Fri 02 May 2014

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth Friday, May 2, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,909

N150

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Labour links terrorism to bad politics From Mohammed Abubakar, Collins Olayinka, Ezeocha Nzeh(Abuja)and Njadvara Musa(Maiduguri) N unequivocal terms, the Nigeria Labour Congress I(NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) yesterday in Abuja at the May Day celebration said that unbridled political interests were hampering the war against terrorism.

Meanwhile, amid Labour’s apprehension over rising insurgency in the country, suspected Boko Haram gunmen on Wednesday killed 12 persons and torched several houses in Kopchi village in Damboa Local Council of Borno State.

Similarly, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday rejected World Bank classification of Nigeria among the five poorest countries in the world, saying “the nation is not poor”, but needed to redistribute its wealth.

In a related development, the Federal Government yesterday approved three new housing schemes for workers in appreciation of their hardwork and to reduce their plight in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Labour stated this in Abuja yesterday at May Day celebration, lamenting that despite enormous resources voted into maintaining security, the fight against terror has been far from being won partly to the various conflicting political interests in the country.

The event was devoid of its usual fanfare as policemen mounted various security checks, frisking people entering the Eagle Square, venue of the celebration.

In his address, NLC President Abdulwaheed Omar observed that the initial gain on the war against terror had receded, adding that the country was at the moment being held by its throat as a result of the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram sect.

He said rather than abating, the sect had metamor-

• 12 feared killed in Borno attack • Govt to focus on wealth redistribution • Okays new housing scheme for workers phosed into a full-blown terror group striking at highprofile targets with devastating effect while the nation looked on, hapless and helpless.

According to Omar, while a lot of money may have been spent to curtail the insurgency, and the various security forces did all they could within the limit of their powers, the fight has been stampeded due to various political interests.

He said: “In spite of government’s effort, the situation in the North-East is deteriorating. The initial gains of emergency rule clearly have been lost and the momentum squandered. Indeed, the choice of target, regularity of strikes, weapons used, co-ordination and sophistication of their operations make them not only the leading group to dread. We feel seriously concerned about the state of the nation’s security infrastructure. In spite of the relative huge security votes in the past few years, it is weak and inadequate. We also believe conflicting political interests, ambiguous operational order and primordial sentiments are some of the factors undermining the counter terror war.

“It is immoral to play politics with the lives of the people.

Accordingly, we demand an end to this unholy pastime, this dirty politics. We must all rise in unison shoulder to shoulder and confront this common enemy and for all. We are almost certain that if anyone was left in doubt about the universality of this war, the Nyanya bomb blast erased all of that.”

In the same vein, TUC President, Bobboi Kaigama, stat-

ed that recent orgy of violence and its attendant loss of innocent lives, including that of Nigerian workers, was a painful reminder to every discerning mind that the nation was at war.

According to him, the nation at this sorry state as a result of failure of government and the avarice of a few to evolve enduring democratic norms in the interest of the generality of the Nigerian people.

“The fact that we are in the midst of crisis is no longer disputable. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is threatened by incidents of violence and terrorism due CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abdulwaheed Ibrahim Umar (left); President Goodluck Jonathan and President, Trade Union Congress (NUT), Bobboi Bala Kaigama during the 2014 WorkPHOTO: PHILLIP OJISUA ers Day celebration at the Eagles Square, Abuja… yesterday.

In Turkey, May Day turns violent N Turkey, police fired tear Ibergas, water cannon and rubpellets on yesterday to stop May Day protesters, some armed with firebombs, from defying Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and reaching Istanbul’s central Taksim square.

Citing security fears, authorities shut parts of the city’s public transport system, erected steel barricades and deployed thousands of riot police to block access to Taksim, a traditional union rallying point and the focus of weeks of anti-government protests last summer.

Erdogan, who warned last week he would not let labor unions march on Taksim, has cast both last year’s street protests and a corruption scandal dogging his government since December as part of a plot to underCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

• Parallel rallies hold in Osun State–Page 3 • Health workers threaten strike May 19 – Page 4 • NNPC charts path to Nigeria’s prosperity – Page 4

Workers in a match past at the Eagles Square… yesterday

PHOTO: PHILLIP OJISUA

Seven feared killed in fresh Nyanya blast From Nnamdi Iyama (Lagos)and Mohammed Abubakar(Abuja) EVENTEEN days after exploSonsions at Nyanya Bus Park, the outskirts of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory left more than 75 people dead and hundreds injured, another blast occurred yesterday at about 8pm, metres away from the location of the first blast .

Though security operatives have sealed off the area, an

eyewitness confirmed seeing seven bodies taken away from the wreckage of the explosion.

Reports say the explosion occurred at a location commercial transport vehicles relocated to when the site of the blast a little more than two weeks ago was cordoned off by security officials.

Though officials of the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) have

confirmed that there were casualties, but no final figure could be obtained as Police and Defence Headquarters sources were not available for comments.

Leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau , while confirming his group’s responsibility for the Nyanya blast two weeks ago, had ominously said members of the terrorist organization were already in Abuja.

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Friday, May 2, 2014

Kwara ex-governor, Adamu Attah, dies at 84 From Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin), John Akubo, Kolawole Timothy (Lokoja) OGI State was yesterday thrown into mourning following the death of former governor of old Kwara State, Alhaji Adamu Attah.

He died at the early hour of yesterday at the National Hospital Abuja at the age of 84. He was governor of old Kwara State between 1979 and 1983 under the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

Meanwhile, former Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, yesterday in Ilorin described the death of

K

Attah, the first civilian governor of the state, as shocking, praying God to grant his soul eternal rest.

Saraki in a statement by his media aide, Bamikole Omisore, said: “I am saddened over the death of His Excellency, Alhaji Adamu Attah - the first Executive Governor of Kwara State; a statesman of repute whose records and antecedents are clear in the history of Kwara and Nigerian politics.

“I commiserate with the immediate family of Attah, the people of Kogi State and most especially the Executive Governor of Kogi State,

• Saraki, Ahmed, Wada, others mourn Alhaji Idris Wada, the Kwara State and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and the entire people of Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole for losing one of our illustrious sons.”

Also, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State and his Kogi State counterpart, Idris Wada, described the late Attah as a respected elder statesman whose wise counsel and advice would be greatly missed by both Kwara and Kogi states.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, yesterday

in Ilorin, Ahmed described the demise of Attah, who was the governor of Kwara State between 1979 and 1983, as shocking and a national loss, noting that Nigeria has lost the wisdom of an elder statesman with the death of the former governor “who he said contributed immensely to building a strong nation where equity and justice will reign.”

Wada, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Jacob Edi, stated that his death is a great loss to both states. He, how-

Attah ever, prayed for the repose of the soul of the elder statesman.

Also reacting, Chairman of

the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kogi State chapter, Aloysius Okino, described the death of Attah as a great loss to Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole.

In a condolence message signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Strategy to ALGON, Ibrahim Obansa, noted that the late statesman lived his entire life for his people and humanity.

He stressed the need for government and the political class to immortalise Attah by building enduring legacies that will serve as catalyst to prompt others to be service-oriented.

In Turkey, May Day turns violent

Nigerian workers at the May Day Celebration in Abuja … yesterday.

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 mine him.

The Istanbul governor’s office said it had received advanced information that “illegal terror organizations and their extensions” would resort to violence to stoke unrest.

But the security measures failed to deter thousands of people from trying to march, with pockets of protesters playing cat and mouse with police in tear gas-shrouded side streets.

Demonstrators in surrounding neighborhoods repeatedly tried to breach police lines blocking the way to Taksim, a normally teeming shopping and tourism district which lay virtually deserted and ringed by security checkpoints.

Some 40 people were hospitalized and around 160 detained, according to the Progressive Lawyers Association.

In the working class Okmeydani district, members of leftist groups threw fire

bombs and fireworks at security forces, who responded with rubber pellets. Similar clashes erupted in March at the funeral of teenager Berkin Elvan, who had lain in a coma after being wounded in last year’s unrest.

Elvan’s image was displayed on a giant poster on Thursday as some of the protesters chanted “Berkin’s murderer” at police.

“This is a day of struggle.

We’re not trying to reach Taksim to celebrate but to resist ... We don’t want violence and whenever May Day was allowed in Taksim, it was peaceful,” said Caglar, 37, a teacher and leftist activist, clutching a scarf and a homemade antacid mixture to protect against the tear gas.

Police also used water cannon and gas to disperse more than a thousand demonstrators in the capital Ankara, where the centre of the city was on lockdown, with a heavy security presence and police helicopters buzzing overhead.

Government to focus on wealth redistribution CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

to unalloyed greed and irresponsibility on the part of many of our successive leaders and our collective failure to nurture our hard-earned democracy and prepare the nation for a new progressive

age,” he said.

Kopchi is a farming community located between Askira/Uba and Chibok Local Council where about 123 school girls were abducted on April 15, 2014.

According to Kopchi resident, James Thliza, the gunmen numbering over 100 burst into the village at dawn in 19 Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles and started attacking villagers after they were forced to come out from their houses.

“The gunmen had AK 47 rifles, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrolbombs in attacking and killing several people that were forcefully assembled at a primary school, before setting some of the houses and shops ablaze, including our

local church. As I am talking to you now, we have recovered 12 bodies, and those injured are in critical conditions without help, as people are afraid of taking them to a hospital at Lassa, which is 18 kilometres away from our village that is still burning right now,” Thliza added.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Gideon Jubrin, said “actually, I am just hearing this from you, but we have not received any official report from our Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Damboa, but as soon as we get details, I will brief you.”

However, a top military officer, who was not authorised to speak with journalists, also confirmed the incident, adding: “Yes, there was an attack at Kopchi village on Wednesday morning where a dozen villagers were feared dead along with destruction of some houses and a local church there.”

Addressing workers at the May Day rally, President Jonathan said: “The challenge of the country is not poverty, but redistribution of its wealth.” He said the realities on ground did not

portray the country as a poor nation, but a nation which abundant wealth needed to be evenly redistributed.”

The President added that his administration was working assiduously and putting policies in place to ensure that Nigerians had access to financial resources to create wealth for themselves. “Nigeria is not a poor country. Nigerians are the most travelled people. There is no country you go that you will not see Nigerians.”

He added: “The GDP of Nigeria is over half a trillion dollars and the economy is growing at close to seven per cent. “Aliko Dangote was recently classified among the 25 richest people in the World.

“I visited Kenya recently on a state visit and there was a programme for Nigerian and Kenyan businessmen to interact and the number of private jets that landed in Nairobi that day was a subject of discussion in Kenyan media for over a week.

“Some of you will experience that there is an amount of money you will give to a Nigerian who needs help and will not even regard it and thank you but if you travel to other countries

and give such an amount, the person will celebrate.

“But the World Bank statistics shows that Nigeria is among the five poorest countries. Our problem is not poverty, our problem is redistribution of wealth.

“Probably, wealth is concentrated in very few hands and a number of people do not have access to it and that is why my administration is committed in terms of financial inclusiveness and we are working very hard to achieve this”.

The President specifically noted that in the agricultural sector, government introduced the electronic wallet for farmers in rural areas so they could access income through bank facilities.

He said government was also moving agriculture from just a rural development programme to wealth creation and major business, adding that government had taken pro-active steps and policies to stabilise power so that small and medium-scale enterprises will thrive.

“The key commitment of government is to make sure that so many Nigerians have access to finance so that they will be able to create wealth for themselves,

the President added.

He also read certain political undertones in the processes of ratings by international bodies and global rating agencies, explaining that “so many countries were downgraded economically in the few past months, including some African countries.

They looked at Nigeria and we gave explanations and they could not see any convincing reason but to downgrade our economy, they left us as BB minus.”

He further stressed: “They said elections are coming, politicians are shouting at themselves, it may affect their economy, we will no longer give you stable outlook but give you negative outlook, which is same BB minus. “When so many countries have been downgraded, they said Nigeria is one of the five poorest countries.”

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who disclosed this yesterday at the 2014 Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja stated that the provision of the planned houses for workers in the FCT would be in collaboration with the private sector for quick result.

Friday, May 2, 2014 | 3

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Workers Day You have lost focus, Amaechi tells NLC, TUC

Fashola advocates collective action against insecurity

From Isa Abdusalami (Jos) and Ann Godwin (Port Harcourt) OVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State accused the organized labour of abandoning their duty to play politics with politicians thereby contributing to bad governance and insecurity in the country.

Amaechi, who spoke at the Workers’ Day celebration at the Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt, yesterday wondered why the organized labour could not protest the escalating insecurity in the country and the recent abduction of female students in Chibok, Borno State.

The Governor noted that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in the past fought for social injustice, expressing regret that the current leadership of the unions have lost the focus.

“I remember when I was still a Lagos State University Students protest the hike in school fees by Lagos State governor at Workers Day rally at Onikan Stadium in Lagos yesstudent, you cannot steal the PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI kind of money that is being terday. stolen in Nigeria today without all the universities going on demonstration, and schools all over the country would be closed. Then, you cannot do that without NLC From Lawrence Njoku Enugu, government. coming out to the place.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu Benin“Today, all of us that are Emmanuel Uduaghan at the Gordi Udeajah City, Umuahia labour leaders are junketing over the years to strengthen celebration in Asaba assured nor Adams Oshiomhole told and enjoying with the politi- and Uzoma Nzeagwu Awka workers that it was necessary the nascent democracy, pre- workers of improved welfare, cians and the poor masses are OVERNORS in the South for the betterment of the state serve security of lives and better working conditions and suffering because there is East and South South geo and “our children” us as he property, create job opportu- extra pay at the end of the year nobody to speak for them. political zones of the country urged workers to show patri- nities and pursue legacy proj- to enable them meet the finanThey are voiceless and there is used the occasion of the May otism for the country and that ects as a preferred develop- cial strains during the Yuletide no leader to lead the voiceless. Day celebration yesterday to “As workers, we must hold sol- ment strategy. season.

They are hungry and there is exchange ideas with workers idarity across the Niger, we He assured that his govern- Governor Uduaghan mainnobody to address their on welfare and other sundry must dump primordial senti- ment would continue to tained that workers deserved build on the primary areas of to be motivated and appreciatmatters, while also receiving a ments.”

The governor also assured cooperation with the labour ed for the roles they are playing feedback from them.

Parallel rallies hold In Edo State, primary school that disengaged workers of unions especially through in ensuring increased producteachers expressed their anger Edo Line would be reinstated mutual understanding of all tivity, stable government and in Osun virile economy. over the compulsory compe- and their salaries restored just issues affecting labour.

From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo tency test initiated by the state as he said civil servants whose He said the workers of the He disclosed that the extra pay HERE were indications that at the Workers Day rally as names have been delisted state that he will fulfill his two package, which will be the first all was not well within the they marched past the gover- from the salary schedule of the outstanding promises to of its kind in the state, was to organised labour movement nor without the customary state automated system even them which are building for encourage them to always put in Osun State yesterday as salute as was the case for the while they are still in service them a befitting labour house in their best, emphasizing, “Let workers held parallel rallies to over 50 trade unions that par- would be revisited. and providing buses to their me assure the workers that at celebrate the May Day. ticipated in the Workers Day Abia State Governor, Theodore Unions which however, he the end of the year, we will One of the rallies, which wit- rally at the Samuel Ogbemu- Orji expressed government has done to one and urged work out something extra, defnessed Governor Rauf dia Stadium in Benin City. appreciation to workers for them to renew their faith, initely, there will be extra payAregbesola in attendance, was However, determined Gover- keeping faith as it struggled support and devotion to the ment for the workers.” held at the Government Technical College, Osogbo, while another one was held in which representatives of the state government also attended. fish out the perpetrators of The rally, organised by the the dastardly acts.

Trade Union Congress (TUC), From Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin), Addressing the workers, took place at the Mandela Free- John Akubo (Lokoja), Isah state NLC Chairman, Comdom Park, Osogbo.

Ibrahim (Gusau), Ali Garba Similarly, Governor Isa ing the May Day event that rade Hasimu Gital, urged the Speaking at the rally, Gover- (Bauchi), Murtala Mohammed Yuguda of Bauchi State the gesture is a morale boostnor Aregbesola, who reiterat- (Kano), Joseph Wantu (MakurFederal Government to rise lamented that wage bill was er to the civil servants across ed the commitment of his di) and Alisa Galadima (Bauchi) to its responsibilities and taking the greater percent- the state. administration to the upliftaddress the insecurity in the age of statutory grant followHe pledged to fully implement of workers’ welfare, statS Workers’ Day held ing the decline in federal rev- ment the N18,000 minimum region before it goes out of ed that it was untrue that his across Northern Nigeria enue for several months. hand. wage for council and prigovernment planned to yesterday, Governor Gabriel Meanwhile, the Kwara State Yuguda, speaking on Work- mary school teachers, and reduce the state workforce.

Suswam appealed to Benue ers’ Day at the Abubakar ensure prompt payment of NLC Chairman, Farouk AkanHe said since he assumed State civil servants to take a Tafawa Balewa Stadium in bi, has said the recent sale of duty in the past three years, pay cut to enable the state Bauchi through his deputy, gratuities to all retirees. the defunct Power Holding In Lokoja, barely two weeks welfare and progress of work- pay primary school teachers’ Aminu Sagir Saleh, said the Company of Nigeria (PHCN) after Governor Idris Wada ers have been his administra- minimum wage. was aimed at pauperising situation was not peculiar to frowned at the activities of tion’s priority.

The teachers have been on Nigerians.

The state Chairman of the strike for over six months Bauchi, as some states have the Kogi State Universal Basic He lamented in Ilorin yesterdownsized their workforce Education Board (SUBEB), Nigeria Labour Congress demanding the implementaday while continuing the while others are unable to teachers drawn from various (NLC), Alhaji Saka Adesiyan, tion of the minimum wage. picketing of Ibadan Electricicouncils yesterday demandlauded Aregbesola’s adminis- However, Suswam, who pay salaries. ty Distribution Company Meanwhile, Zamfara State ed their three-month salaries tration for his vision and com- addressed workers at the old (IBEDC) that the sale has not will sponsor 50 civil servants arrears, running from Februmitment, adding that the McCarthy Stadium in Makurboosted the distribution of workers appreciate his kind di, insisted that government to this year’s hajj in Saudi Ara- ary, and three-year leave electricity to homes, while a bia as reward for hardwork allowance. gesture. larger population of electriciFor Bauchi NLC, the growAdesiyan, who called for was making efforts to resolve and prudence. Governor ty employees laid off during increased productivity by the matter and that political Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, ing insecurity and unemthe acquisition exercise were workers, however, noted appointees have already vol- represented by his deputy, ployment were of great constill being owed their emoluLabour in the state remained unteered to slash their Ibrahim Wakkala Muham- cern, as it called on security salaries by 25 per cent. ments. mad, disclosed in Gusau dur- agents to double efforts and united.

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S’East, S’South govs pledge better deal for workers • Nweke wants partnership with labour

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Suswam urges Benue workers to accept pay cut Security threat mars NLC rally in Kano

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By Kamal Tayo Oropo State Governor LdayAGOS Babatunde Fashola yesterjoined thousands of workers to celebrate this year’s May Day with a charge on all Nigerians to rally as one body against insecurity.

The governor, who addressed the workers at the Onikan Stadium in Central Lagos, warned that except Nigerians unite with a sincerity of purpose to fight the current insecurity, the challenges would continue to grow until the nation would be overwhelmed by them.

He noted that the country cannot find a way out of the current security challenges by infighting or seeking to benefit from the situation, adding that infighting would only give the enemies of the country more power while seeking to benefit from a state of insecurity would only lead to collective destruction in the end.

He warned: “Greater damage is done if you sectionalize the problem. I think it may be tempting to think that insecurity could benefit the opposition as a sign of inefficiency of Government in power. This may be true but the truth is greater damage is done to the system.”

Citing the recent abduction of over a hundred female minors from a girls’ secondary school in Chibok, Borno State, Fashola, who expressed sadness over the state of insecurity in the country generally, pointed out that all Nigerians have a responsibility to safely return the girls to their parents and find those responsible adding that this can only happen if Nigerians come together.

The governor commended the leadership shown by women and groups on the issue, saying: “We must reinforce the capacity to speak truthfully and be honest to one another because as long as there is a pretention that the truth is inconvenient, so long shall the nation’s problems remain.

“Everyone must stand up and fight the scourge of insecurity under one flag by ensuring that everybody for now subsumes his flag of whatever colour and collaboratively run it not as Yorubas, Ijaws, Ibos or Hausas but as Nigerians who rally under one flag to defeat insecurity.”

Fashola, who charged the workers to resort to strikes only as tools of last option when negotiations have broken down irretrievably, urged them to rise and condemn illegal strikes and support lawful strikes that seek to restore injury to aggrieved workers emphasizing that workers should not use strikes to blackmail government.

He noted: “There is a process for convening a strike and according to law one of the conditions includes determining how many workers participated in the motion that led to the decision at an Annual General Meeting convened to discuss the strike.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

4 | NEWS Friday, May 2, 2014

NNPC charts path to Nigeria’s economic prosperity From Terhemba Daka and Karls Tsokar, Abuja HE Nigeria National PetroT leum Corporation (NNPC) has said the country’s economy would be better if energy supply is improved and other basic measures are taken to preserve its wealth including the removal of petrol subsidy.

Answering question from the committee on Power yesterday at a rescheduled meeting with the Corporation, the Head of Strategy Planning, Mr. Jimoh Okon, said the subsidy on oil has consistently being a source of financial drain to the country’s resources.

He said the economics of crude oil production has not been optimally harnessed because of over reliance on its natural resources for income, especially oil and gas.

While lamenting that poor power infrastructure is an impediment to economic development, Okon suggested the removal of subsidy on oil saying it was a two trillion naira drain on the nation’s resources. He also suggested that the production of 300,000 barrel of crude oil per day be differed; and advocated the payment of environmental sub-charge, inclusion of pipeline tax of about six naira into the cost of PMS, as well as the implementation of the five per cent road maintenance charge.

He said for Nigeria to reach the level of South Africa, he said the nation needed to generate 50,000 megawatts as opposed to the current 4,000 megawatts.

He expressed concern over the activities of itinerant crude oil refiners who degrade the environment.

He also pointed out that there was no difference between stolen and legitimate crude. He hinted that crude oil traders are a veritable link between oil thieves and legitimate businessmen.

Stolen crude, according to him, goes through the creeks and such activities take place at night with the aid of small vessels that transfer crude into large ships anchored on international waters. in a statement also issued by the Assistant Secretary Media and Communication of the National Conference, James Akpandem, Okon lamented that the issue cannot be tackled in isolation (by Nigeria alone) because of its international dimension, and therefore called for international collaborative efforts that may involve the use of helicopters and gunboats on international waters.

He however offered, that to stem the twin evil of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, a dedicated pipeline protection unit as obtained in Russia must be in place.

The NNPC chieftain said there are six main creeks in which barges operate and suggested the procurement of six coastal vessels to effectively police those creeks. He added that the recent meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the US Assistant Secretary of Defence was part of government’s efforts to curtail

• Says subsidy drains N2 trillion • Confab Secretariat denies six weeks extension crude oil theft.

He insisted that Nigeria was suffering from energy crisis because the country exports primary energy sources and imports processed Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The Gas Master-plan by the federal government suffers a set back because international oil companies did not see Nigeria as a viable market, he said.

He spoke at length on the nation’s over reliance on its natural resources as income, especially oil and gas. Emphasis, according to him, should be more on the utilization of oil and gas at home as these constitute about 15 per cent of the

nation’s GDP, even though it constitutes about 85 per cent of government revenue.

While suggesting ways that government can generate revenue, he warned of a situation where there is complete reliance on a product whose price cannot be determined or controlled locally.

He stressed the need for the use of energy to create wealth for the people rather than as a means of rent collection.

He doused fears about the possible non availability of kerosene in an event of subsidy removal and expressed firm belief that the product will be available.

While indicating that the unit cost of producing a barrel of crude oil was approaching 39 dollars, Okon said Nigeria currently exports 22 million tons of gas per annum from six trains. International gas demand, he said, stands at 992 million tons and Nigeria is the fifth gas exporting country with about 7.5 per cent of the international market.

Meanwhile Akpanden in a separate statement issued said reports in some media of an extension of the conference duration “is misleading and untrue”.

Saying “During the meeting with Committee heads, most of the committee chairmen

complained of the shortness of time for committee work, citing the heavy workload and relevant assistance they would require from external sources to do a thorough job.

“It was then agreed that one extra week should be added to enable the committees tidy up their activities and present meaningful reports.

However, since in the following week beginning from Monday May 5 to Thursday May 8 (sitting days), Abuja will host the World Economic Forum, and because some delegates to, and facilities used for the National Conference will be involved and engaged respectively for the Economic Forum, the week following from Monday May 12 to Thursday May 15 was consequently approved for the extension, for conclusion of committee work.”

Representative of the First Lady, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Youths and Student Affairs, Jude Imagwe (left) Celebrant, Otunba Gani Adams, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi and Comrade Oludare Ogundana at the 44th Birthday of Chief Gani Adams In Lagos yesterday.

PHOTO AYODELE ADENIRAN

Borno to handle progress reports on abducted girls, says Defence From Madu Onuorah, Abuja EFENCE Headquarters yesD terday said that progress reports on the search and rescue efforts of the school girls abducted from Government Secondary School Chibok, Borno State, would be handled by Borno State Government.

Defence spokesman, Maj.Gen Chris Olukolade, who also announced a streamlining of information management in military’s Internal Security Operations (ISOs), added that security forces on ground in the state have been directed to co-ordinate with the state government and provide them with necessary information on the search for the girls.

Appreciating the military’s “concerns being shown by all citizens in and out of the country on the unfortunate incident of abduction of some female students from Government Secondary School Chibok, Borno State”, Gen Olukolade said in a statement released in Abuja that “alongside the search for the girls, the military is currently com-

mitted to various security operations in most parts of northern Nigeria where troops are deployed in forests and mountains to combat the terrorists and armed gangs of various descriptions. The military re-affirms its unflinching resolve to continue to discharge its responsibility in defending the territorial integrity and the people of Nigeria in the most professional manner. This will apply in the search for the missing girls, which is ongoing concurrently with other security operations nationwide.

“A lot of information has been received in the efforts at securing the freedom of the girls.

The Armed Forces assures all Nigerians that it will continue to appraise every information received during this operation accordingly. Unfortunately however, most of the information, some of which have been mischievously publicised for sensational reasons, have always turned out to be spurious and of no operational use.

Disturbingly, some of them have been mischievously sensationalised and publicised

with a view to heightening tension and inflicting more pain on the nation as envisaged by the terrorists. Nevertheless, the forces will remain disposed to receiving, analysing and applying all relevant information on this issue. While it will not relent in its efforts in this search, the Armed Forces is mindful of the fact that some of the information with which it has been inundated are actually a ploy to distract it from its goal of dealing with terrorism and other violent crimes aimed at crippling the nation.”

The defence spokesman stated that “while the military efforts at recovering the girls is continuing, the Government of Borno State whose Commissioner for Education has been giving a regular update on the incident at initial stage is enjoined to continue in order to satisfy the necessity for information flow. The Borno State Government in whose facility the incident occurred is appropriately placed to continue with regular briefing as the State Commissioner for Education

has been doing. This is in line with best practices in other climes more so as all agencies of every tier of government are expected to continue functioning in the state.

“Accordingly, security agencies on ground in Borno State will continue to interact and support the state government officials in their efforts to inform the public on the Chibok incident and progress in the search without any prejudice. The Nigerian military has always subscribed to the importance of information flow to the public and will continue to sustain this policy in all its internal security operations.

“In view of the need to provide daily updates on the search of the abducted girls, the Defence Headquarters has directed that henceforth, progress reports on the search will be handled by the Borno State Government. The security forces on ground in the state have been directed to coordinate with the state government and provide them with necessary information on the search for the girls.”

Health workers threaten strike May 19 • Give 15-day deadline

By Chukwuma Muanya (Lagos) and Emeka Anuforo (Abuja) EALTH workers under the H aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Professional Association (AHPA) have threatened to embark on indefinite strike.

The workers yesterday issued a 15-day ultimatum to government to release appropriate circulars to give effect to all their negotiated issues, failing which they would withdrawal services from May 19.

The health workers are demanding increase in retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years, promotion of officers from Consolidated Health Workers Salary Structure (CONHESS) 14 to 15 as Directors; implementation of skipping of CONHESS 10 and payment of accrued arrears, among other things.

President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Olumide Akintayo; Chairman, JOHESU, Mr. Ayuba Wabba; and Chairman, AHPA, Dr. Godswill C. Okara, yesterday in a joint press statement after a meeting to review ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government on various welfare-inclined initiatives of their members, said: “In the light of this pervading injustice and the refusal of the government at high level to redress same, JOHESU/AHPA has critically evaluated the situation and resolved as follows: • That a 15-day ultimatum is hereby given to government to redress all outstanding issues after which JOHESU/AHPA will embark on an indefinite strike after it earlier suspended a warning strike in February 2014; • Government must again take more than a cursory look at the leadership structure of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) which is presently designed not to produce dividends because it is unduly skewed in favour of only one profession; and • It is our hope and desire that the minister would take necessary steps to ensure that our demands are met on or before Friday, May 16, 2014 in order to forestall the impending avoidable industrial action.”

They said the meeting concluded that the Federal Government has not changed its tactics of treating members of JOHESU and AHPA with extreme contempt and levity.

They also said JOHESU and AHPA specifically wish to put on record that after four months of dialogue with the Federal Government team led

by Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, government has failed to redress albeit satisfactorily the following fundamental issues:

Fidau prayers for Odedele HE Fidau prayer of the late T Mr. Taoheed Adisa Odedele, National President, UNILORIN Alumni Association who passed on, Friday 25th April, 2014 will be held tomorrowat 10.00a.m at his No. 1 Odedele Close residence, off Olubi Street, Adigbe, Agbeokuta, Ogun State.

THe GuARdIAn www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 2, 2014 neWs | 5

Chikwe’s comments on abducted schoolgirls insensitive, says APC From Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin) and Joseph Wantu (Makurdi) OR expressing doubts over Fschoolgirls the abduction of over 200 from Chibok in borno state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as insensitive, comments credited to Peoples democratic Party (PdP) national Women Leader Mrs. Kema Chikwe, saying by her comments she has simply crossed the line to the depths of absurdity. but Mrs. Chikwe,, reacting to the APC criticism yesterday, said part of her speech at the prayer session , especially the questions she raised concern-

• PDP Woman leader says she was misunderstood • Saraki seeks foreign aid, Suswam’s wife begs abductors ing the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the girls was largely misunderstood.

The APC’s Interim national Publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed in a statement, expressed concern that such an incautious and insensitive statement could be made by a woman, a mother, a grandmother and a top official of the ruling PdP over an issue that is undoubtedly the worst tragedy and biggest embarrassment to nigeria.

The comments, according to

APC , raise even more concern because of the position in the ruling party of Mrs. Chikwe, wondering if her statement represented the closet opinion of the ruling party or the unstated stand of the Presidency - in which case it will explain the FG’s dawdling approach to the rescue of the girls.

Chikwe in a statement said: “As a mother, I have remained heartbroken and deeply pained by the unfortunate incident. My heart and thoughts have continued to go out to

these girls and their families, hence my decision to mobilize other women to pray for them. Our prayer points included prayers for security in nigeria, prayers for the quick recovery of the victims of the nyanya bomb blast and consolation prayers for families of the dead, prayers for the release of the abducted Chibok school girls in borno state, among others.

Christian and Muslim religious leaders led these prayers .

Indeed with every sense of re-

sponsibility, I wish to reiterate that this is not the time to sensationalize issues particularly those relating to these innocent girls whose fate we are all deeply worried about.

Meanwhile, former Governor of Kwara state bukola saraki yesterday in Ilorin canvassed international assistance to ensure safe release of the abducted girls. saraki praised the efforts of nigerian military trying hard to ensure safe returns of the girls but added that such efforts without the supports of neighbouring countries and international allies could be futile.

He said, “since this ugly in-

Reps prescribe 10-year jail term for pension funds thieves From Adamu Abuh, Abuja

• Offenders to refund three times amount stolen

He House of Representatives T yesterday offered an insight on why it passed the Pension Re-

rent to potential looters and help check unfettered looting in pension administration.”

Flanked by his deputy, Mr. samson Okwu, he also explained that the bill provides for the establishment of a Pension Transmittal Arrangement department (PTAd) to take over the remittance of benefits to pensioners under defined benefits scheme.

Listing the benefits of PTAd, he said, “It will ensure greater efficiency and accountability in the administration and payment of pensions under this scheme because they are now to receive their pension directly rather than through the various pensions department, which have been problems to these set of pensioners. With this, the story of pension fund looting

form bill, noting that it was aimed at ensuring that the sacrifice made by nigerian workers to national development was not in vain.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions, Alhaji Ibrahim bawa Kamba explained that the bill adopted on Wednesday April 30, 2014 prescribes harsher penalty of 10 year jail term for anyone found culpable in misappropriating pension fund, in addition to compelling such person to refund three times the amount embezzled.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, the lawmaker justified the penalty, “We strongly believe this will serve as a deter-

will become a thing of the past.”

Faulting media reports that the House had lowered the bar the number of years of experience needed to qualify for director General of Pension Commission (PenCOM) from 20 to 15 years, he explained that the House passed that aspect was left open to “all qualified nigerians with cognate experience in pension”.

The lawmaker however, further explained that the bill would have to be harmonised with the version passed by the senate, which stipulates 15 years of experience in pension matters.

He added: “The House also scrapped the 20 years minimum experience in the appointment of the dG of the national Pension Commission.

We have now laid emphasis on

competence, integrity, fit and proper persons to expand opportunities for the engagement of professionals to manage pension administration in nigeria.

This is in line with international

and local best practices in pensions and financial regulatory agencies. We have now aligned the Pension Reform Act with the Cbn, FIRs, and ndIC laws,” Kamba said.

cident occurred, it has been evident that these rescue efforts require the full support and cooperation of both nigerians, and our friends and allies in the international community – especially those that share our borders.

Also, wife of benue state Governor and Chairperson of northern Governor’s Wives Forum, Mrs. yemisi dooshima suswam has pleaded with the abductors of the students to release them to their parents for humanity’s sake.

Mrs. suswam, who spoke yesterday at the 47th birthday anniversary lecture organized in her honour by staff of the benue state Government House, urged the abductors to “hearken to the plea of wellmeaning nigerians and release the innocent girls.” “none of us mothers can actually sleep well since the girls were forcefully taken away; that is the agony we are all passing through trauma in the last two weeks.”

Omisore pledges to return schools to owners From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo OVeRnORsHIP candidate of the Peoples democratic Party (PdP) in the August 9 governorship election in Osun state, senator Iyiola Omisore has said that he would return mission schools to their owners if elected. speaking yesterday at a rally held at the party’s secretariat in Osogbo, Omisore said he was not perturbed by recent invectives being poured on him by the sitting Governor Rauf Aregbesola saying the objective

G

• Island Club denies endorsing him of the PdP is to ensure the All Progressives Congress (APC) is kicked out of office at the poll.

He urged members of the party to close ranks and engage themselves in aggressive mobilisation stressing that they must ensure those who left the party were persuaded to return to the fold before the election time. Omisore faulted some of the policies and programmes of Aregbesola’s administration.

Meanwhile, Island Club, La-

gos has denied endorsing the PdP candidate.

A rebuttal sent to The Guardian yesterday stated, “Our attention has been drawn to a publication in some newspapers titled ‘Lagos Island endorse Omisore’.

The Island Club categorically dissociates itself from this story and wishes to state as follows: It is customary for the Club to rejoice with its members and friends on their achievements in any sphere.

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JAMB: Between Computer And Manual Test!!

Any nigerians have raised questions on the feasibility of the recently introduced computer-based test for the Joint Admission and Matriculation board (JAMb) examinations. Registrar of the board, Prof. dibu Ojerinde in exclusive interview, throws more light on the issue and why it is the best for JAMb applicants.

M

POLITICS

AdunA-bAsed human K rights activist, Mallam shehu sani in an explosive interview, speaks on how the school girls abducted by the boko Haram sect can be rescued, why the national confab may end up as an exercise in futility, and several other topical issues.

Love &Life 14 Truths About Romantic True Love

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6 | NEWS Friday, May 2, 2014

WORKERS‘ DAY

Imoke presents 5,000 laptops to civil servants

HE Cross Rivers State Government has presented 5,000 laptops to the state’s civil servants in its bid to improve on service delivery.

Governor Liyel Imoke, who handed out the laptops during the re-launch of Computer Acquisition Programme for Civil/Public Servants as part of activities marking the 2014 May Day celebration at Abraham Odia Stadium, University of Calabar, observed that the concept is intended to digitalise the state civil service.

Dressed in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) uniform, Imoke, who was named Nigeria’s Most Labour Friendly Governor, noted that the idea was moot-

T

• Mimiko seeks more support from workers ed a long time ago with the aim of enhancing service delivery in the state.

The governor urged civil servants to key into the programme because if successful, the state would be the first in the country.

According to Imoke: “There have been some significant enhancements in the service.

Promotion in the service is more closely linked to merit than ever before. It is increasingly prevalent that professionalism, excellence and qualifications are stronger platforms for promotion and aid our endeavours to enhance worker welfare and project the dignity of labour.

“Similarly, the regular payment of pensions and gratuity to our retired and retiring public officers are a manifestation of our intent to honour our promises and commitments to workers.

“The House to House Mass Housing Scheme is being introduced to provide another 4,000 units of houses to civil servants and we are improving our support to civil servants, through the provision of soft loans, for the refurbishment and acquisition of vehicles.”

He assured that a few issues like the yearly salary increase, the review of the Consolidated Health Weigh-in-Allowance

for Salary Structure (CONHESS), Consolidated RATAWU and arrears of promotion JUSUN will be resolved before the end of the present administration.

The 2014 workers’ Day was celebrated in Akure, the Ondo State capital with Governor Olusegun Mimiko imploring workers to sustain their loyalty and double their support for his administration.

The celebration, which held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade witnessed march past by the various industrial unions and members of the National Union of Local Government Employees applauding the governor for the pardon granted over 4,000 members of the union who were

affected in the last local government restructuring.

Mimiko noted that with the cooperation of the workers, the vision of his administration to lift the State to an enviable position would be achieved.

He explained that the decision of his government to fully implement the Contributory Pension Scheme as witnessed by the signing into law on 25th March 2014, the Bill passed by the House of Assembly, was borne out of the desire for the workers to get their retirement benefits as and when due.

He assured that local government elections would be conducted in the state as soon as judgement is delivered at the Supreme Court.

The waste transfer loading station at Oshodi, Lagos gutted by fire on Wednesday.

APC, CAN, Aregbesola, PDP, IGP, others salute Nigerian workers From Seye Olumide (Lagos), Nkechi Onyedika (Abuja), Tunji Omofoye (Osogbo) and Charles Gyamfi (Abeokuta) S Nigerians joined the A rest of the world to mark the 2014 May Day yesterday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Nigerian workers to remain strong and keep hope alive, despite the prevailing situation that has seen many of them lose their jobs or have their pay check drastically eroded amid rising cost of living.

Meanwhile, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has congratulated Nigerian workers urging them not to despair but rather, have faith and work for peace, unity and development of the country.

Also, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has assured workers in the state of job security and improvement in welfare to enable them maximize their potentials and attain greater heights in their career.

Similarly, the Inspector General of Police congratulated Nigerian workers, assuring them of adequate security.

In the same vein, the

SSACTAC, NACOMYO task govt on jobs, labour disputes National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has enjoined Nigerian workers to rededicate themselves to the cause of common goal as they mark the Workers Day. A release by the National President of the organisation, Alhaji Kamadin Akintunde in Abeokuta paid tribute to the past and present leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for their perseverance and steadfastness in championing the cause of common man.

Akintunde called for paradigm shift in modalities in resolving labour crises, noting that prolonged industrial action or strike in a developing nation like Nigeria is anti-development and weakens the economy.

In a related development, Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated Lagos workers on the celebration of the 2014 Workers’ Day, while it called on the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to stop paying lip-service to welfare of public servants in the state.

In a statement issued in

Lagos by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to mark the 2014 Workers’ Day, the APC said: “On this occasion of the International Workers’ Day, we celebrate Nigerian workers and hail their patriotism and resilience in the face of tough challenges resulting from the inability of the Federal Government to lift the economy of the nation, curb rising unemployment and improve the security and welfare of workers.

“We urge them not to be disenchanted by the seemingly-hopeless situation across the country, as better days are definitely ahead,” APC said.

Also, the Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC) has urged the Federal Government to explore initiatives that would provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, President General of SSACTAC, Commrade Muhammad Yunusa said that members of the association had suffered reverses due to the poorly executed

privatization policies of government adding that the reforms in the power, postal, telecommunications, railways and housing sectors need to be well executed for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Yunusa, who also urged the Federal Government to revitalize the Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) said the services of the existing telecommunication operators in the country have been very epileptic, even as he called for the restructuring of the Federal Housing Authority(FHA) to enable the authority provide social housing for Nigerians.

In a statement in Abuja, Oritsejafor said, “My message on this occasion is one of hope, unity, understanding and support for our great country, Nigeria. We do not have another country of our own, Nigeria is all we have got and we must rise to defend it.

Our society is confronted with myriad of problems ranging from social, economic, religious and political issues that require the commitment and prayers of all citizens. The challenges

are numerous but not insurmountable, we may face difficulties today but I can assure you that God is on the throne. I felicitate with all Nigerian workers, in the public service and private enterprises, we all share in that common dream of nation our building through our various callings.”

Oritsejafor also called on Nigerians to support the security agencies in the fight against insurgency in the country; our security operatives need our cooperation to defeat terror in our land.

In a congratulatory message to the workers, the spokesman of the Lagos chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Taofik Gani urged Governor Babatunde Fashola to sincerely join in the celebration by avoiding propagandists and wasteful celebration but should rather see to the immediate improvement of conditions of service of Lagos workers.

According to Gani, “We congratulate the unrelenting civil servants, who have refused to be frustrated in spite of the poor conditions of service in the state. We urge them to remain steadfast and have faith in God.”

Ekiti workers warn politicians against violence • Amosun laments state of economy • Ajimobi wants release of abducted girls From Muyiwa Adeyemi (AdoEkiti), Charles Coffie-Gyamfi (Abeokuta) and Iyabo Lawal (Ibadan) ORKERS in Ekiti yesterW day warned politicians against turning the state into a battlefield and stop political violence as they prepare for June 21 governorship election.

At the Centenary May Day celebration in Ado-Ekiti, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayodeji Aluko and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Kolawole Olaiya, urged that shedding the blood of innocent citizens in the name of politics should be stopped.

Meanwhile, workers gathered at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, to mark May Day with the traditional march past by workers, students, voluntary organisations, among others.

Delivering his speech, the TUC chairman appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and peaceful conduct of 2015 elections Ekiti.

Also, worried by the continued incarceration of the 234 students of Government Girls’ College, Chibok in Borno State, by members of the Boko Haram sect, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday used the occasion of the Workers’ Day celebrations to charge security agencies to do everything within their powers to secure the release of the girls.

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in his address, urged the workers to see the day as a time for sober reflection on the “state of the nation” and pleaded that all must join hands to save the country from “fringe of collapse”.

Amosun noted: “No doubt, our country is going through a trying time. On the financial angle, we are experiencing dwindling revenue from oil. This affects income accruing to the states. On the socio-political angle, the rising spate of insurgency in the northern part of our country calls for all hands to be on deck, to save our nation from the fringe of collapse”.

Governor Ajimobi, while delivering his address, said that all parents across the country must be worried by the state of the girls, adding that we must pray for the release of the girls.

“I wish to condemn the abduction of the over 200 Secondary School girls in Chibok, Borno State”, Ajimobi said.

Responding, Governor Fayemi, who appealed to Nigerians to be vigilant in the face of anarchy confronting the country, stated that “communal vigilance and human surveillance is the first thing to do when a nation is to fight against anarchy”.

Friday, May 2, 2014 NEWS | 7

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Finland to partner Nigeria on terror

By Wole Oyebade HE Republic of Finland has T stated its readiness to partner Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, especially the menace of Boko Haram.

Finish Ambassador to Nigeria, Riita Korpivaara, said on Wednesday during her visit to the Police Affairs Minister, Abdul Jelili Adesiyan, that her country was ready to partner Nigeria in training and equipping security agencies, adding that such bilateral relationship was very germane to fighting terrorism to a halt.

“The mission of this courtesy visit is about the security challenges in Nigeria and we believe that the security staff will feel safe if they are well equipped,” she noted.

Responding, Adesiyan expressed optimism that giv-

en such partnership and others in the pipeline, the nation’s security challenges would soon be a thing of the past. He commended Finland for the gesture, adding that the envoy’s visit was an opportunity to rub minds on terrorism, “which is a cankerworm affecting all facets of life.”

He noted, “terrorism is not something any country can fight singularly because it is not a conventional war. It is a new germination in the security inclination of the world and every country now strives to train all her security personnel to combat terrorism.

“The United States cannot singularly combat terrorism, it has to work in collaboration with other countries of the world. It is an opportunity for us to work with Finland because terrorists do not know religious boundary,

they do not know the citizenry, they do not know brothers or sisters, and that is why we must work together to fight terrorism in all ramifications.”

He added, “we have really

Taraba CAN seeks Umar’s removal

seen that the issue of Boko Haram is not a religious war.

The sect members are neither true Muslims nor true Christians, they are just terrorists because none of the two religions promotes violence.

BATNF pledges more roles in growth of education, agric

By Emeka Nwachukwu N furtherance of its CorpoI(CSR), rate Social Responsibility the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has reiterated its commitment to the growth and sustainability of education and agriculture, through partnership with relevant stakeholders.

The assurance was given on Wednesday by the BATNF General Manager, Abimbola Okoya, during the Business-

Day Giving Back Conference, with the theme, “Transforming Nigeria’s Education System: The Role of Corporate Investing,” at the Civic Centre in Lagos.

In her presentation, Okoya said that BATNF was focusing on sustainability in agriculture by encouraging farmers to adopt more productive ways of managing and earning livelihood from natural resources in a sustainable manner.

“It is our belief at BATNF that developing our education sec-

Anglican Diocese of Lagos begins synod Sunday

By Chris Irekamba nd

HE 32 synod of the DioT cese of Lagos (Anglican Communion) begins on Sunday with the theme, “Divine Intervention,” in view of the nation’s forthcoming general elections and its socio-political, economic and religious travails.

The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, is expected to address the second session on Monday, the Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), His Grace, Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo, told newsmen.

• Ademowo urges youth to shun violence Ademowo told newsmen in Lagos ahead of the event that the theme of this year’s synod is very appropriate because Nigeria’s situation requires God’s intervention as the elections into various offices approach.

Expected at the Synod are the Bishop of Oru, Province of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Geoffery N. Chukwuneye, Mrs. Amaka Okekeocha, Bishop of Jebba, Province of Kwara, Rt. Rev. S. T. G. Adewole, The Rev. Femi Akin-Johnson, The Ven. A. G. Odubena, and the Archbishop

“I know there is no way we can fight terrorism without being adequately equipped in the form of modern technology, and though we are trying our best, we still need to collaborate with the people.”

of Owerri, Most Rev. Caleb Maduoma.

There are also the Bishop of Awka, Rt. Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim, Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. James O. Odedeji, Bishop of Okene, Province of Lokoja, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Ajulo, the Chancellor, Justice George Adesola Oguntade (JSC, rtd), Deputy Chancellor, Justice Adedayo Oyebanji (JHC), and Registrar, Chief Olurotimi Williams, among others.

Praying that God should stop Nigeria’s looming descent into the abyss of insecurity,

unemployment, high crime rate, Ademowo, who is also the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos, called on Nigerian youth to shun violence.

According to him, “the youth cannot gain anything by indulging in violence and they must behave themselves and channel their energies in the proper direction.

“In our own diocese, we have been taking care of the youths.

We have youth empowerment programmes and what we have done so far is to give them financial assistance some received above N1 million, some N1 million and the rest got less than that.

tor should be a shared responsibility between the three tiers of government and the organized private sector. Right now, we have awarded scholarships to students of various higher institutions, who are children of our partner-farmers studying in various fields of agriculture,” Okoya said.

According to her, the foundation trains farmers in modern skills to improve their yields, and has also invested in training in ICT and tailoring.

She advised government that for the country to witness the desired improvement in the standard of education through partnership with the private sector, there should be improved legislation and appropriate curriculum to guarantee wealth creation, employment opportunities, increment in growth rate, reduction in rural-urban drift and extreme poverty among rural populace.

In her address, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, commended BusinessDay newspaper for the conference and its theme, which she said was most appropriate at this time. She also commended the corporate organizations that have partnered the state in its bid to improve education standard.

From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo GROUP from the Taraba A State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has supported agitations for the removal of Acting Governor Garba Umar for his alleged inability to restore peace in the state.

Led by the leader of Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Rev. Peter Obiefuna, the group told newsmen yesterday in Jalingo that the association was dismayed at the continued killings and destruction of property in parts of the state.

According to Obiefuna, “Umar should not be allowed to continue with his activities aimed at the destruction of lives of our people.” The association stressed that Umar lacks the requisite knowledge to handle the current security challenges confronting the state.

Other members of the group are the Christian Council of Nigeria, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Christian Pentecostal of Nigeria, and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)/TEKAN. Calling for the Federal Government’s intervention, they condemned the peace agreement brokered by the acting governor, describing it as a ploy to further cow the Christian community, as “the peace and reconciliation was not carried out in a proper way,” as killings and burning of houses were “still going on in some villages” during the peace agreement.

TheGuardian on Sunday

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SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2014

2015 Puts Governance On Hold

Ex-militant Leaders Bid Farewell To Arms FTER amnesty, most of the ex-militants in A the Niger Delta, who once used arms to terrorise, are now social ambassadors, offering

EN months to the 2015 general elections, governance has been pushed to back seat. Some ministers have reportedly abandoned their Abuja offices, to chase party tickets in their states. They have refused to resign and President Jonathan has refused to send them home. Even the Presidency has put a lot of things on hold, calculating to see which step would increase the chances of electoral victory in 2015. Some ministries are being run without substantive ministers and the delivery is poor. Polytechnics have been on strike for many months and there seems no end. The Guardian this Sunday searches for ways to balance the acts, so that politics does not harm development.

T

capacity trainings and services to their communities and beyond. Boyloaf, Asari, Tompolo, Ateke and others are now running successful humanitarian/business organisations. You may call it the sunny side of militancy.

HEALTH Overcoming infertility with IVF Truth About BUSINESS GDP Rebasing IBRU

ITH its ‘underground’ economy looming larger than ever, Nigeria may need to rebase every two years to get the statistics right.

W

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SAINTHOOD: HAT makes a Saint and who determines Sainthood? Clergy explain.

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8

Friday, May 2, 2014

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PHOTONEWS

The convener, Pastor Charles Kpandei (right); Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Victoria Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, Special Assistant to the General Overseer, (Administration & Personnel), The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Johnson Odesola and Onari Duke, at the final edition of Lagos Shift Season III with the theme: “Innovation Personified,” which took place at Tafawa Balewa Square… yesterday.

PHOTO: ISAAC TAIWO

Director, Chams Plc, Alhaji Idi Farouk (left); Group Managing Director, Demola Aladekomo, and Chairman, Board of Directors, Very Revd Ayo Richards, at the 30th yearly meeting of the company in Lagos.

President, Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN), Dr. Sonny Kuku (left); Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Steve Omojafor, Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mustapha Chike Obi and Chief Consultant, B. Adedipe Associates Ltd, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, at the symposium on “The Impact of Asset Management Corporation on the Nigerian Economy” in Lagos PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

Chief Medical Director, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Jack Momoh (left); Board member, Ernest Okoli, President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo, and Chairman (PSN), Abuja Branch, Briget Otito, during the presentation of drugs to the hospital in Abuja

Managing Director, Mr. Alexis Vovk (left); Total’s Mr. Safety, Mr. Tunde Ita and General Manager, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality, Mr. Koleade Adegunle, during the launch of ‘Mr. Safety’ by Total at World Day for Safety at Work, in Lagos

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, Dr. Yakub Olajide Basoroun (left); General Manager, KESKESE Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu, and Managing Director, ARESVEEPEE Limited, Ms Kemi Koyejo, during the closing ceremony of maiden Edition of the Naija Food Fiesta in Lagos

Chairman, Coker Family, Chief Ade Coker (left); Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku with his son, Obi, and new daughter in-law, Isabella, at the yearly Coker family reunion in Abeokuta

Vice President, Advertiser Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Lampe Omoyele (left); Managing Director LASAA, Mr. George Noah, President, Advertiser Association Of Nigeria (ADVAN), Kola Oyeyemi, and Executive Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Onyekachi Onubogu, during a courtesy visit to Advertiser Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) office in Lagos

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Friday, May 2, 2014 | 9

WorldReport Ukraine detains Russian military attaché for spying KRAINE said yesterday U that it had detained Russia’s military attaché to Kiev on suspicion of spying and ordered him to leave, as the exSoviet republic wrestles with an armed uprising it says is orchestrated by Moscow.

In a statement, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said the unnamed diplomat was detained on Wednesday while undertaking “intelligence activities”.

Ukraine accuses Russia of orchestrating the fall of towns and cities across its industrial east to pro-Russian separatists over the past month, spearheaded by well-organized gunmen in masks and military fatigues.

Russia denies having any part in the rebellion, but has warned it reserves the right to intervene to protect ethnic Russians - following its annexation of Crimea in late March - and has massed tens of thousands of troops on its western frontier with Ukraine.

“The military-naval attaché of the embassy of the Russian Federation in Ukraine is declared persona non grata in connection with his actions, which are not in accordance with his diplomatic status,” the ministry said.

The diplomat was ordered to leave, though the statement mentioned no deadline.

There was no immediate response from Moscow, which like Kiev is observing the May 1 holiday.

Ukraine’s pro-Western leaders conceded on Wednesday they were “helpless” to counter the fall of government buildings and police

stations to the separatists in the Donbass coal and steel belt of eastern Ukraine, source of around a third of the country’s industrial output.

Having seized key buildings in the capital of the easternmost province, Luhansk, on Tuesday, gunmen took control at dawn on Wednesday in the nearby towns of Horlivka and Alchevsk.

In Donetsk, the biggest city to fall, mainly Russian-speaking separatists have declared a “People’s Republic of Donetsk” and called a referendum on secession for May 11, threatening to undercut a planned presidential election in Ukraine two weeks later.

Ukraine hopes the presidential poll will help restore order after five months of civil turmoil that saw Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovich toppled after street protests and gun battles in central Kiev, and Russia’s subsequent annexation of the Crimean peninsula.

Pro-Western authorities that took power with Yanukovich’s ouster accuse Russia of planning to disrupt the presidential election, create instability and frustrate the new government’s hopes of Western integration.

Overnight, the state security guard, responsible for securing key government sites and officials, carried out a small drill in central Kiev. Four armored personnel carriers trundled through the streets to parliament, where several dozen troops took position as if responding to a threat.

Thousands languishing in Japan children’s homes, says rights group LMOST nine out of 10 chilA dren taken from their families in Japan end up in

United States Secretary of State, John Kerry with patients during a visit to the Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

EU peacekeepers take over CAR airport, violence rages UROPEAN Union peace- lated, a Reuters witness said. local time, the EU said in a E keepers took charge of sestatement.

The EU peacekeepers are curity at Central African Republic’s main airport on Wednesday in their first major operation to try and end months of sectarian slaughter.

Just ahead of the handover, four people were killed overnight and on Wednesday morning in the capital, the local branch of the Red Cross said. One of the dead, a Muslim, was decapitated, his heart ripped out and his body muti-

Merkel presses Putin for release of OSCE hostages ERMAN Chancellor, AnG gela Merkel again HAS called Russian President, Vladimir Putin and asked for his assistance in freeing seven observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) who are being held by pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Spokeswoman Christiane Wirtz said in a statement that Merkel “appealed to the president to use his influence” in resolving the situation.

The chancellor also reminded Putin of Russia’s responsibility in the case because of its OSCE membership.

Eight military observers were taken hostage earlier this month and one has been released. The seven still being held include three German officers and a German interpreter.

The Kremlin said Putin stressed in the call that the main thing was for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from southeastern Ukraine, stop

the violence there and quickly start a national dialogue on constitutional reform.

Both sides noted the potential of the OSCE for helping to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, the Russian statement said.

Merkel’s spokeswoman said

that the two leaders also spoke about the significance of the Ukrainian elections on May 25 “which are essential for the stability of the country.”

Germany has decried Russia’s annexation of Crimea as illegal.

meant to share the burden of around 2,000 French troops and 5,000 African peacekeepers already in the country who have so far failed to stop the bloodshed.

Fighting surged when mostly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power a year ago in the majority Christian nation, launching a wave of killings and rights abuses, said United Nations and aid officials.

Mainly Christian groups formed what they called “anti-balaka” self-defense militias who have also been accused of atrocities that have continued even though the rebels stepped aside in January.

French troops handed control of Bangui airport over to the EU peacekeepers, who are also commanded by a French officer, Major-General Philippe Ponties, at midday

Thousands of civilians have taken refuge in a sprawling settlement of cardboard shacks and tarpaulins beside the airport to escape the violence that rights groups have described as ethnic cleansing and warned may spread insecurity in a fragile region.

Many others, including almost all of the city’s Muslim population, have fled, U.N. and aid officials have said.

Central African Republic, impoverished despite its mineral wealth, borders some of the continent’s most unstable countries including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The European Union formally launched its peacekeeping force in the former French colony at the beginning of April after weeks of delays caused by shortages of soldiers and equipment.

institutions rather than foster care, a rights group said Thursday, a rate it said was the highest among developed nations.

Just 12 percent of children who have been removed from their natural parents are placed with foster families, leaving tens of thousands of other youngsters to languish in understaffed children’s homes, Human Rights Watch said.

That figure is the lowest in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a club of rich nations, and is just a fraction of that in Australia, where 93.5 percent of these children live in a family home.

“It’s heartbreaking to see children crammed into institutions and deprived of the chance for life in a caring family setting,” said Kanae Doi, Japan director at Human Rights Watch.

“While other developed countries place most vulnerable children in family-based care, in Japan, a shocking 90 percent end up in institutions.”

In neighbouring South Korea, 43.6 percent of children end up in foster care. In the United States, it is 77.0 percent, while in Britain it is 71.7 percent.

The 119-page report says 39,000 children in Japan have been removed from their families by the authorities, who determined their parents were either unable or unwilling to look after them.

The report, compiled over a three-year period, found Japan’s child guidance centres, the local administrative bodies charged with dealing with children in care, are “predisposed to institutionalising children rather than placing them in adoption or foster care”.

“These centres often defer to the preference of biological parents to place the child in an institution rather than with a foster family, or seek to avoid time-consuming and often sensitive individual adoption or foster care arrangements.”

South Sudan war dominates as Kerry begins Africa tour EARS of genocide and FSudan famine in war-torn South dominated United States Secretary of State, John Kerry’s agenda yesterday, as he launched an Africa tour focusing on the continent’s most brutal conflicts.

Kerry arrived for his first major African tour late Wednesday in the Ethiopian capital, which has been hosting start-stop peace talks between South Sudan’s government and rebels aimed at ending a bloody four-month civil war.

Outrage is mounting over the scale of killings, with both government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebels backing ex-vice presi-

dent Riek Machar implicated in massacres, rapes, attacks on United Nations bases and recruiting child soldiers.

Thousands of people have already been killed — and possibly tens of thousands — with at least 1.2 million people forced to flee their homes in the country, the world’s youngest, which won independence from Sudan only in 2011.

Kerry met with counterparts from Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, for talks in which the conflict topped the agenda, including discussions on regional nations sending troops as part of a force to help stop the fighting.

“I think it is clear that every-

body is in agreement that killing must stop, that humanitarian access needs to be delivered,” he told reporters after the meeting.

Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union, and Kerry was expected to discuss conflicts not only in South Sudan, but also in Central African Republic (CAR), Somalia and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Washington “fully supports African-led efforts to confront the most deadly conflicts of the continent,” added Kerry, who is also due to visit DR Congo and Angola.

“It is clear that the unspeak-

able violence in Central African Republic, the deliberate killing of civilians of both sides in South Sudan, both of those underscore the urgency of the work that we have to do together,” he added.

South Sudan peace talks resumed again on Monday after long delays but have made little progress.

A ceasefire signed in January is in tatters, with tens of thousands of people sheltering in UN bases following a wave of ethnic massacres and other war crimes.

Kerry will “push for both sides to honour the agreement that they signed”, a US diplomat travelling with the

delegation said.

The United States was instrumental in helping South Sudan gain independence, and Kerry is expected to try to press the negotiators at dragging peace talks.

“Both sides think that they can win this militarily, and they have certainly not participated in any committed way to finding a negotiated settlement for the conflict,” the diplomat added.

The war has taken on a bitter ethnic dimension, pitching the Dinka people of Kiir against the Nuer of Machar, but the diplomat said the heart of the conflict was rather a personal “Riek Machar-Salva Kiir battle”.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

10 | Friday, May 2, 2014

Politics THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE DEBATE

‘National question can be resolved by experienced minds’ (2) Prof. George Obiozor, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States and Israel is the coordinator of the Southeast delegates at the national conference. He spoke to Emma Ekeon a number of issues bordering on the conference, including critics’ views, as well as the expectations of both the polity and the international community from the confab.

CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY NALYSTS point poverty, corruption as the AIt isbane of the country, aren’t they? not as simple as that. In other countries with even poorer people than what obtains here, how much of the crises here do they have?

The causes of Nigerian instability are not only poverty and corruption, but they are more of unresolved lopsided nature of the structure of the country, then leadership crisis and above all accumulated grievances of the past years.

In fact, the latter is more or less very fundamental in the sense that no matter how rich a country is, if there were bottled-up angers, of which nothing is done to redress; crisis must rear its ugly head from time to time.

Here comes again the need for national dialogue or conference. At least, discussion will be held among all aggrieved parties, to disagree and eventually agree on how to address the issues.

Young people are not happy that the conference is dominated by the older generation…

There is something that those saying this don’t understand, and that is that there is nowhere in the world that the crises that face a nation are left entirely in the hands of young people.

Check out history: How old were the creators of American constriction? Were George Washington and Lincoln very young? Why did France find it expedient to re-invite Charles de Gaulle to come back and govern that country at a point in their history? These are some issues that should be noted.

However, it is not true that it is only old men that are at the conference. A lot of young people are there and they are making their own

Obiozor input felt. What should be of concern to all is to see the spirit of give and take prevails at all the issues to be tabled.

At the conference hall, no one thinks of age, or brings in those primordial sentiments, as being portrayed outside. But that is not to say that opinions have not been varying on many

national issues and that is the essence of the parley itself.

The various subcommittees are there gathering information and about to lead the whole house at the plenary session. The youths are being given equal opportunity to air their views and as such, I think it will be wrong to continue to play on such issues as age differences so as to draw a dividing line among the participants in the conference.

The elderly ones also know that their responsibility is to guide the delegates from drifting and till the programme comes to an end, it will be wrong to continue to argue that any segment of the society is being shortchanged.

Some people blame the press for the discordant notes from the conference; should there be a check placed on this?

Those who are blaming the press for the discordant views from the conference hall are not facing the reality. I’m the last man to support anything that will create impression that the press is being gagged by any circumstance.

I have a lot of respect for the Chairman of the Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi and his co-officials; they haven’t thought of that and won’t.

Critical press put everybody in the move to the right direction, knowing that public eyes are on you.

Since there is no gagging of the press in the day-to-day running of the country, nobody should introduce it through the back door.

Some delegates are calling for extension of the three months assigned for the conference; how feasible is this?

What is it that cannot be discussed and resolved within three months? Mind you that this is not the first time that Nigerians are

talking. There are issues resolved in the past, and all that needs to be done is to refer to some of them and get them updated and move on to new issues.

There is nothing under the sun that cannot be resolved within the period that the conference has been allotted. Mind you this is where the question of exposure and experience has got something to do here.

We don’t envisage a situation where the conference will drag longer than the period. If the worst comes to be, a short period of break will be introduced. But be rest assured that the deadline will be met, from the look of things. I won’t support any extension.

As a diplomat, will the outcome of the conference boost the confidence of the international community on the country?

First and foremost, the conference is not to impress any country more than it is for achieving internal mechanism for the country to resolve all its social, political and economic challenges.

Of course, since Nigeria is not an island, it belongs to the village and relates with the rest of the international community; it should be taken for granted that stability of the country will provide the needed environment capable of attracting more international community’s investments.

The world is gradually becoming a global village; the instability in one affects that of the other. Therefore, if the outcome of the conference can see this country progress in all directions, the international community will be happy for it and as such, it should be taken for granted that they would be watching us to know how we can resolve all our differences and come up better than most cynics fear.

CONCLUDED

Attah craves North-South consensus APGA berates Elechi over Ebonyi delegates on resource control From Nnamdi Akpa, Abakaliki

From Terhemba Daka and Karls Tsokar, Abuja ORMER governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, is worried by the tensed atmosphere brought about by heightened sentiments exhibited by delegates at the national conference.

He is particularly unhappy over the tone of some delegates to the issue of resource control.

Thus, the Co-Chairman, Committee on Power Devolution at the conference, urged conferees representing the North and South to jettison their extreme positions on resource control in the interest of peaceful coexistence of the regions in the country.

Giving the charge at the resumed committee meeting, Attah noted that the position being canvassed by northern delegates on resource control “has failed to portray a fair appreciation of the challenges besetting the people of the oil producing areas.”

He dismissed the arguments of some delegates that the South-South has the highest per capita income among the six zones of the country.

He said there was no guarantee that such statistics would remain in perpetuity given the depleting nature of oil revenue.

F

Attah The former governor argued that evidence exists, showing that every region has resources that could be developed for the benefit of the people and the country, wondering why the solid minerals in the North and bitumen in the Southwest had been left fallow.

His words: “Let me say that the people of the Niger Delta are very conscious of this (depletion of oil) and indeed this has been their greatest fear.

“Time will come when the oil will dry up completely; then what will happen to the people of the Niger Delta? No farmlands and no fishing in the polluted waters.

“But that is not the only fear.

When the time comes, everybody will laugh at us, bid us goodbye and tell us that there is no more Nigeria and they will go home and enjoy their own resources.

“These fears must be allayed and assurances must be given.

We must negotiate and reach a consensus.”

In his submission, Ibrahim Coomasie said his state, Katsina, is in the arid region in the far North, lying on the country’s porous borders with Niger Republic.

He said that the state has no industries, plagued by epileptic power supply and no employment for its people.

Coomasie, however, noted that under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, oil mineral resources belonged to the Federal Government and unless there was an amendment to that provision, it would remain so.

He said the issue of resource control arose because oil has made Nigeria to abandon other resources instead of developing them to generate more revenue for the country.

He faulted the conduct of some of the delegates who, according to him, had not exhibited the expected maturity since the debate began and urged them to learn to appreciate the position of others.

BONYI State chapter of the E All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has criticised Governor Martin Elechi and his ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for “sending inexperienced and never-do-well people” to represent the interest of the state at the national conference in Abuja.

Speaking in Abakaliki on the preparation of the APGA for the 2015 elections, the state chairman of the party, Mr. Jerry Obasi, condemned the leadership style of the governor, stressing that the ruling party has inflicted hardship on millions of Ebonyi.

Obasi noted that despite infrastructural decay in the state, Elechi still sent his “aging friends and clients” to the confab, to expose their weak and sleepy behaviours at their comfort seats instead of discussing vital issues affecting the state and the nation.

He insisted that such delegates would not properly represent the interest of the state.

“It is quite sad that Governor Elechi abandoned our very best and vibrate friends at home and went for his aging failed politicians that have failed in their previous political positions,” Obasi said.

“Now, the governor wants to use the confab as a recycling

Elechi pad for these failed aging politicians.

“For instance, former Governor Sam Egwu, who is leading Ebonyi delegates to the confab, was disgraced as Minister of Education and his eightyear rule as governor of Ebonyi State was wasteful years with no track record of infrastructural development of any sort.

Obasi said Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, the former deputy governor and Mr. Celestine Igberi, the immediate past ALGON chairman, failed in their positions.

He alleged that Prof. Ogbu succeeded in invoking crisis in his hometown of Onicha during his tenure and his

house was burned by angry youths who later sent him into exile for many years.

According to the APGA chairman, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is chasing Igberi, a lawyer, over alleged quantum looting of the local government treasury, using his exotic mansions as evidence against him.

“Instead of bringing him to probe, the governor sent him to national conference,” he said, adding that, “those governor sends to the confab have nothing to offer to our young state.”

Obasi described the APGA as a frontline opposition party that is preparing to liberate Ebonyi people and better their living conditions. “The APGA as a party will offer the people proficient, profitable and productive representation,” he said.

He stated that the party has mapped out series of programmes and initiatives on how to sensitise the people, especially those in the rural areas, on the way forward.

Assuring that soon, the people would dump the PDP, he maintained that the APGA “is very stronger and united now under Sir Victor Umeh despite series of litigation within the ranks of the party.”

“The APGA will capture more states in the Southeast,” he said.

Friday, May 2, 2014 POLITICS 11

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Tension in Rivers PDP over Wike’s ambition From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt HE purported 2015 governorship T ambition of the Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, has spurred rift within the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and fanning the ember of ethnic discord in the state.

Wike has kept close to his chest the desire to seek the governorship job when incumbent Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi steps down from power next year.

However, the coinciding endorsement of the minister by Mrs. Patience Jonathan, and groups like the Orashi/Ogoni Alliance and the Etche Ethnic Nationality, has triggered an avalanche of protest within the state.

Wike had cruised to position of the leader of the Rivers PDP last year after an Abuja High Court ousted the pro-Amaechi state executive of the party and installed Wike’s political cronies led by Felix Obuah.

The defection of Governor Amaechi and others to the All Progressives Congress (APC) eventually made Wike, Wike the brightest star of the PDP in A chieftain of the PDP and former sethe state.

The minister, who enjoys the sup- curity adviser to Governor Odili, Mr. port of the presidency, had spent Anabs Sara-Igbe, said it would be prethe last one year or so building po- posterous for any group to support litical alliances and increasing his Wike’s governorship aspiration, national profile. whereas other ethnic nationalities During the period, political ma- in the state have not had the privinoeuvres and mobilisation events lege of producing a governor.

He stated that that the slot for govhad been staged by his platform, the Grassroots Democratic Initiative ernorship would not remain in Ikwbeyond 2015.

(GDI), under the pretext of promot- erre “Rivers State has a pattern of selecting President Goodluck Jonathan’s political interest, while surrepti- ing governors, at least I have been intiously honing his political agenda. volved in selecting three,” Sara-Igbe But this carefully-crafted position said.

“The state agreed in the past to go as the leader of the PDP in the state could be in trouble, due to Wike’s by ethnic nationalities and the posicontentious ambition to succeed tion is moving from Ikwerre to Kalhis kinsman and former political abari and after them, the Ogonis will their turn.” ally, Governor Amaechi in 2015. take He warned that if Wike pressed Apparently disturbed, three founding members of the PDP in the state, ahead with his governorship ambiSara Igbe, Lolo Ibieneye and Elem- tion, the PDP should be prepared for chukwu Ogbowu criticised the min- an unprecedented mass protest ister’s endorsement by some votes. groups.

OVERNOR Amaechi, while playAppearing on a live audience radio ing host to leaders of Ogu/Bolo programme, the trio observed that if Wike charged ahead with his am- council at the Government House, bition, even if it means ruffling Port Harcourt, last week, putdown Wike ambition. feathers in the process, to succeed the The governor argued that it would Amaechi, he would risk casting himself and the PDP in the light of eth- be unfair for yet another Ikwerre son nic insensitivity. or daughter to aspire to become govFor their audacity, Ogbowu has ernor of the state next year, and been suspended from the party, urged the people of the state to resist while the others have been accused any attempt by the PDP to impose on the state. of not being authentic members of Wike Amaechi said: “If PDP is bringing an the PDP. Ogbowu, who was a former state Ikwerre man to run for governorlawmaker and commissioner dur- ship when an Ikwerre man has run ing the Peter Odili administration, for eight years, it means that what has accused the PDP state chairman, PDP is trying to do, because Ikwerre Obuah, of stirring the crisis rocking has about 1.1 million votes in the four the party. local government areas, then IkwHe explained that when Governor erre would dominate the governorof the state.

Amaechi raised alarm that the rea- ship “It means that you will never have a son for his disagreement with the minister was because he (Wike) chance of being governor again; wanted to succeed him, nobody that’s what it means because the reapaid attention. son for doing that is ‘oh, they are According to him, the minister has claiming we have XYZ number of been hiding under the guise of mo- votes in Obio/Akpor, XYZ number of bilising support for President votes in Port Harcourt, XYZ number Jonathan, to promote his own am- of votes in Ikwerre and Emohua. So, only Ikwerre people, if they sit tobition.

“It was the state party chairman, gether, they can be electing themmy friend, Felix Obuah, who, by his selves always for governorship.’

“And I have told Ikwerre people that act and conduct, used his office to call people, party supporters from that young man, whose ambition is all LGAs and gathered them in his blinding him, must be thrown out. hotel and said they should endorse All Ikwerre people must rise against Nyesom Wike,” Ogbowu said. him and vote for a candidate from ethnic group.”

“Where is this done? That is against another Amaechi stressed that, “if you peointernal democracy; that is causing division. If you are praising Nyesom ple allow him (Wike) and he sucWike, they are very happy. The mo- ceeds, then forget your children; ment you say no for this cause he they will never be governor again becannot be governor, they want to cause all it will take is when he finkill you. ishes, another Ikwerre man will say, “Unfortunately for them, I am ‘I will run’ and he will go and tell Ikequal to the task. For this suspen- werre people, ‘I’m your son, don’t alsion, I will follow it to its logical con- low these people take it from me’ clusion and they know it.” and Ikwerre people will back him.”

G

Obuah, “So, we must show justice and ensure that it (governorship) is equitably distributed. Even if you are one ethnic group of 20,000 persons, you have a right to the governorship of the state,” the governor said.

“Ikwerre people have had their turn and I’m an Ikwerre son; my mother is Ikwerre, my father is Ikwerre; I’ve no blood from any other relationship. So, Ikwerre people can’t say I am not Ikwerre.”

INDFUL of the split in the Rivers M State PDP over his purported governorship ambition, Wike has appealed to party members to sheath their swords and work together to ensure that it recaptures the Brick House, Port Harcourt in 2015.

The minister, while addressing a PDP rally in Omoku at the weekend, to mark the one-year of an Abuja High Court declaration of Obuah as the party chairman, expressed dismay that some party members had resorted to newspaper publication to denounce his said 2015 governorship ambition, thus creating unnecessary rift within the party.

He noted that there must be a party first before anyone could aspire for elective position, highlighting that a party in disarray would not serve the ultimate objective of the recapturing the Government House, Port Harcourt from the All Progressives Congress.

Wike explained that what was most important for the PDP at this crucial moment “is for all its members to coalesce and when the time comes for the splitting of political positions, the leaders of the party will sit together and take a collective decision that will be in the interest of all stakeholders.”

Alluding to one of the governorship aspirants, who goes about as a technocrat, Wike cautioned that he should stop deluding himself because the party would resist any imposition of candidate.

His words: “If you know you want to fly the flag of this party, come down to the people, come to the ward, come to the local government and come to the state and make sure that you support the activities of the party. With that way, everybody will identify with you; with that way, everybody will give you support.

“If you like have all the contact in this world, and you think that because we are here and we are nobody and from that contact you have, they can impose you on anybody, foul, foul, foul!

“Let nobody deceive himself because if they want to know, they should go and ask Amaechi how

Sara-Igbe politics is being played. Don’t worry yourself. When the time comes, we will know who is mature and who is not mature.”

Meanwhile, Wike has declined to respond to Governor Amaechi’s comment that giving him the PDP governorship ticket in 2015 would mark the beginning of Ikwerre political hegemony in the state.

Instead, he accused the governor of planting some of his loyalists as moles in the PDP to cause disaffection and schism.

He blamed Amaechi’s purported moles for placing advertorials in newspapers to say: ‘It is the turn of my family, it is turn of this war canoe house, it is turn of this Obiri, it is the turn of this and that.’

“Come to the party, and the party will tell you the war canoe house it is going to because you cannot stay there and tell the party what to do.

Come and participate in the affairs of the party,” he said.

The PDP chairman, Felix Obuah, castigated the Rivers State government for taking loans when it has barely a year to leave office.

He also said the party’s standardbearer for the 2015 polls would be based on commitment to the party and not ethnic or religious sentiment.

However, the absence of many PDP chieftains of the party at the Omoku rally has further fueled speculations that Wike’s ambition has polarised the party.

Notable among the absentees are the National Deputy Chairman, Uche Secondus; the Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo; former Governor of the state, Dr. Odili; Senator George Sekibo; former Minister of Transport, Abiye Sekibo; Senator Lee Maeba; Nimi Walson-Jack; Tonye Princewill; and the Executive Director (Finance and Administration) in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Henry Ogiri.

T would be recalled that Governor IPresident Amaechi’s disagreement with Goodluck Jonathan helped Mr. Wike to get traction in Rivers State.

His decision to rally politicians opposed to the governor around the president made him a darling of the presidency.

Political pundits have noted that the main stumbling block to Wike’s ambition is the fact that he is of the same ethnic extraction as the incumbent, Governor Amaechi.

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has been the vociferous against Wike’s desire.

MOSOP’s president, Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, said the report of Ogoni endorsement of the minister

had been mischievously used with the intent to undermine the Ogoni project 2015.

“We want to remind them that evidences abound that our people are unanimous on their desire to lead Rivers State come 2015 and we do not see how Ogoni would contemplate endorsing a non-Ogoni over the Ogoni,” Pyagbara said.

“On the occasion of this year’s ‘Ogoni Day’ celebration, our people reaffirmed this position and warned Ogoni politicians against playing second fiddle.

“The approach of these politicians and their supporters is therefore not only an attempt to frustrate and subvert the Ogoni aspiration, but also a direct confrontation against the position and collective will of the people of Ogoni nationality.

“We wish to reiterate that Ogoni cannot be put up for sale, not by any Ogoni person nor by any outsider.”

Pyagbara explained that while MOSOP is not saying that nobody or community can aspire to govern the state in 2015, “it is of the strong view that if recognition of sacrifice and contributions has to be given and the cause of justice, fairness and equity must be served, Rivers people need to support Ogoni in its bid to occupy the office of governor of the state in 2015, as Ogoni had done to other communities in previous elections.”

A former commissioner of environment and a PDP governorship aspirant, Pa Wariso Horsefall, has said the though Wike had not openly declared his ambition, “the undercurrent within the PDP has fueled the fear that he wants to succeed his kinsman.”

“Everybody knows that Celestine Omehia and Amaechi are Ikwerre and have had a fair share,” he said.

“If he (Wike) is coming out to contest for instance, there is nothing that bars him. He also has the constitutional right to do that.

“But the question is, when you live in a state that is heterogeneous, you have other ethnic nationalities, power is best rotational.”

Nonetheless, the PDP chairman, Obuah, has been scrambling to mitigate the snowballing effect of Wike’s purported endorsement.

He has pledged to give everybody, irrespective of ethnic group, age or political zone, a level playing ground to contest.

It is a long time to the PDP governorship primary. More and more people are bound to jump into the bandwagon of aspirants.

But as Wike mulls his next move, what first seemed to be a pothole on his path to the Brick House risks developing into something more troubling politically.

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

12 | Friday, May 2, 2014

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 Saving Nigeria from religion he loud but needless allegation of bias recently leveled against the leadership of the National Conference by an officer of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, brings to the fore, once again, the negative role religion has been playing in the life of the country.

There is hardly any step taken or policy formulated by government for the benefit of all Nigerians that is not subjected to the unwarranted scrutiny of religionists and their acolytes. The positions arrived at and pronouncements made, as an outcome of this religious scrutiny in several cases may be so illogical and provocative to give rise to the conclusion that they could not have been made in good faith. So to some extent, religion is a paradoxical menace to the unity, orderliness and growth of the country. Only the other day did the Muslim Ulamas lead a high powered delegation headed by no less a person than the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, to President Jonathan to kick against the composition of the conference which, according to them, had more Christian delegates than Muslim. Yet Nigeria as a nation was not founded solely on the basis of Muslim/Christian configuration such that decision – making must per force reflect or pander absolutely to the dictates or sentiments or ideal of the configuration in a way that is perfect. It is only by sheer providence that the nation has been able to survive the war of attrition and mutual distrust created by religion and fanned dutifully, selfishly and hypocritically by its leaders. had every religious leader or their followers adhered to the tenets of their religion in a way that is altruistic and shorn of worldly manipulations and content, there is no doubt that Nigeria would have been a better place for every citizen and would have been saved much of the stress and strain being witnessed today.

The unhealthy rivalry between the two dominant religions, Christianity and Islam, is so bad that the polity has on a number of occasions been subjected to undue tension and bitter acrimony. It is on record that tension generated by conflict of religious interests and beliefs have led to loss of lives and property, while otherwise peaceful communities have been reduced to rubbles. Those who live in Plateau and Kaduna States in particular can bear testimony to the evil effect of religion on peaceful coexistence. Yet, religion is supposed to be the surest guarantee of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, accommodation, understanding, cooperation, forgiveness and the attributes of give and take. It was never intended as an instrument of destruction or incitement.

What really was the grouse of the CAN official in this instance? It was the composition of the Committee on Religion, which according to him was skewed in favour of the Muslim. he was also dissatisfied that the person named as the Co- Chairman of the Committee, though a Christian and in fact a Catholic Bishop, is not a representative of CAN at the Conference. To him, the fact that he is a Christian is not enough guarantee that he will speak for or protect Christian values, which he would have done were he a direct delegate of CAN. Above all, he did not come from the north and so could not understand what Christians go through in the northern part of the country. Nothing could be more nebulous and self-defeating as this contention. Clearly and unambiguously, it stands logic on its head. Worse still, it is a veritable source of division and mutual distrust within the Christian community. Until CAN itself disclaimed the statement, it called to question its claim to being the umbrella body of all Christians in the country. Fortunately, the association quickly shed this impression by dissociating itself from a complaint of alleged marginalisation or improper representation even where a Christian is named as a member of a body.

In essence, that protest, even with CAN’s disclaimer did more damage to the body than its target – the Chairman of the Conference, Justice Legbo Kutigi-who was its victim of angry denunciation and bitter vituperations.

This is not the kind of divisive position an organization as broad-based and eminent as CAN should want to identify with particularly at this time when the nation is trying to rise above tribal and political cleavages accentuated in particular by religious bigotry and fundamentalism. In the situation such as at hand in the country, where insurgency is ravaging a part of the country, the only befitting role religion and religious leaders should be conciliatory and fence mending, never to widen existing cracks.

What could be more dishonest and self-serving than the argument that only a Christian from the north should co-chair the Committee on Religion? Did it ever occur to the protagonist of this view that this could also offend other sensibilities such as ethnic and geopolitical balancing? Geopolitical balancing is a recipe for peaceful coexistence and a desideratum in a federation.

In time past, when religious institutions and places of worship had not proliferated, Nigerians had always lived in peace and lived for one another, giving little space to religious indoctrinations in the area of common interest.

In the conduct of government business and formulation of policies, religion played little or no role. So it was in the 1993 elections that it did not matter to Nigerians what the religious beliefs of their President and Vice president were. Nigerians felt no hesitation in voting Moshood Abiola, a Muslim as their president and Babagana Kingibe, another Muslim, his deputy.

Before then, there was a Muhammadu Buhari as the head of State and Tunde Idiagbon, another Muslim, as his deputy. No issue was made of the fact that both of them were Muslims. That is how it is in saner countries of the world where religion is a private affair.

And that is what the constitution of Nigeria expects it to be. If Nigeria must have a new lease of life, religion must cease to be a defining factor or must play a less of destructive role.

Let religious adherents realise that the conference was not set up because of religion alone and would not be assessed on the basis of how its composition or deliberations conform with religious nuances or expectations. There are other areas of concern that require the attention and success of the conference but which unwarranted outbursts and raising of alarm may undermine. Religion may well be part of the problems the conference is meant to address but it can only achieve its mandate if it is not torn apart by negative religious sentiments.

Of course, this is not to say that government or government institutions must go out of their way to undermine the religious sensibilities of people. A national conference such as the one going on now cannot afford to be guilty of that. Its creation is not unconnected with the country’s desire to lay to rest existing prejudices and distrusts within the polity and feeling of marginalisation in whatever form, as a way of inspiring confidence in the strength of a diverse country. If the confab is sensitive to all areas of mutual distrust, it will earn the confidence and trust of the people, and this will certainly imbue its decisions and final recommendations with legitimacy and acceptability.

This is how, in the final analysis, a new Nigeria, which is the dream of all, will be born.

T

LETTERS

Good governance, a development tool IR: There is no single and S“good exhaustive definition of governance,” neither is there a de-limitation of its scope that commands universal acceptance. The term is used with great flexibility; this is an advantage, but also a source of some difficulty at the operational level.

Depending on the context and the overriding objective sought, good governance has been said at various times to encompass full respect of human rights, the rule of law, effective participation, multisector partnerships, political pluralism, transparent and accountable processes and institutions, an efficient and effective public sector, legitimacy, access to knowledge, information and education, political empowerment of people, equity, sustaining ability and attitudes and values that foster responsibility, solidarity and tolerance. however, there is a significant degree of consensus that good governance relates to political and institutional processes and outcomes that are deemed necessary to achieve the goals of development. It has been said that good governance is the process whereby public institutions conduct public

affairs, manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption, and with due regard for the rule of law. The true test of “good” governance is the degree to which it delivers on the promise of human

rights: civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. The key question is: are the institutions of governance effectively guaranteeing the right to health, adequate housing, sufficient food, quality education, fair justice and personal security?

• Saidu Idris, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja.

On that Glo product for locating people IR: This is a pleasant surSintroduced prise the new service recently by Globacom, called Family and Friends Finder. I first heard about it in the media last month and decided to try it out last week on the prompting of a friend. I was amazed when I found out it actually works. I activated it on my son’s line and discovered how easy it is to track the movement of the young man around Lagos by punching a few buttons on my phone. I have since activated it for other members of my household, my driver and the housekeeper.

As a flourishing transporter, the service has been very useful too in the management of my fleet. I have vehicle tracker installed on all my trucks, but then I got

regular complaints from customers that drivers sometimes loitered away from their assigned vehicles while waiting to load goods. With this service, I have been able to check the movement of the drivers and called them to order. This has enabled us to satisfy our customers better.

Again, this is one service from the telcos that I think is very thoughtful and particularly timely. At a time that the security situation is becoming increasingly volatile, this service has provided a level of comfort and peace of mind for me to know where my loved ones are at any given time.

The telecom industry may have many products and services, but this one shows that some of the telcos are responding to the needs of the society they serve.

• Folashade Oguntimehin (Mrs), Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 2, 2014 13

Opinion Boko Haram’s agony of the Kanuris

By Eric Teniola HE Kanuris under the platform of Borno, Yobe T Peoples Forum recently addressed the media and lamented on the situation in the Kingdom of El-Kanemi and what they are experiencing under the cloud of the Boko Haran war in the northeast.

They alleged that the Nigerian Presidency, the imperial Presidency, the czar, is not addressing, enough, the suffering, mystery and the dolour of the Kanuris.

The spokesman of that Platform was Air Marshall (rtd.) Al Amin Daggash. Present at the conference were Alhaji Shettima Mustapha and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe. Also present was Alhaji Adamu Ciroma who is from the Bolewa tribe.

If you love your roots and you grow up in a friendly neighbourhood, nothing could be more painful and sad than to hear or read about how your people are being displaced by a senseless war, though not the making of their own.

Martin Luther wrote: “War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity; it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it”, while Pope John Paul II pleaded, “war should belong to the tragic past, in history. It should find no place on humanity’s agenda for the future.”

Although these gentlemen now live in Abuja permanently, I am sure they have a way of knowing what is happening presently to their brothers and sisters in the El-Kanemi Kingdom. Never have the Kanuris experienced the kind of agony, which they are going through now. We can’t dismiss the claim of these gentlemen as frivolous. They should know where the shoe pinches. For All their years in the public service they are not known for frivolity, flippancy or volatility. Definitely something frightful and horrific is taking place in the El-Kanemi Kingdom right now.

These men are not ordinary Nigerians. Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe spent his entire life in the public service and crowned it with his appointment as secretary to the government of the federation. Alhaji Mustapha Shettima was former minister of Defence.

Alhaji Adamu Ciroma has spent more than fifty

years serving Nigeria, from the editorship of New Nigeria, governor of the Central Bank, first secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), minister of Agriculture and minister of Finance.

As for the Daggash family, their service to the ElKanemi Kingdom and the nation has been striking and remarkable. The patriarch of the family, Alhaji Musa Daggash, a former forester had his education at Oxford University in England between 1950-1951, University of Manchester, England, 1960-1961, joined Department of Forestry, 1958-1959, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Power, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, retired, 1969, later chairman, Defence Industries Corporation, general manager, Chad Basin Development Authority, member, Constituent Assembly, 1977-1978, commissioner, Local Government Service Board, Borno State, 1978, national honour: Officer of the Federal Republic. Throughout his career in the public service he was a detribalised Nigerian and till he died, his best friend was Chief Matthew Amusan Tiamiyu, the Apena of Iperu in Ogun State. His late wife Hajia Aishatu Laraba Daggash (1934-2010) was matron of School of Nursing in Kaduna. During the era of Chief Ernest Shonekan, she was the minister of state in the Ministry of Health. Her son, Senator Muhammed Sanusi Daggash was minister of state for housing and also served as minister of National Planning. As for Air Marshal Daggash, the eldest of the Daggash family now, he joined the Air force at an early age for service and throughout his career in the Air Force, he was acknowledged as a brilliant officer.

Air Marshal Al-Amin Daggash retired as Chief of Defence Staff in 1999. In the Government gazette 179 volume 85 of December 1998, he was given a GCON along with Lt. Gen. Bamaiyi, Vice- Admiral J.O. Ayinla, the chief Naval Staff, Air Marshal N.E. Eduok, Chief of Air Staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, former inspector General of Police, Alhaji Gidado Idris, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, former Vice-Presi-

dent, Rear-Admiral A.A. Madueke, Mr. Allison Ayida, Chief Olu Falae, late Dr. Nwafor Orizu, amongst others.

Those who spoke to the media on behalf of the Kanuris to me are highly responsible. The Kanuris are never short of producing great leaders.

These include Sir. Kashim Ibrahim (1910-1990) the first Nigerian governor of Northern region, Bunu Sheriff, an engineer; Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, former governor of Borno State, late Alhaji Kam Salem, former inspector general of police, Zanna Bukar Suloma Dipcharima, former minister of transport in the first Republic, Waziri Ibrahim, Shettima Alli Mungonu, Major General (rtd.) Abba Kyari, Alhaji Abba Habeeb, Alhaji Muhaamed Goni, late Brig. Zakariya Maimalari, late Col. Kur Mohammed, late Lt. Col. Abogo Largema, Hajiya Ammuna Ali, Alhaji Goni Aji, present head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Baba-Kura Kaigama, Dr. Buka Shaib, Prof. Nuhu Alkali, Ibrahim Iman and the former Military Ruler, General Sani Abacha, among others. Even in the Niger Republic, the former Prime Minister of that country Mamane Oumarou and the former President of Niger, Tandja Mamadou are both Kanuris.

The Kanuri people are an African ethnic group living largely in the lands of the former ElKanemi and Bornu empires, Borno and Yobe states in northeast Nigeria, southeast Niger Republic, western Chad and northern Cameroon.

Some of them also live in Libya and Sudan and they are predominantly Sunni Muslims.

Kanuri became Muslims in the 11th century. ElKanemi Empire became a centre of Muslim learning and the Kanuri soon controlled all the area surrounding Lake Chad and the powerful empire reached its height in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when they ruled much of Middle Africa. The Bolewa tribe where the Ciromas come from in Yobe State are part of the old El-Kanemi Empire; so also is the Shuwa tribe where late Major General Mohammed Shuwa came from.

During the Scramble for Africa in the 19th century, the Kanuris were divided under the rule of the British, French and German Africa empires.

The Shehu of Borno still maintains a ceremonial rule of the Kanuri people, based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, but acknowledged by the five million Kanuris in neighbouring countries. The Shehu (“Sheikh”) of Borno draws his authority from a state founded before 1000 CE, the Kanem-Borno Empire. The current ruling line, the Al-Kanemi dynasty, dates to the accession of Muhammed Al-Amin Al-Kanemi in the early 19th century, displacing the Sayfawa dynasty, which had ruled around 1300CE. The 19th Shehu of Borno, Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi, died in February 2009 and was succeeded by the present Shehu, Alhaji Kyari Garbai.

Today the Kanuris are in bad shape and the ElKanemi Kingdom is almost in ruins ravaged by the Boko Haram war. Even Lake Chad, which the Kanuris regard as their best gift from God is drying up fast.

The best among the Kanuris are now taking refuge, holed in their homes in Abuja sneaking out in the night with body guards, very much unsure of what will happen to them and living in perpetual fear.

Worse still the economy of the El-Kanemi Kingdom is almost in total kaput. The economy has been rewinded by over 50years.

For those who have once lived in Maiduguri and Damaturu and for those of us who have visited those two cities, we feel today the pain of the Kanuris. Imagine places like Bunguda, Yusufari, Kurawa, Tarmua, Gujba, Jere, Mafa, Kaga, Biu, Damboa, Bama, Dikwa and other towns are no longer safe either to visit or to work. Today there are more tears than joy in the El-Kanemi Kingdom. It’s sad, very sad indeed.

But in spite of the gloomy situation, I believe the Kanuris and the El-Kanemi Kingdom will rise again.

The Kanuris are brave warriors, very proud people.

They have never been conquered before. Even the conquering Fulanis never subdued the Kanuris.

The Boko Haram war can never last forever. No war has ever lasted forever. Never. Something tells me the Kanuris will regain their lost glory very soon.

There is a grave reason for fear now but there is a possibility tomorrow of a good solution to make hope not irrational. And it is on this hope that we must act.

• Teniola, a former director at the Presidency, stays in Lagos.

To resolve crisis in the North

By Anthony Ezeifedi HAT prompted me to write this little piece was the lamentaW tion of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) as reported in the Punch Newspaper of March 17, 2014 as follows: “The Pan-Northern socio-political organization, Arewa Consultative Forum, on Monday, expressed concern over the increasing attacks by gunmen on the people of the region and called on the Federal Government to investigate an alleged external influence.

National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Muhammad Ibrahim, said in a statement in Kaduna on Monday that investigating external influence in the ongoing attacks on the region became necessary in view of the sophisticated weapons being used by the attackers…

“The northern body said it was again shocked by the gruesome killing of more than 100 innocent people and destruction of their property in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State on March 15.”

I would like the ACF to ponder over this short extract from Emeka Ojukwu’s Ahiara Declaration during the civil war: “The Biafran struggle is, on another plane, a resistance to the Arab-Muslim expansionism which has menaced and ravaged the African continent for twelve centuries. As early as the first quarter of the seventh century, the Arabs, a people from the neareast, evolved Islam not just as a religion but also as a cover for their insatiable territorial ambitions. By the tenth century they had overrun and occupied, among other places, Egypt and North Africa. Had they stopped there, we would not today be faced with the wicked and unholy collusion we are fighting against. On the contrary, they cast their hungry and envious eyes across the Sahara on to the land of the Negroes…” Ojukwu wrote this as far back as 50 years ago but it sounds as if he was describing the Africa of today: think of Somalia, Mali, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan and so on. He wrote from the vantage position of an accomplished historian. The Gowons, Danjumas, Usenis and even the Obasanjos did not understand what Ojukwu was saying. By now, many of the so-called heroes of the civil war will realise that they were fighting a blind war although some of them ended up fighting for their pockets. They were pointing their guns in the wrong direction. It is now they are seeing the real enemies of Nigeria. Some will argue that they were fighting for Nigeria’s unity but how united have we been since the bloodiest war in the history of Africa?

One simple question I will put to the “heroes” is: can General Gowon, as of today, walk around freely on the streets of Jos, his home capital? Can T. Y. Danjuma, today, walk around freely on the streets of Yola? Can David Mark walk around freely on the streets of Makurdi? The people I have mentioned and others always claim to

be “heroes” of the civil war.

This brings me to what Eça de Queiros, a Portuguese writer, said about winning wars and the emptiness of heroism. He said that nobody ever won a war. After repeated British incursions into Afghanistan in the nineteenth century, he wrote: “And what is eventually left after so much blood and agony and mourning? A patriotic song, an idiotic engraving in a few dining rooms, later on a line of prose in a page of some chronicle…

A consoling philosophy of wars!

In the meantime England enjoys the prestige of ‘the great victory of Afghanistan’ for a short while – certain of having to begin once more in ten or fifteen years, because they can neither conquer and annex a vast kingdom, as large as France, nor allow the existence of a few million hostile fanatics at their side. Their policy, therefore, is to weaken them periodically with a devastating invasion: such violence is required of a great Empire. Far better to possess only a little garden with a cow for milk and a couple of lettuces for summer snacks…”

The best one can get in a war is a pyrric victory. According to him, in every war, everybody is a loser. Sometimes, however, loss in wars has propelled nations into great prosperity like in case of Japan and Germany. Even the resurgence of Igbos after the civil war has stunned the whole world. The so-called heroes won the war in Nigeria but did they win the peace? Did they win the security of lives and property? Did they win the trust?

A French writer, Andre Malraux, in his book, La Condition Humaine translated: The Human Fate, mocked the claim of victory and hollow heroism by the Allied Forces when he looked at the devastation Europe and the loss of 60 million lives during the Second World War. He declared that victory and heroism were empty terminologies.

In addition, it was the fear of another world war that led to the arms race between the Western and Eastern blocks. Nobody wanted to be at the receiving end of another world war. The enormous cost of financing the arms race led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. It also affected the Western nations because a lot of resources that should have gone into human development went to the development and manufacture of frightening weapons of mass destruction. The United States “won” the war in Iraq, which was mainly to remove Saddam Husseini but lost 4000 young Americans soldiers and spent hundreds of billions of dollars. Meanwhile, Iraq is gradually sliding back to violence and bloodshed.

Where is the victory? Also perhaps, if there were no invasion of Iraq by the United States, Osama Bin Laden would not have been provoked to plan 9/11 tragedy in which 3000 persons perished.

In the case of Nigeria, how can somebody claim to be a hero in a war that consumed two million children and hundreds of thousands of young men who fought on both sides of the war? Bakassi

peninsular and its people were traded away to “win” the war and Bakassi indigenes became refugees for life and their children after them. Where is the victory?

Coming back to our discussion, my own understanding is that the law of Karma has caught the north: what you sow is what you reap. The north has shed so much innocent blood in Nigeria, in the last fifty years. Every drop of innocent blood shed with impunity cries to high heavens for justice. The list of the victims of the north’s reign of terror in Nigeria is endless: victims of the 1966/67 pogrom in Northern Nigeria which was planned and executed by serving military officers with the tacit approval of the northern elite while Gowon, the then Head of State, looked the other way. Thousands of easterners were butchered along the streets of Kano, Kaduna and other northern cities. That was the nascent Boko Haram in action.

Thereafter, many northerners would like to pretend that it never happened; victims of Maitasine riots in the eighties, two young Nigerians murdered by General Muhamadu Buhari under a drug law that never existed, Gideon Akaluka who was beheaded in Kano and his head taken round Kano City in broad daylight and nobody was apprehended for murder, Dele Giwa who was brutally murdered with a letter bomb, Chief Alfred Rewane, an activist, who was murdered in cold blood in his bedroom during the dark days of Abacha, Ken Saro Wiwa and eight other Ogonis who were brutally hanged by General Abacha for agitating for a cleaner environment and a fairer share of the resources coming from the oil-rich Niger Delta, victims of Sharia riots in Kaduna, victims of Boko Haram attacks and other disturbances not mentioned here.

The spirits of these innocent Nigerians are crying for justice. The north has murdered sleep and will sleep no more. The solution to the north’s present problems is neither political nor military. It is spiritual. First, northerners must confess that they have terrorised the rest of the country in the last fifty years.

Secondly, the north must ask for forgiveness. Thirdly and most importantly, the north must make atonement and restitution to the victims or families of the victims of their brutality. General Gowon should lead this restitution movement. Instead of organising prayers for Nigeria, he should start organising compensation and rehabilitation for the victims or the families of the victims of northern atrocities. It is a known fact that the reign of the military in Nigeria offered many northern generals easy access to our national treasury and today, many northern generals and their associates are billionaires. Such billionaires should be involved in the restitution-and-appeasement process.

My views may sound absurd or strange or even ridiculous to a lot of people but the truth is that no one can escape that Law of Karma.

The north has sown bloodshed and it is reaping bloodshed. A word is enough for the wise.

• Ezeifedi wrote from Lagos.

14 Friday, May 2, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Opinion Prayer and the prosperity hustle (1)

By G.A. Akinola …the desperate appeal which human weakness has made to prayer …in the hope of thereby bending nature to greater sympathy with human necessities, is a pathetic spectacle…

(Santayana, Reason in Religion Collier Bks N.Y. 1962 p.187) CCORDING to popular belief in Nigeria, prayA ing is the ultimate, or indeed the prime, solution to all human problems, including the country’s lingering crisis. Not surprisingly, this idea that socio-economic stability can be conjured with prayers has somehow become a mental handicap against thinking out strategies for nation building. And, whereas democratisation policies for addressing the “national question” are disfavoured by the ruling oligarchy, enthusiastic support is afforded the current evangelical crusade for national salvation through praying rituals. Since this crusade began some four decades ago, invocation of divine intervention in the country’s affairs has virtually become a substitute for governance. Yet, the country, instead of waxing prosperous, has seen worsening poverty and social instability.

But the presumptions about the power of prayers in matters that call for commitment to good governance remain unquestioned. Moreover, the peddling of cure-all prayers has become a hustle for making easy money the way indulgences were sold in Christendom before the Reformation. Even so, these excesses seldom evoke informed comment, let alone official regulation, if not oversight by the religious establishment itself. Rather, the political/clerical/intellectual oligarchy continues in the pious belief that the surest safeguard against the country’s collapse under the weight of its man-made tribulations is more and more prayers.

Nigerian streets have for long been infested by beggars. However, following the economic downturn, and with the Pentecostal explosion, dis/able-bodied praying mendicants have become very common. Some of these roam around market stalls, sponging on traders. Others survive as freelance emergency pastors counselling the faithful, and conducting prayers/naming ceremonies. From the tithes and other dues regularly harvested by the established churches, to the new possibilities of making a frugal living by praying, as demonstrated by itinerant clerics, it has been but a logical step to the development of praying as a commercial enterprise on an industrial scale. This has been the achievement of charismatic preachers who have effected a privatisation of new churches and mosques, including these institutions’ landed estates and properties, businesses, schools and “universi-

ties”. It was these same entrepreneurs who popularised and raised the profile of religious revivals, crusades and prayer vigils, while customising “power” services and prayer carnivals for special purposes in town squares or vast open spaces, auditoriums, or university campuses.

In order to do justice to the praying industry’s claims to being a salvationist crusade, it is necessary to elucidate what praying is in essence, including whether the act of praying (“in faith”), by itself, can make requests and supplications addressed to God to materialise. Praying, either privately or in groups or congregations, including the simultaneous babel-like affairs characteristic of the Aladura, could be a form of meditation or psychotherapy. However, those who market prayers, and the faithful who resort to them, do so for far more arcane reasons - namely, that there is a supernatural power somewhere which monitors prayers and deals with the requests therein with incomparable benevolence. Although the act of praying itself is usually a simple ritual, the gravity of what praying is often expected to deliver, and the mystery about how this is done makes praying to appear, more or less, like some form of magic. Surely, faith in prayerguaranteed Pentecostal breakthroughs (often without hard work or as much as buying a ticket to a lottery) is not dissimilar to faith in magicians’ ability to conjure money, without asking whether such money would develop wings from the mint, some bank, or private safes.

Right from his primitive origins, man has always sought accommodation with the physical world through the supernatural, which is considered usually capricious, uncaring and vengeful, but occasionally benevolent. Hence the development of customary rites of supplication, appeasement and sacrifice, as well as the invocation of protection favours, and blessings, all directed towards a host of deities.

Alongside these gods there arose the first clerics – a class of clairvoyants, mystics, and diviners claiming the ability to interpret the disposition of the supernatural and how to make the gods serve the aspirations of men.

It is through the spiritual leadership of these mystics and soothsayers that the concept of the gods and of the supernatural radically evolved to that of one supreme God of all creation. This idea, which probably originated in the Semitic world is, however, found in most cultures. One of its concomitants is the notion of a god who has all powers to do whatever he pleases, even if this would involve interfering with the course of the natural world which, according to the laws of physics, is immutable.

The rise of the monotheistic concept, did not,

unfortunately, illuminate the mystery of how God’s favours in response to prayers materialise. After all, praying often involves asking for God’s intervention in matters that call for manipulation of natural processes, e.g. raising the dead, or curing a patient with a terminally damaged heart. This mystery of how God’s putative miraculous answers to prayers work would seem to have inspired in Nigeria all sorts of weird and fanciful/fraudulent claims to miraculous cures in response to prayers. It has also contributed to making the seemingly benevolent praying enterprise an insidious business, with disguised, though veritable, dangers to society, as will be seen presently.

The arcane power of prayers itself is supposedly often, though not always, transmitted through, and exercised by, a coterie of prayer peddlers.

These range from the itinerant mendicant to the freelance “prayer warrior” or pastor, and the private jet/yacht-owning “man-of-God” celebrity. It is the latter who sometimes conducts the state house breakfast prayers, and undertakes “deliverance” rituals at our leading “universities”. That these princes of the church move in the circles of the potentates of earthly kingdoms does not necessarily discount their “powers” to invoke miraculous solutions to problems by prayers. The question is: regardless of what people are called upon to believe, could anyone at all have such powers?

Of course there are always references to sacred scriptures as guide to the source of these powers. Precedents are cited from Semitic/Christian mythologies and the life and teaching of Jesus.

People are then invited to put on the garb of the faithful, to accept the scriptures literally, and to assume the mentality and prescientific worldview of over two millennia ago. Thus fortified by faith, one’s prayers, it is affirmed, are bound to be answered. Obviously, not everybody can attain this degree of intellectual regression/selfdeception and humbug, although many can go along with the pretence. Either way, when the magic solution fails to materialise, the hapless supplicant invariably gets blamed for lack of faith. The possibility that praying won’t interfere with the established course of the natural world is practically discounted. After all, the odd coincidences can always be passed off as “testimony” of the power of prayers!

The point is that the thinking about prayers in the modern world, outside the scripturethumping outposts of religious fundamentalism, has transcended the dogmas of religious doctrines. Thus, there are such crucial issues as the psychology of praying, the philosophical and scientific implications of the advertised efficacy of prayers, and the prescientific worldview that seldom questioned beliefs relating to the supernatural/miraculous. For example, it is

not an idle or blasphemous inference, going by astrophysics, to say that the world cannot be an object of capricious manipulation, even by a God conceived as the Almighty author of the cosmos.

Praying obviously harks back to one of man’s primitive rituals for invoking success with the magic of incantations (e.g. Yoruba ogede), formulas, and coded language. Used during the hunt or festivals, it became formalised into liturgies. After centuries, these liturgies and the hymns developed along with them, became incorporated into the modes of worship as in Christian Europe. All this time, belief in miraculous intervention/intercession as a valid basis of knowledge was seldom questioned. It was in fact not until the 17th Century that systematic scientific inquiry shorn of superstition, more or less, became the principal basis of formulating knowledge. Thus, today, in the West and parts of the Orient, stories of miracles in sacred scriptures are treated with due circumspection. For it is known that accounts of miracles in the Gospels are not conventional historical records. After all, these Gospels were compiled from oral traditions centuries after the events to propagate a faith. The contents of the traditions, too, are a reflection of the worldview of an age when miracles were so common they were practically a “natural” phenomenon. Finally, most advanced societies now accept these and similar stories from sacred scriptures as allegories conveying religious truth in contrast to scientific truth about the natural world. Praying for miracles, then, ultimately, is wish-making which, as the adage insists, won’t translate (without a sound ethic) into horses that beggars could ride.

But this may sound blasphemous to believers who, in expectation of “breakthroughs”, and as token of faith in sacred doctrines, are inclined to sow their fields and stock their barns and warehouses with prayers.

This discourse, so far, may be summarised as follows: There is no denying the possibility that praying might serve as emotional/psychological balm, apart from acting as spur to positive action. However, nobody acquainted with the history of Christendom would attribute Western civilisation (in spite of its having been inspired by Christian values) to praying in the neo-Christian, Nigerian fashion. Nor can the Jewish people’s legendary survival over the millennia be credited to a perversion of the praying ritual into magic. Thus praying, by its nature and essence, won’t automatically usher in universal prosperity, least of all in a moribund economy. Nor peace and stability where the rulers themselves abuse their office to plunder the treasury, and to undermine the institutions that uphold justice as well as law and order, while pursuing policies and courses that promote conflict and instability.

To be continued.

G. A. Akinola wrote from New Bodija, Ibadan.

INEC and challenges of 2015 elections

By Chinwe Ogbuka INCE the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Selections released the timetable for the 2015 and those of governorship in Ekiti and Osun states, the readiness or otherwise of the Commission to conduct the 2015 general elections has come into public discourse. It is against this background that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega has been invited by certain organisations/groups (among them the media), which see the election as a determinant to the existence of the entity called Nigeria, to speak on what INEC is doing towards 2015 elections.

Prof. Jega explained these in detail, part of which was on the innovation the Commission has put in place to ensure it has a credible voter register, which is very critical in having credible elections, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and other measures to secure the electoral materials and other fundamental changes aimed at reforming the electoral process.

In a lecture, “Building Credible Electoral Process for Democratic Sustainability” the chairman explained that the immediate objective of his team on assumption of office in 2010 was to restore credibility to electoral process based on the fact that quality of Nigeria’s elections was progressively declining, adding that “Our goal for 2015 is not just to make the elections much better than 2011, but also in compliance with global best standards.”

Some of the electoral reform measures introduced by the Commission prior to 2011 general elections, which brought about the improvement in the election include but not limited to production of a new Biometric Register of voters, introduction of a remodified open ballot system, improved security features on sensitive electoral materials such as serial numbering and

colour- coding of ballot papers, result sheets as well as security coding of ballot boxes, enhanced voter education and citizens engagement, more transparent procedures on Election Day, including pasting of results at polling units and collation centre, and creation of the Inter-Agencies Consultative Committee on Election Security to ensure coordinated engagement of all security agencies during election periods.

Prof. Jega enumerated some of its plans and programme of activities to achieve its goal. These include among others a strategic Plan (2012-2016), which is a detailed Election Project Plan (EPP)- the implementation of which will ensure seamless execution of specific tasks leading to the 2015 elections, comprehensive re-organisation and restructuring of the Commission, consolidation and de-duplication of the biometric register of voters has been completed, the register has tremendous integrity and compares favourably with the best register of voters on the African continent, continuous voter registration to be carried out nationwide to get all eligible voters on electronic register before 2015 elections and the Commission will not use Addendum register for elections again, issuance of chip-based permanent voters cards, which will be swiped with card readers in the 2015 elections to ensure 100 percent verification and authentication of voters, a communication policy/strategy designed to improve both internal and external communication by the Commission, and an electoral risk management tool will be deployed ahead of the 2015 elections to enable the Commission gather information about risk factors associated with elections.

However, INEC alone cannot bring about free, fair and peaceful election without the support of all other stakeholders. There are challenges ahead of the 2015 elections, which the chairman

never pretended about as he spoke at the forum. The challenges, though not insurmountable are security, funding, attitude of the political class described as key challenge confronting the electoral system, which is of great concern to the Commission. This is so because even if the management of elections meets the highest standards, as far as the contestants do not play by the rules, there is definitely going to be problems.

Other residual challenges that can affect the general elections are pending amendment to the Constitution and the Electoral Act, Review of Electoral Constituencies and polling units and prosecution of Election offenders. Jega emphasized that it was not a task for INEC alone all stakeholders have important roles to play. The Commission is factoring the lessons it learnt in previous elections into preparations for 2015. Some of those lessons according to the chairman are that good elections require adequate and timely planning, that good elections are about effective partnerships and cooperation with relevant agencies, that good elections are about openness, that is to be open to new ideas that support creativity and be open to stakeholders, and that getting our elections right is work in progress, hence the Commission commenced preparations for 2015 general elections immediately after the 2011 elections.

Judging by the measures the Commission is putting in place and the zeal with which the Commission is preparing for the 2015 general elections; and if other stakeholders especially the political class and the electorate play their parts, 2015 will no doubt see Nigeria take her place in the global order of nations where electoral democracy has come of age.

• Ogbuka is chief information officer, INEC Headquarters.

Friday, May 2, 2014 15

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TheMetroSection Scenes from Workers’ Day celebration...yesterday

PHOTOS: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

Workers’ Day: Kogi teachers protest non-payment of salaries From John Akubo, Lokoja

month salary arrears owed by the government.

ARELY two weeks after The teachers recently took Kogi State Governor, to the streets over non-payCaptain Idris Wada (rtd.) ex- ment of February and pressed disappointment March salaries as well as over the activities of the leave allowances for three members of State Universal years running.

Basic Education Board, The protesting teachers (SUBEB) in the state, teachcame to the venue with ers drawn from various placards bearing inscriplocal councils of the state tions such as: ‘Teachers are yesterday stormed the May like candles burning themDay ground in Lokoja, deselves to light others, no manding for their threeteacher no nation, teachers

B

The protesting teachers...yesterday

are nation builders respect them.’

Other inscriptions on the placards read: “Your Excellency, primary school teachers are dying, save us, primary school education is the foundation of education, don’t let SUBEB destroy it. Your Excellency, reorganize SUBEB now, we teach you, don’t cheat us.”

One of the teachers, who gave his name as Ben Ogirima, said he was ready to die if the board refused to tell him why his salaries were not paid since November l.

It would be recalled that the state governor, Captain Idris Wada, had in a remark during a public function in Government House, Lokoja, threatened to sack the entire board of SUBEB for its lack of performance, which has led to the delay in payment of salaries of teachers.

“I am disappointed with the non- performance of the Chairman and members of SUBEB and very soon, I will restructure the board to give room for improved services in handling the affairs of primary school teachers in the state,” Captain Wada lamented.

Photo

May Day Fire: A diesel truck burst into flames on Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1 . Though no life was lost but many cars were destroyed

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16 Friday, May 2, 2014

Briefs Swansea varsity seeks Nigerian scholars

Celebrating friendship, culture...

N official delegation from • Tourism Ministry partners Ufuk Foundation to mark Nigerian – Turkish Festival in Abuja A Swansea University, one of the top universities in the United Kingdom, is in Nigeria for the education fairs in various cities between April 28 and May 10, 2014. A statement from the university described the visit as a “perfect opportunity to meet and speak to talented students who wish to study in the United Kingdom(U.K.), because we recognize the high calibre of Nigerian students choosing to study with us.

Swansea University offers opportunities for world class learning and we are glad to be able to help train Nigerian students to become future leaders”.

The Swansea delegation is led by a Senior Lecturer, Dr. Andrew Iwobi from the College of Law. Dr Iwobi will be meeting law graduates at UKEAS Education Fair in Abuja and potential LLM offer holders are encouraged to see him for more advice.

Swansea University Regional Manager, Elo Vivian Odede, will also be attending UKEAS, KOT and ESCC Education fairs at Port Harcourt, Accra, Calabar and Lagos where she would be spreading the Swansea gospel.

Swansea University is based in the U.K. and it is currently ranked as a top 50 university. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and the 2014 QS World University Rankings

by Subject show that Swansea University has maintained its top global 200 spot in a number of subjects, including Law and Legal Studies, Engineering (Civil, Structural and Mechanical), as well as English Language and Literature for the first time. The university can also be contacted at nige-

Lagosians complain of scarcity of lower denominations Naira notes RADERS in Lagos have apT pealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to ease their transactions with customers by injecting adequate lower denomination Naira notes into the system.

The traders, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, said dearth of lower Naira notes was affecting the volume of their business activities.

A stall owner at Ayobo Market, Ayisat Bello said that the major problem she had been facing in the last three months was dearth of lower denomination notes.

Church holds raffle draw HE Eternal Sacred Order of T the Cherubim & Seraphim’s maiden edition raffle draw was held last Sunday at the new church auditorium, No. 18, Ogunji Street, Ilupeju Estate, Lagos.

The programme began in 2011 with lottery tickets sold to members of the church community of Ilupeju, Oshodi, Onipanu, Palmgrove, Fadeyi, Jibowu, Yaba among others.

Speaking after the event, the Senior Apostle Solomon Agba on behalf of the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Apostle Charles Omozane, said a four- door Wine Colour Honda Accord Car was won by an 85-year-old Ahmed Hassan, of Salami Street, Oshodi, Lagos.

The event also witnessed the foundation laying ceremony of the new cathedral at Ilupeju, Lagos.

A cross-section of participants at the event From Oludare Richards, Abuja

T was a day of multicultural interItween activity at Abuja on Saturday beNigerian and Turkish

communities at the “Fourth Nigerian Turkish Friendship and Cultural Festival”. The event, which was organized by the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in collaboration with Ufuk Dialogue Foundation, was held with fulfilled promises of memorable success at Nigerian Turkish Nile University campus, Abuja.

The projection of cultural heritage of both countries was definite in the festival featuring colorful displays of folkdance, traditional and cultural renditions and entertainment

from both countries in an intercultural exchange of performances and impressions.

The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke gave congratulatory remarks at the event, saying: “The Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation has fond memories of this festival, which has consistently served as a major platform to present the warm and excellent relationship between our two countries”.

He expressed his fascination for the ideals of Fethullah Gulen; ‘an inspirational thinker, leader’ who has been behind numerous noble activities, which the Turkish community in Nigeria has

come to be positively identified with.

“All over the world, Fethullah Gulen has become a voice of peace, dialogue and a source of inspiration for hearts and minds of the wonderful Turkish people and their kindred all over the world. The global awareness he has created, is not only commendable but also worthy of emulation by all”.

He also at the occasion commended Ufuk Dialogue Foundation; organizers of the event for their principle stance in organising various events that have contributed in raising the value of humanity and community.

“I share and embrace the call on all of us to become marketers and advocates of dialogue. “We all must become channels to communicate and understand others”.

The president of the Ufuk Dialogue foundation, Oguzhan Dirican expressed his happiness for the turnout of participants at the festival, which included the Oba Yoruba of Abuja, Eze Igbo of Lugbe, Emir of Jiva, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community. He encouraged involvements of everyone present in the rich culinary experience of Turkish delicacies, Turkish art pieces, materials and products.

He also encouraged relativity and healthy interactions between the attendants describing Turkish people as very friendly people; “We are here not only to enjoy the food but to also establish bridges between Nigerian and Turkish people”.

“We understand each other, we coordinate and work together. Under-

standing, dialogue, respect, culture of co-existence is richness for all.

We work for these values we believe in hoping it will attain world coverage as it is in this gathering now”, said Oguzhan.

The gathering, a celebration of cultural heritages and traditional values between the outstanding people of Nigeria and Turkey was rich with festivities, interactions and exhibitions. Turkish dancers thrilled the audience with their native dances and displays in native attires and indigenous costumes as well as their Nigerian counterparts.

The Yorubas ventured on stage with thrilling renditions of words with the famous talking drums and traditional dances with a special talking drum rendition of popular English rhymes in an effort to prove that the language of the talking drum goes beyond the indigenous language of the drum itself. Turkish students from the Nigerian Turkish Nile University and International schools also participated with performances of Nigerian traditional in Igbo, Hausa and other creative renditions.

The highlight of the event for the students and youths in participation, perhaps, was the special feature of ace comedian Basket mouth who performed in the hall of the university. Basketmouth also advised the students to shun all vices of indiscipline and reckless behavior including smoking, drinking, cultism and gangsterism.

Magistrate’s Court advises church to settle 30-year-old dispute From Anietie Akpan, Calabar CHIEF Magistrate’s Court in A Calabar presided over by Chief Magistrate Adomi has directed the Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church (MZLHFGC) Calabar, Cross River State to reconcile its 30year-old dispute out of court.

The church has been in crisis following the decision of Bishop Paul Augustine Akpan to make himself president of the church whereas the president duly installed by the elders, Bishop Okon Anam was still in office.

Following the displacement of Anam as the president of the church, Akpan was sued in suit number MC/336C/11 by the police but given the weight of evidence against him, Akpan

opted for out of court settlement which he was obliged.

He was standing trial on a two-count charge of not remitting church money to the legitimate coffers, and converting ‘’part of the parcel of land known as N0. 29, Mount Zion Road, Calabar in the Calabar Magisterial District, property of MZLHFGC Inc to your personal use by building lock-up shops using your position as president of the church and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 434 [1] of the criminal code Law Cap C16 Vol.3 Laws of Cross River State of Nigeria 2004’’.

Akpan had through his lawyer prayed the court to allow all parties to the dispute to settle the matter outside the law court as the lingering litiga-

tion was not doing any good to the image of the church especially as the crisis in the fold had assumed ethnic dimension pitting the Ibibios against the Annangs all of Akwa Ibom State and that state versus Cross River.

The founder of the church, who is now late, was an Ibibio man. The next in command was an Annang man but the Ibibios opposed his ascendancy and the church has since remained factionalised.

An interested party, Apostle A. M. Archibong of 9, Inyang Street Calabar South had in March 2011 complained to the Zone 6 Command of the Nigerian Police Force that ‘’Bishop Akpan became president in 2002 when he was not yet a registered trustee in line with

mission constitution and that his presidency was challenged by the registered trustees’’.

In his statement to the police contained in the Nigeria Police Statement of Witness form, Archibong made so many allegations against Bishop Akpan adding that ‘’on 23rd January, 2009, he was removed from office as president by order of court in suit N0. FHC/25/2009’’.

Peace may return to MZLHFGC this weekend following a meeting convened by Akpan but elders of the church who constitute the ruling council have given conditions which Bishop Akpan must fulfil before peace returns and is forgiven.

The elders want Akpan to resign as president of the church given that he is over 70 years of

age and that since he installed himself president in a palace coup arrangement, his action has brought shame and disgrace to the entire church and should therefore leave the scene quietly.

The church has been in crisis following the decision of Bishop Paul Augustine Akpan to make himself president of the church whereas the president duly installed by the elders, Bishop Okon Anam was still in office

Family’s longing for own car finds fulfillment in Dettol reward promo Mrs. Ntosi was one of the prompted them to play the raise consumers’ awareknowledge of the brand OR members of Ntosi over 700,000consumers quiz. Mrs. Ntosi demonness of the reduction in the Dettol. During the camFowning family from Abia State, that participated in the Detstrated good knowledge of price of Dettol soap from paign, approximately 320 a car of their own has always been a long dream. The nuclear family is made up of the father, mother and two boys while a new addition to the family is due in the next few weeks.

Mobility is, therefore, one of the needs on the priority list of the Ntosis.

That dream finally became a reality a few days ago as the Ntosi not only joined the class of proud car owners, they got a brand new Kia Rio without paying a kobo for it courtesy of Dettol, the flagship anti-germs protection soap from the stables of Reckitt Benckiser.

The harbinger of the fortune was the mother of the house, Mrs. Doyin Rebecca Ntosi. She emerged winner of the grand prize of a car in the month-long Dettol Price Awareness Mobile Activation (PAMA) Campaign. The campaign was launched to

N120 to N100 and to reinforce the brand’s market leadership in the health and hygiene segment.

A caterer by profession,

tol mobile quiz, an interactive SMS-based game purposely designed to gauge their awareness of the price change and

The winner’s husband, Mr. Kingsley Ntosi after receiving the car

million Short Message Services (SMS) were sent to over 40 million MTN subscribers to inform them of the price change. The messages also

the brand in her answers to the questions posed in the quiz. At the end of the day she came tops.

Thus as part of activities to wrap up the PAMA campaign, a presentation ceremony took place in Lagos where the grand prize, a brand new Kia Rio car was handed over to her. Represented by her husband, Mr. Kingsley Ntosi, the highly excited family said the day was significant in their life because it was the first car to be owned by the family. ‘‘We are excited. She has been expectant, and we thank God it has come. I thank God and everybody for this, it’s great and our joy knows no bounds,’’ the husband said.

The lucky woman also expressed gratitude to Dettol and Reckitt Benckiser for rewarding consumers and for fulfilling their promise.

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Friday, May 2, 2014 BUSINESS

17

Business PenCom’s asset base hits N4 trillion From: Terhemba Daka and Karls Tsokar, Abuja HE asset base of Pension T Commission (PenCom) N4 trillion after clearing unpaid pensions.

The Acting Director General of the PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anouh-Amazu, while answering the call from Confab committee on Labour, Civil Society and sports, said 10 years after the contributory pension’s scheme began, despite some administrative hitches, the system has recorded a huge success in its own rights.

She said the confidence of Nigerians is further rein-

forced by the fact that the commission has improved remarkably from N2 trillion unpaid pension liability of the Head of Service to an asset base of N4 trillion.

Amazu explained that the contributory pension scheme of 15 per cent is contributed on the basis of seven and half percent of the monthly earning by the employee and another seven and half by the employer.

Stating that the savings go into the retirement savings of the employee but cannot be accessed by him until he retires in accordance with the terms of the employment.

The problem with the system is not that pension funds are not released by government but were paid to ghost workers who were not supposed to be part of it saying that part of the function of PITAD is to allow people to get paid their entitlement through the compilation of accurate database of the pensioners.

Amazu explained that the job of PENCOM is to regulate the operators who were private business people who put their expertise together to manage the funds, explaining that while the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) manage the money, the Pension

Fund Custodians (PFC) keep custody of the funds.

She further explained that the PFA provide daily reports to PENCOM while PENCOM has investment limits, which they have set for them but are also allowed to make their investment decisions say-

ing that the dissatisfaction of the new system was that money was leaving the contributors account.

The PenCom boss noted that another source of worry for the contributors is the desire for the retiring contributors to empty their account on retirement, which she said does not conform to the purpose of the system, pointing out that the aim is to cater for the retirees at old age when they are unable to work.

According to her, the new system ensures that 50 per cent of their last pay is left into the account to fund their livelihood also pointing out that the 15 per cent

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (right) presenting the state plague to the Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria, Yaw Nsarkoh, when the Unilever officials visited the Governor, in Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

contribution was only the minimum adding that people can increase their contributions.

She stated that the problem still lied with the old pension system administered by the Head of Service now to be handled by the Ministry of Finance and noted that her commission had turned their oversight functions on how to ensure that those under the old system come into the new system.

She said the pension reform act stipulated the establishment of Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PITAD) which collates all the various heads of pensions with a view to streamlining the processes so that people are paid as and when due.

Amazu stated that the problem with the system is not that pension funds are not released by government but were paid to ghost workers who were not supposed to be part of it saying that part of the function of PITAD is to allow people to get paid their entitlement through the compilation of accurate database of the pensioners.

She cautioned that the people should not continue to rely on the supposed sanctity of the officers at the Head of Service who are handing the funds saying that the only way to make it impossible for the diversions to continue to occur.

Almost repeating what she told the Committee on Public Service the previous day, She suggested that money meant for the payment of pension should be released directly to the pensioners instead of lodgement in an account, which is prone to abuse.

The next focus of investment apart from bonds, according to her, is the Real Estate and infrastructure; and appealed to the committee to beam its searchlight on non-remittance of contributions of workers by their employers.

FIRS records N140b shortfall in Q1 revenue collection HE Acting Executive T Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Alhaji Kabir Mashi, has said that the service recorded a shortfall of N140 billion in revenue collection in the first quarter of the year.

Speaking at the operational management meeting of its Eastern Region in Owerri on Wednesday, Mashi said the drop in revenue was recorded in the non-oil tax.

He said the service realised a total non-oil tax of N418 billion between

January and March as against the target of N558 billion.

According to him, the non-oil collection dropped from N155 billion in January to N133 billion in February and further down to N130 billion in March.

“These results are not impressive and we must do everything possible to ensure that we reverse this negative collection trend,” he said.

Mashi said the current focus of the Federal Government was to raise non-oil revenue to the level of making up for any

shortfall from oil revenue.

He said the service also needed to justify the support it had been getting from the government.

He urged the staff to focus on deliberations on service delivery and maximising the tax revenue potential in their areas of operation.

He explained that the programme was based on eight key initiatives which included auditing, arrears and debt enforcement, tax exemption, evasion of rental taxes and taxing high net worth transactions.

Others were registration,

filing and utilising communications as a means of enhancing compliance.

Marshi said the service had conducted a nationwide value added tax and withholding tax audits and that the results had started coming in.

“We will be proactive in reviewing returns as they come in and following up to ensure that taxpayers pay up their assessments within the time allowed in our laws.

“Thereafter, we will follow up the audit returns without allowing a backlog to pile up,” he said.

Earlier in his address, the

Coordinating Director of Field Operations Group at the FIRS, Ajayi Bamidele, said the service would strive to collect N700 billion revenue in the second quarter to make up for first quarter’s poor performance.

He presented the analysis of the non-oil collection report from the six departments of the service, particularly from the Eastern Region and South East Zonal Government Business office.

He said that from the analysis, the Eastern Region was top in performance with 62 per

cent, with Owerri area operations recording the best performance with 110 per cent.

Bamidele said his office had adopted the development of standard check list for field offices to ease response to headquarters, monitoring visits and fast tracking conclusion of audit cases as measures to ensure high performance of staff members.

Bamidele identified some of the challenges facing field operations as deterioration of work ethics and values and the failure of supervising officers to take responsibilities.

18 BUSINESS Friday, May 2, 2014

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Miners laud World Bank’s $120 million grant for solid minerals development HAIRMAN of Quarry C Association of Nigeria, Kano chapter, Malam Aminu Ahmed, has commended the World Bank for supporting solid minerals development in Nigeria with $120 million (about N19.3 billion) grant.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in

an interview on Wednesday in Abuja, Ahmed said that the fund had assisted the country in developing the sector.

The World Bank approved the grant in December 2004 but its disbursement stated in April 2005 and ended in May 2012.

The artisanal and commu-

nity-based miners received $10 million (N1.6 billion) out of the grant.

Ahmed said that artisanal and small-scale miners, who benefitted from the fund, accounted for more than 80 per cent of solid minerals production in the country.

He stressed that solid minerals development was an

important element of World Bank’s programmes and part of Federal Government’s strategies to diversify its economy from crude oil.

He appealed to the World Bank to make the assistance regular to mining and other sectors to enable the country to achieve its industrialisation target.

He called on other donor agencies to emulate the World Bank and assist the country in the development of the solid minerals sector.

Ahmed urged federal government to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to take the lead in the development of the sector.

He said that the solid min-

erals sector had the potential to contribute immensely to the economy of country.

He advised the government to encourage domestic investors in the solids mineral sector.

He urged the Federal Government to invest and support research and development in the mining sector.

Shareholders approve plans to raise Sterling Bank’s share capital to N16b

By Bukky Olajide HAREHOLDERS of Sterling Bank Plc, on Wednesday, approved the bank’s plans to raise new capital through a private placement.

The private placement, when concluded, will shore up Sterling Bank’s share capital to N16 billion from the existing N12 billion.

The shareholders gave the approval at the bank’s 52nd yearly general meeting held in Lagos.

According to the shareholders, the private placement should be raised by the creation of an additional eight billion ordinary shares of 50kobo each.

The shareholders also approved the payment of 25kobo dividend per share declared by the bank.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr Farouk Umar, President, Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, said that the shareholders would support the capital raising exercise.

Umar said that the bank needed to increase its share capital to finance value creation projects.

He also said that enhanced shareholders’ funds would increase the bank’s lending limits.

The National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders

S

Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sunny Nwosu, said that the capital enhancing exercise would improve the bank’s return on investment.

Nwosu said that the bank would not be able to finance big businesses with a small capital base. ``If our capital base is not robust, we will not be able to finance big businesses. ``ISAN’s support for the bank’s robust financial muscle stems also from the need for Sterling Bank to be repositioned toward benefiting from the anticipated business of government’s transformation agenda,” Nwosu said.

Another shareholder, Tunde Okelana, called on the bank to improve on its cashless policy through deployment of more Point Of Sales (POS) terminals across the country.

Okelana said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) stringent laws and regulations had affected the growth of the banking sector.

He said that CBN laws and regulations ``are killing banks and businesses in the country.”

The bank’s Managing Director, Yemi Adeola said that the financial institution would continue to emphasise sustainable growth across all market segments by deepening social and environmental interactions.

(Seated) Vice President and Chairman, Trade Promotion Board (TPB), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole (left); Managing Director, Liri Tent, China, Li Tian (Standing) Members, TPB, Kehinde Amao; Funmi Banjoko, Director, Membership & Trade Promotion, LCCI, Dele Alimi and Chairman, Liri Tent, William Liang during the visit of officials of LCCI to the office of Liri Tent in Zhuhai, China.

India seeks greater ties with Nigeria in non-oil sector High IA.NDIAN Commissioner in Nigeria, R. Ghanashyam, on Wednesday, called for greater trade ties in the nonoil sector between Nigeria

and his country.

Ghanashyam made the call in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta. He said the visit was to identify areas that could be exploited to strengthen the already existing trade relations between the two countries.

According to him, Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa with about $18 billion and partnership potentials. ``The fact is that we do not want our relationship with

Nigeria to be in oil alone, we want to diversify; we want to exploit other sectors. ``As the relationship is growing, the future potentials of the two countries are also growing considering the fact that Nigeria has the most intelligent people on the African continent”, he said.

The high commissioner pledged the commitment of the Indian Government to strengthen the development of real assets of its trading partners.

Nta thanked the high commissioner for the visit adding that a cordial relationship had existed over the

years between ICPC and the Indian high commission.

He pledged the commitment of ICPC to partner with relevant embassies to ensure that use of forged documents to apply for visa was addressed.

Nta said the commission’s partnership with some embassies in the area of visa scams had started yielding results, adding that 32 suspects had been arrested with about 13 cases already in court.

He called on embassies to develop strategies to reduce incidences of people travelling abroad without relevant documents.

Osun denies alleged pensions payment fee directive HE Government of the T State of Osun has distanced itself from fees allegedly being collected from pensioners to facilitate their due pension collection.

In a statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Finance,Dr Wale Bolorunduro,the administration dismissed insinuations that the retirees were officially directed to pay certain charges for them to open bank accounts for remmitance of their pensions.

The statement said:“It has come to our notice that some people are making insinuations that the state government, further to its

recent release of the sum of N1billion for the settlement of the pension arrears in the state, is forcing the retirees to open account with a commercial bank, and also charging them some fees on the exercise. We wish to use this medium to state that the state did not give any directive on account opening.

“Based on our investigation, we gathered that the commercial bank handling the payment of the pension arrears is truly opening accounts for retirees, as their internal control measure to ensure that only the bonafide and qualified retirees (ithat is, the 2011/2012 cluster) are paid.

The bank has also indicated that its decision is

due to their enhanced technology that ensures that no retirees get double payment.

“The Government has consequently urged the bank to ensure that minimal documentation is required for any account being opened for the retirees, so as to make the process seamless.

“We also just confirmed that it is the pensioners’ union executives that are demanding payment of the sum of N1,200 from their members.

“Members of the public and the concerned retirees should kindly note that the state Government of Osun has not asked any retiree to pay any money. The rumours should therefore be disregarded.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 2, 2014 BUSINESS

19

May Day: Senate commends workers’ patriotic zeal for nation building HE Senate, on Wednesday T in Abuja, saluted the Nigerian workers for their patriotic zeal and contributions to the nation building as they celebrate May Day on May 1.

The Senate resolution was sequel to a motion by Sen. Awaisu Kuta (PDP-Niger) calling for the commendation of the Nigerian workers for their sacrifices to the stability and progress of the nation.

Kuta said that the country had continued to benefit from the “toil and sweat” of the Nigerian workers who were making tremendous contributions to economic development. ``The Nigerian worker has been making serious sacrifices toiling for the economic progress of the country.

They have contributed significantly to keep our economy afloat. ``Their contributions to nation-building are equally immense. Therefore, we should commend them for their sacrifice to the nation,’’ he said.

Sen. Ita Enang (PDP-Akwa) urged workers to give thought to the welfare of those Nigerians who were currently unemployed. ``When workers are struggling for their welfare, they should also consider the welfare of those who are not employed,’’ Enang said.

Sen. Chris Anyanwu (APGAImo) appealed to her colleagues to fast track passage of the Occupational Safety Bill, which would go a long way in promoting the safety in the work place. ``This bill would give protection to the worker by providing those measures and facilities for their safety in the work place. ``The bill has been passed in the Senate, but I want us to implore the House of Representatives to do something on that direction, so that we can harmonise the bill,’’ Anyanwu said.

In a remark, the Senate President, Sen. David Mark, said Nigerian workers deserved commendation for their patriotism while operating under difficult environment.

Mark urged Nigerian workers not to relent in their contributions to national progress, and promised that the National Assembly would use their legislative instruments to improve their welfare.

Mark said: ``we thank Nigerian workers because they are doing their best in a rather difficult environment and under difficult circumstances. ``We have a major responsibility to ensure that we create an environment conducive for them to work by the laws that we make and the motions that we take on the floor here. ``I assure the workers on behalf of all of us that their welfare and their wellbeing are of utmost importance to us and we take it as a priority. ``We should open a channel of communication

between us and the workers. We wish them a happy May Day,’’ Mark said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha (PDPTaraba), has appealed to the Federal Government to establish a military barracks in Wukari to help secure lives and property in the area.

Bwacha, who raised the matter through a Point of Order, told the senators that reports from the area indicated that a helicopter was seen dropping materials and personnel in the area.

He said urgent security measures should be put in place to dislodge the alleged attackers before

they set up a base in the area. ``I will appeal to Mr President that a barracks should be established in this same flash point, Wukari in particular, so that this will safeguard lives and property. ``It is believed that a helicopter is dropping materials and personnel around there and we fear that this may be another Sambisa that is in the making in Taraba.

He appealed to the president to take urgent action on the recent resolution by the Taraba House of Assembly for the Federal Government to take over the security in the state.

Chief Executive Officer, Mainspring Properties, Jide Bunmi-Nathan, President of the Nigerian-Danish Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Prince Ben Koya Adako; Director, Federal Ministry of Power, Sanusi Garuba; Ambassador Godkows Igali and Honorary Counsel, High Commission, Denmark, Jakob Berjer, at the April 2014 Breakfast Forum on Power Sector Reform with the theme: “Overcoming Institutional and Regulatory Challenges in an Era of Liberalization” which took place in Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

20| BUSINESS Friday, May 2, 2014

NIRA registers 16,981 domain names in 2013 HE President of Nigeria T Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Mrs. Mary Uduma, said the association registered 16,981 (dot ng) domain names in 2013.

Uduma disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos at the sixth yearly general meeting of the association.

According her, NIRA renewed 7,571 domain names during the period.

Domain name is a unique address that can be used on the internet.It is what one sees on the address bar after

the ‘’www.’’ in web browser.

She said that the association was creating visibility for the .ng and that the domain was increasingly becoming a model for other African country code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs).

According to her, some countries across the globe have adopted the practice and seek to understand NIRA’s challenges and approach. ‘’The domain name industry is constantly evolving and change must come from within us if our ccTLD must

remain relevant. ‘’As part of our advocacy to increase the visibility of the association and .ng, NIRA has engaged Internet Protocol (IP) lawyers, publishers, medical groups and youth camps. ‘’NIRA also engaged its stakeholders associations, various ICT events in advocating for the preferred uptake of .ng string as the domain name brand,’’ she said.

Uduma said the association was determined to register more than 250, 000 .ng domain names by the end of 2014.

‘’We are expecting to reach 250, 000 domain names by the end of the year. We have already drawn up programmes on how to create awareness on the .ng domain names,’’ Uduma said.

She said that one of the strategies put in place to achieve the 250, 000 target was the ‘’Domain Name Fiesta’’.

According to her, the fiesta will entail going round the states and local government areas to ensure that Nigerians know about the .ng domain name.

She said that another strategy to be taken by NIRA was to collaborate with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The NIRA president said that the collaboration would ensure that anybody registering its company’s name with the CAC should also take a domain name.

She said that the association was already fine tuning the process with the commission to ensure that the exercise

Shippers attributes drop in govt revenue to policy inconsistency HE Shippers Association T Lagos State (SALS) on Monday attributed the drop

Country Manager,Ericsson Nigeria, Kamar Abass (left); Chief Executive Officer (CEO), MTN, Mike Ikpoki; CEO,Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya and Head, Sub-Saharan Africa Region, Ericsson, Fredrik Jejdling at Ericsson’s Business Dinner with partners in Lagos.

Etisalat records three per cent growth in subscribers’ base

By Adeyemi Adepetun TISALAT Group subscriber base hit 145 million, after gaining additional 4.5 million users across its markets, Including Nigeria.

Etisalat, which has over 18 million subscribers in Nigeria after five years of operation, reported in its consolidated financial statements for the three month ending March 31, 2014, a three per cent increase in its global subscriber base.

Announcing to the financial statement, the company said its mobile subscriber base in the United Arab Emirates grew by 20 per cent year-over-year.

Its consolidated revenues amounted to AED 9.9 bil-

E

lion and increased year over year by three per cent while the consolidated EBITDA totaled AED4.9 billion, resulting in EBITDA margin of 50 per cent.

Consolidated net profit after Federal Royalty amounted to AED2.0 billion and increased year over year by 11 per cent.

The report informed that Etisalat’s shareholders approved Board of Directors’ recommendation on the distribution of dividends of 70 fils per share for the fiscal year 2013, which was paid in August 2013 and April 2014.

The company’s consolidated capital spending declined by 14 per cent to AED0.9 billion. It maintained financial flexibility

with consolidated net cash balance of AED13.3 billion.

According to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar said “We achieved strong financial results in the first quarter of 2014, building on our strong performance in 2013.

“Our focus on innovative products and services that change the way people live their lives further supported customer retention while at the same time attracting new subscribers to our brand.”

Other developments highlighted in the report for the first quarter showed that the firm has deployed its first LTE (Long-Term Evolution) advanced technology (LTE-A) in the

region, using 1800 MHz and 800 MHz bands.

It provided UAE customers with the opportunity to trade-in and upgrades their 2G handsets to enjoy the first UAE smartphone with the latest mobile technologies, which was key support to the UAE’s efforts to transform into a smart government.

Launched mobile banking smartphone application in Nigeria, enabling customers to access their money faster and more conveniently.

The firm also signed a Network Infrastructure Sharing Initiative with seven of the largest mobile network groups operating in the Middle East and Africa.

Oil theft: Navy destroys stock of illegally refined diesel in Delta HE Nigerian Navy, on T Wednesday, said it destroyed more than 1.5 million litres of crude oil along the shores of Gbekbo Creek in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta.

Other products destroyed by the Navy were 203 drums of illegally refined diesel and seven drums of petrol.

The Navy personnel stormed the creek with two fortified gunboats in an operation that lasted about six hours.

Addressing newsmen at the scene, the Commander NNS Delta, Capt. Musa Gemu, said the exercise was in compliance with the directive of the Chief Naval Staff to sanitise the creeks of illegalities.

Gemu, who led the operation, said it was going to be a continuous exercise until illegal oil bunkering and other criminal activities were completely eradicated along the waterways. ‘’The exercise is successful and the fight continues. Like

I said earlier, this is almost the fifth exercise and it is a continuous one.

“We will keep coming from time to time until they stop the illegal activities,’’ he said.

Gemu said that the Navy would continue to inspect illegal refinery sites it had destroyed to ensure that criminals would not resume illegal operations there. ‘’We will not just stop at inspecting the destroyed illegal refinery sites, the command will also take

steps ahead and search for those sites where illegal businesses are perpetrated. ‘’Today, we saw and destroyed 12 illegal refineries, so we will sustain that momentum,’’ he said.

NAN reports that two pumping machines, a generating set, an outboard machine and a saw were recovered in the operation.

He said no arrest was made because the oil thieves fled on sighting the Navy personnel.

was hitch-free.

Uduma also said that NIRA registrars would be giving out 100, 000 .ng domain names for free in order to attain the 250, 000 domain target.

She said that one of the advantages of taking up the .ng domain name was that it would launch individuals and businesses into the Internet.

According to her, it will further create employment and help to build local content.

in the revenue collected by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to inconsistency in government policies.

The President of the association, Rev. Jonathan Nicol, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He urged the Federal Government to be consistent with its policy direction.

He said: ``People are not paying duties, they don’t have the Pre- Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), when they started Pre-Release of items in the absent of PAAR, there was a little bit improvement, then suddenly they stopped. ``Now, they are not getting PAAR to pay the duty, so revenue will continue to fall. ``Customs should please reintroduce releases of people’s consignment without the PAAR; it is not a new thing for the stakeholders that Nigerian Customs were actually doing their jobs without the PAAR regime. ``In the absence of the computer system, we should be able to manually release our goods. ``No system is perfect, every system has its own hiccups but where a system is actually affecting the revenue of a country, it has to be critically looked into.`` NAN reports that the service has recorded a sharp drop in the revenue for first quarter of

2014 when it collected N77.9 billion as against the N400 billion it was expected to collect.

Nicol said that importers did not clear cargoes out of the ports in time due to the late payment of customs duty.

He said that government’s policy on automobile importation had affected the revenue collection before it was reversed. ``The other part is automobile regime which they wanted to introduce sometime in January. Immediately that announcement was made, more than eight vessels carrying used vehicles were diverted to Cotonou, Ghana, and Togo. ``Used vehicles do come in but in trickles not as before because the importer doesn’t know what will happen to his consignment. ``If you are saying okay pay 20 per cent custom duty, 35 per cent levy, it doesn’t really make sense. Are you going to place the duty on the cost price or on the year of manufacture?” ``If it is years of manufacture, then, of course, the duty will now be realistic because this is a second hand vehicle and the total cost of that vehicle is not even up to N100,000. ``So, the importers decided fine, if I am going to pay so much money, why don’t I go to Cotonou and of course those same cars will find their ways into this country.``

Govt approves 1000mw Ebonyi power plant OVERNOR of Ebonyi state,” he said.

G State, Martin Elechi, has Elechi said the project dislosed that the Federal would be keyed into the Government had approved the generation of 1000 megawatts (mw)of electricity from the Ebonyi power plant.

Elechi announced the development in Abakaliki when he inspected the construction work at the Califco power plant being constructed to power the Ochudo city and the new international market.

The power plant, which was test run during the governor’s tour of the facility, is expected to consume 24 litres of diesel per minute and 1,440 litres per hour. ``The state government is working to meet the Federal Government’s order of 1000 megawatts of electricity to improve power generation in the

national power reform programme through the Ofuruekpe gas turbine in Ikwo Local Goverment Area.

According to the governor, arrangements had reached advanced stage to supply gas to the plant and increase its output by the end of the year.

The Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr Ben Okeh, said that work on the power plant which was awarded to an American company two years ago had finally been test run by the governor in preparation for its inauguration after finalising the arrangement for gas supply.

He said the Califco power plant was built to generate 10mw to feed the Ochudo City and the international market.

Friday, May 2, 2014 21

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Weekend

Stationery Stores returns

Arts & Culture

– P.

Autowheels

–P.44

Moviedom without

Amaka Igwe

Acura MDX explains fresh standard features

Aviation Business

Govt will rescind its merger decision on aviation agencies if… says Supervising Minister

–P.46

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22 WEEKEND Friday, May 2 , 2014

Stationery Stores’ resurrection Once upon a time, there was Stationery Stores football club, the darling team of vivacious Lagosians, which ruled the country’s local league in the 1960s and 1970s. At full maturity, with its bright stars, no other Nigerian club could beat Stores in any encounter. In fact, the club used to beat their opponents even on their home soil. Then, as some of its stars left, the club gradually lost its steam and then faded. But that is about to change, with the current spirited efforts to revive it, reports CHRISTIAN OKPARA. HERE is renewed hope for Nigerian football clubs. One of the T oldest clubs in the land, Stationery Stores, which had been in limbo for so long, has returned to lead the charge for the local teams.

Actually, some of the leading clubs in the Premier League still command sizable followership, despite the dominance of European teams in the minds of Nigerian football lovers.

Teams like Kano Pillars, Enyimba, Enugu Rangers, Heartland and Lobi Stars still command reasonable followership, especially when playing on their home ground. But the return of Stationery Stores has added a new impetus.

Stationery Stores have created a new band of followers, with their traditional base at Onikan Stadium, Lagos unusually jampacked each time they have a game. Established in the early 1950s, through acquisition by the late Mr. Israel Adebajo, a Lagosbased businessman, the club with the same name as his stationery trading and paper converting business, the Nigerian Office Stationery Supply Stores, became the darling of the Lagos crowd in the 1960s.

Known by their fans as ‘Flaming Flamingoes’ or ‘Adebajo Babes,’ Stationery Stores is easily the Manchester United of Nigerian football. The team suffered technical relegation in the1994-5 Season and has not played in top flight since then.

Although the team is now playing in the Nigerian National League (NNL), the second tier of the country’s football, the crowd in most of their games is a testament that good brands, no matter where they play, will always attract quality followers.

Revived by Adetilewa, one of the sons of the late founder, Stores took the place of Union Bank when the Bankers stepped aside from the second tier league on the grounds of financial bankr u p t c y .

At the Agege Stadium (Lagos) recently when Stores took on MFM in a local derby, the scene took one back the memory lane to the years between 1973 and 1992 when teams like Stores of Lagos, Raccah Rovers of Kano and Mighty Jets of Jos held sway in the top division.

That was when tickets for games between any two of these teams were sold out a day before the actual game. Those were the years in Nigerian football when it was impossible for any fan to gain access to the stadium if he arrived later that 12.00 p.m. for a game slated for a 4.00 p.m.

Although Stores lost to MFM 4-0, fans, most of who came to the stadium with family members, tasted first hand the side attractions that had been missing in the local league in Lagos for a long time.

A week earlier, Stationery Stores had hosted arch-rivals, Shooting Stars, in their third game of the season at the Onikan Stadium filled to the brim by curious fans, who came to ascertain if it was actually true that the ‘Flaming Flamingoes’ had returned.

Coming more than two decades after these two traditional Nigerian clubs met in competitive top tier games, the renewal of their longstanding rivalry was expected to spark life into the moribund local football scene in Lagos.

And they did not disappoint.

With the Ibadan warriors coming to the stadium with truck loads of supporters, the Onikan Stadium barely managed to contain the expectant fans, who sang and danced to the rhythm from both sets of fans’ drums, while following the action on the field. At the end of the day, Stores triumphed 2-0.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), like Stores, has been in the doldrums of Nigerian football since the late 1990s. The team, which was Nigeria’s first side to win a continental competition, has been moving like a yo-yo up and down the Premier League, yet it still attracts large followership from within the Southwest region of the country.

Speaking on the place of Stationery Stores in Nigerian club football, Dotun Coker, a staunch supporter of the club, said that the followership of the league in the country died when good footballers decided to leave the shores of the country for greener pastures abroad.

According to the former chairman of the Lagos Divisional Football Association (LDFA), joining hands with the leadership of the League Management Company (LMC) will be the best for the growth of football in the country.

“There is no football without the followers. In those days when we were supporting Stationery Stores Football Club of Lagos, you will know what it is to support a club. If Stores was playing at the dreaded UAC Stadium, Surulere (now Teslim Balogun Stadium) or the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, the stadium was filled to capacity as early as 10am for a match billed for 4.30pm.

“Before 12noon, the whole stadium is full and you can hardly find a seat. The flyovers are not left out as those who could not afford to pay for the match tickets, find solace watching from the bridges or climbing trees to get a glimpse of the match.

Souvenirs of the team and that of their opponents would have been completely sold out before the commencement of the match. Fans want to see their stars in action and some of them even want to touch the stars before the kick off of the match. You just have to belong because that is the main thing then from Lagos to Ibadan (for Shooting Stars), to Enugu (for Rangers International), to Benin (Bendel Insurance), to Calabar (Calabar Rovers), to Kano (Kano Pillars) or Raccah Rovers.

Stores players meeting former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon before a game in Lagos.

“With the likes of Wakilu Oyenuga, Olumide Banjo, Tarila Okorowanta, Haruna Ilerika, Golden Ajeboh, Eddy Okoyomo, Ike Shorunmu, Godwin Obiyan, the Adi Brothers and Joe Ashinze, to mention but few, in their top forms, there was no how you could beat Stores at home.

“That was how the team got the nickname “Flaming Flamingoes” because of the sparkling form of the players which can burn any team. Is it when we (Stores) played Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC) in the league at the Onikan Stadium and beat them 3-0 you want to remember, or when we went to Enugu and beat Rangers 1-0 you want to mention. Flaming then was the ‘Pride of Lagos’.

The shouts of ‘Up Stores, Up Flaming’ takes over the whole arena with the supporters moving in their thousands from one place to the other.

“Not even the local challenge from NEPA FC, ACB, First Bank and Julius Berger FC could stop Stores from being the peoples club. Then football was football. You will be happy supporting one team or the other. Nobody had time for European football, which was left for pools seekers.

They want to bet and win money and not really to watch or support a particular team,” said Coker.

With the return of the Flaming Flamingoes to nationwide football comes the rekindling of great football rivalries in the land that could usher in a boom for young fans On the significance of Stationery Stores’ return to the professional league, Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Wahid Oshodi, said in a recent interview, that the exploits of the ‘Flaming Flamingoes’ would always be a reference point in Nigerian football. Oshodi, who believes that Nigerian football needs such traditional clubs like Stores to grow, promised: “We are going to look at the ways we can support the club. It might not be in terms of direct financing but definitely we are going to support the club.

“Infrastructural support is the most important thing to be assured of a conducive atmosphere to play home matches in terms of good pitch, adequate security, medical facilities and so on, including the required knowledge to make the club successful which we have to do.

“Yes, we can look at the aspect of funding

‘With the likes of Wakilu Oyenuga, Olumide Banjo, Tarila Okorowanta, Haruna Ilerika, Golden Ajeboh, Eddy Okoyomo, Ike Shorunmu, Godwin Obiyan, the Adi Brothers and Joe Ashinze, to mention but few, in their top forms, there was no how you could beat Stores at home. That was how the team got the nickname, “Flaming Flamingoes,” because of the sparkling form of the players which can burn any team. Is it when we (Stores) played Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC) in the league at the Onikan Stadium and beat them 3-0 you want to remember, or when we went to Enugu and beat Rangers 1-0 you want to mention? Flaming then was the pride of Lagos’

Tilewa Adebajo

when required, but I think the proper way is to get a group of business-minded people in Lagos to pull resources, run the club and make some money out of it. We have over 21 million people in Lagos and definitely we should be able to run a football club in a way it will sustain itself in the near future.”

Friday, May 2, 2014 WEEKEND

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

23

excites old, new fans He noted that the feat achieved by Stationery Stores by producing 10 players for Nigeria’s senior national team at the 1968 Mexico Olympics would remain indelible in the history of Nigerian football.

He said: “The impact Stationery Stores has made on Lagosians can not be quantified.

This is a club, who produced 10 players for the national team in a single competition and this record has stood the test of time, which Enugu Rangers, among several clubs, has tried to equal without success.

“This club is a legacy of Israel Adebajo, who lived all his life in Lagos and must be cherished. You can only talk of Stationery Stores when talking about traditional clubs in Nigeria such as Rangers and Shooting Stars.

We are going to work closely with the owners of the club to ensure that everything works out well. The return of Stationery Stores is a great one for soccer fans in Lagos and a plus for Nigerian football. I appreciate others who run clubs in Lagos State and we are going to give them support as well.

“In fact, the family of Adebajo is also mindful of what the club stands for in the history of Lagos and its sustenance. This is a club that produced several legendary players for Nigeria aside winning laurels on the home front and making impact also on the continent,” Oshodi told a local website.

In the 1960s up till the part of the 1970s, such stars as Inuwa Rigogo, Peter Fregene, Anthony Igwe, Augustine Ofoukwu, Willie Andrews, Segun Olumodeji, Samuel Opone (Captain), Muyiwa Oshode, Kenneth Olayombo, Baba Alli, Mohammed Lawal and Sunny Ineh, were key members of the Green Eagles.

The club and their supporters were among the most vociferous elements in Nigerian football up until the late 1990s. Now, some of the older fans have started campaigns to return the club to their position in the game.

The convener of the influential Facebook group, ‘Governor BR Fashola Revive Stationery Stores,’ recently told a local website that his group was developing activities that would help win over younger Lagosians, who are important to the club’s future growth.

“We are quite encouraged by the fact that at least half of the members of the social media platforms that we used to clamour for the return of Stores over the past six years are those who never physically saw Stationery Stores play a match,” Olowo-Ake toldGoal.com. “That shows the magnetism that the Stores brand has. Once our supporters are back in full force, the club would have attained its cutting edge as the most vibrantly supported team in Nigeria and this should contribute to the competitiveness of Stationery Stores,” he said.

Following the successful re-entry of the club into Nigerian football, Adetilewa Adebajo, who is the current chairman of the Stationery Stores, says plans to make this historical club a global brand is going according to projection.

Unlike most clubs funded by state governments, Stationery Stores depends on sponsors, gate takings and supporters contribution for survival. However, with the advent of Supersports television rights, and current restructuring of the Nigerian Football, there is now an opportunity for corporate sponsors.

According to Adebajo, the club’s focus now is on its feeder team in the amateur league and an academy to groom young players. He disclosed that Stationery Stores has over 5,000 players across the country and is working with the local representatives of the Aspire Academy in Qatar.

Adebajo also revealed that the supporters club is still very active, especially in Lagos, adding that a recent exhibition and friendly matches played to commemorate the founders 44th anniversary evoked a lot of memories and prompted calls for the return of the club to the top flight. A Supporter Trust has recently been legally registered to formalise the activities of the supporter club.

He revealed that he recently concluded a detailed business plan with a view to sourcing funds and getting the club back in to the premier league top flight, prior to listing it on the stock exchange in the near future.

The new chairman, an Investment Banker and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The CFG Advisory, has over 28 years experience in Economics, International Banking & Finance gained in the Corporate and Academic sector.

After earlier experience in the International Financial Markets with JP Morgan Chase, Adebajo has spent the last 16 years in the African markets, involved in corporate banking, academia, policy and financial advisory, project finance and consulting. Such transaction experience involved traveling across the United States, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.

He told The Guardian that the new Stationery Stores is modeled after the most successful business models being used for the FIFA World Cup, the European Champions League and the European Leagues in general.

“The popularity of the sport provides excellent exposure for brands and sponsors,” he posits, adding, “With a fanatical base for football in Nigeria, these tried and tested models can be adapted to the Nigerian environment.”

According to Adebajo, Stationery Stores is a sporting icon and brand that is viable if properly set up and structured with the right corporate governance. He added: “Stationery Stores brand is historic and has tradition. It is nostalgic, with a feel good factor if invoked, will capture the imagination of a new generation of Nigerians and stimulate an existing generation looking forward to relive the experience.

“Old rivalries need to be re-established and fans want to re-create the carnival like atmosphere at the stadium and wave their white handkerchiefs when a goal is scored in keeping with an age old tradition.”

The chairman, who believes the Nigerian football is undervalued, is also of the opinion that his club would revolutionise the way the game is run in the country.

“You have to understand the history of this club.

This is a club my father established over 60 years ago and I terms of followership; it is one of the most supported clubs in this country.

“I believe the Nigerian league has the potential of US$2 to US$3 billion and what has encouraged us is the work Nduka Irabor is doing at the League Management Company (LMC). If he can follow his plan very carefully, football will be very profitable in Nigeria.”

Adebajo said his team has made serious investments in the club aimed at taking the team to the Glo Nigeria Premier League next season. His words: “When we played against 3SC we had over 25,000 people at the Onikan stadium. In fact, we have more people in our matches than all the Premier League teams. We were at the Agege Stadium last week and the stadium had over 50 per cent capacity crowd.”

“The potential is there. We are just starting and as you know, football was once popular in this country.”

On the challenges facing the growth of the game in Nigeria, Adebajo listed corruption, sponsors’ apathy to sport and inadequate support from government as the major clog in the wheel of progress.

“The system is designed to feather the nests of match officials and referees. They are collecting too much money from the system. The state governments are not involved fully in the growth of the game. They have to contribute by giving access to the stadia to the clubs because it is very costly to rent these venues. Once we can remove these obstacles and have match officials doing the proper thing, you will see sponsors coming to invest in the clubs and the league will flourish.”

Adebajo is disturbed that most of the profitable corporate bodies in Nigeria do not know the benefits derivable in investing in sports, especially the local Nigerian league. He is also worried that those who know are not doing anything to help the sector grow.

“Take for instance, MTN. The amount of money MTN spends in South Africa to support sports, in relations to their revenue, is not commensurate with what they spend in Nigeria where they make higher revenues. This shows that they are not supporting the game in Nigeria at all.

“Without sponsorship, without television rights, there is a big problem. The television rights issue in the Nigerian League is flawed, corrupt and political, but we can get around that. If we can get around these hurdles, the game would be successful.”

Adebajo revealed that Stationery Stores have done well in merchandising their products, saying, “We just started and we have sold close to 10,000 replica jerseys to our supporters. That has given us some money to fund the club.”

Players and supporters of Stationery Stores celebrating the club’s 3-2 defeat of the dreaded Asante Kotoko in the early days.

The players coming down to the pitch after greeting their fans.

Stationery Stores’ founder, Israel Adebajo.

24

Friday, May 2, 2014

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Friday, May 2, 2014 25

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BusinessRound-Up

In association with

INTERVIEW

Dangote Named On List Of Top 25 Business Leaders Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has been named among CNBC’s top 25 business leaders since 1989 joining other leading business names such as Steve jobs, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Carlos Slim on the CNBC First 25 list of business icons.

Dangote spoke to CNBC after the announcement.

NBC: Africa and Dangote’s investment on about 30 per cent and that’s why people are C the continent; where is the continent go- making a lot of money. ing?

Dangote: When you look at this, Africa is a continent with 54 countries. At the moment we have a one billion population, GDP is 1.85 trillion. We’ve been growing at about 5.5 per cent GDP year-on-year for the last 11, 12 years and it’s been doing quite well. When you look at it today, what is the future of Africa?

The future of Africa is that when you really look at the numbers and say are things happening? Yes things are happening. A lot of people don’t believe [that] because they have archaic information of the 1970s – it’s like somebody saying that something is happening and you say well we don’t believe it, we want to see it. At least we’re being consistent in terms of the growth at 5.5 per cent. If you look at it, the projection that in 2050, which means 36, 37 years, if we keep growing at about 5.5 per cent, Africa will be a two billion population and we’ll have about 15 trillion GDP. CNBC: China saw opportunity early in Africa, in infrastructure, minerals and commodities. Is Africa worried that China may be slowing down or is their investment in the continent as strong as ever?

Dangote: When you look at it, I’m not really worried at all because there are quite a lot of people, in fact a lot of American companies like General Electric, they do believe in Africa and they are investing heavily in Africa.

When you look at what General Electric is doing today, what they’ve done in the first quarter of 2014 is the total of what they did in 2011. It is not only the Chinese that are looking at Africa, almost every single country is looking at Africa because things are happening. When you look at infrastructure, there’s quite a lot to be done. When you look at mining, there’s quite a lot to be done. The areas that you want to pick and do business in are enormous. In Africa the issue is that the return on investment is averaging at

CNBC: What is the biggest obstacle to Africa’s progress? Is it corruption?

Dangote: I think yes but corruption doesn’t stop [us] doing business, the best thing is for people to join and they will help us in stopping the corruption. One of the greatest [obstacles] apart from corruption is the lack of understanding in the sense that today, somebody can say I don’t want to go to Africa, you ask why, he says he has heard that there is corruption in Africa but really almost every single country in the world has corruption. The thing is for us to have strong institutions that will deal with that. Even here in the States, you have corruption but when you cross the line, there are strong institutions that will deal with that situation. With us, the majority of our governments have tried to stop corruption and I think doing that on a continuous basis will end up eliminating corruption entirely.

CNBC: Dangote’s businesses have been in ‘commodity materials’, recently you’ve moved

into the petroleum business. Why did you do this and why has it taken you so long?

Dangote: We try as much as possible to avoid dealing in oil because the impression is that once you are dealing in oil, you are dealing in corruption. We wanted to make money through the real industry by growing our industries in foods mainly [and] also in mines.

Today the only working refineries in Africa are in two countries: one in South Africa and one in Cote d’Ivoire. [The one] in Cote d’Ivoire is very small, you’re talking about 70,000 barrels a day and that is why we’ve said we’ll amass a lot of cash, and the best way for us to help Africa is by making sure we make not only Nigeria but the sub-continent self-sufficient in terms of petroleum products because almost 95 per cent of petroleum products are imported into the sub-Saharan continent. We cannot continue with that, especially with the population growth. We decided to do a refinery of 500,000 barrels – we announced 400,000 but we have increased it to go to 500,000 barrels per day with a petrochemicals complex.

ACSA TAPS INTO GHANA’S AVIATION INDUSTRY

By Farhaanah Mahomed IRPORTS Company South Africa (ACSA) A has partnered up with Ghana’s Airport’s Company Limited (GACL) to develop Ghana’s aviation sector.

ACSA, Africa’s largest airports authority, has stated that as part of its ongoing expansion into emerging markets, they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GACL to provide advisory and technical consultancy services on all airport related matters in Ghana.

GACL, which is responsible for the development and maintenance of Ghana’s airports, including Kotoka International Airport in Accra, stated that air traffic in the region has grown phenomenally in recent years, with domestic traffic increasing by 30 per cent per annum and international passengers at around ten per cent.

S.AFRICA’S SACOIL APPOINTS NEW CEO

By Nicole Cassandra Naidoo

The company’s current acting CEO, Roger Rees, will also step down from his position at OUTH African oil and gas company, SacOil SacOil on 1 June 2014. has appointed Thabo Kgogo as its chief ex- The group reported a profit of 27 million ecutive officer, with effect from 1 June 2014. rand for the six months ending 31 August 2013 Kgogo, who joined SacOil from national oil from a loss of 11.8 million rand for the same company, PetroSA, held the position of vice period in 2012. president of operations as well as acting chief According to the company, this was primaoperating officer at PetroSA. rily from an increase in investment income “We are delighted that Kgogo has agreed to earned and decreases in finance and operatjoin the company. His experience in the oil ing costs. and gas industry will be extremely valuable SacOil, which focuses on opportunities in hyas we continue to grow the business and en- drocarbon basins across the exploration and production spectrum, has interests and gage new opportunities that exist throughprospective interests in Malawi, the out Africa,” said SacOil Holdings Limited DRC, Nigeria and Botswana. chairman, Tito Mboweni.

S

According to Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Dzifa Aku Attivor, the growth has put increased pressure on Ghana’s airports, especially that of Kotoka. The upgrading of all facilities in the region is then essential.

“We did not have to look far for a highly recommended partner to provide us with advisory services. Showcasing Africa’s abilities through the enormously successful airports expansion and management programme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup was recommendation enough for Airports Company South Africa,” Attivor explained.

The partnership between the two companies will therefore focus on technical, commercial and strategic business development aspects of the aviation industry with the goal of providing improved facilitation and commercial airport services for all stakeholders.

The MOU is however not the first of its kind.

Previously, ACSA signed similar partnerships with GVK for the management of Mumbai International Airport in India, and with Invepar to develop Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil.

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Friday, May 2, 2014

NIGERIA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF FREEDOM WITH S.AFRICA

By Dara Rhodes

A

HE global real estate sector may be experiT encing a decline but the sector in West Africa continues to rise as more opportunities open

Former South African presidents F.W. De Klerk, Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki at Mandela’s inauguration in 1994.

PHOTO: Getty images your limit, there is still a lot that will happen in South Africa because of this unity of purpose,” Oteh added.

Oteh believes that the strides in relations between Nigeria and South Africa are things that will take Africa to the next level and that when people see that these two countries are partnering, others will follow that lead.

Konyin Ajayi from the Emmanuel Chapel of the Methodist Church Nigeria said, “My

message to the people in South Africa is that they must realise that they have a great responsibility to all of us on the continent and there is still a lot more for them to do to show all of us the way”.

South Africa’s fight for freedom was one of the most dramatic events of all time and while the country has made very significant progress, there is still a lot to be done to ensure total equality and freedom for all South Africans.

IS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION REALLY FREE IN ETHIOPIA? the Maekelawi federal detention centre in Addis Ababa.

ITH the Ethiopian government’s recent According to the international nongovernarrest of nine journalists, many are crit- mental organisation, Human Rights Watch, icising the country’s crackdown on its press. interrogators at Maekelawi tend to use tor“With the latest arrests, Ethiopian authori- ture tactics to extract false confessions from ties are turning the peaceful exercise of free detainees, however, the government denies expression into a crime,” said Tom Rhodes, these allegations. the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) Six of the detainees, Abel Wabella, Atnaf East African representative.

Berhane, Mahlet Fantahun, Natnail Feleke, ZeThis follows after the Ethiopian governlalem Kibret, and Befekadu Hailu, are blogment arrested nine journalists on Sunday, gers from an independent media site, Zone 9, accusing them of working with foreign huwhich publishes news and commentary. man rights organisations and using social The site was started in May 2012 after the media to create instability in the country.

Ethiopian government began its crackdown The journalists, who were arrested in multi- on independent press by constricting the ple raids, have been denied access to their space for freedom of expression in the counfamilies and lawyers and are being held at

By Farhaanah Mahomed

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try.

The Zone 9 bloggers, who frequently write on domestic issues such as political repression and social injustices, often get blocked

by Ethiopian authorities however gained a significant following among Ethiopians in the diaspora.

The other detainees, a senior editor of the private Amharic weekly news magazine, Asmamaw Hailegeorgis, and freelancers Tesfalem Waldyes and Edom Kassaye, may have been arrested on suspicions of being affiliated with the Zone 9 journalists.

Getachew Reda, an adviser to Ethiopia’s Prime Minister ,Hailemariam Desalegn, told Reuters that the accused have been arrested for criminal activities.

HIGH COSTS SLOW DOWN KENYA’S TEXTILE INDUSTRY coming future but at the moment, we can say

By Wilhelmina Maboja that it is the most expensive in Eastern Africa, HE high cost of doing business in Kenya’s as the cost of manufacturing here directly relocal textile industry is becoming a local lates to the cost of the utilities and for the cost and international investment deterrent. of infrastructure, finance,” Rajeev Arora, exec“Kenya has shown some change in the utive director at Africa Cotton and Textile Industries Federation, told CNBC Africa.

“So we can say that Kenya would be about 20 per cent to 25 per cent higher in other countries relating to cost of production.”

Arora added that other regions in East Africa, such as Ethiopia, have however shown significant change in the last five years.

This has been by developing a conducive environment for investment, as well as developing some sort of investment package to attract investors into their cotton, textile and apparel market.

“I can safely say that nearly 350 million dollars of investment has come into Ethiopia in the last five years. That’s what is missing in Kenya at the moment. There will be some A worker in a fabric mill.

PHOTO: Getty Images changes coming in the near future, and I

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think the government has committed seriously to look into the issues which are relating to investment development,” Arora explained. “[This is] by making policy changes, giving certain facilities for investment development in the cost of production, and specifically in the change of workforce, productivity and cost.”

Kenya’s government, according to Arora, is also looking at ways to bring down the cost of electricity and utilities by producing extra power or by giving some sort of incentive for the industry’s growth.

Kenya’s textile sector is mostly related to the downstream industry, which includes apparel production, as well as exporting into the American market.

Arora added that Kenya is currently doing over 300 exports into the United States market through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has been in existence since 2000. AGOA is a trade incentive for African countries to open up more of their markets.

S.AFRICA’S CREDIT REGULATOR FIGHTS FOR CONSUMER RIGHTS HE National Credit Regulator and the DeT partment of Trade and Industry (DTI) have partnered to protect the image of credit consumers.

Credit consumers in South Africa have been relieved to receive favourable regulations from the Department of Trade and Industry.

Previously consumers could be listed on the credit bureau with adverse tags which deprived them from more credit allowance.

This practice will discontinue as the DTI has introduced the Removal of Adverse Consumer Information and Information Relating to Paid Up Judgements Regulations which will be effective from 1 April 2014.

“The term ‘credit information amnesty’ was changed to the ‘removal of adverse con-

WEST AFRICA’S REAL ESTATE SECTOR SET TO SOAR

By Dara Rhodes

SPECIAL church service was held in Nigeria to commemorate South Africa’s 20 years of democracy in the post-apartheid era.

This year marks South Africa’s 20th year as a democratic state and while the society is still transforming.

South Africans celebrated as they retained their faith in the democratic system and Nigeria joined in the celebrations.

“Our ties with Nigeria have come a long way.

They were at the fore front of this during our struggle especially at the international level at the United Nations,” the South African Consul General, Ambassador Mokgethi Samuel Monaisa told CNBC Africa.

According to the Ambassador, Nigeria was involved in the organisation of a united Africa and he believes that Nigerians, as well as Africans from other countries, supported the struggle against apartheid.

Arunma Oteh, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission said, “The gains of democracy, the gains of freedom, we can all see it. We can see that South Africa has taken its position in the world as a result of what happened in 1994”.

The rainbow nation’s elections are set for 7 May and this year will be the first time that all South Africans in the Diaspora will participate in the elections.

“I want to say to South Africans, remain that example, the example of unity and diversity, the example of the rainbow nation. The sky is

By Thando Matutu

www.ngrguardiannews.com

sumer credit information and paid up judgements’. The name was changed to deliver a clear message. Debt and liabilities will not be completely wiped off,” Nomsa Motshegare, chief executive officer for National Credit Regulator (NCR) told CNBC Africa.

The DTI compiled the regulations to combat the discrepancies which were found in the National Credit Act, which is the regulator of the credit industry.

Adverse information with words such as “delinquent”, “default”, “handed over to collections” or “write-off” will be removed from consumer’s credit history.

The 2013 DTI’s annual report noted that 9.5 million consumers had impaired credit records and also 47.5 per cent of all South African credit consumers had impaired credit

records.

These discrepancies were believed to be an obstacle for consumers to acquire employment or rentals for housing.

Credit card in grip-vice.

PHOTO: Getty images

up.

Despite problems such as lack of infrastructure and wide spread poverty, the premium and luxury property space in the West African region seems to be soaring.

“We have seen a steady growth in the premium space both in Nigeria and across West Africa, there is quite a steady growth both from local investors and some international investors,” Maryanne Okonjo, CEO of Fine and Country told CNBC Africa.

Nigeria recently became the largest economy on the continent exposing the numerous investment opportunities in the country’s real estate sector.

“We believe that wherever we see economic growth, there is usually activity in various sectors and definitely the real estate sector hasn’t been left out,” she said International investors are entering the real estate market ferociously regardless of challenges such as rising interest rates, inflationary pressures, instability in foreign exchange, insecurity, land accessibility, short duration of bank funding, and governance at state level.

“I believe that is what is happening with emerging markets, obviously Nigeria and some other parts of West Africa, people are looking for opportunities, they are looking for growth opportunities and with other parts of the world showing some decline in some cases,” she explained.

According to her, the formal housing sector is one that is still really waiting to happen across Africa as a result of the financing issues that the continent faces.

“Fine and country believes that real estate should be undergirded by vision, strategy, knowledge or insight, which is obviously driven by empirical data which is usually lacking especially in Africa and finally by execution,” she added.

West Africa's real estate sector presents huge opportunities.

PHOTO: Getty images

GREEN BUILDING IN S.AFRICA IN FULL BLOOM

By Wilhelmina Maboja Africa is on the path to building SpeteOUTH greener buildings and soon expects to comwith other green cities in the world.

“Seven years ago, the Green Building Council wasn’t established, and green building in South Africa was largely an unknown. Our chairman and executive chairman at the time wanted to work on a green building in South Africa, and his project team wasn’t really receptive. With his love for the environment and his history in the property industry, the green building movement in South Africa progressed. What we want to do is change the way the world is built,” Jarrod Lewin, business development manager at the Green Building Council of South Africa, told CNBC Africa.

Lewin added that Green Star South Africa certification, an environmental rating system for buildings, has since been utilised to keep track and encourage environmentally-friendly buildings.

“We’ve certified 50 buildings, which is something we’re absolutely proud of. These are new buildings. In the existing building market, which we see the number is probably 98 per cent of the actual market, we’re expecting within the next five years or so 5,000 buildings to come on board with the programme that we’re running. It’s absolutely where the change needs to happen,” Lewin explained.

Within an existing building market, according to Lewin, building owners, investors or facilities managers should start looking at ways of building with energy efficiency, water efficiency and operational and management procedures in mind.

“If you’re not going on a green building or sustainability journey – and in an existing building market we understand cash flow sensitivity – do the right thing when the time comes up: When you are replacing kit, reviewing maintenance procedures, make sure you employ the right initiatives at that stage. In fact, the V&A Waterfront down in Cape Town is a very good example of doing exactly that,” said Lewin.

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Friday, May 2, 2014

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Friday, May 2, 2014 ARTS 29

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Literature

By Anote Ajeluorou and Greg Austin Nwakunor

N

IGERIA’S book scene obviously experiences many challenges just as opportunities, potential opportunities, are said to be plentiful.

While opportunities abound, given the country’s large population that could have made millionaires out of authors plying their writing trade, the challenges seem so overwhelming that authors’ hope of ever getting rich from their creative imagination looks slim.

Many in the book chain see piracy, as one of the major challenges that must be tackled with as much innovativeness as those who engage in this crime have deployed in recent years to cut them out.

The need to adopt new business models to curb piracy was advocated in Port Harcourt at the UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 opening at the session dedicated to ‘The Nigerian Book Industry: Challenges and Opportunities’, with publishers, booksellers, librarians and authors also actively participating. But in all it was the submission of Director, Copyright Institute, Mr. John Asein, that most resonated, as a possibly workable framework if those in the book industry could act in c oncert to fight a common enemy that has become so sophisticated that pirated books are better packaged than original ones. Most times, publishers are hard put to differentiate between pirated copies and their own.

Asein’s proposition was to the effect that publishers needed to change their business model so as to curb piracy by adopting a multi-dimensional approach. The approach, he informed, was by way of designing a designated channel of book sales instead of the current haphazard one where books are sold on the streets even by urchins. That way, he said, books could be tracked to their sources and pirates easily nabbed whenever they infiltrate the channel or create suspicious alternatives.

According to Asein, “We must adopt a multidimensional approach. Why not design a channel of book sales instead of selling on the streets so they can be tracked through effective monitoring? Once books are coming in volumes of containers at the ports, we at Nigeria Copyright Commission get alerted and we verify which publisher owns them. We need to look at the right business model so we can flush pirates out.

Once you are able to track the channel it becomes easy. We can try out one state as a model and then apply it to others”.

Lagos-based Litramed Publications Ltd boss, Otunba Solarin, submitted that his firm was perhaps the greatest victim of piracy in the country and lamented the losses he suffers yearly as a result. He blamed his woes and those of his colleagues in the sector on lack of distribution channels for books. He said in spite of his company having 11 distribution depots across the country, pirates were still at work feasting on his books.

“There are no booksellers or marketers to push books to readers,” Solarin lamented. “But informal marketers are getting involved in book marketing now like Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) church setting up shop at the local airport in Lagos”.

But also the publishers and the others in the

book chain raised concerns about other issues that pose challenges to their business. They stated that publishing continues to suffer numerous limitations that have hindered its growth and it was why the sector has remained in the realm of potentiality and yet to yield its full bounty to operators in it.

With Nigeria’s large population, operators agreed that publishing ought to do well but high cost of imported printing materials like paper, ink, plates, machines among others have created room for Asian countries to thrive at the expense of local operators. Ironically, these same Asians, largely printers, are also those fueling large-scale piracy that is destroying local book business.

According to Mr. Aladesuyi of Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), operators in the Panel on Digital Publishing at the event sector were yet to scratch the surface of the business potential in books, saying, “We haven’t the official publisher of Nobel Laureate Wole even scratched the surface in book publishing. Soyinka, Olayebi said he couldn’t give accurate The opportunities are enormous, so also are the figures how much the eminent writer’s books challenges but publishers survive through fetch. According to him, none school text pubsheer resilience. Our population is a huge possi- lishers like him “don’t have the resources to bility. Affordability of books is a challenge. market books”, and so are greatly handicapped Piracy is a challenge, with pirated copies look- in how much they can fetch their authors in ing better than original ones and all coming terms of royalties. from Asia, and at cheaper prices”.

However, contrary to misleading assertions Chief Operating Officer at Farafina Books and that Nigerians don’t read and that there is a author of Fine Boys, Dr. Eghosa Imasuen, argued dying reading culture, the panellists affirmed for the empowerment of NCC so it could be that indeed Nigerians read a lot. But they stronger in enforcing its mandate of arresting admitted that the constraints enumerated so pirates and prosecuting them. He noted, “We hindered readers’ easy access to books. Also, it need to make it painful for anyone who com- was noted that Nigerians were a hugely aspiramits book crime”. tional people, a situation that explains the A lady retired librarian informed at the dismay explosion in motivational, inspiration books of guests how public and institutional libraries and those on leadership, as they want to get were aiding and abetting the piracy of books ahead in a competitive world. when they stock their libraries with pirated According to Pastor Remi Morgan of Lanterna copies. She said it was against the norm they Bookshop, “There is quite an effective demand met and left behind, which has become bas- for religious books. We’re an aspirational peotardised over time. ple. The most popular books people demand Boss of Ibadan-based Bookcraft Ltd, Mr. are on leadership because most people find Bankole Olayebi, cited government’s inconsis- themselves in leadership positions not pretent policy as being partly responsible for poor pared. So, there’s demand for books on selfreturns in the book sector. He recalled the help, self-improvement but patronage is still recent obnoxious and hasty policy of imposing modest”.

50 per cent tax on imported books, which poliAlso for Olayebi, “Nigerians want to read; they cy was also withdrawn when operators cried are keen on getting information. But the book foul, saying it was like returning the country to market is a potential market!” the dark ages and that it amounted to succumbing to Boko Haram’s silly ideologue of HERE was also a panel of young authors, scrapping western education! mostly young women, who discussed Olayebi also lamented lack of infrastructure in ‘Blogging and Digital Publishing’, as both alterthe book sector to make books easily accessible, native and complimentary to traditional pubas they were all imported with no local input. As lishing. Yet again, they highlighted the oppor-

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Nigeria International Book Fair opens next Monday

By Ijeoma Opara HE Federal Government has T been called upon to lift duty on books just as emphasis has been placed on the challenges Nigerian publishers face due to other issues bedeviling the book industry, a situation that has led to the increase in foreign participation to the detriment of local operators.

Making this assertion was Chairman, Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF), Mr. Samuel Kolawole, who is also the Managing Director of Ibadanbased University Press Plc whiel announcing the events leading up to this year’s book fair, the 13th in the series, scheduled to hold from May 5 – 10 at the Multi-purpose Hall, University of Lagos.

His statement was in line with that made by Prof. Wole Soyinka at

the opening ceremony of Port Harcourt UNESCO World Book Capital 2014, where he advised government to lift the high duty placed on books. Continuing, he said, “Knowledge is not domicile in any country that is why books don’t attract duty anywhere in the world going by UNESCO agreement on shipment of books. The argument that people print abroad is of great concern, but then it is cheaper and has better quality.

“Nigerian publishers don’t have enough funds to run their businesses and so a foreign printer who allows you to print and pay back six months after shipping will be the best option. This way, we cannot grow our own economy. I will advise the government to set up an independent evaluation of capacity for printers to know what percentage will be comfortable for them to

work with”.

As part of the programmes for NIBF, an international conference with the theme: ‘Emergence of ebooks and the Survival of Physical Books in Africa’ will hold on Tuesday, May 6 at the Multi-purpose hall C of the University of Lagos.

According to Kolawole, the international conference would focus on the influx of electronic learning materials to Africa and the implications of the trend on physical or printed books.

While commenting on the reading culture of Nigerians, Kolawole said, “Nigerians read a lot but the only problem is that we don’t read for leisure but for examination, because we create a lot of emphasis on certificates. It is very difficult to get a Nigerian to read when he is not preparing for examinations

and that is what we are trying to change, which is not peculiar to Nigeria alone”.

On girl child education, he noted: “It is true that due to our traditional culture, girls are at a disadvantage over the boy child. There are a number of organizations out there to fighting the course for the girl child education, but what we are focused on doing is to get our reading culture right”.

The yearly Nigeria International Book Fair, one of the biggest book events in Africa, provides avenue for interface amongst various stakeholders as well as serves as a gateway to the Nigerian book market. It will witness the gathering of publishers, booksellers and printers from America, Europe, Asia and other African countries who will be part of the fair.

tunities that abound in blogging and digital publishing that take advantage of the internet or worldwide web. They charged young and old authors alike to hop onto the digital portal train and experience the amazing world it offers in book publishing.

While inadequate power, poor internet connectivity, lack of access to computers or laptops were cited as challenges, they observed that those who were daring could still forge ahead regardless and make a small fortune from online publishing. They said this could happen provided such authors have the right content that has been well edited for public consumption before uploading it online.

Opportunities in digital publishing, it was agreed, were outstanding and that it was like magic, as it was fast and instantaneous. They also said it has endless possibilities, with a lot of profit to be made from it if properly managed.

Lost Decade

By Habib Akewusola

Independent barricade, clustered grenade, Burnt ancestral certificate, Interpret history in photo Language.

Destiny is only a map Time, is to trace your star Demarcate feather minded Liqouring stars, Nourished speeches hipped in Litres.

Apocalypse is fear Shut lips is time you hear, Am not an apostle, neither Is she the wild bear.

Salvation and rain, bullet Train, Wipe away her name, Fellow of disability in my False terrain.

I can’t force you with this Sword, Follow me, in speaking one Word.

Purified patriotic change, Following deep in every green Vain.

30 Friday, May 2, 2014 ARTS

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Revue

Sangodare Ajala

With batik, Sangodare Ajala in symphony of initiation rites This batik introduces the viewer to the Yoruba initiation ritual ceremony of a devoISTORY, they say, is what survives while mem- tee to Orisa Ogiyan, the God of creation, ories, images and artefacts are all caught up which is the theme of this work of art, and of in its interpretation and understanding. From Sango, the God of Thunder. This monumenSunday, May 4, Yoruba images will fill up space at tal piece is inspired by his intense ritual and the famous Saïd Business School, University of spiritual experiences.

Oxford. On that day, Sangodare Gbadegesin Ajala, a Through this work of art, which is more leading artist of Nigeria’s New Sacred Art than 25 feet by 9 feet, the viewer witnesses Movement, will unveil his batik, which interrogates many aspects of this private and complex images, ceremonies and understanding of the past initiation ritual. of the Yoruba people of West Africa.

The work, which took two years to comThe batik, which has been loaned to the School by plete, is a journey in ‘ritual transmogrificaDr Doug McCabe, is unique in the world. Sized 25 tion’. It is a batik created on white cotton feet by 9 feet, the work portrays the initiation into cloth using a wax resistant process. And to the priesthood of Obatala, the Yoruba God of cremake the work expressive and elucidating, ation. more than 30 colours are used to create Professor Roy Westbrook, Deputy Dean of the Saïd affect, including indigo.

Business School, will unveil the batik; and the Nobel Batik is, however, not a traditional Nigerian laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, will talk about the art form. A related traditional technique is meaning and myth behind the art.

Adire Aleko, which uses indigo dye exclusive“We are delighted to be able to display this batik ly, and cassava paste instead of wax. He and to welcome such distinguished artists to the learned the batik method using local bees Saïd Business School, particularly in the light of the wax from Susan Wenger. increasingly strong ties we are developing with An internationally acclaimed Austrian Africa,” said Professor Westbrook. “Through our artist, Wenger moved to Nigeria in 1950, and MBA scholarships for outstanding students from lived in her adopted country until her death Africa, and through the yearly Africa conference in Osogbo at the age of 93. She fully that our students organise in partnership with the embraced traditional culture and found her Oxford Africa Society, we hope to contribute to as artistic inspiration in Yoruba mythology, ritwell as discover more about this complex and fasci- ual and the spirituality of the Sacred Groves. nating continent.”

She dedicated her life to art and to the

By Gregory Austin Nwakunor

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revival of Yoruba cultural traditions, which were being pushed aside.

The Grove of Osogbo is the only fully preserved sacred outdoor space in Yorubaland that has survived. In traditional religion, groves are sacred outdoor places reserved for Shrines and rituals. In the 1960s, western influences were rapidly eroding Yoruba traditions.

Sacred places either succumbed to urban sprawl or were sold to developers. However, through the determined efforts of Susanne Wenger, the New Sacred Art Movement and many others, the Osogbo Groves were protected.

From the 1960s, Wenger and the Osogbo artists she mentored have protected and transformed this 75-hectare traditional sacred forest into a place of high artistic expression inspired by Yoruba mythology and spirituality.

The grove contains over a hundred monumental sculptures and shrines depicting and honouring Yoruba deities created by Susanne and the artists of the New Sacred Art Movement she founded. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.

Quoting Wenger’s assessment of his artistic expression, the organisers of the show say Sango is completely original. In Wenger’s word: “He was far too intelligent ever to be

tempted to copy me. The only thing he adopted from me, maybe, was this way of letting your imagination go really wild. That was good, because he could live out this power, this ritual power that he has. He is the perfect example of what I call ‘art as ritual’.”

The statement continues, “we cannot see the face of the initiate, who has been brought to the officiating priest in the shrine. It is hidden behind a white cloth to protect him from the violent light of the God, to which he is not yet accustomed. Together, the devotees are participating in the tradition of ‘ritual’ whipping as a means of ‘inner’ purification, and falling into trance.

Through these rituals they are becoming one with the Godhead.”

It adds, “in the top centre of the batik, we see the group elder. We can recognise him by his distinctive headgear worn only by the most senior in age and in stature. It is called abeti aja, a cap with ears on both sides. Abeti aja means, “having dogs ears.” Other devotees are wearing their ritual white beads and bangles. This is the third day of the ceremony, and the devotees are feasting and dancing to the ritual “Igbin” drums! The offerings to the Divinity Obatala portrayed in the batik include the giant snail, his ritual food, together with pounded yam, corn, and boiled bean porridge, all prepared, not with palm oil

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... Symphony of initiation rites at Oxford CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 but with traditional shea butter. There is no palm wine, as Obatala devotees must desist from drinking.”

In the words of Wenger, Sangodare “transcribes the Orisa (i.e. the Yoruba divinity) experience into an artistic language, a language that can be more widely understood than the closed language of the Yoruba ritual.”

HOUGH, Ajala is not a pioneer of ritual art, however, his interrogation of the art shows a mastery that is akin to Bruce Onobrapkeya’s plastography. His interpretation of history, myth and legend points to the fact that he is not only one of Nigeria’s finest artists, but a true representative of traditional Yoruba culture.

Sangodare, who lives in Osogbo, in addition to his work as an artist, is a Sango (God of Thunder) priest and herbalist. He leads the movement, founded by the late Wenger, called ‘The New Sacred Art Movement’.

The Adunni Olorisha Trust was established following the death of Chief Adebayo Adeleke, a long time patron of Susanne Wenger, and is chaired by his son, John Adeleke. It is dedicated to preserving: the Sacred Grove’s unique contribution to Nigerian cultural history; the art form she created known as the New Sacred Art Movement; the natural environment of the Groves themselves; the legacy of Susanne Wenger’s work and dedication over more than four decades to celebrate and revive Yoruba cultural heritage.

The challenge is to ensure that these monumental works of art in the Groves are not lost.

The sculptures and shrines are vulnerable.

They are made of cement, stone, iron, mud and wood and urgently need to be restored or they will disintegrate and be lost forever.

Fortunately, the original artists trained by Susanne have the knowledge, skills to restore these magnificent works of sacred art. Also, with improved materials, the preserved sculptures will last a very long time.

According to critics of his work, Sangodare’s art communicates the rich complexity of his heritage and his own spirituality. The inspirations for his extraordinary batiks are Yoruba mythology and ritual as experienced through his own practice. His art provides a bridge between traditional Yoruba wisdom and the changed world of which he has also become a part But you cannot really understand his work without knowing his relationship with Wenger, who raised him.

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UT you cannot really understand his work without knowing his relationship with Wenger, who raised him. Born in 1948, the first child of a very elderly and highly titled, powerful Sango priest. Sangodare was only 11 when he underwent the strong and difficult initiation rituals as the incarnation of Sango.

A year later, upon the death of his father, he was brought to Wenger. She did not allow him to go to local schools, where he would be pressured to convert to either Christianity or Islam. Instead, he was educated as a traditionalist and herbalist, and he determinedly taught himself to read and write in Yoruba and English.

At an early age, Sangodare began to paint,

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Restoration work in the Groves under Wenger’s watchful eye, and later chose to focus on batik, in his own style. In her words: “He creates these batiks with wildness and an explosive power, which are typical for the Orisa whose incarnation he is…He is the perfect example of what I call ‘art as ritual’.”

Sangodare has exhibited his batiks all over the world, both with Susanne Wenger and in solo exhibitions. Exhibitions have been held in Nigeria, Austria, Germany, the UK, France, Germany, the USA, Brazil and Cuba. In 2010 Sangodare won Nigeria’s prestigious National Art Competition Golden Jubilee Award.

In addition his work as an artist, priest and herbalist, Sango oversees the restoration of the monumental Shrines and sculptures created by Susanne Wenger and the New Sacred Art Movement in the Sacred Groves of Osogbo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with funds raised by the Adunni Olorisha Trust.

PHOTOS: LESLEY LABABIDI

Oro Sise: The Initiation - A Batik by Sangodare Ajala

Tourism

Exploring tourism potential of World Economic Forum on Africa From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja EW days to the 24th World Economic Forum on Africa (WEF), the management of the Official Host Hotel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, has assured the public of its preparedness to host a hitch-free event and provide a worldclass hospitality experience for all visiting delegates.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Manager of the hotel, Mr. Shola Adeyemo, and credited to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Transnational Hotels & Tourism Services Limited (Owners of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja), Valentine Ozigbo, expressed the hotel’s delight to be the choice host of the event and assured both Nigerians and visiting delegates of a refreshing hospitality experience throughout the duration of the forum.

“I will like to assure all the delegates of our best efforts to ensure they have a comfortable and hassle-free experience during their stay with us.

“We are proud to be the first hosts of WEF in the West African sub-region and we are set to create a refreshing hos-

F

pitality experience for all the WEF delegates”, Ozigbo said.

Speaking on the level of preparedness, Hotel’s Managing Director, Etienne Gailliez said: “Transcorp Hilton, Abuja has a standing history of hosting large high profile International events and we are known for being leaders in our field and for delivering customer-focused service to all our guests.

“We will surely bring this cherished history of service excellence and experience to bear on hosting the 24th World Economic Forum on Africa”.

Adeyemo informed that in preparation for the event, the hotel’s team of over 1000 employees has attended special WEF orientation training sessions where the peculiar demands of the event and the delegates were highlighted with a view to meeting and exceeding guests’ expectations.

“Furthermore, in order to ease the flow of traffic in and out of the hotel, work is being completed on the modification of the former exit gate to serve the guests for both entrance and exit into the hotel. A VIP car park has also been completed on time to give the guests a better experience at the entrance foyer.

“Accreditation process for the event started weeks ago as only

duly accredited delegates of WEF and personnel needed to manage the event would be allowed access to specific zones of the hotel.

“The hotel management is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that delegates to the WEF on Africa get a world class experience while showcasing the very best of Hilton quality service delivery and vintage Nigerian hospitality”.

Aware of the security challenge confronting the country, Adeyemo said the well-being, safety and security of guests are of paramount importance to the hotel and will not relent in efforts to ensure that all practises and standards are in line with strict safety and security regulations.

When asked further on specific security measures that are in place to forestall any security breach during WEF, he said: “we are unable to disclose specific details of these measures for security reasons.

“However, we have comprehensive practices and procedures in place to safeguard our guests and team members. These are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure we consistently deliver the highest level of security at all times.”

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34 ARTS Friday, May 2, 2014

Film Moviedom without Amaka Igwe

By Chuks Nwanne and Shaibu Husseini S soon as the sad news of the demise of frontA line filmmaker, Amaka Igwe, filtered in, the entire art community came to a standstill. On the social media, especially Facebook and Tweeter, the news was everywhere, with her pictures appearing as DP for most fans, colleagues and friends of the thoroughbred producer, who died on Monday night in her hometown, Obinagu, Udi Local Council, Enugu State.

Though the family was still in Enugu as at Tuesday morning, their Lagos home was besieged by movie stars, stakeholders in the motion picture industry, friends and well-wishers, who trooped out that morning to commensurate with the family.

In her office located right inside the MKO Abiola Garden, Ikeja, the mood was sober. “It was a shock for all of us hearing the news; we spoke last night. This is one woman, who gave a lot to people around her. I remember our first meeting about seven years ago in Abuja, during the yearly BoBTv; since then, I’ve been working with her till date. To be honest with you, we are yet to get over this sad news; I wish someone would wake me up later to say ‘it was a dream,” one of the producers, Chris Ihidero, said.

However, despite the death of their boss and mentor, the production team has moved on with their job. “I just summoned courage to call the production team back to work; the show must go on; that’s what she would have said if she were to be alive today. She taught us all we know today and the best thing we can do for her right now is to get the job done. We ere shooting a new soap and they have gone out to shoot an accident scene somewhere in the town. According to our schedule, we should be done by tomorrow and that’s exactly what we intend to do,” Ihidero said.

Describing her as a tireless champion for content made in Africa for Africans by Africans, AfricaMagic noted that the late filmmaker has left behind an enormous legacy built on skill, talent, determination and vision.

“We extends sincere condolences to her husband, her children, her family and friends during this difficult time, and will honour Mrs. Igwe’s memory by screening a collection of her most beloved works in the days and weeks ahead.”

Confirming the special tribute to Igwe, M-Net West Africa Regional Director, Wangi MbaUkouwa, said, “Amaka Igwe was a giant in our world, a loyal supporter, a committed professional and a valued partner. We will commemorate her achievements and her prolific passion for storytelling in the way that best benefits her esteemed stature – by dedicating time on our channels to her memory as a testament to her many achievements.”

Charles, husband of the late motion picture practitioner, who broke the news of the sad demise of the accomplished producer and director, told a close associate of the graduate of the University of Ibadan on telephone early on Tuesday that “she suffered an asthma attack and we immediately rushed her to a nearby hospital here in Enugu, but she passed on, even before we got to the hospital.”

Igwe, who has been married to Amaka for 21 years, revealed that they had both traveled to Enugu for pre-production preparation of her new soap in Igbo. “You know, she has all along been preparing for this shoot. So, we had come to tidy up things before this happened,” Igwe said. “This is too much for me… where do I begin from?”

Undoubtedly, a leading player in the Nigerian motion picture industry, Amaka Igwe’s effort as a practitioner has drawn international recognition for the burgeoning industry. Some of her early efforts such as Checkmate and Violated have largely remained a watershed in the history of soaps and movie production in Nigeria.

Born to Isaac Ene, a retired civil engineer from Obinagu-Udi, Enugu State, whom Amaka described as ‘very principled’. Amaka, also called GOC (General Officer Commanding) because of the leadership trait she exhibited as

Amaka Igwe a tot, was born and bred in Enugu. An old girl of All Saint School, now Trans Ekulu Primary School, Girls High School Awkunanaw, Enugu and Idia College Benin City where she had her ‘A’ levels, it was at Idia College that her arts inclination fully germinated.

While at Idia, Amaka recalled organising variety shows. She acted and directed the plays that were staged and also taught the group the famous atilogwu dance, which became the schools official dance.

Amaka, who was popular in her early school days as Ogwu Azu, (Igbo word for Fish bone) because of her slim built frame, wanted to study law, but she was offered a chance instead to study Education and Religious Study at the University of Ife. She signed the MNET short celluloid film, Barbers Wisdom, as director, later proceeded to the University of Ibadan where she bagged a master degree in Library and Information Services. In between, she took part in a number of theatrical productions particularly as a member of the NYSC drama troupe.

After NYSC, she found the massive studios of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service from where such classics like the long rested Basi and Company and the New Masquerade were produced, a good ground to learn how programmes were produced. Her creative drive was further accelerated when she encountered on screen, the work of the inimitable female television director Lola Fani Kayode. Amaka disclosed that she conceived Checkmate by watching Mirror in the Sun, which Lola produced and directed then.

The driving force behind BOBTV, an acronym for the Best of the Best African Film and Television Programmes market, and CEO of Amaka Igwe Studios an outfit that is best known for dropping off quality television and video offerings, Amaka Igwe’s vision of providing a common access point for good and authentic movies and television programmes led to her conceptualizing and eventual staging BOBTV, which is in its 8th edition.

An amiable and warm personality who has received numerous industry awards including that of lifetime achievement from the organizers of the annual African Movie

Academy Awards (AMAA), Amaka has her creative pouch filled with works that have been rated as best sellers.

“I received with sadness this morning the news of the passing away of my big sister and Nollywood icon, Mrs. Amaka Igwe (MFR),” said AMAA CEO Peace Anyiam Osigwe. “I was preparing to attend the official launch of The Cable online Newspapers on the invitation of Simon Kolawole, former Editor of Thisday Newspaper when this sad news hit me like a tornado. I was in total shock and lost my mental balance. It took me time to recover from the sad reality that our own Auntie Amaka is gone while in Enugu in preparation for a movie project.”

She continued, “ the motion picture industry in Nigeria and Africa will sorely miss this revolutionary, who raised the bar of professionalism and artistic excellence early in Nollywood when it was not fashionable. Amaka Igwe gave herself and applied herself to producing films and soaps that are pacesetters. She was a creative entrepreneur of outstanding qualities who came, saw and conquered in her 51 years of existence on earth. She worked with us as a jury member of the Africa Movie Academy Awards at the early stage and her contributions were farreaching and rewarding. On behalf of management and staff of AMAA, I extend my heartfelt condolence to her husband, Mr. Charles Igwe, the children, her immediate and extended family members and loved ones. May God continue to stay with the family in this very moment and always. May God rest the soul of our departed heroine of Nollywood.”

Meanwhile, President, Association of Nollywood Core producers (ANCOP) Alex Eyengho has described Mrs Igwe’s death as a big blow to the industry.

“A substantial part of Nollywood and African motion picture industry is dead with her sudden demise. She was indeed the duchess of Nollywood; she never did any business outside itand the Nigerian entertainment industry generally. She gave the industry her all.”

As Madam chair of the Nigerian entertainment business group (NEBG), “she worked tirelessly to reposition the industry. It will be hard for any female Nollywood practitioner to step into the big shoe Amaka has left behind. Her departure is a colossal loss not just to her family, but also to Nollywood, the entire Nigerian entertainment industry and Nigeria as a nation,” he said.

Lamenting the death of Amaka Igwe, Nollywood filmmaker, lancelot Imasuen exclaimed, “oh, not again, hopeless death not again! Grief, pains and more pains fill my heart for this Amazon, pillar, creator and maker of stars. You it was, who single handedly gave life to my BoBTV, which indeed I benefited from in no less a measure. So sorry I didn’t get to tell you this before this dark cloud came down; I may have been waiting for your 75th years birthday. Death, you are indeed an insatiable glutton; you have darkened my day with grief,” he cried.

A front line pro-media non-governmental organisation, Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has described the reported demise of Nigeria’s foremost producer as a national tragedy and asked the Federal Government to immortalise her memory in a very profound form.

In a statement made available to journalists and authorized jointly by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA has specifically appealed to President Jonathan to rename the Nigerian films corporation, Jos, after Igwe as one way of according national respect to her memory.

The rights’ body, which poured encomiums on the achievements of the late films producer, has also asked the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism to activate immediate, effective and comprehensive practical mechanism for the endowment of a professorial chair in the field of creative/performance Arts in one of the Federal universities as a way of engraving the profound body of knowledge in that field contained in the various creative works produced by the late producer.

On the reported cause of her death, the group has asked the Federal Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, to use his good offices to work out mechanisms for the provision of effective, efficient and affordable treatments and drugs against asthma across the country especially as the available treatment drugs for the health challenge are too expensive for both the rural and urban poor citizens living with it.

HURIWA noted with dismay that Asthma has in the past few years led to the demise of many promising young men and women that would have made valuable contributions to move our economy significantly forward.

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Prince Erediauwa, Obong of Calabar, CBAAC endorse Imasuen’s epic film

By Anote Ajeluorou S the countdown to its October worldwide preA miere approaches, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen’s epic film Invasion 1897 continues to enjoy the blessings of royalty in his native Benin Kingdom and beyond. The latest pat in the back came from no other personage than the Crown Prince, the man who will be the next Oba of Benin, Edaiken N’Uselu, Eheneden Erediauwa.

Imasuen’s historical and culture-grounded film has also nudged awake a certain cultural renaissance in the ancient kingdom, with a flurry of activities in the city designed to redefine and reevaluate the rich culture for which the Edo people are renowned. The crown prince also visited the Obong of Calabar and the last known abode of his grand ancestor, Oba Ovonramwen, was held by the invading British and the subject of Imasuen’s epic film.

At the premiere of Invasion 1897 later in the year, Crown Prince Erediauwa, will unveil Benin Royal Dynasty Trust, a no-for-profit and non-political organisation. It was incorporated on February 26, 2013 and designed to put Edo cultural heritage in the sun. Born in 1953 to the current Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Uku Akpolokplo, Oba Erediauwa, Prince Eheneden was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Norway and Angola. He would be bringing his wealth of diplomatic experience to bear in running the trust and see to the proper flowering of Edo culture, which celebration has been somewhat muted and less known to the outside world except its famous bronze works that adorn museums abroad.

Indeed, the intervention of a high profile personage as Prince Eheneden directly from the royal house might spark renewed debate about Benin stolen art. Imasuen’s Invasion 1897is at the heart of this issue; the oba who was sacked to pave way for the looting of Benin ancient royal art. Oba Ovonramwen’s death in 1914 paved the way for British direct rule in the country.

In supporting the film together with its planned art exhibition that will focus on the bronze works made specifically for the film, Prince Eheneden might be saddled with the task of reopening the case for a return of the stolen royal art of his eminent great, great grandfather.

For the Binis, Imasuen’s film will be a renaissance of lost glory. Oba Ovonramwen was such prodigious monarch; his travail, notwithstanding, he is still revered till date because of what he symbolised for the Bini people, a man who stood his ground against the thieving and murderous British in their quest for stolen lands and property.

And as the last African king to resist the British, Ovonramwen is symbolic of African resistance against foreign domination. Importantly, it was not until Oba Ovonramwen’s death on January 1, 1914 that the British brought together the two protectorates to declare the country Nigeria into existence.

In a related development, Crown Prince Erediauwa recently paid a historic, bilateral royal courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, in his palace in Calabar. The visit was to strengthen cultural relations between the two royal houses of Benin and Calabar, particularly so the Benin prince could familiarise himself with the place where his royal forebear last lived.

According to Imasuen, who used the opportunity to present his film to the Calabar royal father, said the purpose of the visit was to continue the cultural ties between the two royal houses and to connect Prince Erediauwa firsthand with the last known abode of his great forebear. He said the Benin royal house, with the support of the Obong and the government of Cross River State, has acquired where Ovonramwen was last held, where the Benin Royal Dynasty Trust would build a fitting museum in his honour. He noted that the Ognong was receptive of the film idea and made the delegation warm welcome.

Prince Erediauwa used the occasion to appeal to the Calabar monarch to host Invasion 1897 film premiere in his domain. As a result, the film would be premiered in four cities in the country – first in Benin City at Kada Cinema on July 20, before Lagos and Abuja. The London premiere is scheduled for August 16. Imasuen expressed his excitement at the opportunity to meet and present his film to the revered ruler of the Efik people, saying, “It’s a huge thing for me and the film industry”.

It will be recalled that Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, had earlier endorsed Invasion 1897 at his palatial home, GRA, Benin City.

Also, Centre for Black African Art and Culture

Obong of Calabar (right) receiving the royal visitor from Benin Kingdom, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa at the palace of the Calabar monarch

Filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen presenting his epic film to the royal father for endorsement

Prince Erediauwa (behind) inspecting the last known abode of his grand forebear, Oba Ovonramwen in Calabar. A museum will be built in the acquired site, as tourist attraction in honour of the last African monarch to resist the British (CBAAC) has lent its support for Imaeun’s historic film. In a letter of endorsement signed by the centre’s Director-General, Prof. Tunde Babawale, said, “The Centre is impressed by the interest the epic film has generated since its production and we are proud to be associated with it. The Centre is particularly happy that the production of this film would lend voice to the campaign for return of those cultural patrimonies that were carted away during the infamous British expedition to Benin Kingdom and other places where such objects were stolen or looted.

“We believe the film will show African’s attachment to those materials and correct impressions that countries of origin where such artifacts were illegally taken away are incapable of taking care of them when returned. The film will also help in preserving, propagating and retaining memories of Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The Centre hereby endorses the film project and encourages other organisations to support this laudable initiative”.

Moviedom without Amaka Igwe CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 HURIWA wrote thus; “We have just read in the popular social media of the eternal passage of one of Nigeria’s most talented creative writers and an excellent producer Mrs. Amaka Igwe”.

“While we extend our heartfelt condolences to her immediate family and the entire creative arts industry, we urge the Nigerian state to commence the process of immortalising her great memory including the possible naming of Nigerian Films Corporation after Mrs. Amaka Igwe.”

Further canvassing other ways of immortalising the late ace producer, HURIWA, a

body whose membership includes creative writers, stated thus: “We call on the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism to work closely with the that of Education and the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to endow a professorial chair in one of the nation’s federal universities in the field of creative/performance arts in memory of the late Igwe.”

Citing relevant body of information available in the social media, HURIWA stated that the late Igwe was an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher just as the group recalled with admiration that she was the founder of BoBTV Expo, founder and CEO of Top Radio 90.9FM, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the newlylaunched Q Entertainment Networks.

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36 ARTS Friday, May 2, 2014

VisualArts With Metal, Faces and Cocks, three

Ebenezer Akinola’s ‘Waka Waka to Nowhere’.

Stories by Tajudeen Sowole

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WO painters and one sculptor, Ebenezer Akinola, Ayoola Gbolahan and Tony Evbodache-Etoni have nothing in common, not even in the theme that brings them together.

But the lack of commonality may just be the thrills waiting to exude a masterly air when their group exhibition titled Metal, Faces and Cocks opens from May 8 ending 22, 2014 at Signature Beyond, Ikoyi, Lagos. Yes, the diversity is as pronounced as the title of the show as each subject that forms the nucleus of the theme represents each artist’s identity.

From the Renaissance to modernists and contemporary masters, portraitures come with masterly identity, particularly in the skin pigmentation. For Akinola, the earthy tones, sometimes in the hues he gives his work stands him out from the crowd of portrait artists.

In this show Akinola’s brush strength in colour rendition of skin combines with imageries, representing scenes of theatrical flow, also comes with boldness in such works as Curves, Dem Dey Worry You? and Waka Waka To Nowhere.

‘African Lady’ by Tony Evbodache-Etoni On the theatrics of his figures, Akinola disclosed that “I like movement a people a lot.” He argued that “movement is life; without movement there is no life.”

Describing Evbodache-Etoni as king of assemblage art is coherent with the artist’s scavenging of found objects, mostly of metal nature, and condenses them into masterly sculptural piece. And truly, his metal finishing exudes the natural texture of the objects in golden rust.

This much works such as Horse, a head of the equestrian beast; Goje Player, impressionistic figure of a native violinist; and Dialogue with Valdes Manalo, all in huge sizes arrest great attention. “After bringing the components such as discarded auto parts, computer panels and others together, I like to leave them as natural as they were,” the sculptor explained.

The curator Burns Effiom noted that the artist’s found objects in metal and panels are given a new life as inorganic materials in metals are sculpted into aesthetic forms that mimic life itself.”

What has cockerels got to do with it! Gbolahan’s simplified art of encrypting signs and symbols explains is stylised portraitures. “I al-

Ayoola Gbolahan’s ‘Virgin and Cocks’

ways mimic people a lot,” Gbollahan explained during a preview. Perhaps in getting the feel of representing people on canvas, it could be novel being part of a composite. “I also try to inject myself into my paintings.” Features such as nose, mouth ears, indeed, sometimes are of the artist’s facial identity.

Expressing some personal spiritual belief comes the cockerels, collaging into some of his works as seen in Virgin and the cock and Untitled.

But what could count as the artist’s period is a theme he calls “Blue Woman”. Since he stumbles on her “in a dream in 2007,” he has been bouncing the idea over and again. And just last year, “I painted the first full Blue Woman.”

If Gbolahan thought only him knows all about the woman he saw in a dream, the curator, Effiom contextualised it further. “Ayoola’s women are blue maybe in reference to blue stocking a title given to successful women in the corporate world. Blue woman ask questions of social conflicts, moral values and their resolve.”

1Gbolahan’s works are in the collections of World Bank, Washington DC, U.S; African Finance Corporation, Sofitel MooreHouse, Eko

Hotel, Avenue Suites • SETRACO, Churchgate Nigeria, Chellarams, Nigeria, Vigeo Holdings, Nigeria, and National Gallery of Arts, Nigeria.

Some of Evbodache-Etoni’ art exhibition included The News/Nimbus Exhibition, 2004; Guinness Art Exhibition/Competition, 2004 ; and Art Exhibition Nigerian’-Benin Republic, 2005.

He is a graduate of Federal polytechnic Auchi (Class of 91).

Etoni is the acronym of my names and is what i sign on my sculptures pieces. i am a Sculptor, highly creative, innovative and enthusiastically searching for new concepts and ideas to meet up with the challenges of today.

Graduated 1989 from the university of Benin with B.A in fine arts (painting) Akinola has exhibited his works at Presidential inauguration Exhibition, 2011; Lasting impressions [solo] Signature Gallery Lagos, Nigeria; Stepping into universality, universal studios of art Lagos; The first Nigeria Giclee Exhibition, hue concept/Terra kulture, Lagos, Nigeria.

2008; Miniature art fair, framemaster Lagos, Nigeria.2007; and National Blackart Fair, New York City, USA, 2005 •

Back from the primary market, Arthouse displays Anatsui, Enwonwu at 12th auction BOUT three months after aiding a day, the usual front runners like Ben million and N12m, the work sold for A new entrant’s debut into the pri- Enwonwu and El Anatsui are among N7.5m, hammer price.

The auction house, according to mary art market via art fair in Lon- the top masters in the 110 lots sales. don, U.K, Nigeria’s premiere auction house Arthouse Contemporary returns to the hammer sales in Lagos where it truly belongs.

From tomorrow, the auction house’s 2-day preview of its 12th edition opens ahead of the sale, which holds on Monday, May 5, 2014 at The Wheatbaker, Ikoyi, Lagos.

In February, Arthouse led the exhibition R-Evolution, which featured works of Sokari Douglas-Camp, Victor Ekpuk, Kainebi Osahenye, George Osodi and Victoria Udondian at Art14 Fair in London under a new gallery, The Space. Arthouse’s involvement in art gallery-related market field raises the question of the auction house’s possible conflict of interest between the primary and secondary markets.

But the CEO, Mrs. Kavita Chellaram, ahead of the public preview of the May auction clarified that The Space is independent of Arthouse and it aims to promote artists basically in the primary market.”

And when the May auction, courtesy of Standard Chartered Bank sponsorship, opens for bidders on Mon-

For example, three Anatsui’s works from his Broken Pot Series of the 1970s are among the lots expected to lead the mega bucks, the auction manager, Nana Sonoiki predicted.

But in the auction house’s tradition of giving opportunity to a broad spectrum of artists, new entrants into the auction, Chellaram assured will feature. The list include Nigerian and artists from other parts of Africa.

“Featuring for the first time in the Arthouse auction are Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga, Modupe Fadugba, Jeremiah Quarshie, Bona Ezeudu, Tobenna Okwuosa, Dominique Zinkpe, Ini Brown, Hassan Aliyu, Yves Midahuen and Nyornuwofia Agorsor.”

At the last outing in November, Ben Enwonwu’s bust of a Fulani Girl (fibre glass, 1967) led the top sales at N15.5m followed by a panel Ends and Means Committee by El Anatsui, picked for N12m. The auction had Nigerian pioneer modernist, Aina Onabolu made what appeared like his record sale at auction with Portrait of Sisi Nurse, oil on canvas. Estimated at between N10

Chellaram, is also sustaining its tradition of giving back to the society through a charity four charity lots “donated by sellers to raise money for Standard Charttered’s Seeing is Believing.”

During the previous auction, a charity lot, which was an installation of tricycle The Young Shall Grow, A Keke Napep for A Growing Nation, by painter Polly Alakija was the charity lot sold for N2 million. About 50 per cent of the proceeds, according to the artist, goes to Erubode House, a home for special needs children in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, southwest Nigeria.

In empowering young artists, Chellaram disclosed that Arthouse Foundation for Artists, has given Tayo Olayode a residency opportunity. The artist, she stated “is currently in Vermont, U.S doing his residency.” She also disclosed that the next artist to benefit from the grant is “Uchay Joel Chima.”

Still on Arthouse’s midwifery of The Space, the director of the new entrant, Amisha Hathiramani said

From the Arthouse 12th auction, a mixed media Butterfly by Peju Alatise clarified that “It’s a moving space aimed at taking artists’ works from one place to another.”

After the Art14 Faie in London, the next stop is Abuja. “A similar exhibition will be held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja to coincide with the

World Economic Forum event to be held there from the 7th-9th of May,” Chellaram added. “Bruce Onobrakpeya will display a monumental installation made up of more than 100 individual works.”

THE GUARdIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 2, 2014 ARTS

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Soyinka portraits… How International Cultural Exchange exposes documentation values

By Tajudeen Sowole HE ongoing portraits exhibition of Nobel LauT reate, Prof Wole Soyinka at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, which opens a youth-focused international cultural exchange in arts and culture raises the value of visual documentation. In fact, it may also inspire future portraiture shows to mark special days in the life of celebrities.

Portraits of Soyinka captured by12 established artists in Lagos, six years ago, under the Living Legends project led by Olu Ajayi, and now on display as Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Art Exhibition inside the Hall of Fame of the Ogun State Cultural Centre radiates a new aura of promoting values, particularly of a revered personality like the celebrant. The exhibition opens with 80 days of activities, leading to the 80th birthday of the renowned and fearless playwright.

And when the Governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun warned that in celebrating Soyinka, “We must, for his sake, put in place all that he stands for,” the place of creativity in the uplifting of a people was emphasised. Amosun, who declared the events open, noted: “This is why the standard of the works here is high.” The long celebration of Soyinka’s 80th birthday, the governor explained, is well justified, adding, “We cannot over-celebrate Soyinka”, as he is not just a pride to Africa, “but to the world”.

With workshops on art and culture, 80 children and youths from across Nigeria are expected to interact with facilitators across cultures during the 80 days’ celebration. As the governor and visitors were taken round the exhibits, the portraits, mounted on easels appear like a convergence of the diverse styles and techniques of art leanings across ‘schools’ in Nigeria’s visual arts parlance. despite not being presented in their original canvases and sculptural formats, the works still radiate masterly touches. Ajayi explained that the logistics of moving some of the works about appeared too risky for their ‘fragility’.

Indeed, the status of artists who gathered at the Aina Onabolu Building, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos and captured the sitter, Soyinka, could not have produced anything less. The exhibiting artists are Edosa Ogiugo, Abiodun Olaku, duke Asidere, Ben Osaghae, Patrick Agose, Wallace Ejoh, Osazuwa Osagie, Segun Adejumo, Olu Ajayi, Sam Ovraiti and Odun Orimolade.

While the Living Legends portrait project has a

1.Curator of Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Art Exhibition, Olu Ajayi explaining one of the portraits to the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and other guests during the opening of the 30-day long event broader focus in documentation, the WS International Cultural Exchange Art Exhibition has exposed a new potential: sitters already captured in the project could be equally celebrated in the future.

Shortly before leading the governor and other guests to view the portraits, the founder Living Legends and curator of the exhibition, Ajayi stated that the concept is to promote true virtues of people that have contributed to humanity. Soyinka, he recalled, “was the first icon recorded under the Living Legends project in 2008.”

And in extending the virtue of creativity to the future, young artists were invited from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), the producer of WS International Cultural Exchange, Lillian Amah Aluko explained. “It’s part of the Open Door Series of the WS International Cultural

Benin Gallery in Boston denies impersonating Oba

By Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu U.S.-BASEd Benin group, Coalition of Committed Benin Community Organisations, which has been accused of misrepresenting the Oba of Benin during the opening of a controversial Benin Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), in Boston has denied allegation of impersonation. In a press statement the group said it got the approval to participate in all the activities of the museum to promote Benin cultural interest.

The opening of the museum last year has generated so much debate over the appropriateness or otherwise of the project. In an interview published in The Guardian, Prince Edun Akenzua, the Enogie of Obazuwa, who is the younger brother of the current Oba of Benin, punctured the group’s claim of getting approval to represent the Oba. Akenzua stated that the “Oba did not send anybody to that place; Oba could not do so because Oba cannot be seen to be organising or supporting a private museum anywhere in the world when he is asking that those materials be brought back to Benin and to Nigeria.”

A

But documents made available to The Guardian showed that even the operators of the museum had formal discussion with the palace. The documents showed that the coalition wrote to the Oba of Benin through a letter dated August 18, 2013 where it formally introduced itself as “a relatively young organisation created with a purpose of having a dynamic unified body that will be able to lead or play a prominent role in promoting and achieving greater success in relevant issues relating to our interest and the needs of our members and the Edo people at large”.

The letter indicates that the association was formed to help further the interest of the palace and the Benin kingdom. It said members were interested “to find ways for the Benin kingdom and the Benin people to have some partnership roles, royalty grants from the gallery now and in the future”.

Some of the documents also showed that there was correspondences between the palace and the MFA, Boston as the museum wrote letters between May and August 2013 and one including the agenda of the meeting between the Museum and the Coalition on

June 27, 2013. Included in the correspondence is a letter dated August 29 2013 with reference number Palace 21/VolXX/S/16 addressed to the Coalition of Committed Benin Community Organisations, signed by the Secretary to the Oba, O. Oronsaye-Guobadia that granted the association “to fully participate in all the activities lined up for the event”.

The letter of authorirsation further negotiates with the operators of the museum “will pay stipulated royalties or terms to be agreed on to the Omo N’Oba N’Edo from proceeds received as a result of such exhibitions as determined. Support our need for an Edo house of Culture Centre in Boston, where town hall meetings and education centred on the relevance of these arts of work will be showcased. Sponsor Edo language studies and traditions in a local higher institution.

Grant permanent discounted tickets to our Benin community members visiting the gallery. Open to reconsider new ideas of mutual benefit as necessary.

Agree to handle and conduct materials as culturally and traditionally advised”.

Exchange project”.

The opening of the exhibition was perhaps a better opportunity for the students of department of Art and Industrial design, MAPOLY, to get inspiration. Seated in a single row inside the Hall of Fame, the students were seen drawing Soyinka from several references, mostly of reproduced images. “The students’ presence here is one of several ways of exposing them to the world of art,” the school’s Head of department, Bello stated.

Executive Producer of WS International Cultural Exchange and CEO of Zmirage, Teju Kareem disclosed that the youths are the focus of the exhibition and several workshops lined up for the 80-day events. The international connection of the sections such as youth advocacy in literature and culture, he added, are mostly coming from the U.S. Still on the children and youth-focus of the cultural exchange, he disclosed that “80 children from across Nigeria have been selected to participate.” Kareem recalled that in the last five years, the project has moved across cities of the world, including Asaba, Osogbo and London.

For the 2014 edition, Osun and Lagos State, he said would also host parts of the event.

For Abeokuta, the capital of Soyinka’s home state, Ogun, which is fast becoming a tourism destination, particularly for those who seek to escape from the unavoidable ‘madness’ of Lagos, the activities lined up for WS at 80 brings additional values. The state government hopes to maximise the opportunity of the long celebration and expected high volume of human traffic to expose the city’s tourism potentials.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Yewande Amusan articulated this much when she listed the areas of the city’s tourism focus such as the adire (tie and dye) textile design festival as well as mountainous Olumo Rock.

Amusan explained how the adire brand – synonymous with Abeokuta – is being lifted into the world fashion stage. This much, she assured will be further promoted with a “partnership already ongoing with Ade Bakare Couture,” a leading Nigerian designer in the diaspora.

Last year, Soyinka’s celebration was held in Lagos where 600 students from about 20 schools and 79 essay finalists from across the country participated in an essay competition ‘do your own Thing’ under the watchful eyes of judges led by dr. Razinat Mohammed.

Other highlights of the WS80/ICE programme to mark Soyinka’s 80th birthday in July is the plan to stage 80 performances featuring Poetry/Spoken Word artistes from all over Nigeria, parts of Africa, U.S. and the U.K.; the Essay Competition that will feature 80 student-finalists drawn from around Nigeria; command presentations of at least two of Soyinka’s plays, including the hardly-staged Dance of A Forest – which is slated to be presented in the site-specific theatrical format. There is also the London leg of the programmes that will feature play presentations, advocacy lecture and others.

According to the organizers, the Open Door Series Project WS is an International Cultural Exchange Programme designed for the purpose of using the platforms of Literature, Arts and Culture to affirm and uphold the dignity of man. Focusing on youths, as the future of humanity, the ICE seeks to foster unity among mankind regardless of nationality, ethnicity and religion.

The project is a partnership between the Zmirage Multimedia Company and Global NewHaven led by Prof. Segun Ojewuyi of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, U.S., who is Co-Executive Producer of WS/ICE project.

Head of Department, Olayemi Bello speaking to the visiting students of Department of Art and Industrial Design, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic during the opening of the WS portraits exhibition in Abeokuta, Ogun State

38

ARTS Friday, May 2, 2014

THE GUARDIANwww.ngrguardiannews.com

ArtHouse Grant proposal writing workshop holds today HE first part of Proposal Writing Workshop for Grants aimed T at helping individuals acquire the technical knowledge and communication skills required for proposal writing to access grants and funding for their projects and organizations holds today. It will provide intensive technical training to individuals on how to access grants and funding for their businesses, projects, or social ventures. The workshop will be held in two parts, and will be facilitated by Linda Bembatoum, a seasoned development consultant with over 12 years’ experience in the NotFor-Profit/Third Sector, where she has worked with a range of international organizations and donor agencies. Registration is still ongoing for limited slots. Interested candidates can send email to info@enterprisecreative.org to sign up.

Homevida 2014 calls for script competition OMEVIDA, an initiative of Public and Private Development H Centre (PPDC), is calling on Nigerians between the ages of 16 to 30 to send their original short film scripts in the following categories - The Investors Protection Prize, endowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), The Human Development Prize, endowed by United Nations Millennium Campaign (UNMC) and Recognition for the Best Anti-trafficking in Persons Script, endowed by United Nations on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and funded by the European Union (3 winners will be selected from this category). To qualify to be selected in any of these categories, submitted scripts must be able to fit into a 10-15 minutes’ short film, must not be more than 15 pages, have well defined characters and plot and should be typed and presented professionally in Microsoft word. Entries close June 13.

Compiled by Florence Utor

Afolabi, Adekunle, others to speak at African PR conference in Mauritius Gwira.

Stories by Florence Utor and CEO of BursonThe conference Marsteller Robyn HE 26th edition of T the annual African Public

R e l a t i o n s Association (APRA) conference with the theme ‘Advancing Africa’ is set to hold in Mauritius from May 27- 31. Now in its 26th year, the conference will attract over 500 delegates from across different communication sectors and professional groupings from all over Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.

Confirmed speakers include President and CEO of The Holmes Group, Paul Holmes, who is the chairman of the judges for SABRE Awards and Manager of the Global Public R e l a t i o n s Summit. Also speaking is the former World President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) and public relations and marketing expert with 50 years’ experience in communication, Mrs. Loula Zaklama; one of U.K.’s 500 most influential people as named by The Sunday Times and Debrett’s Jeremy Galbraith; Football marketing guru Ian Riley who was involved in 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup bid for South Africa.

Other speakers include Chairman

de Villiers, BHM Founder/CEO Ayeni Adekunle, a media and public relations expert who was recently listed

by BusinessDay as one of the top 40 Nigerian entrepreneurs under 40, Group CEO of F r o n t i e r s International Services Limited, Muyiwa Afolabi and Head of C o r p o r a t e Communications and CSR at Airtel Ghana, Mr. Donald

will also witness the inaugural APRA Pyramid Awards for Professional Excellence and Outstanding Leadership in Africa. This is to celebrate remarkable PR achievement in its numerous dimensions and bring to note deserving recipients nominated by members that have placed Africa in positive light on the global landscape.

Nollywood actors, Patience Ozokwor and Chinedu Ikedieze and Director, Rainbow Book Club and UNESCO Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014, Mrs. Koko Kalango, during the Celebrity Reads session at the handover of World Book Capital from Bangkok, Thailand to Port Harcourt, Nigeria at Hotel Presidential… last week

I don’t need international collaborations for now, says Phyno F you’re looking out for an Ifrom international collaboration Phyno, you might have to wait a while longer as the mercurial rapper has revealed that he doesn’t have any plans for I for now.

Phyno, who has had an amazing year so far with numerous engagements, back to back concerts all around the country and the recent release of his latest album No Guts No Glory to critical acclaim, shared this fact during his speed chat at Hot FM Owerri right before his performance at Star Music Trek, Orlu on April 26, 2014.

“It’s been extremely hectic for me right now, and international collaborations don’t come just like that. I’m just taking it one stage at a time. There’s so

much I’m involved in right now. When it’s time for that, I will,” he added.

But while the popular rapper may not have any international collaboration on his to-do list anytime soon, an international tour is definitely in the works.

However, the eccentric artiste is keeping the juicy details to his chest, so fans may have to wait a bit for more details.

This year has seen an increased presence of the rapper on the Star Music Trek circuit with Phyno scheduled to perform at over half the concert venues to be toured on the Trek in 2014.

Phyno is also expected to perform at three other Trek venues - Ekwulobia, Onitsha Fegge and at the Grand Finale in Lagos on May 31.

Phyno

Nothing sure yet on Half of A Yellow Sun NLESS the decision to allow U the public exhibition of the big budget film Half of a Yellow

Afolabi

Sun is taken soon enough, the film will yet not be shown in cinemas, as National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has not granted promoters of the film certification to publicly show the film. Moviegoers were surprised to find that the film could not screened as scheduled on the advertised date of April 25.

They were greeted with a onepage notice at the various screening centres nationwide that the film, an adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie successful book of the same title, will not be shown as scheduled because of the delay in obtaining certification from the censorship authority. Moviegoers were however assured that the movie would screen as from May 2, 2014 in all major cinema outlets across the country.

But it doesn’t look as though the movie, which stars Oscar

nominee Chinwetel Ejiofor in lead role, will screen as scheduled. Still, the NFVCB, the government agency responsible for certifying film and video works before they are publicly exhibited in Nigeria, has refused to certify the film because according to the statement the board issued since the controversy around the screening of the film began last week, there are still issues to be sorted out.

A source at the board hinted that ‘one of the issues’ bordered on ‘two scenes in the film that the board feels strongly will cause ethnic uproar if it is allowed to screen’. The source said the board wants those scenes expunged or there will be no certification for the film.

When The Guardian called the acting Head of Corporate Affairs of NFVCB, Ceasers Kagho, for update on the film, Kagho referred the reporter to the board’s website which does not have any update beyond

the terse statement that was issued a forthright ago on the controversy.

The statement on the website, although in need of regular update, reads: ‘Our attention has been drawn to ongoing misrepresentations, with respect to the status of the feature film, Half of a Yellow Sun, we wish to categorically state that there is no truth in media

Nnaji

reports that the Board has banned the film. The management of the Board under Ms. Patricia Bala states that certain aspects of the film have some unresolved issues, which have to be sorted out in accordance with the law and laid down regulations. The Board wishes to re-affirm its determination to continue to execute its mandate’.

Friday, May 2, 2014 39

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

ExecutiveBrief

EDITION 305

In association with TRIPPLEA ASSOCIATES LIMIED

Taofik Adegbite: MPL’s Greatest Competitive Advantage Is Its People Marine Platforms Limited (MPL), a wholly indigenous Nigerian company offering quality and safe Well Services, Subsea Solutions and Vessel Chartering. The creation of the organisation was as a result of the Nigerian Content initiative and they rode on the tide to where they are today. Mr. Taofik Adegbite, the Chief Executive Officer of the Organisation is a multi-functional professional. With an Information Technology background, Taofik went into an area where professionals in the industry dread. In this interview with Nnamdi Nwokolo, Mr. Adegbite spoke on the Focus of a CEO. ITH an I.T. background, what led you into the Oil and Gas W industry?

Interestingly none of the three of us that promoted marine platforms from inception had oil and gas background. We decided that we are going into the upstream segment which was not particularly easy. When we started the company, we were very clear that the path we chose was not going to be easy and it would take some significant time for us to start making profit. We were thinking of long term sustainability while identifying and respecting our weaknesses. This was what informed our going for the subsea services which at that time was still a fairly new horizon even for foreign companies.

We decided that we were going into deepwater operations. It has been a very rough road, because between 2002 and 2007 we made no profit. With all sense of humility, we are entrepreneurs and what we set out to do was enterprise development.

We knew we lacked the technical knowledge, but we were convinced that they can be acquired. So, what we succeeded in doing at inception was to define purpose. We defined the entrepreneurial pursuit and I would like to add that our ignorance paid off. We call our story the strength of ignorance and respect for weaknesses.

What has been your biggest challenge and how were you able to surmount it?

We encountered numerous challenges such as industry acceptance, access to equipment, high interest rates from banks etc. But an interesting challenge we encountered was that of human capital. To overcome this, what we did in the early days was to recruit fresh university graduates and train them to imbibe the organizational culture. It required a lot of patience and commitment to take these green horns to become respected experts they are today. We have succeeded in doing this with our ROV Pilot/Technicians. We have successfully trained over 50 Nigerian ROV Pilots in line with IMCA Standards.

What’s your assessment of the Nigerian Content Act four years after it was signed?

I like calling it the local content philosophy because it is simply the right thing to do. I don’t like looking at it from the point of law where companies are compelled to abide by it. My Local Content message anywhere I go is that, this is a change that needs to be done. All over the world, countries protect their economies. I was surprised that Japan seriously protects its local farmers that the import duty on rice is ridiculous. This is done to discourage anybody from bringing it into their country.

Ironically, the same country subsidizes its car manufacturers in order to export competitively. Different countries use different mechanisms to develop. US have Jones Act to develop its maritime industry. So in Nigeria, Local Content is one of the best things to have

Taofik Adegbite

happened to us. During FBN Capital lecture in 2013, Dr. Doyin Salami in his presentation succinctly took us through Nation’s transformative stages. Nations transit from subsistence or extractive, to industrial and finally graduate to support services. Putting it in context, our oil and gas industry is extractive, so we need to build capacity to transit to industrial before sustainably developing our service segments. The local content act is helping us galvanize the industrial growth we so much need to be a great nation. But for local content, we will be stuck at that primitive phase and we will not see real and sustainable growth in the sector. There are a lot of indigenous companies doing good recruiting people and creating value today. I think the Nigerian Content Act is one of the greatest thing that has happened to this country because it deals with fundamental and structural issues. Take a look at the number of people that have been gainfully employed, SME’s getting sub-contracts, look at the huge amount of monies that are being retained in Nigerian banks, and look at the ripple effect it has had on the insurance industry. Truly speaking, we thank God, Mr. President, the Hon. Minister of Petroleum and the Executive Secretary of NCDMB have alignment of purpose. We must thank the NNPC for creating the opportunities and aligning the IOCs with the vision. We need to strategically inject Local Content in whatever form to every facet of our nation building.

It’s been argued that we don’t have the capacity to drive the initiative, what’s your take on that? The truth about life is that both of us can see a picture, but what we are seeing might be different. You may see problems; I may see challenges while some other person might

see opportunities. I gave you a narration of how we started developing capacity in our firm. When we started, there were no ROV Professionals around; we didn’t allow that to blur our vision or demobilize us. We took up the challenge and today we can boast of internationally rated Nigerian ROV Professionals. In ensuring full compliance with Nigerian Content act, we are committed to developing local manpower through standard recruitment and selection process, comprehensive induction programme and regular training. On material capacity, from zero equipment, we now fully own eight ROVs and two high end Construction Vessels amongst other bespoke assets. A journey of a thousand miles starts with a step.

Is there anything you think government can do differently to help the industry?

The only thing government need to do is to sign the Petroleum Industry Bill into law and everything will fall in place. If it is signed, we’ll have a regulated industry and all ambiguities will be sorted once and for all. We’ll be able to create the value we desire because more investments will jump start projects and there will be opportunities for the service companies etc. Most times issues are interconnected but we erroneously look at them in isolation. Government does not have enough money to appropriate, why? We are a mono product economy therefore, we should make laws that will protect that product. The PIB should not be placed under political whims. It must be a front burner issue because time is not on our side. Oil is being discovered everywhere and resources have wider options today.

What is the Unique Selling Point of MPL? Any organization that aspires to succeed must develop a sustainable unique attribute that cannot be easily copied. This is what we have done in Marine platforms. Our attitude is different at all levels. There are minimum expectations so you don’t need people to be at your back to get things done. We have successfully changed the mentality of our work force by defining purpose in all we do. Therefore a common question in our company is “what do we want to achieve?” with this, we are able to define if an opportunity or task is for us. Purpose definition helps us stay focused and not lose sight of our destination. Therefore, we say we are ‘destination driven and not circumstance driven’. Equally, sitting on the same side of the table with our clients is exemplary of our business ideology, thus offering them affordable and innovative solutions using cutting edge solutions. We do not take undue advantage of our clients’ problem to profit. We are a very Customer Centric Company.

Impact of ISO certifications to your operations: ISO certification has helped us shape our ideology in accordance with global standards. It has greatly enhanced our efficiency and improved our processes. After being certified by NIS, we subjected ourselves to DNV audit. This has helped us tremendously in our quest for international acceptance. We are the first company in Nigeria to get the DNV Certification.

We are 9001, 14001 and 18001 DNV certified. It is important to note that achieving these certifications mean that MPL was benchmarked against global best practices and found to have best in class Quality, HSE and Environmental systems. It is a clear sign that we are committed to providing superior quality services safely and achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

Focus/Projections for MPL in the next couple of years: We are in our third strategy span, 2012-2017 and it revolves around Brand Trust & Innovation Management. In this phase, our focus is to transform MPL from a service and equipment rental company to a solutions provider. We need to create new offerings, new solutions and new thought process to meet our client’s increasingly very challenging demands. This requires synergizing our knowledge and resources gathered over the years in our three main areas of operations. Positive results have started coming from this strategy. We have successfully conducted acid stimulations operations from our MPSVs on the Agbami and Bonga fields. We were able to significantly increase crude production from wells with declining production. It brought tremendous savings for our Clients who would have used SemiSubmersibles or Drill-Ships for such operation. We will continue to plough back profit to further build human and material capacity. The African Inspiration, our $112m multipurpose vessel is currently being built by Havyard in Norway to be delivered by September 2014.

For Advertisement and Enquiries Call Nnamdi on 08025070837 or E-mail:editor.executivebrief@trippleagroup.com

40 Friday, May 2, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

By James D. Best NTREPRENEURIAL titans envision dominating an industry. Walt Disney, Howard Schultz, Bill Gates, both Watsons, Coco Channel, Bill France, Sam Walton, and Henry Ford didn’t just rise to dominate their industry - they created or unalterably changed their industries. Each suffered disappointment as fellow pioneers couldn’t or wouldn’t share their vision. Each struggled for years against enormous financial odds.

Each remained steadfast, carefully putting in place one block after another until everyone could finally see their castle in the sky.

Each endeavor eventually reached critical mass, exploding onto the world scene with all the appearance of an overnight success christened by luck.

Each industrialist achieved their vision through audacity, perseverance, and uncommon skill.

None understood the enmity or envy of those who declined to take the trip with them.

What each of these entrepreneurs had in mind was something larger and grander than anyone had previously imagined. They didn’t want to merely win; they wanted to elevate the game to a whole new level. The world is filled with dreamers, but these people had a quality that went beyond dreaming: They had the ego, skill, and determination to make their dreams a reality for the rest of us.

Entrepreneurial Titans, independent of their business, display a surprising consis-

E

CUSTOMER EXP.

By Rosetta Carrington Lue REATING a Customer C Service Plan While implementing specific customer service initiatives and programs is essential to creating a positive customer experience within an organization, these efforts need to be developed together as part of a plan to increase their effectiveness and make sure that they are strategically aligned. Taking the time to develop a comprehensive plan can help to ensure that your efforts are customer-centric, sustainable, and consistent with each other.

Over the years, I have developed plans of all shapes and sizes, ranging from tiny, digestible plans for single departments to the massive, voluminous plans needed to serve large companies or city governments. As part of my Customer Service Officers Program within the City of Philadelphia’s Managing Director’s Office, I walk

Ten Attributes Of An Entrepreneurial Titan tency in character. We call these characteristics the Ten Traits of Entrepreneurial Titans. As you examine these extraordinary people, the similarities become striking. The titans love what they do, constantly imagine taking their empires to a higher elevation, communicate clearly, approach their business with a marketing perspective, continuously improve their products and services, stay in constant contact with every aspect of their business, think strategically and act opportunistically, relentlessly pursue their goals, take whatever risks are necessary, and surround themselves with exceptionally talented people.

Since few of us will ever try to reach their level of accomplishment, how valuable is it to study these traits? Success in any endeavor requires the same attributes. It is not a difference in kind, only in hue. The titans single-handedly change our lives, but our economy is moved along more by the cumulative effect of thousands of smaller successes.

Understanding-and emulating-the traits of the titans will help you dominate your small corner of the world.

The Ten Traits of Entrepreneurial Titans 1. Love of Aspiration 2. Uncommon and Unwavering Vision 3. Skilled Communicators 4. Market Focused 5. Product Obsessed 6. Always Engaged 7. Strategic, Tactical, Opportunistic 8. Driven and Tenacious 9. Risks Takers 10. Collectors of Bright and Talented People

Should Your Organization Have a Customer Service Plan? designated Customer Service Officers through the process of creating a plan for their individual departments.

Let’s walk through the steps in how to create a plan: Get Stakeholder Buy-In As it is first, getting “Buy-In” is probably the most important step to creating and implementing a customer service plan within your department or organization.

As a customer service leader, you need to communicate both the importance and urgency of a strong customer service plan to the people who have the power to make changes. Buy-in ensures that your efforts will have enough resources to get off the ground. It also ensures that your organiza-

INFOTECH

By A Thomas

Computer and IT Support: 5 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Passwords from Being Too Social

ID you know that you might have inadD vertently helped a nefarious hacker get access to your email account, your online banking or your e-commerce site information? Let’s face it, today we have passwords for everything and it is becoming more difficult to remember them all. So we either write them down on a piece of paper or we use the same password for everything. Uh oh.

Until very recently, Facebook and other social media sites did not encrypt the signon info you use to logon to your Facebook account. This means that someone who knew what they were doing could “sniff” the Internet traffic between your PC and the Facebook servers and plainly see your email and password. Now they have access to your Facebook account and they can act as you.

While this in itself may be unnerving; the real damage has yet to occur. The hacker is aware that many people use the same password for multiple services so they then try to logon to your email account with the Facebook password. In some cases they are successful. Consider your own situation, would the hacker be successful? If he is, he isn’t done yet.

Since the hacker now has access to your email, he’ll scan for emails from your bank, Amazon, iTunes or other e-commerce sites and see if he can hack into them with the same password. The good news is most banks have stepped up their security for online banking. If they detect a PC trying to access your account that hasn’t done so previously, they will ask certain enhanced security questions or will call you on the phone to insure it is really you trying to access the account.

But the damage isn’t done in many cases.

Success Strategies

By Cassandra George Sturges

With access to your email account, the hacker can now use your email account to send spam.

Or if sending spam is not his thing, access to your email can be sold to someone who is. Have you ever received email messages telling you that an email that was sent from your email account couldn’t be delivered? Did you then try to sift through the gobbledygook that is part of the bounce message and determine you didn’t send the email? If so, it is likely that your email account was hacked.

These scenarios may seem frightening but there are some easy things you can do to help prevent you from being a victim in the future.

Make sure your Facebook password is different from your email, banking or other e-commerce sites. This will minimize the damage that can be done if your Facebook account is hacked.

If you use Facebook, change your security settings to use Secure Browsing. You do this by going to the Account tab in the upper right of Facebook and select Account settings. In the Account Security section chose Secure Browsing. Also check one or both of the boxes to send you notice when a new computer or mobile device logs into your account.

Down-to-Earth Secrets to Success

tion’s leaders will make these efforts a priority in their implementation phase and will not ignore them once real changes are made.

Understand your Customers Understanding your customers is a vital step in creating a plan and ought to take up most of your time prior to actually writing the plan.

Getting to know your customers means mapping out who your customers actually are (every internal and external customer you might have) and getting real feedback from them on their wants and needs.

Far too often leaders within an organization say something to the effect of “Well I know what the customers want.” Developing an effective plan, however, means actually hearing and understanding what the customers want and catering to their real, not perceived, needs.

VERY one will tell you their secret to sucE cess and what techniques and strategies they used to get there. My advice is a little twisted— and some even say a little dark and soul-shattering. What I am about to tell you is not the norm, it’s not the traditional feel-good philosophy telling you that you need to be more organized, write perfect goals, create a dream box/ vision board, or manage your time better. These are all great resources and skills to have, but this is not how you make your dreams come true—at least not in my opinion.

Making your dreams come true is all about mental toughness. It is not about talent, beauty, money, I.Q. scores, rich parents, who you know or who you sleep with (ask Monica Lewinsky). Once you are able to control how you think and feel this will automatically lead you into changing your behavior.

Changing your behavior, changes your actions and changing your actions is what changes your life that

Action is the foundational key to all success. -Pablo Picasso

ultimately leads to making your dreams come true.

Secret # 1 - Only listen to the God inside of you.

There is a very, very, very, quiet, subtle voice inside of you that knows what is right and wrong for you. No one else can hear this voice and this voice is not argumentative or demanding which is why many people can not hear it. I am still learning to pay attention to this voiceand this voice alone. I have made some of the biggest mistakes and achieved the greatest successes in my life because of this voice.

Something told me not to follow the boy in my 8th grade class, behind the church who then raped me. Something told me to attend California Coast University, although everyone begged me not to because it is a long distance learning institution without the same prestige as a traditional university. I listened to the quiet voice and I was selected from hundreds of applications because the chairperson from my department had earned the same degree from the same school.

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Friday, May 2, 2014

AutoWheels Acura MDX

Acura MDX explains fresh standard features Dele Fanimo HE 2014 Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV T that seats seven. Standard features in the 2014 Acura MDX include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlamps, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, a sunroof, rear privacy glass, among others.

New Acura is also offered keyless entry/ignition, heated eight-way power front seats (with driver power lumbar), driver memory settings, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

The Technology package adds a navigation system, voice controls (navigation and audio), Bluetooth audio connectivity, AcuraLink (with

the Aha smartphone app interface) and a 10speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with HD radio. Also included with this package are 19-inch alloy wheels; rain-sensing wipers; rear-door keyless entry; GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control; and lane departure warning, blind spot warning and forward collision warning systems.

The Technology and Entertainment package adds a 115-volt household-style power outlet, heated rear seats, rear-door window sunshades, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch screen, and an additional speaker for the surround-sound audio system.

The Advance and Entertainment package builds on the above features with roof rails,

Ford Mustang debuts in Nigeria FTER being elusive for a long while in the A shores of Nigeria, the famous American sedan, Ford Mustang has finally found its way to the country.

Ford Mustang, the world’s favourite pony car, has been completely reimagined. Fans in Nigeria can look forward to seeing the completely redesigned and reengineered Mustang

front and rear parking sensors, remote start, auto-dimming sideview mirrors, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, an eight-way power front passenger seat (with power lumbar) and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with a 16.2-inch screen, two additional speakers and an HDMI input.

The 2014 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horse power and 267 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, and all-wheel drive is available as an option.

Standard safety equipment for the 2014 Acura

MDX includes antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, active front head restraints and traction and stability control.

Optional safety features include lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems. A forward collision warning system is also available, and it works by warning the driver of a possible collision with auditory and visual alerts. The MDX is also offered with collision mitigation braking, which automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate an impending collision. A lane-keeping assist system is available as well, and it provides automatic steering assistance to keep the MDX in its lane.

on its roads, later this year.

The new Ford Mustang fastback and convertible models promise exceptional performance and refinement while embracing the Mustang’s half-century of heritage and status as a global icon.

Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonate with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

More than nine million Mustangs have been sold since it was first launched in 1964 – one million of those in its first 18 months of existence. The world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook, Mustang has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and will now be available with modern technology and engines for fans to experience first-hand.

“The Mustang’s formidable reputation for performance and its iconic status as a symbol of freedom and optimism precedes it even in those parts of the world where the car has never been sold,” said Stephen Odell, Ford Executive Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The new Mustang epitomises Ford’s aggressive product acceleration; technologically advanced and forward-looking, but without forgetting the heritage that has inspired Ford customers for generations.”

The new Mustang has been developed with impressive performance, driving dynamics and usability in mind – and includes a significant amount of advanced driver convenience

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

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Volvo, Google begin testing self-driving cars on city streets V

lected from manually driven cars to help navigation, according to the company.

“A mile of city driving is much more complex than a mile of freeway driving, with hundreds of different objects moving according to different rules of the road in a small area,” wrote Chris Urmson, the director of Google’s self-driving car project in the blog post on Monday.

“We’ve improved our software so it can detect hundreds of distinct objects simultaneously — pedestrians, buses, a stop sign held up by a crossing guard, or a cyclist making gestures that indicate a possible turn,” Urmson said.

Volvo and Google are among several companies, including Nissan Motor Co, Volkswagen AG’s Audi and Toyota Motor Corp, testing self-driving car technology. Both Nissan and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG say they plan to start selling self-driving cars by 2020.

Ford Mustang debuts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 and driver aid technologies.

“After the Mustang’s global unveiling earlier this year we’ve been working hard to ensure that Nigerian fans will have the opportunity to be part of the Mustang journey going forward,” said Mark Kaufman, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

“We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang, an American icon that symbolizes optimism and independence for millions of people around the world,” said Jim Farley, Executive Vice President of Ford Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “We believe this is the best Mustang ever.”

Unmistakably Mustang The clean-sheet design of both Ford Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the vehicle, retaining key design elements of the classic Mustangs recognisable to car fans across the globe, including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck, with a contemporary execution.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression and when you see this car, you immediately see a Mustang strong and true;” said Moray Callum, Ford Executive Director, Design, The

By Dele Fanimo IA Motors America, Mercedes-Benz dealers and CarMax are among corporate sponsors abandoning the suddenly toxic Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association following racist remarks allegedly made by the team’s billionaire owner Donald Sterling.

CarMax, the chain of used-car superstores, was the first Clippers sponsor to jump ship on Monday. The company told ESPN it finds the alleged statements about black players and celebrities attributed to Sterling to be “completely unacceptable.” The company had been one of the club’s longest-serving and most loyal corporate partners, sponsoring the Clippers for nine seasons.

Another big blow to the Clippers came on Monday when Kia Motors America announced it was suspending its sponsorship of the club over the “offensive and reprehensible” comments allegedly made

by Sterling.

Kia serves as the official automotive partner of the NBA. It also sponsors TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” “As fans of the game of basketball, our support of the players and the sport is unwavering,” Kia spokesman Scott McKee said in a statement.

In an audiotape, a man said to

K

Dele Fanimo OLVO Car Group and Google Inc. said they have begun testing self-driving cars on city streets, a crucial new phase in the quest to make the technology a standard feature in automobiles.

After several years of testing self-driving cars on freeways, where driving conditions are more predictable, Google in the past year shifted its focus to city-street driving, the company said in a post on its official blog recently.

Volvo, in a statement today, said it has begun testing 100 cars on the streets near its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, in a project called “Drive Me.” “The test cars are now able to handle lane following, speed adaption and merging traffic all by themselves,” Erik Coelingh, technical specialist at Volvo, said in the statement.

“This is an important step towards our aim that the final ‘Drive Me’ cars will be able to drive the whole test route in highly autonomous mode.

The technology, which will be called Autopilot, enables the driver to hand over the driving to the vehicle, which takes care of all driving functions.”

Google said it has driven thousands of miles on the streets of Mountain View, Calif., a small suburban community where the company maintains its headquarters roughly 35 miles south of San Francisco. Google’s driverless cars rely on video cameras, radar sensors, lasers and a database of information col-

KIA, Mercedes Benz dealers withdraw L.A Clippers sponsorship

Americas.

Several key design features define the new Ford Mustang, including: A low roof height and wide stance Sleek profile enabled by steeply sloped windshield and rear glass Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps Contemporary execution of the iconic car’s signature shark-bite front fascia Ford Mustang convertible drivers will appreciate the standard multilayer insulated cloth top that gives the car an upscale appearance and a quiet cabin. The top has a sleek profile when folded for open-air motoring.

Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomy cabin with an aviation-inspired cockpit, while ergonomic and tactile switches and knobs provide control.

The vehicle’s width and new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers and a usefully shaped boot space that can accommodate two golf bags.

A Mustang for the true driving enthusiast The new Ford Mustang features all-new front and rear suspension systems. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the front structure while reducing mass, providing a strong foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride.

It is unclear whether Google, the world’s No.1 Internet search engine, intends to partner with other companies or develop its own selfdriving vehicles.

The company posted a video that depicted how a self-driving car views the world as it navigates.

Google’s test cars have logged more than 700,000 miles in self-driving mode since 2009. Google said its cars have not caused any accidents while operating in selfdrive mode.

Google said it still has many “problems to solve,” including teaching the car to drive more streets in Mountain View, before testing on the

be Sterling tells a woman not to ...plans ‘on-road’ SUV line associate with black people. The remarks linked to Sterling were ERCEDES-BENZ is considfirst reported over the weekend ering separate model

by TMZ. lines for its SUVs that have Another sponsor that is fleeing mainly car-like characteristics is Mercedes-Benz. The luxury and those that are aimed at automaker’s Southern California customers who want off-road dealers have a deal with the capability. team that’s advertised on the The division would happen Clippers Web site. Mercedes offi- after Mercedes launches a procials could not be reached for duction version of the Concept comment Monday.

Coupe SUV that debuted at the “Mercedes-Benz is obviously auto show here on April 20. concerned about the alleged The concept previews a rival to comments attributed to the the BMW X6 and it will be built Clippers’ owner. We find these at Mercedes’s U.S. plant in comments to be deplorable and Vance, Ala., starting next year. completely against the values we “The Concept Coupe SUV prepromote as an organization,” views a four-door, coupe-styled Mercedes-Benz said in a statemodel that will appeal to cusment. “Our dealer group shares tomers who want a sportily our concern and has moved to designed vehicle with a high cease its sponsorship of the seating position, “ said Thomas Clippers effective immediately, Weber, the brand’s r&d chief. despite their affinity for the The concept’s production Clippers and their fans.” model could be part of a new Virgin America and State Farm model line of “on-road” SUVs Insurance have also dropped that could also include a sponsorships of the team. coupe-styled version of the GLA Seth Burton, a spokesman for compact SUV, he said. the Clippers, said he wasn’t Mercedes began selling the aware of any changes with the GLA in Europe in March and it club’s marketing partners. He is due in U.S. showrooms in declined to comment further.

September.

Racist remarks or attitudes are Neither Weber nor Mercedes the one thing that’s sure to make would comment on the exact corporate sponsors on Madison launch date of the production Avenue head for the hills, said version of the Concept Coupe Mike Paul, president of MGP & SUV or on its production Associates PR and an expert on name, which media reports reputation management. have said will be the MLC.

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BUSINESSTRAVEL Friday, May 2, 2014

Quote of the week

AviationBusiness

We have to get out of the mind-set of saying, “No matter how hard we try, we will have accidents,” and into “We will not have accidents.”

— Federico Pe-a (1995) ibeuwaleke2012@yahoo.com 08033151041 (SMS only)

Govt will rescind its merger decision on aviation agencies if… says Supervising Minister The supervising minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom recently granted audience to some seasoned aviation journalists to review his activities since he took over in February as the number one henchman of the ministry.In this interview he talked about how he has been holding sway at the ministry pending the appointment of a substantive minister and his efforts in making sure the development agenda of the aviation sector followed the road map initiated by his predecessor, Princess Stella Oduah.

INTERVIEW

By Ibe Uwaleke Sir, since February 12, 2014, you’ve held sway as the supervising minister of aviation, how has the experience been considering the crisis that rocked the industry before you took over?

INE is to hold the ministry and ensure everything is working perfectly until a substantive minister is appointed. That much I’m doing and the experience has been fine though, challenging. The aviation ministry is critical to our national progress. Thus, it must be handled with great care. My brief is to see to the progress of the aviation sector as a supervising minister so that there wouldn’t be a lull. That much I’m doing.

The US Federal Aviation Authority just audited the aviation industry as a critical process for it to maintain the Category One status.

That process went on smoothly in spite of the fact the ministry does not have a substantive minister and it hopes to retain the Category One status because it met majority of the critical areas assessed.

Are you saying there is no lull in the industry following the exit of Princess Stella Oduah even though you are the supervisory minister?

Being a supervisory minister doesn’t make me less effective. I have the mandate of the President to ensure the ministry works and that is what I’m doing. I have already started by continuing the implementation of the aviation road map because it is part of the transformation agenda of Mr. President and approved by the federal executive council (FEC), which I’m a part of. The aviation road map as you are aware, is a comprehensive blue print on how to transform the Nigerian aviation industry into a modern, viable, profitable and sustainable one. The roadmap gave birth to the upgrade of all 22 federal airports, building of five brand new modern international terminals to be located in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu. Works on the terminals have started and would be completed by 2015. The roadmap also defined the future of perishable cargo terminals in Nigeria.

Already 14 of those terminals are under construction and most of them, if not all should be commissioned by 2015. The roadmap also talked about the concept of aerotropolis - a concept that would turn airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt into business hubs offering world class services in travel/tourism, entertainment, commerce/industry and lots more. Recall our aviation industry was in total neglect for over three decades. Most of the infrastructures were dilapidated and the quality of services were just poor. Safety standards were a source of worry. Even the standard of training at the aviation college had reduced remarkably. But when President Goodluck Jonathan came, he made the aviation industry a critical component in his transformation programme. He had to do that because a nation with a poor transport industry, especially the aviation industry can’t really progress; the nation can’t also optimize its full potentials.

This thought process gave birth to the approval by the president of massive upgrade of infrastructure in the aviation sector. It also gave impetus to the upgrade of service delivery by government agencies in the aviation sector comparable to other parts of the world and most importantly, the raising of safety standards in the industry. Safety is critical because as the pilots would say, there is no parking space in the air. So one safety snag

M

can cause unimaginable consequences thus, we take safety critical in the sector. Safety is critical to me and I will never compromise it.

We are also committed to growing the sector to a profitable one. Recently, the GDP was rebased and Nigeria’s economy is now worth $510 billion, the largest in Africa and 26th globally. Good news but how much did aviation contribute to that figure, about N200 billion annually but the industry can contribute over N500 billion to the GDP annually if developed further. This is our target in 2015 perhaps by 2020, the aviation sector should be contributing N1 trillion annually to the nation’s economy annually and support well over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. The future indeed for the industry is bright.

Talking about the rebased GPD and the aviation industry, what does it hold in stock for the sector?

The rebased GDP is positive for Nigeria. But like the coordinating minister of the economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala has explained, the rebased GDP doesn’t mean we don’t have economic challenges that must be addressed and should be addressed. The new GDP only gives us a better picture of the size of our economy and how the various components are contributing to the growth trajectory. This is significant because it would allow the various components of the economy to compete in terms of value addition.

For instance, the aviation sector can better appreciate its value and retool its economic offering for better profitability. Yes, we have challenges as a nation but let’s celebrate our little successes wherever they occur. Also, with the rebased GDP, Nigeria can market itself better. For instance, if I’m selling the aviation sector to local and international investors, I can convincingly explain how their investments can be profitable because the Nigerian economy is on the growth trajectory. There is no way other sectors of the economy would grow in isolation of the aviation sector. It’s just not possible. People must travel to transact certain businesses as not all deals can be fixed via emails or telephones.

You must also travel for tourism and other social engagements. Thus, with more economic prosperity, it goes without saying that, the aviation sector would boom as well. I also make bold to say, as more foreign investors are attracted to Nigeria because of the new size of the economy, some would invest in aviation. In fact, we are already positioning to benefit from these investors hence the infrastructure upgrade at the airports and other infrastructures we are building across the country.

When the airports under construction be completed and commissioned?

W e are

hop-

ing they would

all be ready by 2015. Besides, the five brand international terminals, just about 15, out of the 22 are still being done. In fact, out of these 15, five are almost ready for commissioning and the remaining 10 maybe ready before December or thereabout. Work is in progress at the airports and the 16 cargo terminals. I have started inspecting the progress of work done and the facilities across the airports to ensure the airports are delivered on time and to specifications. So far, I have visited Enugu and Owerri. I also visited Kaduna and Abuja. I will also be visiting Lagos and some other states where we have projects on going in the coming weeks.

We are not leaving anything to chance. The immediate past minister had said, there will

I don’t believe the government would go all out to implement policies that would hurt the aviation industry. The government considers the aviation industry very critical to transforming the economy, thus it wouldn’t jeopardize that with aviation hurting polices. Let’s trust the government to do what is right. This government is a listening one, if at any point the government considers the merger detrimental, it wouldn’t hesitate to rescind its decision.

be no abandoned project in aviation sector. I can also assure you that, there will be no abandoned project in the aviation industry. I’m not the type to abandon laudable projects of my predecessors because the projects are for the benefit of Nigerians and not for the individual minister. My children will benefit from the system tomorrow just like your children and every other Nigerian. We are building an enduring culture and a system that works irrespective of who is the minister. We must learn to build institutions, not individuals.

What about safety and security?

Like I said, security and safety of our airports are very important to us. In all the airports that are being done, safety is a critical component. You may not get to see the safety infrastructure but it’s there. I may not be obliged to tell you all of our safety and security procedure for security reasons, but I can assure you it is robust.

However, you will agree that we’ve moved from a tradition of one full body scanner at our airports to two scanners now in Lagos alone. In Murtala Muhammad Airport, Lagos we also have 5 screening machines that detects metals, explosives and other banned substances. We have several metal detectors at the other airports and other security infrastructures. Don’t forget, we are coming from decades of decayed and neglected industry, fixing it won’t be a tea party. It is a pain taking process and it will take time too. I think Nigerians should be a little patient with us.

Yes, we may not have met all expectations, but we can only do better. Our target is to ensure international best practices.

Recently, the FG issued a white paper on the Steve Orasanye Committee which recommended that NiMET, NCAA and NAMA be merged into FCAA. The FG approved the recommendation. Aviation stakeholders have condemned the approval arguing that it would be a bad precedent in the industry and Nigeria may risk sanctions from ICAO. Is government worried about these concerns?

The Steve Orasanye Committee, I believed, considered all options and consulted widely with the relevant stakeholders even in the aviation industry before making the recommendations. Government has also looked critically at the proposal and considered it in the interest of the sector to approve the proposal. The merger I believe will improve efficiency and reduce waste and overhead cost in the aviation sector. However, the President has set up an implementation committee to see to the merger process. I don’t believe the government would go all out to implement policies that would hurt the aviation industry.

The government considers the aviation industry very critical to transforming the economy, thus it wouldn’t jeopardize that with aviation hurting polices. Let’s trust the government to do what is right.

This government is a listening one, if at any point the government considers the merger detrimental, it wouldn’t hesitate to rescind its decision.

Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Ortom

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Govt asks foreign dignitaries, officials to submit to security checks at international airports Stories by Ibe Uwaleke ENCEFOrTH, all visitors to H Nigeria including foreign dignitaries and officials of multilateral institutions will be required to submit themselves to the nation’s immigration officers for requisite security scrutiny and clearance at all international airports in the country.

In the same vein, no protocol officer or aid of inbound passengers including trolley handlers will be allowed into the arrival or baggage halls of all international airports beginning from May 1, 2014.

This directive was issued by the Presidential Committee on the review of Security and Screening Architecture in all International Airports in the country when it visited Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos to appraise the security situation at the airport.

President Goodluck Jonathan approved the constitution of the committee on September 6, 2013 and mandated it to ensure adequate security at all the nation’s airports.

Membership of the committee are drawn from 12 government institu-

tions including the Nigeria Police, National Security Adviser, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services (DSS).

Others are: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service and a representative of the Federal road Safety Commission.

Addressing journalists at the MMIA the chairman of the committee, Professor Sylvester Monye said the

all those who are not supposed to be within the precincts of the airports from using such facilities for loitering.

“This unwholesome milling around in the immigration and customs areas is a threat to national security.

A stop will be put to the practice forthwith. This is also to stop the impunity of government officials and military officers from using their positions to operate in such facilities,” he stated.

All the measures would be put into effect from May 1, 2014, Monye assured.

President’s directive was precise and must be carried to the later.

He also announced that part of their mandate is to clear the traffic gridlock that for years pervaded the approaches of the MMIA, Lagos which he said would be dismounted immediately.

Further to this mandate Monye announced that henceforth no unauthorized uniformed and ununiformed military and security officials should be allowed within the restricted areas of the airports as against the practice in the past.

The idea according to him is to stop

Ex-aviation minister wins Legends of Travel award OrMEr Minister of Aviation, Within a space of less than two and half Fgiven Princess Stella Oduah has been years, Oduah was able to remodel and Legends of Travel Award at the restructure 11 airports out of the 22 airAbuja Bantaba, the meeting events for travel professionals, organised by the Akwaaba Travel Market.

According to the organisers of the event, Oduah left a mark on the “aviation sands of times that will take a long time to be surpassed.”

“She also upgraded the airports, transformed some into international airports and started the construction of brand new international terminals in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, kano and Enugu. She transformed the airport environment in Nigeria,” they observed.

A week ago the former minister received another award from the Ikenga Award for Excellence Foundation for her enviable performance as Minister of Aviation and her transformation of the sector.

ports owned by the Federal Government and kick-started the comprehensive rehabilitation of the other 11 airports of which work had reached advanced stages before she was removed.

Under Oduah, the Federal Government reached a deal with Chinese Exim Bank and the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) for the building of five new airport terminals at the airports in kano, Enugu, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja; work has started at the sites of the new terminals and the construction is billed to be completed by early 2016.

The former minister also introduced Aerotropolis, which is simply described as the airport city, which objective is to create businesses around the four designated airports in kano, Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt

and develop a city of enterprises that would be galvanised by travellers and airport users to boost commerce and employment in the country.

Oduah also started the establishment of 14 perishable cargo terminals which is aimed at having access to international market for Nigeria’s farm produce; this would empower Nigerian farmers economically and boost the country’s foreign exchange.

These developments are expected to contribute substantially to the nation’s GDP and stir a burst of economic activities at the airports which hitherto were grossly underutilised.

What Oduah has achieved in the short space of time is already boosting air travel in Nigeria as more domestic carriers are coming in to join the market while new foreign airlines are coming to operate in

Nigeria, so that the country will take full advantage of its high population of international travelers.

Industry watchers believe that more

awards would be given to Oduah who brought a revolution to the industry and is charting a new destiny for air travel in Nigeria.

Oduah

Dana Air gets Domestic Airline Operator of the year Award ANA Air, has added yet another D feather to its cap. This time, the airline has been adjudged as the ‘Domestic Airline Operator of the Year 2013’ by the Transport and Logistics Nigeria Limited, organizers of the Transport Stakeholders’ Excellence Awards.

The airline emerged after a thorough rigorous screening by a team of assessors and the result was subsequently confirmed by a public opinion survey.

Transport and Logistics award is an initiative designed to reward, celebrate, encourage, and project transport stakeholders who have contributed significantly towards the advancement and development of

logistics and transport in all ramifications.

Dana Air was presented with the coveted plaque at the awards ceremony which held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotels and Towers and was attended by numerous high profile personalities including the Lagos state commissioner for transport, Honorable kayode Opeifa, as special guest of honor as well as representatives of the Osun State Governor and the permanent secretary federal ministry of transport.

Commenting on the award, the Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager of Dana Air, Mr. Yvan Drewinsky said: “It’s grat-

ifying that the airline has continued to attract positive attention and has again been voted as the airline of the year by stakeholders in the transport and logistics sector.

More importantly, Dana Air takes this award as a vote of confidence from our discerning customers and we want to re-assure them that we will intensify our efforts in building a world class airline in Nigeria”.

Mr. Drewinsky noted that the vision of Dana Air is to become Nigeria’s most reliable and customer-friendly airline, and also stated that the airline will not rest on its oars but rather strive to continually look at new and exciting

ways of exceeding the aspirations of its customers.

Speaking in the same vein, the chairman of the awards organizing committee, Emeka Ogwara, an engineer, said that Dana Air merits the award as it has shown commitment to very rigorous certification tests which ascertains the premium that the airline places on safety of the flying public in general and its passengers in particular. Mr. Ogwara further stated that Dana Air was able to recommence air services on record time after the successful conduct of its operational audit.

Since commencing operations in November 2001, Dana Air has been

nominated for several awards in Nigeria and was named ‘Best ITDriven Airline of the Year 2009’ by two renowned Information Technology bodies. The airline also bagged the Aviation Service Excellence Award at the West African Branding Excellence Awards 2010 and was named the Best Airline Operator of the Year at the Lagos Enterprise Awards 2010.

It will be recalled that Dana Air is the only domestic airline to have successfully undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in conjunction with its foreign partners, The Flight Safety Group.

High Commissioner asks Arik Air to initiate direct flights to India rIk Air has begun exploring the possi- Arik headquarters, Ghanashyam said he was A bility of introducing a direct service to impressed with the profile of the airline, India following a recent visit by the which appears to him a professionally run

Media Relationship Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro (left), receiving the award from Mr. Rex Elem during the Transport Stakeholders Excellence Awards in Lagos… Recently

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ajjampur rangalah Ghanashyam to the airline’s headquarters in Lagos.

The High Commissioner was at the Arik Air Aviation Centre to explore opportunities on how to facilitate direct flights between Nigeria and India. Presently, there are no direct flights between the two countries, with travelers currently forced to board connecting flights through Addis Ababa, South Africa or Dubai.

According to the High Commissioner, direct flights between Nigeria and India would boost business, tourism, save passengers flight time and reduce the stress of the journey. “Direct flights are also important during medical emergencies, because direct movement of patients during emergencies would save a lot of lives.”

Speaking after inspecting the facilities at

carrier. He stressed Arik Air’s fleet size, route network and staff strength meant it was an airline that would serve as a strong partner in providing direct flights between India and Nigeria.

His words: “With over 120 daily flights, 26 aircraft and over 2000 direct employees, Arik Air qualifies as a serious player for any Indian airline to partner with in order to facilitate seamless flights between the two countries.

“This visit to Arik Air is the first stage in building an initial bridge of understanding.

The airlines will decide the potential and viability of a partnership. I am confident that Arik Air has done well, given the facilities I have seen,” Ghanashyam concluded.

The High Commissioner was received on the visit by the chairman of the company, Sir J.I.A. Arumemi-Ikhide, president/group chief executive, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide and deputy managing director, Captain Ado Sanusi.

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FridayWorship

By Afis A. Oladosu In the Name of the Almighty, the Beneficent, the Merciful “Say: “O People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but the Almighty; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than the Almighty.” (Quran 3: 64) RETHREN, today, I had planned to call your attention to the beginning of the month of Rajab in Islamic calendar. Rajab, you would remember, is a sacred month. It is the seventh month of the lunar year. In other words, Ramadan is less than two months away. We shall come back to this in our sermon next week by His Grace.

Now, when news came to town of the ferry disaster in South Korea which led to the death of over 200 Koreans, I had to pause again and ask myself: are we living on the same planet with the Koreans? Or rather, is the humanum (that element in us which defines and determines our humanity) in the Koreans essentially different from that of Nigerians?

These questions became urgent and important about a couple of days ago when we were told about the resignation of the Korean Prime Minister.

Having pored through our recent and distant histories as a nation I could not find an instance when a government official took responsibility for a calamitous event and resigned his appointment. Brethren, Chung Hong, stepped down from his office amid rising anger over claims by relatives of those who lost their lives in the ferry accident that government did not do enough either to prevent

B

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

Reactions to sermon on Easter the disaster from happening or to help families of the bereaved consequent upon the mishap.

This occurred at a time when over 200 school children were made away with from our schools in the Northeast. As at today, no government official has been held responsible either for culpable negligence or criminal collusion with those elements who have lost their humanity and have found pleasure in murder and brigandage. Brethren! Is it not true that our village head is a man of peace? When men like him preside over a city, such will soon become graveyards.

But I am yielding some space today to my Christian compatriots who sent text messages to me sequel to the sermons of the past two weeks.

The sermons, you would remember, were dedicated, in the main, to the celebration of Easter. It was titled: “Reflections on Maryam, Jesus Christ and Easter.” For lack of enough space, only some of the text messages would be featured here. For example, Richie, from Apapa, wrote: “Oladosu... it’s all about meditation of the heart…entertaining pure consciousness and (useful) thoughts… I am a big fan of yours…I doff my hat for you.”

Sunnymagnificat wrote: “Good day sir. I read your fine piece in The Guardian of 25th April, 2014. It was

very educative. Please send the first part of that reflection to my email sunnymagnificat@yahoo.com since I did not buy The Guardian of the 18th of April. Thanks.” I have since done Sunny’s bidding. +2348160227894 sent the following text: “I saw your write-up in the Friday Sermon column of The Guardian. Keep working brother (I am trying to do that). God never meant that we should kill one another, nor materially wreck one another. I am moved to honour you. I am a Christian; I recommend it (the essays) be read by the north and south”. One of the problems we have in this country is that those who need to read do not read; some of those who read do not understand.

This came from Mr. Uyi Oriakhi: “Good afternoon. Once again, I found your article in today’s Guardian very refreshing even as a Christian. Please keep up the good work. Mr. Uyi Oriakhi”.

From +2348036123631: “I am a Christian. I read your write-up in The Guardian newspaper dated 18 April 2014. May this write-up bring the two regions (North and South) back to the knowledge of God. God bless you and your family. God is using you. You are Prophet of our time (He is not referring to the pseudo-prophets in our cities!!!)…Politicians are using the two religions to foster problem.” I

agreed in toto with my brother. If the politicians had the opportunity, they would attempt to ‘use’ the angels too!”

Tunji, a former student of ours in the Premier University and who has joined us in the academia sent in this: “Great piece Dr. Afis on “Reflections on Maryam, Jesus Christ and the Easter. I want to disseminate the piece. Can you please send it as attachment to my box? ”Tunji’s request has since been granted.

Now, +2348141117777 strove to teach me some Biblical lessons. He sent in this: “In John 10:33 “The Jews answered him saying, for a good work we stone thee not but for blasphemy, and because that thou being a man, makest thyself God.” The real controversy the Jews had with Jesus Christ our Lord is not his message but who he said he is!!!”

The above resonates with that of Kale below. He wrote as follows: “Your reflection on Maryam (our blessed virgin Mary), Jesus and the Easter is scholarly and well researched. As a professor, what do you do to enlighten your fellow Muslims to have a mind like yours about Jesus, his message and Christianity? I tell you, if it were a Christian professor that wrote a similar article about Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him),

your Muslim brothers will start burning churches. They will declare the writer available for slaughtering and any Christian available for killing.

Please write more articles about do’s and don’ts for your Muslim brothers and the Qur’an and its correct interpretations and slow down on our blessed virgin Mary, our Lord Jesus Christ, Easter, Trinity, Pentecost, Christmas e.t.c. Thanks professor.”

I have had to send some text messages back and forth to Kale because of what I perceived to be his genuine concern for peaceful co-existence among the various religious subjects in this country. Let me thank him and others from Jos, Abakaliki, Kaduna and other parts of the country for their messages.

Having said that, I wish to note that the more a Muslim understands Islam, the more peaceful and peaceable he becomes.

The essay on Easter was written strictly from the Islamic perspective and I did not claim, nor would I ever do that, any scholarship or knowledge of Biblical hermeneutics.

Further, the personality of Jesus Christ (a.s) belongs to Islam the same way it does to Christianity and as such he cannot be ‘privatized’. In fact this becomes more pertinent in relation to the personality of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). It would be interesting for Kale to note that there are more Christian Professors of Islam and Quranic studies in the world today than there are Muslim Professors of the same discipline. Thus the more a religion is said to be universal the more it belongs to be world.

Sister! Be like the sun today- each time it rises, it caters to the need of all no matter their creed.

(08122465111 for texts only)

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MarketReport EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

AS AT 1=05=2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

Friday, May 2, 2014 MARKET REPORT 50

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MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 1=05=2014

PRIMERA AFRICA

Lafarge cement posts N27b revenue in Q1

By Helen Oji AFARGE cement WAPCO Plc LN27billion has announced revenue of in its first quarter operations, against N23.2 billion achieved in the comparable period in 2014.

Specifically, the company’s posted a revenue of N27 billion, higher than N23.2 billion recorded in the comparable period in 2013, which represents an increase of 16 per cent, while profit before tax stood at N8.6 billion, a 20 per cent rise, when compared to N7.2 billion achieved in 2013.

Profit after tax rose to N8.1 billion while earnings per share stood at 271 kobo, up from 202 kobo in 2013.

The Net Finance Cost reduced from N980million to N760million versus corresponding period of 2013 due to lower interest charges following the full repayment of the Naira syndicated bank loans. Investment income simultaneously grew by N160million to N260million.

Commenting on the results, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Joe Hudson, said: “The good performance in the first quarter is a reflection of the increasing demand for our quality products and an outcome of the implementation of various volume and cost improvement strategies. We are especially pleased that the new

line in Ewekoro continues to gain momentum and remain very optimistic about the rest of the year despite the challenging operating environment”.

In his remarks, the Chief Financial Officer, Anders Kristiansson, stated that “Lafarge Cement WAPCO further strengthened its financial position during the last quarter and remains committed to delivering value to our shareholders and other stakeholders in 2014”.

“Lafarge cement wapco is a manufacturer and marketer of cement. A subsidiary of France-based Lafarge SA, the world leader in building materials, Lafarge WAPCO is a premium cement company with innovative drive to provide valued added products and services solutions in the building and construction industry.

With its three plants in Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State, Lafarge WAPCO is the manufacturer of Elephant Supaset, Lafarge PowerMax and Elephant Cement, a five decade old formidable brand that has consistently won the NIS Certificate for product quality by the Nigerian Standard Organisation for over two decades. Lafarge WAPCO recently launched a concrete solution to cater for the needs of the Nigerian infrastructure market through her subsidiary.”

Seplat to receive 20 million pounds in over-allotment Petroleum SPlcEPLAT Development Company said this week; that it will receive approximately E20 million following an over-allotment option over 10 million shares.

The Nigeria-focused independent oil and gas company said that it is set to receive net proceeds of approximately GBP20 million after the Joint Global Coordinators exercised an over-allotment option over 10,026,183 Ordinary Shares, representing 97 per cent of the over-allotment option granted by the Company in connection with the global offer.

The company said it would receive the funds on the over-allotment closing date on or around May 6, 2014.

Seplat announced its IPO in March that it would become

the first Nigerian company to list its shares on both the London Stock Exchange and on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos.

BNP Paribas and Standard Bank plc are acting as joint co-ordinators and joint bookrunners on the socalled global offer, while Renaissance Securities (Cyprus) Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Limited and RBC Capital Markets are acting as joint bookrunners.

Renaissance Securities (Nigeria) Limited and Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited have been appointed as Nigerian joint issuing houses in relation to the Nigerian Offering.

Shares in Seplat were trading marginally higher Tuesday afternoon, up 1.12 per cent at 234.60 pence per share.

Global stocks steady ORLD stock prices held But the disappointing data W steady yesterday on sol- on Chinese manufacturing id corporate earnings, while activity pressured oil prices, sterling hit a near five-year high on unexpectedly strong data on the British factory sector, which posted its strongest level in five months.

Equities markets overcame a brief hiccup after data on China’s vast manufacturing sector missed forecasts.

“Globally, things are fairly valued,” said Jason Pride, director of investment strategy at Glenmede in Philadelphia. “There is no reason for a material downside for stocks right now.”

With stocks steady, bond prices were little changed, and benchmark U.S. yields held near two-week lows.

driving them to a threeweek low. Gold prices fell 1 percent a day after the U.S. Federal Reserve reiterated confidence in the U.S. economic outlook despite weak first-quarter growth.

May Day holidays in Europe, much of Asia and parts of Latin America reduced trading volume, mitigating the impact of the Chinese data, a day after the stunningly weak data on U.S. economic growth.

China’s official manufacturing PMI came in at 50.4 in April, up a tick from March but below forecasts of 50.5, stoking concerns about the world’s No. 2 economy.

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NAFDAC destroys frozen product worth N1.2 million

From Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt

HE National Agency for T Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Rivers State has destroyed frozen poultry product worth N1.2million.

The frozen chicken product of 305 bags according to the NAFDAC State Coordinator, Mrs. Mercy Ndukwe was voluntarily handed over to the agency for destruction when the company, Saturn Frozen Food Limited realised that the product had expired.

Meanwhile, the agency has called on frozen food dealers and cold room operators in the state to ensure that they maintain adequate cold chain to prevent their products from going bad.

The call followed series of reports on rotten foods in cold rooms across the state.

It would be recalled that NAFDAC recently destroyed about N3million rotten fish along eagle Island, Port Harcourt.

Ndukwe commended the

management of Saturn Frozen Food Limited for voluntarily handing over the product for destruction and urged cold room operators to always ensure that their cold chain are in perfect working condition to avoid the spoilage and contamination of products and endeavour to dispose of bad products to prevent infecting people with micro organisms.

She said: “Saturn Frozen Food Limited located at Trans Amadi Industrial Layout, Port

Harcourt approached NAFDAC for approval to destroy their unwholesome frozen poultry product which was granted to them after signing the consent for forfeiture certificate leading to its eventual destruction.”

The frozen chicken product were crushed and buried in a dumpsite at Igwuruta, near Port Harcourt in the presence of NAFDAC, Rivers State Health Officials and management of Saturn Frozen Food Ltd.

Orhii, NAFDAC DG

Reps probe concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company From Adamu Abuh, Abuja bid to ensure technologiItheNcalaHouse growth of the country, of Representatives on Wednesday ordered that an investigation be carried out to ascertain the way and manner the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill (ASRM) was concessioned to foreign firms.

At the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha, the lawmakers mandated the Committees on Steel, Privatisation and Commercialisation and Justice to investigate the concession and report to the House for further legislative

actions.

Sponsor of the motion, Ben Nwankwo, lamented that the ASRM conceived in the National Development Plan of 1975-1980 to be the largest integrated steel rolling mill in Africa and the metallurgical phoenix and driving force of Nigeria’s quest for technological advancement is yet to achieve the desired goal.

He recalled how the company was commissioned in 1983 at 95 per cent completion state as it was thought that funds to be generated from the production of steel from the completed components of the integrated steel plant would fund the completion of the

remaining five per cent of the project.

Nwankwo expressed worry that similar companies, including the Mittal Steel of India conceived at about the same period, though bigger than Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill, are currently working at full capacity, whereas the ASRM has been dogged by controversy and non-performance from inception.

He further expressed concern that the failure of ASRM, despite the investment of an estimated $20 billion from inception to date had become a huge embarrassment to the federation and all who mean well for her.

‘PDP will reclaim S’West in 2015’

OVERNORS in the South G West geo-political zone have been urged to start

preparing to vacate their positions.

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ogun State, Buruji Kashamu, who is the chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of the party in the southwest, declared that it was determined to reclaim the zone from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.

He spoke when the state PDP leadership received 1, 500 defectors from APC in Atan, Ijebu North East local government area of the state.

Monsuru Akibu led the former APC members.

A former Deputy Governor, Ogunleye, the state PDP Chairman, Adebayo Dayo, former Commissioner for Environment, Olukoya Adeleke-Adedoyin and a party chieftain, Agboola Alausa, witnessed the programme.

Kashamu said that he was not seeking any political position but was only interested in ensuring resounding victory for the PDP in the forthcoming election in Ekiti and Osun as well as other states next year.

He said that the PDP remained the only political party genuinely committed to the welfare of Nigerians.

Kashamu said: “We are not in the government but God has given us the control, authority. If it is like that, we must know that all of us have been working and doing the wish of the people in Ogun State.

The people can see clearly that there is no other party that is better than the national party, which is PDP. “I am proud to associate myself with PDP and I can tell you today authoritatively whether they like it or not, not only Amosun in Ogun State but other governors in the whole southwest, we are set in PDP to take over the southwest.

“I am not looking for any position. It’s not that I want to be a minister in government. I am not looking for any governorship position. I am your son; I am with you. I want the best for you in Ogun State. I want all of us to join hands together. We have little months to go. Let us work together and push all these rubbish people out so that we will be able to have our dividends.”

In his address, Dayo said that the APC-led administration in the state had failed to live up to the expectation of people.

The PDP chairman, however, expressed satisfaction that the APC was now going through internal crisis, which he noted

the PDP had experienced in the past.

He said: “We will assist you morally and financially to make it possible for us to defeat Ibikunle Amosun. APC is now going through what we had gone through three years ago. They have started breaking up and I can assure you they will break up totally.”

Dayo assured that the defectors would be treated equally with existing members of PDP.

Prof. Arowojolu buries mother HE wife of the late T Minister in the First Republic, Mrs. Florence Arinola Arowojolu (nee Akinbobola) will be buried at the Methodist Church OdeAjagba, Irele Local Council, Ondo State tomorrow after a funeral service.

Aged 82 years, Mrs. Arowojolu died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan in February 2014.

Another funeral service will be held for her on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Methodist Church, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

She is survived by Mrs. Biodun Savage, Prof. Ayo Arowojolu (UCH) and Pastor Arowojolu among others.

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INTERVIEW

‘Goals of world health, safety, environment conference’ Abiola Sowole is the executive chairman, Arrowville Energy Limited, Lekki, Lagos.

Arrowville Energy Limited with the participation of Imperial College London is set to host a three-day programme tagged: “World Health, Safety, Security and Environment Conference” at the Dorchester, Park Lane, London, England from May 26 to 28, 2014.

Sowole, who trained in the United Kingdom (UK) from primary to University education, had her first degree at the University of Sussex, Masters and MPhil at the University of Paris, and taught at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ife for several years.

Sowole, a linguist, has branched into petroleum engineering with a Diploma in Petroleum Engineering from the Imperial College London, and establishment of Arrowville Energy Limited.

Arrowville Energy Limited was incorporated in March 1999 with expertise in the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and in training in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) for the oil and gas sector.

Sowole said these areas are of topical importance, as indicated in the provisions of the Petroleum Drilling and Production Regulation and the Mineral Oils Safety Regulations, which are now being especially enforced.

She said the mission of Arrowville Energy Limited is to promote the development of safety-enhancing technologies for offshore oil and gas operations in Africa.

Sowole in an interview with The Guardian Newspapers ahead of the World Health, Safety, Security And Environment Conference said she set up Arrowville Energy Limited to ensure effective and efficient training in safety-enhancing technologies and on safety-related matters for the oil and gas industry, offshore, marine and so on, and in the provision of protection equipment; among other things.

CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes. Excerpts: informed the establishment of WIHAT Arrowville Energy Limited? took time off from research in French Caribbean Literature to do a Diploma in Petroleum Engineering (Surface Facilities, Process Engineering, Health, Safety and Environment) at Imperial College London, in 2012.

Nigeria’s maintaining its wealth and its dominant position in oil and gas production in Africa seemed to me of the utmost importance.

It was clear that, for this to be possible, it would be necessary to create and maintain an enabling environment by sustaining and improving environmental conditions and human health and safety in oil and gas exploration and production activities.

What informed the World Health, Safety, Security and Environment Conference?

Arrowville Energy Limited aims to help sustain and increase the country’s wealth, just as in the early days our fathers created wealth throughout the nation, including my own father, who, in the Ikeja Industrial Area, established prominent foreign industries in joint ventures with government.

The World Health, Safety, Security and Environment Conference concentrates on examination of the restoration programme of British Petroleum (BP) and then goes on to examine the Health Safety Security and Environment (HSSE) programmes of all top oil producing companies in the world and then we look at the extent which these programmes have been safety enhanced by new technolo-

Sowole gies.

We are holding at The Dorchester, Park lane, London, from May 26 to May 28, 2014, a World Conference on Heath, Safety, Security & Environment. The aim of this Conference is to examine health, safety and environmental disasters, their remedies and the technologies required to prevent their occurrence altogether. We commence the programme with considerations of the Gulf Restoration programme, which BP has set in place to remedy the consequences of Deepwater Horizon.

We proceed to examine the Health, Safety, Security and Environment management programmes of the World’s major oil producers.

And we conclude with a rigorous panel discussion on the need for technologically robust safety-enhancing HSSE management systems to avert offshore incidents.

Why the choice of London?

Because it is an international conference, there are speakers coming from all over the world so we thought that it is easier because London is more accessible for everybody. For example if I had located it in Lagos, Abuja or Accra in Ghana it will be more difficult for people to get here.

What is the relevance of this workshop to the Nigerian oil sector?

The relevance is that we examine all these programmes and the final panel on discussion looks at all various HSSE programmes, some one or two companies have even adopted a combination approach, both the British approach and the American.

The safety case approach, and the safety and environment management systems approach, which is the American. We examine all that and we see to what extent all these systems are now incorporating new technologies to make them safety enhancing. In the actual

fact, HSSE programmes should also guarantee safety, it should make it more difficult for us to have offshore incidents for example.

How safe is the Nigerian oil and gas industry?

Well the most shocking ones have not in fact occurred in Nigeria, the shocking ones that have actually claimed a lot of lives have not occurred in Nigeria. The one, which has claimed the most lives I believe is the Piper Alpha incident, which occurred in the 1980s in the UK sector of the North sea. Here when we have incidence, they claim a few lives but what is disturbing is the fact, the effect, which they have on the environment. So we are also dealing with environmental protection and environmental sustainability in this conference.

What is Piper Alpha?

According to Wikipedia, Piper Alpha was a North Sea oil production platform operated by Occidental Petroleum (Caledonia) Limited. The platform began production in 1976, first as an oil platform and then later converted to gas production. An explosion and the resulting oil and gas fires destroyed it on 6 July 1988, killing 167 men, with only 61 survivors. The death toll includes two crewmen of a rescue vessel. Total insured loss was about £1.7 billion (US$3.4 billion). At the time of the disaster, the platform accounted for approximately ten percent of North Sea oil and gas production, and was the worst offshore oil disaster in terms of lives lost and industry impact.

The Kirk of St Nicholas in Union Street, Aberdeen has dedicated a chapel in memory of those who perished and there is a memorial sculpture in the Rose Garden of Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen. Thirty bodies were not recovered.

You talked about new technologies. What new technologies?

Well the technologies, which will guarantee that the equipment are safely manufactured,

Nigeria’s maintaining its wealth and its dominant position in oil and gas production in Africa seemed to me of the utmost importance. It was clear that, for this to be possible, it would be necessary to create and maintain an enabling environment by sustaining and improving environmental conditions and human health and safety in oil and gas exploration and production

they run safely and that the HSSE issues are well protected. There are various technologies and there are various institutes set up to guarantee that these technologies are exposed, developed and implemented.

Water Planet Engineering (WPE), a global water treatment solutions provider focused on the world’s most challenging desalination and water reuse problems, will be showcasing their innovations.

WPE delivers the science, technology, and innovation needed to achieve water and energy sustainability in the 21st century.

WPE specialises in membrane and phase separation fundamentals, technologies, and applications. This expertise enables WPE to provide effective, efficient, and economic solutions for the world’s most challenging separations such as desalination and produced water treatment.

WPE applies its expertise to difficult-to-solve oil-water separations, produced water treatment, and desalination applications to produce clean, fresh water to meet practically any use, discharge, or reuse standards.

WPE has a state-of-the-art laboratory in Los Angeles, California offering water quality analysis, emulsion & suspension characterization, and membrane & phase separation studies to compliment our advanced separation process modeling and engineering design capabilities.

How about the participants? Who and who are you expecting?

We are expecting participants from the government, oil and gas operations, from private oil and gas exploration and production companies.

We have invited the group of companies of Africa’s foremost industrialist to sponsor the World Conference on Health, Safety, Security and Environment, as well as, other prominent indigenous oil and gas production companies, for example, the Petroleum Development Company, which has just been quoted on the London Stock Exchange, Forte Oil, which has grown from a fledgling local company, and other prominent companies owned by indigenous entrepreneurs.

We have invited the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to support the event and its Group Managing Director to open it. The most experienced executives on Health, Safety, Security and Environment from all over the world and an Engineering Firm with solid technological know-how will make presentations at this Conference before delegations mostly from Nigeria, Angola and Ghana.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Achim Steiner will chair one of the sessions.

The Vice President, Health, Environment and Safety, for Chevron Corporation, Wesley E. (Wes) Lohec will also be presenting a paper.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr. Alexander Kofi Mensah Mould has also confirmed he will be attending.

Is the workshop going to address the issue of gas flaring and oil spills?

Yes we are. We are going to address mostly the oil spills rather than the gas flaring. We will examine how to clean up oil spills when they have occurred and how to generally to avoid them in the first place. I mean these technologies are developed so that oil spills and gas flaring can in fact be avoided all together, that is the objective.

What other core area is the Conference going to address?

We are going to look at what improvements can be made on the development and implementation of safety management systems.

There is also going to be thorough analysis and review of the Safety Case Approach and Safety, Environmental Management System (SEMS) and of the combination used by Wood Group Plc to ensure that they incorporate the technologies required to ensure the safety of lives, equipment and the environment.

We should also be providing answers to questions such as, is there a relation between the development and implementation of robust HSEE Management Systems, which guarantee the health, safety and security of personnel, the safety performance of facilities and equipment and the safety and security of the environment (environmental sustainability), on the one hand, and high or increasing productivity, on the other hand?

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NEWSINTERvIEW

‘Why we are hopeful on Nigeria-Germany electricity partnership’ Consul General of the Republic of Germany in Lagos, Michael Derus says Germany and Nigeria have been discussing how to support in overcoming the problem in power supply. Derus told selected journalists that in the first five years of this memorandum of understanding since 2008, despite the fact that Nigerians have not seen so many concrete results, he has a strong feeling that the Federal Government’s dedication to do everything to make sure the activation of the energy sector is achieved. Tunde Akinola reports How would you describe being in Nigeria as Consul General? y first impression reflects very well in the words of welcome which you will find on the website of Consul General. From the very outset on arrival at the airport I was very much impressed with the diversity and the dynamics of the megacity of Lagos and the longer I stay here, the more I am convinced that with the stamina this place has, it has potential of bringing a very strong and positive impact to the development of the entire country. Of course, one cannot compare a mega city with many other parts of the country. And that reflects not only the positive side of the Lagos residents’ style of life but also in the way every Nigerian person behaves.

I have the feeling of a very positive development for the country. Nigerians are very active, nice and dynamic people; I am really impressed with them. Just as I was arriving at the airport, so many people were just saying to me welcome, welcome. So I had the feelings of being so well received.

What would you call the benefits of Nigerian-German relations in recent times?

I think one cannot really strike a balance which is in pros and cons of relation but a positive fact in itself is that we have been having a cordial diplomatic relations for years and we have many things we can learn from each other. As I said earlier, it has been a very positive way of dealing with each other.

Despite problems in everyday life, there is something we could definitely learn from Nigeria; on the other hand, as we are all very much aware of the already mentioned Derus dynamics of Nigerians, there are, however, shortcomings especially in the energy sup- tainable energy, is considered globally, as a biggest economy in Africa? ply. And as you might have known, between world market leader. We are very strong in It is something that did not come as a surGermany and Nigeria, there have been dis- using alternative energy sources and sus- prise, everyone expected it and I would not cussions on how to support in overcoming tainable energy, especially for local and underestimate the effect that such would the problem in power supply. And to that regional power generation in the country have on the psyche of foreign investors. On end, in 2008, a memorandum of under- like Nigeria there is much room for imple- the other hand, one has to see, not only the standing was signed between the two menting projects like that. economic strength of the country but also nations referred to as that is the Nigeria- How many Nigerians have benefited from the individual income situation, which has the DAAD scholarship and what is the pro- not changed through the rebasing.

Germany electricity partnership.

In the first five years of this memorandum jection for the future?

So there is, on one hand, a very positive The academic cooperation, which has impact through the rebasing, on the other of understanding since 2008, despite the fact that we have not seen so many concrete been established since Nigeria’s independ- hand, one has to see through the fact that results, but we have a strong feeling that ence is the Germany exchange service. We there is a lot to do in terms of individual the federal government’s dedication to do have, in general number, around 145 schol- income situation which has not changed everything to make sure the activation of arships per year mainly in the field or through the rebasing. So the Nigerians the energy sector is achieved; and that has courses that are related to development. I labour force should catch up with that and I been the reason for the renewal of this think we will have level maintained and if think the fact that we can observe such an memorandum of understanding last year’s you look back in time, I think it has been a improvement, it terms of the growth of the October with the signing of a new one very positive cooperation. middle class, it is a good signal. Despite that, Last year, at the University of Ibadan, an there is still a lot of work that has to be done. which is based on 2008 template and declaration of intents which has the main goals alumni meeting, what I heard from our I only can repeat that the power problem of Germany’s support in terms of building German academic exchange lecturers does not only affect the economy sector but up energy supply through sustainable there was that around 2000 Nigerians also the private including individuals. I have have done their postgraduate pro- the feeling that this rebasing is a very strong source like water, wind and solar.

This is to foster the way of using gas here grammes in Germany. incentives for the Nigerian economy. for the benefit of Nigerians and also for What has been the effect of such benefit to What about the living standard of the peoGermany, to have German companies on Nigeria as a country and the society at ple? ground to do things like this on the spot large?

There are two sides to it. One, we have to I think it raises professional level for aca- look at the parameters which form the basis and having of course access Nigerian products like oil and especially gas for the demics and it is something that might con- of the rebasing, which are expression of the tribute also for education and training of general fundamentals of the economy and German market.

Despite that we have a very intense the students. So the multiplier effect of on the other hand, there is still a gap comexchange at the political level. There is a that in the academic sector is immeasura- pared to south Africa which now is number bilateral commission, which have been ble. Thus, it is a very good form of coopera- two and which has, maybe, three times the meeting, though in recent times, though tion because trained teachers can reach personal income. we have not had meeting recently but the many people; and that raises the profesBut I think that this rebasing might be an commission is still on ground. Depending sional level of their students and empow- incentive in social and economic program on the confirmation on the Nigerian side, ering more Nigerians to be competitive in and also in the effort of combating social criGermany have the next round of this bilat- fields where there is transfer of knowledge sis. The already mentioned forms of coopereral commission till this year so that we can and technology. ation between Germany and Nigeria might have an intense way of contacting each What is your opinion on Nigeria being the also help in addressing some of these issues. other.

In what specific terms and to what extent Despite problems in everyday life, there is something we could definitely will the German energy support Nigeria?

To give you a bit more insight in that kind learn from Nigeria; on the other hand, as we are all very much aware of the of arrangement which has been concluded already mentioned dynamics of Nigerians, there are, however, shortcomings through the signed MoU. It is the basis for the facilitation of the engagement of the especially in the energy supply. And as you might have known, between private sector in that field and the govern- Germany and Nigeria, there have been discussions on how to support in ment itself now has power station which is established here; given the fact that overcoming the problem in power supply. And to that end, in 2008, a memoGerman companies, with their know-how randum of understanding was signed between the two nations referred to with technology and having access respective projects, Germany, especially in sus- as that is the Nigeria-Germany electricity partnership

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Let me mention in this context another very important strategy which might also have a very positive impact on the situation on ground. There is need for vocational training, like that of Germany in which do not only do training on the job, but receive more education on their respective fields.

Recently, an MoU was signed between Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry on vocational training. I think that is not only a contribution to qualification for better jobs, but also a first step and incentive to upgrading labour force qualification in the country. So for potential investors who come to Nigeria, to verify whether it makes sense to have a direct investment here or not, are always asking for professional skills and vocational training is always a good contribution to that.

Can you compare the Nigerian federal system to that of Germany?

Nigeria of course is a young nation in its constitutional existence. Both are republics. Relatively in terms of constitutional arrangement, but we have some things in common. Germany has 16 federal states and Nigeria has 36. So with that, there is a difference. In Germany, the regional tribes have developed over the centuries which means what we have reflected in our constitution is a product of centuries of regional development.

The situation here is a bit different. Just last week, I attended a very interesting lecture by a historian on the amalgamation process of Nigeria in 1914 during which very different ethnic and regional parts of this country were brought together. So the independent constitution was based on that experience. Contextually, there is still the strive for overcoming the regional differences. If you look into the German constitution, an important part is a political situation whereby the federating states participate very strongly in tax and budget revenue and beyond that, we have a system of equalising prosperity because one of the constitutional gains is to create similar conditions of living all over Germany and there was really a great challenge to meet up with that after Germany’s unification when we had five new federal states who had been dismantled as a central states, with different economic systems.

And given the fact that at the time of German unification, the former was nearly bankrupt and the country had to restructure or to re- establish the old structure. So I think the challenges were different on one hand, and the other hand, I think if Nigerians are interested in looking into the German federal system and if perhaps to review its constitutional aspect and gather information from other parts of the world, the German experience would be it an interesting reference.

How will you react to the allegation of visa denial by the German embassy?

There are of course, different reasons for denial. I can tell you that we have very strict regulations, which we have to obey and follow. That means we cannot arbitrarily deny someone visa if such an individual is qualified.

So wherever people fulfill the requirement of travelling to Germany for a short time stay or long time stay, visas will be granted. The requirements for travelling maybe different, we expect people who go to Germany, during their stay, to have a secure financial basis that would sustain them over a certain period of time. The motive for going to Europe or Germany may be different.

We will not be able to sustain, over a period of time, arbitrary immigration - that cannot be the solution neither to poverty in their respective countries nor to Germany. If we do that, it is German taxpayers will finance that.

Friday, May 2, 2014 | 59

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Sports 36 contestants enter for the Ultimate Naija Soccer Fan reality show HE maiden edition of the Ultimate Naija Soccer Fan reality TV show will feature 36 contestants from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria when it kicks off later this month.

The soccer reality show, according to the organisers, is aimed at rewarding Nigerian supporters of different clubs in both the local and the international leagues, who have overtime supported their clubs with passion.

The soccer fans will go through some rigorous test to know the level of their passion and commitment to their clubs and players.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to herald the reality show, the coordinator of the event, Onyebuchi Abia, noted that the need to reward soccer fans that have overtime shown their passion and supported different football clubs all over the world is an integral part of reality show, adding that it is an avenue to bring together people from different parts of the country.

“Ultimate Naija Soccer Fan Reality TV show, being the maiden edition, will serve as an opportunity to reward soccer fans in the country because we realise that football players make all the money and fame, while the fans only support them for nothing.”

He revealed that ex-Super Eagles’ captain, Kanu Nwankwo, and two Nollywood stars, Benita Nzeribe and Clarion Okpocha, have thrown their weight behind the show.

He added that six contestants have been selected from each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, saying that the competition will span from May all through to September, disclosing that winners would be rewarded with N5 million and a jeep, N3 million and a car, and N1 million and a tricycle for the first, second and the third positions respectively.

NBBF names 24 all-star players

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HE Nigeria Basketball T Federation (NBBF) has released a list of 24 players and six officials from the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences of the DStv Premier League for tomorrow’s All Stars game scheduled for the University of Lagos Sports Hall in Akoka, Lagos.

According to the NBBF/DStv League Director, Agboola Pinheiro, 12 players and three officials were selected from the two conferences for the game with Kano Pillars and Mark Mentors dominating the Savannah Conference list.

“The Savannah Conference will be handled by coaches Peter Ahmedu (Mark Mentors) and Abdulrahaman Mohammed (Gombe Bulls) with former international, Lawal Garba as Team Manager.

Coaches Adeboye Aderiboye (Oluyole Warriors) and Chris Nomingo (Dodan Warriors)

Uduaghan, others get special awards at Delta FA Cup final

By Gowon Akpodonor

ORLD Heavyweight W Wrestling Champion, Osita Offor, also known as De Ultimate Commander, has returned to his training camp after two weeks of intensive preparation in a closed camp at the outskirts of Lagos.

While at the closed camp, De Commander trained with African super star, Jimmy Palm, and some other local wrestlers before featuring in a non-title contest at the Ay Show held during the Easter holidays.

De Commander is preparing for the Nelson Mandela Commonwealth Nations and America Unifying Championship,’ which will hold in four countries, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, Canada and Britain, will draw wrestlers from across the world.

Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, De Commander said he

HE first graduate to play for the then Green Eagles, Dr. John Oganwu is among top Nigerians listed for award in Sunday’s final of Delta FA Cup at the Warri City Stadium.

Warri Wolves will take on Bobbies United in the final and officials of DFA have singled out some prominent Nigerians, including Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, for special awards.

While Uduaghan will get the DFA Emerald Award, Utuama and Oganwu are listed for the DFA Platinum Awards. The Chairman of Brila FM Sports Radio, Larry Izamoje, will pick the Football Personality of the

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Members of the Super Eagles celebrating their victory at the Mandela Challenge.

Ahead Brazil 2014 World Cup

Don’t expect too much from Eagles, NFF tells Nigerians From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HILE Nigerians are still waiting to see the names of players that will begin final preparation for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has cautioned that they should not hope for too much from the Super Eagles at the Mundial Coupe.

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NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, while speaking on the Federation’s expectations at the World Cup, said Nigerians should be cautious in their optimism, arguing that the World Cup is entirely a different thing from the African Nations Cup won by the Super Eagles last year.

Amadu, who said the fact that

Ultimate Commander returns to base, commiserates with bereaved Okiro

By Christian Okpara

will handle the Atlantic Conference team with former international, Deji Jaiyeola as Team Manager,” Pinheiro disclosed in Lagos.

Coach Sani Ahmed of Kano Pillars is Head coach of the Savannah All Stars team but has some family commitments, while Head coach of the Atlantic Conference, Lati Erinfolami, of Islanders, who is also coach of First Deepwater Basketball team will be leading his team to Ilorin for the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s League.

Players picked from the Savannah Conference are Abubakar Usman, Dele Ademola, Mathew Monya, Onyeka Okeke and Adeolu Ojoh from Kano Pillars. Stanley Gumut, Abdul Yahaya, Akpara Akiti and Timothy Kwor from Mark Mentors, Chibuzor John, Plateau Peaks, John Mathais and Joseli Ibrahim from Gombe Bulls.

• Congratulates Akinyele at 76 has returned to his private training camp “to put some things in order preparatory to my final camping, where I will train with my coaches, Superfly Snuka and the Barbarian.

“What awaits me is not a child’s play, so I want to be at my best when the contest begins in South Africa in July.”

The world champion, who commiserated with former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, on the death of his mother, Madam Bessy Okiro, aged 96, said it was unfortunate Madam Okiro left the world when her motherly advice was needed by those around her.

Madam Okiro, who was a religious and community leader of outstanding reputation, would be buried on May 24 at Obiakpu, Ohaji/Egema Council Area of Imo State.

He also congratulated former Sports Minister, Chief Alex Akinyele, on his 76th birthday, and prayed to God to continue to guide and protect the elder statesman, who is a member of governing board of the Ultimate Wrestling and Charity Organisation (TUWCO).

Akinyele was born on April 24, 1938.

The ‘Nelson Mandela Commonwealth Nations and America Unifying Championship,’ which will hold in four countries, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, Canada and Britain, will draw wrestlers from across the world.

According to the organisers, the event will begin in the South African cities of Johannesburg and Durban on July 18 and 20 respectively, hold in Lagos (July 25), Abia (July 27) and two cities in Britain on August 1 and 3, 2014.

the Eagles are going into the World Cup as African champions does not make them great, reminded Nigerians that the team would still go to Brazil as outsiders.

He insisted that though the NFF and Nigerians would want the team to do well and surpass the record of the other African countries at the World Cup, it would be out of place to set a tall target for the Super Eagles.

“All we are doing is to ensure that the team is prepared adequately for them to give their best in Brazil and we are hopeful that they will give the best of representation to Nigeria because we are providing them the enabling environment to excel,” Amadu stated.

year Award, while the Managing Director of Eco bank, Jibril Aku, is listed for DFA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Others are Ade Ojeikere (Football Media Excellence Award), Pius Origho (Posthumous Football Fanatic Legend Award) and Solomon Ogba (DFA Special Recognition Award).

The Chairman of Delta FA, Amaju Melvin Pinnick who is also the chairman of the Sports Commission said yesterday that the Delta Federations Cup final will be beamed live on Supersports Channel saying: “this is an anniversary edition of an FA Cup final. It will be glamorous, entertaining and exciting.”

NSC prepares Chukwumereije for coaching role From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja The National Sports OMMISSION (NSC) has C began the process of transforming Nigeria’s Olympics bronze medal winner at the Greece 2006 games, Uche Chukwumereije into a world

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Godfrey Gaiya (left), former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola and De Ultimate Commander when the wrestler visited Lagos Government House….recently

class taekwondo coach as soon as he retires from the sport.

The NSC Director General, Gbenga Elegbeleye who stated this while responding to question about the preparations of Team Nigeria for the Scotland 2014 Commonwealth Games disclosed that the commission has drafted the Olympic medalist, who is also a member of the Nigeria Taekwobdo Federation (NTF) to under study the national taekwondo high performance coach, Kim Jim Been who has since commenced the training of Nigerian taekwondo players for the Commonwealth Games.

The NSC director general stated that the commission took the decision because of its conviction that Chukwumerije has the potentials of becoming a worldclass taekwondo coach if given the opportunity.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

60 SPORTS Friday, May 2, 2014

Heroes Of Vera Okolo: Oko-Anala ‘pocket dynamite,’ Former Super Falcons attacker, Vera Onyi Okolo, was one of the talents discovered in the local league when Nigeria’s female football league was truly golden. Okolo commenced her sports trade as a teenager in Ibusa community, Delta State, where she attended Umejei Primary School. She hails from Oko-Anala in Oshimili South council area, but grew up in Ibusa and Asaba. The ‘pocket dynamite,’ as Okolo is fondly called, burst into the scene unannounced in 1999 and a year later, led the Ondo State U-17 School Soccer team to win the Umbro International Football competition in England and that was after leading St. Brigid’s Girls Grammar School, Asaba to various competitions within and outside the state capital. Okolo soon became the ‘commander-in-chief in the Super Falcons, scoring goals. Her lone strike against Banyana Banyana of South Africa at the Abuja Stadium gave Nigeria the Athens 2004 Olympics ticket. She also scored the lone goal that sank Japan in Nigeria’s only victory at the Olympics. Okolo won two Nations Cup trophies in 2004 and 2006, as well as a gold medal in the All African Games soccer event in 2007. Fielding questions from GOWON AKPODONOR, Okolo revealed how she ignored her father’s advice in a desperate bid to establish herself as a footballer.

ANY South African soccer fans will hardly M forget the role Vera Okolo played in denying Banyana Banyana the chance of qualifying for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

For years, the Banyana Banyana had played the second fiddle to the Super Falcons in qualification for major tournaments, including the World Cup and Olympics. The contest for Athens 2004 Olympics ticket between the two teams took various dimensions with the South Africans exploiting every strategy to seek a pound of flesh.

But it was another mission impossible, as Okolo stood between them and the ticket, both at home and away.

A strong, visionary attacker, whose hunger for goals was insatiable, Okolo started her sports trade on the streets of Ibusa, kicking round leather objects with members of the opposite sex.

“I played football with boys all through my primary school in Ibusa and even when I moved to Asaba. I enjoyed playing with boys because it afforded me the opportunity of learning new things,” she reminisces.

After her elementary education at Umejei Primary School, Okolo started her secondary school career at St. Augustine’s Grammar School also in Ibusa. She was a jack-of-all-trades, taking part in football, 100m, 200m, relays and long distance races (800m and 1,500m). She soon moved to St. Brigid’s Girls Grammar School, Asaba, where she completed her post elementary education.

At St. Brigid’s, Okolo was a leader, commanding

Okolo at all fronts in the football field, track and hockey pitch. She was the school’s Games Prefect and under her tenure, St. Brigit’s was a hot ground for other schools in sports competitions. “We won many sports titles within and outside Asaba and I was one of the regulars for my school in invitational relays,” she recalled.

In 1999, Okolo decided to pay serious attention to football by going against her parents’ wish. “My father was a teacher and he wouldn’t want to hear anything about football. He wanted me to face my studies, but I won’t listen to him,” she said.

With a determination to make a living from football, Okolo ‘abandoned’ home for father and mum in Asaba to pitch tent with a Division Two soccer team, Fast Focus FC in Warri.

“I was in Fast Focus camp for about eleven months and by the time I returned to Asaba, there was still problem because my father insisted I must stop playing football. I left home again in January 2000.”

She travelled with Fast Focus FC to

Abeokuta for a Division One Play-off, a trip that turned out to be her journey to stardom.

In Abeokuta, the ‘pocket dynamite’ won the hearts of the people with her individual skills and intelligent passes. Some officials of the Ondo State Sports Council were at the venue to recruit players into the state school sports team in preparation for an international U-17 sports festival in England.

A free-scoring Okolo was spotted and quickly drafted into the team for the journey to London. She said: “My father got to know about my trip to London and he was surprised. I deliberately refused to tell him because I was afraid he might not allow me to travel.”

At the Umbro International School Sports festival in London, Okolo made big headlines, helping the Ondo State team to win the trophy at first attempt. “It was this victory that changed my father’s perspective about my football career, but he kept reminding me of the need to have good education till he died,” she said.

In 2001, Okolo led the Ondo State School team to defend their title in London. She re-

My father got to know about my trip to London and he was surprised. I deliberately refused to tell him because I was afraid he might not allow me to travel.

turned to Nigeria with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in addition to the championship title. She instantly became the most sought-after player in the land. But big spender, Bayelsa Queens FC, beat everyone to her signature and Okolo did not disappoint, leading the club to win some titles.

That same year, the Nigerian U-19 female team was being assembled ahead of the maiden FIFA U-19 Women Championship in Canada. The duo of coaches the late Peter Egudia and Napoleon Eguma quickly included Okolo into the team. She played a key role in Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup, but was dropped following what she termed as ‘bad belly’ campaign mounted against her by a female journalist, who claimed that Okolo was overage.

Despite her failed attempt at appearing in her country’s colour of Green White Green at the World Cup in Canada, Okolo continued with her football trade. She soon crossed to Delta Queens FC of Asaba, where she joined forces with the likes of goalkeeper Precious Dede, Florence Iweta, Ngozi Ezeocha, Florence Okwemu and the late Felicia Eze to rule both the local league and challenge cup competitions, winning the first major football trophy for the state (the Super Six) in Umuahia, Abia State in 2004.

Friday, May 2, 2014 61

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School Sports who made Super Falcons her home Okolo was in camp with the home-based Super Falcons preparing for the COJA 2003 All African Games, when Coach Sam Okpodu invited her into the USA 2003 World Cup team.

“I did not play a single match in USA 2003 World Cup maybe because we couldn’t make it beyond the group stage,” she said.

After the World Cup, Okolo took control of Falcons’ attack and never looked back. Coach Ismalia Mabo took charge in the qualifiers for Athens 2004 Olympic Games and he built the team’s attack around Okolo and Perpetua Nkwocha. By this time, the playing days of the gangling Mercy Akide-Udoh was gradually fading away, same for goalkeeper Ann AgumanuChiejine, who had lost the No. 1 shirt to Dede.

Their first major test came from the Ghana Black Queens in Ibadan, where the Falcons had to force the visitors to a draw with the goal coming from Nkechi Egbe. It was the last game for some key players, including USA-based speed star, Patience Avre. The second leg in Accra was full of drama.

In Accra, the Ghanaians rolled out all in their armoury by recalling all key players, including team captain, U.S.-based Alberta Sackey with flamboyant keeper Memunatu Sulemana, boasting that it was the end of the road for the Falcons. The game ended 1-1 with Egbe scoring for Nigeria, while Sackey equalised for Ghana. In the penalty shootout, Okolo and Ajumai Ameh missed their kicks, while two Ghanaians scored.

Goalkeeper Dede turned out to be the heroine, when she saved the last three kicks by the Ghanaians, while Egbe, Nkwocha and Yinka Kudiasi scored to give the Falcons the day.

The Banyana Banyana of South Africa were their next opponents. The Falcons played a 2-2 draw in Johannesburg with Okolo scoring the opener. Nkwocha made it two. The return leg in Abuja was another

drama. The match was postponed twice following allegation by the South Africans that about eight of their players were involved in food poisoning. It turned out to be a ploy to take the Falcons unaware.

The Banyana Banyana played the game as if their lives depended on the Olympics’ ticket. With time running out and score line at 0-0, it took Okolo’s solo run to rescue the situation. With intelligent dribble from the centre of the pitch, the ‘pocket dynamite’ released the killer shot with two minutes remaining. It was the end of the road for the boastful Portia Modise and her team. The South Africans wept openly, while the Nigerians sang praises of Okolo.

Okolo’s best moment came at the Athens 2004 Olympics Games, where she scored Nigeria’s only goal against the fast moving Japanese in their opening group match. The team lost 1-2 to Sweden in their second game and also went down 1-2 to Germany.

Looking back to the Athens Olympics, Okolo said: “It was a moment I won’t forget in my life time because I was injured during our training tour in Germany and I never thought I could play in the Olympic Games. But Coach Mabo believed so much in me and thank God I delivered in the match against Japan.”

Okolo also played a part in Super Falcons victory at the 2004 Nations Cup in South Africa, where they beat Cameroun in the final as well as the 2006 edition in Warri, Delta State, where they defeated Ghana Black Queens in the final. She was also part of the Super Falcons’ team that won the All African Games gold medal in Algiers 2007.

Looking back to her school days at Ibusa and Asaba, Okolo said: “My involvement in school sports actually laid the foundation for my football career. But it is good for one to have good education as a back up just in case of injury.”

Okolo in action

School Sports Blue House are Oxboard College’s maiden Inter-House Sports champions

By Olawunmi Ojo CTIVE students’ participaA tion in school sports at both the Primary and Secondary

The Proprietress, Oxboard Comprehensive College, Ipaja, Lagos, Pastor (Mrs.) Stella Jewoola (middle) with Mrs. Wale Salako (right) presenting the overall winner trophy to captain of Blue House, Afannubi Segun, at the end of the school’s maiden Inter-House Sports competition held at it premises… recently.

How St Jude’s Girls’ brought honour to Bayelsa in basketball

By Olalekan Okusan HEN Tony Nelson decided to introduce basketball to St Jude’s Girls’ Secondary, Amarata in 2010, he wanted to inspire the students to make history.

Without little or no support, Nelson started tutoring the students on the rudiments of the slamming and dunking game. But despite representing the state at the zonal final of the yearly Milo Secondary School Basketball, the team could not make it to the 2010 edition of the tournament as it finished in the seventh position.

However, at the 2011 edition, the Coach Nelson side emerged champions of the At-

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lantic Conference final in Enugu to qualify for the Lagos grand finale.

At the Lagos finale, the team fought like a wounded lion to set up a final clash against the defending champion, Benue State. But their inexperience came was a big handicap, as they could not match the Gboko girls in the final. They settled for second place.

In 2012, they once again returned to the Lagos finale, but this time they were determined and without any doubt they were destined for the trophy. The team were flawless in all their matches to lift the trophy for the first time in the history of Bayelsa State.

As the national school cham-

pion, they were expected to represent Nigeria at the 2011 World School Championships in Cyprus, but their hope was thwarted following the inability of the state to fund the trip.

Undaunted by what happened to them, the team inspired by their unemployed coach took up the gauntlet again to qualify from the zonal championship in Enugu for the Lagos finale for the third consecutive time.

As the defending champion, their opponents never intimidated them as they crushed every opposition that they came across enroute the final.

Again, the team set another record for Bayelsa by retaining the title for the second time in

schools’ levels has been identified as a way of ensuring allround development of children.

The Human Resource Manager, Oxboard Comprehensive College, Ipaja, Lagos, Mr. Daniel Alexander Chukwuka, made this observation at the maiden edition of the school’s Annual Inter-House Sports Competition held at its premises recently.

Chukwuka stressed the need to build the culture of participation in sports in young wards from early years as against the culture of watching sports, which is fast taking root in the country.

This, according to him, is because the former would engender better human development across board and help develop talents that would give the nation good representation at both local and international sports competitions in the future.

Chukwuka expressed dismay at the low level of encouragement often given to sportsmen in this clime, owing to religious and cultural beliefs.

He called on the Sports Ministry to get the school system actively involved in sports, saying it would serve as an avenue to discover and nurture new talents for the nation.

In his remarks, the School Principal, Mr. M. A. Ogunbode urged parents to extend their support for the school in the area of academics to sports, by

encouraging their children to take active part in sports.

He explained that the young wards were at a stage where their energies ought to be wellchanneled and their talents well-harnessed. This, Ogunbode added, would positively affect them as students and aid their total development.

“The youths should look at how they can develop their various skills in sports as a means of self-discovery and possible exploration as a means livelihood,” he said.

The Inter-House competition saw teams compete in such events as soccer, swimming, 100m and 200m races, 400m relay race, Lime race, sack race, thread the needle and High Jump at the junior, intermediate and senior levels.

Orchid House wins Kids’ Court maiden Inter-House games HE maiden annual InterT house Sports Competition of Kids’ Court School, Surulere, took place at the Union Bank Sports Club, Surulere, Lagos, with the Blue House (Orchid) coming tops with 148 points to clinch the overall trophy.

Camellia (Red) House came second with 138 points, while Zinnia (Green) came third with 128 points. The pupils participated in 19 races, including sack race, egg and spoon, threelegged race, filling the bottle, bead stringing, staff race, 100m invitation race, parents’ race and others.

According to the Proprietress of the school, Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Ogundere, the sports day is to aid the attainment of the corporate objectives of the school.

The trained-medical practitioner called on the pupils not to lay emphasis on academics alone, noting that sports are vital.

She said, “We will continue to encourage our pupils to fulfill their potential by giving them the opportunity to excel in all areas of life. We will always thrive to build a sound mind in a sound body.”

Dr. Ogundere enjoined parents to encourage their children to discover their skills and nurture them by providing the necessary moral support, saying, “If not for any reason, children should be exposed to sports activities for health reasons because it promotes longevity.”

She assured that the school will keep organizing the annual event to help keep with the mission of building a total child that will be physically fit, noting that, physical fitness is fundamental to building an intellectually sound mind.

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62 | SPORTS Friday, May 2, 2014

2014 World Team Table Tennis Championship

Nigeria beats Canada to finish second in Group E IGERIA continued its N dominance over Canada by beating the North Americans in the last match of Group E at the ongoing World Team Table Tennis Championship holding in Tokyo, Japan.

In most of their meeting in major competitions, Nigeria have always dominated Canada and again in Tokyo on Thursday, the Segun Toriola-led male team overcame the Canadians 3-1 to finish second behind Czech Republic in the group.

Despite Toriola’s 13-15, 8-11, 611, loss to Canada’s Andre Ho in the first game, rave of the moment Aruna Quadri put the match at par when he beat Theriault Pierre-Luc 7-11, 11-6, 11-6, 12-10.

Ojo Onaolapo increased the lead with another 9-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 win over vincent Rousseau-Emond. To compete the 3-1 victory over the

Canadians, Toriola was made to work hard in the victory over Pierre-Luc. The game ended 8-11, 11-13, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5.

Also yesterday, Czech Republic maintained their 100 per cent record in the group with a 3-0 bashing of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Czechs won all their five matches to top the group ahead of Nigeria, which won four of the five matches to place second in the group.

Nigeria male team is still in the race for promotion, as the knockout stage of the division two will hold today.

However, the female team will be fighting to remain in the division two after losing its fourth game to Turkey on Thursday.

The team led by Funke Oshonaike would have to redouble its efforts in the classification matches that would decide the teams that would to remain in division

3,000 athletes arrive, as Malta Guinness renews support for Okpekpe Road Race vER 3000 athletes and O participants from across the world have arrived for the

Quadri

Lagos International Squash Classics gets World Tour status OLLOWING the success of FInternational the maiden Lagos Squash Classics last year, the Professional Squash Association (PSA) has listed the tournament as one of its 2014 World Tours.

According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PSA, Alex Gough, the last major tournament hosted

by Nigeria was in 2008 and the return of the tour to Lagos would lure a lot of top class players to the competition.

“It is fantastic to see high level international competition returning to Nigeria

and the enthusiasm for the sport, which is so evident among the tournament organisers, is great to see,” said Gough.

The tournament tagged 2014 Lagos International Squash Classic is a PSA International 25, which is one the highest levels for the fourth quarter of the year in the PSA calendar.

The last PSA World Tour event to be held in Nigeria was the 2008 Africa Open won by current Squash television presenter, Joey Barrington.

According to the Chairman, Lagos State Squash

Association, Sanya Akindele, hosting the tournament would improve the fortune of the game. “We’re delighted to be working together with the PSA to see top class squash return to the country and to see some of the biggest names in squash coming to Nigeria,” he said.

Akindele added: “We are very excited to be hosting the Lagos International Squash Classic in 2014 and we are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting week of competition and I hope that it will help boost the popularity of the sport within Nigeria.”

For the Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Lagos Sports Classics, Wahid Oshodi, this is an indication that the Classics has grown in international status in its first year.

“We are thrilled that the classics is getting more recognition and this was made possible following the enormous support we got and we are still getting from the sports loving Governor of Lagos and we hope that this competition will continue to improve each year. We are hoping that this year will be bigger and better in terms of organisation,” Oshodi noted.

200 children take to field, as Greensprings/Kanu Soccer Clinic ends • Eagles former star thanks Nigerians for support during surgery

By Alex Monye HE sports centre of the T Greensprings School, Lekki campus came alive on Tuesday when over 200 students started receiving soccer lessons at the third Greensprings/Kanu Football Clinic.

The event, a collaboration of former Super Eagles’ captain, Nwankwo Kanu and the school, is being handled by coaches from Europe and Nigeria. It ends today.

Speaking at the opening of the annual football talent hunt, GreenSprings School’s Executive Director, Lai Koiki, praised Kanu for accepting to assist the college groom

young talented footballers at their tender age.

She noted that the institution’s decision to collaborate with the former Arsenal star has yielded laudable results in the past two years.

“The Greensprings/Kanu Football Clinic has seen a remarkable growth in grassroots football. The football clinic since inception has broken new grounds as the best football talent hunt organized for students in the country.

“You should understand that the football clinic is not only for Greensprings students, as it also gives children in the public schools and homeless children the opportunity to

showcase their talents. We have achieved a remarkable success in our quest to develop children in education and sports by giving young stars in the public schools, who perform well in the football clinic, scholarship to study in Greensprings School.

“Two boys who emerged as the best footballers in the last edition of the clinic were given scholarship to study in Greensprings and they are doing well, ‘Koiki said.

Also speaking at the event, Onyebuchi Abia, who represented Kanu at the opening ceremony, declared that Kanu’s vision is to work hard to assist young stars develop their skills in the round

leather game, saying that Greensprings has given the former Super Eagles’ captain the platform to contribute his quota to the development of football in Nigeria. ‘’Kanu arrived the country on Monday evening for this event after successfully undergoing heart surgery. He thanks everybody for their prayers while undergoing the surgery. Kanu would be present in all the training sessions of the clinic, as he has promised to give his best to the development of grassroots football.

“The sustainable relationship of Kanu and the management of Greensprings has exposed the clinic to global reckoning,” Abia, who is the coordinator of Kanu Heart Foundation, said.

second Okpekpe 10-kilometre road race, which holds tomorrow.

Also ready for tomorrow’s race is Malta Guinness, which is participating in the event for the second year running in a bid to promote healthy living, as well as provide a productive platform for Nigeria’s vast youth population.

With this extended partnership with rights owner of the race, Pamodzi Sports Marketing, Malta Guinness Low Sugar has now become the official Malt drink for the 10-Kilometre competition.

Explaining reasons behind the partnership, Marketing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Austin Ufomba disclosed that it was in line with the company’s brand purpose, which promotes healthy living and wellbeing of Nigerians as they achieve their dreams of participating in the Race.

“We see the Okpekpe Road Race as an ideal platform to

touch the lives of Nigeria’s vast youth population, as well as a way to affect the lives of the host communities of the race. Of course, we all know that Malta Guinness Low sugar promotes healthy living. We feel that Malta Guinness Low Sugar as the official Malt drink for our boys through this tournament will continue to reinforce its support for healthy lifestyle.

“This partnership with Okpekpe Road Race is all about working together to, among other things, propel the growth of road race in the country as well as offer the youths of this country a constructive endeavour to channel their energies,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Pamodzi Sports Marketing, Mike Itemuagbor, expressed delight in the partnership extension, saying that the alliance would go a long way in helping his company to achieve the objectives of the race which include ploughing part of the revenues from hosting the race into charitable works in the host commu-

Ibile Games: Lagos Island dominates Ayo, as festival enters day three AGOS Island West and East LwonLocal Government Councils the two gold medals at stake in both the male and female categories of Ayo in the ongoing Lagos State Sports Festival tagged Ibile Games 2014.

In the finals played at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Ibe Patricia of Lagos Island East beat Atinuke Mohammed of Itire Ikate LCDA to win the gold medal in the female event, while the duo of Omidiji Bosede of Lagos Island West and Kemi Aiyegbusi of Osodi Isolo won bronze medals.

In the male category, Akanbi Rasheed of Lagos Island West won gold medal, Seun Aiyedun of Iru victoria Island LCDA settled for silver, while the pair of Idowu Ademola of Itire Ikate LCDA and Kehinde Amaechi of Oshodi Isolo won bronze medals.

In some basketball games decided yesterday, Lagos Mainland beat Yaba LCDA 2422 in the group match of the boys’ category, while Yaba in

their second game defeated Odi-Olowo 27-23.

Ikoyi Obalende lost to Ojokoro 3432, while Bariga beat Ikorodu North 41-08.

In the female junior basketball event competed for by schools, Foucus College beat victoria College, Shomolu Secondary School lost to Aiyetoro Grammar School, while Wesley College defeated Ilupeju Grammar School.

In the boys’ event, Muslim Grammar School lost to victoria College, while Ifesowapo High School beat Eletu Odibo Senior High School.

The finals of weightlifting and gymnastics will take place at the Rowe Park, Yaba on day three of Ibile Games (today). Meanwhile, Number one seed in the Secondary School category of the Squash event of the Games, Olumide Adegoke has commended the Lagos State Government for organising a grassroots competition that would pave way for young Squash players to exhibit their skills.

SPORTS Friday, May 2, 2014 | 63

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‘Okpekpe, more than a road race’

By Gowon Akpodonor HE mind cannot conjure T up an image of a ‘re-built’ Okpekpe community, without also recalling the ‘many troubles’ the people had passed through in the hands of past military and civilian administrations from the then Midwestern State to Bendel and now Edo State.

For years, Okpekpe, a hilly and mountainous community, was just existing with no accessible road linking the people with other communities.

According to the indigenes, the road leading to Okpekpe, a sleepy town of about 25km from Auchi, in Etsako East Local Government Area, was a no-go area before the coming of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Within two years, however, the community has become a destination point for many tourists from different parts of the world, thanks to the vision of organisers of the 10Km Okpekpe Road Race, who saw something unique in the hilly scenery of the community.

It is one of the biggest turnarounds in Nigerian sports history and the people say they will forever remain grateful to Governor Oshiomhole.

The monarch of Okpekpe Kingdom, Peter Abalume Osigbemeh, the Onwueweko of the kingdom, has started counting his blessings as world marathon runners return to his domain for the second edition of the 10 kilometers international road race.

The monarch met with journalists last weekend and explained that the road race has put Okpekpe in the world map. He was full of praises for organisers of the event, just as he said he was looking forward to a successful outing of the second edition this weekend.

“Last year, the competition was fantastic, but I am sure this second edition will be better. We are ready to host the world. Our preparation is in top gear and we are looking forward to welcoming all visitors to our land once again,” he said.

Kenya’s Moses Masai emerged the inaugural winner of the men’s title last year and smiled home with the accompanying $25,000 top prize (about N4 million) money. Another Kenyan, Romo Georgina got the $20,000 in the women category.

This time around, about 11 foreign athletes, including reigning world champion, Aziz Lahbabi of Morocco, are expected to battle for the prize money at stake. There are prizes for the best indigenous athletes and those from other parts of the country.

There are few challenges facing the people of Okpekpe, according to the monarch.

“The only challenge is that we don’t have hotels where the athletes will lodge. So, the total benefits of this event will be shared with other communities.

“Now that it is an annual event. I am appealing to investors to come and invest in our community. We also have tourism potentials here.

They can tap from it. Our community is hilly and mountainous, it is a good environment to live in.

“Okpekpe is now a home of sports. A few weeks ago, one of our own organised a National Open Weightlifting Championship here in Okpekpe. She was an international weightlifter. That was an eventful experience and what they are telling people is that Edo is known for sports and we have produced international athletes; so, I am glad with the organisers, my sister, Iron Lady and others that are bringing honours to us,” the traditional ruler said.

Nollywood actor, Paul Obazele (left), Former Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi and Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole at the starting point of the maiden edition of the Okpekpe International 10-km Road Race…last year.

Some youths in the community believe that Okpekpe road race is not just about sports. It is an avenue for them to showcase the rich Afemai and Bini tradition to the visiting athletes and tourists.

The Guardian learnt during the week that the youths have lined up series of activities, including the parade of masquerades, to thrill the audience on the day of the race.

Okpekpe is one of the communities that make up Etsako-West council area with its headquarters in Auchi, which is one of the six Local Government Areas under the Afemai geographical enclave.

Etsako West has common

boundary with the people of Akoko-Edo, Fugar and Agenegbode, a town located on the bank of the River Niger, among others.

The initiator of the Okpekpe 10 km Road Race, Mike Itamagbor, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, is an indigene of the area.

He told The Guardian during the week that everything needed to make the visiting athletes and their officials comfortable have been put in place. He also stated that proceeds made from merchandise in this year’s edition of the Okpekpe Road Race would be given to charity organisations.

A collapsible mini-stadium, capable of holding 1,500 people, has been installed for the race in Okpekpe.

The presentation of prizes and other functions relating to the event will hold inside the moveable stadium.

The moveable stadium, according to one of the engineers on site, is the first of its kind in this part of Nigeria.

Already, Nigeria Guinness and Globacom have branded the entire area, including the detachable mini-stadium.

Guinness installed a makeshift beer bar in the community, Apanna and Auchi, while Globacom has provided free Wi-Fi services for all visitors and the host

community.

This year’s edition of the race is enjoying the support of many corporate organisations, including Enterprise Bank, which is official banker of the race, while Malta Guinness Low Sugar is the official Malt drink for the race.

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, resumed training some weeks ago ahead of the race, promising to improve on his first edition position of 131. The governor has also promised that there would be an improvement in this year’s championship.

Oshiomhole will compete as an athlete this time around, unlike last year when he ran for fun.

Arik Pro-Am golf tourney to empower youths, organisers declare Delta wins RCCG Region 13 Ezeocha Nzeh, From

Abuja

HE organisers of the Arik Air Pro-Am golf tournaT ment, slated for May 15 to 18 at the Oturkpo Golf and

Country Club, Benue State, is geared towards empowering the youths in the state and Nigeria, as a whole.

According to the

Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the tournament, Otunba Olugbenga Odusanya, the tournament is also aimed at “keeping the youths busy

Arik Pro/Am golf tourney Chairman, Otunba Olugbenga Odusanya (left), Arik Air Abuja Head, Dr. Nnamdi Bolu and Arik Sales Manager, Mrs. May Ayivor, at a press conference to unveil the programme for the competition slated for Oturkpo… recently.

and away from trouble.”

Odusanya, who showered encomiums on President Goodluck Jonathan for doing everything humanly possible to empower the youths of the country, especially through sports, disclosed that this year’s tournament is to be held in President’s honour.

“Arik Air wants to appreciate Mr. President for doing so much to empower the youths of this country and to make them good citizens of this nation,” Odusanya disclosed.

Also speaking on the event, Head of Abuja Office of Arik Air, Dr. Nnamdi Bolu, disclosed at the weekend that the company was ready to make the competition one of the best ever organized in the country.

A total of 350 golfers are expected to participate in this competition with the break down as follows, 150 professional golfers and 200 amateur golfers.

ThLETES and their sup- The closing day was enlivened porters from Delta Province by the large number of Pastors A Five could not contain their joy in Charge of Provinces (PICPs)

sports festival at the sports complex of Paragon Group of Schools, Etete, Benin City on Wednesday when it became obvious that they have won the maiden Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Region 13 MiniRegional Sports Fiesta.

At the end of the five-day festival held across six centres in Benin and Warri, the Pastor Benson Osawaru led team topped the medals chart with 10 gold, four silver and four bronze medals ahead of her compatriot, Delta Six, who had five gold, three silver and nine bronze medals, while Delta Province One won five gold, three silver and four bronze medals to place third.

The fourth place went to Edo Province One, which won four gold, three silver and a bronze medal to place fourth ahead of Delta Province Seven that had three gold, three silver and a bronze medal.

and their assistants (APICPs), pastors, ministers and sports fans from both from Delta and Edo states, who came to add glamour to the sports fiesta, tagged ‘Overflowing Sports for Life 2014.’

In the football event final played as part of the closing ceremony, Delta Province Six defeated Delta Two 1-0 through Orgu Chukwunalu’s 11th-minute goal.

Edo Province One beat Edo Province Four 1-0 to win the bronze medal.

In the football individual awards, Pilo Edokplor of Edo Six was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the event; the highest goal scorer award went to Akpos Ilolo from Delta Six with five goals, while the best goalkeeper and best coach awards went to Pibowei Amabetari and coach Tosan Blankson of Delta Six respectively.

TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 2, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Samuel Akpobome Orovwuje

No great improvements in the lot of mankind are possible, until a great change takes place in the fundamental constitution of their modes of thought. This is why it is crucial that broad-based, informal social norms should evolve along with formal institutional structures to deal with the issue of the common man in the country

T was the late Claude Ake who concludes that, Ipresided indeed, leaders, particularly in Nigeria, have over a pervasive alienation, the delinking of leadership from followers, a weak sense of national identity, and the perception of the government as a hostile force. No time is leadership failure in Nigeria more apparent than now.

The sixth Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium on the Common Man was profound and indeed painfully made it clear that the elite have failed to transform their political kingdoms into paradise. The inescapable images and pictures of people across Nigeria deprived of basic needs and in conditions of extreme adversity and poverty, call for sober reflections and renewed resolve for a new set of passionate leaders that would propel us to sustainable development and prosperity for its citizens who are living on less than one dollar a day.

Interestingly, the themes addressed at the colloquium, among others, are unemployment and underemployment particularly for young people and women estimated at 20 million. There was talk about the number of children of primary school age out of school which is said to be alarmingly 10 million. Together with the unacceptable number of Nigerians with no access to primary health care and women who die yearly during childbirth, all calls for a sober reflection at this stage of our nation-building efforts.

While the colloquium provided the opportunity for the common man to have his voices heard and the wake-up calls to join in the movement for change for a New Nigeria are a welcome development particularly as the national conference is sitting. Indeed the fundamental issues of leadership failure in Nigeria were brought to fore and that some of the so-called leaders at the summit have contributed to sorry state of affairs.

The latest summit underscores the extent to which Nigeria’s political leaders and state managers have gone. Most political leaders fail to or seem incapable of advancing policies and programmes that would alleviate the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

Indeed the parochialisation of the political realm has not only exacerbated the socio-political and economic disparities between the rich and the poor, it has crucially played a central role in institutionalising corruption in the country. More importantly, with the absence of effective structures with autonomy and strength to check corruption, the governing elite have engaged in high and sometimes egregious levels of corruption, increasingly diverting states resources for personal gains, thereby impoverishing the common man.

One of the major pains imposed on the citizens by the treacherous leadership over time in our land is reduced health, education and social welfare spending and the introduction of cost recovery and user-fees which put health care and education beyond the reach of many ordinary people. Sadly, massive lay-offs from privatisation and increased unemployment with no social security provision push families deeper into poverty. Basic food prices increase mounting further pressure on the already-stretched household budgets.

Also, farmers and small businesses can no longer afford to borrow money and are forced to reduce production or go out of business.

Children, particularly girls, removed from schools; marginalisation of large section of population have brought about migration to informal sector, not least sex work with well-known associated risks, and increased the high percentage of illiteracy. Poverty in Nigeria has begotten more poverty. The outcome is the proverbial culture of corruption, brutality, destitution and despair. But this unjust treatment of the common man in our country as posited by the various speakers at the colloquium will not change simply because of the euphony of their rhetoric.

The country may be bleeding from self-inflicted

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The Tinubu colloquium and failure of leadership in Nigeria

Former Head of State and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) (left); chairman of the occasion, Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo; APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; his wife, Remi; wife of governor of Lagos State, Abimbola Fashola and Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, at the 6th annual Bola Tinubu Colloquium in Lagos. wounds as is widely acknowledged; they have to stop blaming the country’s problems on the current leadership.

In my view, laws and policies have been critical steps in the process of nation building, but, however, well intentioned and well crafted they may be, they cannot yield an enduring transformation by themselves. As John Stuart Mill put it, “No great improvements in the lot of mankind are possible, until a great change takes place in the fundamental constitution of their modes of thought.” This is why it is crucial that broadbased, informal social norms should evolve

along with formal institutional structures to deal with the issue of the common man in the country.

Indeed, Nigeria’s future progress cannot be taken for granted, but the issues of the common man are already in the public space.

Therefore, going forward, the political leadership of the APC and the PDP must take the destiny of the common man in their hands and through an unconventional determination and self-denial, place the nation above self.

Above all, there is focus on good governance rather than politics of acrimony and blame game that has characterised the elite quest for

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Editor: MARTINS

OLOJA

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power and influence.

As a country we must draw inspiration and, indeed, lessons from the Singapore experience—if we genuinely and urgently want to address the issue of the common man.

Singapore’s rapid growth in income and wealth has been achieved through price stability, huge accumulation of foreign exchange reserves, a strong Singapore dollar, full employment for over 40 years. It is also interesting to note that the rate of unemployment is less than 3 per cent and a savings rate of over 45 per cent.

Additionally, Singapore is a nation of homeowners with the common man (citizens) given grant to buy public houses at rates highly subsidised by the government. Singaporeans, no matter their social backgrounds, have access to mortgage and they live in their own homes, with more than three-quarters staying in fourroom or public flats and large private homes.

Today, zero per cent of the citizens live below poverty line. The awareness that the state and their leaders care for the common man has shaped the average Singaporean spirit and it has constantly defined the political culture of this multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious country.

Lastly, the real freedom for Nigerians and indeed the common man will be won only through true liberation of the ballot box in next year’s (2015 elections).

• Orovwuje is the founder of Humanitarian Care for Displaced Persons, Lagos.