims settlement in Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc and that will always remain so to keep our customers always coming back.

Prompt claims settlement no doubt will remain the enduring yardstick for our customers in determining whether we are delivering on our promise or not. We do not intend to fall short of this obligation and we will continually strive to make good our promise at every point in time”.

The Head of Claims Department, Funke Akitunde stated that the company has put in place a friendly claim process which ensures that customers do not go through undue bureaucratic process in getting their claims settled in good time. “The processes involved from the moment a claim is reported to the period the customer receives the

cheque have been made as seamless as possible” she concluded.

In the same vein, the Managing Director of the organization, Mr. Wale Onaolapo stated that “over the years, our prompt claims settlement has helped to strengthen the relationship with our customers; we do not allow them to go through distasteful experience in the process of getting their claims settled. Our processes are hinged on professionalism, speed, ethics and promptness”.

Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc is fast emerging as a reckoning force in the Nigerian Insurance Industry with its extensive branch network spread across the geographic regions of the country. It will be recalled that Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has maintained (A-) rating by the Global Credit Rating (GCR), an international renowned rating agency based in South Africa since 2007 to date.

insurance, without serious patronage and support.

There is hardly sufficient budget provision for payment of insurance premium by government and its agencies. Therefore, when insurance services are patronized, payment of the premium becomes an issue, a clear negation of the provisions of the law on “No premium, No cover”. Some government parastatals or enterprises are funded without allocation for insurance. Many insurance policies contracted by the MDAs in the past were not renewed, thus leaving the assets exposed to risk, damage and losses without insurance protection.”

According to him, “Restriction on insurance investments and recognition of offshore investments.

There is urgent need to review the current restriction on investment to ensure safe but adequate returns to stakeholders for the viability of the industry. Investments on equities suffered losses in 2008 and 2009, yet insurers are expected to maintain the same proportionate level of investment in prescribed sectors.

“There is need to amend the provisions of Insurance Act 2003 and Regulation of insurance company investments in line with the realities of business”.

Besides, he said, NAICOM needs to review its position on off-shore investment for the purpose of solvency calculation and actuarial valuation which we have started discussing with the commissioner and his team.

Also, he said, “there is need to activate the various laws relating to Marine Insurance of refined petroleum products imported into the country. The Insurance Act 2003, for instance, provides that all imports into the country must be insured with an insurance company registered in Nigeria. This law is only observed in the breach.

Consequently, we are seeking enforcement of the Cabotage Act 2003, review of the Insurance Act 2003 and the Nigerian Oil Industry Content Development Act

2010.”

He said “We are all aware that compliance with pensionrelated insurances and employee compensation has become imperative for bidding for public sector contracts, including insurance, but compulsory third party motor insurances are not considered as a condition for any contracts. The essence of compulsory insurances is to ensure that innocent victims of accidents and disasters are fully compensated, and to minimize economic waste in the society. Compulsory insurances include: Motor vehicle (third party) insurance; Insurance of all public buildings; Insurance of buildings under construction; Insurance of all marine imports into the country.

“We have also observed the gradual dominance of foreign investors in the Nigerian insurance market. Although Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) is in the overall interest of the economy, we want to believe that the foreign investors are not placed at an advantage over their Nigerian counterparts. We welcome foreign investors provided that there is a level playing field for all and sundry.”

Other critical issues that are of great concern to operators the NIA chairman said include: Bailout of insurance companies that lost substantial volume of their assets as a result of financial meltdown and crash of stock market.

Many institutions and enterprises all over the world benefited from bailout plans by their Government after the economic crises and financial meltdown of 2008. In Nigeria, the banking industry, aviation and manufacturing industries benefited from the bailout by the Federal Government. Many insurance companies are still groaning from the losses suffered as a result of the crash in the stock market. Recovery has been difficult and returning to profit a herculean task.

We appeal to the Federal Government through your good offices Mr. Chairman to look towards the direction of insurers in this regard.

NCRIB urges corporate institutions to patronise brokers ORPORATE business C institutions have been advised to utilise the services of insurance brokers in sustaining their business prospect.

The President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mr Ayodapo Shoderu gave the advice when the Chairman of Geepee Group of companies, Mr Prakash Vaswani paid a courtesy visit to the NCRIB Secretariat in Lagos.

According to the Council’s President Mr Ayodapo Shoderu, the fortunes of businesses and their sustainability are determined by risk management strategies put in place by management, of which insurance is pivotal.

“The extent of risk exposures by most business concerns, especially in the changing global environment calls for proactive ini-

tiatives by business managers and this will determine their continued existence” Shoderu noted.

The NCRIB President said that insurance brokers assist their clients in maximising their insurances as they provide them with different profitable rates, in addition to their rendition of personalised services.

Shoderu disclosed that public confidence in insurance brokerage services had been enhanced by the promulgation of the NCRIB Act 2003 through which the Council regulates the ethical conduct of its members and provide them with regular training exposures, to catch up with changing dynamics of the profession.

Responding, Mr Vaswani said insurance brokers should be seen as partners in business progress, considering their value in risk mitigation.

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FINANCIALGUARDIAN

Mutual Benefits Assurance pushes to deepen market penetration Boosts staff morale with awards uTuAL Benefits “We attach a lot of imporM Assurance Plc, one of tance to hard work and Nigeria’s top underwriting dedication to duty and as a firms currently operating with 60 branches nationwide and staff strength of over 7000 says it would continue to boost staff morale in its quest to deepen market penetration.

Group Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, who disclosed this during the company’s yearly thanksgiving and awards ceremony for its Eastern region branches held in PortHarcourt, presented three brand new cars as rewards for hard work to three ‘Best Marketers of the year’.

This, the company noted is critical because of the strategic importance of quality human resource capital in driving business growth, which has seen Mutual Benefits engage agency staff and marketers nationwide over the last few years towards development of its retail market.

The awardees including Ekanem Chinwe, Vernatius Ify Antonio and Wami Sandra Chijago full of joy with their families drove away the new cars as mark for dedication to duty, other awardees were long service awards who also took away plaques and electronics.

responsible employer we are giving them these cars to encourage them and to show that we appreciate their contribution to the growth of the Company” It will also motivate others to work hard, because we have a dedicated programme of reward for all levels of staff, and at the end of the day it is impacting on our operations bottom-line as well as consumer satisfaction, he stated.

Ogunbiyi who was full of joy thanked God for his continuous support for the Company, saying that the thanksgiving service which witness the attendance of many men of God said it was its on modest way to show gratitude to God for moving the Organisation forward.

Mr Segun Omosehin, managing director, Mutual Benefits Assurance plc said the decision to hold thanksgiving the for Eastern Region was necessitated by the huge contribution of the region to the Company’s bottom-line, and to reinforce the Organisation’s commitment to rewarding hard work.

“Giving these brand new

cars to these marketers again is challenging other staff to rise up to the challenge and get theirs next year, Omosehin said.

Omesehin stated the Company would continue to come up with strategies to push the brand to the nook and cranes of the country and beyond, stating that the Company takes its consumers very seriously would come with products and services that gives greater value to the consumers.

Mr Femi Asenuga, managing director, Mutual Life said the Company in the last 18 years of operation has identified the benefit of thanks giving and gratitude for God guidance in her business. “We have consistently held this thanksgiving at the Corporate quarters in Lagos, but this year decided to extend it to the Eastern Region and we will continue in this direction, Asenuga assured.

Mutual Benefits Assurance plc incorporated in 1995 and licensed to transact general life and special risk businesses has evolved into a conglomerate of valueadding companies, and today a leader in the Nigeria Insurance industry.

With foreign presence in Liberia, Cameroun and recently got a license to operate in the Republic of Niger, the Company is poised to market a strong mark in the financial servic-

‘The right plan for your retirement is annuity’ NNuITy is a series of payA ment made at (equal) intervals of time in consideration of a lump sum or a regular contribution made over a predefined period.

The Chief Executive Officer, LASACO Life, Mr. Dimeji Olona, in a press release said we have different types of annuity but the type being made popular in Nigeria through the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004 is called Immediate Annuity.

Section 4 of the PRA allows an employee to use the amount accumulated in his Retirement Savings Account (RSA) for the purchase of either programmed withdrawal or life annuity at retirement or attaining the age of 50 years whichever is the latter.

He is also allowed to take a lump sum (at age 50 or at retirement whichever is the latter) from the RSA balance

provided that the amount left after the withdrawal shall be sufficient to procure Annuity for life or fund Programme Withdrawals that will provide an amount not less than 50% of his annual remuneration as at the date of his retirement.

The Programmed Withdrawal , he said, is provided by the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) while the annuity for life is provided by licensed life insurance companies in Nigeria.

The Programmed Withdrawal and Annuity are two distinct options available to the retirees.

Both options, although have clearly distinct features; have been carefully chosen by the regulators to protect the interest of the retirees.

The process of selecting the providers of either option is also stringent to ensure that only the companies that are adjudged by the regulators to be capable are licensed/autho-

rized.

According to him, one of the licensed companies to provide annuity for life said that some of the advantages of annuity are: “That the product is used to take care of the basic fear of an intending retiree which is the risk of outliving his income which is called longevity risk.

This risk is borne by the insurance company if the retiree lives very long. (i.e. a retiree that leaves service at the age of 60 and lives up to perhaps 90 years)Annuity for life can be used to solve the financial burden at old age”.

He also said that the Life Annuity authorized under the PRA 2004 is guaranteed for 10 years (i.e. if the annuitant dies before 10 years, the balance would be paid to the named beneficiary and if the annuitant survives the guaranteed period, the annuity is payable thereafter as long as the annuitant lives.

Brokers condole with Iponri market fire victims HE Nigerian Council of T Registered Insurance Brokers has condoled with victims of the recent fire that gutted the Iponri Shopping complex in Lagos, destroying properties worth millions of naira.

According to media reports, no fewer than 30 shops were destroyed while goods worth millions of naira was lost after the Abibatu Mogaji model market, popularly referred to as Iponri shopping complex was gutted by fire.

A statement signed by the

President of the Council, Mr Ayodapo Shoderu, noted that the loss was regretful, considering the fact that it has robbed many of the victims of their means of livelihood and was capable of creating social problems.

Shoderu noted that the recurrence of market fires in Nigeria should provoke proactive thinking about risk management on the part of governments and individuals on the need to embrace insurance for goods and persons

He advised relevant governments to put in place adequate insurance covers for markets in their jurisdictions, noting that such steps will relieve government of avoidable compensation to victims when losses occur.

The NCRIB President opined that the utilisation of services of Insurance brokers will allow clients maximise their insurances through personalised professional advice rendered by them to cleints from the point of premium payment to loss compensation.

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Media For strong activation of FoI Act, stakeholders converge on Abuja Programme

By Kabir Alabi Garba ERTAINLY, a review of the usage of the C Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) since its passage in 2011 will reveal a lacuna in its application by stakeholders, especially journalists. Thus, the ultimate goal of promoting accountability, transparency and good governance is still far fetched.

In fact, this position has been the subject of discussion among scholars and media analysts. For instance, Prof. Biodun Jeyifo, speaking at the 5th Annual Lecture of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism on July 13, 2013 lamented what could be described as lackadaisical attitude of media stakeholders in the use of the FoI law.

In the presentation entitled The Freedom of Information Act and the Dictatorship of Corruption and Mediocrity, the literary giant argued, “much as our press, our media houses fought long and hard for the passing of the Act, they have been remarkably reticent in using it to compel our rulers, our public institutions and private business companies to comply with the provisions of the Act.” Aware of this implementation challenge however, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) will from tomorrow host a two-day Africa Regional Conference on Freedom of Information Implementation in Abuja, to design strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of access to information laws on the continent.

The conference is expected to attract over 100 Freedom of Information stakeholders, including civil society organizations, media stakeholders, public institutions and FOI oversight bodies, from across Africa.

Essentially, the conference will provide a platform where experience from different countries on the implementation of Freedom of Information laws can be shared; assess the level of implementation of existing Freedom of Information laws in the different countries that already have access to information legislation; identify and discuss the challenges of implementation in the different countries and discuss ways in which the challenges have been addressed. It is expected that Nigerian participants will seize the opportunity to learn from these experiences.

With the theme, Advancing Freedom of Information Implementation on the African Continent, the conference is to be declared open by the Attorney-General of the

Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), while Major-General Chris Olukolade, Nigeria’s Director of Defence Information, will deliver the keynote address.

It is supported by the Democratic Governance for Development (DGD II) Project, a joint donor-funded project managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in support of deepening democracy in Nigeria. It is funded with contributions from the European Union (EU), the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNDP. The broad objective is to bring together key stakeholders from the West African subregion and other parts of Africa to share

experiences in implementing their FOI laws; collectively identify the challenges confronting the effective implementation of Freedom of Information laws in their countries and find ways of addressing or mitigating them.

Other objectives of the conference are: to bring together oversight bodies and authorities with responsibility for Freedom of Information laws and provide them with a platform for sharing experiences, building linkages for longer-term networking through which they can provide support and assistance to each other in the performance of their oversight functions.

To bring together representatives of public institutions covering all branches of government to share experiences of critical policy and institutional reforms that

are necessary to ensure compliance by public institutions with the provisions of the FOI laws and their overall effective implementation; and To bring together civil society actors, including media stakeholders, on Freedom of Information issues from across West Africa and other parts of the continent to share experiences of their challenges in the implementation of the freedom of information laws, discuss their roles in ensuring the effective implementation of the laws and discuss various strategies that can be deployed in this regard.

Expectedly, the conference will produce a broad strategy document incorporating the roles and approaches of various stakeholders in the implementation of FOI Laws.

President, Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria(OAAN), Mr. Charles Chijide (3rd left); his Vice, Alhaji Lawal Danladi Yaro (right); General Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ajufo, (left) and Chairman Poster Award Committee, Mr. Kole Ademulegun, during the association’s press briefing on the 18th edition of Poster Award in Lagos last week.

For OAAN, it’s time to reward exceptional performance

By Gbenga Salau N order to reward creativity and Iplatform those who have used the outdoor to engage their customers, the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, (OAAN) has concluded arrangement to organise this year’s Poster Award of Excellence.

Slated for Thursday May 15, 2014, at Eko Hotel and Suites, the President of the association, Mr. Charles Chijide, said that this year’s award is being packaged to prove that the award, the first to be endorsed by APCON, is the most

credible among its peers. He further said that there are also plans to make the award an annual event, which is why structures are being put in place to make the award self-sustaining.

After giving historical details of the award, he said that entries for this year’s award would open from March 17 to May 1 while only APCON licensed agencies would be considered.

Chijide, who listed the criteria to include creativity, product identification, effective illustration, core messages, short and precise copy and legible typeface, said over the

years though the categories had increased from 6 to 16, this year’s edition would only consider entries in eleven categories. He said the pruning of the categories is to encourage competition and promote excellence.

The OAAN President said that the host Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) would be the chief host while Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State; a patron of the association, would be the special guest.

Also commenting at the briefing, Chairman of the Poster Award Planning Committee and immedi-

ate past president of the association, Mr. Kole Ademulegun revealed that plans are at advanced stage to make this year’s Poster Award a remarkable and memorable event.

He disclosed that the President of FEPE (World body of Outdoor Advertising Association) Mr. Karl Javurek, has confirmed his attendance as Special Guest of Honour for the event, along with other OAAN’s international associates, state governors and some prominent Nigerians who would add a grandiose tilt to this year’s Award.

He encouraged Creative Directors,

Brand and Site owners to enter all the works that pricked their sense of pride in the 2013 advertising campaign year.

Entry forms, according to the organisers are available at the OAAN Secretariat and on the Association’s website, www.oaan.org. Some of the members of the committee are, Mrs. Ify Onukwuba, Mrs. Fadeke Alonge, Mrs. Chiddy Ibiam and Mr. Ladi Sole. Others are, Mr. Atilola Odudare, Mr. Chidy Obiora, Bidwell Okere, Sola Akinsiku, Mr. Bassey Uduak and Mr. Afolabi Awosika.

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Politics, telecom, banking to dominate 2014 ad spend, says AAAN Branding

By Gbenga Salau HE Association of Advertising Agencies T of Nigeria (AAAN) has said that advert spend on politics, telecom and banking would dominate advertising spend in 2014.

The association stated that business analyst projected that political campaigns in 2014 will greatly increase advertising spend while telecom and banking sectors are expected to increase over last year’s figure.

Speaking through its President, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, it however observed that the over N20 billion to be spent on political campaign might not pass through the organised private sector while the projected increase in the banking sector would be due to the new banking regime and rebranding exercise.

Giving a breakdown of the 2013 advert spend, it revealed that N66,250 billion was spent on TV; N22,500 billion on radio; 23,750 billion on outdoor and 23,500 billion on press. The total was put at N125 billion, which is about 37.3 per cent increase compared with advert spend in 2012, which was about N91.8 billion.

“Licensing of new DISCO Companies will increase advertising spend in the energy sector while the business outlook for the 2014 portends some potentials for practitioners and agencies.

“It is believed that advertisers will also increase spent and operate within the framework of law, ethics and best business

Marketing Director, Unilever, David Okeme (left); President, Association of Advertising Agency of Nigeria, Bunmi Oke; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalist, Lagos Council, Deji Elumoye; General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Multichoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho and Chairman, Brand Journalist’ Association of Nigeria, Goddie Ofose at the presentation of BJAN Industry Influencer Award to Elumoye at a symposium to celebrate World consumer Right Day with the theme Corporate Nigeria and Helpless Consumers in Lagos PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI practices,” the AAAN boss stated.

Commenting on the association’s contributions to the economy, she said that memberagencies role in national development goes beyond offering marketing communication

New book on political broadcast for launch O equip broadcasters with information that will help them adhere strictly to established ethics and laws of media practice especially as it pertains to political broadcast, a book titled, Broadcasting and politics in Nigeria, authored by Mr. Matthew Eigboboh Okoduwa, will be launched in Abuja, the nation’s capital, on March 27, at the National Press Centre, Radio House.

To chair the launch is Engineer Amin Mousalli while Minister of Information; Labaran Maku will give the keynote address.

The author no doubt wrote the book from his wealth of experience as somebody who has close to three decades experience in broadcasting starting out as a researcher.

Before writing this, he had written two other books, Broadcasting for Development and Effective Broadcast Management.

The book, which the author also dubbed The New Catechism, according to him, is meant to internalize the spirit of the laws and ethics by broadcast-

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ers.

“These are rules that do not need any body to enforce but your conscience. This is with the belief that when we get to that stage broadcasting would have got it right and

once broadcasting gets it right, the media have got it right, and when the media get it right, the polity will also get it right.

That is the responsibility of the media– to lead the nation aright.”

MIPAN appoints Onyeali Ikpe VP ...as Mediacom gets new GM EDIA Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria M (MIPAN) has elected Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe as the Vice President of the association.

Onyeali Ikpe, who holds a Ph.D degree in Development Economics, is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Allseasons Mediacom Nigeria; a position he has held since 2005. The association will certainly benefit from his wealth of experience and leadership capacity.

He started out at Insight Communications Limited, where he was employed as an Account Manager in 1995. He worked assiduously and rose through the ranks to the position of Account Director in 1998. He joined Mediacom, a sister company in the Troyka Group as General Manager/Chief Operating Officer in April 2000. As head of the pioneer Media Independent Company in Nigeria, his creativity and professionalism in media strategy, planning, buying and negotiations have endeared him to numerous clients, while his leadership qualities have made him a role model to aspiring young people.

He has benefited from high profile training courses in Nigeria and abroad in the areas of Marketing Communications, Branding and Perception engineering amongst others. A Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School, Onyeali Ikpe also lectures on part-time basis at the Lagos Business School (Pan Atlantic University).

Married with kids, he loves sports and has been known and acknowledged as an expert in sports marketing and consultant in sports business analysis.

Meanwhile, Allseason Mediacom (a member of Troyka Group) has promoted Mrs. Ada Adheke as General Manager, (Strategy and Implementation).

Adheke has garnered experience over the years in integrated marketing communications and has continued to rise through dint of hard work and dedication to duty.

She is a detailed analytical marketing communication professional with experience in all strategic and tactical communication modules. Her passionate interest on many occasions has shown in building, nurturing and helping brands and team members grow into market and industry leaders.

She has 17 years of experience across global and local brands, which include but not limited to Unilever, Procter and Gamble, Nigeria Breweries (Heineken Global), Friesland Campina (WAMCO), Twinings - UK, Cadbury (Mondelez), CHI Industries, Google Nigeria, OLX Nigeria, Bajaj Autos, Smile, Shoprite Nigeria and many others.

services to the private sector. “It extends to fully engendering proper understanding of government policies and revealing to the public ways by which they can participate benefit and contribute to the growth

of the economy,” she said.

Oke however suggested that efforts must be aimed at building the profession to the level of what everybody understands to better engagement. This, to her, is why the local industry must be supported and shielded from undue foreign patronage. She condemned the recent engagement of a foreign agency by one of the major political parties to help it positively project its image.

According to her, Nigerian marketing communication agencies are more than qualified and capable to handle such task besides having a better understanding of the dynamics of the country and its people.

On the National Conference, where the association would be sending a representative, she said because it is a collaborative effort the body is discussing with all stakeholders to collate opinions in order to have a well-informed position that would drive the industry forward and to greater height.

Events being proposed by the association for the year 2014 include the 41th AGM/Congress; 2014 agencies funfair; Women in Advertising Seminar and an International seminar on the persuasive power of advertising to win elections.

The Vice-President of the association, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, said the body needs the support of all to craft and maintain an agenda that will benefit all at the conference. This, Nwosu said, is why every stakeholder should come up with insightful suggestions that would not only ensure that the marketing communication discipline present a good submission at the conference but also one that will promote an inclusive growth for the country.

World Consumer Day: What brand values do telecos communicate

By Gbenga Salau T is the continued patronage of the consumers that keep the brands in the market Iplace.

And consumer satisfaction is critical to the continued patronage of the brands by any customer.

This was why the World Consumer Right Day was initiated to keep reminding brands the important role the consumers play in their continued existence. The Lagos State Government in collaboration with the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON) marked the 2014 edition of the World Consumer Right Day with the global theme ‘Fix our phone right’ in Lagos last week with a Consumer Forum with the theme ‘Value for money in telecoms services’.

Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, quoted the comment of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who said that there were 119 million telephone subscribers contributing 7.8 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and more than 15 per cent of the subscribers are residing in Lagos State.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, “Suffices to say that the population of telecoms users is not only significant in Lagos State but they also contribute over 1 per cent to our country’s GDP. As such, the clear dominant role of Lagos State in the telecommunications industry vis-à-vis its contribution to the socio-economic development of our country, Nigeria, cannot be over

emphasized.”

The Founder of Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Ms. Sola Salako, speaking on consumer issues in the telecom industry, maintained that Nigeria has the highest negative issues with telecoms services around the world besides being the place where the highest exploitation goes on.

For her, the lease the telecom companies could give is value for the money the consumers have paid.

In putting her discussion in proper perspective, she proposed a five-point agenda which were the need to: Provide consumers with access to an affordable and reliable service; provide consumers with fair contracts explained in clear, complete and accessible language; provide consumers with fair and transparent billing; Provide consumers with security and power over their own information and Listen and respond to consumer complaints.

After narrating a negative experience she had with one of the telecoms companies, she maintained that telecom service is no longer a luxury but an essential one. This to her is why operators must provide good services to all because virtually all Nigerians need it to function in their day to day activities whether in private life or in business.

Salako insisted that when consumers do not get value for money, they should be repaid. She however stated that consumers should stand up to insist on their rights. She believed that if there is a boycott in the use of telecom service for a day, may be, the telecos will listen to complaints.

Representative of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, (right); the Founder of Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Ms. Sola Salako, (middle) and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Wale Raji at the Consumer Forum celebrating 2014 World Consumer Right Day

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For The Record The more you see, the less you understand: Reflections on the Boko Haramquestion in Nigeria (3)

By J. Shola Omotola (PhD) • Continued from March 11, 2014 OFFICIAL Responses HE Nigerian state has responded to the BHQ in diverse ways. These responses can be categorized into two: military and non-military, the carrot and stick approach. Under the non-military approach, the government has deployed propaganda, appeasement and concessions, regulatory norms and laws and appeal for international support.

Propaganda has always been a power tool in the hands of governments across time and space. In dealing with the BH, the Jonathan government has cherishes this tool so much such that after every booming, he quickly moves to dismiss the threats of Boko Haram. The president is fond of issuing constant reassurances to Nigerians that the situation was under control, urging Nigerians to continue with the normal life without fear. Yet the attacks continued unabated (Omotola, 2012).

Appeasement and concessions manifest in the various attempts to create a platform for negotiation with BH and by logical extension, the amnesty proposal. With respect to negotiation, a presidency source claims: I can confirm to you that talks are ongoing at the background. But the talks are not the kinds being envisaged by Nigerians. I know that some Nigerians are expecting that a venue should be chosen and a banner will be placed there indicating that the Federal Government is holding dialogue with the group there. That is not the kind of talks we are talking about here. The ongoing talk is a back channel one in which those who know members of the group are talking with them on behalf of the government (quoted in Adeyemo, 2012:1).

The amnesty proposal has also involved some measure of negotiation. As recent as 16th April, 2013, President Jonathan announced the setting up a committee to ‘constructively engage key members of the Boko Haram sect’ with a view to defining a ‘comprehensive and workable framework for resolving the crisis of insecurity in the northern part of the country’ (Onokwakpor, 2013)1. The committee has since swung into action, attempting to find ways of meeting and negotiating with members of the sect. Indeed, the chairman of the committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, claimed that the committee met with Kabiru Sokoto, the alleged mastermind of the Mandala church bombing, together with other members of the sect detained at Kuje prison. Kabiru Sokoto has, however, since denied such a meeting, claiming the committee lied (Ughegbe, 2013).

The government has also responded, indirectly, to BH by the enactment of certain regulatory norms and laws in the war against terrorism in general. This was particularly the case with the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill by the Senate on 17 Feb. 2011. The passage of the bill was largely a result of increasing terrorist incidents, including double bomb explosions at the 50 independence anniversary of Nigeria on 1 October 2011, killing several people and many others injured; and bombings at party rallies. The bill gives the security forces powers to seal off a property or vehicle without a search warrant. It also allows judges to order the detention of suspects for up to 30 days if they feel it is in the interests of public safety. It also empowers judges of the Federal High Court, where all cases of terrorism in the country will henceforth be heard, to pass sentences of up to 30 years imprisonment, depending on the severity of the charges (Omotola, 2012).

Last but not the least under the non-military response relates to appeal for international support to fight BH. For instance, in a chart with the Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, AFRICOM, Gen. Carter Ham, at the State House, Abuja in December, President Jonathan appealed for US support in fighting BH. Also in a joint news conference with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, in Berlin, Germany in April 2012, President Jonathan requested for the help of the western world, particularly Germany to fight BH ‘in areas of training manpower and modern equipment... You need superior technology to fight terrorists and we think Germany and others can help us in such areas’ (Omankhanlen, 2012).

In a recent interview with the CNN, President Jonathan also appealed for help from the international community. In fact, it has become the rule, rather than the exception, for the president to seize every available opportunity to appeal for international help in dealing with BH. The military responses include mainly the deployment of the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) to the troubled northeastern states, declaration of curfew, establishment of roadblocks and closure of borders and the declaration of a state of emergency. On two different occasions, President Jonathan has declared state of emergency because of the

T

growing threats of BH. The first was on 31 December, 2011 in 15 selected local governments in four states, namely Borno, Yobe, Niger and Plateau. To ensure adequate enforcement, the president ‘directed the closure of the land borders contiguous to the affected Local Government Areas so as to control incidences of cross boarder terrorist activities as terrorists have taken advantage of the present situation to strike at targets in Nigeria and retreat beyond the reach of our law enforcement personnel’ (Ogbu, 2011).

The second could be seen as a direct response to the failure of the small-scale state of emergency and other interventions. The failure is epitomized by excruciating BH security threats, increasing sophistication, regularity and intensity of attacks. The declaration was made on 14 May, 2013 and has since been ratified by the National Assembly (Akande, et al, 2013a). In declaring the emergency rule, President Jonathan condemned in totality the evil of BH, which he said had reached an alarming stage where ‘extraordinary measures to restore normalcy’ must be taken (Jonathan, 2013). Drawing on and in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the president made the declaration. Accordingly, the military was adequately empowered to be able to ensure effective enforcement of the declaration: The Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons (Jonathan, 2013).

These responses have been greeted with controversies among Nigerians and the international community, two of which deserve some comments. First the amnesty question. The debate has always existed as to the appropriateness or otherwise of negotiating with insurgencies, especially those with terrorist inclinations as BH. The US’ response to the question, like most other western countries, is that of ‘no concessions’ (Omotola, 2013). With respect to BH, many felt the negotiation and amnesty option was desirable, others thought otherwise, and some remain skeptical, suggesting a conditional, logically sequenced process to amnesty. The controversy intensified when the BH declared its rejection of the offer. For example, the Middle Belt Dialogue group called for caution and careful analysis before amnesty (Akande et al, 2013a). Similarly, Christians under the aegis of the Northern Elders Forum (NORSCEF) completely decried the amnesty proposal, saying nothing has b e e n

Omotola

done to the victims of BH insurgency. Also, former president of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and chairman of Patini Local Council of Delta state, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, warned against using resources of the Niger Delta to fund the amnesty, a development he threatened they would resist: So if you are granting them amnesty, where will you get the resources with which you are going to integrate them? Is it the Niger Delta resources, our oil money that will be used to integrate criminals and murderers in the North? (quoted in Akhaine et al, 2013: 2). Another perspective, which this paper aligns with, is that amnesty may be desirable in the long run, but certainly not the starting point. It should not just be granted in a vacuum. It must be preceded by dialogue and negotiation. This was the position of The Guardian newspaper, a respected Nigerian daily, in one of its editorials on the subject.

The declaration of state of emergency has also generated divergent reactions by various groups and individuals. From official quarters, particularly the National Assembly, the emergency rule was ideal, provided certain conditions were fulfilled, most notably that all democratic structures were retained, allowed to function fully and involved in all the interventions of the federal government to tame BH; that the armed forces be issued with a proper code of conduct, emphasizing humanity and benevolence in dealing with citizens; and adequate funding of the emergency rule (Akande et al, 2013b). Some others felt that while the initiative was long overdue, the retention of democratic institutions was incompatible with state of emergency and could actually undermine its success. For some other people, the declaration was seen as a contradiction to the ongoing dialogue and negotiation with the Amnesty Committee recently constituted by the presidency. Femi Falana, a radical Nigerian lawyer, welcomes the development as long overdue, but doubted its capability to achieve desired result: Frankly speaking, the controversy over the declaration of a state of emergency is totally unnecessary. It is indisputable that terrorists, kidnappers and other armed gangs have taken over the monopoly of violence in several parts of the country.

As far as I am concerned, a state of emergency ought to have been declared in some of those states long before now. In less than three years, we have lost 4,000 people and properties worth over N2trn to terrorists and other nihilists. The government has a duty to guarantee the security of life and property in the country. That is the basis of the emergency rule… It is not the best approach.

After all, a state of emergency was partially declared in 15 local governments in Borno, Yobe, Niger and Plateau in January 2012 and was lifted in July, 2012. But the situation has since degenerated to near anarchy. So, the imposition of emergency rule alone cannot wipe out terrorism (quoted in Adeoye, 2013: 1).

For civil society and human rights groups, the main problem with the solution has to do with reconciling security imperatives with human rights concerns of citizens in dealing with BH under emergency rule.

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Sports Glo Premier League

Obuh furious as Enyimba beat Rangers 2-1 • Pillars hold Sunshine, Lobi beat Crown NUGU Rangers coach, John E Obuh, has blasted referee Amoo Opeyemi for his team’s 2-1 loss to Enyimba in an ‘Oriental Derby’ yesterday, reports MTNFootball.com.

“We lost the game to the antics of the referee and his assistants,” blasted the former Nigeria U-20 coach.

“My players allowed the referee’s action to get to them and they lost concentration which resulted in the two goals.

“All the same, I am impressed with the output of my players and we hope to do better in coming games.”

Sibi Gwar put hosts Enyimba in front on the hour, before Andrew Abalogu doubled the advantage on 79 minutes.

Enyimba’s Semiu Laide put the ball into his net on the stroke of time.

Abdulrahman Bashir was wasteful in front of goal for Enyimba in an entertaining, end-to-end derby with Ejike Uzoenyi dazzling for Rangers.

Champions, Kano Pillars, survived a scare from Sunshine Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano also yesterday as they forced the Akure Gunners to a 2-2 draw.

Pillars thus remained unbeaten in Kano for over 10 years in the top flight.

Ezekiel Mba opened the scoring for Pillars in the 33rd minute.

Dele Olorundare then restored parity for Sunshine

in the 71st minute to bring the game to 1-1.

Sunshine Stars were coasting home with a victory after Kingsley Eduwo gave the visitors the lead in the 81st minute, before Gambo Mohammed salvaged a point for Pillars deep into stoppage time.

Rabiu Ali, Bello Kofarmata and Gambo Mohammed failed to find the back of the net when they were clear on goal.

Sunshine goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, kept Sunshine in the game when he saved Rabiu Ali’s spot kick in the 62nd minute.

Crown FC recorded their first win of the season after they defeated Heartland 1-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Crown, who lost narrowly to Lobi Stars last weekend, have super-sub, Christian Jeckwu, to thank as he scored a fantastic match winner in the 78th minute.

Jeckwu, who came in for Yomi Olaoke in the 42nd minute, showed class.

Crown coach, Lawrence Akpokona, said he expects much more from his newly promoted team.

“As we are proceeding they will make things happen in the league. We have good materials, who can perform better in the league, but we have just started and I know we will surprise our critics,” he said.

FC Taraba’s technical adviser blames fatigue for defeat HE technical adviser of FC T Taraba, Ndubuisi Nduka, has attributed his team’s 3-1 defeat in the hands of Kaduna United in the week two of the Nigeria Premier League match played at the Kaduna Township stadium on Friday to fatigue.

Nduka stated that his players did not have enough time to rest and recover from the stress of the long journey from Jalingo during, which their bus broke down on several occasions before they finally made it to Kaduna a day before the match day.

“My players had a very bad day in the match and I do not want to blame them at all for it. Our vehicle broke down on several occasions before we got to Kaduna.

Ordinarily, we should have given them a very good fight at their back yard if we had arrived on time,” he said.

Nduka noted that the three goals scored by Kaduna United were very good, while also praising the match offi-

cials who handled the matches. “The goals were very good goals and the officials handled the matches very well. I am impressed,” Meanwhile, the technical adviser debunked claim that his team was not equipped for the big occasions, saying that he has a very strong team that is capable of competing in the Premier League.

Enyimba celebrating a goal during a recent Glo Premier League game. The ‘Peoples Elephant’ defeated Enugu Rangers 2-1 in Aba…yesterday.

Ochejie, Emorinken, Azugbene win NNPC Upstream Golf tourney BRAHIM Ochejie at the Icontestants weekend outplayed all the to win the professional category of the fourth NNPC Upstream Golf Tournament held at the Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS), Edo State.

Okpaise Emorinken and Christine Azugbene respectively took the first positions in the men and women categories of the amateur event of the tournament.

Ochejie played 70 gross ahead of Chukwudi Okoro, who had 73 gross, while the duo of Osas Enagbie and Kanayo Chukwu placed joint third with 74 gross.

Emorinken, handicap 17, posted 68 net to emerge overall best male golfer in an event that featured 250 golfers from different golf clubs across the federation.

He lifted the giant trophy presented by the trio of the club captain, Dr. Bola Atua; Group Executive Director of Exploration and Production NNPC, Engr.

Abiye Membere, and Managing Director of IDSL, Dr. Joseph

Dawha at the end of the two day tournament.

The BCGS Club Captain, Dr. Bola Atua, also distinguished himself at the event, but his efforts could only fetch him the first runner-up place. He played 71 net ahead of Nosa Goubadia, who although had the same net, but placed third on count-back.

Edo State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Philip Shaibu, played the best golf of his career at the event with 72 net to place fourth ahead of Sir Tony Aghedo, who had 73 net to settle for fifth position.

In the ladies category, Azugbene was at her best when she netted 73 net to win the event at the expense of Folake Okorodudu, who took the second position with 75 net, while Debby Otabor recorded 76 net to took the third spot ahead of Lady Captain, Barrister Gloria AdeAkhani, in fourth position with 77 net.

Former NNPC Managing Director, Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki, won the Special

Guests’ category with 73 net, B. E. Idahosa was first runnerup with a distant 82 net, while Tam Brisibe 84 net came third.

The fourth and fifth positions went to the duo of C. Ngoka and L. Osai as they played 90 net respectively.

In the NNPC men’s event, S. D. Moses came tops with 74 net, just as M. Shaibu and D. Sejebor played 77 net and 78 net respectively.

The NNPC Ladies trophy went to O. Abangwu, who ended with 94 net.

Present at the event was the Group Executive Director of Exploration and Production NNPC, Engr. Abiye Membere; Managing Director of IDSL, Dr. Joseph Dawha and the President of Benin Club, Chief Sam Iredia.

The golf tournament was packaged by the Exploration and Production Directorate of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) with support from Integrated Data Service Limited (IDSL), a subsidiary of NNPC.

Liverpool thrash Man U, Arsenal pip Spurs T was yet another afternoon IUnited to forget for Manchester fans as arch-rivals, Liverpool, came to town and rode roughshod over any ambitions they had of securing a top four Premier League finish.

United were all at sea when trying to deal with Liverpool’s attacking verve and fluidity, conceding no less than three penalties, of which Steven Gerrard scored two, and in all reality the 0-3 final result could have ended 0-5 to the

visitors.

But Gerrard’s two penalties were only added to by a fine strike from Luis Suarez, who had earlier been denied by a world class save from David De Gea, and the humiliation was complete at 0-3.

It wasn’t just the defeat to a rival that will irk United fans, but the manner of the performance.

David Moyes now looks a very beleaguered character indeed and it’s hard to know where the firebrand Scot turns from

here. He will need a huge turnaround in confidence and performance to overcome Olympiakos in the second leg of their second round Champions League tie and the jury is still out over whether he’s the right man to restore United back to the success they’ve become so accustomed to.

In the afternoon’s other fixture, a wonder strike from Tomas Rosicky in the second minute was enough to hand

bragging rights and all three points to Arsenal.

Although Tottenham had the majority of the play for large periods and asked serious questions of the visitors, they couldn’t quite make their dominance count and the Gunners were able to see the game out and keep pace with Liverpool on 62 points.

Spurs now find themselves with a huge mountain to climb if they are to clinch a top four position.

Edo FA Vice Chairman, Ilaboya, boosts Insurance FC HE Edo State FA Vice T Chairman, Frank Ilaboya, at the weekend donated N20,000 to Insurance Football Club of Benin in appreciation of their fine outing against MFM FC at the Agege Stadium. The match ended 1-1.

Ilaboya had promised the team N50,000 for a win, but he said he was impressed with the draw, adding, “this is the first time Insurance would earn an away draw this season and I feel they deserve support and the encouragement of everyone to return to the pinnacle of Nigerian football.

“Insurance belongs to the elite class and there is no better time than now to join hands with the state government and other stakeholders to lift the club.

Ilaboya, who is always present at the club’s away fixtures, also commended such patrons of the club as Mike Itemuagbor, Coaches Shuaibu Amodu and Solomon Ogbeide, for their ‘invaluable contributions’ to lift the club and called on other sons and daughters to emulate them.

Among the prominent Edo State indigenes at the stadium to cheer the team were Super Eagles Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, ace sports presenter, Felix Okugbe and top journalist, Smart Evbhodaghe.

92 SPORTS Monday, March 17, 2014

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Ahead World Team Table Tennis Championships

Nigeria faces top seeds in Group E

By Adeyinka Adedipe IGERIA’s male team faces N a stiff test at the World Team Table Tennis Championship next month, as it has been drawn against Division Two top seeds, Czech Republic and Belgium at the draws done in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday.

The Nigeria team must also be at its best against Canada, Indonesia and BosniHerzegovina in Group E if it hopes to play in the first division in 2016.

The Nigerian women team will square up against Commonwealth Games giant, India, as well as Italy, Turkey, Portugal and Bulgaria in Group G. Segun Toriola and Funke Oshonaike, who will lead the men and women team respectively, would have to bring their experience to the fore if Nigeria hopes to finish among the four top teams that will be promoted to the first division.

The men team will begin their quest for honours against Indonesia on April 28, while on April 29, the team will face Belgium and Czech Republic.

On April 30, the team will take on Bosnia-Herzegovina, while its last group match on May 1 will be against Canada.

For the women team, their first group game will be against India on April 28, while on April 29, the team will battle Bulgaria and Italy.

On April 30, Nigeria will clash against Portugal, while its last group match is against Turkey on May 1 The top teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinal stage with the last four teams gaining promotion to the championship division in 2016.

The Nigerian men team will be hoping for a better luck this time after it failed to make an impression in 2010 and 2012 editions.

In this group, Czech Republic, which dropped to division two at the 2012 edition in Dortmund, Germany is the top seed, while Belgium are rated above Nigeria in the group.

However, the female team has not been inspiring since 2008 in Guangzhou, China, while managing to escape relegation to division three at the last edition. In this year’s edition, the trio of India, Italy and Turkey are seeded ahead of Nigeria, while Portugal and Bulgaria are lower than Nigeria in the rating in the women’s category.

Meanwhile, the defending champion - China has been drawn in Group A alongside

Austria, Russia, Brazil, Poland and Serbia, while Germany is in Group B with Hong Kong, Croatia, Singapore, Denmark and Ukraine.

Host – Japan has been pitched against Portugal, France, Greece, Romania and Hungary in Group C, while South Korea will tackle the likes of Chinese Taipei, Sweden, Belarus, Spain and North Korea in Group D. For Japan’s Seiya Kishikawa, the draw was a good one for the team. “We would like to qualify with the first position in the group, and then can get good a good draw hopefully”, said Seiya Kishikawa. “The first match against Greece who has a good defender, will be the most important for us.”

Cecilia Otu-Akpan is one of the players gearing up for the World Table Tennis Championships, which begins on April 28.

DStv Basketball League

Customs shock Union Bank, as Mentors, Pillars win again

By Adeyinka Adedipe IGERIA Customs N Basketball Club caused an upset in one of the week two games of the DStv Basketball League by beating Union Bank 61-53 at the sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

The Customs team, which was beaten by Islander in the opening week fixtures, knew it needed to win to stay in

contention. And the players approached the game with outmost precision and dedication to record a famous victory.

The coach Ayinla Johnsontutored Union Bank looked despondent after the game and the players must pick themselves up against Police Baton on Friday.

Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt, who had their first

Fashola commends Heineken over UEFA Champions League trophy experience AGOS State Governor Lshowered Babatunde Raji Fashola has encomiums on

Atlantic and Savannah Conference stars vying for bragging rights during the All Stars Basketball game to mark the 20th Anniversary of MultiChoice Nigeria recently held at Unilag Sports Hall, Lagos. The DSTV League entered Week Two at the weekend.

Onaolapo, Sunshine win NTTF pilot league JO Onaolapo has justified O his inclusion in the Nigeria team to the World Championship in Tokyo, Japan next month, as he single-handedly propelled Sunshine to win the club title at the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) pilot league.

The seven-day tournament ended at the weekend with Onaolapo amassing 100 points to be crowned the overall winner, as well as, the highest earning player in the competition.

To beat Nigeria Civil Defence Service Corps (NCDSC) team one to the title, Sunshine also garnered 157 points to emerge the club champion.

Onaolapo will be making his second appearance at the World Team Championship in Tokyo after being named among the 10-man team that hoist Nigeria’s flag at the global tournament.

Besides scoring the highest points, Onaolapo won four of the six finals played in the

competition and at the weekend he confirmed his superiority with an easy win over his opponent.

Also, Kazeem Makanjuola, who will be making his World Championship debut in Japan finished second in the singles, while his performance also helped NCDSC to settle for second place ahead of G20 in the club event.

President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi, the tournament would be bigger in October as the federation plans to expand the scope of the competition.

“We are excited with the pilot league and this has shown that there is hope in the country as we also plan to give more players the opportunity to be part of the championship. We are happy with the performance of the players and we hope to see more of this in October when we start the league proper,” he said.

Heineken for availing Nigerians the rare opportunity to feel and experience the actual UEFA Champions League Trophy live.

Speaking on Thursday at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja when former Dutch football star, Ruud Gullit, who is also the Heineken brand ambassador, paid the governor a courtesy visit with the UEFA Champions League Trophy, Fashola said, “Nigerians are extremely passionate about football. The UCL is a favourite amongst a very large section of Nigerians.

“The trophy is coming at a time when the Champions League is at a critical stage.

Heineken’s gesture of giving Nigerians an opportunity to actually feel the real UCL trophy live here in Lagos,

Nigeria, this period is indeed laudable.

“It is a gesture that most Nigerians, including myself would not forget in a hurry.”

While appreciating Heineken for finding Lagos worthy of being included as part of the destinations where the UCL trophy would berth, Governor Fashola also used the occasion to call on the youths across the nation to embrace sports to engage themselves meaningfully.

He said: “Nigeria is a country full of talents. We want our youths to challenge themselves and embrace sports, not just football but other sports as well. We want to see Nigerian sports men and women compete with the best and excel at the global stage. Sports is a viable tool for national development and those of us in government would do all we can to support sports develop-

taste of action on Friday after staying away from their week one fixtures against Dodan Warriors in Lagos, defeated Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan 54-53.

Despite the slim margin defeat, Oluyole Warriors seemed to have acquainted themselves well in the leagues, fighting for every point with the former champions at their Niger Street Gymnasium. The Warriors rattled the host and it took the Ogor Odaudu Hoopers a lot of grit to outwit the Warriors from Ibadan.

The Police Batons is finding life difficult in the elite division, as they lost again to Islanders 39-48 to record their second straight loss in the

two weeks old league.

The Police team were pummelled last week by Oluyole Warriors 102-68 and many basketball followers had thought that the Batons would use this game to redeem themselves, but it failed to materialise, as they were beaten by Islanders in a highly defensive game.

In the Savannah Conference, free-scoring Mark Mentors of Abuja defeated Gombe Bulls 89-51 to record their second win of the new season.

Niger Potters lost again to Plateau Peaks 51-65, Bauchi Nets defeated Kada Stars 6864, while defending champions, Kano Pillars also defeated Nigeria Immigration 69-47 to record their second victory.

Haruna hopeful over Nigeria World Cup prospects YNAMO Kiev midfielder, D Lukman Haruna, hopes he can still make Nigeria’s World Cup squad.

The 23-year old has not played for the Super Eagles since the last World Cup in South Africa.

Overlooked by Samson Siasia and his successor, Stephen Keshi, Haruna is confident he has done enough at club level to remain in the coach’s World Cup thoughts.

“I understand my injury history had a role to play for a period of time but I am in great shape right now,” Haruna told BBC Sport.

“It’s not an easy job for a

Executive Director, Toyota Nigeria plc, Kunle Ade-Ojo (left), Managing Director, Chandrasheker Thampy , Marketing Manager, Bayo Olawoyin, Captain RT Briscoe Motors, Akinyeye Cyril and other players at the presentation of Toyota Chairman’s Cup trophy to the winners in Lagos… at the Weekend PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

coach to manage Nigeria with a lot of quality players in Europe, Asia and Africa.

“I just hope I have done enough at club level to be given a chance to fight for a place in the squad.”

With the Ukrainian league season kicking off amid chaos in the country, Haruna has not given up hope of going to Brazil in the summer.

“When I played in South Africa, I was very young and a little inexperienced,” he said.

“Since then there have been highs and lows in my career but I’m more mature and hope to fulfill a dream by working extra hard to earn a recall.

“It’s a massive two months for me to prove myself again because if it goes well then I’ll have another chance.”

The midfielder scored three goals in 15 league appearances for Dynamo Kiev last season and has a solitary goal in seven appearances for the African champions.

Haruna is one of only two players to have represented Nigeria at the FIFA under-17, U-20 and senior World Cups.

His European career began in France when he joined AS Monaco in 2007 shortly after he captained Nigeria to the Under-17 World Cup title in South Korea.

He signed for Ukraine’s Dynamo Kiev in June 2011 after completing a US$2.8 million switch from Monaco.

Monday, March 17, 2014 SPORT 93

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The English Premier League

Pelligrini praises battling players ANCHESTER City boss, M Manuel Pellegrini hailed his side’s fighting spirit after they shrugged off the 10thminute dismissal of captain, Vincent Kompany to claim a potentially priceless 2-0 Barclays Premier League win at Hull.

David Silva’s stunning 14thminute strike and a lastminute effort from Edin Dzeko helped City end a tough week on a high after successive defeats to Wigan and Barcelona had left their dream of an unprecedented quadruple in tatters.

Pellegrini said: “I think it was a very good response from the team. It was a very difficult week and then we had to start this game playing with one player less after 10 minutes.

“It was more difficult to play with 10 players but I trust the team, I trust the players and I think we did really well with the ball.”

Kompany was dismissed for hauling down Hull striker Nikica Jelavic as he tried to burst clean through on goal, but Pellegrini suggested Jelavic ought to have been punished for fouling the Manchester City man moments earlier.

Pellegrini added: “I thought before it was clear foul by Jelavic - before Vincent did his foul - but the referee didn’t see it, he saw the foul of Kompany and he sent him off.”

Pellegrini also sought to play down the second-half bust-up between keeper Joe Hart and Hull substitute George Boyd following the latter’s penalty appeal, which resulted in Hart being shown a yellow card.

He added: “I am so far away on the bench it is not possible to see what happened. If Joe reacted, maybe the other player dived. I don’t know - that is why there is a referee.”

C

David Silva after scoring against Hull City on Saturday

Mourinho hits out at Foy OSE Mourinho hit out at refJsend eree Chris Foy’s decision to him off during Chelsea’s

Fulham’s Ashkan Dejagah

Magath: Win boosts confidence manager, Felix FoverULHAM Magath believes the 1-0 win Newcastle will give the Cottagers the confidence to climb out of their predicament at the bottom of the Premier League.

Ashkan Dejagah struck eight minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute to give Magath his first win as Fulham boss at the fourth attempt in Newcastle’s first match since Alan Pardew’s headbutt of Hull midfielder David Meyler earned a threematch stadium ban.

It was the Cottagers’ first Premier League win since collecting three points on January 14 against Norwich, following two points in the intervening eight games, and the remaining eight matches will determine their fate.

Fulham are now within a point of second-bottom Cardiff, but West Brom remain four points ahead by winning at Swansea.

“I do not care much about the other results,” Magath said.

“We have to do our work and we have to do our results. It was not only the result today.

We were the better team.

“It will give us the confidence that we can avoid relegation and stay in the league. I’m convinced that we can manage it and stay in the league. After

this game and this victory I’m more than convinced.”

Fulham thought their goal had come earlier as twice in the opening 10 minutes of the second half they had the ball in Newcastle’s net, only for Pajtim Kasami and Cauley Woodrow’s efforts to be ruled out for offside.

Woodrow put the ball in after Johnny Heitinga’s shot had bounced down off the crossbar and, replays showed, by the smallest of fractions, on to the line.

Magath, an advocate of goalline technology, had no complaints. He added: “I’m glad that we have it here in the Premier League because that makes it more fair.”

Magath made five changes following the loss at Cardiff, including fielding David Stockdale in goal in place of Maarten Stekelenburg, a selection, which the Englishman justified with a string of outstanding saves.

“It was a hard decision for Maarten, but he has taken it very well,” Magath added.

“Maarten is a quiet keeper.

He’s not loud and David is more exciting, he’s louder.

That was my idea.

“He was very good. We can thank him for this very good performance.”

ill-tempered defeat to Aston Villa.

The Blues surrendered the initiative to Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League title race thanks to Fabian Delph’s 82nd-minute winner.

All in all it was a dreadful trip to the Midlands for Mourinho, whose team are six points ahead of City but they have three matches in hand.

Willian and Ramires were both sent off in the 1-0 defeat and their manager was also dismissed for coming on the pitch in injury-time to remonstrate with the referee

over his decision to send off Ramires.

Foy refused to speak to Mourinho, just directing the Chelsea manager to the stands, and again the referee would not speak to the 51year-old when he approached the official in the tunnel following the feisty contest.

“I tried to speak to Mr Foy twice. I tried to speak on the pitch, and I tried in the dressing rooms,” the Chelsea manager said.

“In the dressing rooms I tried to ask politely, can you give me five seconds? And he refused.”

A Chelsea spokesman denied rumours Mourinho and Chelsea captain John

Aston Villa’s defender, Ron Vlaar (right) heads clear from Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Ramires during their English Premier League match at Villa Park. Villa won 1-0 PHOTOS: AFP

Terry tried to force their way into the referee’s room after the game.

The spokesman said Mourinho asked to speak to Foy as he went into the officials’ changing room in the tunnel at Villa Park.

When Foy refused, Mourinho then asked to speak to fourth official Jon Moss as he entered the room, but again he refused.

Chelsea say Mourinho did not enter the referee’s room at any point.

Mourinho insisted he did not act in an angry manner during his request to speak to the officials in the tunnel.

Fearing another FA charge, Mourinho refused to speak about Foy’s decision to send off Ramires and Willian. “I don’t make any comments about any of the incidents in the game. I prefer not to speak,” he said.

He was willing to talk about his own dismissal, though.

The Portuguese defended his actions and pointed out that he was not the only one who encroached onto the pitch following Ramires’ tackle on Marc Albrighton.

The Chelsea manager also criticised Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor for coming off the bench and getting involved in the multi-player melee that followed Ramires’ dismissal.

“It’s a big occasion for me to know about the character of Mr Foy, because I want to know what he’s going to write about my sending off,” Mourinho said.

“I was two-three metres inside the pitch or four-five metres, but there was like 10 persons there.

FA may review Boyd incident ULL City’s George Boyd H could face disciplinary action if the Football Association decides he deliberately spat at Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

The two players clashed during a fraught encounter at the KC Stadium, which 10-man City won 2-0 with goals from David Silva and Edin Dzeko after Vincent Kompany had been dismissed for hauling down Nikica Jelavic after just 10 minutes.

Hart squared up to Boyd after he went down in the penalty area, with the England international accusing the Hull striker of diving.

The pair were separated following a heated exchange, and both players were defended by their respective managers.

City coach, Manuel Pellegrini reckoned Hart must have had a good reason for confronting Boyd.

Pellegrini said: “For my position it was very difficult to see it because it was far away from my bench. If Joe reacts maybe the other player dived. I don’t know.”

But Hull boss, Steve Bruce insisted his player did not dive. Bruce said: “There’s a difference between simulation, diving, cheating, if you like, than trying to get out the road, and that’s what Boyd’s trying to do.

“I mean nobody’s going to stand there with Joe Hart hurtling at you. He’s going to try and get out the road, which he tried to get out the road, stay on his feet and keep the ball in play.”

Stories culled from Sportinglife.com

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94 | SPorT Monday, March 17, 2014

Isaac Success expected in Granada today oLDEN Eaglets’ star strikG er, Isaac Success, is expected at Spanish La Liga club, Granada CF, today.

Success, who clocked 18 in January, is on loan at Granada from Udinese.

His sporting rights are now owned by an investment company.

Paper work has delayed his move to Europe but he is now expected to be the first player from the Golden Eaglets Class of 2013 to make his pro debut in Europe.

MTNFootball.com specially gathered he is expected to be part of Granada’s pre-season plans.

He was top scorer at the African U17 Championship in Morocco last year with seven goals but a hamstring

cut short his participation at the U17 World Cup in Abu Dhabi in November.

He was originally billed to play for Udinese this season, but the move was stalled due to his inability to secure a work permit.

Success became the first Golden Eaglets player from the 2013 set to reach an agreement with a foreign club soon after the African U17 tournament in Morocco last April, 2013.

The big striker was widely expected to shine at the last U17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates in November, but he suffered a hamstring injury by his second game which ruled him out for the rest of the competition.

Veteran administrator, Pa Ojidoh, for burial March 21 HE remains of the former T Bendel State FA chairman, ogbuenyi Pa John

Bruno Fernandes de Souza would be led to games by police escorts.

Goalkeeper, who ordered girlfriend murdered, fed to dogs, released BrAZILIAN footballer, A who “meticulously calculated” the kidnap and execution of his girlfriend, has been granted work release so he can play football.

Bruno Fernandes de Souza,

formerly goalkeeper with one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, Flamengo, is currently in prison serving a 22-year sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, Eliza Samudio.

De Souza, 29, admitted dur-

Greensprings, Lagos, others get NSSF awards or its efforts at leading FNigeria, revival of school sports in the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) has honoured Greensprings School, Lagos State Government, Nestle Nigeria Plc and others.

Speaking at the weekend, the NSSF President, Ibrahim Muhammad was particular thrilled by the singular effort of management of Greensprings School, which he described as inspiring.

“We have been reading and hearing all what Greensprings has been doing but we never understand the extent of it until we visited the school. Apart from the child-friendly environment of the school, the school understands the importance of sports and they have demonstrated what they are preaching with the quality of sporting facilities that dotted the school. For us at NSSF, this alone will give up hope that our efforts will not be in vain and if a private institution like Greensprings is championing this cause, it is now left for others to follow,” he said.

The NSSF, who was assisted by the federation secretary general, olabisi Joseph during the presentation of award to the Executive Director of Greensprings, Mrs. Lai Koiki, also acknowledged the efforts of Lagos State Government at devel-

oping sports from grassroots level.

He said: “We have seen from the three last editions of the National School Sports Festival that Lagos State has demonstrated its interest in school sports as we never caught any of its athletes cheating. This has shown in their performance and for us, this is a state to emulate and we hope that others will follow as well.”

ing his trial to “accepting” her murder, before her body was chopped up and fed to his pet rottweilers.

Prosecutors during his court case told the court that de Souza ordered Ms Samudio’s murder after she said she’d take legal action to force him to pay child support.

Ms Samudio’s four-monthold baby was later found in a slum, alleged to have been abandoned there by Dayane De Souza - the goalkeeper’s wife.

Despite his confession and prison sentence, the former Flamengo stopper signed a five-year deal with Montes Claros.

A provision in Brazilian law allows prisoners, who have

shown good behaviour to be granted freedom to work and having been in prison since 2010, de Souza is eligible - and could be allowed out to resume his career.

Ville Mocellin, the chairman of the club who signed him, explained why they are signing the player.

“We want to give an opportunity to the man Bruno,” he told o Tempo.

“For him, it is a chance to return to play. To the club, he is an athlete who can strengthen the team and a way to invest in the social side.”

De Souza will have to be accompanied by a police escort to all of his matches.

•Culled from Mirror.co.uk

Champions: Green House celebrating after dethroning Yellow House during the 5th Day Waterman College Inter House Sports held at Asu, near Abeokuta, Ogun State…on Saturday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL IFETOYE

Chukwuma ojidoh, will be laid to rest on March 21, 2014 at his hometown, Illah in oshimili Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to a funeral programme released by his family, a Vigil Mass/Service of Songs will hold on Thursday from 6.00pm to 7-00pm with a funeral mass holding the following day at 11.00am at Illah. ojidoh, who passed to eternal glory on Monday, February 3, 2014, was instrumental to the birth of the defunct New Nigeria Bank of Benin as the state FA chairman.

The former FIFA badged referee held several sporting appointments in his lifetime, including Bendel State FA chairman from 1983 to 1999.

He was a member of the then Nigeria Football Association Disciplinary Committee and his contribution to sports administration was so widely acknowledged that he was made to lead sev-

eral government delegations to major FIFA tournaments outside the country.

He was a distinguished member of the government delegation to the inaugural China Under-17 Championship where Nigeria became the first country in the world to win the tourney.

PA ojidoh led the government delegation to the 1987 FIFA Under-17 Championship in Canada and was also at the 1989 Championship in Scotland. He was a member of the Bendel State Sports Council between 1990 and 1991.

He was appointed Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association Electoral Committee in 2002 that brought in Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima to office as NFA Chairman.

He excelled as Match Commissioner at various league matches all over the country. He served equally as a consultant to various State Football Associations, notably Kwara State FA and oyo State FA, among others.

Green House win Day Waterman College fifth sports festival

By Samuel Ifetoye EFENDING champions, D Yellow House, at the weekend lost the crown they have held in the last two editions to Green House at the fifth Day Waterman College (DWC) Inter-House Sports competition, which took place at the school’s sports ground in Asu, near Abeokuta, ogun State.

Green House won the competition with 640 points, followed closely by Yellow House (620), Purple House came third (496), red House took the fourth position (429), while Blue House came last with (413 points).

In her opening remark, the school’s Acting Principal, Mrs. Teresa onyemah, said, “the International olympics Committee (IoC) recognises education that promotes balanced development of mind, body and character as the backbone of the olympic Movement.”

According to her, “in DWC, we believe that active participation in sports improves achievement level, and makes a consideration impact on

learner’s ability to succeed both now and later in life. We also believe even strongly that children need to run, to be outdoors, to have adventures, to stretch themselves, to dance, to play, to invent and enjoy themselves while learning.

“The array of sporting activities in DWC are undoubtedly helpful in transforming children engagement with learning.”

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of occasion, Mr. Victor Imevbore, said that in schools, physical education is important for one’s health and therefore said every child should be encouraged to take into sporting activities.

Among the dignitaries that attended the competition was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, who was a special guest of honour, Emeka Ihedioha and parents of the students dressed in sports outfits.

In the view of the Deputy Speaker, the youths should “remain active, competitive because sports is good for your health”.

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Monday, March 17, 2014 | 95

TheGuardian

Monday, March 17, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Toyosi Akerele this is it. Enough is enough. To say Sof othat I am depressed by the composition the list for the National Conference is a

gross misrepresentation of my heart’s true cry. I am bewildered; gob smacked by the sheer lack of prioritization of the most significant bloc of Nigeria’s population in a National Dialogue that I believe was conceived to chart the course of a resplendent and favourable future for Nigeria. When I was 10, the head girl in Ebun Oluwa Nursery and Primary School, Oregun, Lagos, I was cheered and celebrated by teachers and guardians that I was a leader of tomorrow because of my astounding performance and good conduct at the time.

Then I turned 20, I was in a university, the Deputy Speaker of the University of Jos Students’ Union House of Parliament and we frequently used the phrase “leaders of tomorrow” to chastise and call to order some of our peers who were somewhat resistant to Authority or stood short of what many considered acceptable standards of excellence. We would permeate their conscience with guilt by challenging them that we need to right the wrongs of our forerunners by leading by example.

Our generation just has to be different.

Now, I am 30 years old.

A National Conference is about to happen in my country. We have less than 10 per cent participation of people below the age range of 30-40. Many others are above 50, and please stretch it to 70 and 80. I do not detest these people. In fact, I am inherently a traditional Yoruba woman and so respect and reverence for my elders are not obligatory, they are mandatory. Yet I think aloud in utter trepidation, anxiety, disdain and disappointment. I wonder if tomorrow will ever come. I stumbled upon this commentary that’s gone viral on social media in this past week and I am convinced that it’s an instructive analysis that should inspire deep thought for the elders, the young and the not-so-young in our country. My thoughts find great expression in the manner in which it informs, provokes and then, enervates. I am sure the ages stated here are not downright inaccurate in terms of the actual dates of birth of some of these statesmen. Here they go in quote: Then “Awolowo (37), Akintola (36), Ahmadu Bello (36) Balewa (34) and Okotie-Eboh (27), Enahoro (27) led the struggle for independence after the death of Macaulay.

Only Nnamdi Azikwe was 42 at the time.

In 1966, the first coup was led by: Kaduna Nzeogwu (29) and countered by Murtala Mohammed (28) Theophilus Danjuma (28), Babangida (25), Nanven Joe Garba (23), Sani Abacha (23), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (23), and brought into power Gowon (32), Ojukwu (33), Obasanjo (29), Buhari (24). Most of the military administrators who governed the states under the successive military regimes, most of whom are governors now, were under 30 years. The brief democratic dispensation which interjected the military interregnums also saw the House of Representatives, in particular, populated by a majority under 30 years and so were some senators. Under 30s were also not in short supply with appointments. We have examples of Matthew Mbu who became Foreign Affairs Minister at 23 and Pat Utomi who became a presidential adviser at 27 and so on and so forth.

NOW • Why is it that this age bracket is today still sleeping in three-seater chairs in their

Please send reactions and feedback for YOUTH SPEAK to:

editorial@risenetworks.org and 07067976667- SMS ONLY

This national conference that excludes Nigeria’s youth (1)

I see that the youths are inadequately represented at this forthcoming National Conference. How do you exclude a people from a discourse that will involve issues that affect their future? Why should we have septuagenarians and octogenarians in their multitude and almightiness representing our interests when several of them are disconnected from the daily challenges that affect us? Is Nigeria merely about politics? What happened to entrepreneurship and dignity in labour?

National Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi(left) and Vice Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi parents’ homes?

• Why is it that this age bracket is today still collecting pocket money from their parents?

• Why is it that this age bracket is today still sagging their trousers?

• Why is it that this age bracket is today still searching for jobs?

• Why is it that this age bracket is today no longer qualified to even be leaders of youth wings of political parties?

•Why is it that this age bracket is today so docile?

•Why is it that this age bracket is today

still incapable of feeding itself?

• Why is it that this age bracket is today barred by law from even aspiring to certain political offices?

•Why is it that this age bracket is today, incapacitated, unwilling, unable and incapable of asking question? #Why are they not at the forefront of national development but only on Facebook/Twitter ranting and whining but relegated and ostracized from being involved in nation building?

These are pertinent, mind boggling questions. Is our generation not good

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enough for today? If not, why? General Ibrahim Babangida once said some years ago that the youth of Nigeria are not fit to rule this country and I agree with him because we are a generation of leaders, not rulers. Rulers should please stand aside.

Leaders build nations and empower their people.

I see that the youths are inadequately represented at this forthcoming National Conference. How do you exclude a people from a discourse that will involve issues that affect their future? Why should we have septuagenarians and octogenarians in their multitude and almightiness representing our interests when several of them are disconnected from the daily challenges that affect us? Is Nigeria merely about politics? What happened to entrepreneurship and dignity in labour? I am not opposed to their nominations but a fair balance and mix of the young and old would have made a phenomenon. What one of my finest teachers, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has coined “Generational Integration” has come alive, brilliantly. It would have engendered a cross fertilisation of ideas and cross examination plus feedback measure that amplifies the expectations of the next generation.

To be continued.

• Akerele, who writes from Lagos, is the Founder/CEO of Rise Networks and Passnownow.com toyosirise@risenetworks.org / 08022352535