Thur 08 May 2014

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,915

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Police offer N50 million for information on abducted girls From Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna), Nkechi Onyedika, Karls Tsokar (Abuja)

S the nation intensifies efA forts to rescue the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted about three weeks ago by terrorist group, Boko

• Northern CAN alleges conspiracy, gives posers to Borno gov • Gunmen on motorcycles kill three civilians, two policemen in Kaduna Haram, the Nigerian Police Force has staked a N50 million reward for anyone with

credible and accurate information towards their freedom.

According to a statement yesterday from the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO),

Mr. Frank Mba, the circumstances require the cooperation of all citizens to salvage

the situation and “any information given would be treated anonymously and with utmost confidentiality.”

To that end, he urged any citizen with useful information not to be afraid to give it to CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Nigeria to earn N1.9tr from divested oil assets, says minister –Page 3 Court sacks Thailand PM –Page 9

President Goodluck Jonathan introducing Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke and others to Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja ...yesterday.

'Vampire therapy' could reverse ageing, cure Alzheimer’s’ –Page 31 Scientists validate local foods as medicines –Page 33

World Bank mobilises N2.5tr for power generation in Nigeria From Mathias Okwe and Emeka Anuforo, Abuja

• ‘Why Nigeria, Kenya , S’ Africa should strengthen regional economy’

HE World Bank Group anT nounced yesterday that it mobilised about N2.5 trillion

tricity generation in Nigeria.

In the same vein, to harness interests so far shown by some prospective investors attending the World Econom-

as part of the reforms in the power sector, to support elec-

ic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo and his team are hosting a Power Forum Breakfast this morning.

Meanwhile, going by information from the African Development Bank (AfDB) at the WEF, many African countries are gearing up to rebase their

economies.

In a related development, President Goodluck Jonathan and the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Li Keqiang, will today address the 24th series of the World Economic Forum for

Africa (WEFA) in Abuja The Bank, which stressed how efficient, affordable and reliable access to electricity was essential for small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria to accelerate job creCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

2 | NEWS Thursday, May 8, 2014

‘Why Nigeria, Kenya , S’ Africa should strengthen regional economy’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ation, also announced various project series to support increased power in the country.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, Vice President in charge of the Africa Region at the World Bank, Makhtar Diop, said: “I am glad that we were able to support Nigeria’s extensive energy reform programme and provide direct assistance to increase generation capacity by mobilising nearly $1.7 billion of private sector financing through a range of instruments.”

The statement noted: “These projects are a critical element of the World Bank Group Energy Business Plan for Nigeria. World Bank partial risk guarantees approved include up to $245 million for the 459megawatt (mw) Azura Edo power plant near Benin City, Edo State; and up to $150 million for the 533-MW Qua Iboe Plant in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.

“The World Bank, IFC and MIGA Board of Executive Directors have approved a package of loans and guarantees sup-

porting a series of energy projects that will help boost independent power generation and ease crippling energy shortages in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.

Both plants are gas-fired. The Boards of IFC and MIGA approved loans and hedging instruments of up to $135 million and guarantees of up to $659 million for the Azura Edo project.

“The IBRD guarantees include forward-looking mitigation and risk-sharing arrangements, designed to augment the country’s power sector reforms while building market confidence and setting industry benchmarks. IFC’s investment and MIGA’s guarantee for the Azura Edo power plant will support a trail-blazing project at the centre of Nigeria’s ambitious power sector programme, while setting a replicable model for future power projects.”

The bank said Nigeria was hugely endowed with abundant energy resources, including having the world’s eighth largest reserves of natural gas.

It noted: “Yet, 65 per cent of its population – some 100 million people – has no access to electricity. Unlocking the flow of Nigeria’s extensive natural gas reserves will expand power supply and energy exports to neighbouring countries in the West Africa Power Pool.

“Support to private sector-financed Independent Power Producers (IPPs) forms a critical part of the Nigerian Government’s Power Sector Reform Roadmap, a strategy to improve power services throughout the country that is widely supported by the public.”

Nigerian The bank said it expects the Azura Edo IPP to have a strong demonstration effect and to set a precedent for future private sector.

The Power Forum targets investors who are attending the WEF, especially those who have indicated special interest in the power sector, the Power Ministry said yesterday.

On the significance of the WEF on Africa to Nigeria’s economy, Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, told The Guardian that the event was coming at the right time, especially considering that Nigeria had just completed reforms in the sector. power “NERC is happy that the world is coming to Nigeria at this time that the reform of

the electricity network has entered into a critical stage.

Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and has embarked on the most well-conceived and smartly implemented ambitious reform programme in the power sector.

“The international investors have voted money in the Nigerian electricity market and the willingness to host the WEF in Nigeria in spite of obvious security challenges is a clear vote that the future of the African economic growth is Nigeria. Posting about six per cent economic growth for more than a decade without a stable electricity grid proves that with the success of the work of NERC, Nigeria will jump into a medium economy in less than a decade. NERC welcomes to the world to Nigeria and is willing to showcase our first class regulatory regime.”

South Africa, which Nigeria overtook by GDP indices, is also leaving no stone unturned. In fact, the country is taking up the challenge, and will rebase this year, Chief Economist at the AfDB, Prof.

Mthuli Ncube, told The Guardian yesterday.

He described the rebasing done by Nigeria as good for the overall economic development of the continent and was hopeful that if other African countries rebase also, the development would

change some of the indicators that will make the region look at extreme poor, poorest, among others.

He told The Guardian after his presentation at the WEF on Africa: “In all, about 37 African countries are ready to rebase, South Africa will rebase this year. Kenya is likely to do so this year.”

Speaking earlier on ‘Driving Competitiveness through Cooperation, Integration and Economic Growth’ at one of the sessions at the Transcorp Hilton, Ncube called attention to the need for Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa to synergise to strengthen the African economy and engender greater growth.

His words: “If the three countries could synergise, it would help to reduce the average poverty rate of 48 per cent presently in the region. These three economies, Nigeria Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, when they come up, must inter-tie and work together to drive African economy.

Chairman of KMPG global Africa practice, Seyi Bickersteth, said: “For us to have a positive growth, we need to integrate, get rid of the guys in borders to reduce cost and time of business and movement.”

Bickersteth spoke of how borders create huge challenges to free movement of goods on the region.

He added: “Our political lead-

ers have to step down their egos and provide enabling environment for private sector to play a major role.”

A South African official, Cas Coovadia, threw his weight behind calls for Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya to forge greater integration.

Coovadia, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Business Unity, South Africa, stressed that the coming together of the three economies would be in the interest of the continent.

“The hosting of the WEF in Nigeria is a great opportunity to see the largest economy in the region. We need efficient private sector participation, enhanced infrastructure and ensure accountability. The opportunity is there, Nigeria has huge business sector, we need to get together and see how to drive the economy of Africa to create jobs.”

Meanwhile, a new report released at the Forum has called attention to the need for African countries to institutionalise cross-border collaboration as key factor in regional growth.

The report, Managing Transnational Infrastructure Programmes in Africa – Challenges and Best Practices, is intended to be a guide for policy-makers, sponsors and managers to help facilitate the delivery of transnational infrastructure programmes on schedule, at cost and at a high quality.

Northern CAN alleges conspiracy, gives posers to Borno gov CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the police through any of the following telephone numbers: 09 291 4649, 0808 177 7309, 0805 554 7536, 0803 212 5050, 0803 461 7591 and 0803 596 9731.

On its part, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Northern chapter, has warned Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima and his administration to urgently “stop playing politics with the lives of the children of other people and produce without delay the 238 missing students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok” alleging that the Maiduguri government knows their whereabouts.

CAN demanded an explanation from Alhaji Shettima, Commissioner for Education, Principal and Chief Security Officer of the school on what they did and did not do that “led to the ferrying away of innocent children who went to sit for an examination for the betterment of their tomorrow.”

In a statement jointly signed by its Secretary-General Prof.

Daniel Babayi and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sunday Oibe, the association urged the Federal Government and the international community to “prevail on the governor to do everything within his powers to produce the children” who it said it has “on good authority” that some of the children are being raped numerous times daily.

The statement released in Abuja runs thus: “How come that the parents of these children have not been able to come out and say anything?

Are they saying that these children are orphans and do

not have parents? We demand an explanation because from our investigation, parents of these children are facing intimidation and threats from the government of Borno State. That is why they could not come out to speak; but they are nursing their pains in silence. We also reject a situation where they will turn our daughters to be sex slaves of these criminals called Boko Haram members.

Some of these children are being compelled to be wives of these criminals. If you want to marry somebody’s daughter, you must seek the consent of her parents and not to ferry under-aged children and perpetrate a lot of havoc on them.

“The abduction of these girls seems a resurrection of what the Christian communities in Northern Nigeria have been suffering for centuries in the hands of the Emirs and Imams regarding forceful conversion and abduction of Christian girls. Borno State government should be reminded that the fundamental human rights of these people should be respected and protected.

“The governor should provide immediate explanation because we know that some people want to sacrifice these children on the altar of politics. There is a limit to which Christians would tolerate all these abnormalities. We suspect a conspiracy among all of these characters including the Governor, Commissioner, Principal and CSO since none of the daughters of the teachers and Principal were abducted.

“Since the abduction of some female students in Chibok Local Government Area of Bor-

no State, Northern CAN has decided to be silent for some reasons. We have decided that we will make statements when we have all the facts of the matter. It may interest Nigerians to know that we have fundamental questions which demand one million answers. Since the abduction of these girls over two weeks ago, has Borno State Governor constituted any panel of investigation with a view to making its report public?

How did the 253 female students disappear from the school into thin air, why did the Commissioner, Principal, Vice Principal and CSO (all Muslims) ignore the valid advice of WAEC on the security implication of writing exams in the school and the need to have a centre where the children’s lives will be secured?

“How did Boko Haram carry over 200 students and their food stolen by these criminals from the school? Was it carried with trailer? Why is it that since this issue came up, no single photograph of the abducted children was made public by the school authorities? After all, they were preparing for exams and may have submitted their photographs and where were the daughters of the Principal, Vice Principal and CSO when the abduction took place?”

CAN added: “We hope that this is not a political gimmick to carry out a political conspiracy against these daughters of Nigerians, future mothers of Nigeria and citizens who want to be leaders of tomorrow.

“So these are the questions; we have done our investigations, we are begging the international community, we are begging the Federal Gov-

ernment of Nigeria and the press to ask these legitimate questions from the Governor, Commissioner, Principal and CSO of the school because Chibok is a predominantly Christian area. What we are after is the safety and future of these children; whether they are Christians or Muslims or our enemies doesn’t matter. They are Nigerians, first and foremost.”

And in another orgy of violence, unknown gunmen yesterday attacked the residents of Fadan Karshi in Sanga local council of Kaduna State, killing five people, including two policemen.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring that government would do everything possible to apprehend the culprits and bring them to book.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived the Kaduna community on motorcycles and started shooting sporadically. Confirming the incident, the Sanga council chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Adamu, said that those that sustained injuries were receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

However, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Aminu Lawal (DSP), said the police were still investigating the incident.

A statement by the Director General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki, while condoling with families of the victims, called on people in Fadan Karshi and other parts of the state to “remain united and resolute in resisting obvious attempts by agents of darkness to create confusion and sow seeds of discord.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014 | 3

News ‘Nigeria to earn N1.9tr from divested oil assets’ From Collins Olayinka and Sulaimon Salau, Houston, U.S. BOUT N1.9 trillion or $11.5 A billion will expectedly accrue to Nigeria from oil

Representative of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Prof. Tunde Adeniran (left); former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel; Chief Ernest Shonekan; Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria, Remi Omotoso; Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Education, Funke Olunloyo and Book Reviewer, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, during the public presentation of Continental Memories and Epoch of the Nigeria State in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

Police stake N50m for accurate information on abducted schoolgirls From Karls Tsokar, Abuja

Kidnappings outrageous, heartbreaking, says Obama

S the nation intensifies efA forts to rescue the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls ab-

States (U.S.) President, Barak Obama, has described the kidnap as “heartbreaking” and “outrageous”, as Washington deploys military experts in the hunt for the children.

According to the AFP, Obama further urged global action against Boko Haram, while confirming that Nigerian leaders have accepted an offer by the U.S. to deploy its personnel there, soon after residents said the extremist group had seized eight more girls aged between 12 and 15.

Concerns have been mounting about the girls’ fate after the Boko Haram chief, Abubakar Shekau, claimed responsibility and declared that his group was holding the schoolgirls as “slaves” and threatening to “sell them in the market.”

Obama told U.S. broadcaster, ABC: “It’s a heartbreaking situation, outrageous situation.

This may be the event that helps to mobilize the entire

ducted about three weeks ago by the Islamic terrorist sect, Boko Haram, the Nigerian Police Force has staked a N50 million reward for anyone with credible and accurate information towards their freedom.

According to a statement yesterday from the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Frank Mba, the circumstances require the cooperation of all citizens to salvage the situation and “any information given would be treated anonymously and with utmost confidentiality.”

To that end, he urged any citizen with useful information to not be afraid to volunteer it to the police through any of the following telephone numbers: 09 291 4649, 0808 177 7309, 0805 554 7536, 0803 212 5050, 0803 461 7591 and 0803 596 9731.

Meanwhile, the United

international community to finally do something against this horrendous organization that’s perpetrated such a terrible crime.”

The team sent to Nigeria consists of “military, law enforcement and other agencies,” Obama said, and would work to “identify where in fact these girls might be and provide them help.” He denounced Boko Haram as “one of the worst regional or local terrorist organizations.”

British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, called the kidnappings “disgusting”, while Angelina Jolie, speaking in Paris, condemned the Chibok abductions as “unthinkable cruelty and evil.”

More so, Egypt’s Islamic institute, Al-Azhar, which runs the main Sunni Islamic university in the region, said that harming the girls “completely contradicts the teachings of Islam.”

Nevertheless, U.S. officials have voiced fears that the

girls, aged between 16 and 18, have already been smuggled into such neighbouring countries as Chad and Cameroun, thought the governments of both denied that the girls were in their territories.

blocks divested by some International Oil Companies (IOCs) before the end of the year, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke has disclosed.

The minister explained yesterday at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, United States (U.S.), that some of the IOCs have either sold or were in the process of selling about 28 oil blocks since 2010.

Speaking through the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, she added that the total assets sold so far is estimated at about 2.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent of hydrocarbon reserve, and worth about $5 billion (N840 billion).

She was quick to allay a possible backlash resultant from the divestment, saying rather that the action leading to crisis in the sector would serve to open up the latent potential of the indigenous oil firms to take up the challenge and further increase government’s efforts at domesticating the oil and gas sector.

“The divestment in the up-

stream sector of the oil industry by the IOCs such as Shell, Total, Agip, Chevron and ConocoPhilips have continued to create an opportunity for participation in the industry by the Nigerian private sector,” she noted. “The divestment campaign was highly competitive and attracted interest from a number of indigenous and foreign companies.

“By the end of this, the total number of blocks that are likely to be divested is estimated to exceed 20, with no fewer than four billion barrels of oil equivalent and a monetary value of about $11.5 billion.”

However, she noted that the nation’s oil production has remained steady at about two million barrels per day, representing approximately 2.4 per cent of global production. According to her, gas production has also increased from 2.4 billion cubic feet per day (bcfpd) in 2009 to about 8.0bcfpd now, representing 1.1 per cent of global gas production.

Allaying fears of possible crisis in the sector, AlisonMadueke said the divestment was changing the onshore corporate landscape and creating material brownfield opportunities for upstream players looking to enter the Nigerian upstream space.

Osunbor faults rights commission over indictment on 2007 poll From Adamu Abuh, Abuja ORMER Governor of Edo FOsunbor, State, Prof. Oserheimen has described as “reckless accusation” a report credited to the Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to the effect that he committed electoral offences at the 2007 poll.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Osunbor said that such report spoke volume of the fact that the rights body might be acting out a script to tarnish his image and reputation built over the years.

He challenged the NHRC to make public the alleged electoral offences that formed the basis for its call on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, to ensure he is prosecuted.

“Let me start by affirming that I have never in my life committed any criminal offence, whether electoral or any other,” the statement read. “I have never been invited or summoned by the police or any other law enforcement agency. I have never been investigated or

charged with any criminal offence, not even by the NHRC. All my life I have conducted myself in an upright manner.

“I participated as a candidate in the governorship election in Edo State in 2007 but did not commit any offence. The petition challenging the election did not accuse me of committing any electoral offence. The reliefs sought by the petitioners and the orders granted by the courts did not include a finding against me for the commission of any offence.

NNPC, PPMC seek to quash suit over lack of jurisdiction

By Bertram Nwannekanma LLEGING a lack of jurisdicA tion and violation of shipping laws, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) yesterday urged a Federal High Court in Lagos to strike out a suit filed against them.

NNPC’s counsel, Sebastine Hon (SAN), made the application during the hearing of a suit filed by a former DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Temisan Omatseye, against NNPC, PPMC and others.

Hon also urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction, stating that the plaintiff lacks the locus standi to institute the action because he was not privy to the contract the NNPC and PPMC entered with the vessels’ owners.

Justice Ibrahim Buba reserved ruling on the matter till May 15.

In the suit, Omatseye, who sued on behalf of a company, Polmaz Limited, is asking the court to direct the NNPC and PPMC to cancel all contracts with foreign flagged vessels operating in Nigeria’s coastal waters without licence.

Other defendants listed in

the suit are NIMASA and the vessels’ operators - Olimpex Nigeria Limited, Unibros Shipping Corporation, Africulti Limited, Marika Investments Limited, Nidas Marine Limited and Prometheus Maritime Limited.

The plaintiff also urged the court to direct the defendants, except NIMASA, to pay fines stipulated in the Cabotage Act for their alleged violation of the law.

At the hearing yesterday, the plaintiff’s counsel, Mr. Edoka Onyeke, said it was illegal for the foreign-owned vessels to operate in Nigeria without licence.

“Until they show they have the requisite permission, they cannot continue to operate in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the plaintiff’s case is for the court to interpret the provisions of the law, and urged it to “discountenance the objections of the defendants.”

However, Hon, who represented the 8th defendant, said the suit was also criminal in nature, as the plaintiff was accusing the agencies of allowing the vessels to operate without licence. According to him, a criminal allegation cannot be raised through an originating summons, therefore, “let them come clearly.”

Counsel for the fourth to sev-

enth defendants, Mr. Babajide Koku (SAN), added that the court could only make findings on the case if it first determined whether an offence had been committed. He contended: “All the infractions they have complained about are criminal offences, which they must prove beyond reasonable doubt.

“They’re in effect asking the court to invoke the criminal jurisdiction of this court in determining the originating summons. We’re not questioning the criminal jurisdiction of this court, if properly constituted, but it cannot be invoked in criminal proceedings commenced by originat-

ing summons.”

Counsel for the ninth defendant, Funmilayo Akindojutimi, also adopted both arguments. In the suit, the plaintiff had alleged that NNPC and PPMC engaged the vessels in domestic coastal trade without requisite licenses or any waiver as stipulated in the Act. To that end, he asked the court to determine whether Nigeria’s shipping laws have not restricted foreign flagged vessels, or vessels not owned or built by Nigerians and registered in Nigeria, from engaging in domestic coastal trade within the country’s territorial waters.

4 | NEWS Thursday, May 8, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

WEF Africa 2014 USAID, partners pledge N3b to tackle maternal, infant deaths

Minister lists hurdles to ICT growth

From Mathias Okwe and Emeka Anuforo (Abuja)

HE Minister of CommunicaT tions Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, has identi-

From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja

HE United States Agency T for International Development (USAID), the Federal Ministry of Health and the a Primary Health Care Development Agency of Nigeria took advantage of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Abuja yesterday to announce a $20 million scheme to increase capacity in the primary healthcare system and provide affordable financing options.

The scheme particularly aims to support the reduction of preventable child mortality in Nigeria.

The programme, entitled: “Healthymagination Mother & Child Initiative,” will have each of the partners contributing towards the $20 million in the first phase over the next five years to reduce preventable maternal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said at a briefing to announce the scheme at the World Economic Forum on Africa that skills were essential to healthcare on the African continent, adding that the scheme would employ technology.

“We need skills to rapidly grow the health sector,” Chukwu stressed.

The programme, he explained, includes several variable components including the provision of financing and technology and the development and deployment of comprehensive training and education for midwives and a consumer health education and awareness programme.

“These components are all part of the $20 million investment,” he noted.

Chukwu added: “While Nigeria still comprises a large share of the world’s burden of child and maternal morbidity and mortality, infant mortality in the country has seen a 38 per cent reduction to 78 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2012.

“These positive trends are indicative of the Nigerian government’s genuine commitment and sustained investment for maternal and newborn health, where notable progress has been made over the past few years. We have hired over 60,000 new healthcare workers that are today providing better services to expectant mothers and it is estimated that 22,000 more expectant mothers are receiving care during pregnancy.

Jonathan

UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon

‘WEF should pressurise UN into blocking arms leakage to Nigeria’ From Mathias Okwe and Emeka Anuforo, Abuja F the World Economic FoIAbuja rum on Africa going on in fails to pressurise the United Nations (UN) to block arms leakages to Nigeria, the Forum would have failed to make meaningful impact on its host, The Guardian was told yesterday.

Former Federal Commissioner of the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission and National Co-ordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), who spoke with The Guardian in Abuja yesterday, highlighted the key expectations from the conference, saying he wants the conference to look beyond investment and show some concern for the security situation in Nigeria.

He said: “Nigerians expect that the United Nations Security Council can be pres-

sured by the World Economic Forum for Africa to seal up all the leakages that lead to massive arms smuggling into Nigeria because if Nigeria remains unstable and insecure, all the deliberations and lectures at the ongoing World Economic Forum for Africa in Abuja would be in vain and will not make any meaning to Nigerians.”

He tasked the international community to pay more than lip service to the need to have a binding comprehensive UN convention on illicit transfer of money from the developing societies to the developed world.

His words: “There has to be strong measures internationally to discourage illicit capital flight from the developing nations to the developed western societies, especially when these huge financial resources are diverted illegally by the politi-

cal and economic elite of these African nations.

“Recently, the finance ministers of the African Union told the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help the continent stop the outflow of over $50 billion USD that are taken away illicitly by both rogue government officials and rogue business executives. Most business elite who owe huge debts to distressed banks are known to have rushed to the Western societies to buy choice private jets and housing assets.”

He further said, “the World Economic Forum should find ways and means of helping to build the capacity of the organised civil society community in Nigeria to wage unrelenting war against graft and corruption of all ramifications. Currently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corruption Practices and other

related offences Commission (ICPC) have gone to sleep. So, there is the need to have in place highly-trained and skilful whistle blowers in the civil society, who would mount pressure on the federal and state governments to fight corruption before corruption wipes out Nigeria.

“The civil society in Nigeria must be supported to wage campaign for the reforms of the anti-graft fight which has slowed down rapidly due to poor leadership. The issue of proliferation of light weapons and small arms should also be addressed since the armed insurgents waging war against Nigerians do also buy their fighting weapons from the illegal arms markets that sprout out in war zones such as NorthEast Nigeria.

“These weapons are mostly manufactured in the developed countries in Europe, America and Russia.”

fied multiple taxation, inadequate infrastructure and vandalism as major challenges impeding the full growth and development of the Nigerian Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

Johnson noted that Lagos, Anambra, Ondo and Yobe states have agreed to work with the ministry to remove all the bottlenecks in rolling out ICT infrastructure to enable them have better broadband and better voice services in their states.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum on Africa 2014 SME Summit yesterday in Abuja, the minister noted that the states have agreed to reduce the taxes on infrastructure, ensure that the base stations are protected, reduce the cost of Right of Way to lay fiber.

He added that they have also agreed to ensure the protection of the fibers while the telecommunications companies have said that if the following measures are taken by state governments, they would increase investments in the states to ensure that they get better broadband and voice connectivity.

She observed that this development would help the telecommunications companies roll out infrastructure in a more sustainable and quicker manner, adding that the ministry is hoping to enroll all the 36 states but will start with a few states.

Mrs. Johnson pointed out that one of the biggest mechanisms for job creation, sustainable growth and inclusiveness is to support the growth and development of SMEs and also looking at how we can leverage ICT to increase the growth and productivity of SMEs. “There have been complaints

by SMEs about the cost of access to the Internet and also availability of the Internet. One of the constraints to actually rolling the infrastructure is multiple taxation imposed on telecoms companies.

“State governments should work with us so that we don’t tax the investment and its input, which is why you are building the infrastructure. Let us tax the outcome, which is when you are taxing companies that are leveraging using this broadband in developing businesses; tax those businesses instead of investment at the point of input because taxing the investment does not help the development of infrastructure as quickly as possible.

“That is why we have the poor quality of service and accessibility of the Internet issues. If we eliminate illegal multiple taxation, Internet access would be provided at a lower rate.

Every cost that is imposed on this telecoms companies is transferred to consumers,” she added.

She observed that the ongoing WEF would help the ministry address the right issues to ensure that SMEs use ICT to develop their businesses, adding that if we eliminate the multiple taxes, it will reduce the cost of access to the Internet.

The minister noted that the Federal Government is doing a lot to grow the capacity of SMEs and also build a robust ICT sector that can support SMEs and others, adding that government is already developing software in local languages to help people in the rural areas who do not understand English Language.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014 PHOTONEWS | 5

World Economic Summit

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang inspecting guard of honour mounted by Nigerian Army at the State House in Abuja during his visit.

Former Head of State of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon, former Managing Director of Access Bank, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Minister of Finance, Okonjo-Iweala during the African Health Innovation meeting of the PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY-ELUKPO World Economic Forum in Abuja yesterday.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicholas Vervelde (3rd left) and Chairman, Executive Board/CEO of Heineken/co-chair of World Economic Forum, Mr. Jean Francois addressing and press at the PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO World Economic Forum in Abuja yesterday.

Global Vice-Chairman of GE/Co-Chair of World Economic Forum, John Rice, Minister of Health, Prof.

Oyebuchi Chukwu and President/Chief Executive Officer of GE Africa, Jay Ireland after signing an MOU with GE and Dangote Foundation to launch manufacturing Garages for Technology Skills Acquisition at the World PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY-ELUKPO Economic Forum in Abuja yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) Rwanda President, Paul Kigame and Alh. Aliko Dangote at the opening of the Grow PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA Africa Section of the World Economic Forum in Abuja yesterday.

Bishop of Sokoto, Arch. Diocese, Mathew Kukah heading to the registration point of the World Economic PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY-ELUKPO Forum in Abuja yesterday.

Chairman, Honeywell Group of Companies, Oba Otudeko at the World Economic Forum in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

NPAN President/Chairman of ThisDay Newspaper, Nduka Obaigbena, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom/Chair, World Economic Forum Global Strategic Infrastructure Initiative, Brown Gordon and Senior Director, Gender Parity, Human Capital and Constituents, World Economic Forum, Saadia Zahidi during a PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY-ELUKPO press conference at the World Economic Forum in Abuja yesterday.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

6 | NEWS Thursday, May 8, 2014

CBN, Nyako differ over exclusion of herdsmen from cashless policy From Emmanuel Ande, Yola HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has turned down the request of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State to exclude Fulani herdsmen from the newly introduced cashless policy.

Acting CBN Governor, Dr. Sarah Alade, who spoke in Yola at a three-day sensitisation stakeholders’ forum on the new cashless policy, said that already herdsmen had embraced the policy in many parts of the country, so the argument that they operate in rural areas had lost relevancy.

Meanwhile, Nyako, who asked the apex bank to exclude the herdsmen from the cash-less policy, said that the policy would discourage the nomadic Fulani from taking their monies to banks.

Alade, who was represented at the occasion by the Yola Branch Controller, Alhaji Yahaya Abdullahi Lawan, said that the cashless policy was designed to modernise Nigeria’s payment system, reduce high security and safety risk and reduce the cost of banking services.

“It is however important to stress that this policy intends to reduce and not eliminate the use of physical cash for payment in Nigeria”, she stated.

The CBN stated further that the aim of the policy was also to curb corruption, revenue leakages and foster transparency in the management of Nigeria’s economy.

“Other ills associated with a cash centric economy include but is not limited to the following: robberies and related cash crimes, kidnapping, revenue leakages, in-efficient treasury management and corruption”, she added.

She warned commercial banks operators that CBN would not tolerate any bank that is reported by any customer for criminal charges.

The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Vokna, appealed to the authorities of the CBN to

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take the cash-less policy to the rural areas and ensure that necessary facilities for effective operations of the policy are in place in order not to bring hardship to rural dwellers.

He said that Adamawa State government had already taken steps to embrace cashless policy by introducing electronic revenue collecting system and other sectors.

Bankers, market women, government officials and other organised institutions attended the stakeholders’ forum.

Director, Peace and Development Projects (PEDEP), Mr. Francis Abayomi (right); human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) (holding mic) and other civil society leaders and editors at the public presentation of “Before We Forget: Obasanjo’s Letter to President Jonathan and the Aftermath”, which was presented in Lagos…yesterday

Witnesses’ absence stalls trial of Wonder Bank operator

By Bertram Nwannekanma HE absence of prosecuT tion witnesses stalled proceedings at the on-going trial of a “wonder Bank operator,” Fortune Etaba, charged with N9.8 billion fraud before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, fixed May 22 for continuation of trial and ordered the continued remand of the accused at the Kirikiri Prisons.

Hearing on the matter was earlier fixed for Tuesday but could not proceed due to the absence of the wit-

nesses.

Etaba was re-arraigned on January 21 alongside his company, Establishment House Limited, on an amended four-count charge bordering on the offence.

He, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

The court, which ordered that the accused to be remanded in prison pending the perfection of his bail condition, also ordered that his traveling documents be deposited with the court’s registry, with an undertak-

ing not to travel outside Lagos during the pendency of the case.

In the charge, the accused was said to have committed the offence between June 2009 and December 2009.

The prosecutor, Mr. Effiong Asuquo, had told the court that the accused fraudulently obtained huge sums of money totaling N9.8 billion from several individuals, especially businessmen at the Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos.

He said the accused had told the businessmen that they would get back an addition of 50 per cent of their

deposits after 21 days.

According to the prosecutor, the accused could neither repay the deposited sum, nor the “multiplied sum” as represented.

He said the offence contra-

Group moves to fight desert encroachment in Bauchi From Ali Garba Bauchi N its effort to reduce Iment poverty through employand others, a northern-based group, Northern

Women Arise, Dabiri-Erewa caution against politicizing girls’ abduction From Adamu Abuh Abuja and Tunde Akinola OMEN Arise for Change W Initiative and member, House of Representatives, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa have cautioned against politicizing the abduction of over 200

schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State.

A statement by Women Arise for Change Initiative National President, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, described the incident as one of the latest acts of terror that has befallen the country as “it appears Nigerian state is on the brink of failure.”

Okei-Odumakin said it is shameful that while these girls remain captive to terrorists, politicians have been politicking around the country.

To her, it is “shamefully insensitive that while these girls remain abducted and are being forced into marriage from what we gather, Mr. President’s own adopted daughter honorably got married in a state wedding graced by Mr. President himself.”

Similarly, Dabiri-Erewa yesterday expressed concern over the politicization of the issues relating to the abduction.

The lawmaker, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State spoke to reporters after her attempt to draw the attention of the House of Representatives via a motion on the need to caution security agencies not to harass and intimidate innocent Nigerians protesting the abduction of the school girls met the brick wall as it was stepped down at yesterday’s

plenary session of the House presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha.

Okei-Odumakin said: “We understand that acts of terror are carried out by those who seek to destabilize the state and undermine the government; we understand that the government has taken certain steps to fight terrorism including the deployment of troops and the declaration of a state of emergency in the most affected states.

“We understand that the government has set up a committee and made promises to bring back the abducted girls and has enjoined Nigerians to be patient; but we, the women of this nation are tired of waiting because it is alarming and shameful,” she said.

She wondered why the “wicked” act took place despite the declaration of a state of emergency in Borno State.

“It is alarming that this wickedness was carried out for hours without interruption by security forces.

“It is even more alarming that since this incident, Nigerians, especially the parents of this children, have been fed with nothing but confusion, lies and empty promises, confusion regarding the actual number of abducted girls, lies that most of the girls had

vened the provisions of Sections 1 (1) (a), 8, and 2 of the Advance-Fee-Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2004.

The accused was yet to perfect his bail terms.

been released only for us to realize it was a hoax, opportunistic statements and lamentation by those who ought to take action, setting up committees instead of rising up to the occasion,” OkeiOdumakin said.

She stated that the girls have become the embodiment of the struggle for a secure and stable Nigeria. “As long as they remain abducted, the Nigerian government has failed in its sacred responsibility.

Dabiri-Erewa, who faulted security agencies for allegedly arresting and detaining three women for daring to raise their voices against the abduction of the 223 Chibok schoolgirls.

The lawmaker who brandished the “Bring Back Our Girls Placard” also warned against trivialising the issue, which has attracted the attention of the international community.

She noted: “We are talking about 223 girls; do you know what it is to carry a nine months pregnancy; do you know what it means to train somebody in school and she doesn’t come back again.

Let’s not trivialise what is going on. I am sure the parents themselves don’t sleep well same with some of us in government or those out of government. This has not

Initiative for the Promotion of Ideal Renaissance and Values (NIPFOIRAV) has unveiled plans to employ ten thousand youths and women in each state of the region.

Chairman of NIPFOIRAV, Alhaji Bala Alarama made the disclosure yesterday while briefing newsmen in Bauchi on the activities of his organization, saying that about two hundred hectares of land have been provided in every state of the north for modern agricultural farming and small and medium companies that have interest in agriculture.

Alarama said, “Our group intend to develop agriculture, fight desert encroachment, boost economic development and further take care of orphan and the less privileged. We will also bring back the dignity of our people to fight poverty and unemployment.”

He therefore tasked northern leaders to come up with lasting solutions to insecurity challenges and save the economic of the north from total collapse.

He explained that the group would soon embark on tree planting in major local government councils in the north to combat desert encroachment and also create conducive environment for business, schools and public leisure.

According to him, “The time has come to rehabilitate north’s economy and for all those responsible for the turmoil in the north we plead with them to stop and let us together take bold steps to fix Nigeria and north.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014 NEWS | 7

Court rejects EFCC’s plea in N4.4 billion subsidy fraud trial • Closes case

By Bertram Nwannekanma USTICE Adeniyi Onigbanjo of Jterday a Lagos High Court, Ikeja yesclosed the Economic

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN); congratulating winner of 2 bedroom flat at Shogunro Scheme, Ikeja, Mrs. Abosede Morenikeji Adeyemi (left), during the Third Draw to pick winners of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (LAGOS HOMS), at the Blue Roof, LTV 8 Complex, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos yesterday. With him are Commissioner for Housing, Bosun Jeje (3rd right), his Physical Planning & Urban Development counterpart, TPL Olutoyin Ayinde (2nd right), and former Commissioner for Housing, Dele Onabokun.

Fashola, Amaechi urge Nigerians to unite against nation’s problems

By Felix Kuye and Chris Irekamba OVERNORS Babatunde G Fashola (Lagos) and Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) on Monday lamented the state of the nation, urging Nigerians to shun parochial interests and unite against the myriad of challenges fac-

Lagos Assembly approves toll collection, concession of Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge

By Wole Oyebade OTWITHSTANDING an apN peal still pending in court, the Lagos State House of Assembly has approved concession plan and toll collection on Lekki-Ikoyi Link bridge.

The House, at its plenary on Monday, unanimously passed the concession agreement as proposed by the state government back in May 2013. The approval gives legislative backing to the concession arrangement, as demanded

by Lagos State Public Private Partnership Law 2011.

Speaker of the House, Adeyemi Ikuforiji said their approval of the concession, though long in coming was to support the infrastructural development plan of state government, which he observed was in line with international best practices on Public Private Partnership (PPP) and public utilities.

It would be recalled that the concession and tolling plan, under a PPP arrangement, had been a subject of controversy in the House, and was denied approval before the bridge was commissioned on May 29, 2013.

The controversy was not unconnected with the rationale of tolling a bridge allegedly built solely from taxpayers’ money. The 1.358 kilometres bridge was built at the cost of N29 billion.

Challenged in court, a Federal High Court ruled against toll collection on the bridge, describing the exercise as “illegal”. State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice has, however, appealed the ruling.

ing the country.

The duo gave the advice at the opening session of the 32nd Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion held at Our Saviours’ Anglican Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

While addressing the Synod, Fashola expressed sadness at the state of affairs in the country, especially the killings and abduction of children.

“This is a very difficult day, personally, for me, it’s a very difficult moment for many of us and a very difficult moment for our country. Nobody can lie at ease. If we remember, some of our children are missing and some mothers and guardians are grieving. I cannot lie at peace and none should lie at peace.

My heart grieves and I sincerely hope that we can find these children. It is a grieving period and dark moment.

“But tough people would always outlast tough times.

We must be tough, but in being tough, we should seek ways to work together to achieve results rather than pointing fingers at each other.”

Governor Amaechi, who was represented by his Commissioner of Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, challenged the church to rise up to the challenge of being the light of the world and salt of the earth. “ Our country today is in dire straits. We need the church and, especially the Anglican Communion needs to again rise to the occasion and help redirect our nation.

As the theme of synod suggests, we are in need of divine intervention, but divine intervention must be wrought through prepared and honest human hearts and hands as faith without works is dead.”

In his address and Bishop’s charge, the president of Synod, the Most Reverend Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, Bishop of Lagos and Dean

Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, said the theme of the synod, “Divine Intervention” points to a God who “ hears, who sees, and who keeps His covenant with His people, from first to fourth generations of those who love Him. Besides giving a report on the happenings within the Church, Ademowo reviewed happenings in the nation, touching such areas as the economy, electricity supply, agriculture, and security, urging the political gladiators to practice democracy that is fee, fair and without rancour as the country approaches the 2015 elections.

“The Independent Electoral Commission should prove beyond doubt to all and sundry that credible and hitch free elections can be conducted in Nigeria as in other countries.” Ademowo urged Nigerians to actively participate in all aspects of the electoral process to forestall a situation where elections are used to recycle wrong leaders.

Council autonomy is not negotiable, ALGON tells national conference From John Ogiji, Minna HE National Vice President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman of Edati Local Council in Niger State, Mohammed Kantigi, has told the ongoing national conference that the autonomy of local council as the third tier of government is not negotiable.

ALGON’s position is sequel to recommendation by a committee at the national conference that the local council as a third tier of government in the country should be scrabbled.

Kantigi, who spoke to newsmen in Minna yesterday shortly after his confirmation by the state House of Assembly as a commissioner following his nomination by the governor, warned that any attempt not to grant the governments their full autonomy would be resisted by the peo-

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ple at the grassroots.

He, however, dismissed criticisms in some quarters that the state Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, was interfering with the local council funds in the state, stressing that “he (the governor) has never interfered with local council funds in the state contrary to claims by critics of the administration. The governor cannot force us (local council chairmen) to do what we do not want.”

He argued that it was very important for local councils to have their autonomy, adding that their independence was crucial to rural development in the country.

He further said that the Niger State government had taken notice of this fact since the inception of the administration and that is why the governor has decided not to temper with local council funds in the name of a joint account.

Clarifying the issue of abandoned 10 kilometre road projects in local councils in the state that had been highly criticised by opposition in the state, he said the projects were the initiative of the local councils and not the state as some people had erroneously believed.

He said that problem however started when contractors abandoned sites as soon as they collected mobilisation fees, adding that the contractors absconded and they are playing on our intelligence.”

He vowed to tackle the issue headlong if appointed to head the state’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

All the five commissionernominees sent to the Assembly, including Danladi Ndayebo, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, were confirmed.

and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case against oil marketers accused of N4.4 billion fuel subsidy fraud.

The marketers, Mamman Ali, Christian Taylor and Oluwaseun Ogunbambo, and their company-Nassaman Oil Services Ltd are being prosecuted for alleged subsidy infractions by the EFCC. Their trial however was stalled for about six months as a result of the allegation that one of the defendants, Ogunbambo had absconded and the court had to issue a bench warrant against him.

But the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Seidu Atteh, who informed the court that he had recently taken over the matter from his predecessor told the court that the EFCC had not been able to execute the bench warrant.

He urged the court to grant him a short adjournment to enable the EFCC to produce Ogunbambo or file an amended charge against the other defendants.

But the counsel representing Ali, Mr. Toyin Pinheiro (SAN), objected to the request saying the case had commenced for over one year now.

He said, My Lord, “This matter commenced July 2012. The prosecution listed 15 witnesses in the proof of evidence and they have only called two witnesses.”

The EFCC, Pinheiro said, should have done the needful

by amending the charge so that the matter can continue since they were aware that Ogunbambo has absconded.

He said: “I think the court has an inherent power to close their case. Section 36 of the Constitution talks about fair hearing which also connotes conclusion of the trial against an accused within a reasonable time. My humble application is for the court to close the case of the prosecution and we are ready to open our defence.”

In a short ruling, the judge acceded to his request on the ground that the court had a duty to conduct its activities in a timely manner.

“The EFCC could have amended the charge against the other defendants since the last adjournment in February following their inability to apprehend Ogunbambo.

“The court record shows that the EFCC have not shown enough seriousness to go on with the trial of the other defendants.

‘You can’t hold one defendant to a disadvantage because of a situation caused by another defendant,” the judge ruled.

Justice Onigbanjo however, said the EFCC could still file an application to reopen the matter before the next adjournment date if they are able to arrest the wanted oil marketer.

In the alternative, he said the court would also consider their application to amend the charge and strike out Ogunbambo’s name.

The court consequently adjourned till July 14 for tentative

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NEWS Thursday, May 8, 2014

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ISSUE IN THE NEWS

Fresh concerns over genetically modified foods • Iwu canvasses nationwide debate

A bill that would require labels on food products containing ingredients from genetically modified crops has passed a hurdle in the New York Assembly

By Chukwuma Muanya PPOSITION to genetically O modified foods or organisms GMOs in Africa has manifested itself in several ways. African governments, especially in the recent past have adopted tight restrictions on the international movement of living GMO crops and seeds under the Cartagena Protocol, a United Nations Convention on biological diversity launched in 1996.

Currently, only three African nations produce biotech crops—South Africa, Egypt, and Burkina Faso. Only the first two grow GM food crops, and only South Africa grows them in significant quantities. Africans have yet to mount a serious debate among themselves on the pros and cons of GM crops, although regional groupings-the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)-and the African Union (AU) are becoming more actively engaged.

As more African countries move towards commercialization of GM crops, movement of food within regional economic groupings will become more complex and require greater harmonization of biosafety standards and stronger monitoring and enforcement capacities.

Also, African media needs greater capacity in science, health, and risk communication and reporters more able to convey complex scientific debates in an accurate but publicly accessible way.

The use of GMOs to boost agricultural productivity is often touted in Washington policy circles as a potentially powerful tool for boosting agricultural productivity and reducing food insecurity in Africa. African governments have not shared this confidence, many of which remain wary of such applica-

Iwu

tion of scientific farming. grow in the country. This moted. The same thing is marketed its Flavr Savr Professor of pharmacogwould enable it take the happening with GMOs.” delayed ripening tomato. To nosy at the University of right investment decisions date, most genetic modificaOn the need for nationNigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in its effort to partner federal wide debate, Iwu further tion of foods have primarily Chief Executive Officer of and state governments to explained: “I have some focused on cash crops in Bioresources Development improve farmers’ crop yields reservations about GMOs. high demand by farmers Group (BDG), and former nationwide. such as soybean, corn, They may look safe, harmless Chairman of the IndependIwu said: “I am asking for but they are not usually so. In canola, and cotton seed oil. ent Election Commission caution in the application of other countries there is a lot These have been engineered (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, GMOs because there is a lot of debate. We may have to for resistance to pathogens who seems to toe the cauof politics involved. It is not have a small workshop with and herbicides and better tious line has therefore, as ethical as people believe. If scientists, lawmakers and nutrient profiles. GM liveurged the Federal Governthey believe that there is a media people, to examine stock have also been experiment to exercise caution direct conflict between them GMOs based on literature mentally developed, before the introduction of and a drug company, they available to study the implialthough as of November genetically modified foods will kill that other product.

2013 none are currently on cations for allowing GMOs or organisms (GMOs) into “We are talking about bil- into the country. the market. the country. lion dollar business. For There is broad scientific “One of the things they do Iwu, in a chat with journalexample if they believe that and they do badly is that they consensus that food on the ists in Lagos indeed called Nigeria’s wheat farms are will bring these things, they market derived from GM for nationwide debates going to stop us buying will give our farmers seeds crops poses no greater risk to between scientists, lawmakwheat they are going to poi- for example and they will human health than conveners, media practitioners and son our wheat farms. They plant these seeds. Regardless tional food. other stakeholders on the will spread things that will on whether the seeds are safe However, opponents have merits and demerits based make them not to thrive; or not you cannot replant objected to GM foods on sevon available literature they will even give it to you the seeds the next year. You eral grounds, including safebefore GMOs are introduced free because the whole idea will go back and start buying ty issues, environmental coninto the country. here is that they are protect- from them and after a while cerns, and economic conHowever, as part of its ing their countries’ econo- there will be total dependencerns raised by the fact that commitment to the successmy. If we don’t recognize cy. And these things can be GM seeds (and potentially ful implementation of the that linkage then we will be airborne and they can animals) that are food ongoing Agricultural Transdoomed. We should be destroy our farms and so on.” sources are subject to intelformation Agenda (ATA), the aware that such a possibility lectual property rights According to Wikipedia, Federal Government last exists.” owned by multinational corgenetically modified foods week concluded plans to Iwu further explained: (or GM foods) are foods proporations. allow Monsanto, a leading “There is so much linkage duced from organisms that The genetically modified global biotechnology combetween science and politics have had specific changes foods controversy is a dispany to introduce 40 variand if do not have the ability introduced into their genetpute over the use of foods eties of hybrid seeds into the to recognize that linkage you ic material, DNA, using the and other goods derived country. will loose out. For example methods of genetic engifrom genetically modified Monsanto Company is a for a long time the West neering. These techniques crops instead of conventionpublicly traded American propagated a theory that have allowed for the introal crops, and other uses of multinational chemical and tropical oils contain choles- duction of new crop traits as genetic engineering in food agricultural biotechnology terol and palm oil was con- well as a far greater control production. The dispute corporation headquartered demned. But in science it is over a food’s genetic strucinvolves consumers, biotechin Creve Coeur, Missouri, impossible for any plant to ture than previously affordnology companies, governUnited States and it is a leadproduce cholesterol, plants ed by methods such as selecmental regulators, non-goving producer of genetically cannot. They are cholesterol tive breeding and mutation ernmental organizations, engineered (GE) seed and of free but they sold their con breeding. and scientists. the herbicide glyphosate, oil and so on because it all The key areas of controCommercial sale of genetwhich it markets under the politics, it is commerce and ically modified crops began versy related to GMO food Roundup brand. for a long time it was pro- in 1994, when Calgene first are whether such food Monsato, reputshould be labeled, ed for its hybrid the role of governseeds investment regulators, ment drive in We are talking about billion dollar business.

For example if they believe the objectivity of the global agriscientific research that Nigeria’s wheat farms are going to stop us buying wheat they are cultural develand publication, opment margoing to poison our wheat farms. They will spread things that will make the effect of genetiket, said the cally modified them not to thrive; they will even give it to you free because the whole introduction of crops on health idea here is that they are protecting their countries’ economy. If we don’t and the environthe crops would help identify recognize that linkage then we will be doomed. We should be aware that ment, the effect on the best of varipesticide resistsuch a possibility exists eties that would ance, the impact of

such crops for farmers, and the role of the crops in feeding the world population.

While there is concern among the public that eating genetically modified food may be harmful, there is broad scientific consensus that food on the market derived from these crops poses no greater risk to human health than conventional food.

The safety assessment of genetically engineered food products by regulatory bodies starts with an evaluation of whether or not the food is substantially equivalent to non-genetically engineered counterparts that are already deemed fit for human consumption. No reports of ill effects have been documented in the human population from genetically modified food.

Although labeling of GMO products in the marketplace is required in many countries, it is not required in the United States or Canada and no distinction between marketed GMO and non-GMO foods is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Opponents of genetically modified food, such as the advocacy groups Organic Consumers Association, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Greenpeace, say risks have not been adequately identified and managed, and they have questioned the objectivity of regulatory authorities. Some groups say there are unanswered questions regarding the potential long-term impact on human health from food derived from GMOs, and propose mandatory labeling or a moratorium on such products.

Concerns include contamination of the non-genetically modified food supply, effects of GMOs on the environment and nature, the rigor of the regulatory process, and consolidation of control of the food supply in companies that make and sell GMOs.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014 | 9

WorldReport Court sacks Thailand PM HAILAND’S prime minister was ordered by a court to step down yesterday in a ruling that handed a victory to anti-government protesters who have staged six months of street protests — but does little to resolve the country’s political crisis.

The Constitutional Court found Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra guilty of abusing her power by transferring a senior civil servant in 2011 to another position.

It ruled that the transfer was carried out to benefit her politically powerful family and, therefore, violated the constitution — an accusation she has denied.

The ruling also forced out nine Cabinet members but left nearly two dozen others in their posts, including Deputy Prime Minister, N i w a t t u m r o n g Boonsongpaisan, who was quickly appointed the new acting leader.

Looking relaxed, Yingluck appeared live on national television two hours after the verdict to thank her supporters, emphasize that she was an elected leader and assert her innocence.

“We held true to the princi-

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ples of honesty in running the country, and never acted corruptly, as we were accused,” said Yingluck, 46, who swept to power nearly three years ago as the country’s first female prime minister.

The judgment is the latest development in Thailand’s long-running political crisis.

It was a victory for Yingluck’s opponents, mostly from the urban elite and those in the south, who have been engaged in vociferous and sometimes violent street protests in Bangkok demanding she step down to make way for an interim unelected leader.

However, the ruling leaves the country in political limbo and primed for more violence.

Since November, more than 20 people have been killed and hundreds injured in sporadic gunbattles, drive-by shootings and grenade attacks.

The court’s decision casts doubt on whether new elections planned for July will be delayed, which would anger Yingluck’s mostly rural supporters who have called for a major rally Saturday in Bangkok.

Zuma confident despite ‘challenging’ poll MBATTLED South African E President, Jacob Zuma cast his ballot in his home village

yesterday, admitting the election campaign had been “challenging” but expressing confidence he will be re-elected.

Looking relaxed, Zuma said he thought the “results will be very good,” joking that his choice of vote was “a secret.”

His ANC is almost certain to win a fifth consecutive term in office and Zuma himself is expected to get another five years as president.

But after casting his ballot Zuma conceded the election campaign had been “very challenging.”

Zuma has been a lightning rod for criticism of the ANC’s perceived soft stance on corruption and poor handling of the economy.

Zuma has been especially pilloried for the government spending $23 million of taxpayers’ money upgrading his private home.

The vast pile, which is a short distance from where Zuma cast his ballot, boasts a helipad, amphitheatre and private clinic.

Meanwhile, South African voters shrugged off sporadic violence to cast their ballots in the country’s fifth all-race elections,

with many of the 25 million registered voters determined to exercise their hard-won freedom.

Twenty years after South Africans of all colours wowed the world by voting to end apartheid, early-rising voters trickled into some 22,263 polling centres across the country from before dawn.

The eve of the ballot was marred by rioting, with police and the army deployed to several areas to keep order.

In Bekkersdal near Soweto, protestors threw rocks and set fire to a polling station.

But the township’s residents queued up, vowing not to be dissuaded from using a right they were denied during centuries of racist rule.

“I’m here to vote for my future, I don’t care about what happened here yesterday. I won’t allow it to turn me away” said Nosihle Zikalala.

In the cool early morning mist, some voters danced in celebration amid the charred husk of the polling station, casting aside the detritus of the previous night’s anger.

“We should fight with our votes, let our votes do the talking, not violence,” said Mziwamadoda Ngceke proudly sporting the blue indelible

mark on his right thumb which showed he voted.

Another improvised voting station was quickly erected in the middle of the impoverished shack-filled township, with the polls’ opening delayed by only a few minutes.

State Security Minister, Siyabonga Cwele visited the area, calling for calm and vowing that “police will be here until voting closes.”

At least one police officer has been sent to each polling sta-

tion and 1,850 army troops have been deployed across the country.

As in 1994 and the three subsequent elections, the African National Congress is expected to win the election handily.

The party’s electoral pitch has relied heavily on past antiapartheid glories and on the outpouring of grief over the death of its former leader Nelson Mandela to shore up support.

Belgium releases Burundi opposition leader ELGIAN authorities have the outcome,” said Sinduhije’s B released a prominent lawyer, Bernard Maingain, Burundian opposition leader who had been detained at the airport last week while he was on route to Italy.

Alexis Sinduhije, a former journalist, activist and leader of the Movement for Solidarity and Development (MSD), was allowed to leave the airport detention centre on Tuesday following a Belgian court decision to suspend his arrest.

Sinduhije, one of the most outspoken opponents of Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza, had been detained on Thursday after flying in from Chad.

“My client was truly happy with

describing his client’s detention as the result of an “excess of zeal” on the part of a Belgian official.

Sinjuhije had already been questioned on his arrival in Brussels on Thursday and was found to be holding a valid French visa, Maingain said.

Sinduhije is wanted in Burundi in connection with a protest in March which turned violent and led to the arrest of dozens of opposition members.

He has been on the run from police since the clashes and faces life in prison if caught.

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So long, so well for the quiet public servant Asked what he considered to be the biggest problem confronting Lagos, he said it was transportation. “By that, I mean inadequate transportation facilities is affecting the economy. People leave very early in the morning by 5am to get to work. After they close from work at 5pm, they are still struggling for buses to get home as at 8pm.” asked his plans for Lagos, he told The Guardian in an interview dated December 9, 1991 that “we are campaigning on peace. We must have an atmosphere of peace in order to achieve an orderly progress.

“Orderly progress will give us plentiful water supply, good roads, mass transit programmes, qualitative education, free enterprise by which our womenfolk who dominate the market will have plenty of stores to exhibit and sell their wares. We will encourage, through free entreprise, willing investors both within and outside the country by reducing red-tapism that

tends to scare away investors.

“We will attend to the health of the people. At this stage in Nigeria’s development, there is no reason why there should be so many maternal deaths, infantile mortality. These are basic things that people are yearning for.”

Asked what he considered to be the biggest problem confronting Lagos, he said it was transportation. “By that, I mean inadequate transportation facilities is affecting the economy.

People leave very early in the morning by 5am to get to work.

After they close from work at 5pm, they are still struggling for buses to get home as at 8pm.

“So, we intend to tackle this first, introducing smaller buses.

Our roads are not wide enough. We will provide smaller buses that will bring people from pedal roads into the main highways, where they will change to the bigger buses. We will encourage local governments to have their own transport schemes to move people from place to place in the councils.

“Then there is the much-talked about metroline. I am all for it, but it would be done thoroughly by inviting experts to advise on the project and also engaging those who can assist both locally and internationally. We will not make the metroline a government project but fully private-funded project.”

These were his dreams for the state as far back as 1990s but the truncation of his administration by political turmoil that has been our lot never allowed him to actualize his noble objectives. And now he is gone for ever and ever even as the state still yearns for many of these things.

Otedola

By Tope Templer Olaiya, Assistant Lagos City Editor T was sunset for Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, former governor of Lagos State, on Monday. As expected, a rain of tributes has followed the announcement, while the state government has declared a seven-day mourning period in his honour.

Governor Babatunde Fashola directed that flags in all state government offices and institutions be flown at half mast during the period to honour the deceased. He described Otedola’s death as a great loss to the state and noted that the former governor’s administration was marked by great achievements.

“His indelible record of service is still there. ‘The centre for excellence’ that Lagos proudly proclaims today was his choice when he was invited among other governors to choose a sobriquet for Lagos. That and some other impactful projects he executed as governor are still visible and will remain evergreen in our memory,” he said.

As his name implies, fate played a critical role in Otedola’s ascension to greatness. He was elected governor of Lagos from 1992 to 1993 on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC) during the truncated transition programme of former military president, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, against the run of thoughts after a crisis engulfed the then Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state over choice of a gubernatorial candidate.

During the run-in to the election, beautiful, coloured posters bearing Otedola’s photograph and caption: “That Lagos may Excel,” strategically littered Lagos State as if that was enough to ensure a smooth ride to Alausa Government House. While posters alone do not win elections, Otedola had said the coloured posters only reflected the excellence in his printing outfit, Impact Press Nigeria Limited and his excellent way of doing things.

The late silent multi-millionaire got exposed to the public after winning his party’s governorship primaries.

And since leaving office in 1992, he had quietly shunned the public space, while maintaining his humble and simple personality through his Michael Otedola Foundation that gives scholarship to indigent students every year.

For years, he was in the defunct Western Region Public Service where he served as Public Relations Manager of the Western Nigeria Television. He was also a Press Secretary to late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Ladoke Akintola, both former Premiers of Western Nigeria. On leaving government service, he worked with Mobil Group of Companies retiring in 1977 as manager, Public Affairs division.

The Asiwaju of Odoragunsin, who was also made a Knight of St. Sylvester by Pope John Paul in 1974, saw himself as an epitome of truth and a vehicle for change before his administration was truncated.

Though Otedola could not complete his tenure in office due to the political imbroglio that characterized the regime, it is however, on record that his administration facilitated the establishment of the Yaba College of Technology campus in Epe, his hometown.

The focus of his campaign was hinged on peace. When

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Sir Michael Otedola (right); late General Sani Abacha (middle) and late Chief MKO Abiola (left) at an undated public event in Lagos.

‘He was not just a father, but also a friend’ – Daughter ASTOR (Mrs.) Omolola P Taiwo Segun-Idahor, daughter of former governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola, on Tuesday said she lost not just a father, but also a friend who was always “a phone call away”.

Segun-Idahor spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria at the Epe residence of her late father as sympathisers continued to flood the premises to extend their condolence to the family.

She said that her only consolation was that her father lived a good life, noting that as governor of Lagos, he served the state with everything God gave him. “He was a man filled with great wisdom, a good listener and a principled man; a disciplined man who never took anything that belonged to another person.

“We thank God for giving him to us as a gift; he was a great daddy to all

his children,” said SegunIdahor, who identified herself as one of the identical twins which the late Otedola had.

She said that her late father valued education and believed that one good reason why one could borrow money from the bank was for education, adding that she was always happy to see people who benefited from her father’s scholarship scheme in several fields.

Segun-Idahor said the arrangements for the burial would come out in due course, noting that apart from the family, the state government and the church would be involved. She thanked the Lagos State Government for the support it had rendered so far, explaining that Governor Babatunde Fashola came early in the day to visit the family.

Drummers and singers were in the compound

as sympathizers poured in to condole with the family.

Fashola, in the condolence register wrote: “The government and people of Lagos bid farewell to a patriot and public servant who served them valiantly and faithfully.

“We value your service and will never forget it.

You were a man of great honour. Rest in peace with your maker. The race is finished and it was well run.”

Some youths, who benefited from the scholarship scheme provided by the late Otedola, were also at the Epe residence to condole with the family. Mr. Moshood Adams, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Epe Chapter, told newsmen that the late Otedola made Epe proud as a governor and gave hope that they too could govern well.

“He affected the lives of many of our youths by his scholarship and we will really miss him. We pray that the family will contin-

Segun-Idahor ue with it,’’ he said.

Adams said that the youths also looked forward to another person from Epe to become governor of the state to build on the achievements of late Otedola.

Mr. Abiodun Jankdawi, another of the youths, said they referred to the late Otedola as a ‘Civilian General’ and would miss him deeply.

“He made the youths happy,” he said and prayed that his soul would rest in peace.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014

11

Traffic snarl undermines Lekki-Ajah economic potentials

By Tope Templer Olaiya and Tunde Alao T is beyond guessing that much of the flicker of development in the New Lagos points to the direction of the Lekki-Ajah corridor.

And it takes no clairvoyant to get this deciphered or read the mind of government and business leaders.

Already, multi-billion investments like Lekki Deep Seaport, Free Trade Zone, International Airport, Atlantic City and Dangote’s refinery/petrochemical plant, are among the up coming business opportunities to open up the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe axis.

Following Dangote Group’s commencement of construction work on its refinery-cum-petrochemical plant at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, property prices in the area have risen by over 100 percent from what it was last year.

These potentials notwithstanding, for residents in that corridor, the ordeal of commuting along the expanded 10-lane Lekki-Epe expressway is tortuous, especially when navigating through the Ajah roundabout. The traffic gridlock is worsened by the activities of commercial bus operators, who have converted the fringes of the roundabout into bus and taxi garages.

A motorist, Ayodele Omowale, told The Guardian that: “it is easier to pass through the eye of the needle than for one to have a smooth sail going through the Ajah roundabout of congestion.

Setting out for my daily activities in the morning always puts me in a terrible nightmarish condition.

“Some of us whose health cannot withstand waking up at 4am

I

and hitting the road 4:30am everyday, and as such cannot leave home earlier than 6am, have no option than to abandon our cars at home and ‘fly’ commercial motorcycles to Ajah roundabout before joining commercial transport, with all the safety and security risks, for that is the only way we can reach our workplaces before 8am.

“That is the only way we have been beating the traffic, which stretches two kilometres or more and takes not less than one hour. Sadly, this was not the case before the Olympic-size Ajah roundabout was constructed,” he noted.

For those who can’t go the Omowale way, sitting idly in their exotic cars and listening to latest update on Traffic Radio takes their minds off the worries of the congestion.

This too is losing its appeal as the traffic reports doesn’t say anything new to the regular road users, such as: “Abraham Adesanya inward Ajah is heavy; Jakande Roundabout is busy; or LASTMA monitors are working hard to ease up traffic on Sangotedo up to Ajah.”

Another resident, Suraj Oyewole, while chronicling the ordeal residents go through daily, said, “our worst nightmare in the last one decade has been the Lekki-Epe expressway, the road that connects us to other parts of Lagos. The relief we taught we had in 2006 when the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the concessionaire of the Lekki expressway reconstruction project, rolled their equipment to the highway to commence the project, has since been misplaced.

Congestion at Ajah Roundabount.

“For instance, we were not experiencing traffic on Ajah-AddoBadore road before the construction of Ajah roundabout. Now, connecting Ajah through Addo road takes up to one hour during peak periods (6-9am). This is something that should not take more than 10 minutes, as was the case before the construction of that roundabout.”

Oyewale, however, reechoed the wishes of most Lagosians living in that axis, which is a vociferous but passionate call for a flyover bridge at Ajah roundabout. “Common wisdom calls for construction of a route that connects to the expressway, not at the roundabout, but further down. And the solution to the puzzle is a flyover and a pedestrian bridge to reduce congestion and pedestrian crossing at the roundabout,” he said.

SINCE Dangote Group awarded the project management consultancy and construction of its 400,000 bpd (20 million tonnes) oil refinery and 600,000 tonnes polypropylene plant, Lekki and its environ has never been the same again. The area, which used to have a narrow single lane road and notorious traffic congestion, is fast becoming a global business haven, a new dual carriageway with three lanes on both sides.

The new attracting features of the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LKFTZ) are enormous. Added to these are the state-of-the-art tollgates and most importantly well-structured estates and beautiful architectural landscapes. The presence of Dangote alone has attracted other related businesses like Progress Maritime limited, OBAT Oil and Eko Resort to the area.

For instance, Progress Maritime limited, a shipping company that bought hundreds of hectares of land in the area, has awarded the construction of its Tank Farm development to Oladele Oluwamotemi & associates, a notable project developer. Like Dangote, the developer has moved its construction equipment to the site, which has been fenced round.

The presence of giant investors (Dangote Group and Progress Maritime limited) has transformed Lekki, Epe from a near backwater settlement on the outskirts of Lagos into a sprawling, modern settlement, one of the fastest growing areas in Lagos. To many, the Lekki corridor is the ‘New Lagos,’ judging by its booming real estate, massive construction projects and noticeable government presence in the planned Lekki Free Trade Zone.

To real estate professionals, these areas are now a goldmine. For example, both foreign and Nigerian professionals whose offices are in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, VI, are relocating to LFTZ. Gbenga Owoeye, a property consultant, explained that due to the non-availability of land in Ikoyi and VI and the attendant rising rents, more prospective homeowners are also looking towards the Lekki–Epe axis and are erecting structures comparable to those in Europe and other advanced countries. Epe, Oakview estate, Otunla Town, Awoyaya, Beachwood estate, Lakowe Lakes International Golf Course and Amen estate and many more are replete with such exotic structures.

LAGOS ASSEMBLY DIARY

Missing 234 schoolgirls: Lawmakers protest poor rescue effort

By Wole Oyebade HE ongoing local and international T pressure on the Federal Government to rescue the missing 234 schoolgirls also

•Botoku, nine-year-old wonder kid, appeals for safe return of the girls

attracted the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, as lawmakers frown at the tardy approach to liberate the girls, 21 days since their abduction.

But the intervention of the Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, prevented the angry lawmakers from declaring Nigeria a failed state and the president “incompetent,” even as the Lagos nine-year-old wonder kid, Anjola Botoku, lent her voice to the global appeal for immediate release of the abducted schoolgirls.

Botoku, who earned recognition for her academic brilliance and outstanding performance (for a nine year old) in English and French subjects, at the 2013 Nov/Dec. West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), in her address on the floor of the Assembly, appealed to the federal government to double efforts at rescuing the girls before it is too late.

For about an hour, it was a vent of disgust and discontent on the floor, as the matter of missing schoolgirls was brought to the House under matter of urgent public importance.

Ikuforiji, however, took exception to his colleagues qualifying Nigeria as a failed nation, citing that the country remains an indivisible entity despite challenges.

The Speaker said: “Let us be careful with

what we call our nation. Our nation is our nation and it is what we call it that other people will call it. If Syria, Afghanistan, among others, are still standing and recognized as a nation, we should not call ours failed nation.

“We pray it doesn’t get to that. Yes! We are not happy with what is going on. We should hope and continue to pray.”

Lawmaker representing Mushin I Constituency, Funmilayo Tejuoso, had said the matter was of concern to all because the abducted schoolgirls are future of the country and are at risk of being impregnated by criminals.

She noted that the matter had again brought to mind the call for state police, to ease the burden on the Nigerian Police Force as concurrently constituted.

Tejuoso added that the women-wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was considering a national protest by all women in solidarity for the abducted schoolgirls and to say to the federal government: ‘bring back our girls.’

Her counterpart, representing Oshodi/Isolo II Constituency, Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet, was enraged by the blame game, in place of real action that had trailed the abduction in the last three weeks.

She said: “It is unfortunate that we as Nigerians are just talking but nothing is happening. It is obvious that there is no synergy between the federal government, state governors and the people.

Everybody is just talking, forgetting that the lives we are losing are those of Nigerians.

“We need to be sober as people. It is not just by talking to the press and making cosmetic utterances.

It is not the state of emergency that we are talking about. We know for certain that the person handling the affairs of this nation has failed. This is a failed state.

“This is a war situation; it is a guerilla warfare and everyone is hiding under the canopy of ‘I don’t know.’ This nation needs help. If we cannot handle it, then we should invite the international body to come and help us. It out of Jonathan’s hand to run the affairs of this country.”

Apparently in agreement with others, Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Lola Akande said that the situation was depressing and called for stronger approach.

“Our constitution is clear in stating that the primary responsible of any government is to take care of the welfare and security of the people.”

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT: Bella Vista, a high-rise luxury serviced apartment in Banana Island beside a 330kv electricity high tension, which breaks the law on set back requirement and Right of Way as stipulated by the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development

12 | THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014

PHOTONEWS EXTRA

President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice President, Namadi Sambo; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar lll, and other member of Committee on Hajji after the submission of 2014 Hajji report to the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Reresentative of Ekiti State Governor, Funminiyi Afuye (left); former Pro Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, and celebrant, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Folorunso Adewole, at 60th birthday of Adewole in Ibadan, PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

Deputy Managing Director, Skye Bank, Amaka Onwughalu (left); Managing Director designate of Skye Bank, Timothy Oguntayo, Director General, RIA, Money transfer, during the launch of RIA money transfer services by Skye Bank.

PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Secretary, Intellectual Development Initiative of Nigeria, Dr. Eromonsele, Akhimien (left); Chairman, Intellectual Development Initiative of Nigeria, Prof. Biodun Akinpelu, Prof. Sola Aina of Depatment of Education Management, Lagos State University, Prof. Noah Yusuf of Dept. of Sociology University by Ilorin, and Prof. Adekunle Akinyemi, during the press briefing on the presentation of centennial epoch memories and legacies of the Nigerian state of NIIA in Lagos.

PHOTO: GABRIEL IKHAHON

Chancellor, Covenant University, David Oyedepo (right), guest speaker, Nobel prize winners in Economic Sciences 2011. Prof. Thomas Sargent, ECOWAS Common Investment Market, Jonathan Aremu and Prof.

John Ifediora, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, U.S.A, during the 1st Covenant University International Conference on African Development Issues theme: “Rising Opportunity Investors in African and the Prospect of an Economic Miracle,” held in Otta, Ogun State PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

Pupils of Vivian Fowler College for Girls at the Book in School Premises, held in Oregun, Lagos. PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

VP, IT Business, Middle East & Africa, Schneider Electric, Mr. Thierry Chamayou (2nd left); presenting the award certificate to CEO, Power Systems Ltd, Emmanuel Nwaoshai, VP, IT Business, West Africa, Schneider Electric, Ayo Adegboye (left), and Marketing Manager, Power Systems Limited, Sunny Agu, at a short ceremony held at The Moore House, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Genaral Manager, British America Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN), Abimbola Okoya (left); Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Minabelem Michael West, Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, Oladunjoye Olayinka, and lecturer, Lagos Business School, Chris Ogbechie, at the BusinessDay yearly Giving Back Conference 2014, held in Lagos PHOTO: FEMI

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014

13

Politics THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE DEBATE

Afe Babalola canvasses loose federation to check violence From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head, Southwest Bureau, Ado-Ekiti) LOOSE federation where all the ethnic nationalities will develop at their pace has been suggested as the panacea to the lingering violence rocking Nigeria.

Foremost legal luminary and varsity owner, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) made the suggestion in Ado-Ekiti.

Babalola said unless the envisaged new Constitution allows each of the 250 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria to develop at their pace, the progress of the country would continue to be retarded by violence and political instability.

Consequently, he called on the Presidency, the National Assembly and members of the ongoing National Conference to work out a new Constitution that “will promote regionalism.”

He also requested all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribes, religion and political affiliation to work for the peace of the country.

Babalola, who said Nigeria is at crossroads, spoke when the Southwest chapter of the Northern Forum visited him at the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti.

The Forum, which consists of Hausa traditional rulers and leaders in the Southwest, and was led by its President, Alhaji Hassan Isiyaka, has been preaching peaceful co-existence among all tribes in the region.

Babalola, who commended the efforts of the Forum at ensuring the much-needed peace in the country, noted that Nigeria is on the verge

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of precipice.

He asked all patriotic stakeholders in Project Nigeria to do everything possible to ensure that peace reign supreme in the country.

The legal icon said with the prevailing wave of violence and insecurity, resulting in more than 2,000 people reportedly bombed to death, and hundreds maimed and many others kidnapped, it was incumbent on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the ongoing National Conference to find an immediate and lasting solution to the menace.

Babalola reiterated his belief in one indivisible Nigeria where peace would reign supreme and where each of the more than 250 ethnic nationalities would maintain its peculiarities and develop at its own pace, as it was during the time of regional government in the country.

His words: “There are more than 250 ethnic groups in this country today, each with its own peculiarities.

“All we should strive to have is a loose arrangement where people will be allowed to maintain their peculiarities, while such things as the Army, Currency and Foreign Affairs should bind us together at the centre.”

Underscoring the place and import of peace, security and violence-free polity, the octogenarian said his generation is where they are today, because they have been able to operate in an environment enveloped with peace and devoid of rancour.

Babalola, however, noted that his four-yearold university is about the only institution in

The legal icon said with the prevailing wave of violence and insecurity, resulting in more than 2,000 people reportedly bombed to death, and hundreds maimed and many others kidnapped, it was incumbent on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the ongoing National Conference to find an immediate and lasting solution to the menace.

Babalola reiterated his belief in one indivisible Nigeria where peace would reign supreme and where each of the more than 250 ethnic nationalities would maintain its peculiarities and develop at its own pace, as it was during the time of regional government in the country.

Babalola Nigeria that could truly be described as a national university.

“Each of the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has students in the university, who are all equal and practice their religion without let or hindrance,” he said.

Alhaji Isiyaka said the Northern Forum has

been going round the country preaching the gospel of peace and non-violence, as well as the need for cooperation among all to ensure unity in the country.

The Forum’s leader, who spoke in flawless Yoruba, emphasised the need for any Nigerian to be able to live peacefully and without any fear in any part of the country and become whatever they legitimately desire to be.

‘Those seeking to take my seat ‘APC waiting to win Edo Central’ Theophilus Okoh is a senatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress are neophytes’ (APC) in Edo Central. He spoke to Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu in Benin City.

Odion Ugbesia of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) represents Edo Central senatorial district in the Senate. He recently commissioned several projects in the district where he also declared he was seeking a third term in office. Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu was there.

RE you convinced you are threading a A smooth road to Abuja as against the opinion of your opponents and rivals?

It is natural; you have these miscreants along the road. What will speak for me is what I am doing now.

It is not for a neophyte to run around the state, saying I will do this and that, Ugbesia is not doing or that. Let them to come and see what Ugbesia has done.

So, the road to Abuja is very clear. As a matter of fact, people are saying, ‘Abuja 2015, Stay Put.’ What will you say about the defection crisis rocking the Senate?

That is politics of under-development; that is what politics is all about. Politics is for selfpreservation.

If you fell, your interest is no longer attainable in a given place; democracy allows you to move and I think that is what people are doing.

They are only exercising their choice — their right to free choice. I don’t think the party will suffer much from such defection.

The Senate adjourned recently as a result of the uproar in the chamber …

Why we adjourned was to allow APC members to go home and do their registration. The issue of reading the letter, yes; they have written the letter — 11 of them. But they were also in court.

So, reading the letter would be sub judice, as far as the Senate is concerned.

We have all agreed that it is sub judice. If they want the letter read on the floor of the House, the first thing is to remove the matter from the court.

Otherwise, David Mark, who is a lawmaker and other senators would be running against the law if we go ahead to read a letter that we now know is sub judice.

Because, the Senate working paper, that is our constitution, says if in the Senate President’s interpretation and he sees that the case in court will in any way influence the outcome of the

Ugbesia case, he has the right to go this way or that way.

So, it is he reading the constitution and reading the situation that is prevailing now. There is no uproar.

How do you feel about your stay so far in the Senate and the health centre you’ve just commissioned?

I feel great, I feel fulfilled; I feel that I have done my best. I am happy about it.

We are in a rural area and those that have been identified as traditional problems — water, healthcare, roads and electricity — they have remained the issues in Nigerian politics.

So, if you represent the people, you must look out for these basic things for them; that was what informed us doing this for our people.

I don’t want to blow my trumpet but I challenge any senator —there was a senator before me who did eight years — if he can point at a roof over a school in the senatorial district, then, I will say I have not done anything.

I have set the benchmark for proper evaluation of the efforts of a senator and this is what representation is about.

O what extent would you T say the APC in Edo Central is ready to battle the PDP, which appears more organised in the district ahead of the 2015 elections?

It is expected that the PDP should be more organised.

Let me educate you a little bit on what you find in Edo North and Edo South.

You know that APC is an amalgamation of ANPP, CPC and ACN. Meanwhile, after the registration of the APC, the party has not formally come together under an umbrella. And you know politicians; when there is a vacuum, they find something to do. Politicians do not want to be idle.

What you called faction and group, they happened because there was a vacuum; there was no umbrella body and for them not to be idle, they have one group here and there, which are coming together to form pressure groups.

But let me see what happens now that we have registered and we are having congresses to install the leadership of the party.

The defunct ACN lost the senatorial district owing to choice of the candidate. What corrective measures has your party put in place to avoid the same error in 2015?

Is not a very fair question but I will answer it. You know in everything nobody is perfect.

In my party, we are not perfect. I believe if we made a

mistake then, we are learning from our mistakes. I believe we are learning very seriously.

Let’s not prejudge the issues.

We know we made some mistakes. That was the only senatorial area we lost because of choice of the candidate and we are doing everything possible to amend that mistake. I know we will take it (district) this time.

What is your response to the defection of some PDP lawmakers and governors to your party?

I see it as democracy in action.

I think for the first time in the history of Nigeria, we are actually seeing that the country is getting a balance. We are seeing democracy in action.

The defections in the Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate are something that is bound to happen. I don’t see it as a problem.

Are you comfortable with the INEC timetable ahead of the general elections?

Honestly, no. It was tilted towards an agenda. We have been talking about homegrown democracy.

My fear for this timetable is that if anything goes wrong with the presidential election, it would have a bandwagon effect on subsequent elections.

We have seen this kind of a thing before; I am not comfortable with it.

The PDP senator representing your district recently boasted that he has no rival in his

quest for a third term at the National Assembly. What is your response to his assertion?

Why are you asking me to dabble in the politics of my opponent? I am in the APC. We are just sitting down to watch what happens in the PDP. We are waiting for them to come out; we will not want to interfere in their politics.

In the governorship election, we won the five local governments in the senatorial district. If you remember, the last senatorial election came first and we lost out because we made a mistake and there was a bandwagon effect.

I pray we don’t make that mistake again. Unless the APC members are sleeping again, there is no way the PDP can defeat us.

Okoh

TheGuardian

14 | Thursday, May 8, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011) Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial Special plan for the Northeast

LETTER

To Alabo Graham-Douglas, 75 hearty cheers

MID the crisis rocking the northeast region of Nigeria by virtue of the Boko A Haram guerilla warfare, the recent statement by the Minister of Finance S and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, that govern-

ment has a special development plan for the area may just be anticipatory without any concrete evidence to buttress the claim.

While it is common knowledge that the economy of the Northeast has been adversely affected and infrastructure destroyed by the raging crisis, it is certain that the Federal Government would carry out reconstruction work in the area once the crisis is over. This is not something that anyone should speculate upon when the crisis has not ended. The anticipated post-crisis reconstruction cannot be a one-man show.

At the moment, how to contain the ravaging guerilla warfare plaguing the area ought to be the pre-occupation of government. The issue of a special plan, highly desirable though, should not be done in a hurry or announced in passing. At the most opportune time, the special plan for the northeast would involve key stakeholders in the region. That way, the plan would capture the critical development needs of the area. And the people will appropriately own it.

Until such a time, the minister’s statement appears a mere gimmick on the ground that the issue may not have been tabled for considerations. Besides, it should is not be even the immediate concern of a region embroiled in a debilitating crisis.

Dr. (Mrs.)Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had told Reuters in a recent interview that Nigeria is preparing a special development plan for its poor, violence-hit Northeast. She further said that although the impact of the five year Boko Haram insurgency had cut half a percentage point off Nigeria’s GDP last year, she believed it could be contained. She had then insisted that the country is not facing a wider conflict as it heads for elections next year. This assertion is doubtful.

While noting that the programme for the Northeast is aimed at lifting the area out of poverty and underdevelopment, she said: “We recognise that this is an inclusion problem – the fact that the human development indicators in that part of the country are among the lowest.”

The minister is right to have acknowledged that the human development indices in the Northeast are among the lowest in the country, meaning that there are indeed other comparable areas around the country. The Northeast is not alone in the problem of inclusion. The Boko Haram war has only brought the plight of the region to the limelight, and complicated it. As a matter of fact, all sections of the country are in the same awful predicament. Nigeria’s UNDP Human Development index for 2013 was 0.471, which ranked her 153rd in the world, placing her among the poorest countries. This position was not applicable only to the northeast; nor was it occasioned solely by the Boko Haram crisis.

Having said that, comments about a special plan for the northeast at this stage raises more questions than answers. For instance, has the plan been drawn up? When? Who prepared it? What is the content? Were there consultations and input from stakeholders? Is the plan predicated on the subsisting situation in the area, or in anticipation of restoration of peace? When indeed will Boko Haram be stamped out for peace to return to the ravaged northeast?

Again, what is the timeframe for implementation? What about the budgetary provisions? Is there a budget for the plan? How much is it costing? Who approved it? What is the source of funding?

A critical development plan as the one being anticipated is not secret document. To be effective, there must be wide consultations and input. The key stakeholders in the region must make contributions for it to be acceptable.

It is now incumbent on Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to reassure the public that her statement was well considered and backed by facts, otherwise, she would be seen as a mere political jobber seeking to deceive. Such unfounded rhetoric is not what the people expect of her at this time. The minister, a former World Bank vice president and managing director, occupies a strategic office, which places her in a vantage position to know better. Let it not be that she is raising false hopes for the region; or that her statement was simply geared towards the 2015 general elections.

At this juncture, what Nigerians would like to know is the progress being made on the raging crisis. A situation where Boko Haram has escalated its campaign by regular kidnapping of innocent children from schools and even their homes, in addition to incessant bombing of innocent civilian soft targets, resulting in mass destruction of lives and property, is unacceptable. Nigerians are looking unto their leaders to protect them. Government should rally forces and contain the bad situation and save the public, indeed the entire world, from further agony.

IR, today, May 8th, 2014, my Oga, bossom friend and one of my mentors, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, will turn 75 years of age. I have decided to pay this exemplary Nigerian, a public tribute, in a deliberate effort to help our youths, especially our politicians and “militricians”, to realise when and how to tow the part of honour whenever they are confronted with certain circumstances, no matter the benefits derivable from such a situation.

Chief Graham-Douglas is a very reserved, civil, detribalised, and passionate person who is genuinely concern about the common good of all Nigerians. One is not surprised at his urbane attitude, because he had his formative years here in Lagos as a student of Government Primary School, Okesuna; he then proceeded to Baptist High School Port Harcourt for his secondary education as an arts student. But in a dramatic fashion, the Oyewole brothers took him into Abeokuta Grammar School for his Higher School Certificate education and tutored him, in the basic foundation of science.

Afterwards, he went to the University of Lagos for a degree course in Botany.

Alabo is very affectionate

about the welfare of his family members. He loves to help the down trodden in the society, so far, he has helped to finance the education of so many Nigerians from different parts of the country, also assisting them in finding jobs.

About the problems of Nigeria, Alabo’s submission is how to make Nigeria a better country for all. He is never guided by the primordial sentiment of tribe or ethnicity, unlike most people from his area of birth. He cherishes virtue and ethics. In all his actions, be it private or public, he normally asks: “What would the person of exemplary character do in this circumstance?” He believes that ethical action is not determined by applying a set of rules, but rather is the result of good character of the person. In other words, “one does not do the ethical thing because it is a duty or in order to achieve some good end: doing the ethical thing is simply part of the most fully human way of living.

Ethical behaviour is hence the consequence of character. The ethical action is performed not to achieve a desired consequence, but the action itself is the consequence of character.”

I once asked him, why was he now taking a sabbatical from active politics, after 42 years in the murky waters of Nigeria’s politics? His reply was: “In the 42 years of my active political life, it has always been my dream and nature to team up with other well-meaning Nigerians to produce a president from the southsouth geo-political zone of this great country, Nigeria. It has, however, pleased God, that during my lifetime, this desire has been actualised with the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as President and Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Having now realised this long-time dream in the current President of Nigeria, I think I deserve some rest.”

Besides, he believes that his health would no longer allow him to participate actively in politics, and he needs to concentrate more on how to revive his businesses. At 75, Alabo has seen it all in life. He has been almost everything any man would wish to be in life. Integrity means that you keep your oath and “swear to your own hurt” regardless of the cost. Happy birthday my dearest “ Oga at the Top”.

• Omonhinmin is a Lagos based media consultant.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

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Opinion Let not evil prevail

By John Cardinal Onaiyekan E are all familiar with the wise saying that W evil thrives where and when good people do nothing and keep quiet. It is also a great lesson of history that you need only a few determined people to bring down a nation. Here the rule of majority does not apply. We do not know how many members Boko Haram has. But they are not that many – and they are causing so much havoc on the entire nation. The situation is serious.

I left home on Easter Sunday, when our nation was still reeling under the tragic news of the first Nyanya bomb blast and the abduction of as yet unknown number of girl students in Borno State. Since my arrival here in Rome, we have heard of another Nyanya bomb blast and the number of girls abducted is now being given at over two hundred. The controversy over the numbers is futile and uncalled for. One missing girl is one too many. Everywhere I go, people are asking me what is happening in our country. There is no more room for explanations, let alone excuses. The view from outside our nation is very negative indeed. At a time like this, one would expect all Nigerians to stand together and face what should be clearly a common danger to us all. But unfortunately, such a common stand is anything but visible.

There are ominous signs that if the objective of Boko Haram is to tear Nigeria apart by pitting Christians against Muslims in a fratricidal war, that objective is gradually and systematically being realised. The wanton destruction of lives and property is bad enough. But perhaps worse than that is the gradual destruction and erosion of the hard earned good relations which Nigerian Christians and Muslims have managed to build up over the years. In my 2013 Christmas message, I warned that we should

In the midst of our serious security crisis, tribal and religious warlords are beating the drums of war and blowing the trumpets of conflict. I read in the Internet that the Jama’atu Nasr Islam has issued a statement accusing the Federal Government of persecuting Muslims under the guise of fighting terrorism. If this is true, it would indeed be most unfortunate and ill-timed under our present circumstances. This is hardly the best way to encourage our security agents to carry out their tough and thankless task. At the other end of the spectrum, one Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye, who is described as the President/Founder of the Old Time Revival Hour, and immediate past chairman of a group called “Northern States Christian and Elders Forum (NOCSEF), an associate of CAN”, issued a passionate statement with a presumed list of 180 missing girls, 165 of which are Christians and the remaining 15 Muslims not take our fragile religious peace for granted. I pleaded that we should learn from the experience of other nations where such good relations have evaporated within a short time under poorly managed social and political crisis. The Central African Republic is a case in point.

In the midst of our serious security crisis, tribal and religious warlords are beating the drums of war and blowing the trumpets of conflict. I read in the Internet that the Jama’atu Nasr Islam has issued a statement accusing the Federal Government of persecuting Muslims under the guise of fighting terrorism. If this is true, it would indeed be most unfortunate and ill-timed under our present circumstances. This is hardly the best way to encourage our security agents to carry out their tough and thankless task. At the other end of the spectrum, one Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye, who is described as the President/Founder of the Old Time Revival Hour, and immediate past chairman of a group called “Northern States Christian and Elders Forum (NOCSEF), an associ-

ate of CAN”, issued a passionate statement with a presumed list of 180 missing girls, 165 of which are Christians and the remaining 15 Muslims. It is commendable that a list has appeared with their religious affiliations, and this should be of help to the security agents in tracking the girls.

But the document is hardly designed to promote mutual good relations between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

At times like this, when serious hurt has been inflicted and great injustice perpetrated, it is natural to feel deeply aggrieved and even angry.

But the effort still needs to be made to look at things as dispassionately as we can so that we can work towards a just and practical solution.

For most Nigerians, I believe that it is highly desirable that we continue as “one nation under God”. But this will not happen unless we are all ready to sincerely identify our common goals and aspirations, despite our non-negligible differences and diversities. It will mean being ready to make more concessions and compromises

for the common good of the nation, well beyond the status quo. National unity is beautiful and precious, but it comes with a price which all must be ready to pay, in a fair and equitable manner.

If this seems difficult, the alternative of a breakup of the nation along whatever lines would seem to me far more costly, and almost unthinkable. If a war of partition breaks out, where will the battle lines be drawn? It would be wonderful if such partitioning could be by peaceful negotiation. But that would call for nothing less than a miracle, which no one has any right to impose on God. The option to pursue therefore ought to be clear and obvious.

The menace, which Boko Haram represents is hanging on the whole nation. The solution must involve all stake-holders working together. Promoting or allowing polarisation of group interests, whether political (PDP against the opposition) or religious (CAN versus JNI) will not only weaken our common efforts, but even lead to the far greater danger of polarisation of our security forces along opposing lines.

The red light is clear to anyone who cares to look. It is not an exaggeration to say that the nation is in grave danger. It is not too late to pull back from the brink of chaos. All those who believe in the future of Nigeria can no longer afford the luxury of sitting back, watching and complaining. There is need to speak out and take meaningful action, each at his or her level.

As for those who rule the nation, I hope they know that the eyes of the whole world are on them. They should also know that they will answer for all their actions and inactions before their consciences, before history and before God. May God bless Nigeria.

• Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja sent this letter from Rome

Nigeria bleeds and it needs us (2)

By Bola Ahmed Tinubu Continued from yesterday T one reason will suffice for the insecurity that now confronts us. Many people have tried to parse the issue to determine whether the rise of Boko Haram is attributable to political and economic conditions (what I term “secular” factors) or attributable to extremist sectarianism.

While grist for lively debate, this parsing is mostly counterproductive and artificial. As with most complex situations, causation cannot be accurately reduced solely to one factor.

To do so is simplistic and likely to blind us to things that must be part of the solution to this problem.

Many non-Muslims will see Boko Haram as an Islamic assault. I am Muslim and I abhor Boko Haram for it mocks, not honours, the tenets of my faith. There is nothing Islamic there except that it uses the legitimacy of Islam to lure the ignorant, gullible and hopeless into their sordid trap. Boko Haram exalts violence, not God. It kills Muslim and Christian alike because its faith is not Islam but mayhem and lawlessness.

Extremist thought can spring up anywhere. However, it needs dire secular conditions to brew and attract enough adherents to become an organisation capable of the things Boko Haram has done. Without the economic and political injustice and hopelessness now chronic in much of the nation, particularly in the north, Boko Haram would not have the strength of numbers it seems to have. Without the extreme poverty and the great disparity between wealthy and the poor, Boko Haram would be a small fringe movement capable of nothing except petty crime and making periodic noise. In other words, sectarian extremism cannot gain sufficient momentum in the absence poverty and a widely shared perception of injustice. Secular and sectarian extremism are not independent, incompatible factors; they feed each other. To end this trouble, both sides of this equation must be solved.

Government policy has been ineffectual. If it maintains this present form, government policy will continue to be ineffectual. This means the situation will either remain the same or deteriorate, with the latter being more likely. Either road is impassable if the objective of our trek is a better Nigeria.

NO

Some now say parts of Nigeria are ungovernable. I disagree.

The issue is not that parts of the nation are ungovernable.

The real problem is that the current administration seems incapable of governing these and other areas. No parts of the nation are ungovernable. All sections are amenable to good governance if only good governance were to be had. Trouble commences where there is bad or no governance. This government, by folly or omission, has done too little good. It has lost legitimacy among segments of the population.

While it may hold predominant power and money, this government is approaching the point where it is morally spent.

This government is a bumbling monument to barren policy and corrupt practices. Given the obvious danger before us, may this government regain sobriety and a sense of purpose equal to the moment and the challenge we face.

After every terrorist attack, government tries to soothe the public by stating it is doing all it can and soon everything will be under control. Alternatively, the president nonchalantly will say terrorism affects every nation and Nigerians must grin and bear it. Clearly, none of this expressed the sense of urgency required. I have no doubt this administration would like to answer this problem. Sadly, this administration seems to lack the capacity to find that answer.

Instead of doing the hard work of governance, it gives itself to grandiose empty statements and sloganeering.

A senior military official boasted months ago that Boko Haram would be corralled by April. Instead of containing the menace, Boko Haram unleashed death this month in our nation’s very capital. Government is no closer to ending this national ordeal. Instead of working to make true headway, this government throws words at serious problems, and then asks the people to believe the job is done. When it comes to Boko Haram, it vows that the problem is shrinking, but it is not. As long as this government lives in the realm of fantasy and neglects to work in the world of fact, Nigeria will look to Abuja for answers but find none.

Since Abuja seems incapable of helping us, we must help it.

That people, especially women, have begun to protest government’s apparent foot-dragging is encouraging. These efforts must continue. Those of us in positions of leadership must offer ideas to government to help it meet this challenge because before any of us became PDP or APC, we were

all Nigerians.

With regard to the Chibok abductions, I ask government to seriously consider these steps.

• Lack of contingent planning. Sadly, this is not the first abduction although it may be the largest. Most major militaries around the world have developed plans for the major challenges they shall face. It is a terrible lapse that our security apparatus failed to have such plans for this situation.

• Response on the ground: Some delicate questions need to be asked. The seizure of this many children is logistical a major operation that takes planning and execution. How is it that Boko Haram is better at planning and execution than our trained professional security agencies? How could this have taken place without detection and a rapid response?

• Talk to us. The nation is in anguish yet the president has not talked to us directly. Let him make a broadcast to the nation at this time of hurt and pain to assure us, in broad terms that he has a plan to free our daughters. He needs not give us operation details but he needs to more actively and visibly lead the nation at this time.

Now, the nation is faced with a dilemma. With each day that passes, the likelihood that some of the girls may be transported across the border or suffer in their current surroundings increases. The people rightfully demand action to free our children but whatever action government takes must be geared to saving these children not to “doing something” just to avert the political pressure. Government must act with purpose and urgency but also with prudence and compassion for our captured, distressed children. This will require greater levels of coordination and planning by our security than we have heretofore witnessed. With all reasonable dispatch, we ask the government to plan strategically and execute with precision and care.

This nation needs her children back and all of us, regardless of political stripe, religion, region and origin, stand behind government as long as government does its utmost to win back the lives of our daughters. Until then, we are reduced to peering into the sky and hoping for the hand of Providence to redeem us, be you Christian or Muslim.

Concluded • Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State, is a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Thursday, May 8, 2014

Opinion Time for Africa to recognise Somaliland

By Mohamed Bihi Yonis S regional and global leaders gather for A the World Economic Forum in Nigeria – Africa’s most successful economy – to discuss the necessity of inclusive growth, it is the less fortunate, the forgotten and the disenfranchised, which will rightly be at the centre of the debate. I – and all my fellow citizens - hope that time will be found at the Forum to discuss the extraordinary position of Somaliland, a country which has been forgotten by the global community.

Next Sunday, (May 18) our country will celebrate the 23rd anniversary of its declaration of independence. Yet despite fulfilling all the legal requirements to be recognised by the international community and the African Union, our country is still officially treated as an autonomous region of Somalia. This ignores both history and reality.

Somaliland and Somalia existed separately until 1960 when a disastrous but voluntary decision was made to merge. The union, unhappy almost from the beginning, fractured permanently when the Somali regime of Mohamed Siad Barre waged a brutal war against Somaliland in which 50,000 civilians lost their lives. As Somalia disintegrated into chaos in 1991, Somaliland took the opportunity again to control its own future.

Through the hard work of our citizens, we have built an oasis of peace and democracy, in an otherwise violent and unstable region. We have put in place functioning state institutions, including police and armed forces. Terrorists find no safe haven within our territory nor do pirates operate off our coasts.

We need a seat at the table to represent the wishes and the needs of Somaliland’s people. Somaliland is rarely invited to take part in discussions on these important issues, which will directly affect both Africa and the international community. We are unable to participate on an equal footing in meetings of the African Union, the African Bank of Development, and the United Nations General Assembly. We understand that Somaliland’s case is often dwarfed by other, more immediate concerns faced by the rest of the Horn. But we won’t find longterm, sustainable solutions to Africa’s challenges without drawing on the experiences of all. And Somaliland can offer the lessons gleaned from its history.

We are keen to play our full role just as we need our fellow African countries to help us build on what we have achieved Our government has introduced free primary education for girls and boys. Progress is being made in reducing child mortality and female genital mutilation. There is a great deal in which we can take pride.

But Somaliland remains a poor country in a poor region. It takes decades to rebuild after the ravages of such a terrible civil war.

But the continued denial by the international community of recognition of our country means we are severely handicapped in this task.

Without formal recognition, it is much more difficult for us to access foreign investment and the loans that we need to grow. Without recognition, we are all too often denied a chance to voice the ambitions and concerns of our people at international gatherings even when the future of our region is the topic.

Peace and stability are closely linked to

prosperity. While our economy is growing at a fast pace, the number of jobs has not kept up with the number of young people looking for work. Without increased opportunities, all the progress of the last two decades could be put in jeopardy.

In collaboration with the international community, we need to find ways to provide our young people with livelihoods. We want to offer those graduating from our universities stimulating and rewarding employment to prevent both brain drain and illegal immigration, which affects countries across the continent. Together, we must concentrate our efforts on helping youth across Africa to fulfil their ambitions and shape a better future for all.

In Somaliland, the foundations are in place to attract foreign investment to increase employment opportunities, but we need sustained support from our friends and

partners to maintain this progress.

We need a seat at the table to represent the wishes and the needs of Somaliland’s people. Somaliland is rarely invited to take part in discussions on these important issues, which will directly affect both Africa and the international community. We are unable to participate on an equal footing in meetings of the African Union, the African Bank of Development, and the United Nations General Assembly.

We understand that Somaliland’s case is often dwarfed by other, more immediate concerns faced by the rest of the Horn. But we won’t find long-term, sustainable solutions to Africa’s challenges without drawing on the experiences of all. And Somaliland can offer the lessons gleaned from its history. We are keen to play our full role just as we need our fellow African countries to help us build on what we have achieved.

As the continent’s fastest growing and most populous country, Somaliland asks that Nigeria consider bringing Somaliland’s case to the African Union. One of the principles of the AU’s foundation was respect for borders at the time of independence. Our request for recognition does not contradict this doctrine.

The lack of recognition for Somaliland is not an abstract issue or a matter of status for us. It has a real and damaging impact on the everyday lives of our citizens and our hopes of overcoming the many challenges we still face. I hope that Nigeria, as one of the continent’s most influential voices, can help start the process of ending our unfair treatment.

• Yonis is foreign minister of Somaliland.

African infrastructure: Review of issues (2)

By J. Boima Rogers

Continued from yesterday REVIEW of the situation in the two largest economies in Africa, Nigeria and South Africa gives some interesting pointers as well as having ripples throughout the continent as developments in both have repercussions way beyond their borders. It shows how Africa is losing out in a big way.

Nigeria has recently been declared as the largest economy on the continent and for that it must be proud. However its pole position masks huge flaws. This is a country with enormous potential with regards to natural resources and resourceful people and yet it languishes largely because of self-inflicted wounds. Despite having enormous oil, gas, hydroelectric and solar power resources it has very low power generation, with one of the lowest per capita consumption of power on the continent.

It still exports a very high proportion of oil in crude form and imports petrol and other finished products from abroad. This, for a country that has been producing oil for seventy years is very sad. It has the market population to support industrialization and yet imports most manufactured products from abroad. Despite having scores of universities, an incident a few years ago showed how dysfunctional the educational infrastructure is. A number of oil workers were kidnapped and it was revealing that many of them were low-level technicians from Asia and Europe, which showed that it could not produce even low-level technical staff to man its most important sector.

South Africa, another country with enormous resources is failing to maximize its potential. It has 25% unemployment while there are severe shortages in skilled labour placing severe constraints on its economic growth, which is the lowest among countries with its level of development. The rate of growth of salaries of highly skilled personnel has trebled in the last twelve years. The poor educational infrastructure is not delivering the skills the economy requires. A few years ago a major industrial complex was relocated to China despite the fact that the country has the raw materials, because power supplies and a skilled labour force could not be guaranteed. The country has failed to invest in power generation even though it is among the seven largest coal producers and one of the top five coal exporters in the world.

A

Concerns and issues The major issues relating to the infrastructure in Africa are cost, maintenance, ownership, control and management.

Infrastructure projects are typically very expensive and beyond the financial resources of many countries. The maintenance culture has yet to be developed, with many infrastructure projects becoming dilapidated or running far below installed capacity. The ownership issue has been a source of concern. One of the recent issues on the continent is land ownership as countries have sold vast tracts to foreigners. Management of the infrastructure has also proved to be an issue as the educational system of many countries has failed to produce the cadre of managers to manage projects.

Policy implications The current interest in the infrastructure in Africa is a good thing and suggests a rethink of the economic development model. Since the wave of independence fifty or sixty years ago there have been significant changes in the world, in general, there has been a shift from a position where the state was seen as the provider and administrator of the infrastructure to one where it is often a policymaker. To be fair to the continent, it has been a tough call, trying to develop the nation state concept and manage infrastructure projects for which they had deliberately being denied education or management experience was always going to be hard to do. Africa, rich countries and new players like China need to review the approach to developing the infrastructure.

Africa needs to realise that developing the infrastructure is pivotal in the development process. It is the only way that it can avoid being aid junkies and ensure that it is attractive enough to investors, domestic and foreign, to make use of its vast potential. African leaders need to articulate visions and implement policies and action plans to develop their infrastructure. They should make use of private capital to build and manage projects. Concerns about ownership, control and management can be addressed by ensuring that citizens are given the opportunities, at preferential rates with equal access for all citizens, to buy into these companies. Tax policies, subsidies over a period of time for training must be used to encourage companies to engage locals. After a certain period, punitive measures must be put into place if locals are not in management position. One touchy area for many Africans, the sale of land for agriculture should be seen as an opportunity. It can

boost production as well as develop support infrastructure such as markets for farmers and inputs. All investors must have out-grower schemes as part of their contracts.

Measures must be taken to ensure that governance infrastructure is in place by rooting out corruption and ensuring that civil servants actually work for their salaries.

Functional educational systems must be implemented to provide workers with the appropriate technical skills. Effective measures must be taken to develop regional trading and investment. Two points must be borne in mind.

Rather than spend a lot of time and effort with a multitude of studies, governments should review history and make use of what has worked in countries as noted above such as Rwanda. The other point is that they must realise that it is not politics or railing at colonialists/neo-colonialists or constantly putting out the begging bowl, what matters is an efficient and effective infrastructure. Investors are not primarily drawn in by the exhortations of their governments but are enticed by the continent’s abundant resources and infrastructure. One has to just look at China, after decades of being lambasted by the west, with famines, minimal growth and investment, when it opened its doors and demonstrated that it had the physical, governance and educational infrastructure investors flooded in.

The West must help with a shift of aid from budget support, numerous studies on basic issues and “political” projects to support for infrastructure projects and apply tax policies to encourage companies to invest in infrastructure projects. Support in the form of capital and encouragement must be given to regional trade and investment initiatives. China must move away from doing everything in building infrastructure projects to getting locals involved at all levels. It must encourage its companies to take stakes in such projects and not just pack up and go after completion.

Investment in the continent’s infrastructure is a win-win situation for all stakeholders. African countries can develop their resources to benefit their people and become more engaged in the commercial world. The West and China can minimize aid flows and benefit from commercial activities, with the dwindling of the world’s natural resources, there is much that the continent can offer.

Concluded • Rogers is principal consultant at Media and Event Management Oxford (MEMO). www.oxfordmemo.co.uk.

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Focus ‘Demolition of Sambisa forest will end Boko Haram’s reign’ The April 15 abduction of over 200 female secondary school students in Chibok, Bornu state, by the Boko Haram insurgents, has continued to attract mixed comments from various groups across the country. SAXONE AKHANEreports that while some have dismissed current government’s efforts to curb terrorism, others are insisting that the insurgents are receiving cooperation from high quarters HE recent abduction of over 200 female stuT dents of Government Secondary School, Chibouk, on the outskirts of Maiduguri, Bornu state by the Boko Haram insurgents, has continued to attract worldwide condemnation.

But northern elders are especially displeased with the way the military has so far tackled the crisis. They are also unhappy over the federal government’s attitude to the plight of the northeastern states, which they described as woeful.

The Area elders are perturbed that less than 72 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan’s meeting with state governors, Boko Haram agents carried out a massive bomb attack at Nyanja, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Besides, the altercation between the President and the Governor of Adamawa State, retired Admiral Murtala Nyako over the memo written by the latter, accusing the former of instigating genocide in the North through his “inaction,” has again opened another controversy. The elders are now insinuating that rather than take a decisive action against the insurgents, the federal government appears to be playing politics with people’s lives.

Also, northern delegates at the ongoing National Conference have described the resolution reached at the meeting between Jonathan and the governors as a “disappointment.”

For instance, immediately the resolution was issued, the Northern delegates under the umbrella of the Northern Delegates’ Forum (NDF) issued a statement, expressing surprise over the outcome of the meeting.

The Area delegates, through their spokesman, Mr. Anthony Sani stated: “the recent reports that Mr. President and state governors have resolved to come together in order to put an end to security challenges across the country, though heartening, have come to Nigerians and northern delegates as a surprise. A surprise in the sense that it took them so long to realize that the primary responsibility of government is to protect lives and property of the people they govern, and that it behooves on all levels of government to come together and ensure that the people live in peace and harmony among themselves.

“That explains why it is often said that matters of national and individual security should not be allowed ingress into the cockpit of partisan politics. All the same, it is better late than never.”

It was argued that since the President and governors have made their points on such an important issue of national security, which the Area leaders believe the government should have taken more seriously, there was nothing they could do than to support the resolution which they thought was belated.

“And that is why the Northern Delegates Forum is happy that Mr. President and state governors have resolved to bury their partisan differences in order to confront the security challenges with unity of purpose that comes with clear thought and strategy. It is hoped that this resolve will find expression through consciously directed efforts at putting an end to the killing of innocent Nigerians by insurgence, kidnapping, ethno-religious clashes and conflicts between herdsmen and farmers.”

Besides, Sani stated that “the Northern Delegates Forum is happy to read reports that the United States (U.S) and the United Kingdom (UK) have decided to lend Nigeria their helping hand in the spirited efforts to rescue the abducted secondary school girls.”

As a panacea to check Boko Haram’s activities in the north east, a legislator representing Chibouk constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Peter Biyo urged the Federal Government to immediately embark on a total demolition of the Sambisa forest, saying this would ultimately put an end to the insurgency and other terrorist acts in the geopolitical zone.

Biyo said that unless the order for the destruction of the forest by President Good luck Jonathan was urgently made, the Boko Haram insurgents

Jonathan

Nyako

would continue to have a base in the north east to terrorize and launch their deadly attacks against Nigerians.

According to him, the Sambisa forest, which used to harbour wild animals, was a den for the terrorists in his constituency, where the forest’s thickness and strong vegetation cover had made it difficult for the soldiers to track and deal with them. Besides, the lawmaker lamented over the plight of the missing Bornu schoolgirls, saying, “because of the condition these girls have found themselves, we and their parents are in a very difficult situation.”

Speaking in an interview with the Voice of America (VOA) Hausa service monitored in Kaduna last Tuesday, the lawmaker argued that 43 among the girls were able to run away from the terrorists, stressing, “only God knows what has happened to others in captivity”.

He continued: “Truly, these people (terrorists), if there is a cult, I will categorize these people as cultists. This is because it is not a religious organization. It is not an organization to help mankind.

It is just a terrorist organization to cause mayhem.

“Which Prophet’s sunna do they want to nurture? The prophet (SAW) did not order Muslims to kill, so, which prophet told them to kill human beings? To be chanting Allahu Akbar while killing fellow human beings; you slaughter people, collect their blood and sing Allahu Akbar, is that a religious organization? I don’t think there is any religious organization, whether Islam or Christianity that I know, which supports that.

“In the current situation, many Muslims were killed, many Christians were also killed. I can count some prominent ones: there was the District Head, Ali Pulka, a Christian. There was another District Head, Takomare, a Muslim. There was the younger sister to the Emir of my town, Idrissa Timta, she was Muslim; they killed her. This is just a few among thousands. I’m not trying to pass judgment, just telling you that Islam does not support killing.”

While lamenting the activities of the terrorists in Sambisa forest, the legislator said that unless the Federal Government takes a bold step to destroy the forest, the fight against insurgency may continue to rage in the area.

He explained: “Sambisa forest is in my ward, my constituency, where I was born. Sambisa is about 60 km long and 60 km wide. If you are in the forest, you can only see the next person by your side if you have a torchlight. If not, you can’t see anything. It is a thick forest, with heavy trees, wild animals like lions, elephants and all kinds of other animals. But when these bombings and sporadic shootings started, the animals ran away to some other places.

“The desert does not reach Southern Borno and this place (Sambisa) is in Southern Borno.

The arid zone is from Maiduguri, stretching to Northern Borno. But there is no desert encroachment in Southern Borno because there are rocks and vegetation covering everywhere. People can comfortably hide in the Sambisa forest, if not, the soldiers would have fished them out. My advice is that the trees in Sambisa forest must be destroyed. If the gov-

Sambisa forest is in my ward, my constituency, where I was born.

Sambisa is about 60 km long and 60 km wide. If you are in the forest, you can only see the next person by your side if you have a torchlight. If not, you can’t see anything. It is a thick forest, with heavy trees, wild animals like lions, elephants and all kinds of other animals. But when these bombings and sporadic shootings started, the animals ran away to some other places. Unless the Federal Government takes a bold step to destroy the forest, the fight against insurgency may continue to rage in the area. My advice is that the trees in Sambisa forest must be destroyed. If the government can do that, the problem of insurgency will end

ernment can do that, the problem of insurgency will end.”

However, some prominent northerners also believe that lack of proper coordination and deliberate acts of sabotage have been responsible for the government’s inability to put an end to the crisis in the north.

Specifically, following the latest bomb blast in Abuja, the ACF alleged that the activities of Boko Haram insurgents were being boosted by the inability of the military to rise to the occasion, while urging the government to overhaul the armed forces in order to bring an end to the menace.

While accusing the military of habouring fifth columnist within its ranks and file, the ACF urged the government to carry out an in-house search of its security apparatus and put in place measures that would boost the morale of the troops deployed to fight the insurgents and instill confidence in the people.

A communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting, held at the weekend and signed by its National Secretary, Colonel John Paul Ubah (rtd) reads in part: “Government should make concerted efforts to secure the release of the abducted female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state that were abducted by persons suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents since the 14th April, 2014.

“The military authorities should, as a matter of urgent duty, keep the nation abreast of efforts being made to rescue the kidnapped students in order to reduce the fears and concern of parents, relations and the entire citizenry.

“The security agencies should also open themselves to the intelligence being provided by the community on the alleged movement of the abducted students across our borders and seek support and cooperation of our neigbours to track down the abductors and their victims.

“It is strongly believed that without the support and cooperation from within the military and security circles, the insurgents would not have been succeeding so easily in their dastardly acts.

ACF notes the concern of all Nigerians on this unfortunate incident of the abduction of Chibok female students and commends the various women’s organisation that trooped out in Maiduguri, Abuja and Kaduna and other places to express their anger and displeasure over the abduction of schoolgirls.

“The ACF urges the Federal Government to do an in-house search of its security apparatus and put in place, measures that will boost the morale of the troops and inspire confidence of the people in the government.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, after the recent security council meeting presided over by Jonathan said: “Extensive and intensive aerial surveillance by the Air Force has been carried out over all the routes leading into and out of Chibok, up to Chad and Cameroun borders. Other parts of Borno and Adamawa states are also under the searchlight.

“Every information relayed to security agencies has so far been investigated, including the search of all places suspected as a possible hideaway of kidnapped girls. The police, backed up by the military and DSS, have combed and are still combing all reported places that the girls might have been taken to.”

In addition, the Defence Headquarters has also dismissed comments by critics on the ongoing military operation to rid the nation of terrorism.

Defence Spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade said: “along side with the search for the girls, the military is currently committed 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.”

He added: “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.”

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Thursday, May 8, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TheMetroSection Residents mourn as bulldozer roars • Protest in Makurdi as Nigerian Air Force demolishes houses in Akpen village From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi.

HERE was palpable tension yesterday among residents of Akpen village on Kilometre 6, Gboko Road in Makurdi, Benue State, as the people woke up to watch helplessly as the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) bulldozer roared and their buildings demolished.

Irked by the action of the Air Force, the youths of the community blocked the highway with bonfire in protest of the demolition, thereby causing heavy traffic jam for some hours.

All vehicles that traversed the route were compelled to carry leaves as a sign of solidarity with the protesters.

Some of the protesters were seen chanting songs in Tiv, telling the Air Force personnel drafted to the scene to keep watch “to go and save the abducted girls at Chibok and allow peace to reign in Benue.”

But The Guardian’s investigation revealed that the demolition came up many months after the affected buildings were marked by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) because the “settlers had encroached on its land.”

The Guardian who visited the scene saw some of the residents, among them men, women and children, weeping openly while the roaring bulldozer continued to work, as the stern-looking armed Air Force personnel watched against any misbehavior.

A visibly angry landlord, who gave his name as Gunji Ephraim, alleged that the residents had taken the case to court, but the Nigerian Air Force recently ‘deceived’ them to withdraw it from court to pave the way for amicable out- of- court -settlement, only to come and demolish their homes without giving them any notice or further discussion on the matter.

But the tactical Air Command’s Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, prior to the

Worship Experience at Trinity House on Friday OJI Alawiye takes WorM ship Experience Live to Lagos Island.

In her words: ‘The purpose of life is worship, accepting thefacy is wisdom, to deny it is weird, have a bliss of Heaven, this Friday, May 9, at 10.00p.m. at Trinity House, Water Corporation Way, off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

For enquiries, call 08033338227 or log in to www.worshipexperiencelive.c om or www.pmaworld.org.

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Ogunmosin for burial UNERAL rites for Chief Samuel Adedeji OgunFmosin of Okola Street, Odo-

The bulldozer at work demolition, told journalists that “NAF owns about 4,835 hectares of the land, which was duly approved by the Federal Government, and further lamented that over the years, NAF had observed with dismay, the encroachment on its land by unscrupulous individuals.

Famuyiwa further intimated that the two communities of Ugondo and Akpen, which initially instituted court actions against NAF and the state government, later resolved to withdraw

the case to enable them settle out of court.

“The legal process gave rise to a court injunction restricting further developments on the land. While the injunction might not be said to hold any longer, given that the cases had been withdrawn from the court, it is sad to note that fresh developments had since begun on land,” the CPRO explained.

Famuyiwa said NAF had decided to pull down the emerging new structures in order to maintain the status

Igbo group in Lagos to honour Peter Obi, Nnaji others

By Odita Sunday OR displaying exemplary leadership, Igbo people in Lagos have decided to honour former governor Peter Obi and other prominent sons and daughters of Igbo extraction.

Other distinguished persons penciled to be honoured in a grand occasion which would hold at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island on May 10, 2014 are former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Retired), former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah and former Executive Secretary of Petroleum and Pipeline Products Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), Mr. Reginald Stanley.

Others are former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, former Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Chima Ibeneche and former Managing Partner of Price Water House West Africa, Mr. Ken Igbokwe.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos on the proposed Meritorious Award and Grand Reception, the President General of Ndigbo in Lagos, Professor Anya Anya said their kinsmen were chosen to be honoured having effected positive changes during their tenure in office.

“I am glad to welcome you all to this Secretariat of Ndigbo Lagos. As you may all be aware, Ndigbo Lagos is the apex body of all Ndigbo Cultural Organizations in Lagos. We are here today to exchange views and draw particular attention to the special day of honour for deserving sons and daughter of AniIgbo (Igbo Land) who recently left office after distinguishing themselves in the service of our fatherland. We have in decades past witnessed many Nigerian men and women who left office without leveraging opportunities of their

F

Briefs

positions to positively impact on the nation and communities they served.”

“Former Governor Peter Obi, not only brought the discipline and prudence of Corporate Governance into public service but, through the simplicity of his lifestyle, removed the pernicious ogre of domineering arrogance which others in such positions have been identified with over these years,” he said.

According to Professor Anya: “General Azubuike Ihejirika and Admiral Dele Ezeoba are proud officers and gentlemen who, even as they respectively commanded the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy over the last few years, brought humility, loyalty and dignity to the service of their fatherland. Princess Stella is a unique example of a visionary, organizer and implementer of the first order. We Ndigbo can state without equivocation that her impact on the Nigerian Aviation industry in such a short period is without equal in the annals of the industry. She not only created a well-defined strategic direction for the industry but also historically opened the South East to world aviation.”

“Professor Bath Nnaji was not only the trailblazer in appreciating the lead role of the private sector in Power development in Nigeria.

As the founder of Geometric Power Company and former Federal Minister of Power, Professor Nnaji, more than any other person, has redefined the industry.”

“Mr. Reginald Chike Stanley in his role as the Executive Secretary of PPPRA brought integrity, due process and managerial panache to the sensitive downstream of the Petroleum industry. Industry peers while Reginald Ihejiahi and Stanley Igbokwe’s tenures as chief executives of Fidelity Bank celebrated Chima Ibeneche’s stint as the Chief Executive of NLNG as outstanding and Price Waterhouse Coopers respectivelywere highly acclaimed.”

quo because it could no longer tolerate this “irresponsible act by a few selfish individuals who have continued to exhibit outright disregard for the law.”

It would be recalled that sometime in October 2013, the crises between residents of the community and Air Force authorities attracted the visit of the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, Chief Clement Archibong Edet to the disputed area, who confirmed that the

Two brothers docked for allegedly stealing fufu, soup and meat

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WO brothers, Mufutau Amusa, 35, and Kareem Amusa, 40, were yesterday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iseyin, Oyo State, for allegedly stealing wraps of fufu, soup and meat, according to the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN).

The prosecutor, Friday Sule, told the court that the offence was committed on April 2, at about 3.30 a.m. in Oja Agbe area of Iseyin.

He said that the accused, of no fixed address, stole 34 wraps of fufu, 35 wraps of eba, soup with cow meat, as well as cooked and fresh portions of grass-cutter.

Sule, who estimated the value of the fufu and eba at N1,700 and N1,750 respectively, said the cow soup was worth N4,000, while the cooked and uncooked portions of grass-cutter were valued at N18,000. ``The food vendor had just finished cooking to serve her customers in the morning when these brothers broke and entered her shop. ``They ate as much as their stomach could take, and parked all the fufu, eba, and soup of grass-cutter and escaped through the window. ``The police acted on a tip-off and we were able to apprehend them later that day. They were caught with all the stolen items in their hideout, eating and making calls to their friends,’’ he said.

The prosecutor said that the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 519, 413 (1), 383 and 290 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. 11 Laws of Oyo State.

Responding, the accused persons, who were not represented by a counsel, pleaded guilty to the three-count charge of stealing, breaking and entry and felony.

They, however, appealed to the court to be compassionate with them, saying, ``we were so hungry and if we had asked her to sell to us on credit, she would decline. ``The disgrace and embarrassment we have received since our arrest have really humiliated us, and I promise that we will never go back to such act again,’’ Mufutau said.

Chief Magistrate Abiola Richard said she was impressed that the accused persons did not waste the time of the court.

She adjourned taking of facts on the matter and sentencing to May 22, and remanded the accused persons in Oyo Town Prison.

Aiyedun Ekiti, Ikole Local Council of Ekiti State who died on August 21, 2013, begin on Friday, May 16, 2014 with Christian wake at his residence, D14, Okola Street, OdoAyedun Ekiti at 5.00pm.

Funeral, outing and thanksgiving service follow on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Methodist Cathedral of His Glory, Odo Ayedun Ekiti, Ekiti State at 10.00a.m. Reception of guests follows at Methodist Primary School, Odo Ayedun Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He is survived by Mrs Yemisi Falua; Mrs. Yinka Adedeji; Chief Olumide Ogunmosin; Dr. Ekundayo Ogunmosin; Mrs. Olub others.

Ogunmosin

Nnanwobu, 76, for burial HE death has occurred of T Mrs. Cecilia Onyedikachukwu Nnanwobu of Umezede Village in Achalla, Anambra State at the age of 76.

According to a statement by Mr. Paul Nnanwobu on behalf of the family, there will a Christian wake today at Nnanwobu’s compound, Umezede, Achalla, Anambra State followed by Requiem Mass tomorrow at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Achalla, Anambra State. Interment follows immediately after.

Until her death, she was a devout Christian.

She is survived by many children and grand children among whom is Mr. Paul Nnanwobu, the Chief Executive Officer of Random Dynamic Resources.

Nnanwobu

Thursday, May 8, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

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Trader, 26, bags 12 strokes for stealing shoes • 14 hawkers to spend two weeks in prison for disobeying police order been administered, Kusherki advised him to ask for forgiveness from God, his Creator, for Dauda Ibrahim to 12 strokes of stealing at a mosque. the cane for stealing two pairs Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Iliya Maji had told the court of shoes at a mosque.

Ibrahim, who lives at Angwan that Ibrahim stole two pairs of Dodo in Gwagwalada area of shoes at the New Zango Centhe Federal Capital Territory, tral Mosque on May 3 during a prayer session. was arraigned for theft.

Maji said the shoes, which beThe judge, Alhaji Alhassan longed to Salidu Mohammed Kusherki, who handed and Abdulumu Yahaya down the verdict, said the were valued at N5,000 and N3, court had no option than to sentence Ibrahim since he 000 respectively.

He said the case was reported had pleaded guilty.

Kusherki also sentenced the at the Police Area Command in shoe thief to six months impris- Gwagwalada by one Muhammed Attahir of the Fedonment, but with an eral Radio Corporation of Nigeoption of N30, 000 fine.

The News Agency of Nigeria re- ria (FRCN). ports that after the strokes had The prosecutor said the ofN Upper Area Court in A Gwagwalada, FCT, has sentenced a 26-year-old trader,

Senior Magistrate Zubairu Mohammed convicted the accused, all of no fixed address, after they pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of joint act and disobeying order.

Each of them pleaded for the mercy. ``The accused are, hereby, sentenced to two weeks in prison each with an option of N1,000 fine.’’ fence contravened the proviwin Suswan, Stephen Monday, Mohammed said they had to be punished to serve as a deterrent sions of Section 287 of the Davidson Uche, Samuel Elah, to others who might likely comPenal Code.

Ameobi Kalu and Collins mit similar offence.

In another development, an Ogheleye. ``I put into consideration the Abuja Senior Magistrate’s The others are Chinwechi plea of the convicts, they admitCourt in Life Camp also senChukwu, Asohera Uzoma, ted committing the offence and tenced 14 hawkers to two Thomas Bonfert, Joshua Aridid not waste the time of the weeks in prison each for disfuzo, Chibike Odenigbo, court.’’ obeying police order.

Usman Mohammed and The advised them to be lawThey are Ifeanyi Kingsley, God- Hamisu Mohammed.

After the strokes had been administered, Kusherki advised him to ask for forgiveness from God, his Creator, for stealing at a mosque...Maji said the shoes, which belonged to Salidu Mohammed and Abdulumu Yahaya were valued at N5,000 and N3, 000 respectively.

abiding citizens.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Salihu Mohammed, told the court that a team of police detectives, led by Supol Joseph Alobo from the Police Division in Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, arrested them on April 24.

Mohammed said they were arrested for obstructing members of the public’s access to Setraco Junction, along Kubwa Expressway, Abuja He said that the Divisional Police Officer at Gwarinpa Police Station gave several notifications and warnings to hawkers to vacate the location.

The prosecutor said the accused disobeyed the officer’s orders.

Majekodunmi Foundation donates to Island Maternity Hospital

By Wole Oyebade

lived last weekend as his Foundation reached out to the health community through the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.

Island Maternity was recipient of N3.5 million worth of Kwl Storz Endoscopy machine, courtesy of the Dr Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation (MAMF).

It was a donation that again underscores the late renowned medical practitioner’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery across-the-board and service to the world he left behind about two years ago.

The choice of Island Maternity was symbolic for the foundation. Besides its proximity of standing almost side-by-side with St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, a high-class private facility founded by Dr Majekodunmi in 1968, the maternity hospital is also a brainchild of Dr Majeko-

dunmi way back in 1960.

It would be recalled that Dr Majekodunmi was Minister of Health between 1960-1966, during which he built Health Care Centres – one of them, Lagos Island Maternity – in all 11 wards of the then Federal Territory of Lagos.

Leading other heirs and members of the foundation to Lagos Island Maternity, Chairman of the Foundation, Femi Majekodunmi, said it was not sheer coincidence St. Nicholas and Island Maternity shared such proximity, adding that the same speaks for Majekodunmi’s children to continue in his tradition of giving to humanity and the hospital.

Majekodunmi commended the “remarkable improvement” in the hospital, adding though that a lot more still need to be done.

He said the foundation was giving the endoscopy unit as the beginning of greater support the foundation would be giving to Island Maternity.

Director of Clinical Services and Training at the facility, Dr

Two killed in cult clash in Delta

Lions Club organizes family funfair

OND memories of Dr Fdunmi Moses Adekoyejo Majeko(1916-2012) were re-

From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba VIOLENT cult war at Ogwashi Uku, Aniocha South Local Council of Delta State and the home- town of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of Education has resulted in the death of two suspected cultists.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Celestina Kalu, said yesterday in Asaba that the bloody clash, which occurred last Friday May 2, between two rival cult groups resulted in the death Mr. Tony Njortie and Umemezie Emmanuel both 25 years at Agidieshe quarters of the town.

Mrs. Kalu said that the police have not yet made any arrest but disclosed that security operatives moved to the scene of the shooting immediately the shooting stopped only for the suspected cultists to escape when they sighted them.

The Delta Police spokeswoman said that one locally made pistol, shot gun, a battle axe, three expended and one unexpended cartridges and different mobile phones were left behind by the fleeing hoodlums.

She said that the police was hot on the trail of the killers and will be made to face the full wrath of the law when ar-

A

By Isaac Taiwo

N line with the directive of IAssociation the President, International of Lions Clubs, Barry Palmer that Lions Clubs should bring together members of their families to intimate them of their humanitarian roles in their respective clubs and make merriments, Ikeja Viva L’amour Lion Club, District 404B, Nigeria, organized a Family Funfair at Central Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos that brought together their family members, including their children.

Olufemi Omololu explained that the gadget would indeed revolutionalise gynaecological services in the hospital.

He said the device would help specialists carry out detailed examination of a womb or the entire anatomy without wide openings on patients.

“It is a welcome development in our hospital,” he said, adding, “even womb diseases can be treated with ease of operating procedure.

We are very grateful.”

Medical Director of the hospital, Donald Imosemi earlier said Island Maternity recognized the legendary role Dr Majekodunmi played in laying the foundation of healthcare in Nigeria, adding that one of its three theatres had been named in his honour.

He said: “Your coming here today shows we are not mistaken and a response to our call for private bodies to support our dream of a rejuvenated hospital,” Imosemi said.

The director noted that the state government has shown

Declaring the event open, the incoming District Governor, District 404B, Nigeria, Alhaji Abdu Ganiyu Adedeji, who represented the District Governor, Bolagade Adebisi described the event as one of the ‘identities’ of Lions Club.

“We are expected to be familyfriendly and this is demonstrated by bringing our family members together, know ourselves and enjoy ourselves with a view to encouraging new members to join us.

“We also try as much as possible to give orientation to our members not to hide under

Chairman, Dr. Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation (MAMF), Femi Majekodunmi (right); Chairman Lagos Island Maternity Hospital Board, Dr Abiola Balogun; MAMF member, Olanrewaju Aduke Salvage; Medical Director, St. Nicholas Hospital, Dr Dapo Majekodunmi and his counterpart at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Donald Imosemi during the presentation of Endoscopy unit to Island Maternity Hospital at the weekend.

commitment in improving the status of the foremost referral centre on Lagos Island, providing equipment and

club membership and neglect their duties in the family.

We also have our eyes on our children as we get along in club’s activities to ensure they do not become street boys and street girls and that they eventually become successful in life in accordance with our dreams,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Club, Gertrude Akhimien, said that organizing the fun fair was in tandem with the president’s directive in America that family members of the club should be brought together

President of the Club, Gertrude Akhimien (eighth left), in-coming District Govenor, Alhaji Abdu Ganiyu Adedeji and Chairperson for the event, Scholastica Onyeyiri (left) other club members, parents and children at the event.

PHOTO: ISAAC TAIWO

uninterrupted power supply, but government cannot do it alone.

He further said that the up-

and be enlightened on humanitarian engagement of club members.

“This fun fair is organized for our family members to know what we do as we attend club meetings and why we dedicate ourselves to helping the poor. This is to encourage them and especially, orientate and impact on children the act of being human and helping the needy.

“Our children are on holidays and we believe we can spare this time to have fun together, more-so as we have realized that many parents do not have time for their children” she said.

Akhimien however emphasized that parents have much to do in raising up their children while the government also has its own part to play by creating enabling environment like good schools and those public utilities that can help in raising up quality children.

“Parents should know that nobody could effectively mould their children to their taste and that teachers can only correct the children but cannot effectively monitor them.

“It is also important for parents to always liaise with teachers to know how their children are behaving in the

grade comes with service delivery gaps, which the private sector and well-meaning individuals could still fill.

school.

She advised the youths to protect their family names and also allow the love of their country to be paramount in their mind while parents should give their children good up bringing.

The Chairperson for the occasion, Scholastica Onyeyiri, described the event as the best atmosphere to relax, enjoy and intimate families what members of the Lions club do.

“We have chosen this day to avoid connivance with Easter celebrations and I can tell you that we have been having family appreciation, an atmosphere we brought families together, but we have never had it this way,” she said.

A mother and the Secretary of the Club, Dorothy Odu, said that there was nothing like families coming together to know one another, relate with one another and their children playing together. She gave kudos to the organizers adding that the joy derived in the fellowship could not be quantified.

One of the children at the event, 11- year-old JSS2 student of Avicina School, Emmanuel Akhimien, described the event as interesting, adding that it allowed children to know one another and have funs.

20 Thursday, May 8, 2014

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THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

BUSINESS Thursday, May 8, 2014

Business China’s Alibaba files for landmark IPO LIBABA, arguably the A world’s biggest e-commerce company, filed

Consul General of France in Nigeria, Francois Sastourne (left); Country President, Schneider Electric, Marcel Hochet; Chairman, Mikano International Limited, Mofid Karamah; and Managing Director, Christian Farine, during a business partnership meeting between Mikano and Schneider, in Lagos, yesterday

Nigeria’s bilateral trade volume with China hits $30.65 From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja HE volume of economic T activities between Nigeria and China has grown to $30.65 billion.

This development was disclosed yesterday in Abuja by the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang during a joint press conference with President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Chinese leader is leading a strong government and business delegations to the 24th World Economic Forum for Africa (WEFA), which opened in Abuja yesterday.

The two leaders, according to joint communique at the end of the more than two-hour meeting, had indepth exchange of views on ChinaNigeria relations as well as other issues of common interests.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Chinese Premier alluded to the visit to China last year by President Jonathan, where several agreements and memoranda of understandings were entered into to boost the existing economic and trade relations between the two countries and hoped that the latest visit was an added fillip to what was agreed upon from that visit.

He said following the visit by Jonathan and the consequent agreements entered into between Nigeria and China, the volume of economic activities between the two countries took a quantum leap as it rose to $30. 65 billion last year, and hoped that the current invest-

World Econmic Forum ment opportunities being provided by Nigerian government.

Jonathan, in his briefing, said his discussions with Premier Li centred on several bilateral issues common to both countries. “In the course of which we examined issues of common interest to our countries.

We examined issues of common interest to our countries.

We reviewed in particular, our economic, trade, political and cultural relations.

“We are satisfied with the achievements recorded in those fields. We also agreed that the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between our two countries coming up in 2015 should be marked to further deepen our relations.

“We undertook to maintain the momentum of exchanges of visits at all levels, including between governments, political parties and legislatures in order to promote mutual understanding and trust.

“I reiterate Nigeria’s commitment it the one-China policy while the Premier expressed firm support for our efforts to safeguard our national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity as well as promoting economic development.

“We agreed to encourage our bastions, companies to further deepen cooperation in infrastructure development especially the railways, power plants and airports.

We also agreed that the eco-

nomic cooperation zones established by the Chinese enterprise in Nigeria have achieved tangible progress and that those enterprises should be encouraged to invest in various fields of the Nigerian economy.

“We further expressed support for the financial institutions of the two countries for cooperation in on-lending to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.

We also undertook that the central Banks of the two Countries should promote local currency settlements to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

“At the end of our discussions, our Ministers signed a number of bilateral cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding, among them is the bilateral air services agreement which will definitely promote greater people to people contact and also enhance bilateral trade and commerce.”

Corroborating the President, the Chinese Premier noted that the two countries had enjoyed robust economic and trade relations and pledged that his visits was aimed at elevating the current status of existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

paperwork on Tuesday that sets the stage for what could be the biggest initial public offering in U.S. history.

The Chinese tech behemoth filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission to raise $1 billion, but that figure is seen as just a placeholder.

Analysts have said it could haul in more than the $16 billion Facebook raised in 2012.

Alibaba did not say which exchange it plans to list its shares on. Both Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange are competing for the plum assignment.

The filing on Tuesday also did not reveal what stock symbol Alibaba plans to use.

Alibaba is often described as a mix of eBay (EBAY, Fortune 500), Amazon.com (AMZN, Fortune 500) and Google (GOOG, Fortune 500). It’s so huge that it dwarfs Amazon and eBay, although few outside of China are familiar with the company — or its many subsidiaries.

The company has strong U.S. ties. Yahoo (YHOO, Fortune 500)owns a 24 per cent stake in Alibaba and will profit nicely after the IPO is complete.

The Alibaba IPO filing follows the debut of Weibo (WB), dubbed “Chinese Twitter,” which raised $286 million in April.

Alibaba’s decision to list in New York was a blow to Hong Kong, which objected to the company’s governance structure that will give a group of insiders the exclusive ability to name a majority of the board members.

While Alibaba is little known by Americans, it dominates the e-commerce market in the world’s second biggest economy. The company’s Taobao service has 800 million product listings from 7 million sellers.

The filing shows Alibaba earned net income of about $1.4 billion last year on $5.6 billion in revenue.

Chinese commerce revenue stood at $4.7 billion, compared with just $669 million in international sales.

In a testament to its size and scale, the company handled more than 11 billion orders last year from 231 million active buyers.

In the risk factors of its filing, Alibaba noted anything that severely damaged the “trusted status of our ecosystem” would harm the brand — and its revenue and profitability.

The company also warned it may not be able to maintain and improve the its marketplaces.

Alibaba has shelled out billions of dollars to acquire other companies recently, including $1.2 billion last week to purchase an 18.5% stake in China’s Youku Tudou, an online video company similar to YouTube and Netflix.

Alibaba was founded in 1999 by Jack Ma, the billionaire charismatic leader who currently serves as executive chairman.

Ma has said he was turned down for a number of jobs before starting Alibaba, including as a manager at a Kentucky Fried Chicken store. Ma, who owns 8.9 per cent of Alibaba’s ordinary shares, recently set up two charitable trusts funded by share options of the company.

Dealers fault import duty concession for tyre manufacturers

By David Ogah S local and foreign investors continued to key into the new automotive policy, which seeks to encourage emergence of vehicle manufacturing plants in Nigeria, tyre marketers have opposed the five per cent import duty concession on tyres imported by local manufacturers.

Under the aegis of Association of Nigeria Tyre Marketers, they said such privilege accorded tyre manufacturers could create a monopoly in the tyre business within the country.

The President of the Association, Alhaji Issa Akanbi Mohammed and other key executive members of the group in a protest letter to President Goodluck Jonathan

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on behalf of tyre dealers in Nigeria few days ago, said at present, there is no company producing tyres in the country as all of them had since relocated to neighbouring countries.

According to them, ‘‘the privilege status of importation at a concessionary duty rate of five per cent will only encourage extreme monopoly to nonexisting local manufacturers to the disadvantage of other stakeholders in the tyre value chain. This privileged status will also encourage massive importation by the privilege few that are close to the government under the pretence that they operate tyre manufacturing plant that do not exist.”

According to the tyre dealers, government should revive the tyre manufacturing sector by

imposing zero VAT and duty on the importation of key components for the production of tyres, especially machineries and other equipment as globally adopted for the growth of the industry.

They also urged the government to implement energy efficiency measure and modernization of technological equipment at the site of tyre production, develop programme aimed at the expansion of rubber plantation.

This, they said, should include advancement of subsidy to growers, improvement of quality, financial assistance for replanting and the creations of plantations in the country.

They also emphasized the need for a pilot programme to encourage good companies

involved in the tyre value chain to work together for the development of the sub-sector.”

The Federal Ministry of Finance had in February issued a circular informing the comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service of a revised fiscal policy for automotive industry saying henceforth, local tyre manufacturing plant ‘‘are to import tyres at five per cent duty” in numbers equal to twice their production for two years from production date.

According to the circular signed by Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, other tyre importers will be made to pay 20 per cent duty and five per

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Thursday, May 8, 2014

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Mobile payment solutions to heat up TSM’s market revenues reward, access, transit and other cards on mobile HE global market for devices. TSM SP will account Trusted Service for 81.8 percent of the total Management (TSM) has not global TSM solutions in 2014. quite lived up to expecta"TSM is crucial for certain tions with the low level of NFC-using businesses, which Near Field Communication require a high level of securi(NFC) commercial deploy- ty due to the type of informaments in the transportation tion transferred during the sector. However the bank- execution of applications," ing and financial sectors are said Frost & Sullivan making up for this with the Information & launch of mobile payment C o m m u n i c a t i o n solutions that require the Technologies Global support of TSM platforms. Programme Director JeanThese verticals are expected Noel Georges. "Although to implement pilot and applications related to even concrete TSM projects music or games do not in 2014 and account for 80.1 require TSM for technical percent of the total number security, players in the of TSM projects by 2015. entertainment industry New survey from Frost and adopt these solutions to act Sullivan expected that mar- as business enablers and ket revenues to increase handle digital rights manfrom €166.2 million in 2014 agement for related applicato €326.5 million in 2015. t i o n s . " The study covers TSM for However, doubts surroundsecure elements (TSM SE), ing the actual profitability of which provides the trust TSM platforms with existing infrastructure required to pricing models are hampermanage the credentials in ing market development.

SE, and TSM for service Market participants should providers (TSM SP) that educate end users on the enables banks, merchants extensive benefits of TSM to and other service providers overcome this challenge. to instantly allow cus- Solutions such as hub TSM tomers to use their credit, appear as a promising debit, prepaid, loyalty, option. .

By Bankole Orimisan

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Past President; Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, Chris Uwaje (left); presenting the Pay-TV Operators of the year award to Public Relation Manager, StarTimes, Anetor Nehemiah Irete, during the Beacon of Information and Communication Technology Award Communication Week, in Lagos.

EU supports govt’s reforms with 20m Euros From Anthony Otaru, Abuja HE Federal government’s reforms drive in the public sector recently got a financial boost, with a grant of about 20 million Euros from the European

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• Signs an MOU with stakeholders Union (EU) to ensure its full implementation.

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, the supervising Minister of the National Planning Commission, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, said the funds are mainly to be used to build capacity for civil servants in line with the transformation agenda of the Federal government According to him, the programme started 3 years ago adding that; ‘’This is the second phase of the programme and it covers year 2012-2016, the National Planning Commission will provide support and direction for the programme, the steering committee will harmonize all the detyails of this programme as well

while the Bureau of Public Service Reforms will drive the process’’.

In his remarks, the Head of the Service of the Federation, Alhaji Buka Goni Aji said, ‘’ Government discovered that we need to build the capacity of our workforce to enable government deliver, the way forward is for the BPSR to look at our programmes on those that have worked and those that never worked, discard those that are not working which is also a challenge’’. ‘’From noe to 5years is what we are targeting, the two committees will monitor the implementation of the programme’’.

Earlier in an address, the Director-general, BPSR, Dr. Joe Abah promised that his

office would do all its best to ensure that government’s aims and objective of the programmes are achieved.

Abah assured the European Union that government was determined more than ever to build the necessary capacity for its worforce Responding, the Leader of the EU team, Ambassador Michel Arron stated that he was convinced that if well utilized, the fund will go a long way to turn around the capacity of the Nigerian civil service.

The benefiting agencies include; the Office of the head of Service of the Federation, the office of the Secretary to the Federal government, the Federal Inland Revenue Service ;[FIRS], National Bureau of Statistics [NBS], the Bureau of Public Service Reforms [BPSR], among others,

‘Nigeria’s power sector to grow yearly by nine per cent’

By Roseline Okere USINESS Monitor International (BMI) in its second quarter Nigeria Power Report 2014, expects nine per cent yearly average growth in electricity generation till.

According to the international watchdog, with the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), all but completed, attention is now turning to the auctioning of 10 gas-fired power plants under the NIPP strategy.

The report which was released yesterday, noted that there are certainly considerable downside risks to its forecasts, as highlighted by concerns about the condition of infrastructure and the fact that the launch of a transitional electricity market (TEM) has been delayed due to disputes over tariffs and gas supply shortages.

It stated: “We believe a failure to secure adequate gas feedstock remains the biggest risk to Nigeria’s efforts to ramp up power generation capacity, which is needed to meet pent-up demand.

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The report which was released yesterday, noted that there are certainly considerable downside risks to its forecasts, as highlighted by concerns about the condition of infrastructure and the fact that the launch of a transitional electricity market (TEM) has been delayed due to disputes over tariffs and gas supply shortages.

“In a move that indicates Nigeria’s power sector could be on the verge of realising some of its considerable potential, PHCN ceased to exist in late 2013 after the federal government handed ownership of successor companies to the private sector”.

The report hinted that investment is needed to establish the generation capacity required to meet surging demand for electricity and support rapid economic growth.

“Nigeria possesses a host of attractive power sector specific and macroeconomic fundamentals that underpin our forecast, with huge untapped demand for electricity among the country’s 180mn people, and BMI’s Country Risk team forecasting average annual real GDP growth of close to seven between 2013 and 2014.

“Taking these factors into account, we have maintained our cautiously optimistic view of the Nigerian power sector and continue to forecast annual average growth in electricity generation of 9% over our forecast period to 2023”.

BMI experts most of the growth to be driven by gasfired generation capacity, with attention now focused on the sale of 80 per cent stakes in 10 gas-fired power plants that have been constructed under Nigeria’s National Integrated Power Plant (NIPP) strategy.

It said that the plants, which have a combined capacity of more than 5,000MW, will not only double Nigeria’s operational capacity, but are also pertinent examples of the opportunities which underpin outlook for the power sector.

Thursday, May 8, 2014 BUSINESS | 23

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‘Glo to complete nationwide network upgrade soon’

By Adeyemi Adepetun and Bankole Orimisan ELECOMMUNICATIONS T firm, Globacom, has said that its comprehensive nationwide network upgrade and expansion project, which commenced last year is now nearly completed.

Glo said that the network upgrades, which entails swapping of old components and modernization of existing network infrastructure is aimed at boosting its capacity, expands its bouquet of innovative services and significantly improve service quality.

The company's Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), Mohamed Jameel disclosed this at an interactive session with media practitioners in Lagos.

Jameel, who was accompanied by other top officials of the firm, including its Head of Operations, Bisi Koleosho, said that by the time the project is completed, Globacom would have completely swapped old components on the network across the nation with state-of-the-art network software and hardware.

In addition, the Globacom network, according to him, will have 90 per cent 3G coverage, which will make it possible for Glo data subscribers across the country to experience significant service enhancement. He added that the project should be completed by the second quarter of the year.

The national operator had embarked upon the network upgrade as part of its 10th anniversary celebration in August last year. It said then that the expansion project was to accommodate the mass movement of subscribers into the network. The sharp increase in subscriber figures, the company explained, led to the need to expand and densify areas of congestion.

The duo of Jameel and Koleosho claimed that subscribers are already enjoying improvement in service on the Glo network in various parts of the country, adding that the improvement will continue and manifest nationally by the time the project is completed.

Jameel said: "having played a prominent role in the first telecom revolution in the country, Globacom is now ready to lead Nigeria into the second revolution, which will be an explosive ICT broadband growth across Nigeria in the next three decades."

“Globacom will be the biggest player in the second telecommunication revolution in Nigeria. We are converting every cell site in Nigeria into broadband. We regret any inconvenience our subscribers might have experienced in the process of the unprecedented network upgrade and expansion. After rain comes sunshine. Nigerians will enjoy the massive transformation on the Glo network after the expansion and modernisation exercise”, Jameel.

Expatiating on the expansion and modernisation project, Koleosho said

already, the swapping of cell sites has been completed in Abuja, Oyo state, Osun State, Ogun State, Akwa Ibom state, Port Harcourt and several parts of Lagos including Lekki, Ikorodu, Agbara and Otta. The exercise is nearing completion in Surulere and Ikeja. He added that efforts have been intensified to cover the remaining parts of the country.

He disclosed that the project covers swapping, upgrade, and overhaul of network infrastructure, as well as building of new switches and construction of additional 4,000 km of optic fibre cable to complement the company’s existing fibre optic facility, which is among the most extensive private fibre networks in Africa.

He added that the compa-

ny’s existing 10,000km optic fibre network is also being expanded with IP MPLS and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network to provide capacity and route protection. It will also ensure constant (24/7) connectivity.

The project, according to Koleosho, also includes installation of new base stations and densification of existing ones, setting up of three new mini call centers across the country to take care of vast increase in subscriber figures and upgrade of the radio access network which will ensure that data customers enjoy unparalleled speed and reliability.

“Lagos is receiving special attention because of its

peculiar status.

Glo’s microwave network in the major commercial nerve centre is getting transformed into a full IP Network geared up to meet future data requirements of the rapidly expanding state”, he stated.

Koleoso said the three mini call centers are being built in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lekki, Lagos. Some of these, according to him, have been opened, while the others are ready for commissioning.

He added that the new call centres will lead to faster turnaround time and greater customer care experience for subscribers.

Leading telecoms equipment vendors, Alcatel Lucent, Huawei, ZTE and Ericsson, are the partners working on the Glo network upgrade.

Eugene Juwah, NCC boss

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BUSINESS Thursday, May 8, 2014 24

OECD cuts global growth outlook as developing economies falter DVANCED economies A will increasingly have to drive the recovery as formerly fast-growing developing economies falter, the OECD said on Tuesday, as it downgraded its outlook for growth.

The world economy is set to grow 3.4 percent this year before accelerating to 3.9 per cent next year, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said.

In its latest Economic Outlook, the OECD cut its estimate from 3.6 per cent the last time it took the temperature of global growth, in November.

"We are still not out of the woods yet, because what we are seeing is better numbers, but the downside risks are still there," OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria told Reuters Insider television. "Low growth is still there, very high unemployment numbers are still there."

In addition, emergingmarket economies such as China and Russia are becoming a drag on the global economy, though they should not derail the recovery that they had been driving until recent-

ly, Gurria said.

The OECD forecast that the U.S. economy, the world's biggest, would grow 2.6 per cent this year. That was down from its forecast of 2.9 per cent in November, after bad weather caused a rough start to the year.

Long a laggard in the global economy, the euro area was expected to grow 1.2 per cent this year, marginally better than the 1.0 percent the OECD had projected in November.

The improved outlook put the euro zone on par with Japan, which was also expected to grow 1.2 per cent this year. That was a downgrade from the previous forecast of 1.5 percent, after an increase in value-added tax.

Against that backdrop, the OECD encouraged the Bank of Japan not to let up on its unprecedented asset-purchase program, to help underpin what it called a virtuous cycle of rising prices, wages and corporate earnings.

However, it warned that Japan could not put off reining in its public finances, which the OECD said could cause a run-up

in long-term interest rates.

Among major advanced economies, strong growth was forecast for Britain, where growth was estimated at 3.2 per cent this year as household spending and business investment pick up.

That was an upgrade from 2.4 percent in November.

Outside of the 34-nation OECD, China's economy was seen growing 7.4 percent this year, down sharply from an earlier 8.2 per cent forecast, as a

building boom cools and lending conditions tighten.

Among the weakest emerging market, Russia's economy was forecast eking out growth of only 0.5 per cent. It will have to contend with quickly evaporating confidence and financial-market volatility caused by its stand-off with the West over Ukraine.

The OECD urged the European Central Bank to take action now to ward

off the threat of deflation, a pernicious downward spiral in prices which undermines consumer and business confidence.

It called on the ECB to cut its main interest rate to zero at least until the end of 2015 and recommended it also push its deposit rate into negative territory. That would mean the ECB would effectively charge risk-shy banks to park spare cash with it overnight.

The OECD said even more radical action may be

needed if euro zone inflation, which stood at 0.7 per cent in April, still did not return to the ECB's target of close to but less than two per cent. Such measures could include purchases of financial assets, similar to those by the Federal Reserve in the U.S. With the U.S. recovery more entrenched, the OECD recommended that the Federal Reserve wrap up its asset purchases this year and start raising interest rates next year.

Euro zone businesses off to bumper start in Q2 URO zone businesses mark that divides growth E had a solid start to the from contraction for 10 second quarter of the year months in a row. with activity picking up at its fastest pace in almost three years, surveys showed on Tuesday, suggesting a broad-based recovery is taking hold in the bloc.

While Germany continued to lead the upturn, businesses in Spain and Ireland grew at their fastest pace since before the financial crisis.

Survey compiler Markit said the Composite Purchasing Managers' Index pointed to secondquarter growth of 0.5 percent, which would be the strongest in three years.

The data will come as a relief to the European Central Bank, which has so far shrugged off calls for extra stimulus through another interest rate cut or outright asset purchases.

The ECB is expected to keep its key policy rates on hold when it meets next week, according to economists polled by Reuters, who also said euro zone inflation had fallen as far as it would go at 0.5 percent in March.

The Composite PMI, widely seen as a good gauge of growth, rose to 54.0 in April, as expected by economists, from March's 53.1.

It has held above the 50

Burgeoning new orders provided the boost, with the related sub-index rising to a 35-month high of 52.7 in April, while firms took on staff at the fastest pace since September 2011.

"The final PMI confirms ... the euro zone started the second quarter with the fastest growth seen for three years," said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit.

"The most exciting news is the strong upturns that are becoming apparent in Spain and Ireland, where the rates of growth rose to the fastest for seven and eight years respectively."

Price rises remained muted, although the survey showed a slight acceleration in input cost rises which, coupled with the accelerating recovery, may ease concerns about disinflation.

The index for the euro zone's vast service industry rose to a 34-month high of 53.1 in April from 52.2 in March thanks to a surge in new business to its highest since June 2011 and a slight rise in employment.

Services business activity in France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and Spain all grew together for the first time since May 2011.

European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi (left); Ireland's Finance Minister, Michael Noonan; and his Finnish counterpart, Jutta Urpilainen, at a Eurozone finance ministers meeting in Brussels,on Tuesday.

Long bond price rises as traders await Yellen HE 30-year bond and after hitting session highs Yellen was due to speak at Department auction on T other long-maturity U.S. earlier in the day on unex- congressional hearings on Tuesday of $29 billion of 3Treasuries rose on Tuesday pectedly strong U.S. pay- Wednesday and Thursday. in thin, meandering trade ahead of potentially market-moving congressional testimony by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

Traders were still puzzling over Friday's drop in 30-year yields to 10-month lows and were searching for signals about where the government debt market was headed, according to George Goncalves, U.S. rates strategist head at Nomura Securities.

"People are questioning what the market's next move will be. Volumes are low, and price moves are one or two basis points.

There's no conviction," Goncalves said.

U.S. 30-year bond yields fell on Friday to as low as 3.34 percent, their weakest level since June 19, 2013,

rolls growth in April.

On Tuesday, the 30-year's yield touched a low of 3.371 percent and in late afternoon trading was at 3.3805 percent, reflecting a price rise for the day of 17/32.

"Ukraine and the hunger for yield are driving the long end," said Patrick McCluskey, senior fixed income strategist at Wells Fargo Advisors. "Once the violence in Ukraine subsides, and it will, normal growth patterns will resume."

After small losses in earlier overseas trading, prices of 10-year notes were up 5/32 in New York, yielding 2.595 percent. On Friday, the issue yielded as little as 2.57 percent, a threemonth trough.

U.S. central bank leader

Though widely expected by analysts to maintain a dovish policy stance, she will be closely watched for hints on raising interest rates, which many forecasters see starting in 2015.

Prices of treasuries were little affected by a Treasury

Yellen

year bills, which was the first of three large deals set for this week. The deal's high yield was 0.928 percent.

A 10-year note auction for $24 billion is scheduled for Wednesday and a $16 billion auction of 30-year bonds is due today.

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Thursday, May 8, 2014 25

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Thursday, May 8, 2014

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Appointments SURE-P engages graduates for job relevance From Niyi Bello, Akure N order to further sharpen INigerian the skills of unemployed graduates and make them relevant in a competitive labour market, the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) through its Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS), has enlisted over five thousand graduates across the country for retraining and facilitation of employment.

The scheme, which aimed at reducing unemployment, rate among the youths and facilitates the process of maximum deployment of the country’s human resource towards socio-economic development is targeting 50,000 graduates across the nation.

According to the design of the scheme, enlisted graduates are attached to employers of labour for a one-year period during which they are paid stipends to garner

on-the-job experiences, receive trainings on other vocational and entrepreneurial engagements and get financial and other support assistances at the end of the programme to enable them stand on their own.

Currently, the scheme, which also aims at stimulating the private sector into assisting the unemployed into unleashing their creative ability on productive ventures, has enlisted five thousand, five hundred and

eighty-nine graduates across the nation.

Project Director of GIS, Peter Papka, while speaking at the commencement of the threeday orientation training for the 391 graduate interns drawn from the 18 local councils of Ondo State last week, said the aim of the scheme is to assist Nigerian youths have easy access to paid and self-employment opportunities to ease the social and economic burden of unemployment on the

Head Consumer Proposition Group, Diamond Bank, Olumide Akindele(left); Head Corporate Communication, Ayona Trimnell; Head Human Capital Management, Chidima Lawson; and Director Enterprise development Centre, PAN Africa University, Peter Bankole during the press conference of 4th edition of Building Entrepreneur today(BET4) Sponsored by Diamond Bank in Lagos.

PHOTO; SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Massive transformation in Osun belies available resources, says RATTAWU HE Radio, Television, T Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) has applauded the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his commendable performance in the past three and half years.

RATTAWU, which paid a courtesy visit to the governor, said despite the meagre resources accruable to the state from the federal allocation, Aregbesola is performing wonderfully in the state, according to their findings during the tour of the state by its members.

According to the President of the organisation, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the performance on ground in Osun is a clear testimony that Aregbesola is one of the best performing governors in Nigeria.

Bamgbose averred that for the governor to perform hugely in all sectors despite scarce resources testified to the fact that there is a financial wizard at the helms of affairs of government.

“Despite the fact that what is coming to Osun from Federal allocation is a peanut, we can see huge performance by Governor Aregbesola. This can only mean that there is a wizard directing the affairs of

government.

“With what we have seen so far in the state, we can conclude that if Aregbesola is not the best he is certainly among the best governors in the country.

“The governor is a man who knows what he is doing; plain at heart and one with clear vision,” Bamgbose said.

He noted that with the establishment of RLG-Adulawo Phone Company in Ilesha, Aregbesola’s government is not only concerned about the present generation but also taking care of generations

coming next.

According to the RATTAWU boss, what the government has also done in the health, road and education sectors changed the face of the state in all ramifications.

Bamgbose continued: “what you have done for education in Osun is wonderful. You have lifted the state to its highest pedestal.

“We are monitoring you. We are monitoring your performance. We are monitoring the transformation of Osogbo to a modern day capital and the state in general.

“We hope and pray that the people of Osun will support you and make sure you don’t leave the seat of government in a hurry so that you can complete this transformation you’ve embarked upon.”

In his response, the governor commended RATTAWU for its cooperation with the government, describing the organisation as the most glamorous union.

Aregbesola noted that all that his government is doing in terms of policies and programmes have been centred around the people.

MDAs get 30 buses to support union activities HE Federal Government demonstration of President the MDAs to facilitate union T has distributed 30-33 Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s activities and to ease staff seater buses to support desire to improve the quality movement in their respective union activities in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Alhaji Bukar Goni who handed the keys of the buses to the Permanent Secretaries of the various MDAs in tasked the unions to take adequate care of the vehicles.

In a statement signed by Mohaamed Manga, Media Officer in the HOS office said the event was a further

of life of the civil servants.

Aji who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary Common Services Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mr. Yemi Adelakun stated that the Federal Executive Council approved the purchase of 30 buses in December 2013 and 20 of the buses have already been delivered.

According to him, the buses were specifically allocated to

Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government.

The beneficial MDAs includes, - the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Education, Interior, Justice, Finance, Environment, Housing, Lands and Urban Development and Women Affairs.

country.

The Project Director who was represented at the event organised by Techgrade Consulting, an Abuja-based management consultancy firm, by Kefas Hosea, the Operations Officer of GIS, told Ondo participants who were divided into groups of fifty for easy facilitation in Akure that the idea behind the scheme is to rejuvenate the private sector of the economy to absorb people from the employment market.

According to him, “this administration recognizes the private sector as the major employer of labour but the sector requires certain minimum skills from graduates in order to employ them. GIS provides interns with the opportunity to acquire these skills in order to improve their employability.

“In fact, this is the first time in the history of our country that a Graduate Internship

Scheme has been placed on the priority agenda of the Federal Government to help address the challenges of graduate unemployment.”

He however put the blame of high rate of unemployment of graduates on the country’s “educational curricula in higher institutions as currently designed which does not provide for the development of the need for work place skills which accounts substantially for why a large number of graduates do not get employed.

“The thrust of the GIS therefore, is to partly address this problem by bridging the gap between school and labour market and provide the graduates with something to do and somewhere to go, while they continue their job search. In the long run however, it would be absolutely necessary to review higher educational curricula by introducing life and entrepreneurial skills so as to make graduates relevant to labour market.”

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APPOINTMENTS Thursday, May 8, 2014

Fayomi, Phillips join ME-A Resources as board advisers

Phillip E-A Resources, the M upstream oil and gas alternative investment bontique,

has announced the appointment of Mrs Olayinka Fayomi and Dr Olumide Phillips as advisers to its board.

Fayomi, an economist, holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, B.Cs. (Hons) in Economics and a Higher National Diploma in Business Computer Science. With over 28 years’ experience in various multinational development projects, she has promoted small and medium enterprises and also facilitated the export of commodities from Africa.

Yinka Fayomi is the publisher of the foremost authoritative investment journal, FIN Magazine, a strategic market for FDI published in the UK.

Fayomi The British Government appointed her Governor of Brent Council in london 2005.

Fayomi is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Economists, and is also known internationally for promoting Africa in the light of “Africa lions,” which has generated significant global debate. She has delivered several interviews to mainstream media outlets including the BBC and German Post. She is also a board member of the African Women’s University of Zimbabwe, and several other companies within and outside Africa. She was labelled as the “Most Dynamic Nigerian Female in Diaspora” by the Financial Standard Newspaper, and has served with numerous international organisations as

a volunteer; including America Red Cross and the Nigerian Economic Team in 2004.

With proven experience in mobilizing resources and managing capacity building initiatives, Fayomi has attended and organised over 20 international conferences and seminars where she has featured prominently, and has spoken widely on issues including cross border investment, youth, and female empowerment. She also runs the African Youth & Women Empowerment Network; an NGO dedicated to capacity building, entrepreneurship and empowerment of youth and women in Africa.

Fayomi is married to Ambassador Akin Fayomi and is blessed with four children.

Chief Executive Officer, MEA Resources, Habib Adam Phillips began his engineering career as an apprentice with BP Oil Nigeria for 20 months before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria September 1967 to study Mechanical Engineering.

Upon graduation, Dunlop Nigeria Ikeja recruited Phillips as a graduate engineer, where he served for six months before joining Gulf Oil Nigeria as a Petroleum Engineer in January 1971. In January 1973 Phillips attended Pennsylvania State University, USA in pursuit of Post Graduate studies in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering.

He obtained his Masters degree in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering in August 1974 and was the first recipient of a Dual Titled Ph.D. in both Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering and Operations Research in May 1976.

Phillips joined Eastern Hemisphere operations of Texaco Inc in New Orleans USA in July 1976 and worked on various secondary recovery gas and water injection projects in the Gulf Coast. He was later transferred to Texaco Overseas (Nigeria) Petroleum Company and became Head Reservoir Engineer in 1978. He led the team for the reclassification of Oil and Gas reserves and computer modelling of the reservoirs. Following this, he spent many months at the Texaco Germany and commercial reservoir simulators. He was appointed Assistant to Management in 1981 and had the main responsibility to review and update all the major contracts and develop strategic and tactical plans for the company. He moved to Warn in 1985 as the Divisional Manager with overall responsibilities for production, drilling operations, aviation and marine services, maintenance onshore and offshore and construction activities. He

returned to Texaco Inc USA for a one year executive stint where he was involved in Trading activities and Technical management.

Phillips returned to Nigeria in 1988 and became the first Nigerian General Manager of Operations at Texaco Inc. He had responsibilities for all engineering and field operations and commercial contracts. He was appointed as the first Assistant Managing Director (Operations) in 1991 and spent another one year in 2003 on Executive Programme in Texaco Inc and returned to become again, the first Assistant Managing Director (Assets Development and New Business). It was in this position that he was able to make large acquisitions of acreage for Texaco including the now famous largest oilfield reserves in Africa, at Agbami.

Phillips was appointed as the first and only Executive Vice Chairman in 1998; a position from which he retired in July 2001 exactly after serving Texaco for 25 consecutive years.

During this period at Texaco, Phillips worked extensively and wrote many technical papers and field study reports on reservoir characterisation, modelling and simulation, gas and water injection into oil reservoirs, multiphase flow in reservoirs and pipelines, field development and revitalization, deepwater program and development, subsurface completions, design and drilling horizontal wells, design and drilling multilateral wells and reservoir compositional simulation.

Phillips was visiting lecturer and external examiner at the departments of Petroleum Engineering of Universities of Ibadan and Benin. He was Chief Consultant to the Department of Petroleum Engineering at the University of lagos and Chairman of the University of lagos

Consultancy Services from 1998 to 2007. Phillips was elected National Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers for Nigeria in 1981.

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, and also holds the Fellowship of the prestigious Academy of Engineering.

Phillips is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Governors of Dowen College, lagos. He is also the Chairman of Dowen Services limited.

Promaco Associates ltd., Danning Petroleum Company. Skado Tech Nigeria limited, Principal Consultant DROOP Consultants and Vice President, lomiclnc-USA. The Head of West Africa at MEA Resourses, Toke Alex Ibru said: “I have known Mrs Fayomi and Dr Phillips for many years and have followed their business and professional careers with great interest and I am extremely pleased that they have agreed to lend their support and considerable experience to advice and help prepare ME-A for the many opportunities that lie ahead’’ ME-A Resources (ME-A) is an investment company that provides alternative financing for upstream oil & gas assets across the Middle East and Africa. Our prime focus is the financing of producing or near-producing assets.

ME-A has a live portfolio of attractive oil and gas assets across the Middle East and Africa, and is raising capital to develop, unlock, and extract value from these opportunities.

Our vision is to become the leading alternative funder for minor and marginal fields across the Middle East and Africa.

ME-A has developed an intelligent financing structure for its portfolio of oil & gas assets.

Airtel empowers youths with skill acquisition …trains Niger Delta youths on mobile phone repairs

IRTEl Nigeria, has taken A another huge step towards youth development

in Nigeria by creating an empowerment initiative aimed at providing the youths with practical knowledge in mobile phone repairs.

The Basic Mobile Phone Repair Module (BMPRM) offers a two-week certificate course, which equips partici-

pants with fundamental knowledge of mobile phone repairs.

The initiative, which is organised by Airtel Nigeria and facilitated by experts in phone repairs, is also designed to empower participants to become Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners.

The first session was held in Port Harcourt with 40 partic-

ipants and according to the Telco, the inaugural phase of the programme has been scheduled to cover another 100 youths drawn from Bayelsa, Edo and Delta States.

Upon completion of the training, the participants will be set up as APRP operators, Data and SIM selling outlets and SIM Swap agents among a host of other opportunities.

Thursday, May 8, 2014 APPOINTMENTS | 29

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RATTAWU trains media practitioners on promoting free, fair election From Itunu Ajayi, Abuja N furtherance to the determination of stakeholders in ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections in Nigeria come 2015, the Radio, Television Theatre and Art Workers Union of Nigeria RATTAWU has conducted a two- days sensitization workshop for journalists and stakeholders in the media According to the national president of the association, Yemisi Bamgbose, the workshop tagged “Promoting the role of broadcast professionals and practitioners in peaceful, free and fair elections’ is geared towards equipping journalists and other stakeholders on what the expectations of the country and its citizens are before, during and after the 2015 elections.

Bamgbose explained that gone are the days when the citizens of Nigeria are complacent and would leave everything that happens to them to fate. He said people are beginning to ask questions to demand for their rights and privileges and the media cannot afford to fail or disappoint the populace.

He added that the association picked journalists from both print and broadcast media base on the important role of agenda setting they play in the society.

His words, “ The workshop is meant to equip the media for the important role of informing and educating the people on the electioneering process so that the country can deliver an election that is credible at least to a reasonable extent.

Nigerians should be able to rely on whatever they hear on radio and television. A lot of irreparable errors had been committed in the past

I

and these errors had caused the nation lives and properties too numerous to quantify, we are trying to guard against this phenomenon in future elections and that is the main crust of this workshop.”

Bamgbose who said the workshop would be replicated in other zones of the country comprising Lagos, Ilorin and Kaduma said the resultant effect of the training would guarantee desirable election in the country.

“It is expected that those trained would impact the knowledge gathered to other colleagues in the newsroom of their various media”.

The director general of the National Broadcasting commission, Emeka Mba remarked that elections is the heart of democracy and since it is a sort of contract that is being renewed every four years in Nigeria, there is the need to prepare those who can be referred to as intermediaries between political parties and the people on how best to go about in the discharge of their duties.

MBA said it is pertinent to know that one of the key ingredients to having a successful election hinge on how the media functions.

He added that the fact that the workshop is being organized by RATTAWU is a pointer to the fact that the media is dynamic and information and the need to know is taking proper root in Nigeria.

“The fact that this workshop is spare headed by RATTAWU itself, those that are working in the media seems to me as a fact that they understand what they are called to do and would be able to engage stakeholders

NGO initiates moves to reduce unemployment From Charles Coffie Gyamfi Abeokuta ORRIEd by the high level of unemployment and poverty appointments in the Country, a philanthropist has initiated moves to compliment government’s efforts in reducing the disturbing situation. Biyi Oladipupo Otegbeye, The Managing director and Chief Executive Officer of Regency Insurance PLC, Lagos through his NonGovernmental Organisation, “Building Opportunities for Tomorrow” (BOT) plans to touch 1.4million lives through the initiative.

Speaking to Journalists on BOT. Otegbeye said the programme aims to empower the people, not only in monetary terms but also to assist them to acquire skills.

He has identified four areas in which the common Nigerians need urgent help.

These areas, he said included health, employment, quality life for retires. BOT, Otegbeye emphasised would provide succor in these areas.

He disclosed that BOT is to hold a Partnership/ Stakeholders Summit in Ilaro, his home town tomorrow (Thursday) to raise additional funds for full implementation of its programme.

Otegbeye explained that he had no political ambition,

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stressing that his action was motivated by his desire to assist the less priviledged in the society.

The summit which is part of activities to mark Otegbeye’s 50th birthday will attract eminent Nigerians, especially from the corporate world.

He noted that the summit would identify ways of making life better for the people and subsequently contribute to developmental indices of the area.

“It is a summit that is put together to extend hands of partnership to every well-meaning yewa man or woman so that we can develop Yewa together. The common slogan is ‘let’s partner together to build opportunities for Yewa people.

“So first area of intervention in terms of our vision is Medicare. We are not replicating but complementing government’s efforts.

“The second area is youth empowerment and I think this is the stumbling aspect of the vision because geographically our area here borders Republic of Benin, so smuggling is a striving trade among the people here. And it has now transcended from being a trade to being a way of life,” he said.

and politicians in the elections process. This is a sign of willingness to engage and do the right thing on behalf of the Nigerian people”.

He said the success recorded in the last elections was reviewed by the NBC with

INEC adding that a lot still need to be put in place so that the progress attained in the last elections would be enhanced and built upon.

“Political parties need to engage the commission more. We hear claims from

political parties that some other parties refuses them access, now we would want a situation where such complaints be brought to us.

They should write instead of engaging in activities that Re detrimental to the

progress of the country. The obligation is on them to write to the commission and once we get that report, we would demand for explanation and we,have many ways of addressing such issues”.

He said.

Head, Oil & Gas Upstream Division, Fidelity Bank, Abolore Solebo (left); Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),Andrew Yakubu; and Chairman/Managing Director, Oilserv Ltd, Emeka Okwuosa, at the NNPC pavilion in the ongoing 2014 Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, USA, on Tuesday.

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ScienceGuardian ASTRONOMY With JK Obatala

Stars, planets, clusters herald dry season (13) CCORDING to A Psychohistorian.Org, the folk tradition of the

Transfusions of young blood could hold the key to reversing the signs of ageing, scientists believe Photo: AP

'Vampire therapy' could reverse ageing, cure Alzheimer’s’ A transfusion of youthful blood may halt or even reverse the ageing process as two studies find that the chemical make-up of younger blood has surprising health benefits.

T may seem the stuff of Itransfusions gothic horror novels, but of young blood could reverse the ageing process and even cure Alzheimer’s Disease, scientists believe.

Throughout history, cultures across the globe have extolled the properties of youthful blood, with children sacrificed and the blood of young warriors drunk by the victors.

It was even rumoured that the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il injected himself with blood from healthy young virgins to slow the ageing process.

Now scientists have found that young blood actually ‘recharges’ the brain, forms new blood vessels and improves memory and learning.

In parallel research, scientists at Harvard University also discovered that a ‘youth protein,’ which circulates in the blood is responsible for keeping the brain and muscles young and strong.

The protein, known as ‘GDF11’, is present in the bloodstream in large quantities when we are young but peters out as we age.

Although both the discoveries were made in mice, researchers are hoping to begin human trials in the next two to three years, in studies, which could bring rapid improvements for

human longevity and health.

“This should give us all hope for a healthier future,” said Prof Doug Melton, of Harvard's Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.

“We all wonder why we were stronger and mentally more agile when young, and these two unusually exciting papers actually point to a possible answer.

“There seems to be little question that, GDF11 has an amazing capacity to restore aging muscle and brain function.”

Last year the team discovered that the protein could repair damaged hearts. But the new study showed that that raising the levels of the GDF11 protein in older mice improved the function of every organ in the body.

Harvard stem cell biologist Prof Lee Rubin added: “We do think that, at least in principal, there will be a way to reverse some of the decline of aging with a single protein.

"It isn't out of question that GDF11, or a drug developed from it, might be worthwhile in Alzheimer's Disease.”

It is likely that the protein is at least partly responsible for the parallel finding by Stanford University that young blood can reverse the signs of ageing.

In the study, the blood of three-month-old mice was repeatedly injected into 18-

month-old mice near the end of their natural life span.

The "vampire therapy" improved the performance of the elderly mice in memory and learning tasks.

Structural, molecular and functional changes were also seen in their brains, the study published in the journal Science found.

If the same were seem in humans, it could lead to new therapies for recharging our aging brains and novel drugs for treating dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease.

“We’ve shown that at least some age-related impairments in brain function are reversible. They’re not final,” said Dr Saul Villeda, of Stanford’s School of Medicine.

Ageing mice given eight infusions of young blood over three weeks improved their performance in mental tests of fear condition and locating a hidden platform in a water maze.

Evidence was seen of new connections forming in the hippocampus, a brain region vital to memory and sensitive to ageing.

Dendritic spines - finger-like extensions from the branches of neurons that are thought to play a role in memory formation - also became more dense.

Infusions of blood from other elderly mice had no effect, the study, published in the journal Nature, found.

“This could have been done 20 years ago,” said lead researcher Dr Tony WyssCoray of Stanford.

“You don’t need to know anything about how the brain works. You just give an old mouse young blood and see if the animal is smarter than before. It’s just that nobody did it.”

"Our data indicate that exposure of aged mice to young blood late in life is capable of rejuvenating synaptic plasticity and improving cognitive function.

"Future studies are warranted in aged humans and potentially those suffering from age-related neurodegenerative disorders."

Dr Eric Karran, from the dementia charity Alzheimer's Research UK, said: “This technically complex study looks at the effects of exposing old mice to blood-borne factors from young mice on agerelated cognitive decline.

“Although the treatments tested here rejuvenate certain aspects of learning and memory in mice, these studies are of unknown significance to humans.

“This research, while very interesting, does not investigate the type of cognitive impairment that is seen in Alzheimer's disease, which is not an inevitable consequence of ageing.” *Culled from The Telegraph

Ibibio, in Aiwa Ibom State, Nigeria, depict Aldebaran and the Pleiades cluster as "The Mother Hen and her Chicks". The “chicks,” of course, are the stars ordinary observers can see.

But astronomers, peering through powerful telescopes, can discern quite a lot of detail. What they’ve learned, reports David Darling, in his Encyclopedia of Science, is that the Pleiades cluster has a definite structure, with varied contents.

The central part is apparently spherical, with a diameter of about nine light years, while the outward portion is “markedly elliptical”. The Pleiades contains several white dwarfs, which is interesting because the cluster is only about 100 million years old.

“Stellar evolutionary theory insists,” he writes, ”that the upper mass limit for white dwarfs- the socalled Chandrasekhar limit- is about 1.4 solar masses. Yet stars with such a low mass evolve so slowly that it takes billions of years to attain that final state…”

The white dwarfs, he surmises, are the remains of more massive stars that evolved rapidly, through mass-loss due to rapid rotation, strong stellar winds and theft from neighbouring stars: Instead of blowing apart and leaving behind neutron stars and black holes.

Conversely, 25 percent of the stellar populationabout two percent of the cluster’s mass--consists of brown dwarfs. These are proto-stars, with 15 to 75 times the mass of Jupiter, which were too light to make the grade- and didn’t evolve at all.

On a clear, moonless, night, the Pleiades cluster appears as a patch of bright blue stars, in a wispy bluish setting. This highly aesthetic colour scheme, is what gives the apparition its distinctive allure, and makes it easy to recognize at 400 lightyears distance.

But there’s more to the cluster’s visual appearance, than beauty. Its seductive powers arise from the effect of its passage through a cosmic cloud. “In a familiar celestial scene,” notes NASA, in an APOD caption, “the cluster stars shine through dusty clouds that scatter blue starlight”.

The mechanism involved is similar to that which makes Earth’s sky

appear blue to an observer on the surface of our planet. But in “Rayleigh scattering,” as it is called, light is bounced off molecules of atmospheric gases and suspended aerosols.

In space, the scattering is done mostly by hydrogen gas, various molecules and cosmic dust- tiny particles composed mainly of carbon and silica. Radio and infrared studies suggest cosmic grains (which range in size from less than a millionth to 10 millionths of a meter) have interiors of ammonia ice and water ice.

Clouds of various sizes and chemical compositions are pervasive in interstellar space. The smaller, more localized units are known as “nebula”- the Latin word for “cloud”. This gets a bit confusing, because in contemporary astronomy, nebulae are components of larger entities called “molecular clouds”.

In any event, it is important that we discuss molecular clouds- moving aggregates of comparatively cool gas and dust- as well as nebulae (the plural of nebula): Because both are implicated in star formation. It is time, therefore, to leave Taurus Constellation and return to Orion.

Orion is a very vibrant and productive stellar nursery, where stars and planets are forming continually, and on a very massive scale. More germane, for our purposes, it contains the nearest Giant Molecular Cloud (G.M.C.) to u- and a nebula that is visible to the naked eye.

The cosmic landmarks, the visible objects that point us to these structures, are the famous Orion asterisms.

Says Astronomy Magazine, “Orion contains two of the most famous asterisms in the celestial sphere...Both are parts of the southern extension of the Orion Molecular Cloud (OMC), which is a vast complex of bright nebulae, obscuring dust clouds, and young star-forming regions all some 1,500 light-years distant and several hundred light-years across”.

Remember, in Western sky lore, Orion is conceived as a “hunter,” whose tunic is held together with a belt.

His “Sword” is a row of luminous bodies, slanting downward from the “Belt”.

The magazine is referring to the three Belt Stars and the Sword--a short row of bright objects extending downward from the glistening Belt. * To be continued.

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32 | SCIENCEGUARDIAN Thursday, May 8, 2014

UN agencies report 45% drop in maternal deaths in 13 years

By Chukwuma Muanya EW data from the United Nations (UN) agencies including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Bank show a 45 per cent reduction in maternal deaths since 1990.

According to the data released yesterday, an estimated 289 000 women died in 2013 due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth, down from 523 000 in 1990.

Also, another study by published yesterday in The Lancet Global Health, added new knowledge about why these women are dying.

Global causes of maternal death: a WHO systematic analysis, finds that more than one in four maternal deaths are caused by pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), malaria and obesity, whose health impacts can all be aggravated by pregnancy. This is similar to the proportion of deaths during pregnancy and childbirth from severe bleeding.

According to the data, SubSaharan Africa is still the riskiest region in the world for dying of complications in pregnancy and childbirth and Nigeria ranks second to India on the list of ten countries that carry most of the burden.

The ten countries that account for about 60 per cent of global maternal deaths, according to the data are:

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• Sub-Saharan Africa still riskiest region for dying of complications in pregnancy, childbirth • Nigeria ranks second to India on list of ten countries with greatest burden India (50 000), Nigeria (40 000), Democratic Republic of the Congo (21 000), Ethiopia (13 000), Indonesia (8800), Pakistan (7900), United Republic of Tanzania (7900), Kenya (6300), China (5900) and Uganda (5900).

According to the UN data, Somalia and Chad have the highest risk: The highest lifetime risk of maternal death is in Somalia and Chad where women face a one in 18 and one in 15 lifetime risk respectively.

Assistant Director-General, Family, Women’s and Children’s Health, WHO, Dr. Flavia Bustreo, said: “Together, the two reports highlight the need to invest in proven solutions, such as quality care for all women during pregnancy and childbirth, and particular care for pregnant women with existing medical conditions.”

They also underscore the importance of having accurate data.

Director, Health, Nutrition and Population, World Bank Group, Tim Evans, said: "Thirty-three maternal deaths per hour is 33 too many. We need to document every one of these tragic events, determine their cause, and initiate corrective actions urgently."

Trends in maternal mortality estimates 1990 to 2013 includes new data, which were not captured in the last set of global estimates in 2012, as well as improved methods

of estimating births and all female deaths.

According to the UN data, eleven countries that had high levels of maternal mortality in 1990 (Bhutan, Cambodia, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Maldives, Nepal, Romania, Rwanda, TimorLeste) have already reached the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of a 75 per cent reduction in maternal mortality from the 1990 rate by 2015. Based on these latest trends however, many lowand middle-income countries will not achieve this goal.

Deputy Executive Director, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr Geeta Rao Gupta, said: “A 15-year-old girl living in sub-Saharan Africa faces about a 1 in 40 risk of dying during pregnancy and childbirth during her lifetime. A girl of the same age living in Europe has a lifetime risk of 1 in 3300 – underscoring how uneven progress has been around the world.”

According to the UN data, despite advances in the last 20 years, there has been too little progress in preventing adolescent pregnancies, abortions, maternal deaths, sexually-transmitted infections and HIV, and there are significant gaps in availability, quality and access to comprehensive sexuality education and services for young people, especially in low-income countries.

Deputy Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ms Kate Gilmore, said: “More than 15 million girls aged 15 to 19 years give birth every year – one in five girls before they turn 18 – and many of these pregnancies result from non-consensual sex.

“Relatively simple and wellknown interventions, like midwifery services and gender-based violence prevention and response, can make a huge difference if scaled up and coupled with investments in innovations, especially in the area of contraceptives.”

A related WHO study of causes of more than 60 000 maternal deaths in 115 countries shows that pre-existing medical conditions exacerbated by pregnancy (such as diabetes, malaria, HIV, obesity) caused 28 per cent of the deaths.

Other causes included: severe bleeding (mostly during and after childbirth) 27 per cent pregnancy-induced high blood pressure 14 per cent infections 11 per cent obstructed labour and other direct causes nine per cent abortion complications eight per cent blood clots (embolism) three per cent According to the WHO, strong health systems – with facilities that have adequate health workers and equipment and medicines – are key to delivering quality health

Pregnant woman care to save the lives of women and their newborn babies.

Director, Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, and co-author of the study, Dr Marleen Temmerman, said: “The new data show a changing profile in the conditions that cause maternal deaths; reflecting the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in women throughout the world. Ending preventable maternal deaths will require both continued efforts to reduce complications directly related to pregnancy, and more of a focus on noncommunicable diseases and their effect in pregnancy.

Integrated care for women with conditions like diabetes and obesity will reduce deaths and prevent long-lasting

health problems.”

According to the UN agencies, a major challenge in addressing maternal deaths is the lack of accurate data.

Although knowledge on the number of women dying and the reasons behind their deaths is improving, much remains unrecorded and unreported. In many lowincome countries, maternal deaths go uncounted and frequently the cause of death is unknown or not recorded correctly, particularly when women die at home. This is consistent with general global trends: only one-third of all deaths worldwide are recorded and fewer than 100 countries record the cause of death using WHO’s International Classification of Disease.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

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33

NaturalHealth Scientists validate local foods as medicines

Bitter kola

Moringa oleifera

Nigerian researchers led by a professor of pharmacognosy at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Chief Executive Officer of Bioresources Development Group (BDG), and former Chairman of the Independent Election Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, have validated local foods such as bitter kola (Garcinia kola), coconut oil, Zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), Moringa oleifera, tomato, Sour sop, African bush mango (Ogbono), among others as medicines.

Iwu told journalists that his team has developed dietary supplements based on these local foods for managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), among others.

CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes.

HE words of the father of western medicine and ancient Greek T Physician, Hippocrates of Cos, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” have been ‘resurrected’ by a team of Nigerian researchers led by a professor of pharmacognosy at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and Chief Executive Officer of Bioresources Development Group (BDG), and former Chairman of the Independent Election Commission (INEC), Prof.

Maurice Iwu. Iwu told journalists in Lagos last week that his team at Bioresources Development Group (BDG) has formulated local food items into scientifically validated medicines, dietary supplements.

BDG is comprised of Bioresources Development and Conservation Programme, Bioresources Institute of Nigeria, Intercedd Health Products (IHP), Intercedd Laboratories (IL), BioTrade Global Agency and Nature’s Emporium.

The foods that can be used as medicines or rather dietary supplements include among others: Moringa Tea, Moringa Leaf Tea, Moringa Whole Seed, which have been shown by research to cure over 300 diseases; Bissap Tea from Zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa) for hypertension; Vernonia Ocimum Tea from bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) for control of blood sugar and weight management; Garcinia-IHP from bitter kola (Garcinia kola) and used as antimicrobial and detoxifier; IHP Virgin Coconut Oil from coconut as stress buster and immune booster; Erovit-IHP, which combines the anti-ageing properties of the mushroom, Cordyceps, the high-potency antioxidant effects of Punica granatum fruits and the life enhancing Korean ginseng; and Immunovit-IHP from Reishi mushroom, Punica granatum and Korean ginseng to boost immunity against diseases.

Iwu said the products have been validated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); the Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja; the Nigerian Export Promotion Council; the Raw Material Council; and the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Lagos, for prevention and management chronic diseases.

The professor of pharmacognosy said the group is planning a Conference, Herb Fest, on October 7 to 9, 2014, at the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, Lagos, to show case the products.

Iwu said to boost the knowledge of using foods as medicines in the country and use it to improve the economy, BDG funds two training programmes- one-day Healthy Living Workshop and two-weeks Bio-entrepreneurship Training in collaboration with FIIRO and Raw Material Council.

Food as medicine Iwu explained: “It is not a new thing, the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, said, ‘let thy medicine be thy food and thy food thy medicine.’ So it is a concept we are trying to revive and trying to make it that dietary supplement is not a fad but based on solid science.

“The Foundation of Innovation Medicine (FIM) has now defined what we mean as food as medicine, that is food that can be used as medicine. The term is applied to products that range from isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and herbal products, specific diets and processed foods such as cereals, soups, and beverages.

“We call it in Pharmacy nutraceuticals that is nutra for food

and ceuticals that it treats diseases. Any substance that is considered a food or part of a food and provides medical and health benefits including the prevention and treatment of diseases that will qualify as nutraceutical; that is a whole area we as a nation have advantage over other countries even African countries. The only countries that can compete with us are perhaps South Africa and Egypt. What it means is that we have the natural resources, we have the human resources, we have the intellectual capacity to build, we have the technological base to be able to convert these things into not only for our own help but for export and very solid economy.”

Why is this concept of food as medicine so important?

Iwu said: “The China project was the first to explain this. The China–Cornell–Oxford Project was a large observational study conducted throughout the 1980s in rural China, jointly funded

by Cornell University, the University of Oxford, and the government of China led by the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. It was between 1983 and 1989. In 1983 I was in a laboratory at Oxford and that was when this project came on stream.

“The study examined the diets, lifestyle, and disease characteristics of Chinese, comparing the prevalence of disease characteristics, excluding causes of death such as accidents.

“What they did essentially, because China is large, they studied 80 million that came from 63 counties. They found out that there is a clear correlation between what you eat and your health. They also found that certain diseases were peculiar to certain counties in China.

“But what was starling was the fact that they found that diseases also go along economic patterns. The wealthy people have their own disease and the poor people have their own disease.

That was a major finding. They now have what they call diseases of affluence like the cancers, lung cancer, blood cancer, breast cancer, leukaemia, diabetes, heart disease and so on. Then you have diseases of poverty that is diseases that are found predominantly among the poor like pneumonia and various infectious diseases, diseases of pregnancy rather than eclampsia and metabolic diseases and so on.

“But what is so bad for us as Africans and Nigerians is that the Western world after the China study became conscious of it, the rich in America and Europe now eat differently. They eat more natural food, more fibre and so on. But our own rich people now believe that they have now arrived eat what the Whiteman no longer eat which is food of the poor. In Nigeria if you are rich you now go to MacDonald’s, Mr. Biggs, Kentucky Fried Chicken and so on to show affluence. But there the rich men in the Western world don’t do that any longer.

“They also found that the smallest intake of meat, no matter how small, are the thing that make people have cancers and so on based on animal diet. They also found that the cholesterol level and urea levels where increased even with smallest intake of animal products- meat, egg and milk. They also found from that study that the more plant based food you eat, the healthier the person is. They also found that there is a direct correlation between degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, cardiac problems and so on with consumption of animal products. You will remember those of you who are not from too affluent homes that in normal African setting the meat are used as a garnish not as a main meal. You see a whole pot of rice and they just put two lonely pieces of meat. But now it is the opposite, you see some-

body have a whole lump of meat and only small portion of rice.

This study shows it is a wrong approach.”

Bible diet Iwu said: “The complete opposite is the one from the Bible.

Remember Daniel’s story and his friends, how for ten days they were taking only vegetables and water. Now the modern day method is after the 10-day fast with vegetables and water you now do a 21-day diet follow up plan. We won’t want to go into that because there is a lot of Christian foundation there it is not just because they eat vegetables and water. There was also the issue of faith and focus.

“The Bible said at the end of the 10-day period there was a great improvement in their health that they were better than even those who fed from the King’s table. The truth is that the simpler the food, the better.”

What are you doing to address the situation in Nigeria?

Iwu said: “What we are working on is trying to address these issues I have raised by looking inward in Nigeria. It takes a long time. When we did the issue of Moringa that is everywhere now was from Senegal in 1998. When the research was done the Europeans scoffed at it, ‘how can you say a leaf can do all these?’

The Hausa people use this plant. If you are sick and you are not getting better, they place you on that soup, it is their normal soup, and they cook with it.

“What we have also done since then was to develop a slimming therapy, what we call Nigerian Soup Kitchen Diet Plan that is based mainly on Nigerian food, no artificial, no additives. If a person wants to slim down he should be able to take that.

“So these are the products that we have worked on. Some of them are in teas, capsules and so on. The idea here is, yes we are making money, but we are happy that people are now using Moringa, there is no patent on it, and it is public knowledge. We are happy that people will able to use these products made with household food products like bitter kola, Garcinia kola, coconut oil, Moringa and so on. The ones that are so interesting are those that look so simplistic and you wonder how come the country has not taken advantage.

“They have been formulated, packaged and being sold in our shops and some selected pharmacies.”

What products?

The professor of pharmacognosy said: “The very first set I would want to talk about are the age rejuvenating series. I believe that in 30 days, if the products are taken, they will reverse the ageing process. Most of what happens in the ageing process is actually inflammation, if the oxidative stress builds up, over time the tissues themselves age and over time the person will loose all the normal functioning and over time the person becomes aged. Age itself is not a linear thing. It doesn’t mean that if you are 40 you will perform better than a person who is 20, it depends on how you are able to manage your body.

“So we now came up with a product that is based on a mushroom, Cordyceps. This mushroom is similar to the ones people eat but it is different in the sense that this particular mushroom that is in this product grows on the head of the caterpillar and so before the caterpillar dies it will be on the head and consume it. We now found out that over centuries back that it can be useful as medicine because based on research they found that sheep and cow that take the mushroom seem to be more agile and productive even at older age. The age redefinition nutrition-

Continued on Page 34

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34 | NATURAL HEALTH Thursday, May 8, 2014

Local foods as medicines take centre stage in Nigeria Continued from Page 33 al dietary supplement for anti-ageing and vitality is called ErovitIHP. “We also have another mushroom that is mainly for building up the immune system, Ganoderma lucidium. Ganoderma lucidium is an Asian mushroom called Reishi. The immune booster is called Immunovit-IHP, which is a disease-fighting supplement designed to boost immunity against a wide variety of ailments. It was crafted to combine the health restoring benefits of Ganoderma mushroom, the antioxidant properties of pomegranate fruits and the adaptogenic/immune enhancing effects of Korean ginseng root extract.

“Both products are sometimes taken together but whereas the other one is mainly for ageing this one is for enhancing vitality and making the body going. What we did was very simple; Panax ginseng is an Asian plant that is very well known. We now combined the three products.

“We now combined the anti-ageing properties of Cordyceps, the high-potency antioxidant effects of Punica granatum fruits, the life enhancing Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng). A course of it, in 30 days, you will see the effect. Most these people you are seeing in Nigeria who probably look younger than they were looking before are probably the Erovit formula. In 30 days you will see improvement in your energy level, vitality and skin. In men you will be able to do what men do even longer.

“We also have the Tree of Life Series made of Moringa oleifera, which include Moringa Tea, Moringa Leaf Tea and Moringa Whole Seed products. What is baffling about the Moringa plant is that the amount of nutrient in one single plant is amazing and yet it is a plant that people have known for so many years but has just come into commerce within the last three years.

“From the medical point of view it is unbelievable, it will be difficult, almost impossible for you to tell any doctor or pharmacist that a product can do all this because the whole idea of medicine is specificity. It has to be specific. If you are coming from a disease drug model, it is difficult for you to accept that anyone single plant does this.

“Another of our novel product is Garcinia-IHP, The Cold Cap. As much as it is produced they are sold out because people know what they are, you do not need to convince somebody that that is bitter kola, Orogbo in Yoruba, Akuilu in Ibo. So you now have a situation where what we have now done is to remove people having to chew it. So it is now non bitter, it is encapsulated and then we have it being used for mainly immune-boosting, people use it for sore throat, diabetes and what they believe they can use it for.

“There is a compound we isolated from Garcinia kola called kolaviron. University of Ibadan (UI) scientists who have really done a whole lot, much more than we that pioneered it, have studied Kolaviron more. Kolaviron itself has its own property.

Garcinia kola is basically for respiratory infections, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and it is also a very good tonic. The pharmacological properties have been established.

“It is also a rejuvenating agent, adaptogen and general antidote. Kolaviron, the mixture of bioflavonoid, benzophenones and chromanols, and related phenolic compounds in G. kola possesses strong antioxidant activities.”

Bitter kola as alcohol destroyer Iwu said: “The one I find really interesting is the anti-hepatoxic properties. When I was in government I remember an incident. I traveled and you know how both the government and critics were trying to get information from me. Once I traveled and one of your people met me in London and said, ‘Prof you are here, can we have a drink.’ He thought that if we went for a drink he would now be able to have me in a more relaxed atmosphere and squeeze out some information from me. Ye I did oblige him.

So we went to the bar, drank the first beer, he said do you want more beer? I said ‘no I don’t want beer any longer I prefer Brandy.’ So they brought the Brandy. Unknown to him each time they serve us a drink I will go and take my bitter kola and by the time I asked him, ‘can we now go? He said ‘I should give him sometime.’ So I actually had to leave him there and since then we have been good friends. In fact he is an Editor in one of the big media organisations. Since then we have been very good friends.

“The effect of Garcinia as anti-hepatoxin is the ability to clear the liver of alcohol is amazing. The side effect of alcohol does not even come out. If you chew it, it just neutralizes the effect.

“We then have a product, which is in the United States market.

If you are in US after shopping you keep seeing those small vials they sell. They call them Hangover Tonic. It is Garcinia kola and ordinary kola, it is in small tube, they normally have them at the takeout counter. Because of the antiviral properties of Garcinia kola it also used in treating Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).”

Tomato and prostate cancer Iwu said: “Tomatoes are very good particularly for the prostrate gland disease. What is also interesting is that those broken ones that people don’t want to eat are more medicinal. When people want to buy tomato they look for the fresh and strong ones but because in lycopene the active ingredient in its natural for is a glycoside so you needs to actually break up to be able to liberate it. So the sulkier the tomato is the better.

“Either way they all contain lycopene but these ones contain it more. Why do women prefer the fresh ones? It is the colour, it gives good flavour for cooking, and it is red and so. So women prefer it for its esthetics. It is good for a man even if it means having it as part of your breakfast to have tomatoes. For anybody more than 40 years the chances of having prostate is very high, so taking tomatoes as part of regular diet is recommended.

Others Iwu explained: “Another one is Devil’s Bean also called Velvet Bean, Werepe in Yoruba and Agboloko in Ibo. It is used in cooking soup and is used in treating erectile dysfunction in men and very good for Parkinson’s disease because it contain L dopa.

“Also guava, the leaves are useful as anti-diarrhoea. But the major use for it is anti-spasmodic, people who are weaning children if you mix the leaves of guava and water it replaces the use of gripe water and reduces the spasm. We also have another medication where it is used with another plant for premenstrual pains.

“Sour sop is another important plant that has been shown to

Iwu be very good for cancer but it has to be used for a short time. But if you take it for a long time it causes atypical Parkinson’s but stops when you stop eating it.

“Dawadawa seeds (Locust bean) and leaves are used for antihypertensive agent.

“NIPRD has done a very good work using Guinea corn for sickle cell anaemia. In a our own laboratory we have been able to identify a product we call PhytoErythroVit K, a compound that is very good in rejuvenating blood tissues.

“We also have Baobab tree for cosmetic reasons and anti-analgesic. Turmeric is better than ginger and is very good for gastrointestinal problems.

“We do have a training course on healthy living and one of the issues we emphasise is the importance of the gastrointestinal system. If your stomach is bad every other parts of your body cracks up and there is a whole segment of our training on that.

“We also have IHP Virgin Coconut Oil, drugstore in a bottle. It is amazing how something so simple can be so useful. We call it

medicine in a bottle.”

How it all started Iwu said: “We started a company in 1992, a group called Bioresources Development Company (BDC). At that time it was totally non-profit. We partnered with a lot of organisations. The idea was to have a group of scientists who will be able to take material from the lab to the market.

“The next year after that I published a book, ‘Handbook of African Medicinal Plants.’ It has been 20 years now but within that period to 2013 there was nothing in between. When the publishers contacted me 20 years after, I was ashamed that this entire period nothing has happened. It is a Book used in pharmacy as a standard textbook for teaching people traditional medicine, African traditional medicine and about medicinal plants. So we then wanted a situation where we have a boundary organization that will link biodiversity, health and economic development. If you remember 1992 was the year we did the health conference in Rio. So it was some of us that came together and tried to form this thing.

“One thing led to another and we then developed it into a group because there were other companies that were formed as need arose to be able to take this concept to the market place. A few years later we decided to buy off what was then known as Pfizer with a couple of other people and then transformed it into a pharmaceutical company that is totally Nigerian-owned.

“The reason why we are here is to be able to see how we have been able to utilize African biological resources into viable mechanism for wealth creation, job creation and to be able to sustain our health.

World-class botanical research laboratory Iwu said: “There is what we call triple helix is that we are having scientific cooperation. We have the only research laboratory that can compete with any university anywhere at UNN. It is in the town but not owned by the university. Of course we are into business. We sustain ourselves entirely from our projects. As we have said earlier we have done scientific collaboration, pure cutting edge science in the areas of our interest.

But what is more important for now is the fact that we want to be able to talk about how we have been able to internalize it in Nigeria.

“These are the companies that make up the group. The people that invited us today are Intercedd Health Products (IHP).

Intercedd actually stands for International Centre for Ethno medicine and Drug Development. That is the private laboratory I told you that we have that is about 20 years now.

“The laboratory is able to do botanical evaluation in processing medicinal plants. It has full stock library especially on natural products. And then one of the things we do is that we try to help graduate students to do work in this area. It is long enough that people like Prof. Dora Akunyili, who was my student; they all worked in this laboratory.

Collaboration with U.S. Military Iwu said: “We spent a lot of time collaborating with the United States Military. I worked at the U.S. Army Centre from 1994 to 2013. It was from there that I came directly to INEC. There is a linkage between INEC and what we do. If you look at the big picture, when there is problem you have to really have a tight vision to be able to solve it. We worked with the Strategic Resources Incorporated (SRI), where the work on Ebola virus and bitter kola was done.

Recently we teamed up with the University of Jos and we won the Centre of Excellence of the World Bank to set up a phytomedicine with them because they believe the proposal we gave them was viable. At the same time the United State Congress in 2000 cited us.”

Gilead Hospital celebrates first IVF twin babies in Osun

By Olumide Adenmosun HE Chief Medical Director at Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital and IVF Centre, Ilesha, Osun State, Dr. Alexander Owolabi, recounts the success of the IVF procedure that yielded the birth of the first IVF twin babies in Osun State.

The couple (names withheld) had waited fourteen years to witness their double bundles of joy. The mother, who was at the time of treatment – forty-six years of age, was menopausal and had been initially diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes – a condition where the biological channels that ferry released eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, are blocked. Naturally, pregnancy cannot be achieved under such conditions of tubal blockage except the tubes are bypassed to enable fertilization of the egg by the husband’s sperm.

The same feat was similarly achieved at Oldham in the United Kingdom – where the birth of the world’s first test tube baby was announced in 1978, by Dr (s) Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards (Nobel Laureates in Physiology and Medicine, 2010).

The Gilead twins however were conceived in August 2013 following the same conventional IVF procedure but with a donor assisted cycle for the mother – at Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital and IVF Centre in Ilesha, Osun State, Nigeria.

Due to ovarian failure at such advanced age – a stage where viable eggs may no longer be released from the expended ovarian reserve, a donor assisted treatment cycle was recommended and adopted by the couple in order to increase their chances of pregnancy. The egg donor was placed on a down-regulation protocol to induce super-ovulation while the mother was mildly stimulated to prepare her uterus for pregnancy.

The fertility treatment’s protocol usually brings about the growth and ripening of more than one follicle from the donor’s ovaries. At optimal stages of follicular development, egg release is stimulated with hCG hormone, following which harvesting must be done within thirty-six hours. Eggs are retrieved under mild anesthesia with the guide of an ultra sound scan machine to know the position of particular follicles to drain.

T

Harvested eggs from the drained ovarian fluids are then prepared in the embryology lab inside special Petri dishes that have been pre-incubated with appropriate IVF growth media.

For this procedure, as it is often done; pre-collected and washed sperm cells from the father were then introduced into Petri dishes where harvested eggs have been placed. Fertilization subsequently occurred by natural selection – with the best fit and most healthy sperm cells penetrating the zona pellucida of the eggs. Cell division events were inspected after twenty-four hours of incubation, to confirm the formation of two pronuclei in viable eggs.

Such was the conventional IVF procedure that yielded the birth of the first IVF twins in Osun State, Nigeria. At day five of healthy embryonic development, two healthy embryos from the donor which proceeded to the blastocyst stage were transferred to the uterus of the mother – with a special embryo transfer catheter.

A pregnancy test conducted after two weeks confirmed the success of the procedure. Two gestational sacs were seen on the scan about five weeks into the pregnancy. The rest of the prenatal stages of the pregnancy were well managed to term, and in April, 2014 the deliveries of a di-zygotic twin (girls) were recorded.

The Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital and IVF centre since its inception, continues to record more than 35 per cent success rate in all of her IVF treatments – which is more than the expected minimum standard of 20 per cent internationally.

The Gilead twins are a sequel to a number of previous equally successful single birth deliveries and prequel to other ongoing pregnancies from IVF treatments conducted at the Osun State’s foremost IVF center – Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Owolabi – a seasoned Warwick University, UK trained fertility specialist who also doubles as an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Obafemi Awolowo University and Teaching Hospital Complex at Ile-Ife and Ilesha, Osun State, respectively.

Thursday, May 8, 2014 SCIENCE HEALTH

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‘Hand hygiene by health workers protects patients from drug resistant infections’ •Elebute, others advocate national policy

By Wole Oyebade S part of activities to mark A the Hand Hygiene Day, last Monday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged health workers to practice good hand hygiene when caring for patients, to protect them from contracting infections in health facilities.

Initial results from a new WHO global survey confirm that these infections are often resistant to the antibiotics used to treat them.

Meanwhile, renowned professor of medicine, Ade Elebute has called for a national policy directive on hand hygiene in healthcare facilities across the country.

Elebute said the directive was key to prevent the spread of Hospital Associated Infections (HAI) and deaths in Nigeria.

Elebute who spoke at a continuous medical education to commemorate this year’s World Hygiene Day 2014 in Lagos, observed that the idea of hygiene was relatively new globally, adding that Nigerian must, however, join the international communities, led by the WHO to give hygiene a priority for improved health of the public.

Medical hand hygiene pertains to the hygiene practices related to the administration of medicine and medical care that prevents or minimises disease spread.

The main medical purpose of washing hands is to cleanse the hands of pathogens (including bacteria or viruses) and chemicals, which can cause personal harm or disease.

Elebute, who is the Chairman of Hygeia Group Inc. and Founder of Lagoon Hospitals, observed that the efficacy of proper hygiene dated back to 1854, when Florence Nightingale introduced common hand washing habit at the Crimean War front, to reduce “disastrous” mortality rate among soldiers by 40 per cent.

He added that 160 years on, the WHO is staging a big programme on the simple method of preventing infection on oneself and others around.

According to him, “Simple techniques have changed the world and one of them is the use of hand glove and culture and hand washing.

“Infection is the commonest cause of death and illness; some created by hospitals that patients go to. It is worse in our environment here. And we must drive this awareness on hand hygiene to improve the health of our patients and people we care about,” he said.

Elebute added that in 21st Century Nigeria, where some medical practitioners still “deliberately” transmit infections and use unsterilized needle on patients in public hospitals, the media must lead the advocacy for hygiene policy to safeguard the health of Nigerians.

Head of Infection Control at the Lagoon Hospital, Dr Michael Orji added that Healthcare-associated infections usually occur when

Elebute germs are transferred by healthcare providers’ hands touching the patient and transmitting beyond the patient.

Of every 100 hospitalised patients, at least seven in high-income and 10 in low/middle-income countries will acquire a healthcare-associated infection. Among critically ill and vulnerable patients in intensive care units, that figure rises to around 30 per 100.

Orji observed that though data are not immediately available in places like Nigeria, but fear is that the rate might be 20 per cent higher than estimates from developed countries.

He noted that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented that one of the most important measures for preventing the spread of pathogens is effective hand washing.

Orji, however, stressed that the standard recommendation for hand hygiene is to disinfect the hands (through eight hand washing steps, lasting 40 to 60 seconds) with alcohol-based hand rub, and not just water and soap that are just okay in conventional hand washing practice.

Health practitioners, according to him, must at every point observe hand hygiene before touching the patient, before aseptic task, after body fluid exposure risk, after touching the patient and lastly, after touching patient environment.

He said further that it behooves on the Federal Ministry of Health to respond to the problem of hospital associate infections, by having a national policy directive that also encourages facilities to keep hygiene records as is done in countries like Australia, Canada, United States and United Kingdom.

Every year, hundreds of millions of patients around the world are affected by healthcare-associated infections, a high proportion of which is caused by germs that are resistant to antimicrobial drugs.

Earlier last week, WHO issued a major global report on antimicrobial resistance documenting high rates of resistance in bacteria that cause common infections (e.g. urinary tract infection, surgical site infections, pneumonia and bloodstream infections) in all regions of the world.

The initial results of the glob-

al survey confirm that resistance is very frequent in bacteria isolated in health-care facilities; for instance, for a devastating bug called Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), it is as high as 44 per cent, 40 per cent and 38 per cent on average in Latin America, West African countries, and Europe respectively.

Technical lead of the WHO Clean Care is Safer Care programme and of the activities planned for Hand Hygiene Day, Prof.

Benedetta Allegranzi, said: “There is clear scientific evidence that good hand hygiene by health workers reduces healthcare-associated infections caused by resistant germs, in particular

by MRSA.” Dr Adebayo blamed such resistance to antibiotics on wrong prescriptions in some hospitals and health-seeking attitude of the public, who always insist on drugs for practitioners.

The use of alcohol-based hand rub products is a key factor to achieve improvement because they can be promptly used at the point of care when hand hygiene is needed to ensure patient safety and they have higher antimicrobial effect than soap and water.

“Although the development of new antibiotics is vital to provide new treatment options, strengthening hand hygiene and other infection control best practices has the potential to stop antimicrobial resistance. Preventing the transmission and spread of the germs, avoids infections and the related treatment constraints and patient suffering,” says Dr. Edward Kelley, Director, Service Delivery and Safety which hosts the Clean Care is Safer Care programme.

For this year’s “SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands” campaign, the Call to Action is “No action today; no cure tomorrow – make sure the WHO ‘5 Moments’ are part of protecting your patients from resistant germs.” Under this year’s campaign, more than 1100 health facilities have registered, committing to practice good hand hygiene, joining more than 16 000 health facilities in 168 countries that have committed in previous years.

“This continuous increase of participation shows that hand hygiene efforts continue to be prioritized and sustained worldwide, especially when combined with other important goals such as combating antimicrobial resistance,” says Prof. Didier Pittet, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety (Infection Control) at the University of Geneva Hospitals.

Through the "SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands" campaign, WHO will continue to work with countries to highlight the issue of antimicrobial resistance and to promote the role that hand hygiene can play in preventing the spread of resistant germs. Final results of the surveys mentioned will be updated as more data is processed. This will allow reacting with further actions in the field of infection prevention and control, surveillance, antibiotic use optimization, and the prevention of surgical site infections.

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SCIENCE HEALTH Thursday, May 8, 2014

Poor oral health associated with nine chronic diseases *Sensodyne leads advocacy campaign for good dental hygiene

Dentists offering free oral health care at a recent advocacy campaign for good oral hygiene amongst Nigerians organized by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, makers of Sensodyne toothpaste

By Chukwuma Muanya leading consumer healthcare company and makers A of Sensodyne and Parodontax toothpastes, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Nigeria Plc, has raised alarm over rising cases of chronic diseases linked with poor oral hygiene even as they advised Nigerians to brush their teeth at least twice daily with recommended toothpastes and brushes as it is vital to their total well being.

GSK’s position was supported by a recent study published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, which concluded: “Poor self-reported oral health (SROH) is associated with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, nervous system disease, eye/nose/throat disease, stomach/intestinal disease, and musculoskeletal disease.”

However, the researchers and GSK’s medical team are unanimous that advocacy campaign for good oral hygiene amongst Nigerians and brushing the teeth at least twice daily with recommended toothpastes such as Sensodyne and Parodontax as key steps towards maintaining good oral hygiene will prevent the onset of chronic diseases.

Medical Director, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, Bode Adesoji, said that oral health awareness is poor in the country because people do not understand the interconnection between oral health and general wellbeing.

Adesoji explained: “I have also realized that a lot of people associate the dentist with pain and this fear has prevented a lot of people from going for dental check-ups.

Nigerians also believe that dental treatments/procedures are too expensive hence they would rather cope with the pain.”

Meanwhile, to assess the association between SROH

and general health, the Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology study examined the cross-sectional associations between SROH and nine chronic health conditions, namely cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, nervous system disease, eye/nose/throat disease, stomach/intestinal disease, and musculoskeletal disease in Hong Kong.

The study included 41 641 participants recruited in the FAMILY Project cohort study during March 2009 to March 2011. SROH was measured on a five-point Likert scale.

Multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze the effect of dichotomized SROH (0: very good/good/average, 1: bad/very bad) on nine chronic health conditions, adjusted for age, sex, education, personal income, smoking and drinking habits, Body mass index (BMI), and blood pressures.

The result showed that all the nine chronic health conditions investigated were associated with SROH. SROH showed the strongest crosssectional association with nervous system disease (odds ratio = 3.30, P < 0.001), while the odds ratio with other significant chronic health conditions ranged from 1.13 (high cholesterol, P = 0.033)–1.73 (stomach/intestinal disease, P < 0.001).

Other studies have indicated possible associations between chronic oral infections and diabetes, heart and lung disease, stroke, and low birthweight or premature births.

Researchers have also established the association between poor oral health and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers in a study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine recommended that people should make the reduction of sugars such as those contained in junk food, particularly fizzy drinks, an

important health policy target.

They explained: “Poor oral hygiene and excess sugar consumption can lead to periodontal disease where the supporting bone around the teeth is destroyed. It is thought that chronic infection from gum disease can trigger an inflammatory response that leads to heart disease through a process called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.”

As regards the relationship between poor oral health and heart related diseases, Adesoji, said: “It is a long established fact that oral health is a direct reflection of the overall health of an individual and various literatures are in support of this notion.”

Concerning tooth sensitivity, which has been a major concern for many individuals across the world, Adesoji said patients with such concerns should try to use toothpastes such as Sensodyne toothpaste that are specifically developed for individuals with sensitive teeth and clinically proven to relief the pain of teeth sensitivity with continuous use.

Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth that is triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of one’s teeth.

Sensitive teeth occur when the underlying layer of your teeth - the dentin - becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to the tooth's nerve center (the pulp). These dentinal tubules (or channels) allow the stimuli - for example, the hot, cold, or sweet food - to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain people feel.

On the ratio of qualified dentists to patients in Nigeria, which many believe is very

wide, Adesoji, suggested more training institutions and better remuneration to avoid brain drain and influx of quacks in the profession.

“I believe the wide ratio is as a result of inadequate training institutions for dentists in the country as well as the unattractive remuneration compared to other opportunities in other parts of the world.

This has led to significant brain drain to this great profession. Dental equipment is also prohibitively expensive, thus discouraging even experienced dentists from setting up individual practice. These issues adequately addressed will definitely improve the situation” Adesoji explained.

Brand Manager, Sensodyne & Parodontax, Dr. Davis Iyoha, however, said that oral hygiene awareness among Nigerians is still low, hence the need to create more awareness and make the campaign more accessible to people.

Sensodyne offers a range of oral care products for sensitive teeth. The range includes toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwash and dental floss.

The product is marketed under the brand name of Shumitect in Japan.

Parodontax is a sodium bicarbonate based toothpaste that contains natural herbs such as rathania, chamomile, echinacea, mirra, mint and salvia. It is designed to reduce bleeding gums and prevent gingivitis and periodontitis.

Parodontax is also available in a mouthwash.

Iyoha said: “Our mission at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer.

Statistically, one in three people suffer from sensitive teeth and 52 percent of patients with tooth sensitivity fail to seek dental advice. For this reason, we decided to sponsor free dental checks to enlighten people on the condition of sensitive teeth and encourage them to improve their oral hygiene habits.”

Megacare unveils ‘first’ online pharmacy delivery service HE management of T Megacare Pharmacy has launched Nigeria’s first online pharmacy and health mart, Megacareonline, to provide a healthier population and also bring shopping of its products to their doorstep through online portal.

Megacareonline is the online healthcare mart of Megacare Limited with over 15, 000 products, including pharmacy and health, body care, mother and child, healthy food, perfumery, house hold, sport nutrition and fitness, eye care, oral care, gifts and cards and veterinary categories.

Managing Director, Megacare Limited, Mrs Olayinka Oredola, at the official launch of Megacareonline last week in Lagos the occasion is the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria.

Oredola said: “As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR), we desire to redefine the healthcare service in Nigeria and to empower the sector to become fully compatible with her counterparts in the developed countries. We all know how easy access to health related information could save many lives. “ Health is the state of physical, mental and social well-being of an individual and not just the absence of diseases or infirmity.

Experience shows that the ability to acquire and use information is fundamental to the successful implementation of health care services, especially with the adoption of new technologies especially like the online platform, access to information and products become easy, convenient and automatic.

“It is no doubt that computer literacy by both educated and uneducated has become the most pertinent factor for a better life. Like all other sectors, it is obvious that the healthcare

healthcare sector will also be incomplete and ineffective without the application of information and computer technology (ICT).”

“Experts have perceived ICT as an unavoidable technology for the improvement of organisations, teams and people in the information age. Also, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (1999), ICTs cover internet service provision, information technology equipment, library and documentation centres, network based information services and other related communication activities.

“For these reasons and many more, we have decided to introduce an online portal (www.megacareonline.com) to give people quick access to health related products. It is a one-stop online healthcare mart that gives prompt access to healthcare and lifestyle products.

With this, Nigerians can have access to products and services without any physical presence anytime, anywhere just at the touch of the computer button.”

General Manager, Megacare, Dr. Nkem Chimezie, said: “We revolutionalised the retail pharmacy practice in Nigeria and with our new innovation we can now be in all homes and offices, everywhere in Nigeria at the click of a button, and with our layout of professionals, we are strongly committed to customer delight and contentment, positioned to deliver superior value by way of products and services.”

“Our 15.000 products span various categories ranging from prescriptions nutritional supplements, health foods, medical devices, body care etc We are dedicated and known for our prompt delivery services.”

‘Why government should support pharmaceutical industries’

By Wole Oyebade N their quest for WHO-prequalification, Group IManaging Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries limited, Dr Stella Okoli has reiterated the call for government’s support for pharmaceutical industries in the country.

She said though Federal Government had announced intervention fund for the sector, but it was yet to reach the industries.

Okoli, who spoke at the unveiling of Emzor’s brand ambassador – ‘Maxwell: The wellocrat’ – observed that the WHO-prequalification is not beyond pharmaceutical industries in the country, but the companies must be encouraged to scale through the prequalification processes.

Prequalification is a systematic process to determine the capacity of a manufacturer to produce a product of consistent quality in accordance with international standards and WHO/UNFPA specifications.

Okoli noted that the pharmaceutical industry is strategic

and must be encouraged to grow.

According to her, “The government must understand the industry, its intricacies and difficulties. It is a fact that the drugs we produce are first class and we will need intervention fund to upgrade.

“Mr. President has already announced intervention fund but they are not fought coming. Upgrading to the world standard of WHO uses no locally made products; all of them have to be imported,” she said.

Okoli added that the government could encourage industries with facilities like soft loans, zero duties, and ensure factories are built at less cost, all in the bid to help industries come up as quick as possible and Nigeria becoming a hub of pharmaceuticals in the world.

On the wellness initiative, Head of Brand Management Emzor, Muyiwa Kayode said the company is driving the unlimited wellness, through its affordable and available quality products. “Through wellocracy that Maxwell represent, we are bringing unlimited wellness to everybody,” he said.

Thursday, May 8, 2014 SCIENCE & HEALTH 37

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Stemming rising cases of prostate enlargement in Nigeria From Emeka Anuforo and Abosede Musari, Abuja ROSTATE enlargement is a P condition that affects the men folk. Experts say that men from age 50 stand the risk of prostate enlargement, a situation, which may affect the kidneys if not properly treated; and in good time.

Otherwise known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), prostate enlargement though not cancerous, does so much damage if allowed to affect the kidneys.

Experts describe BPH as a medical condition suffered by many as a result of age.

Statistics have shown that 90 per cent of men from there 80s suffer from prostate associated problems and Nigerians are no exception.

Available information indicates that the prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system that surrounds a portion of the bladder and urethra. The prostate produces most of the fluid in semen that allows sperm mobility during ejaculation.

However, in a case where the cells of the prostrate gland begin to multiply, the additional cells cause the prostrate gland to swell, squeezing the urethra and making the flow of urine difficult, medical personnel said. This condition is referred to as benign prostatic hypertrophy, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate enlargement.

For these patients, they often have problems urinating and they have problems sleeping at night. Yusuf Musa is a 67-year-old Nigerian who narrated his experience to The Guardian. A retired banker, Umar said this problem started last December when he woke up with swollen knee.

"I thought it was common cold and I applied ointment and went to the local clinic in Manufashi in Katsina state where I live. I did an xray and they said I had gout.

They gave me ointment and injections. But the following day I had fever and dizziness. The way I spent the day was the way I spent the night; I couldn't sleep", he said.

For Musa, he had to go all the way to Kano when the condition was not improving. It was in a Kano hospital that he was diagnosed of prostrate.

However, he could not get the ailment treated in Kano because the doctor that diagnosed him was not frequent at the hospital. The doctor came every Tuesday and sometimes skips even the weekly appearance.

This doctor who had inserted a urine bag in his body was not available to attend to Umar when he returned. Eventually the bag was removed but he had to seek medical attention elsewhere because the situation did not improve.

"In Kano I saw an amateur doctor who inflicted injury on my body while trying to insert the urine bag. So my children insisted I came to Abuja. Here I was operated and it has been successful", he said.

Musa who was operated at the Nigerian-Turkish Nizamiye Hospital is now discharged and recuperating. He advised government to encourage more private sector participation in healthcare delivery.

Benign prostate enlargement or hypertrophy/hyperplasia (also known as BPH), health experts say, is a common condition in men as they age. Prostate tissue can enlarge in response to certain hormones. It can swell

Prof Herbert Coker (left); Managing Director (MD) Cipla Evans and guest lecturer, Wale Oyenuga and Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL), Prof Kemi Odukoya at the first annual alumni lecture for graduating students, recently held in Lagos and block the flow of urine from the bladder, causing uncomfortable symptoms and potential infection.

Prostate condition starts with the difficulty to urinate.

Research shows that as this experience continues, it may lead to damage kidney.

Difficulty experienced in initiating urination can slowly become a problem over time with BPH. An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

Subsequently, it becomes increasingly more difficult to begin urination.

It can take longer to build sufficient pressure for urine to pass this restriction.

Eventually, this can lead to urinary retention, in which the patient becomes unable to urinate. The bladder swells and becomes painful.

This can be a medical emergency due to the potential damage to the kidneys.

Another symptom of BPH is experiencing difficulty in starting and stopping urination. The enlarged prostate can press on the urethra, preventing urine from easily flowing out of the bladder.

Even if the urine stream starts, the flow can be interrupted frequently. The patient may strain surrounding muscles by trying to force out more urine.

While it may take a long time to empty out the bladder during urination, patients of prostate enlargement may be surprised to see little bits of urine dribble out into their underwear even when they think they were done with urinating.

The urethra is not simply a straight tube. With weak

Expert lists Dettol’s contribution to nation’s healthcare delivery MEMBER of the Global A Hygiene Council, Dr. (Mrs.) Nneoma Idika, has said that hygiene promotion is a significant component of global healthcare delivery and applauded the various hygiene promotion initiatives by the anti-germs protection brand, Dettol in Nigeria.

She commended Reckitt Benckiser for its hygienefocused Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives on the platform of its flagship brand being implemented mostly as contact programmes with new mothers and children across the country.

Dr. Idika’s views were contained in a presentation titled: “Dettol’s Contribution to Health and Hygiene in its 50 years in Nigeria”, delivered during the scientific session at the just-ended 54th Annual General Conference and Delegates’ Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in Benin City, Edo State.

According to her, some of the hygiene-focused initiatives carried out by the company include reaching over three million children from 1,000 schools in Nigeria especially in Lagos, Oyo and Kano States

and Abuja who were taught the six essential steps of hand washing.

The hygiene lesson, she noted, has enabled many Nigerians especially children to stay protected against germs which are the causes of death in persons under five years of age.

Dr. Idika disclosed further that among other initiatives were participation in the annual World Health Day, conduct of a memorability test for school children on

hand washing, sponsored research studies on hygiene and campaigns promoting hygiene lessons and messages among Nigerians and millions of homes.

“Over 1000 public and private schools have been touched in the last three years in collaboration with state governments through the Universal Basic Education boards while 1,152,745 new mums in 2,053 hospitals in 44 cities have been reached since 2009’’, she revealed.

urine flow and the pressure build up behind the restriction created by the enlarged prostate, urine can collect in the upper part of the tube.

Even when the patient thinks he is finished and no longer feels any more urine in the bladder, that extra bit can come out as he relaxes.

These and other symptoms such as sleep disturbances and straining to urinate are some of the difficulties that patients of prostate problems experience.

Besides the risk of urinary track infection, there is also the risk of having bladder stones.

Bladder stones form when the urine retained in the bladder becomes concentrated and minerals crystallize out of the liquid. Bladder stones can be very painful and cause additional urinary symptoms, as they can block the flow of urine through the bladder and urethra. The stone may pass out of the bladder and through the

urethra if it is small and the patient drink enough water.

More complex treatment may be required if the stone is big or does not easily pass.

With men from their 50s at risk of enlarged prostrate and its associated problems, the ailment is a common one affecting a large percentage of the male population, researches note. It therefore requires that hospitals especially in the remote areas be equipped to handle this case easily because of the percentage of people at risk.

Musa in his submission urged the government to ensure more private sector involvement in healthcare delivery. However, with old men in the rural areas who can not afford private hospital treatment, it will be excellent if the state governments and local governments can equip their hospitals to treat this population of people at affordable cost so that life can be worth living for them as well.

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‘Breastfeeding remains best way to healthy life’

By Paul Adunwoke EALTH Minister, Prof.

H Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said that breastfeeding remains the best way to ensure child’s healthy life and reduce mortalities. He said that exclusive breastfeeding is giving a baby breast-milk alone without water, herbal drink or any other food for the first six months of life, except medicines prescribed by the doc-

tor.

The minister, who was represented by the Head of Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, said this, during 3rd Creative Shared Value (CSV) Media Workshop titled “Mainstreaming nutrition, water and rural development news reporting in Nigeria.”

The Workshop was organized, last week, in Lagos by

Nestle Nigeria Plc. Chukwu said: “The way forward to promote good nutrition begins from the mother before pregnancy, the mother to be adequately fed, giving proper nutrition and balance diet and during pregnancy she should focus on antenatal care so that she can be able to have sufficient nourishment, iron and folic acid supplements. The woman should visit a doctor in sev-

How to reduce grassroots’ maternal, child deaths, by experts

By Paul Adunwoke ORRIED by the rising maternal and child mortality in the country, medical professionals have urged government to provide quality healthcare at the grassroots. They said this would help to reduce mortalities, especially in Lagos.

The medical experts at a media forum organised by D e v e l o p m e n t Communication Network (DevComs), last week in Lagos said that government should make policies that will provide access to primary health care, especially for pregnant women and children in rural areas.

Technical and Policy Lead, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Dr. Luther King Fasehun, said there is need to straighten the system of healthcare delivery and access.

Fasheun said: “Women need be educated to register for primary healthcare, go for maternal care and post maternal care that is the way of reducing maternal mortality”.

“Government needs to provide more midwives and pay them good salary to sustain them, government should make sure there are health facilities to bring good effect. Not only government, private organisations can come in and assist masses because government alone cannot do it”.

Fasehun noted that early marriage is one of the causes maternal mortality.

“There is need educate women to stop early marriage, we need to start the campaign from community to community and also social mobilization to sensitize women to say no to early marriage,” he said.

Dr. Okaga Saidat, from Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASABUS), said there is need for mobile care unity in every primary healthcare.

“Early registration to the primary healthcare is very important, it will reduce high mortality rate,” she said.

The Coordinator Media, DevComs, Ayodele Adesanmi, said there is need for accountability from the government on primary healthcare.

Adesanmi said: “Government should be sincere to the masses on health issues, if government can increase access to primary healthcare by proving medical facilities to provide quality services, it can reduce maternal

W

death. Access to primary health care is one major factor that contributes to reduction of maternal mortality.

“Lack of commitment on the part of policy makers is also a challenge because if allocations that meant to

take care of primary healthcare are not utilized in healthcare it means that those in positions are not sincere. There need for more health workers to attend to pregnant women in every primary healthcare.”

eral occasions for course of her pregnancy. However, adequate complementary food diversified Garri, fruits, and vegetables to provide the necessary micro nutrition.

“Community needs to support a woman to breastfeed her child, women need to be educated on how provide adequate nutrition food for their children. Men have to support their wives to breastfeed their babies and also to take their babies as priority in their household.”

The President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Prof. Ngozi Nnam, who spoke on the topic “The first 1000 days of life, role of right nutrition and feeding practices” she said good nutrition on any child within the 1000 days determines the body’s future.

Nnam said any baby with malnutrition within the first 1000 days suffers stunting.

She explained: “Mothers must be willing and ready to learn the necessary skills and techniques of positioning and attaching the baby to the breast properly. Mothers also need to feed the baby regularly on demand in order to produce more milk. If the mother must return to work before six month she must be willing to express her milk, so that the baby can be fed with it when she is not around or if possible get a place near her place of work like a crèche where she can go regularly to breastfeed the baby.

Remember it is just for six months and the benefit to the mothers and child is for a life- time.

“Mothers must make

sure that the child empties the first breast before turn to another it helps the baby’s growth. If the woman is not in adequate state of nutritional status, it might affect the child.

Women need to be well fed during pregnancy and in between pregnancies, pregnant women should eat more fruits and vegetables, they need vitamins. If mothers can meet the nutritional status of babies, it can turn round the nutritional fortune of our country.”

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officers of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon, said that the workshop was part of efforts to build Nestle’s thought leadership and presence in nutrition and to be trusted by all stakeholders.

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SCIENCE HEALTH Thursday, May 8, 2014

WHO declares polio public health emergency of international concern *Pakistan faces global travel curbs *Nigeria records new case in Kano *NIMR decries low immunization uptake

By Chukwuma Muanya and Wole Oyebade ORRIED that the spread of W wild poliovirus (WPV) to three countries, during what is normally the low-transmission season, is an ‘extraordinary event’ and a public health risk to other countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday declared polio a public health emergency of international concern.

Director-General, the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Margaret Chan, yesterday after several days of consultation with the Emergency Committee, which was convened under the International Health Regulations, said the declaration became necessary because a coordinated international response is essential to prevent this from worsening at the start of the high season for poliovirus transmission.

According to a statement by the WHO, currently 10 countries have active wild poliovirus outbreaks that could spread to other countries through the movement of people. From January to April this year – that is the low-transmission season for polio – the virus has been carried to three countries: in central Asia (from Pakistan to Afghanistan), in the Middle East (Syria to Iraq) and in Central Africa (Cameroon to Equatorial Guinea).

The WHO red alert was accompanied by travel restrictions on Pakistan, Syria, and Cameroon- where polio has made a comeback. According to WHO, Pakistan, which poses an imminent threat to India and its triumph against polio.

Pakistanis will now be required to show evidence of polio vaccination before applying for a visa anywhere, thus endorsing a move that New Delhi instituted in January.

According to the recent edition of Weekly Polio Update published yesterday by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), “one new WPV1 case was reported this week from Kano with onset of paralysis on 24 March bringing the total number of WPV1 cases for 2014 to two (both in Kano). The total number of WPV1 cases for 2013 is 53.

“No new circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases were reported in the past week. The total number of cVDPV2 cases for 2014 is one, and for 2013 is four.

The most recent cVDPV case had onset of paralysis on February 9, (from Damboa, Borno).”

Meanwhile, despite efforts of the government at routine immunisation and awareness campaign, Nigeria was yesterday named among countries with low uptake of immunisation of under-five children, as the world commemorated Immunisation week 2014.

Reason: a sizable portion of the Nigerian population is still rejecting vaccines for their children, coupled with cases of children with missed opportunities.

Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical

Research (NIMR), Prof.

Innocent Ujah, disclosed this at a symposium to commemorate World Immunisation Week (WIW) 2014 in Lagos.

Ujah said notwithstanding global investment at vaccinating under-five children against vaccine preventable diseases, one out of five children (20 per cent) were still missing out on vaccination.

He observed that global study estimated that “22.6million infants were not reach with immunisation services worldwide.”

“More than half of these children live in just three countries of Indonesia, India and Nigeria.

Lack of knowledge on the part of mothers mostly contributed to failure of immunisation of their children,” he said.

Ujah added that the WIW campaign focus on providing people with the information needed to make informed decision about vaccination, especially under-five children and pregnant women, and professional groups to discuss challenges facing the campaign.

He said: “Issues of immunisation are looked at from varying perspectives ranging from cautious suspicion of the true intent to outright rejection of vaccination.

“Obviously, gaps in the effective utilisation of this preventable intervention exist, largely resulting from the wrong perception even among the educated class on the real value of immunisation. At some point, it was rumoured that vaccines contained contraceptives aimed at reducing population of the North. But this not true at all.

“Immunisation has been acknowledged as the proven tool for controlling and eliminating life threatening infectious diseases and it is estimated to have averted between two and three million deaths each year.

“Immunisation is one of the most cost-effective and most successful health investment interventions with proven strategies that make it accessible to the most hard-to-reach and vulnerable population.

“This necessitates the health given to mothers at clinics.

Mothers were told to disregard such rumours and suspicions, which are borne out of ignorance and ensured that their children receive complete doses of all the vaccines,” Ujah said.

Head of NIMR Immunology and Vaccinology Research Group, Dr Adeyanju Adeiga observed that vaccination is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders — government, development partners, health workers, community and families.

He said while the government and its partners were doing their bit to provide vaccines, uptake is still low for reasons not unconnected with missed opportunities among others.

According to Adeiga, “Missed opportunity is the case of a mother taking a child for vaccination but there is vaccine stock out, or the child is sick and could not take vaccine.

Six die, 113 hospitalized in fresh cholera outbreak in Plateau From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos IX persons have been reportShospitalized ed killed while 113 others in a fresh cholera outbreak in Bassa and Jos North local government areas of Plateau state.

Four persons, it was gathered, died in Rukuba Bassa and two in Jos metropolis as a result of the epidemic in the past two days.

The case in Jos north involved a 61-year old caterer who was said to have complained of stooling and vomiting, symptoms related to diarrhoea, taken to the hospital and died on Wednesday morning.

It was further gathered that in the process of cooking food for the funeral, five other members of the family contacted the same disease and were admitted to the hospital.

Confirming the incidents, Deputy Director, Epidemiology in the State Ministry of Health and State Epidemiologist, Dr. Raymond Juryit, said that of Bassa has been confirmed but that of Jos North was still being investi-

gated.

Juryit said that the case in Bassa was professionally handled and that was responsible for the lesser number of deaths recorded, adding that it would have been worse if the cases were not handled by professionals.

According to him, one of the victims died in a chemist shop, while the others arrived the hospital very late.

Juryit said the case of Jos involved a family, adding that, “A woman was sick of diarrhoea and was admitted in the hospital and she died the following day. In the course of preparing food for the funeral, some members of the family developed the same symptoms. We cannot conclude now that it is cholera because we have taken the samples and those with the symptoms have been admitted at Plateau Specialist Hospital. The samples were being analyzed, but we cannot wait for the result before we start treating them.

We are suspecting cholera and have put them on that routine, but the full confirmation will

NIMR D.G., Prof. Innocent Ujah Again, we have cases of drop out, where a child only receives one out of three sessions that is needed.

“There may be several reasons for that. Putting all these together, we are having high cases of unimmunised children. Mothers must know that without a full dose of vaccination, a child cannot get the full immunity,” Adeiga said.

Also, the Expert Review Committee on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization (ERC) convened in Abuja from April 23 to 24, 2014, to review the current polio epidemiology in the country.

According to the Weekly Polio Update, ERC concluded that as a result of significant programme improvements including significant decline in WPV cases and increase in the quality of SIAs, the next eight months are the most important period in Nigeria’s polio eradication programme.

The ERC said that waning political support during the upcoming election season, insecurity and complacency are now the major risks to achieving success.

The ERC said that as a result of significant programme improvements, a window of opportunity for eradicating polio exists between May and December 2014.

Polio, a crippling and potentially fatal viral disease that mainly affects children under the age of five, has come close to being beaten as the result of a 25-year effort.

In 1988, the disease was endemic in 125 countries, and 350,000 cases were recorded worldwide, according to WHO data.

Today, the virus is considered endemic in only three countries: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.

WHO Assistant Director General, Bruce Aylward, told reporters in Geneva yesterday: “Last year, 417 cases were detected globally, and so far this year there have been 74 cases, 59 of them in Pakistan.”

The Director-General’s recommendations differ between the countries that are currently exporting the virus to other countries (Cameroon, Pakistan

and Syria) and the countries that have to date kept it contained within their borders (Afghanistan, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Israel, Somalia and Nigeria). Among other items, it is recommended that the former group should ensure that all residents and long-term visitors (of more than four weeks) receive a dose of oral (OPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months before international travel.

According to the WHO, because the high transmission season for wild poliovirus begins in May, the new recommendations will go into effect immediately. Since travelers are the ones carrying the virus to other countries, by getting vaccinated before international travel they have the power to protect children in other countries from the crippling effects of polio.

The WHO statement reads: “This is very concerning because on other fronts the polio eradication endgame is making progress: a major source of wild poliovirus, India, has stopped transmission and in 2012, international spread was virtually stopped. If this current spread of wild poliovirus continues as we move into high-transmission season this month, cases could multiply exponentially.

“Outbreaks have been a constant threat and occurrence throughout the polio eradication initiative. However, the consequences of further international spread are particularly acute today given that several countries with complex humanitarian emergencies or other major challenges are bordering these infected countries. Some of the countries with complex humanitarian emergencies are places where routine immunization services are severely weakened, and which would find it extremely difficult to mount an effective polio outbreak response.

Countries of concern include Jordan, Lebanon, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen in the Middle East and in the Horn of Africa; Central African Republic and Chad in Central Africa; Ukraine in Europe.”

HIV/AIDS prevalence rate hits 8.7 percent in Anambra, says ANSACA From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka have continued to grip people in Anambra state FoverEARS the rising trend of the dreaded Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), following the revelation by the Executive Director, Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr O.J, Ndibe, that the prevalence rate has hit 8.7 percent in the state.

Speaking at a public presentation and the adoption of the state Monitoring and Evaluation plan on HIV intervention organized by Measure and Evaluation, Implementation partners and Anambra state government in Awka yesterday, Dr Ndibe disclosed that Anambra ranks 4th in the country, stressing that the report was based on the 2014 sentinel survey.

According to Ndibe, to check the rising trend of new HIV cases, ANSACA had adopted a multi sectoral HIV response by synergising with United Nation Children Fund (UNICEF), Family Health International (FH1360), Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), Local Action Committees in AIDS, Civil Societies and the media, for proper grassroots

sensitization.

He said the plan was produced by ANSACA with Technical and financial support

by Measure Evaluation, adding that it will go a long way to synthesize the public on HIV/AIDS. Speaking at the occasion, the state Commissioner for health, Dr Joe Akubuike said that the state has joined the league of states in Nigeria that has produced a monitoring and evaluation plan in HIV intervention.

Dr. Joe Akabuike noted, “that when programme are pragmatically planned it is very useful to put a benchmark or indicators for its assessment which should be a continue process”, as he expressed the readiness of the State Government to build the capacity of the Measure Evaluation personnel to bring them in tune with the current global Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) trends as stipulated in the new M & E on HIV intervention.

Akabuike who was represented on the occasion by the Director of Primary Health and Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye noted that monitoring and evaluation is not as highly technical as is generally mis-conceptualized, saying that it is easy to handle when the indicators are applied in any development work.

NAUTH graduates 567 nurses From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka O fewer than 567 nurses N graduated from the school of nursing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi and were issued their certificates by the management yesterday.

The School of Nursing Principal, Mrs. Nnoye N, Onyejiaka, in her speech counseled the graduants to always show love and care to patients, which she was the legacy left behind by the celebrated social worker and founder of modern day nursing profession, Florence Nightingale (18201910).

Onyejiaka who gave the advice while commending the nurses for excellent performance during the maiden convocation ceremony held at the Gilbert Metu Uzodike Auditorium, NAUTH, announced that the nurses had in the past 14 years performed excellently at the terminal qualifying examination for nurses.

She said, ”Since the then Minister of health, Dr Tim Menakaya commissioned the school in July 200, the school of nursing, NAUTH, Nnewi had maintained record of 100 percent in the examination conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.”

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Lagos hospitals record 32% rise in patients’ visit to facilities HE Lagos State Ministry of T Health has reported a 32 per cent increase in out-patient clinic attendance at secondary health facilities within two years from 3,102,571 to 4,100,503 between 2011 and 2013.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, last week, at the Ministry’s annual press briefing to commemorate the third year of the second term of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, in Office said also said that the period between 2011 and 2013 witnessed eight per cent increase in the bed complement of secondary health facilities from 3,091 to 3,339.

The Commissioner added that the utilization of services at public health services with regard to maternal and child health interventions has also improved tremendously since the beginning of the second term of this administration stressing that the antenatal clinic attendance has increased by 68 per cent from 136,707 in year 2011 to 229,389 in year 2013.

According to him, “deliveries increased by 25 per cent from 19,572 in year 2011 to 24,431 in year 2013 and the percentage of fully immunized children especially measles coverage under one year of age increased from 73 per cent to 87 per cent during the same time frame. The number of Directly Observed Treatment,

maintain focus on the revitalization of primary health care, continued professional development of health manpower to maintain quality of care, sustainability of public enlightenment on prevalent diseases and primary health care outreach services to underserved communities.

He said: “It would also be expedient to maintain a focus on, sector-specific data management, the scale up of community based mutual health plans and the engagement of the private sector, a resource not yet fully tapped, to efficiently complement the shortfall in available human resources for health in the public sector.”

The Commissioner stressed that the present administration remains committed to increased investment in infrastructure and human capital development to encourage best practices and inspire health workers with the most efficient tools of their profession while also assuring that challenges in the sector will be converted to opportunities.

Idris said: “I assure you that we will not dwell on the past.

We will remain focused to continue to address and convert challenges to opportunities and success stories and will continue to honestly deliver to the best of our abilities and within the resources available to the State, such that Lagos shall be a destination of best practices in the health sector.”

Idris Short-course for tuberculosis treatment (DOTS) sites also increased from 130 to 273.”

Idris stated that the State Government through the Ministry of Health, Health Service Commission and Primary Health Care Board have continued to train and retrain members of staff of the health workforce to improve on the quality of care in spite of the fact that the health workforce in the public sector has increased from 14,148 in the year 2011 to 15,205 in year 2013.

The Commissioner noted that the issues of enhanced access, quality and efficiency in health care sector were also addressed during the time frame in review stressing that

the State has completed the construction and equipping of two additional Maternal and Child Centres (MCCs) to bring the number of functional MCCs to seven.

“Also increase in the number of commissioned flagship primary care facilities to six have resulted in a commensurate increase in the bed complement and scope of service rendition spanning diagnostic, clinical, radiology and critical care of public health facilities. This was complemented with a focus on the availability of utilities such as alternative sources of potable water and power (IPP and generators)”, he stated.

Idris opined that State government would continue to

Indigenes of Item Community, Abia State, receiving free Medicare from Mission Africa

Group takes free medicare to Abia community From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia US-based non- governmenA tal organization known as Mission Africa has extended its activities to Item, a community in Bende Local Council of Abia State, where it offered the indigenes a oneday free medical treatment.

Targeted at 800 persons, some of who got eye glasses, the one-day programme held at Central School, Amaokwe Item, featured laboratory investigation, general body and eye examination and

treatment, as well as health counseling, among others.

Mission Africa, which has Mr. George Ikoro Chukwu and his wife, Ndudi Chukwu, as facilitators and managers, collaborated on the programme with Health and Life International, headed by Reverend (Mrs.) Gloria Uchefuna.

According to them, 20 Nigerian volunteers and three Americans, comprising medical and eye doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians participated in the exercise.

The Americans include Hector Morrel, Jeaneth Wheeler and Mark Wheeler, all of Seattle, Washington.

Beside free health service, the Mission Africa Director, Mrs. Chukwu told The Guardian that they also offered scholarships to 50 students from Item and Ovim, both in Abia State.

Mrs. Chukwu said the programme was prompted by the glaring need they saw in the community, adding, “we pray that this programme would propel government

and other agencies to establish formal hospitals within the community.”

Confirming the scholarship offers, the traditional ruler of Amaba Ukwu Item, Eze Osoka Agwu, expressed the community’s gratitude for the gesture and prayed that it becomes a regular programme.

He said “We are happy that occasionally, groups bring free Medicare to this community for the benefit of our people”.

Prevention and management of stroke Stroke A stroke, otherwise referred to as cardiovascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency characterised by loss of brain function due to impairment of blood supply to the brain.

There are mainly two types of stroke and they ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke.

Ischaemic stroke This type of stroke which accounts for more than 80% of the cases of stroke is caused by an obstruction of blood flow to a section of the brain. The cause of the obstruction could be a thrombus and this refers to a clot attached to the inner wall of the artery. The clot could also be formed on an atherosclerotic plaque which would have been causing an occlusion of the artery itself.

The obstruction of the artery may be due to an embolus. An embolus is a thrombus that has become detached from the artery and begins to flow freely in the circulation.

It can become lodged in a small artery and block the supply of blood to sections of the brain supplied by the artery. The embolus may also be lodged in an artery whose lumen may already have been reduced by an artherosclerotic plaque. An embolus is common in a condition of the heart known as atrial fibrillation. This condition is characterised by irregular heart beats and slow heart rate with the formation of emboli.

The second type of stroke is the haemorrhagic stroke.

A blood vessel either on the surface of the brain or in the tissue of the brain may burst and cause bleeding. If it involves an artery on the surface of the brain it is referred to as subarachnoid haemorrhage and the one inside the brain tissue is called an intracerebral haemorrhage.

In both cases, the bleeding creates sufficient pressure on the surrounding tissues to cause impairment of brain function. High blood pressure is the commonest cause of rupture of the artery in the brain. An aneurysm (an abnormal growth from a weakened part of an artery into a pouch) may also rupture and lead to bleeding.

Signs and symptoms of stroke They include a sudden sharp headache, dizziness, weakness and paralysis of the limbs on one side of the body, numbness, blurred vision, double vision and speech defect. Other signs and symptoms are lack of balance and problems with walking, loss of coordination, shifting of the face towards one side of the body and arm dropping.

Risk factors associated with stroke Risk factors associated with

stroke are: Age, as one grows older so do the chances of having a stroke increase.

Being a male. Stroke is predominantly more among elderly men.

Family history. The chances of a son having a stroke are higher if his father had it.

The following are modifiable risk factors: Hypertension Diabetes mellitus Hypercholesterolaemia Obesity and overweight A sedentary lifestyle Cigarette smoking Heavy alcohol consumption Use of narcotic drugs High level of the amino acid, homocysteine in the blood Eating of processed beef Generally eating an unhealthy diet.

Prevention and management of stroke Similar to most chronic degenerative diseases, especially cancer, management of stroke is in its prevention.

Looking closely at the risk factors those who fall into the non-modifiable group (age, sex and family history) should take prevention of stroke seriously. Lifestyle changes such as getting involved in exercise and dietary changes are most essential in the management of stroke.

Diet change would be from the over-cooked 'dead' food to raw vegetables and fruits.

Juicing a lot of these will become very necessary. They can also be steamed before eating. Common vegetables such as lettuce, celery, parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots and cabbage will help. The list also includes onions, garlic, cauliflower, spinach, green pepper, red pepper, Moringa Oleifera, etc.

The main focus of management of stroke is to prevent clot formation, the development of atherosclerotic plaques and thinning of the lumen of the arteries. Ways of increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain and strengthening of the walls of the arteries should also be exploited.

There are several supplements and herbs available that can be used to prevent and manage stroke. Some of these products are omega 3 and 6 found in fish oil ( salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardine) and flaxseed oil, vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid, CoenzymeQ10, Taurine, Rutin and Periwinkle. Others are: Gingko Biloba, cayene, ginger and cinnamon. Calcium is one alkaline mineral that plays a significant role in the prevention and management of stroke.

As always, consuming three to four litres of alkaline water daily is highly indicated.

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Education ‘Within six months of employment, teachers must get NCE’ Governor Rotimi Amaechi recently spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt on some developments in the education sector in the state. KELVIN EBIRI was there.

Can you give an insight into the role Rivers State government played in the emergence of Port Harcourt as the 2014 World Book Capital?

OST times when people congratulate my friend and sister- Mrs. Koko Kalango, I say to myself, she is doing well, but people should not forget that the Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 is a Rivers State government project. I like the fact that she is also showing prominently because when we leave office, she will be able to stand on her own and start up with the relationship she has built with the Rivers State government.

However, the relationship started when I ran into Kalango and she asked me to come and read to the children at the book reading programme she was doing. She also invited the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and wanted me to read for the children and I did. I said to her, I want you to do one assignment for me; that is to organise an annual literary festival to be sponsored by the state government. I reminded my good friend some weeks ago that at one point, she got so frustrated that she came to me and said, ‘I don’t want to continue anymore. I want to stop here’ and I said no, you can’t just abandon it like that.

I told her to do that for me for two or three years so that we can establish a structure for the literary festival that will be independent of government. Within that one year, I think we made success, an indication that God wanted to bless her and a lot of things happened.

First, the Garden City Literary Festival has moved to Port Harcourt Book Festival. It has also moved on for us to contemplate establishing a book centre, worth N3.5b, not owned by the government, but by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Garden City Literary Association or something like that. The NGO has gotten a plot of land close to the golf course and they have commenced the construction of the library. I hope other construction works will also commence. That is the first transformation.

The second transformation was when Mrs. Kalango brought up the idea of competing for the World Book Capital and I said, that will not be a bad idea. So, we funded her to compete and we won the nomination. It was wonderful that she did that. When she came to me and said we won, I asked her what the World Book Capital was all about and she explained that it was to book readers, what Caine Festival was to filmmakers. So she said we should take charge and begin to prepare for 2014. Since then, we have gone to several book fairs. I was at the London Book Fair, but I was not able to go to the Frankfurt Book Fair. So, we are trying to create our own book fair, where our writers will write more, our publishers will publish more and the printers will print more.

What other projects are tied to the World Book Capital 2014?

The World Book Capital will end in April 2015 and will hand over to South Korea. We budgeted nearly N4b for the project. We are building libraries, which I call reading rooms in the city.

They are about seven and we are having 23 in all the local council areas, which we will equip and furnish.

You have done a lot in the education sector. Did this impact on the choice of Port Harcourt as the World Book Capital?

I suspect it is one of the reasons they awarded us that. They looked at the level of achievement in the area of education, which I think we have done quiet a lot. Most people forget that there are other areas and what everybody is saying is education. We have completed seven secondary schools. But why we have not opened the doors for the public is because we need at least N600m per school to get them operational. We need to pay school fees for all the children and buy every other thing for them. As you may recall, what we have told parents is, ‘bring your

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Ameach child naked’ and we will clothe them and feed them for nine months in a year and send them back for few months on vacation. Now, we want to begin the construction of the university because we want to pursue primary, secondary and tertiary education.

It is worrisome when you produce wonderful children that make use of computer sets in primary schools only for them to end up in secondary schools that don’t use these devices.

Unfortunately, the seven secondary schools that have been completed so far cannot take all the children that will graduate from the primary schools. That is why we are trying to renovate the old secondary schools. Even when we finish renovating them, we need to equip them with Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities and all that. If we don’t do those things at the secondary education level, it means that the children will lose all they learnt in the primary schools. If I may ask, how many universities in Nigeria are ICT compliant? So, if the children end up in one local university that does not have all these things, they may also lose the knowledge they acquired in their primary and secondary schools. This is the reason why we are building a new university to make sure that they do not lose what they learnt in their primary and secondary schools. We need

to establish a standard first and that was why we appointed Professor Otonti Nduka as the Chairman of our Quality Assurance Department. We want to first and foremost, establish the standard we are looking for, then we will get others to comply with our standard.

What is the significance of the World Book Capital, and how will the state maximise the global attention arising there from?

Every thing is about perception. But for me, I will ask, what will the state benefit from the whole of this? The first thing is that we have been able to put structures on ground and make books available for people to read. This means, we are spending more money in the area of education. But, what the state will benefit from the global level, however, depends on how we are able to position ourselves and how much we are able to tell people we have changed, and are no longer the city that used to be known for criminality and all that; how we tell the world that we are now a state that is focusing on academics, books and technology and all that. There is nothing else we can do.

But at the local level, we must let people know that we are building libraries across the state so that people won’t have to go to Bernard Carr Street to read. You know we had a library near D-Line, which the Federal Government took

It is worrisome when you produce wonderful children that make use of computer sets in primary schools only for them to end up in secondary schools that don’t use these devices. Unfortunately, the seven secondary schools that have been completed so far cannot take all the children that will graduate from the primary schools. That is why we are trying to renovate the old secondary schools. Even when we finish renovating them, we need to equip them with Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities and all that.

If we don’t do those things at the secondary education level, it means that the children will lose all they learnt in the primary schools.

over and later abandoned it. At a time, the state tried to take it over but we were blackmailed, so we had to leave it again to the Federal Government. Having said that, I think when Shell completes the private library they are building for the NGO, I don’t think anyone will complain about the standard of the library.

What is the government doing to improve the quality of teachers in public schools?

We organised a training programme for the teachers we employed not long ago. However, I will find out from the Education Commissioner about other steps that have been taken because the ministry must make it clear to them that everyone must obtain, at least, a National Certificate in Education (NCE) certificate. For instance, even those that have Bachelor’s degrees in Arts (Literature) will not know how to teach literature. What we are saying in essence is that you must to have a Bachelor of Art in Education -Literature. We got a large number of qualified teachers, who had gone to either colleges of education or university of education.

Now, those without such qualification, I think the way to go about it is that within six months of their employment, they should get an NCE certificate or a Diploma in Teaching just to get the basic rudimentary knowledge of education then they can teach.

What are your expectations from young Nigerian writers?

Most of you look at literature in the manner Shakespeare wrote literature, which he described as ‘dancing with flowers when your house is burning with hunger.’ I don’t think people like Wole Soyinka belong to that school because if you look at the way he creates words, you will think he belongs to the people that believe in the literariness of literature. Literature has to do with the way you arrange your words, sentences and the manipulation of words. For instance, people like Chinua Achebe, just want to tell their story in comparism with people like Ngugi Wa Thong’o who don’t just want to tell the story, but to tell the story from a particular perspective to change the world positively.

Having said that, I have no other expectation from the new writers that are emerging but to create employment and reduce the high rate of poverty ravaging our country. We are in a country where you and I will be here one day trying to eat food, but you see people rushing, not to eat the food but to eat you and I. If you don’t want them to eat you and I, then, we must start now to utilise resources available to the state to empower people, create opportunities for Nigerians who live here, not only Rivers State people.

If you listened to the first argument I had with elders here, I said I have nothing against the Protestants, that is the born-again churches. I support them, even though people criticise them for the material tendencies that emanate from their preaching. But you must realise that they are also avenues for employment. Do you know how many pastors that they have recruited that are now employed? There are those amongst them who were not called, but called themselves to the service of God and they create employment by doing so. And as they open one branch after another, they create employment by appointing people to head the branches.

Rivers State investment in the education sector is huge. Isn’t it having adverse effect on other sectors?

You can’t plan education without first knowing what it will cost you to do so. We had a budget of N166b for the 24 secondary schools. Initially it was N4.1b each before it went up to N4.5b. I have forgotten what the cost of the 750 primary schools we intended to build was. However, we did not envisage the kind of economic hardship we have found ourselves in. We did not also envisage that we would have large appetite for projects. Take Diobu for instance; when you go to D-Line, you will see the wonderful projects that we are doing, we are extending that to Oroworukwo. The Diobu people are saying we have to come and do something in Diobu, but when I saw the bill, it was huge. So, we have an economic and business plan, but it was laced to socialist realities and that socialist realities were informed by the security crises that we had.

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48 Thursday, May 8, 2014 EDUCATION

Group urges Jonathan to seek international help to find abducted schoolgirls

By Ujunwa Atueyi HE Coalition of Nigerian T Apostolic Leaders, an association of Christian leaders has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to make the issue of the abducted schoolgirls a top priority of his administration and urgently seek international assistance of friendly nations, who would be forthcoming with the needed expertise for intelligence gathering.

At a press conference in Lagos, members of the association expressed sadness over the mounting security challenges in the country, especially among school children.

According to President of the group, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, the recurring attack by Boko Haram on the country has reached a point where sophistication is

required in curbing their excesses and putting an end to their unwarranted attack on the country.

“It is our responsibility to speak on issues affecting our nation. We express sadness over the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. We cannot even imagine what the parents of these young girls are going through. They probably sacrificed to send their children to school only for terrorists to abduct and take them to an unknown destination,” Adefarasin stated.

“The activities of Boko Haram requires preventive measures and one of the biggest weapons any country will use to combat terrorism is intelligence gathering.

After the September 11 attack on the United States, there have been several attempts

to repeat such attack, but America is using intelligence to forestall such. The President should keep pride aside and appeal to any nation that can help with the needed intelligence in order for us to decipher where these girls are and return them to their parents and put an end to this ugly situation,” Adefarasin stated.

He continued, “For these men to be able to attack

churches, mosques and individuals especially those in the North East geo-political zone, where these terrorists operate to join forces with the Federal Government to tackle the security challenge.

He also called on the delegates at the ongoing national confab to recognise the weight upon their shoulder and selflessly address issues He appealed to northern lead- in favour of the future generaers, homes, communities, tions and general wellbeing schools over and over again, it takes a lot of audacity, you can’t fight these people with the conventional weapons and this is where military intelligence comes in. This is the third time students are being attacked and killed in their schools, and nothing is being done to forestall further occurrences.”

of the country rather than political and religious sentiments.

Adefarasin added that the group will continue to pray for the safety of the girls and the entire nation, stressing that fervent prayer sessions were also held at the just concluded conference which hosted about 2000 pastors at Guiding Light Assembly, Lagos.

Learn Africa unveils new books, rebrands existing ones

By Chikezie Obidimma N a bid to broaden the range of its product portfolio so as to meet the increasing dynamic needs of its customers, Learn Africa Plc, has introduced new books and rebranded existing ones for primary and secondary schools.

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Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the company, Segun Oladipo, said the firm was elated to successfully introduce its new titles into the Nigerian market as replacements for some of the “Pearson Education titles that were withdrawn from our list.”

According to him: “The company has originated 96 new titles and produced over 20 million copies of various publications. We have also renamed some of our titles.

For instance, New General Mathematics is now New Concept Mathematics among others.

He added that the Concise Grammar was introduced as a better substitute for Brighter Grammar while the Echo Series replaced The Drum Beat.

“We have carried out a thorough revision of some of our publications to align them with the new curriculum requirements, and sustain their market acceptance.

These includes Phonics is Fun, I Can Read, My Language Book, Science Is Fun, Senior Secondary Physics, Economics for Senior Secondary Schools amongst others,” Oladipo stated.

He said: “We also came out with new brands such as Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools, New Computer Studies for Senior Secondary Schools, Uto Igbo and Okachamma Igbo.

We also released model school register of attendance, model diary for primary, junior and senior secondary schools.”

The CEO said his firm has been able to execute significant bulk book supply contracts with states like Ogun,

Gombe, Lagos, Bauchi, Sokoto, Ekiti and Katsina among others.

“We have also achieved an exponential growth in open market sales from N800m in 2011 to N1.4b in 2013. We have delivered books supplied through the indenting of the New Concept series worth over N2b in the last two years, which has made the series the fastest moving new titles in the Nigerian market today,” he said.

To ease accessibility, Oladipo said the company has established new depots in Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Ajegunle and Oshogbo. Books were also delivered in bulk to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Thursday, May 8, 2014 EDUCATION 49

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Focus on e-learning, quality of graduates as AUN holds 6th Commencement SSUES bordering on education, economic development and empowerment will dominate the agenda on Saturday, May 10, when the American University of Nigeria (AUN) holds her 6th Commencement service.

Over 250 students from four faculties, including the Graduate School will be graduated. Same day, the school will also be rolling out of its production line, its first batch of postgraduate diploma (PGDM) students.

At the event, President of the institution, Margee Ensign, will lead faculty members, students, parents and sundry dignitaries to deliberate on how to leverage on Nigeria’s huge human and natural endowments to win the national war against poverty and illiteracy.

Ensign is confident that the graduating students are suffi-

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• Over 250 students from four faculties to be awarded degrees • Graduates first batch of postgraduate diploma (PGDM) students ciently equipped to become leaders in business, politics and society even as the school has consistently maintained that its graduates have a competitive advantage over their counterparts worldwide, because they are trained in the American liberal arts and science tradition, which produces independent thinkers and problem solvers.

Also speaking on the interdisciplinary nature of the American liberal educational system, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Idorenyin Akpan said it allows students the opportunity to take general education courses, thereby having basic knowledge in all disciplines including philoso-

phy, ethics and leadership, public speaking, biology, and chemistry, as this knowledge guides them in the society we live in today.

Akpan said the system produces graduates who can think even while on their feet, lead with fresh ideas,

create employment, and also work as problem solvers.”

The commencement keynote speech, will be delivered by a former White House aide, Ambassador John Simon. Simon, a product of Harvard and Princeton universities, has vast experi-

Ensign is confident that the graduating students are sufficiently equipped to become leaders in business, politics and society even as the school has consistently maintained that its graduates have a competitive advantage over their counterparts worldwide, because they are trained in the American liberal arts and science tradition, which produces independent thinkers and problem

ence in undertaking development projects.

One of the major highlights of the commencement service will be the dedication of the school’s new library named after the late former US National Security Adviser (NSA) and pioneer AUN Board of Trustees member, Dr. Robert Pastor.

The new library building is a revolutionary concept in multifunctional deployment of e-resources and maximum use of space—a concept, which may influence a radical paradigm change in library development in Nigerian universities in the near future.

Pastor, who served as NSA under President Jimmy Carter and later became a Senior Fellow at the Carter Center, is credited with establishing programmes in election monitoring in Latin

America and China. He authored seventeen books on US Foreign Policy in his lifetime.

The library and e-learning centre is a 3-storey high broadband wi-fi complex featuring a 224-seat auditorium, lecture halls, classrooms, a 24-hour library facility, reading rooms, state-of-the-art radio and television studios for community broadcast services, a traditionally fitted sit-out named the Yola room and the Atiku Abubakar Leadership and Business Development Center.

According to Mr. Alex Cobo, Director of Facilities at AUN and the brain behind the design and construction of the new library, it will “play an important role in AUN’s mission to promote service learning and educate leaders who will be prepared to tackle the development issues of Nigeria.”

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U.S. group rates Ondo, Ibadan varsities high NDO State University, He said the directory would graduates who hitherto have O Akungba–Akoko (OSU) also feature comprehensive received world class training and the state-owned Rufus profiles of all standard at a very reasonable cost.

Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, have emerged the best Nigerian state university and polytechnic for 2013 respectively.

This is according to the preliminary result of the schools’ ranking survey carried out by a United States-based organisation, US Transparency International Standards (USTIS) The University of Ibadan emerged the best in the federal category while Covenant University, Ota emerged tops in the private category.

The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun and Ronik Polytechnic, Lagos topped the list of federal and private polytechnics respectively.

According to the organisation’s researcher, Yemi BoazAkerele, the result of the schools’ ranking would be published in the 2014 directory and yearbook of schools.

schools in the country and the bio-data of final year students of the schools.

Reacting to the development, Ondo State Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade said the position of the state’s schools in the ranking was a direct effect of government’s efforts at improving the standard of education in the state.

He said the government has invested heavily on infrastructure and manpower in the education sector hence, the ability of graduates from schools in the state to compete favourably with their counterparts in the world.

The commissioner said virtually all the courses offered by the schools were accredited by appropriate authorities.

“Our tertiary institutions are churning out world class

“It would interest the public to know that our students in our state university pay just N25, 000 per session yet they get the best training.The government deliberately made this so, so that financial constraint would not be a barrier to the students access to good education.”

Akinmade said ignorance remains the only option left for whoever refuses to embrace education, adding that this is the main reason the state government had determined not to give anyone the excuse to be ignorant.

“When best quality education is offered at almost no cost, then our children will naturally grow to be champions in their fields, and they would have acquired what it takes to sustain our state and nation and further move her to enviable heights.

Ojigbo advocates public-private sector synergy to boost education

By Ujunwa Atueyi OR efficient and transformational learning to take place in Nigerian public and private schools, former general manager (operations), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Sammy Ojigbo, has stressed the need for policy makers in the nation’s education sector to partner the private sector. The collaboration he said would not only allow for growth and promotion of knowledge in schools across country based on recent trend in education, but will also allow the incorporation of best ideas into the national education curriculum.

Speaking at the official launch of Nemvas International Training Centre, a business and education services consulting firm in Lagos, Ojigbo, who is the Chief Consulting Officer (CCO) of the firm maintained that exchange of ideas; exploring opportunities and networking with industry stakeholders, will put the country’s education on a very high pedestal where it ought to be.

Stressing the need for parties involved in the partnership to be sincere and willing to make and implement the needed changes, he added, “If

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we want to run an education system that would benefit Nigerians, then there is need for synergy between the public and private sector. But first, parties must be truthful to themselves; policy makers must adhere to their words and ensure they guide school managers on the path education must follow, rather than allowing guess work to prevail because there is so much guess work in this country as people are always assuming.

“So, a complete guideline that is revised by stakeholders from time to time should be made available to school managers, taking cognizance of what is happening elsewhere in the world, the former NNPC chieftain stated.

He continued, “There are so many universities in our country. Ordinarily, this should be a good development, but the question is, what is the resultant effect of this proliferation when graduates come out of school, and do not have the qualities that can stand them out anywhere in the world?

Can they walk out of Nigeria with their certificates and get jobs right away?”

Ojigbo maintained that as a way of making our certificates internationally recognised, “ensuring quality, thoroughness and exactness at the stage

of early childhood education remains a must as there were specific things education providers must teach children from the foundation.

“At Nemvas, we look at curriculum as defined by the Nigerian education policy, and we follow it to the letter because there are specific things that children are supposed to be taught especially in subjects like English and Mathematics. People leaving Nigeria to study abroad are always under pressure to either do TOEFL or other Advanced Level programmes.

On project management training and certification, Ojigbo a project engineer said, “there is presently an acute shortage of project management skills in the world and Nigeria in particular.

Ojigbo a project engineer, decried the general dearth of project management skills in the country, adding that this was evident in the large number of abandoned or failed projects that dot the country.

He said the world currently needs approximately 32.6 million employees with project management skills between now and 2016 according to a survey carried out by the Project Management Institute (PMI).”

ASCI tasks stakeholders on restoration of values using Christian schools as platforms

By Faith Oparaugo HE Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI), has urged stakeholders and churches to facilitate the restoration of values in our education system in particular and the society in general using Christian schools as platform.

Director of the association, Adun Akinyemju, gave the charge while speaking at this year’s West African Roundtable, which was tagged “Raising a Godly Generation to Transform Nations,” recently in Lagos.

Akinyemju recalled that in the past, education in Nigerian schools enjoyed the cooperation and collaboration of the local communities and governments, which ensured proper funding and effective administration.

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“Teachers were well trained and they came out devoted to their duties, which made students graduated with godly values. But today, things have degenerated so much that we see greed, avarice, pride and lack of accountability on the part of the workforce in all areas and at all levels,” she stressed.

The association boss who lamented the dearth of role models on the continent, a situation she said makes Africa’s future challenged, advised that “we need to change our mindsets through the schools and we believe we are doing that through faith.”

She encouraged Christian schools to register with the association so that they can join forces to effectively execute the task of restoring lost values in e d u c a t i o n .

Stressing the importance of

the schools coming together, she said it was of utmost expedience because, “we want to enable Christian educators and schools worldwide to effectively prepare students for life.”

Also speaking, global leader of ASCI Global, Mr. Dan Egeler who said that a Christian heart has the potential to transform the world, stressed the need to nuture children the right way in order to raise an orderly and organised society.

He added, “We must make sure we contribute to public good through effective teaching and learning that are biblically sound, academically rigorous, socially engaging and culturally relevant.

“We also need to partner with churches in Nigeria to reach the masses that can’t afford to attend Christian schools,” he concluded.

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Top Grade student shines at global essay contest student of Top Grade Living) based in the United A Secondary School in Kingdom said: “This year, we Surulere, Lagos, Mowalola received more than a thouOnigbanjo, has been recognized with an Honourable Mention in the 2014 international schools essay competition organized by the Trust for Sustainable Living based in the United Kingdom.

According to a statement, students participating in the competition were invited to write an essay outlining what “sustainable living” meant to them, and the steps they believe their respective country should be taking in order to achieve it.

Mowalola Onigbanjo has been invited to receive the certificate at the awards ceremony, where the overall winner of the competition will be announced, alongside the first, second and third place winners for the Primary (ages 7-11) and Secondary (ages 11-17) categories.

A Director at The Living Rainforest (Trust for Sustainable

sand essays from students in over 70 countries around the world, a great many of which contained a huge array of imaginative ideas for sustainable living, in addition to being of excellent quality and composition.”

According to him, the essay competition and debate have a very strong international perspective which gives students the opportunity to work with some of the best young minds around, drawing inspiration from others, sharing knowledge and fostering cooperation.

“We therefore very much hope to see Mowalola Onigbanjoparticipating in our international schools debate which will take place in the United Kingdom in July.”

Onigbanjo will participate in the Secondary School age category.

FG inaugurates committee to bridge HND degree dichotomy HE Federal Government the key demands of the T Tuesday inaugurated the Academic Staff Union of committee saddled with the Polytechnics (ASUP). ASUP has responsibility of bridging the dichotomy between holders of the Higher National Diploma (HND) and degrees from universities.

Inaugurating the committee, supervising Minister of Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, said it was in line with the final process of resolving one of

been on strike for nearly a year now.

Tagged the Technical Review Committee on the contents and curriculum of HND, the inter-ministerial committee has three terms of reference and three weeks to submit its report.

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Thursday, May 8, 2014 EDUCATION

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‘Education curriculum must match industry needs to end unemployment’ aHARRY Ike Nnoli is a management consultant and motivational speaker with over 20 years experience across different industries, pharmaceuticals, telecommunication, sales, marketing and banking. He is the author of the book You’re Hired, which he presented to a select group of journalists in Lagos. In this interview with UJUNWA ATUEYI, he spoke on salient issues that government and education managers should consider in addressing unemployment; the need for a continuous link between schools and industry and how the book will help young professionals and undergraduates to maximise their capabilities in the work environment and during job interviews.

Excerpts: HAT is the motivation behind the book You’re hired?

Well, I speak to young people often times and I see a desire and a need in the market place that is lacking in these young professionals. People wanting to get jobs, but are frustrated because they fall short a lot of time. You’re Hired comes as a help to young professionals toward making the best of job interviews.

I have attended several interviews as a young professional, which I often see as an opportunity to prove myself; then later in my profession, when I rose through the ranks, I began to interview people, a countless number at that, and then I saw the problems that job candidates had. A lot of them have quality in them but fell short of expressing that quality and that is where You’re Hired comes in. It provides the three key strategies for getting hired and comes with practice worksheets to help

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candidate apply the key learning.

Why the name You’re Hired?

The title of the book came because of the content therein. You can’t go through this book and not get hired by someone sooner than later. What I have put there is a compression of over 20 years experience.

It consists of what experts around the world have said about the art and science of attending interviews and principles of self-development. It is a book you can actually keep until you become a boss and then you can pass it on, because the principles there worked for me as a salesman as an entry level professional when I was going for senior level job interview.

What are those observed problems that job candidates faced?

The problem that Nigerian graduates and other job candidates have is that they see themselves as job seekers, rather than problem solvers and good products.

So long as they see themselves as job seekers, it means they are looking for something from the employer, which will not work. There must be a change in perception and a job candidate must begin to see himself or herself as a good product and a solution provider that will add value to the lives of people.

Until you have such mindset and mentality, prospective employers will not look for you.

Statistics in Nigeria shows that 23.9 per cent of employable Nigerians estimated at about 100 million people are unemployed. And a good percentage of that fig-

employers are looking for; an average job owner in the market is looking for qualities your professors never taught you in school.

So, there is a whole lot that governments, institutions need to do, and one thing am advocating is that we need to start teaching these skills in school. Our graduates need to know what employers are looking for and therefore should be provided with the kind of infor-

mation and education that is required in the market place. Graduates need to see themselves as people who are not just working to be paid salaries, but people who are working to add value to the society; people who are working and having the future in mind and knowing that their services will lead to a greater future.

Once they start seeing themselves in that light, their attitude to work environment changes.

Kwara Assembly extends Na’Allah’s tenure as VC Nnoli ure we have is not all about absence of job but because of employability. Even when the jobs are there, employers find it difficult to recruit their dream candidate. I manage different kinds of organisation and a lot of times; I find it difficult to get the right candidate of the job opening. In fact majority of these people are not employable.

According to you, majority of job candidates are not employable. What can institutions, governments and all concerned do to redeem the situation?

First, it is for all stakeholders including students to realise that learning is for life and not to pass examination. Secondly, there is an urgent need for a continuous link between schools and industries. I trained as a pharmacist, when I left school and started working in the pharmaceutical

industry. I doubt if I ever applied up to 10 per cent of what I learnt in school in my profession. Which therefore means that 90 per cent of what I was taught in school weren’t relevant to the market place.

This is part of what we are discussing with government. Schools and industries must continually meet for curriculum review.

Students must be taught what is required in the market place so that graduates will see themselves as people who have something to offer to prospective employers, not getting lost in the labour market.

Again, there are skills every graduate is expected to embrace while in school.

One is to have a winning attitude (positive mind set); be a good team player; have interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively. These are skills

From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin.

HE Kwara State House of Assembly Tuesday passed a bill extending the tenure of the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah.

The passage of the bill, which was moved by Nimota Ibrahim, (Ilorin West) according to the Speaker, Razak Atunwa, was done vide the amendment of Law No 13 of 2008 of the KWASU, wherein a subsection was inserted thus, “The Pioneer Vice Chancellor shall hold office for two consecutive terms of five years each.”

With the passage of the bill, the state Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed will assent to it before it would become law.

Atunwa said the monumental achievements recorded by the Na’Allah-led team and the need to consolidate on these giant strides by his administration was largely responsible for the passage of the bill for the extension of tenure.

The Speaker explained the

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amendment was supported by the stakeholders including commissioners for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Education and Human Capital Development Others are the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, chairman, Governing Council of the school, Abubakar Saraki University, Malete and Chairman, Parents Teachers Association, Kwara State Chapter.

He listed other stakeholders to include Provost, Kwara State College of Education Ilorin; Provost, College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin and chairman, National Association of Arabic Teachers, Kwara State.

The speaker said, “Their position was predicated on the vice chancellor’s brilliance, outstanding and exemplary performance since assumption of office, coupled with his proclivity for erudition, which enabled attraction of eminent foreign scholars from prestigious institutions from across the globe.”

Committee to bridgeHND /degree dichotomy inaugurated CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51 The terms of reference include; (a) review the curriculum for HND graduates (b) introduction of a bridging course that would pave the way for the recognition of HND to reach the highest grade level in public service and (c) design a programme to enable the polytechnics award B-Tech degree, which is equivalent to a degree.

The committee which has the permanent secretary of Federal Ministry of Education as chairman, has members drawn from the Ministry of Labour, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, National Board for Technical Education and National Universities Commission.

Other members are drawn from the National Commission for Colleges of Education, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association and the President of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics.

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MarketReport EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

AS AT 07-05-2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

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MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 07-05-2014

PRIMERA AFRICA

Petroleum stocks lift market capitalisation

by N35b Stories by Helen Oji QUITy transactions in the E shares of some bluechip companies, especially the petroleum oil sub-sector, yesterday pushed market capitalisation by N35billion.

Specifically, at the close of trading yesterday, 26 stocks appreciated in price, led by Seplat petroleum with N33.13 kobo to close at N696.12 per share.

Mobil oil followed with Plc followed with a gain of N8.80 kobo to close at N123.50 per share.

Guinness Nigeria Plc grew by N3.98 kobo to close at N180.00 per share. Larfarge Wapco and Nigerian Breweries also appreciated by N1.97 kobo and N1.28 kobo respectively to close at N111.99 and N150.00.

Diamond bank, GlaxoSmithKline, Total oil garnered 0.50 kobo to close at N6.24, N70.00 and N152.00 per share respectively.

Zenith Bank added 0.40 kobo to close at N22.90 per share.

Beta Glass and National Salt Company of Northern Nigeria gained 0.31 and 0.26 kobo to close at N18.90 and N12.09 per share.

DangoteFlourmills appreciated by 0.22 kobo to close at N8.00 per share while Nigerian Aviation Handling Company and Unilever gained 0.20 kobo to close at N4.90 and N48.45 per share respectively.

On the other hand, Cap Plc recorded the highest loss, shedding N1.35 kobo to close at N39.00, Dangote Cement Plc trailed with a loss of N1.28 kobo to close at N224.64 kobo

while Julius Berger depreciated by N0.90 kobo to close at N68.50 kobo.

Other companies that depreciated in price were Jos Breweries and Fidson Plc which dropped by N0.17 kobo and N0.13 kobo respectively to close at N3.42 kobo and N2.36 kobo.

Dangote Sugar Refinery shed 0.10 kobo to close at N9.20 per share, Constain West Africa, Learn Africa and TransNational Corporation lost 0.6 kobo to close at N1.32, N1.60 and N3.62 per share.

Consequently, market capitalisation increased by N35 billion or 0.28 per cent to N12.702 trillion from N12.667 trillion traded on Tuesday. Also the NSE All Share Index (ASI) rose to 38585.99 points from 38480.07 recorded on Wednesday.

An analysis of transactions showed that Continental Insurance was the most active stock for the day, exchanging 99.056 million shares valued at N97.078 million, Access Bank Followed with account of 31.414 million shares worth N284.052 million.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc traded 18.195 million shares valued at 482.073 million. First City Monument Bank took fourth position accounting for 17.968 million shares cost N63.703 million and Transnational corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) sold 17.438 million shares worth N63.609 million.

In all, investors staked N3.236 million on 321.983 million shares in 3952 deals against 511.320 million shares valued at N4.633 billion in 4552 deals.

PEARL Awards to address capital market’s operational, regulatory challenges HE PEARL Awards Nigeria T has expressed optimism that the recommendations on its forth-coming yearly lecture would help address operational, regulatory and developmental challenges hindering the growth of the nation’s capital market.

The President, PEARL Award, Tayo Orekoya, in an interview with The Guardian, explained that that the creation of a roadmap for actualization of the market in taking its rightful leadership position in Africa would also top one of the highlights of the discussions.

He said; “The theme of the lecture underscores the need for the Nigerian capital market to harness all its talent: economic, human and natural potentials to establish and sustain its cutting edges as the leading market in terms of depth, products and returns to investors in the whole Africa.”

Orekoya said the 10th yearly PEARL public lecture for capital market which is slated for Wednesday, May 28, 2014, is titled; “Actualizing Nigerian Capital Market Quest for Leadership in Africa: Issues, Challenges & Options”.

The Lecture, according to him, would be delivered by

the Chairman, National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Limited, Tola Moboluri, while the event would be chaired by former Minister of Finance & Chairman, BGL Group; Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu.

He added that some experts in the Nigerian capital market: President, Institute of Capital Market Registrars; Bayo Olugbemi, Council Member, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Alhaji Kasimu Garba Kurfi, , Chairman, Association of Reporting Accountants in the Capital Market Ayodele Othihiwa and the Managing Director, Lambeth Trust & Investment Company Limited, David Adonri would be lead discussants at the event.

He explained that the Award was instituted in 2005, to provide a forum for seasoned experts and technocrats (nationally and internationally) from the public and private sectors to brainstorm on germane, contemporary and emergent issues in Capital Market development, adding that this 10th edition is expected to attract experts in the Nigerian Capital Market and other sectors in the nation’s economy.

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Thursday, May 8, 2014 NEWS ANALYSIS 75

As Nigeria hosts World Economic Forum on Africa

By Felix Okoro

T is imperative to note that I(WEF) the World Economic Forum is an international institution that comprises business, political, academic and other leaders committed to shaping global, regional and industry agenda towards improvement of the state of the world in the direction of public-private partnership in the spirit of global citizenship.

Since its inception in 1971, WEF has always held most of its meetings on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa which is the institution’s regional headquarters. This 24th edition which Nigeria is playing host to for the first time could not have come at a better time than now when the country is ranked as the largest economy in Africa and 26th in the world following the rebasing of the country’s GDP which now stands at $510 billion. The result is that the structure of Nigerian economy has changed significantly with the services sector only, accounting for 52 per cent of GDP. As regional and global leaders in business, politics and civil society gather to discuss in Abuja, Nigeria, it is expected that they would have a robust conversation on the theme, “Forging Inclusive

Growth, Creating Jobs”. More importantly, they would discuss on how to integrate and structurally reform the natural and economic potentials of Africa which remain largely untapped in order to deliver benefits to all citizens in the continent.

The significance of Nigeria hosting is an indication that the country has been recognised as an economic power house in Africa and one of the emerging economies in the world. It is also a testament that the current administration under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan is on the right course despite our challenges. In fact, this event is a demonstration of a measure of confidence which the world and indeed Africa repose in Nigeria. With a population of over 170 million which invariably translates to a huge market and abundant natural resources, Nigeria remains an investment destination that holds attraction to any discerning investor.

What the country stands to gain by hosting is enormous.

First and foremost, as President Jonathan opined during his Media Chat on Sunday, ‘the forum will provide a platform for Nigeria to showcase her economic potentials to the whole world’. Nigerian business men and women will have

the rare opportunity of meeting and interacting with their counterparts from across the globe. They will build networks and partnerships that would lead to sustainable growth. Another salutary aspect of the hosting is that the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, African Development Bank and other donor agencies will be participating in the forum. African governments particularly Nigeria, would have direct interface with these fund agencies on how best to access credits from them.

The global attention is now on Nigeria for the right reasons because of this forum. It presents extremely important opportunity for economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and indeed a veritable opportunity for Nigeria business to canvas for investment and build global partnerships with the rest of the world. Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements are expected to be signed during the forum because some countries like China, Canada, South Africa, Kenya to mention but few are coming with very strong delegations.

Jonathan will alongside the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, African richest man

and billionaire, Aliko Dangote among others lead discussions during the event.

It is indeed a huge opportunity for Nigeria to market itself to the world. Its successful hosting will no doubt improve the country’s rating outlook.

African leaders are expected to set business and government priorities in order to attract more investments to the continent. The security challenges facing many African countries including Nigeria will be critically examined as insecurity is a disincentive to investment.

Oil theft, proliferation of small arms and light weapons and acts of terrorism require the collaboration of global and regional efforts to wage successful war against them. Trade barriers among African countries and lack of interconnectivity in both air transportation and telecommunication are other challenges facing African economy. A situation where it is extremely difficult for African people to travel within the continent because of the problem of obtaining visas is what a forum like this should address. African countries need to trade among themselves just like Europe and other regions of the world.

Essentially, the Nigerian

economy will witness a quantum leap as a result of this hosting opportunity. The hospitality industry which includes hotels, travels and tours, tourism and the entire service sector will boom.

Most hotels in Abuja are fully booked and this will conduce to huge inflow of foreign exchange as participants are wont to spend their money here. The multiplier effect is already being felt as the Naira has firmed against other currencies in the last one week.

The value chain of hosting cannot be quantified. This is what South Africa has enjoyed over the years it had hosted the World Economic Forum.

Overall, Nigeria will open her immense investment potentials to the whole world.

There are vast opportunities in the solid minerals sub sector, in manufacturing, especially in consumer goods because of our huge population and for export within the West African sub region.

Agriculture, housing, both upscale and social housing; power sector, and other critical infrastructure are areas of investment that will be explored by would be investors. Nigeria is an investment haven waiting to be tapped. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country will certainly increase; jobs will be created

and if this trajectory is maintained, insecurity will be drastically reduced.

Finally, coming at the Centenary anniversary of the country, we should use this opportunity to prove to the world that Nigeria is a fertile ground for investment and a land of opportunities. This hosting calls for unity of purpose for both the government and the people. If we successfully pull this through, we would have demonstrated to the world our capacity to organise big events. This is not the time to put stumbling blocks or mount needless criticisms to anything the government is doing by opposition politicians. It is regrettable that this event is happening at a time the nation is still grappling with the unfortunate incident of the abduction of the Chibok girls. But we should be encouraged by the fact the WEF comes at a good time because the forum will be discussing ways to improve the economy which will in turn provide more opportunities for people and therefore reduce social vices.

We should remember that the event is about Nigeria and about our future. All hands must be on deck to make it a huge success.

Okoro is a Public Affairs Analyst based in Abuja.

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76 NEWS EXTrA Thursday, may 8, 2014

EKITI 2014

PDP, APC, LP trade accusations over voters cards, others Stories by Muyiwa Adeyemi Ado Ekiti and Tunde Akinola Lagos CCuSATIoNS and countA er accusations are flying from the major political gladiators in the run up to the June 21 governorship elections in Ekiti State While the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is accusing the All Progressive Congress (APC) of purchasing voters cards from the electorates, alleging that about 35,000 cards had been bought by the APC at N5, 000 each from unsuspecting electorates.

The APC however, denied the allegation, saying it lacked substance.

Addressing a press conference yesterday the Director of media of Ayo Fayose Campaign organisation, Chief Gboyega Aribisogon alleged that the massive purchase of voters’ cards was meant to boost APC performance at the election.

Besides, the party alleged that APC had recruited about 200 fake election monitors called “Democracy Vanguard” as

Fayemi

Fayose

• INEC urged to use card reader in Ekiti, Osun polls • Lawmaker defects to APC • Bamidele alleges lack of amenities in communities parts of its rigging strategies.

According to him, the fake monitors were currently being trained at Ikogosi Warm Spring. “These fake monitors are to be deployed to the field on the day of the election to induce voters while queuing to vote,” he said.

The party therefore, asked INEC to reject the registration of the “Democracy Vanguard” as part of its election observers.

Also, federal lawmaker and Labour Party gubernatorial aspirant, Hon. michael opeyemi Bamidele, alleged plans by some politicians to hijack the forthcoming June 21 election in the state, through the use of mercenaries.

While raising the alarm in a statement issued yesterday, Bamidele called on voters in Ekiti to be vigilant and disregard attempts by members of the All

Progressives Congress (APC) to blackmail peaceloving opponents in the state.

He said: “There’s no gainsaying that the APC thugs and mercenary voters were resisted by Ekiti people at different registration centres across the State while trying to manipulate the voters’ registration exercise.

With allegations over plans to purchase voters card, the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral reform (CoDEr) has urged Nigerians to persuade the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) to test the Card reader in forthcoming polls in Ekiti and osun states to dispel the rumour that some candidates are already busy cloning voters cards for multiple voting and impersonation.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, Convener of CoDEr, Chief Ayo opadokun said the Card reader would either validate or invalidate claim of being a genuine voter.

“This certainly is supposed to be a significant step forward towards achieving credible elections and where every vote must count as demanded by Nigerians and the international community inclusive.

“The recounting of such positive and timely development by the INEC is suspicious because the nonusage of Card readers in Ekiti and osun States in June and August 2014 means that it will be practically impossible to detect multiple voting and impersonation which are rumored to be perfected

strategy of particular candidates,” he said. opadokun noted that the non-usage of the Card reader in Ekiti and osun would mean that there would be avoidable floodgate for the usage of cloned voter cards for multiple voting and impersonation in several polling units.

“Such a scenario will most certainly lead to confusion, accusations and possible violence in various polling centres, given the expected effective monitoring and vigilance that contesting political parties would mount in order to defend their votes.”

Also, Bamidele during his campaign tour of some villages and farm settlements in Ise/orun Local Government has decried what he called the “total absence of government presence” in some communities in Ekiti State.

He faulted the present APC led government’s claim of free education and access to basic healthcare, as contrary was the case. He said people still pay school fees

in the state.

In another development, one of the two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislators in Ekiti State House of Assembly member representing Ido/osi 1 Constituency, mrs. Bunmi oriniowo yesterday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

She joined former Governor Segun oni and sixteen senior officials of his administration who on monday joined the APC alongside their teeming supporters at Ifaki- Ekiti country home of the exgovernor.

Ido/osi Local Government Area where oni and mrs. oriniowo hail from had always been a stronghold of the PDP until now that some of them joined the APC. mrs. oriniowo who announced her defection at a rally addressed by the governor in her hometown, Ifisin, said she decided to join the APC because the party represents progress, development

monarchs meet candidates over violence being used as instruments oNCErNED about the C of destabilization in the rising cases of political • Women hold peace rally coming election. violence in the state, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional rulers will today (Thursday) meet with all the 18 candidates of the political parties, participating in the June 21 governorship election.

Chairman of the Council and the onitaji of Itaji, oba Adamo Babalola, yesterday, said the meeting became imperative following incidences of violence that had been witnessed in recent time among political parties.

Those expected at the peace parley include: Governor Kayode Fayemi, who is the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The flag bearers of the Labour Party, Hon opeyemi Bamidele, his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party, mr.

Ayodele Fayose and that of Accord Party, Barr Kole Ajayi, among others, are also invited to the meeting. oba Babalola revealed that issue bordering on how to ensure a peaceful poll and

harmonious coexistence among political actors, will be discussed.

The onitaji of Itaji, who urged the politicians to canvass for the votes of the people by presenting their manifestoes at the campaign rallies said the people, would reject politicians with violent tendencies.

He said, “Ekiti State Traditional Council at its statutory meeting of 29th April 2014, resolved to appeal to all stakeholders in the politics of the state to play by the rules as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“They should eschew violence and politics of bitterness. In addition, law enforcement agencies are advised to be above board, non-partisan and be fair to all concerned in the discharge of their onerous responsibilities”.

In a related development, hundreds of Ekiti women yesterday held a peace rally and warned politi-

cians not to turn the state into a battlefield as they campaign for the June 12 governorship election.

Led by the wife of the prominent traditional ruler and Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Eyesorun Bosede Adejugbe and a non governmental organisation, Human Needs Initiative, they threatened to mobilise against any party they did not embrace peace.

The Chief Executive officer of the NGo, mrs. Ebun Famubode, told women that they would be worst hit should any calamity befall the state during the governorship election.

Addressing a group of women at the Erekesan market situated within the heart of Ado Ekiti metropolis, mrs. Adejugbe, recalled that the 1983 post election crisis that hit the then old ondo State was suffice to teach the people of the state a lot of lessons. The women leader thus appealed to mothers to keep vigil on their children to prevent them from

She said, “We need peace in Ekiti and to have peace, all of us, particularly the politicians must exercise caution. There shouldn’t be any reason for us to see the coming election as a do-or-die affair.

“We are all Ekitis, though our parties may be different. But the fact still remains that we are all working towards the advancement of the progress of the State and if this is paramount to us, we must shun violence and other acts that could plunge the state into crisis”, she pleaded. mrs. Famubode, who expressed regrets at the level of desperation being exhibited by politicians in the build up to the election, said nothing will profit anybody should this election ends in stalemate or crisis.

She called for caution on the side of all stakeholders and appealed to women to come out en mass and display their franchise rights during the election.

Ex-senator wants security for PDP leaders ormEr Senator repreFSenatorial senting Ekiti North District, Ayo

Bamidele

Arise has called on the Police and the State Security Service (SSS) to beef up security around Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Ekiti State, especially with rising violence.

Senator Arise, who made this call in a statement,

issued yesterday alleged, “The APC government in Ekiti state should be held responsible for any attempt at the lives of PDP leaders in the State.”

He said it was obvious that the APC was jittery and getting more and more desperate by the day, to force itself on Ekiti people, adding that; “Ekiti people are tired of Governor

Kayode Fayemi and his government, and they will speak with their votes on June 21.”

Arise said; “Because of their frustration and desperation, they have been going about recruiting hit-men and thugs with which they want to attack top PDP leaders in the State.

“It has therefore, become necessary for security to be

beefed up around PDP leaders in the State so as to prevent the APC from achieving their devilish plans.”

While urging Ekiti people to remain steadfast in their support for the PDP, Senator Arise said by June 21, another gracious chapter will be opened in the history of Ekiti State with the victory of the PDP.”

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Sports NCF holds World Chess Olympiad trials today

Ahead Brazil 2014 World Cup

Dropped Ik Uche prays for Eagles, Ideye, Ogu sad

By Christian Okpara ILLARREAL of Spain strikV er, Ik Uche, who was excluded from the Super Eagles’ provisional team for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, says he has no grudges against any member of the team or even the technical crew.

Rather, he says he will pray for the team’s success at the Mundial Coupe.

Speaking through his elder brother, Onwusogh, Uche told The Guardian that as a Nigerian he would be praying for the country to excel in Brazil, saying his omission from the squad by the coaches does not change his allegiance to Super Eagles.

“The national team does not belong to any single individual, so if I am not picked today for any reason, it is not the end of the world. The most important thing is that I am satisfied that I have served my country to the best of my ability,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brown Ideye and John Ogu have expressed disappointment they were left out of the World Cup squad.

Dynamo Kiev striker, Ideye, said he was devastated he was excluded from the Super Eagles provisional squad for Brazil 2014 announced by coach Stephen Keshi on T u e s d a y .

“So disappointed, but life those not end here. Life goes on,” he tweeted.

Ideye, who was in the 2013 Nations Cup winning team, was also part of Nigeria’s squad to South Africa 2010 as a replacement for injured Mikel Obi. Another dropped star, John Ogu, told a local website that he has taken the decision to overlook him in good faith.

“No hard feelings towards anybody for the omission, I leave all for God, he has reasons for everything that happens,” Academica de Coimbra of Portugal midfielder said.

“Nigeria is my country, I will always pray and support the team, it is my country and I am always proud of the colour. I have taken it in good faith, AFCON 2015 is around the corner.”

This season, Ogu has struggled for game time at his modest Portuguese club, which he said was because he insisted on going on international duty with Nigeria.

Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday revealed that the final 23-man squad would be announced on June 2.

The chosen 30 players will depart Abuja on May 25 for London ahead of another warm-up match against Scotland.

Scolari omits Kaka, Ronaldinho from Brazil’s 23-man World Cup roster ORMER World Footballers FRonaldinho, of the Year, Kaka and will not represent Brazil at the 2014 World Cup, which begins on June 12 in the land of samba.

The duo is the biggest names missing on the list stacked with famous names.

Kaka and Ronaldinho are the last vestiges of the squad, which won the trophy at the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup. There is also no place for Tottenham’s Sandro or Liverpool’s Coutinho.

In the 2014 team are goalkeepers Julio Cesar, who now plays for Toronto FC in the MLS, Jefferson (Botafogo) and Victor (Atlético Mineiro).

The defenders in the squad are Dani Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Roma), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (PSG), Thiago Silva (PSG), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich) and Henrique (Napoli).

Luiz Gustavo of Wolfsburg, Hernanes (Inter Milan), Paulinho (Tottenham),

Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar Fernandinho (Chelsea), (Manchester City) and Willian (Chelsea) are the midfielders, while Hulk (Zenit), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jô (Atlético Mineiro) and Bernard (Shaktar Donetsk) make up the strike force.

N-FORM Oyeyemi John Ibeat Fawole will be the man to when the World Chess

IK Uche

African Senior Taekwondo Championship

Chukwumerije hopeful as Nigeria begins battle for laurels IGERIA’s foremost taekN wondoist, Chika Chukwumerije, believes the country’s contingent would return triumphant from the African Senior Championship, holding in Tunisia.

The Beijing Olympics bronze medalist is one of five athletes representing Nigeria at the ongoing event in Tunis, Tunisia.

Chukwumerije, whose last major outing was at the maiden World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) grand prix held in Manchester, is in the team, which also comprises his elder brother, Uche, Jamilu Mohammad, Sunday Onofe and Joy Ekhator.

The five-man team departed the country at the weekend with the aim of amassing points from the competition, which is a G-4 ranked tourna-

ment with gold medalists getting 40 points.

The event will also play a crucial role to determine the country’s qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

Uche, who recently won a gold medal at the Belgian Open, will compete in the men’s -87kg. He is the current All Africa Games Champion.

His world rating is 35.

Muhammad, rated 46 in the world, was also a gold medalist at the 2011 All Africa Games. He will compete against the continent’s best in the -58kg.

Abuja-based Onofe, a bronze medalist at the 2011 All Africa Games, has missed out from the world rating following his inability to compete in any international competition, but he is expected to jostle for honour in the men’s -

80kg.

The only female in the team, Joy Ekhator, a double All Africa Games medalist, is ranked 67 in the world. She will compete in the women’s 49kg.

Chika, who captained Nigeria to the 2012 London Olympics, will compete against Olympics champion, Gabon’s Anthony Obame, as well as former world champion, Mali’s Modibo Keita in the men’s +87kg.

According to Secretary of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Sunny Obot, the points accumulated during the G-4 competition would qualify the athletes for other international competi-

First Bank, Deepwater, Dolphins dominate Women Basketball League

By Adeyinka Adedipe

Rookies on parade, as NFF Federation Cup resumes next week IGHT matches will be E played across the federation on Wednesday next week when the national preliminaries of this year’s Federation Cup competition begins.

Liverpool FC, runners-up in Sokoto State, will square up with Dan Buran FC, which lost 2-0 to Spotlights FC in the final of the Katsina State competition on Sunday. The match will be played in Gusau, capital of Zamfara State.

Mafara United, which lost

by a lone goal to Dallatu FC in Zamfara State’s final, will take on Jega United, runners-up in Kebbi State, at the Sokoto Township Stadium.

Banani FC, the only side representing Adamawa State, will clash with Jalingo FC, runner-up in Taraba, at the Patani Stadium in Gombe, while Sky Academy, defeated by reigning Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Kano Pillars in that state’s final, will take on Police Machine from Nasarawa State in Kaduna.

Tornadoes Feeders, beaten by parent club Tornadoes in the Niger State final, clash with Indigenes of Ondo State in Lokoja, while Bobbies FC, runner-up in Delta State, are up against Ekiti State’s JFK Boys at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Bright Star, runners-up in Ebonyi State, will take on Anambra’s Okagbue Academy in Enugu, while Atlantic Warriors, which lost on penalties to Leopards in the Cross River State final, go up against Imo State’s Baton FC in Aba.

Olympiad trials, organised

by Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), gets underway this morning at the Media Centre of the National Stadium in L a g o s .

Fawole, who is the current national champion, is yet to represent the country at any major international competition, but finally launched himself on the big stage after winning the last Nigeria Breweries International Open Chess Championship in Lagos.

Since then, he has made impressive performances in some rated tournaments in Europe early this year.

This morning, when the nine round Swiss event paring gets underway, Fawole has other notable players to contend with during the three-day first stage of the trials that will end on Saturday.

The invited male players include Benjamin Omorere, Hakeem Edunwale, Kolade Onabogun, Onovughe Ochuko, Emmanuel Maduagwan, Oladapo Adu, Olamide Ajibowo, Igbolokuo Felix, Odion Aikhoje, Ademola Sorungbe, Dennis Ogbogho, Odum Martins, Rotimi Ajele, Oluwaseyitan Femi, Koko Obele and Efemuai Benedict.

Others are Joma Crim Chuks Okoh, Oyeyemi John Fawole, Bomo Kigigha, Olufemi Balogun, Eugene Ekpoikong, Bunmi Olape, Aniefiok Nekanem, Adeyinka Adesina, Tosin Akinwale, Biola Akinseye, Michael Ijisakin and George Erekosima.

In the female list are Doris Adebayo, Ogechi Emmanuel, Nkem Omishogbon, Olabisi Rabiu, Mandy Enarevba, Omolabake Coker, Hafsat Bello-Osagie and Tobi Olatunji.

Also invited are Nsisong Asanga, Irene Ajibola, Modupe Fasola, Tiritfemuwa Ofowino, Blessing Davis, Millicent Aigbogho, Yemi Osundaikin, Beatrice Okwubor, Nneoma Aguta, Queen Princewill, Ada George Jica and Patience Sylvester.

IRST Bank Basketball Club, FDolphins First Deepwater and have continued to churn out fantastic results in the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League holding in Ilorin, Kwara State.

First Bank and First Deepwater are yet to lose in the league, while Dolphins have only lost a game to First Bank in the first phase in Abuja. So, fans of the game expect a lot of fireworks when both sides meet in Ilorin this term.

Looking forward to a rewarding campaign, First Bank coach, Adewunmi Aderemi,

commended the standard of the league and said his team would put in all its best to win the title. He also noted that a lot of talents were coming through, adding that with more championship, they would blossom into top players.

“Playing in more competition gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills, which is good for their development.”

He commended Zenith Bank for their support for the league.

To Coach Emmanuel Odah, the number of players the league has thrown up is a sign that Nigerian basketball is heading the right direction.

Thursday, May 8, 2014 Sports | 79

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Ahead Africa Youth Championship qualifier

Ugbade sure Flying Eagles will beat Tanzania • Team departs for Dar-es-Salaam tomorrow

By Alex Monye LyING Eagles coach, Nduka FtheUgbade, is confident that national U-20 team would triumph in the first leg of the African youth Championship (AyC) tie against Tanzania on Saturday despite the 0-1 loss to Benin Under-20 side in an international friendly last Sunday.

Ugbade told The Guardian immediately the team arrived

Lagos on Monday afternoon that the junior team was not able to beat their opponent because the players were avoiding injury ahead of the crucial Africa qualifier game.

He boasted that the team would win the game against Tanzania, stressing that the Flying Eagles have been programmed to surmount all obstacles in Dar-es-Salaam.

Ugbade disclosed that the Flying Eagles would conclude

their preparation for the qualifier at the National Stadium, Lagos, today and depart for Tanzania tomorrow. ‘’The Flying Eagles are not perturbed by the defeat against Benin in the friendly game.

The boys are aware that they have a crucial game against Tanzania, which was the reason they did not play their hearts out to avoid injuries.

“The team is complete and technically ready to challenge Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam,’’ he said.

Danagogo urges Nigerians to support Greater Tomorrow Children’s Foundation PORTS Minister/Chairman SCommission of the National Sports (NSC), Tamuno Danagogo, has urged Nigerians to rally round former Super Eagles’ star, Paul Okoku and his project, the Greater Tomorrow Children’s Foundation.

The Greater Tomorrow Foundation, a charity-based organization, was launched recently at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja.

Conceptualised to help give a brighter future to the next generation of Nigerian youths, the Greater Tomorrow Foundation hopes to help change the living standard of Nigerian children and help nurture their God’s given sports talents as well as help highlight the challenges that kids face in every day life in Nigeria.

Speaking in his office at the weekend, Danagogo said the foundation could not have come at a better time, adding that Nigerians need to show concern for the plight of the less privileged.

He urged Okoku to continue in the fight to help raise the standard of living of Nigerian children, promising to help the foundation in any way he could.

Okoku and his team, including former Eagles’ star, Dahiru Sadi, was in Danagogo’s office to thank him for his support during the launch of the foundation in Abuja.

Okoku acknowledged the support from the NSC, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) and the League Management Company (LMC) when the foundation was launched and promised to mobilise his contacts in the fight to eradicate illiteracy and poverty among the less privileged.

Meanwhile, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria President,

Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, has lauded Okoku for floating the foundation for the less-privileged kids in the society.

Speaking on his impression of the foundation, the TUC boss said he was impressed with the vision of the Greater Tomorrow Foundation, adding that it was a good cause that corporate bodies and good intentioned Nigerians should embrace and support in the fight of against poverty and underdevelopment.

While commending the founder of the project, Kaigama said that Nigeria would be a better place for all to live in if emphasis was

placed on helping the Nigerian child.

“This is a truly a worthy cause to support. Our society will be a better place for all to live in if we have people like Paul Okoku at the forefront of projects aimed at empowering our youths. We cannot turn a blind eye to the children because they are the future of tomorrow.

“I recommend that we all should throw our weight behind this foundation because by so doing, we will be helping ourselves. I specially commend Okoku for coming up with this project and I am going to give it all my support. We need to rally round him to succeed”, added the

Sports Minister, Tamuno Danagogo (left) receiving a card from the founder of the Greater Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, Paul Okoku… recently.

Rufai sees future stars in Milo U-13 Africa Championship ORMER Super Eagles capFRufai, tain and goalkeeper, Peter has urged the governments at all levels to sponsor young players, especially from schools, to watch the Milo Africa U-13 Football Championship in Lagos to build confidence in grassroots football and enable the sport thrive in their states.

He predicted that the Championship would produce future champions for the respective countries participating in the tournament scheduled to hold at the Campos Square Stadium on Lagos Island.

“Government needs to not only provide the facility but will also need to create the enabling environment by exposing young ones to experience such international tournaments as the Milo Africa U-13 Championship first hand.

“The experience will be an inspirational touch-point for these kids, not just those playing but also those who are brought to watch the participants,” posited Rufai, who has been involved in football talent hunt programs.

The third Nestle Milo U-13 African Championship will

hold in Lagos from May 29 to 31, with St. Barnabas LGEA, Kwara State flying Nigeria’s flag against teams from Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

The Nigerian team has been training at the Kwara State Football Academy under Coach Paul Adams Odey.

Rufai, who captained Nigeria to the 1998 World Cup in France, commended Nestle Nigeria Plc for sponsoring the championship, which he said will produce future champions for the respective countries that will participate.

TheGuardian

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Thompson Taiwo HE day Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela embraced T the long-beckoning hands of death, an unprecedented outpouring of tributes trickled down like tears from those who loved and marveled at his nerves as well as a class of white supremacists that saw his courage to liberate his people as an affront. He knew where he wanted to stand and be counted, among the deities of the Zulu and pantheons of the all-time greats of the Xhosa. The elixir that guided his personal conviction was his uncommon humanity, stubborn zeal, unmatched grace and forgiving spirit. Some commentators with their prophetic tongues have asserted that such inimitable leader only comes once in a generation but Mandela spanned two generations with his bespattered mud of resistance and unbending sacrifice for a people straddled between the grinding wheels of apartheid. He was emblematic of what is lost on current collection of leaders, scattering across the continent like a broken egg.

With Mandela gone and buried in the requited hearts of his people, there is need for a deep reflection on whether it is freedom yet in his beloved country, on behalf of whom he submitted his youthful sparks in exchange for manacles and solitary seasons or it is freedom next time for black South Africans (My apologies to the Australian-born journalist John Pilger). Second, the electoral chances of his African National Congress (ANC) as South Africa goes to the polls this week, and what lesson Nigeria, whose general elections berth about 11 months away, can learn from a credible election in the rainbow nation.

At the infamous Rivonia Trial of 1963/1964, where Mandela and other nine leading lights of the African National Congress (ANC) opposed to the apartheid system were slammed with four broad charges bordering on sabotage and treason, which marked his second odyssey to prison and would announce him to the world and destine him as the first black president of a democratic South Africa, he eloquently traced the genesis and kernel of ANC’s struggles for a united, nonsexist, democratic non-racial nation founded on equity and stoutly defended its political positions and military actions of violent protests as a response to the repressive laws that criminalised race by consigning blacks to the dregs of social strata. After intense legal fireworks, seven of them, including the leading resistor, Mandela, were condemned to life in the white court but won the moral victory in the worthless black court of public opinion. The longest-serving political prisoner in the annals of South Africa, Nelson Madiba, was released 27 years after and was elected president in 1994.

As glamorous as ANC’s dream of a just and prosperous nation is, a number of black South Africans, few ANC’s populist leaders and some critics believe that Mandela’s presidency achieved less than its promised as the black majority still writhe in pains of ravaging poverty and pass the night in shacks and shanties. He was also accused of spending ample time seeking reconciliations with the white at the expense of the collective well-being of the natives. To the purveyors of this sentiment, Mandela was a symbol of freedom not equality. They believe that the power to vote without corresponding economic independence is as rotten as the apartheid machine.

It would be recalled that in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) promised to embark on radical social and economic changes which would elevate the near-animal status of the black through what was tagged the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). The economy was to be purged of its apartheid colouration through the nationalisation of major sectors of the economy. About 20 years down the line, the ANC government, according to critics, was said to have achieved less transformation in terms of the socio-economic conditions of the black population. The white minority continue to enjoy the healthy share of wealth of the country as was the unchallenged norm during the apartheid era under P. W. Botha, the Big Crocodile. However, in the post-apartheid era, there has been an emergence of a new generation of few black bourgeoisies that rose from the ashes of apartheid which constitutes a drop in the mighty ocean of black liberation. Going by January 2014 edition of New African, it was reported that while average white household income has risen according to government statistics, average black household income has fallen by 19 per cent, descent from one level of

kling of white settler minority control about 79 per cent of lands while their black counterparts battle themselves to share the slim barren reminder. However, according to a government mid-term review report released in 2012 by the Minister in the Presidency for Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Collins Chabane, in Pretoria, between 1994 and 2011, South Africa transferred over 6.8 million hectares of land to Please send reactions and feedback for YOUTH SPEAK to: people dispossessed under apartheid. This, editorial@risenetworks.org and 07067976667- SMS ONLY according to the report represents 27 per cent of the government’s target of transferring 24.5 million hectares by 2014. The ANC government also believes that black is leading in business ownership with about 69 per cent but critics argued the percentage does not translate into significant wealth creation, underpinning their claim with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) report which indicates that 17 per cent of businesses are black-owned while 31 per cent are foreign-owned.

While the criticism leveled against Nelson Mandela may be said to be relevant regardless of their authors, it is an undeniable fact that the history of racial discrimination and equality is as old as man and the struggle to reprieve it is a continuum. It takes more than a presidency of five poverty. It also appears that the black population years to halt injustice of many decades. Even the has not been adequately intellectually empowAmerican society with its level of sharp sophistiered to stand up to the modern economic domcation finds it nearly improbable to stamp out inance of the white South Africans as the the evils brewed by colour and nationality. The nation’s education sector struggles for identity. black South Africans should appreciate political Mandela’s baby, the ANC, has been consistently freedom as the first proactive step to economic dogged by war of personalities and ideas even autonomy and the worst post-apartheid era is while he was alive and this has led to sharp divibetter than the best of Botha’s regime. Mandela sions among the powerbrokers of the party. has thrown down the gauntlet by setting his Julius Malema, the ousted ANC Youth League country on the path to greatness and prosperity. leader, has since formed a left-wing party, It was never reported that he stole a penny from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) that is angry the treasury of his beloved country; rather he for change in the status quo ante, particularly in built on the superstructures of the white the area of land redistribution. Perception in supremacists and laid a solid foundation for some quarters is to the effect that the current South African economy. It will do him some ANC Administration has strayed from the ideogood in his grave if the current generation of logical foundation upon which it was built at leaders can legally stage a walk to second freethe genesis of the liberation struggle. Its leaderdom. ship has been repeatedly accused of corruption, The credible conduct of 2014 South African elecnepotism, poor governance, among others. Just tions by the nation’s election umpire, the a few weeks ago, Public Protector Thuli Electoral Commission (IEC), whose reputation in Madonsela let out a revelation that President election management is unsoiled, may inspire Jacob Zuma benefited from non-security Nigeria, the second largest economy on the conupgrades to his Nkandla home which is to the tinent after South Africa, to rediscover itself and tune of $23 million, but Zuma has brushed aside shake off its unenviable dossier in election manthe allegation but was in the end indicted by a agement in the next year’s general elections by panel of investigation. The main opposition parSouth African President, Jacob Zuma returning power to the powerless conscience: ty, Democratic Alliance (DA), has been feeding fat on this allegation and the resultant indict- strength. Most voters will likely see the next elec- the people. It is an incontrovertible fact that ment in order to make political proceeds from it tion as an opportunity to honour the awesome since return to civil rule in 1999, Nigeria’s elecahead of this week general elections and if possi- memory of Madiba. Also, the elections have placed toral space has been a theatre of war, banditry, ble use the instrumentality of the Parliament to another epaulette of challenges on the shoulders brigandage, desperation and shenanigans. The sack him from office. For the opposition, this of South Africa to flaunt again its democratic cre- quest for power as Niccolo Machiavelli observed may be an ambition taken too far. Some ana- dentials to the world and reassure the internation- in The Prince has not been guided by morality. lysts, however, believe that the shrinking popu- al community that it could hold itself in the wake The politics of small minds has taken over the territory of great minds. No government has been larity of the ANC can be anchored on the dwin- of Mandela’s exit. dling moral values of its leadership and the As many black South Africans have reservations singled out to have conducted a free and fair elecfrailty of Mandela’s health while he was alive. about the political will of the ANC to lead them out tion except for the questionable encomiums As South Africa prepares for yet another elec- of the woods, they perceive the Democratic they heap on themselves through their commistion this year, the ANC’s path to victory is tortu- Alliance (DA) under Helen Zille as a brainchild of sioned observers. How many of the so-called ous. Its sins before many South Africans are enor- the old apartheid foot soldiers whose likely mis- elected public officers can confidently say they mous. Its shoddy handling of the Marikana sion is to bring back a host of memories of man got their mandate from the people: Perhaps, just shooting of 34 protesting black miners by the inhumanity to man which was the signature of a handful, in a disturbing system where an elecpolice, which is reminiscent of the Sharpeville Botha’s reign. After all, the party plays host to pow- tion’s umpire itches to auction its soul to the massacre in 1960, land redistribution and nega- erful personalities in whose palm South Africa highest bidder. One can only hope Nigeria gets election matters right in 2015 because the feelers tive media reportage being courted by the ANC’s breathes and creaks. top brass who are busy enriching themselves, In fairness to the ANC’s critics, it is not untrue from the gubernatorial elections conducted by may be the greatest undoing of the party at the that a majority of investments in the country are the Independent National Electoral Commission polls. Despite the threat to the ANC’s hold on in the hands of international capital, thereby cre- (INEC) as a buildup to 2015 elections are not realpower, it is widely believed that the Mandela ating two classes of citizens: One that is extremely ly promising as they are fraught with allegations phenomenon will enhance its waning electoral rich, another that is tragically poor. Also, a sprin- of unholy fraternity between INEC officials and some unscrupulous politicians. Or what manner of song will you dedicate to an INEC official in The YOUTHSPEAK Column which is published daily is an initiative of THE GUARDIAN, and pow- charge of Idemili North in the last governorship ered by RISE NETWORKS, Nigeria’s Leading Youth Development Centre, as a substantial advoca- election in Anambra State who bolted away with cy platform available for ALL Nigerian Youth to engage Leadership at all levels, engage Society election materials only to resurface later without and contribute to National Discourse on diverse issues especially those that are peculiar to any cast-iron justification.

Nigeria. Regarding submission of articles, we welcome writers‘ contributions by way of well If INEC knows its onions and the moral burden it carries, it should as a matter of urgency insucrafted, analytical and thought provoking opinion pieces that are concise, topical and nonlate its staff ahead of 2015 polls against systemic defamatory! All articles (which are not expected to be more than 2000 words) should be sent to editorial@risenetworks.org To read the online Version of this same article plus past publica- and institutionalised virus that has inexorably pooh-poohed the country’s effort at nation buildtions and to find out more about Youth Speak, please visit www.risenetworks.org/youthsing. The greatest tragedy of an electoral system is peak and join the ongoing National Conversations’’. for an umpire to wear partisanship on its sleeve and nurture such in its heart. If Nigeria is serious about reassertion of its place in the comity of Also join our on-line conversation 21676F3E @risenetworks RISE GROUP nations in Africa, it should start leading by example in all spheres of its national life. No righteousPublished by Guardian Newspapers Limited, Rutam House, Isolo, Lagos ness is meager.

Message from the Rainbow nation

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• Taiwo is a passionate Nigerian youth and social commentator based in Lagos, thompsontaiwo54@yahoo.com