Fri 09 May 2014

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth Friday, May 9, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,916

www.ngrguardiannews.com

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Scientists create first life with ‘alien’ DNA CIENTISTS have created the Scro-organism first “semi-synthetic” miwith a radically

Chief Executive Officer, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Mauntaqa Umar-Sadiq (left); Board, Private Sector Health Alliance, Sola David-Borha; Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, Co-chair, PSHAN, Jim Ovia; Co-chair, PSHAN, Muhammad Ali Pate; Founding Patron, Private Sector Health Alliance, Aliko Dangote, Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu; President Global Policy and Advocacy, Bill, Medlinda Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman; Founder Wellbeing Foundation, Toyin Saraki and Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, during World Economic Forum, Africa in Abuja … yesterday.

different genetic code from the rest of life on Earth.

The researchers believe the breakthrough is the first step towards creating new microbial life-forms with novel industrial or medical properties resulting from a potentially massive expansion of genetic information.

The study, published yesterday in the journal Nature, is the first time that scientists have managed to produce a genetically modified microbe that is able to function and replicate with a different genetic code to the one that is thought to have existed ever since life first started to evolve on Earth more than 3.5 billion years ago.

The semi-synthetic microbe, a genetically modified Escherichia coli bacterium, has been endowed with an extra artificial piece of genetic material, deoxy ribo-Nucleic Acid (DNA), with an expanded genetic alphabet – instead of the usual four “letCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Eminent world figures urge concerted effort to rescue abducted school girls Foundation and B Team Leader; President Fernando H Cardoso, Former President of Brazil and Member of the Elders; Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and Former Prime Minister of New Zealand; and Aliko and Halima Dangote, Dangote Group.

Also, Bineta Diop, African Union Special Envoy for Women Peace and Security; Andrew Forrest, Founder of the Walk Free Foundation; Bill and Melinda Gates, coFounders and co-Chairs of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Helene Gayle, President and CEO of CARE USA; Mort Halperin, Senior Advisor to the Open Society Institute and the Open Society Policy Centre; Arianna

From Madu Onuorah, Mohammed Abubakar, Mathias Okwe and Emeka Anuforo, Abuja

• Again, Jonathan lauds move by U.S., others

NGERED by the cruel disregard for fellow beings by the Boko Haram sect members, a group of over 40 eminent individuals from around the world are calling for a global effort to free the more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls who were kidnapped last month in Borno State.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has, again, thanked the United States (U.S.), United Kingdom (UK), France and China for their commitment to help Nigeria defeat terror, especially in locating the abducted schoolgirls.

Among the global business, civil society and religious leaders are Desmond Tutu, Bill and Melinda Gates, Aliko Dangote, Rupert Murdoch, Mo Ibrahim, Ted Turner and François-Henri Pinault, calling for urgent action and resources to #BringBackOurGirls.

In an open letter published yesterday, the high-level group called on the Nigerian authorities and international community to mobilise all necessary resources and expertise to help locate and free the missing girls.

The letter read: “On April 14, more than 200 schoolgirls were abducted at gunpoint

‘Don’t blame Nigerian govt,’ says official - Page 2

Tenure of American NECO shifts exam NNPC raises the alarm Lawyers, others security forces not date in FCT over over hackers’ invasion seek review of of MD’s email account labour laws yet decided, says closure of schools - Page 6 envoy - Page 3 - Page 6 - Page 4

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from Chibok community in Borno State, Nigeria, and 24 days later, the girls are still missing.

“We urge all local, national and regional governments, with the full support of the international community, to dedicate their expertise and resources - from satellite imagery to intelligence services to multinational corporations’ supply chains - to #BringBackOurGirls.”

The letter was signed by: Mar tti Ahtisaari, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Member of the Elders; Mohammed Azab, Representative of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar; Aïcha Bah Diallo,

Chairperson of the Forum of African Women Educationalists; Ela Bhatt, Founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association of India and Member of the Elders; Bono, Co-founder, ONE; Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group and coChair of the B Team; Gro Harlem Brundtland, Executive Chair of the UN Foundation and Member of the Elders; Susan A Buffett, Chairman of The Sherwood Foundation, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and the Buffett Early Childhood Fund; Kathy Calvin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the UN

Huffington, Chair, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Huffington Post Media Group , and B Team leader; Mo and Hadeel Ibrahim , Mo Ibrahim Foundation; Abdoulie Janneh, Former Executive-Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; Guilherme Leal, co-Founder of Natura and B Team Leader; Graça Machel, Member of the Elders; Mark Malloch-Brown, Former United Nations Deputy Secretary-General; Strive Masiyiwa, Founder of Econet Wireless and B Team Leader; Phumzile MlamboNgcuka, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women; Amina J Mohamed, United Nations SecretaryGeneral’s Special Advisor; Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana, Chairperson of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa; Rupert Murdoch, Chairman of NewsCorp and Chairman and CEO of 21st Century Fox; CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 9, 2014

‘Don’t blame Nigerian government,’ says official SENIOR Adviser to NigerA ian President Goodluck Jonathan insisted that it was “not helpful” to heap blame upon the government in Abuja as it struggles to rescue more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped three weeks ago by the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Oronto Douglas, a longtime human rights lawyer who is special adviser to the Nigerian president on research, strategy and documentation, also called for greater international assistance in the country’s struggle against terrorism.

“The Nigerian government is doing all it can in collaboration with its allies to ensure that our daughters, the girls, are brought back home — everything in its power,” says Douglas, who was on a visit to Washington.

The perceived slowness of Abuja’s response to the mass abduction has sparked protests both inside and outside Nigeria. Douglas said such criticisms “are normal for democracies,” though he did not say whether they were justified or not.

“This is not about politics, it is about the protection of human lives,” Douglas said. The challenge to locate the missing schoolgirls and free them from captivity is a complex

one. Boko Haram, as outlined here, is a ruthless, fanatical group that has escalated its war against the Nigerian state, and authorities fear that an aggressive operation could lead to the militants further harming their captives. “In an attempt to rescue the girls, we must not also endanger their lives,” Douglas says.

The plight of the girls has spawned a viral Twitter meme, joined by prominent global celebrities and politicians. It has also raised ques-

tions about the Nigerian government’s handling of the crisis.

Douglas instead pointed to the transnational threat posed by Boko Haram, whose base of operations in Nigeria’s North-East extends across borders into three other countries.

“The day when nations act alone are over,” he said.

The United States and other Western countries have promised technical assistance in the hunt for the missing girls, and Douglas

appealed for more help. “Terrorism is very new in Nigeria,” he said. “You need international support.”

News emerged today that militants had killed up to 300 villagers earlier this week during a night-time raid on a town along the border with Cameroun; shops and homes were razed. This year alone, attacks attributed to Boko Haram have killed more than 1,500 people. Douglas says that in Boko Haram, Nigeria has found a “more ambitious, more ferocious, more threat-

ening dimension that is threatening the unity of our country.”

The capital, Abuja, plays host this week to a session of the World Economic Forum, attended by a coterie of international statesmen, including Chinese premier Li Keqiang, as well as business leaders.

The meeting kicked off amid a tense security climate. A Boko Haram bus bombing in the city last month killed dozens.

So, Douglas finds it particu-

larly galling that his government has come in for the sort of criticism it has faced since the disappearance of the Chibok schoolgirls. “When a terrorist bomb goes off in Afghanistan, they don’t blame the Afghan government,” Douglas said. “So, why the reverse with Nigeria?”

“Don’t see the Nigerian government as the problem.

Don’t blame Nigeria going forward,” he insisted. “The blame game should be taken to the back burner.”

ply of foreign nucleotides ran out, the bacteria replaced the foreign bases with natural ones.

Malyshev sees the ability to control the uptake of foreign DNA bases as a safety measure that would prevent the survival of alien cells outside the lab, should they escape. But other researchers, including Benner, are trying to engineer cells that can make foreign bases from scratch, obviating the need for a feedstock.

Romesberg’s group is working on getting foreign DNA to encode proteins that contain amino acids other than the 20 that together make up nearly all natural proteins.

Amino acids are encoded by ‘codons’ of three DNA letters apiece, so the addition of just two foreign DNA ‘letters’ would vastly expand a cell’s ability to encode new amino acids. “If you read a book that was written with four letters, you’re not going to be able to tell many interesting stories,” Romesberg says. “If you’re given more letters, you can invent new words, you can find new ways to use those words and you can probably tell more interesting stories.”

Potential uses of the technology include the incorporation of a toxic amino acid into a protein to ensure that it kills only cancer cells, and the development of glowing amino acids that could help scientists to track biological

reactions under the microscope. Romesberg’s team has founded a company called Synthorx in San Diego, California, to commercialize the work.

Ross Thyer, a synthetic biologist at the University of Texas at Austin who co-authored a related News and Views article, says that the work is “a big leap forward in what we can do”. It should be possible to get the foreign DNA to encode new amino acids, he says.

“Many in the broader community thought that Floyd’s result would be impossible,” says Benner, because chemical reactions involving DNA, such as replication, need to be exquisitely sensitive to avoid mutation.

The alien E. coli contains just a single pair of foreign DNA bases out of millions. But Benner sees no reason why a fully alien cell isn’t possible. “I don’t think there’s any limit,” he says. “If you go back and rerun evolution for four billion years, you could come up with a different genetic system.”

But creating a wholly synthetic organism would be a huge challenge. “A lot of times people will say you’ll make an organism completely out of your unnatural DNA,” says Romesberg.

“That’s just not going to happen, because there are too many things that recognize

Scientists create first life with ‘alien’ DNA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ters” of the alphabet its DNA molecule has six.

Each strand of the DNA’s double helix has a backbone of sugar molecules and, attached to it, chemical subunits known as bases. There are four different bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G). These letters represent the code for the amino-acid building blocks that make up proteins. The bases bind the two DNA strands together, with an A always bonding to a T on the opposite strand (and vice versa), and C and G doing likewise.

The DNA of the new semisynthetic microbe, however, has a pair of extra base pairs, denoted by X and Y, which pair up together like the other base pairs and are fully integrated into the rest of the DNA’s genetic code.

The scientists said that the semi-synthetic E. coli bacterium replicates normally and is able to pass on the new genetic information to subsequent generations. However, it was not able to use the new encoded information to produce any novel proteins – the

synthetic DNA was added as an extra circular strand that did not take part in the bacterium’s normal metabolic functions.

A chemical biologist at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, United States, who led the 15-year effort, Prof. Floyd Romesberg, said: “What we have now is a living cell that literally stores increased genetic information.”

Scientists first questioned whether life could store information using other chemical groups in the 1960s. But it wasn’t until 1989 that Steven Benner, then at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, and his team coaxed modified forms of cytosine and guanine into DNA molecules. In test-tube reactions, strands made of these “funny letters”, as Benner calls them, copied themselves and encoded RNA and proteins.

The bases engineered by Romesberg’s team are more alien, bearing little chemical resemblance to the four natural ones, Benner says. In a 2008 paper, and in follow-up experiments, the group reported efforts to pair chemicals together from a list of 60 candidates and screen the 3,600 resulting combinations. They identified a pair of bases, known as d5SICS and dNaM, that looked promising. In particular, the mole-

cules had to be compatible with the enzymatic machinery that copies and translates DNA. “We didn’t even think back then that we could move into an organism with this base pair,” says Denis Malyshev, a former graduate student in Romesberg’s lab who is first author of the new paper.

Working with test-tube reactions, the scientists succeeded in getting their unnatural base pair to copy itself and be transcribed into RNA, which required the bases to be recognized by enzymes that had evolved to use A, T, C and G. The first challenge to creating this alien life was to get cells to accept the foreign bases needed to maintain the molecule in DNA through repeated rounds of cell division, during which DNA is copied. The team engineered the bacterium Escherichia coli to express a gene from a diatom — a single-celled alga — encoding a protein that allowed the molecules to pass through the bacterium’s membrane.

The scientists then created a short loop of DNA, called a plasmid, containing a single pair of the foreign bases, and inserted the whole thing into E. coli cells. With the diatom protein supplying a diet of foreign nucleotides, the plasmid was copied and passed on to dividing E. coli cells for nearly a week. When the sup-

Jonathan lauds move by U.S., others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Jay Naidoo, Chair of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister of Nigeria; Ronald Perelman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.; François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering and B Team Leader; Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever and B Team Leader; and Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and Member of the Elders signed the letter.

Others who appended their

signatures are Salim Ahmed Salim, Former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity ; Toyin Saraki, Founder of the Wellbeing Foundation; Bobby Shriver, Co-founder and Chairman of (PRODUCT) RED and Cofounder of DATA; Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, Bishop-Chancellor, Pontifical Academy of Sciences, The Vatican; Ted Turner, Founder and Chairman of the UN Foundation and Founder of CNN; Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Honorary Member of the

Corrigendum N our news report titled ‘Five jailed over kidnap of Osun IthatSpeaker’s wife,’ published on October 22, 2013, it was stated five suspected kidnappers who abducted the wife of Osun State House of Assembly Speaker were sentenced to imprisonment by an Osun State High Court sitting in Iwo. Our attention has subsequently been drawn to the fact that the court had earlier struck out the name of Mr. Nwadiunor Philip. Having been discharged and acquitted therefore, Mr. Nwadiunor Philip is not one of those sentenced over the charge.

The error is regretted.

Elders; Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and B Team Leader; President Ernesto Zedillo, Former President of Mexico and Member of the Elders; and Jochen Zeitz, Former Chairman and CEO of PUMA and co-Chair of the B Team .

Speaking at the opening session of the ongoing World Economic Forum for Africa (WEFA) in Abuja, Jonathan said the presence of the delegates and the fact that the forum is holding is already “a major blow on the terrorists.”

According to him, “the kidnap of these school girls is the beginning of the end of terror in Nigeria.”

Addressing the delegates, President Jonathan said: “We appreciate you, both individually and collectively, for your support for us. By your sentiment, backed by your presence here in Nigeria at this time, you have already supported us to win the war against terror. If you had refused to come because of fear, the terrorists would have jubilated and even committed

more havoc. But your coming here to support us morally is a major blow on the terrorists.

And by God’s grace, we are going to conquer the terrorists.

“The governments of the United States of America, United Kingdom and France have also spoken with me and have expressed their commitments to help us resolve these crises in Nigeria. And of course, Premier Li has been with us since yesterday (Wednesday) and has promised the assistance of the Chinese government and I believe that the assistance would come in almost immediately.”

Jonathan said that with the theme of WEFA, ‘Creating Jobs and Forging Inclusive Growth’, the world is coming to terms that unemployment is a global problem, with Africa having its own share of employment challenges. For example, he noted unemployment rates are over 20 per cent in many of the African countries, with Nigeria at about 24 per cent and South CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 9, 2014 | 3

News

President Goodluck Jonathan with the United States of American Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle at the World Economic Forum for Africa … in Abuja yesterday PHOTO :PHILIP OJISUA

Tenure of American security forces not yet decided, says envoy From Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna), Oghogho Obayuwana, Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Terhemba Daka (Abuja), Tunji Omofoye (Osogbo), Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi (Jos), John Akubo (Lokoja), Willie Etim (Yenagoa) and Ali Garba (Bauchi)

• U.S. agency chief meets northern govs • Agitations continue for release of abducted schoolgirls

T is not yet decided how long the United States (U.S.) special security forces being drafted to help secure the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls would stay in Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwhistle has said.

This came as the Country Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Rajiv Shah, last night met with some northern governors, where security cooperation, strengthening of the fight against poverty, hunger, as well as the creation of opportunities for growth in northern Nigeria were central.

Yesterday’s meeting, which held in River Jordan Street, Maitama, Abuja, started at about 8.35p.m, and was a follow-up to the earlier visit to the U.S. by some northern governors.

At yesterday’s meeting were the governors of Niger, Kogi, Adamawa, and Nasarawa states, acting governor of Taraba State, deputy governors of Kano and Benue states, as well as the Secretary to the Government of Zamfara State.

After the first round of discussions, Entwhistle, who was part of the opening round of talks, said the U.S. remained committed to helping Nigeria build its capacity to fight terrorism and insurgency, even though the “question of safety and security in Nigeria is in the hands of the Government of Nigeria.”

And as the search for the abducted girls took international dimension, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has called on the Federal Government for an affirmative action against neighbouring countries.

Speaking in Osogbo yesterday when women, led by the First Lady, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, and tertiary institution students, under the aegis of National Association of Osun State Students (NASS), staged a “Free Our Children” protest to his office, Aregbesola said the abduction was no longer a problem for Nigeria alone.

Noting that Borno State shares border with Cameroun, Niger and Chad, he muted the possibility that the insurgents were receiving support from them. To that end, he urged President Goodluck Jonathan to seek a meeting of the African Union, which would mandate

these countries to cooperate with Nigeria in flushing out insurgency in that axis.

He added that Nigeria should declare war on whichever country that refuses to abide by such resolution and cooperate with it.

Also, a former member of the Supreme Military Council during the Murtala/Obasanjo regime, AVM Mouktar Mohammed (rtd), has called on the Federal Government to immediately set up a war council to address the insecurity in the country.

He suggested that the council, to comprise mainly retired military officers, should be the think tank for proactive solutions to the intractable insecurity in the country.

In an exclusive interview with The Guardian in Abuja, Mohammed, who represents the North West zone in the ongoing National Conference, stressed the need for the war council to address the situation before it gets out of hand.

He said the war council would bring out some of the old experts, who have been exposed and are battle-tested, with a lot of experience to offer the country, “ and they were all trained with Nigerian money and a lot of them are there doing nothing, but the knowledge is still there.

“You don’t just take a young soldier who has not tested combat where there is shooting and killing, expose him to dead bodies and tell him to move and expect results, it’s not easy. But bring out the people who can give advice.”

On their part, the Bauchi State Peace Corps wants the Federal Government to deploy more military personnel in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across the Northeast region to avert a recurrence of abductions.

State Commandant of NPC, Mr. Patriot Maxwell, told newsmen yesterday in Bauchi that terrorists were now penetrating the institutions of learning, but that such situation could have been averted if military personnel were posted to schools.

He further blamed the Chibok school authorities for refusing to relocate the students to neighbouring states for their WAEC examinations when other schools in Borno were relocating their students, adding that the corps in Bauchi has deployed 670 officers to secondary

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schools across the state to beef up security.

Also, a group, the Concerned Civil Society Organizations (CSO), has chided Kogi State Police Command for stopping its peaceful protest against the abduction of Chibok school girls by Boko Haram In a statement jointly signed by the coalition of human rights activists in the state and made available to The Guardian in Lokoja yesterday, the group described the police action as unacceptable and worrisome, even when similar protests were allowed in other states.

“As CSOs and parents, we share in the pains and anguish of the parents and guardians of the kidnapped girls. We are calling on Nigerian security agents to live up to their bidding by rescuing our daughters and sisters without further delay,” it said.

However, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, a group of Batch A female members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) yesterday staged a peaceful protest against the hostage of the schoolgirls, calling for a stop to the politicization of the rescue operation and the release of the girls.

Bearing placards with different demands, the protesters marched to the entrance of the Azaiki Public Library, where the 75th birthday celebration of a former minister, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, was being held.

While some corps members commended President Jonathan for the mature handling of the security operations against the insurgency in the north, others asked politicians to support the renewed security effort at locating the abducted girls and stop using it as another means of politics.

Also, the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has commended President Barrack Obama and other international leaders for offering to assist the Federal Government against insurgencies and aid rescue operations of the abducted schoolgirls.

In a statement by its Bayelsa State Chairman, Chief Nengi James, the CLO described the offer by the U.S., United Kingdom and others as commendable and President Jonathan’s acceptance of same as unprecedented.

According to the CLO, while such offer is a necessary step to rescuing the abducted schoolgirls and saving the nation further mourning from bomb attacks by the Boko Haram sect, it should also prepare the grounds for the arrest and prosecution of identified leaders and sponsors of the sect.

It also urged President Jonathan to take a bold step and identify security loopholes and moles in the nation’s security services, including a complete overhaul of strategies and missions to stem the barbaric acts of insurgency. It warned that failure to back up the offer of security assistance might be counter-productive.

And leaving nothing to chance, lawmakers under the aegis of Christian Legislators Fellowship International (CLFI) yesterday in Abuja prayed God for wisdom and divine guidance on President Jonathan and members of his cabinet to enable them tackle the security challenges confronting the nation.

According to a statement by its president, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, senators also prayed God for the right steps to be taken towards rescuing the abducted schoolgirls. This was coming in the wake of Federal Government’s acceptance of foreign assistance towards their rescue.

The lawmakers, however, prayed that rather than escalate the situation, the foreign supports would help end the insurgencies in the country.

Noting that the activities of Boko Haram have created fears in the hearts of Nigerians, the group urged everyone to fast and pray for a speedy resolution of all security challenges.

They commended the efforts of government, including the security agencies, so far at rescuing the girls from the terrorists and expressed hope that the involvement of the U.S., Britain, China and Canada in the search for the missing girls would yield positive results.

Similarly, over 300 women from Christian and Muslim communities held a peaceful protest in solidarity with the Chibok schoolgirls in Plateau State yesterday, seeking God’s intervention in their abduction.

The women expressed anguish over their kidnap and urged the Federal Government and security chiefs to expedite action and re-strategise towards their release.

Some of their placards urged the Nigeria to engage Chad, Niger and Cameroun in the fight, while urging politicians to stop mortgaging their children.

Leader of the Women Without Walls Initiative (WOWWL), Pastor Esther Ibanga, leader of Muslim Women Peace Forum (MWPF), Hajiya Khadijah Hawaja, and leader of Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society, Mrs. Elizabeth Rimdans, described sexual violence on minors as a heinous crime against the corporate existence of the nation.

The Arewa elders have applauded the international community for joining the Nigerian Government in efforts to rescue the schoolgirls abducted by the Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram. They also described as belated government’s committee to verify the number of abducted girls and there whereabouts.

In a statement yesterday by the Arewa Consultative Forum’s (ACF) National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, the body, nevertheless, said it was good that government was finally making efforts to rescue the girls.

According to the U.S. envoy, “we are in the process of putting together a security team that we think you need to solve the problem at hand.” Fielding questions on the security collaboration, he said that arrangement was on for U.S. security personnel’s arrival in Nigeria.

“Secretary of State, John Kerry, also spoke with your President on this, as you know. Our system is designed to help get these girls back. We already have security cooperation for years now, in terms of training and boosting your response capacity. The tenure of the incoming military support would be decided when they come. It is something that is yet to be worked hard.”

But there were related matters to terrorism. According to USAID boss, Shah, the U.S. is “proud to have signed programmes in the health, agriculture as well as educational sectors,” with a view to raising the living standards of the people.

He said the Obama administration was currently increasing the U.S. support in five states of the north, especially in agricultural development - to help reduce hunger, ensure adequate nutrition, and create opportunities to take the place of insecurity.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

4 | NEWS Friday, May 9, 2014

WEF AFRICA 2014 NECO shifts exam date in FCT over closure of schools From Umeh Kanayo Abuja HE National Examinations Council (NECO) yesterday announced a shift in its Basic Education Certificate Examination from May 8 to May 10 because of the World Economic Forum Africa (WEFA).

The Registrar of NECO, Prof.

Promise Okpala who disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Abuja said that the examination timetable had to be adjusted because of the closure of public institutions in the FCT, which also affected schools.

Prof. Okpala noted examination materials could not be released in other states while schools in other states were closed, as this would affect the credibility of the examination.

He said the examination, scheduled to start from Thursday May 8 and end on May 22, would now begin on May 10 and end on May 24.

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President Goodluck Jonathan and Ghanaian President John Mahama at the World Economic Forum in Abuja

PHOTO: PHILIP

The Registrar explained that the French Language and Business Studies scheduled to hold on Thursday May 8 and Friday May 9 would now hold on Friday May 23 and Saturday May 24, respectively.

He said this was to allow for uniformity in the conduct and safeguard the credibility of the examination.

Okpala regretted any inconvenience the shift in the examination might have caused all those concerned and called for support for the Council in ensuring a smooth conduct of all its examinations.

According to him, this year’s enrollment for the examination had improved with a nationwide enrollment of 110,316 candidates, which was a pointer to the fact that education was being taken seriously and was not being affected by any challenges the country might be facing.

Tackling malnutrition with high-energy foods tops agenda

By Fabian Odum ALNUTRITION has been M identified as the cause of certain diseases sweeping across parts of the world especially Africa in which an estimated 240million people are affected, and poor-performing agriculture sector remains the culprit.

In addition, millions of children die as a result of feeding on micronutrient deficient foods, an avoidable condition if bio-fortified food crops are made available to the vulnerable poor.

However, at a side meeting of the on-going World Economic Forum for Africa

• 240m malnourished in sub-Saharan Africa (WEF—Africa) in Abuja yesterday, the Agric Minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said there was hope to tackle this, at a gathering of Nigerian agribusinesses which are collaborating with government.

He said the Federal Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as Ministry of Health, has mobilised local and foreign investors, agribusinesses and international development organisations to form a partnership for High Energy Nutritious Foods in Africa.

The organisation include

Syngenta and Dansa Holdings as well as NGOs and development partners as HarvestPlus, UNICEF, World Food Program (WFP), the Global Alliance for Improving Nutrition (GAIN), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, DFID, and several other major supporters of the Africa nutrition agenda.

According to the minister, nearly 850 million of the 7.1 billion people in the world, or one in eight, is hungry, disclosing that malnutrition is the cause of 45 per cent of deaths in children under five years old, translating to about

3.1 million children dying each year. Yet, he said, global wealth in 2013 reached a new all-time high of $241 trillion, up 68 per cent within the past 10 years, a lamentable inequality.

Adesina revealed that malnutrition, especially the lack of essential minerals and vitamins posed major challenges in most countries. It is estimated that 12 Africans die every minute as a result of hunger and malnutrition; almost 240 million people in sub-Saharan Africa do not eat well enough to ensure their health and well being. The continent, the minster stated, has the highest prevalence of

undernourishment in the world afflicting almost one in four people, with 80 per cent of the world’s stunted children living in 14 countries, of which eight are in Africa.

He said Africa’s poor-performing agriculture remains a major reason for high malnutrition and the sector had been treated as a development sector, as a way to manage but not eliminate poverty.

The high-energy foods would be a combination of sorghum, maize and soybeans, which are all grown in abundance in Africa instead of depending on sourcing them from Asian countries, as

is the case presently.

Health minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, also disclosed that his ministry has provided support by including biofortified cassava, maize, sweet potato and pearl millet in the new Micronutrient Deficiency Control Guidelines that were approved by the National Council on Health in August 2013.

According to him, weaning children with foods containing nutrients that are vital to healthy growth was imperative as a hungry child cannot learn and a malnourished kid will become brain-impaired, with possible low-income earnings in the future.

Path to growth of Nigeria, others, by Chinese Premier From: Mathias Okwe and Emeka Anuforo Abuja NY continent or super nation ignoring, neglecting or underestimating the African continent is doing so at its peril. This was the submission of the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Li Keqiang to the world community when he addressed the plenary session of the 24th World Economic Forum, which entered its second day yesterday in Abuja.

In realization of this fact, Keqiang disclosed that China has voted to upscale her investment as well as economic relationship with the African Continent because of the very important place Africa occupies in the scheme of global affairs.

Keqiang listed reasons for Chinese position: “The African Continent is an important birthplace of the world civilization. Over the past century, the people of Africa have achieved national liberation and independence. And especially since the beginning of the new century, Africa has demonstrated strong economic vitality, maintained overall stability, and emerged as a continent on the rise.”

The Chinese Premier contin-

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ued: “Three days ago, when I spoke at the AU headquarters, I said Africa was a pole of the world in three ways. First, Africa is home to 54 countries, which accounts for over a quarter of the UN member States. It increasingly ‘speaks with one voice’ and is playing an ever-growing role in the governance of global affairs.

Africa has thus become a major pole in the world political arena.

“Second, Africa has a total population of one billion an economic aggregate of over $2 trillion. Of the world’s fastest growing economies in 2013, seven are in Africa, which indicates its growing weight in the developing world. Africa is therefore also a major pole in economic growth.

“Third, with more than 1500 ethnic groups and over 2000 different languages. Africa is rich in cultural heritages.

Such cultural diversity on full display here makes Africa a colorful pole in human civilization. In the international political and economic landscape, it is always better to have more poles than fewer poles. The rise of Africa as a new pole will only make the world more democratic, stable, dynamic and colorful and

• ‘Africa can no longer be ignored’ • Leaders pledge commitment to agric better facilitate peace, development and progress in the world,” Keqiang further posited.

The Chinese Premier then declared that China would continue to prioritize investments, particularly infrastructural development in its cooperation with Africa. He pointed out that already China was working with Africa to upgrade and build transport infrastructure to promote a network of high-speed railway and road networks in Africa.

He said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has proposed the building of a network of expressway in West Africa.

Quite a few African countries have also expressed interest in cooperation with China building expressways. China welcomes such desires and will step up coordination with Africa to connect current expressways in Africa to form a continental network over time.

“China is ready to provide financial, personnel and technological support to infrastructure development in

Africa. China will step up its investment and financing cooperation with Africa by providing an additional $10 billion credit to a total of $30 billion and by adding another $2 billion to make the China African African Development Fund a total of $5 billion. China will vigorously advance the African talents program providing 18, 000 government scholarships to African students and training 30, 000 African professionals in the various areas. China will also help train more technical personnel for Africa through multiple ways, including training schemes by China ‘s enterprises and Confucius Institutes in Africa,” the premier also announced.

In another development, African leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming the agricultural sector across the continent at the 2014 Grow Africa Investment Forum, taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, in the lead-up to the World Economic Forum on Africa.

Building on recent successes of the Grow Africa partner-

ship – a joint initiative of the African Union Commission, the NEPAD Agency and the World Economic Forum – the leaders agreed that increased private sector investment in agriculture is key to delivering economic opportunity and food security within their countries.

“There are huge opportunities in agriculture. This will create jobs and achieve food security,” said President Goodluck Jonathan. “The key is not just producing enough food for local consumption, but also creating jobs along the value chain,” he added.

“For years, Africa’s agriculture was marked by low productivity, low production,” noted Jakaya M. Kikwete, President of Tanzania. Thanks to an agriculture transformation based on a blueprint started at the World Economic Forum on Africa in 2010 in Dar es Salaam, he said his country is seeing dividends. As a result, “hunger can be overcome, and increased income reduces poverty.”

In 2013, Grow Africa partners doubled their commitments for agriculture and food security to $7.2 billion. Of this, $970 million is already invested, which has led to the creation of 33,000 new jobs and assis-

tance to 2.6 million smallholder farmers throughout the continent. The increase in committed funding is captured in the recently published Grow Africa Annual Report.

“We have made some progress on the ground,” said Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda. He said this is largely due to investments in land management, seed quality, technology, water management and other factors, including the important role of smallholder farmers.

As an African-owned and country-led platform, Grow Africa works to catalyze increased and inclusive investment and multi-stakeholder partnership in the agriculture sector, in line with African countries’ Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) plans.

Grow Africa is currently operating in nine Partner Countries in Africa: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania. At the meeting, Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, announced that his country would join the partnership as the 10th member.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 9, 2014 NEWS | 5

WORLD ECONOMIC SUMMIT

A view of WEF participants at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja .

Klaus Schwab, the founder of WEF

Deputy Speaker, House of Rep. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Katsina Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema welcoming the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang to the opening of the 42nd World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja .

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

President Paul Kigame (right), Senegalese President Mackysall, Benin Republic, President Boni Yayi, and others world leaders at the opening of the 42nd World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

The ever-busy Ahmadu Bello Way, the road leading to the venue of the 42nd World Economic Forum in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Senegalese President Mackysall (left) and Finance Minister, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the opening PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA of the 42nd World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja .

Eminent world figures urge concerted effort to rescue abducted girls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Africa at 25 per cent. In fact, he said unemployment problem in Africa is compounded by the predominantly youthful population of most states.

African Jonathan says in Nigeria, the current job creation situation has kept him “up at night and it has been the main theme of our Federal Government Budget in recent years. We recognise that the private sector will be the engine of growth and job-creation. And

we are putting in place the necessary conditions to support this private sector growth, such as ensuring a stable macro-economic environment (low inflation, stable exchange rates and so on), investing in critical infrastructure (roads, railways, power etc.), and investing in the development of skills of our people.”

He expressed regret that despite the impressive growth rate of the Nigerian economy at seven per cent in the last decade and a rebased GDP of

$510 billion for 2013, “the quality of our growth has been less than desirable in the sense that we are not creating as many decent jobs as we need to.”

Because of this, he said his government is focusing on priority sectors with high jobcreating potential such as agriculture, manufacturing, housing and construction, and the services sectors and “we are working to unlock the various obstacles faced by businesses so they create jobs.

We are learning from the ex-

ample of other countries – such as China – to see what they have done in this regard to create jobs for their citizens.”

Jonathan noted that apart from unemployment, rising inequality is threatening the future of the African continent. He charged African leaders to ensure that economic growth is inclusive.

Towards this, he said that “in Africa, most of our countries must begin to think about introducing social protection measures, building on the

strong traditions we already have of caring for one another.”

The Nigerian leaders stated that “Africa faces difficult challenges in the years ahead to provide adequate infrastructure, create jobs, and develop the skills of its young population. But the continent is also confronted by tremendous opportunity to harness its young population in a manner than can provide unique dividends to its people. As we debate these issues in the next two days, let us

raise our sights, let us think big and bold, and let us think for the long-term. Together, let us work to realise the potential of this great continent.

I believe that collectively, with the calibre of men and women we have here, and the institutions they represent, and given the fact that democracy has come to stay in Africa, and with the political will and commitment of African leaders, we will take decisions and the right steps to take Africa to greater heights.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

6 | NEWS Friday, May 9, 2014

NNPC raises alarm over hackers’ invasion of MD’s email account • Disassociates him from phoney online transactions IGERIAN National PetroleN um Corporation (NNPC) has raised the alarm over what it termed the desperate attempt by some nondescript internet fraudsters to desecrate the character and personae of its Group Managing Director, Andrew Yakubu.

It noted in a statement by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, that some hackers and internet scam artists had broken into the personal email account of the NNPC GMD early on Wednesday and have been using the account to send all manners of scam letters and phantom contract deals to some highly placed contacts within and outside the oil and gas industry.

The NNPC stated that a few days earlier, some online news sites were intermittently flashing a strange icon which had the photograph of the NNPC GMD juxtaposed with some members of the House of Representatives under the caption ``The blackmailers.’’ ``While we explore all options to arrest this menace, we wish to advise members of the public to disregard any such seemingly juicy voodoo contract proposals said to be emanating from the email address of Engr. Andrew Yakubu or any other email address. Anybody who commits to such transaction is

doing so at his own risk,’’ the NNPC said.

On the strange online icon, the NNPC blamed it on the handiwork of some desperate individuals who are bent on tarnishing the image and hard earned reputation of its

GMD. It noted that Yakubu is neither a politician nor one whose temperament is given to political chicanery. ``Engineer Andrew Yakubu is a well- heeled technocrat who in the last three decades has demonstrated an abiding commitment to evolving the

NNPC into an efficient National Oil Company with global aspirations. We call on well meaning members of the public especially the oil and gas stakeholders to disregard the strange icon as it has nothing to do with what the GMD stands for or represents,’’ the NNPC said.

While calling on the public to discountenance the satanic campaign against the GMD, the corporation said that facts available indicated that the campaign of calumny was likely to continue in the electronic and print media in the days and months ahead.

Pupils protesting the abduction of their colleagues in Chibok, Bornu State at the Governor’s Office, Osogbo, Osun State yesterday.

Lawyers, others seek review of labour laws

By Bertram Nwannekanma ITING inability of the extant employment laws to address the plight of workers in event of restructuring and insolvency, lawyers and labour leaders yesterday canvassed for a review of the labour laws to meet with international best practices.

Speaking at the 2014 Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors lecture, with the theme: “Employee and pension claims in insolvency”, the speakers, including a retired Supreme Court justice, George Oguntade, who chaired the event; Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and acting DirectorGeneral, National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, expressed worries that the present labour laws in the country do not adequately protect employees where a company becomes insolvent.

Speaking at the event, a labour law expert from the University of Lagos, Prof.

Chioma Agomo, said, “We need to insure salary and wages of workers so that whether the company has money or not, the workers must be paid.”

C

Also, the General Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Bayo Oloshile and Chairman of the Lagos branch, Rev. Folorunso Oginni, called for a review of the PENCOM Act, in order to harmonise the discrepancies in the settlement of pension claims.

Governor Uduaghan, who was represented by the Chairman,

Delta State Bureau for State Pension, Mrs. Christy Siakpere, said the laws must also address the issue of the solvency of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

The governor said Delta State has contributed over N16 billion as counterpart funding to the new pension scheme since its inception in 2007.

Expounding on the theme, the guest lecturer and Dean,

Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Prof.

Andre Boraine said labour movement in South Africa played a major role in law reform in relation to the improvement of employees’ position in insolvency and rescue.

Managing Partner of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), in his remarks said, “Typically, issues

arise at to various claims that are available to workers, ranging from outstanding salaries/wages, vacation and severance pay, health and disability benefits, pension benefits, sundry entitlements vis a vis claims by other stakeholders, creditors with different legal and socio-economic considerations to be born in mind in the event of insolvency of

Journalists tasked on polls reporting

By Olalekan Okusan O ensure credible and fair T elections in 2015, Nigerian journalists are to be impartial in their reports.

These were the views of a Paris-based American journalist, Eduardo Cue, during a teleconference section at the United States Consular in Lagos on Wednesday.

The former spokesperson for the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said it behooves on journalists not to take sides during elections, as they are expected to inform the public with the view to allowing them to

make choices.

He described elections as key moments in a democratic society, when the citizens are expected to make their choices.

Cue, however, urged journalists to desist from praisesinging of politicians but to provide unbiased and complete information that would aid the citizenry in their decisions.

“Elections are key moments in a democracy where the average person can actually have something to say and exert an influence on the direction the country will be headed for the next few years.

Making choices may be very confusing for the people. Even well-educated citizens may be confused because there will be so much noise during electioneering. The role of journalists in a democracy cannot be over-emphasised. In the build-up to elections, journalists should inform the public so that they can in turn make decisions on who will govern them,” Cue said.

He added: “Journalists should beam searchlight on who the political candidates are, what do they stand for, where their money comes from, who supports them, so

that the public can know what influences them and what kind of decisions they are likely to make when they get to power.”

For Cue, press freedom is essential in a democratic setting, as it is also impossible to have press freedom in a dictatorial society.

“The role of the press is to be able to give those who don’t have voice a voice. People in power are afraid of information because it challenges them and so, press freedom is centre point to those in power.

Not government alone but also multinational corporations,” he explained.

Edo lawmakers deny alleged impeachment plans, defection From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE Edo State House of T Assembly yesterday denied reports that the unintentional shot fired by a police orderly attached to a lawmaker was not in any way connected with rumoured leadership change as portrayed in a publication.

In a related development, the Senator representing Edo North, Domingo Obende, has also denied reports that he

plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The resignation of some leaders of the party few days ago has fuelled speculation that lawmakers loyal to Pastor Ize Iyamu were under pressure to decamp to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move that may alter the leadership of the House.

But the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the House of Assembly, Charles Ayeni, in a statement circulated yester-

day in Benin City described the alleged plan to change the leadership of the House as a “figment of the imagination of the writer” and advised media practitioners to confirm and authenticate their reports before going to the press.

On the gunshot, he said investigation revealed that it was an accidental discharge from the gun of the police orderly attached to a member of the House when he was

about opening the door to the said member’s office.

A statement personally signed by Obende said, “I want to assure my supporters that I remain a member of the APC. I am seeking re-election into the Senate on the platform of APC and I urge all my supporters to remain firm and committed to the party that made us realize the dream of giving the right representation to the people of Edo North.

“The APC ably led by our gov-

ernor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the leader of the party has given and still giving the right direction coupled with his administration’s developmental strides across the state.”

The statement also urged party members who have any complaints about the recently concluded ward and local council congresses to explore established party mechanisms to resolve whatever grudges they have.

Govt to camp returnees from CAR in Yobe From Charles Akpeji, Gombe N spite of the on-going secuIeastern rity challenge in the northpart of the country, plans to temporarily camp about 601 displaced persons from the war-torn Central African Republic (CAR) have been concluded by both Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (GOSEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Land, according to Executive Secretary of GOSEMA, Dr. Danlami Arabs Rukujei, has already been provided by the government for the immediate construction of the said transit camp.

The decision for the state to be used as a transit camp for the refugees, who are currently stranded in the neighbouring Cameroun Republic, Rukujei said, is in collaboration with NEMA. The said refugees, whom The Guardian gathered are already on their way to Nigeria from Cameroun, would be camped in Gombe before they move to their respective states.

The choice of Gombe State as disclosed by a top official of NEMA, was as a result of the relative peace in the state in spite of activities of insurgents in the zone.

The NEMA official, who craved anonymity, said: “You would agree with me that Gombe is currently the most peaceful state in this zone.

“Despite that, we are going to provide adequate security for the refugees as soon as they arrive in the state.”

ASUP laments bias against polytechnics From Ali Garba, Bauchi HE Academic Staff Union of T Polytechnics (ASUP) members, Bauchi State Chapter, yesterday lamented a high level of discrimination existing between the polytechnics and universities.

It said: “Polytechnics in Nigeria are treated by the government as second-class institutions whose certificates are not job worthy. For instance, in the area of funding, TETFund gives polytechnics and colleges of education half of federal funds while the funding received by one university is more than five polytechnics put together.”

The National Vice President of ASUP, Usman Dutse who stated this during an interview with newsmen in Bauchi, said that although the struggle was in the interest of the students and to address the rot in polytechnic institutions, the lingering strike would definitely affect the quality of graduates produced in polytechnics.

He blamed the minister for giving the public a wrong impression that ASUP is strong-headed by embarking on propaganda and spreading falsehood.

Dutse, therefore, raised doubts concerning the setting up of a committee to address the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and degree holders, which was announced by Wike at a retreat in Kaduna.

He added that the government offered to pay the CONTISS 15 migration arrears in two instalments (March and September), which the union eventually agreed to.

Friday, May 9, 2014 NEWS | 7

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

EKITI 2014

Ekiti Parapo calls for peaceful, free, fair polls Stories by Seye Olumide HEAD of the June 21 goverA norship election in Ekiti State, Ekiti Parapo, an association of Ekiti indigenes in Lagos State has urged the electorate in the state to eschew violence during the polls.

President of the group, Oloye Esan Ogunleye, while calling for a free, fair and non-violence election, also expressed worry over certain developments where politicians are make disparaging comments against one another, which he claimed could culminate into violence if not curbed now, saying: “all that we want is peaceful, free and fair election, whichever way the results goes.”

Jega

In an interview with The Guardian, Ogunleye canvassed one-man, one-vote, as he also urged stakeholders in the polls to realise the fact that the June 21 governorship election in the state, is a solitary one “all eyes would be on us.”

According to him, “We want a peaceful, free and fair election, whichever way it goes.

All the due processes of the election must be followed.

This is the only guarantee for peace during and after the exercise.

“We know the citizens of our states, all they demand is not much. Our people want the best and they will vote for the best.

He urged the electorate to prevent the repetition of what

Fayemi ‘s campaign group cautions against voting for mediocres HE Director General, John T Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation and Chairman, House Committee on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Mr. Bimbo Daramola, has called on people of Ekiti State to disregard vain political overtures from those seeking to govern the state for selfish interest.

He posited that such people do not want the Governor Kayode Fayemi to continue his good administration in the past three-and-a-half years, urging them to rather cast their votes and support the incumbent as the state prepares for the governorship poll next month.

He also urged the people to be vigilant of the antics of the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, whom he alleged, was working out the script of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos recently, Daramola enjoined the people to disregard the vain promises of other contestants in the election, particularly Bamidele, whom he noted, had been saying that he would turn Ekiti into an Eldorado, without mentioning clearly that he tends to do.

He added “his intention is not to win the election -because

he knows that he can’t and he won’t win - but to prevent Fayemi from winning at all cost, because bruised personal ego.”

He added that Bamidele is in the race to stop Fayemi, as “he (Bamidele) is ready to shut down his campaign anytime from now and team up with the PDP candidate, Ayo Fayose.”

Daramola urged the electorate not to see the situation as a surprise “considering that the Labour Party was nothing but a satellite party of the PDP,” alleging further that exploratory meetings have already commenced between the twin candidates

(Bamidele/Fayose).

He pleaded with electorate in Ekiti to reject those who have no interest in building on the progress of Fayemi in the last three years.

Speaking on the achievements of Governor Fayemi, the lawmaker said: “The incumbent governor has not only improved the economy and social status of Ekiti, which were bastardised by the PDP-led administration, but for once, the atmosphere of gansterism, insecurity, immaturity and crudity at the highest echelon of the state has given way to a peaceful, decent and humane governance.”

happened during the Anambra State governorship election “where there were so much arguments and pandemonium after the exercise, as if there was no rule of law to occur in Ekiti State.”

According to him, “With the kind of experience and the pedigree and instances of what had happened in previous elections in Ekiti State, even during the general election, we do not want it this time around. As stakeholder, the Ekiti Parapo, a non-partisan socio-cultural group is interested in the outcome of the election, as we are watching the activities of all the candidates and their parties with keen interest.”

He noted that at the last count “over 20 parties and candidates are to contest the election according to the record of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). We are therefore, appealing to all stakeholders to avoid the use of violent slogans in their campaigns.

Every household in the state should not allow their children be used for any devious political activities.”

He also tasked INEC on the need to ensure that its staff remains neutral in the poll “we do not want the repetition of what happened between the incumbent, Governor Kayode Fayemi and Mr. Segun Oni, who was removed by the Court of Appeal.”

Although Ogunleye averred that his organisation is yet to notice any sinister move that

could portend danger during the election “not on the platform of the organisers of the election, or the police or from any of the candidates, however, in a situation where poverty is high, politicians may take undue advantage of the people.”

While advising politicians against arbitrary use of money, Ogunleye said, “Sometimes, it is not as if politicians categorically ask people to engage in violence, but when they (politicians) began to spray money, utter uncomplimentary remarks about their opponents or throw money at the crowd. They through this indirectly instigate pandemonium.

“We are urging the campaigners to show decorum and also call their followers to order and to shun violence.”

On the need to deploy troops to maintain peace during the election, Ogunleye posited that it is not possible to arrest misbehaviour, saying: “That would be a wrong approach of creating orderliness. You don’t counter misbehaviour with force. The approach, which we, and other interested associations are proposing is the best. To go to all religious communities, homes, traditional rulers and other necessary organisations within the state and even to the INEC, police and the SSS to impress it on everyone the need to abide by election rules and to conduct themselves in the best way and not through the use of dangerous

TheGuardian on Saturday

COVER

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2014

Abducted Schoolgirls: Security Experts Differ On Offers Of Assistance By Foreign Countries S Nigeria security agents A intensify efforts to rescue the schoolgirls abducted from Chibok in Borno State, security experts, others urge caution regarding offers of assistance by the United States (US), Britain and others.

Coverextra

LDER statesman and former Aviation Minister in E the First Republic, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, speaks on the Boko Haram insurgency, next year’s general elections, National Conference and other topical issues.

POLITICS Eye For An Eye:

N 2009, former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, joined forces Idefeat with Kayode Fayemi of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to Governor Olusegun Oni of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), followed by three and half years legal tussle that terminated Oni’s regime in October 15, 2010. For Oni, the time to pay back is now, as he dumped the PDP on Monday for APC ostensibly to truncate Fayose’s ambition of returning to Oke Bareke. But will he succeed in taking his own pound of flesh?

Love & Life

14 Truths About Romantic True Love 2015: Southeast APC And The Challenges Within Ahead of next year’s elections, it appears the leading opposition party, APC, is losing grip in the Southeast zone, following some intra-party squabbles that the party’s interim leadership seems unable to handle.

These and more in The Guardian tomorrow. Grab your copy

8

Friday, May 9, 2014

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PHOTONEWS

Prof. J.P. Clark (left), wife of Lagos State Governor, Abimbola Fashola, Segun Sofowote and Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi at a fundraising photography exhibition of the works of Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote in Lagos yesterday PHOTO: WOLE OYEBADE

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a beneficiary, Commissioner 1, Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Kemi Olaleye, wife of Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Sen. Olu Adetunbi (Ekiti North), Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu and Dr. (Mrs.) Bola Adetunbi, during the presentation of vehicles in support of Fayemi’s re-election campaign, in Ifaki-Ekiti on Tuesday.

Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Lagos State, Muyideen Akinsonya (left) Special Adviser on the Environment, Dr. Taofeek Folami, Commissioner for the Environment, Lagos State, Tunji Bello, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Lateef Ibirogba during the year 2014 ministerial press bring in Lagos yesterday.

PHOTO: GABRIEL IKHAHON

Emeka Mba, Community Affairs Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria (left), Dr. Dele Balogun, District Governor 9110 Elect, Niyi Adesanya, Assistant Governor, RFHE, Olugbemiga Olowu, outgoing District 9110 Governor, Bola Oyebade, Assistant Governor, District Secretary, Dr. Arigbagbowo, Chairman, Association o f General Medical Practitioner of Nigeria at the official launch of the 2014 Rotary Family Health Day, sponsored by The CocaCola Foundation held at the Rotary Club in Lagos.

President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo in-group photograph with members of Presidential Committee on Rescue of the Abducted Female Students at the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State after the inauguration of the committee on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja.

Newly constructed access road (earthworks) by Federal Ministry of Works in Asaba axis for the second Niger Bridge

Immediate Past Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Lagos State Branch), Akintunde Obembe (left), Chairman of the occasion, Layi Gobir, Chairman, PSN Lagos State Branch, Olubowale Gbenga and President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo at 2014 Annual Luncheon of the Society in Nigeria.

Erica Ayenuro, chief executive officer, Contract Centre Support Professionals Limited (left) presenting the African’s Most Trusted Quality Building Materials Company Award to Jomy Antony, executive director, Emel Group (Emel Building Materials Division), at the Africa Quality Achievement Awards 2014 in Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 9, 2014 | 9

WorldReport Merkel quizzed Putin on Crimea parade

Saudi liberal gets 10 years in jail, 1,000 lashes

Ukraine rebels ignore Moscow call to delay independence vote

SAUDI court sentenced A Raef Badawi, the founder of a human rights group, to

ERMAN Chancellor, AnG gela Merkel has voiced her concern to Russian President,

United States President, Barrack Obama’s Grandmother, Sarah Obama at the Muslim cemetery in Kisumu, after seeing the body of her daughter Zeituni Onyango Obama who died a Month before in the U.S. at the age of 61 from cancer and respiratory problems, according to her family…on Monday.

PHOTO: AFP

Vladimir Putin about media reports he may attend today’s military parade in Crimea, her foreign minister said.

“The chancellor has asked him personally about this,” said Frank-Walter Steinmeier yesterday. “He left the answer open about whether he would personally attend.”

If Putin is present at the Sevastopol event, a commemoration marking victory over the Nazis in World War II — it would be his first visit to the peninsula since Russia annexed it from Ukraine in March.

“The military parade is not good,” given the contested location, added Steinmeier on German TV. “Were Putin to take part, it would make things more difficult than they already are.”

Merkel on Tuesday said it would be a “pity” if Putin were to “use” the commemoration for visiting Crimea amid the ongoing standoff with proMoscow separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Putin on Wednesday urged

Africa must work harder to reduce inequality, says Annan annual Africa Progress Report. by Annan, which advocates “After more than a decade of sustainable development. growth, there is plenty to celeThe panel of 10 high-profile vented the benefits of a decade brate,” Annan was set to say at figures includes Irish musiof economic growth from the report’s launch at the cian and campaigner, Bob being spread equitably, ac- World Economic Forum for Geldof and women and children rights advocate, Graca cording to a report by former Africa, in Abuja, Nigeria.

“But it is time to ask why so Machel, who is the widow of United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan released yes- much growth has done so little late South African president to lift people out of poverty Nelson Mandela. terday.

The plunder by foreign in- and why so much of Africa’s revestors and corrupt officials of source wealth is squandered the continent’s fishing and through corrupt practices and timber resources is a clear ex- unscrupulous investment acample of the failure to harness tivities,” Annan said.

UDAN has deported 30 ErThe report is written by the natural resources for the comitreans, including at least mon good, according to the Africa Progress Panel chaired six registered as refugees, back to their homeland where they risk detention France to keep troops in Africa against extremists and abuse, Human Rights RANCE’S defense minister diers to combat Islamist vio- Watch (HRW) said.

Sudan’s ministry of foreign says some 2,000 French lence in the vast and largely troops will stay in Central lawless Sahel region of Africa. affairs could not immediately African Republic at least until “Our role is to pursue comment, and a source at the autumn, in part to keep ter- counter-terrorism in north country’s refugee commisrorist network Boko Haram Mali, the north of Niger and sion had no information.

The HRW statement came at bay. in Chad,” Le Drian said in a the same day that Eritrea’s The Islamic extremist group television interview. has claimed responsibility for kidnapping nearly 300 girls and young women in Nigeria in recent weeks, and for attacks around the region.

France is providing military help to Nigeria to try to rescue the girls.

French Defense Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian said yesterday the French troops will stay in Central African Republic because of the need to “to not let a security vacuum emerge that Boko Haram could profit from.”

He also said a French officer was killed by a homemade bomb overnight in northern Mali, where France is wrapping up a military operation to root out terrorists.

Meanwhile, France has said that it will deploy 3,000 solFRICAN governments A should work harder to reduce inequality that has pre-

the separatists in east Ukraine to put off an independence vote this weekend to give space for dialogue to end the crisis, the worst standoff between Moscow and the West since the Cold War. Meanwhile, pro-Moscow separatists in eastern Ukraine ignored a public call by Putin to postpone a referendum on self-rule, declaring they would go ahead on Sunday with a vote that could lead to war.

The decision, which contradicted the conciliatory tone set by Putin just a day earlier, caused consternation in the West, which fears the referendum will tear Ukraine apart.

United States Deputy Secretary of State, William Burns said Russia was heading down a “dangerous and irresponsi-

ble path” and the situation in Ukraine was “extremely combustible”.

Denis Pushilin, a leader of the self-declared separatist Donetsk People’s Republic, said the “People’s Council” had voted unanimously yesterday to hold the plebiscite as planned.

“Civil war has already begun,” he told reporters.

“The referendum can put a stop to it and start a political process.”

The announcement coincided with a sharp change of tone from Moscow, which had signaled a pullback from confrontation on Wednesday with Putin’s call for the vote to be delayed and a declaration that troops were withdrawing from Ukraine’s border.

ANC sees ‘overwhelming mandate’ from South African vote ITH nearly half the votes W counted in South Africa’s landmark election, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) looked certain to extend its 20-year rule yesterday, but with sizeable gains for the opposition.

Results from more than half the polling centres showed the ANC had garnered a thumping 63 percent of the popular vote, making it highly likely that President Jacob Zuma will return for a second five-year term.

ANC spokesman, Jackson Mthembu said the party, which has been in power since the end of apartheid in

1994, expected to receive “an overwhelming mandate” from voters.

For millions of South Africans the ANC remains the party of liberation, a point underscored by the recent 20th anniversary of democracy and the outpouring of emotion that accompanied the death of former president Nelson Mandela.

But the party is expected to see its share of the vote slide for a second election in a row, down from just under 66 percent in 2009, and falling short of a two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments.

Sudan deports 30 Eritreans, including refugees President, Issaias Afeworki Eritrean security forces,” the landed in Khartoum for a group said, citing informaS three-day official visit. tion from two advocates who

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The Eritrean group of 30 was arrested near the Libyan border in early February and held for three months without charge and without access to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), HRW said.

“On May 1, 2014, Sudanese authorities in eastern Sudan handed 30 Eritreans over to

were in telephone contact with the group.

Opposition activists from Eritrea say the number deported was 45.

“Sudan is forcibly returning Eritreans to serious risk of detention and abuse at the hands of a brutal government,” said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch.

10 years in jail and 1,000 lashes on Wednesday over allegations of “insulting Islam,” an activist said.

Badawi, who has been behind bars since June 2012, was also ordered to pay a fine of one million riyals ($266,666/191,846 euros), the rights group’s chief, Suad alShamari, told AFP. “He is a prisoner of conscience,” Shamari said, noting that there was “no criminal charge against him.”

“The ruling is unjust,” she said.

Badawi was sentenced in July 2013 to more than seven years in jail, in addition to 600 lashes, for insulting Islam, the religion of the ultra-conservative kingdom.

Concretely, the founder of the Saudi Liberal Network had criticised the role of the notorious religious police.

But an appeals court overturned the ruling, sending the case back for retrial.

Amnesty International slammed Wednesday’s ruling as “outrageous”, urging authorities to quash the verdict.

Badawi “is guilty of nothing more than daring to create a public forum for discussion and peacefully exercising the right to freedom of expression,” said Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa director, Philip Luther.

“The authorities must overturn his conviction and release him immediately and unconditionally,” he said.

“The authorities seem determined to crush all forms of dissent through every means at their disposal, including imposing harsh prison sentences and corporal punishment on activists.”

Prior to his arrest, Badawi’s network had announced a “day of liberalism” and called for an end to the influence of religion on public life in Saudi Arabia.

Shamari said the network’s website had “criticised some clerics, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (religious police), in addition to religious fatwas (edicts) considered harmful to Islam.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

10 | Friday, May 9, 2014

Politics THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE DEBATE

‘Let’s put all options on the table’ (1) Bishop of the Anglican Church, Egba Diocese, The Rt. Revd. Emmanuel Oludaisi Adekunle, has challenged delegates at the National Conference to consider evolving a new system of government for Nigeria. He told Charles Coffie Gyamfi that if breaking up Nigeria would bring peace to all, so be it.

AS the National Conference necessary in W the first place?

It is a thing that the people have asked for. We are a country of many tribes, with different cultures and that has informed different attitudes on issues of life.

So, many people, including me, felt that some other tribes were trying to push their culture on others; hence, we felt that there was a need for a consensus to be reached at a forum like the National Conference and that is why we craved for it for a long time.

There was a National Constitutional Drafting Committee to work on a constitution that would suit our purpose but the people still felt that their needs were yet to be met; so, they clamoured for a national dialogue where all the ethnic nationalities would sit down and discuss.

My thinking is that the populace should have been given the opportunity to pick who would represent them at such a conference. But that was not the case, as the government did the selection.

I must say that those that came on board have not disappointed me so far. The only prayer we need to pray is that those that are representing the people at the conference will use the opportunity to arrive at decisions that will forge Nigeria ahead positively and aid our development.

Reports emanating from the confab so far is something to cheer about and I am happy about that.

But some people are not happy because they believe the delegates have not shown any seriousness, as some of them spent so much time talking of monetisation of their feeding allowance, payment of allowances to their aides and other frivolities…

They (delegates) are Nigerians, and they know how the national legislators are sharing the country’s wealth; so, they see it (conference) as an opportunity for them also to take out of the national cake.

I am not encouraging them but it wouldn’t be out of place if the Federal Government takes care of their (delegates) aides because most of them are not just common men; they are used to comfort and such comfort must not be denied them just because they want to serve their country.

Therefore, I don’t think it was wrong for them to ask for such things (allowances) but maybe they were not decent enough in the way they handled it.

Do you endorse the timing of the conference or you support those that argue that President Jonathan wants to score a political point by convening it before the 2015 elections?

I don’t share such views because if he (Jonathan) didn’t do it and he lost next year’s election and the man that takes over from him decides not to hold it, what will happen?

We have to go on with this national dialogue.

We have been asking for it since the military were in power but we were not given the opportunity.

We continued clamouring for it during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime but he didn’t give room for it. So, we must applaud President Jonathan for given Nigerians such an opportunity. Those who are against the confab are not serious; they don’t know when to seize an opportunity.

As for those criticising the timing of the conference, I must say there is no time that is suitable for the confab. I rather think this is the time that is even more suitable because we are celebrating 100 years of Nigeria as a nation. We have spent 100 years together.

I believe holding this Centenary celebration is a milestone that we need to have a break, have a rethink, and having this conference is part of

have and allow the Federal Government to take something (tax) out of it? It will be better if we have some kind of agreed arrangement on this issue; if not, let everybody have what they possess and go their own way.

I still believe that total division or regional government or central government should not be the issue but rather, what is good for us is whatever will give us peace, and they (delegates) should consider such at the conference.

OULD you comment on the frightening seC curity situation, such as insurgency, kidnapping and armed robbery in the country?

Rt. Revd. Adekunle the rethink that we need in this country.

go through it and if need be approve it.

Another thing is the issue of our resources.

HAT suggestions would you offer to the Nigeria is endowed and we are blessed with delegates? many natural resources distributed all over the My first suggestion is that they should recon- country; what we have in the South-South is sider our marriage as a country. Do we want to not in the Southeast; what is in Southeast is not continue to stay together or we want other in the Southwest; what we have in Southwest countries or nations coming out of Nigeria? is not in the North.

There is nothing we should fear about breakIf we can fish these (minerals) out and give ing up; after all, the USSR did it and it has them equal development, every region or zone turned out to be good for them. They are now will stay put and the present situation where on their own. The same thing happened be- every state is craving after oil money would tween North and South Sudan. stop or reduce drastically.

I still feel that if we need to part ways, let’s part A prominent northerner was recently reways; if we need to go along, let’s go along on a ported to have said that he couldn’t fathom term or terms that will fetch us peace, devel- what the northerners were looking for in the opment. So, that is the first thing they (dele- South-South because of oil; that their fathers, gates) need to consider. when they started their AREWA conglomerate, The second part of it is; if we cannot get total didn’t have oil and life went on fine. separation, then we can have another form of When we had our ODUA in the West, we used government apart from the presidential sys- our revenue from cocoa to build the gigantic tem we are practising now.

Cocoa House in Ibadan among many other inThe presidential system is the American type, frastructure. We used the income from our rewhich is different from the British parliamen- sources to build the first television station (in tary system of government that we practised Africa) and other monumental infrastructure when we gained Independence in 1960. in the Southwest.

By the way, can’t we evolve our own system of So, why are our leaders focusing on oil government in this country? We know our cul- money? Why is everybody drifting to the ture, we know what people believe in; based on South-South because of oil? Even those that this, we can evolve something new. If the dele- have the oil are not developed on their own gates at the confab can come out with a blue- enough to show that they have the oil. print of our own system of governance, we will Why don’t we allow them to have what they

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A prominent northerner was recently reported to have said that he couldn’t fathom what the northerners were looking for in the South-South because of oil; that their fathers, when they started their AREWA conglomerate, didn’t have oil and life went on fine. When we had our ODUA in the West, we used our revenue from cocoa to build the gigantic Cocoa House in Ibadan among many other infrastructure. We used the income from our resources to build the first television station (in Africa) and other monumental infrastructure in the Southwest. So, why are our leaders focusing on oil money? Why is everybody drifting to the South-South because of oil? Even those that have the oil are not developed on their own enough to show that they have the oil. Why don’t we allow them to have what they have and allow the Federal Government to take something (tax) out of it?

When this insecurity began, people thought it was just political thuggery, but look at the level it has got to: ritual killings, kidnappings, assassinations and bombings. People are just lured to the forest to be killed for ritual purposes.

The factors behind this remain the same: to be popular, to acquire power and to become rich.

I tag them “PPP” factors — Prosperity, Popularity and Power.

Those behind the evil deeds believe that employing these means will give them what they are looking for.

The government was initially toying with it by saying it was a political issue but it has gone beyond that now. They have left bombings for abducting school children. I strongly suspect that these abducted female students have been molested by now.

The president’s posture when he visited the bombing site at Nyanya was very disappointing.

Judging by the enormity of the situation, it would not have been too much if he had even shed tears. But what did we see? A president that did not show any emotions, to show that something disastrous had hit the country.

Not only that. The next day, he left for Kano to dance at a political campaign. I know he is a man but he needed to show emotions that would have portrayed that he had really been touched by the incident. But we didn’t see a president that exhibited any compassion.

The government has installed some CCTV cameras in Abuja; so, how come they were not able to pick the faces of those behind the bombings, only for a second bomb attack to take place at almost the same spot two weeks later? Whatever we are doing, let’s do it right.

All of us are not secure at all in this country. The president himself appears not to be secure with what is happening; so, he has to be very careful.

I am not predicting evil for him; I am only frightened by the situation on ground.

So, you don’t think the government is handling security matters with the seriousness they deserve?

I haven’t seen any seriousness in them. I was telling my people when I was preaching that if something like this had happened in America — over 200 girls abducted in a day, the first thing the US government would do would be to send down their police helicopters with heavy gadgets for surveillance of the entire zone and within hours, their location would be identified.

But in Nigeria, how many police helicopters do we have, not to talk of heavy gadgets?

I hope their CCTV cameras in Abuja are working because if they are, they should have picked some faces among the insurgents and their movement. But this was not the case and this doesn’t show any seriousness.

In other countries, including South Africa, these cameras identify criminals, including even traffic offenders; they pick them easily. So, why can’t we practice the same thing here in Nigeria? If we want to do something, let’s do it right at the time that it is right and appropriate.

TO BE CONCLUDED

Friday, May 9, 2014 POLITICS 11

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Why we ordered cancellation of inauguration

By Kamal Tayo Oropo HE Interim National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has ordered immediate suspension of the inauguration of Ogun State chapter of the party scheduled for today.

The party put the exercise on hold until issues that led to the emergence of two factions after the controversial ward, local government and state congresses were resolved.

Fielding questions from The Guardian aftermath the emergency meeting held in Abuja yesterday, a key official of the national executive committee, who does not want his name in the prints, said: “When two parties are in discord in a political system, and one party goes away smiling, leaving the other party crying, then the crisis is yet to be resolved.

“We cannot have a crisis situation in our hands and some people are bent on carrying on as if some people don’t matter. It is not done.

“We have ordered immediate dismantling of posters and all manners of paraphernalia that is Amosun ongoing in Ogun State. auguration as outright misinfor- some slight problems in the state “I can assure you that no one is go- mation to the general public and chapter of the party, but the naing to inaugurate anybody.” specifically members of the APC. tional headquarters of our party is Apparently, in compliance with It would be recalled that follow- already looking into these grievthe directive, it was gathered that ing the discords trailing the party ances. canopies, tents and other arrange- ward, local government and state “As I speak to you, they are yet to ments put in place for the pur- congresses, the national head- sit on the issues. But surely, they ported inauguration by group quarters of the APC received the are soon going to come up with believed to have the backing Gov- report of the Appeal Committee their decisions. Before then, no inernor Ibikunle Amosun, were be- on April 23, 2014. auguration can hold. When the ing removed immediately the However, The Guardian gathered time comes, the whole world will party decision reached the state that the headquarters was yet to know.” capital, Abeokuta. sit on the appeal.

The state government had reThe official stressed that the govConsequently, the state chapter, peatedly given the impression of ernor needs to be extremely careful in tandem with feelings of the Na- no crisis in the APC. on how he handles the situation. tional Assembly caucus, which has Similarly, Senator Akin Kamar BaHis words: “You are in power to- been in a running battle of su- balola Odunsi, representing Ogun day, but you are not going to be premacy with groups loyal to Gov- West, who insisted that the issue there forever. And we don’t want to ernor Amosun, had urged was mere misunderstanding and set bad precedent. You cannot also members to disregard the said in- lack of communication between wish away your political benefac- auguration.

Governor Amosun and the legistor just because you in power. It said since no group was yet to lators in the State and National As“However, the rival group must be recognised or mandated to go semblies on the party platform, also put the interest of the party ahead inauguration, “we want to could not come clear of the issue above all others. Nigerians need implore our loyal members to dis- in the face of the simmering conthis party even more than ever be- regard such pranks, as it is a play flict. fore against the backdrop of the sit- by enemies of our great party to He said: “I still maintain my stand uation the PDP has put the destroy the foundation we are lay- there was no crisis. The parallel country.” ing for a better tomorrow and a state congresses were the eviThe National Assembly caucus of major distraction to the bigger dence and manifestation of the the party had dismissed the pur- picture.” misunderstanding and lack of ported inauguration as illegal and Asked about the purported inau- communication. an affront on the leadership of the guration, a National Assembly But with two parallel congresses party. source, retorted: “What inaugura- held throughout the state, it is inThe state publicity secretary of the tion? I am not aware of anything creasingly obvious that the crisis party, Comrade Clement Olubayo of sort. I am aware that we have in the party can no longer be Adeniyi, described the planned in-

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Adamawa APC elects female ex-lawmaker as chairman From Emmanuel Ande, Yola HE Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Change (APC) has made history by electing former female House of Representatives member, Ms. Binta Masi Garba, as the state chairperson of the party.

Ms Garba, a former House of Representatives member representing Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was announced as the winner of the contest at the weekend after Rev. Felix Angwu, the only cocontestant, pulled out of the tension-soaked race.

The Adamawa APC congress, which was slated for 10 a.m., could not start until midnight due to the sharp protest by some chieftains of the party.

Vice President Atiku Abubakar led the protest over what members called imposition of candidates by Governor Murtala Nyako.

While Garba, who is the governor’s candidate, emerged as the chairman, the Personal Assistant to Nyako’s eldest son (Abdul-Aziz), Alhaji Abubakar Bakari, was allocated the position of secretary, while the governor’s aides shared other

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Ms. Garba party offices.

While fielding questions from journalists after her election, the party chairperson promised to reunite the warring members of the party in order to confront other political parties in the general elections in 2015.

Ms. Garba, who is a member of the ongoing National Conference in Abuja, appealed to the Federal Government to take urgent action to rescue the over 200 secondary school girls abducted by the insurgents in

Borno State.

She said that it was the constitutional responsibility of the government to protect its citizens and property.

She appealed to the government to use all available options to ensure that the abducted girls were rescued safe and sound from the claws of their abductors.

The Guardian gathered that the new APC chairperson, who held a closed-door meeting with Atiku for several hours after her election, assured journalists that the disagreements among the chieftains of the party would be resolved at a round table, stressing that it was a family affair.

It was, however, learnt that Atiku, who was in Yola to participate in the congress, refused to attend the exercise due to what he described as lawlessness and imposition of candidates by the governor.

Atiku’s aide, who spoke to on condition of anonymity, said: “My boss refused to attend the congress because the exercise was turned into a one family affair; so, he allows Nyako and his family to conduct their family congress.”

Nasarawa APC chieftain doubts party chances in 2015 From, Msugh Ityokura, Lafia LEADER of the All Progressives ConA gress (APC) Nasarawa State, Omar Nurudeen, doubts the party’s chances in the governorship election in the state following the outcome of the council elections recently.

Thus, he emphasised the need for a review of the party activities with a view to synergising with the grassroots, to solidify it ahead of the polls.

Speaking yesterday in an interview with The Guardian in Lafia, the state capital, “As a founding member of the defunct CPC, which has fused into the APC, I am concerned and bothered about our outing come 2015,” Nurudeen told The Guardian in Lafia.

“Our performance in the local council elections was not good and should serve as a litmus test for what will happen in 2015 and as such, we should not relax.”

He disclosed that the national secretariat of the APC was worried about the chances of the party in Nasarawa, and has mandated him to write a report, chronicling the shortcomings of the party leadership, as well suggesting the possible way out for the party in 2015.

Nurudeen, who has been at daggersdrawn with Governor Tanko Al-Makura over the composition of the state executive leadership of the party, hinted on the thrust of the report, which, he said, has been completed and awaiting submission.

He it was based on the number of decampees the APC has lost to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in one fell swoop recently.

Nurudeen, a former House of Representatives aspirant in the 2011 general elections, regretted that the deputy governor of the state, elected on the APC platform, would soon decamp to the PDP along with a senator and three members of the House of Representatives.

This, he said, does not augur well for the party; hence, the necessity to appraise the activities of the party with a view to ascertaining the possible ways of restructuring it ahead of the general elections.

He berated the governor for the current crises that has engulfed the state “be-

Al-Makura cause he (Al-Makura) does not have a listening ear.”

He queried: “Why does the governor want our party to die? As you can see, all the chieftains of the party have deserted us and so, how are we going to make it again in 2015?

“If you are in doubt, look at what happened during the local government elections. As a ruling party, why were we not able to win all the council chairmen seats?

“And you know that the PDP also won majority of the council wards; so, why must we continue like this?

Nurudeen stated that fielding Al-Makura, as the APC candidate in the coming polls “will be victory guaranteed for any candidate the presented by the PDP not minding its antecedents because of the array of popular politicians it parades.”

He expressed fear that President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Nasarawa State, scheduled for May 10, “will claim the remaining members of the APC if nothing is done urgently to correct the anomalies that have bedeviled the party for sometime now.”

The state chairman of the APC, Stanley Buba, could not respond to calls to comment on the development.

But a source at the state party secretariat confided in The Guardian that they were aware of what he described as “the evil machinations against the governor and the state leadership of the party by some

Varsity don accuses PDP of causing conflicts in Ebonyi APC From Nnamdi Akpa, Abakaliki A UNIVERSITY lecturer and chieftain of the Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Steve Egbo, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of causing the pockets of conflict ravaging the leadership of the APC in the state.

The don also accused the PDP of sponsoring the protest during the party’s congresses, adding that the crowd that participated in the protest was hired by the PDP. “Yes, there could be misunderstanding among political parties but what we saw wasn’t APC-induced protest; it was a crowed hired by the PDP,” Dr. Egbo said.

A few hours to the conduct of the congress, no fewer than 500 persons, believed to be members of the APC in the state, embarked on a peaceful protest against the leadership of the state congress committee over alleged fraudulent activities and bias in the conduct of the congresses in the state.

However, Egbo, a lecturer at the Abia State University, told reporters that the conduct of the congresses, though tedious, was successful.

While commending the committee that conducted the exercise, he condemned those who called for redeployment of the state police commissioner for protecting the committee during the congress.

“Because the APC is a change agent, it has come to save our people from the undesirable situation; so, there is bound to be holes to be plucked, valleys to be filled and mountains to cross,” he stated.

Egbo explained that it would amount to conferring honour on a dishonourable situation by his reacting to the report that he was suspended from the party.

“It was the activity of some charlatans; they were playing a script written some-

Onu where, and some people are playing politics of the stomach,” he said.

Describing the group as bad losers, he said, “we expect them to be patient, faithful so that we can confront the PDP because, if we are not able to unseat the PDP, we would not have succeeded.”

He expressed confidence in the ability of the new state chairman of the party, Ben Nwobasi, to reconcile all aggrieved, legitimate members so as to enable the party move forward.

On the seeming contest of control of the party in the state between Senator Julius Ucha and former governor and national leader of the APC, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Dr. Egbo said that Onu had been a key figure in the party from his days in the ANPP. “But now that he has much roles to play, we don’t see him,” said. “So, he has to make himself clear.

“We want to see him playing the role of a father, a mobilizer. Until then, we have our reservations.”

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

12 | Friday, May 9, 2014

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

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

Editorial The scourge of malaria HE report the other day that malaria costs Africa about £8 billion (N215.2 billion) annually in cash and lost economic output should alarm governments of various countries on the continent. Such a huge sum shows the grave impact of the debilitating disease on the economic and social wellbeing of the people, the concerted efforts of national and international agencies to combat malaria notwithstanding.

Africa cannot claim to be making progress in healthcare delivery with such a heavy financial burden that could have been used to leverage the economy. For instance, some 40 per cent of drug expenditure in the affected countries is said to be spent on malaria drugs. The problem is compounded by the fact that large numbers of people also die from malaria, particularly children. A combination of the huge financial loss with high morbidity from malaria certainly worsens the economic fortune of the continent.

Though pessimists have described the task of eliminating malaria as a mission impossible, the view of Dumebi Owa, leader of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, that it will take the people and governments having the will power to eradicate malaria in sub-Saharan Africa should be seen as a call to a winnable war.

According to statistics, half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria every year.

Some 781, 000 people die of the disease every year. Incidentally, malaria affects the most vulnerable group. An estimated 200, 000 newborns die each year as a result of malaria in pregnancy. Malaria causes anemia and death in pregnant women.

A child dies every 45 seconds of the disease. Moreover, over 90 per cent of the 781, 000 malaria deaths occur in Africa. And, eight per cent of all children who die before their fifth birthday die of malaria. The disease has been known to develop resistance to some common anti-malaria drug currently in use.

The frightening morbidity rates ought to arouse some form of international emergency. For a country like Nigeria, which can’t claim to have done well in healthcare delivery, these are not cheery news.

With a decrepit healthcare infrastructure, poorly motivated healthcare personnel, high cost of medication, very low doctor to patient ratio, among others, the situation can’t be any worse. The scourge of malaria and high morbidity rate is a direct consequence of a poorly managed healthcare system.

Furthermore, with mounting economic hardship and mass poverty, the prevalence of the disease certainly worsens the poor social and economic condition of the country.

For instance, malaria has been established as the leading cause of absenteeism at work and school. Precious man-hours are lost. And recurrence of the disease is known to be responsible for the diversion of scarce family resources that could have been used for education and upkeep towards the purchase of drugs and treatment.

One way to deal with malaria is for the government at all levels to adopt a vibrant and proactive malaria management programmes. To start with, malaria treatment should be made free for the most vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children below five years of age. Such a step would go a long way in reducing morbidity.

Implementing such a healthcare programme is possible where there is patriotic zeal and concern for the masses. Commendably, not too long ago, the Federal Government of Nigeria took a step further by subsidising malaria drugs through collaboration with the Global Health Fund.

Under this framework, government reportedly reduced the price of malaria drugs to make them affordable. The aim is to boost preventive and curative interventions in the disease management.

Also, the Roll Back Malaria scheme of the Federal Government is a step in the right direction but unfortunately, the programme is not well replicated at the state and local government levels for greater impact. The masses of the people at the grassroots, especially, those in the rural areas, do not get the full impact of the programme, and yet, most of the deaths occur at this level. The states and local governments should therefore have effective malaria control plans to complement the effort of the Federal Government. The existing gap should be filled.

The fact that malaria is endemic in Nigeria should spur the authorities to increase their efforts and be dogged in the fight against the disease. As much of the efforts have been curative rather than preventive, it is also time to change strategy.

Poor environmental condition is a veritable factor that promotes the breeding of mosquitoes that cause malaria. Filthy open drains with putrifying waste dumped in them are signatures of many Nigerian towns and communities. With the exception of some states where environmental sanitation schemes have helped rid communities of filth, much of the country’s population lives in horribly blighted environmental condition that predisposes people to mosquito bites and malaria.

Furthermore, poor housing condition in dirty surroundings also provide breeding grounds for vector mosquitoes that spread malaria. And there is hardly any environmental fumigation programme anywhere in the country to rid the communities of mosquito’s larvae. A systematic periodic fumigation would go a long way to eradicate mosquitoes and in turn malaria.

To get majority of Nigerians out of potential danger, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should be made functional and effective to enable citizens have access to life-saving treatment against malaria. No doubt, there has been commendable effort at combating malaria; the fight against the scourge can do with much more.

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LETTERS

Nigeria’s marriage to Boko Haram IR: In 1999, “God” told OBJ to Stioneering promise Nigerians in his eleccampaign that he would stabilise Nigeria’s electricity, but he spent eight years in power leaving electricity worse than he met it, notwithstanding the huge sums of money Nigeria benefitted from the misfortune of Iraq that was unable to drill or export petroleum to her customers. In 1979, “God” told OBJ to favour Alhaji Shehu Shagari against Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, so he could have nobody to probe the corruption being perpetrated by the regime.

Where is that particular “God” now that Nigeria is wreathing in agony of political disorientation and destabilisation? Yes, GEJ is celebrating life, in spite of Boko Haram: 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation, a selfserving “national conference”, lavish wedding ceremony, etc, with unbridled corruption.

Petroleum and kerosene are scarce and expensive to makeup for GEJ’s financial recklessness. Nigerians are backing him because selfish interest now pervades Nigeria.

Notwithstanding my warnings, opposition leaders caved-in, because they are not better than GEJ and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In 2011, their failure to unite aided GEJ. After uniting, the All Progressive Congress (APC) declared it has no plan for rotational presidency and proposes no answer to how Nigeria can be stabilised.

APC governors, like their PDP

counterparts, perpetrate politicisation of religion; they demolish people’s houses and shops in the name of road construction and ostensibly to beautify the towns; they wage war on pedestrians by banning commercial motorcycling, etc. GEJ derisively asked, recently: Where are they progressing-to? I wish I knew.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar, said that nobody could Islamise Nigeria, but he supports politicisation of religion, and even led protesters to GEJ demanding inclusion of more

Muslims in the mindless “national conference”. Christo-Islamic leaders use deception to exploit the people. Karl Marx remarked it, Fela Anikulapo Ransome Kuti sang it, and Tai Solarin derided it, all to no avail. Probably, the spate of insecurity will bring the desired sanity: political order and relegation of religion to shrines, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues, halls, etc. Nothing else can stop Christo-Islamic chicanery and social disequilibrium. In Yoruba land women are harassed for “indecent-dressing”!

• Pius Abioje, University of Ilorin.

One more for the police IR: Is it the duty of a police Smotorcycles officer to arrest vehicles and without number plate? What then is the duty of the road safety officials?

Recently, I visited the branch of Access Bank at Wurukun market in Makurdi, Benue State to make a transaction.

After the transaction I walked towards the main road, precisely where the traffic control police officers used to take a rest from working under the sun. I witnessed how a police officer arrested a motorcyclist for not having number plate on his motorcycle. I tried to intervene but the officer refused and insisted that if the motorcyclist could not settle him, he would take him to the station.

I kept quiet and waited to see

how the matter would end. The police officer finally collected N1000 out of initial N5000 he demanded.

The simple question is, was it right for the officer to have collected N1000 from him and allowed the motorcyclist to go? Or was it even proper for the arrest to be made in the first place by a police officer?

Let me call on the Inspector General of police, Mohammed Abubakar to retrain his men to know their duties and responsibilities. You could imagine that some police officers are now doing the work of a gate man, opening gate for some of the politicians whose houses they are guarding. Enough of the disgraceful attitudes of some of our police officers.

• Awunah Terwase, Mpape, Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 9, 2014

13

Opinion Fashola, leadership and intangibles of governance

By Sylvester Akhaine OME years ago when soldiers were in the sadSroads. dle, Lagos was a sprawling slum with bad The traffic was “heavy and thick like sludge.” Many commuters became hypertensive. One of the military administrators, a prince from Okuku, who ran the affairs of the state under jackboot, could do nothing and claimed bitumen was not available. His replacement attempted to patch up the numerous potholes and overnight he became a hero.

Such was the lie of the state that little good could make you a hero.

Indeed, our country is such a Manichaean enclave where the trustees of the social contract impoverish the people.

Mac Durugbo in his Four Years with the Actualiser tells us from the vantage point of empiricism that the story of Lagos under the prevailing democratic dispensation is different. After all, experience is the best teacher. His submission on the state of Lagos today could be somewhat controversial because we are all fellow travellers and we observe the milestones we see on the way. Nevertheless, here is Durugbo’s representation of, Lagos, Eko Akete, under Fashola’s stewardship.

In order to offer a window into the nature of leadership in Lagos State, Durugbo takes us through a discourse of leadership. He relies on concepts of leadership by John C. Marshall and Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery and, of course, our subject Babatunde Fashola. Marshall sees “a leader as one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way” (p. 29) while for Montgomery, “leadership is the capacity to rally men and women to a common purpose and character which inspires confidence (ibid).

Fashola conceptualises leadership as the convergence of ability and character. While the former approximates leadership skills, the latter seen as basic embraces integrity, humility, courage, commitment, confidence, passion and determination (p. 28). Durugbo believes that Fashola evinces these elements of leadership in the running of the affairs of Lagos State. His administration typifies governance and its components as engrossed in the Monterrey Consensus, namely: accountability, transparency, responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, equitability/inclusivity and rule of law.

It is best illustrated by his policies and projects such as the Public Private Partnership Policy, Lekki-Epe Expressway expansion, the Microfinance Scheme, The Bus Rapid Transit Scheme, the Greening and Beautification project, taxation policy and so on.

The PPP, a post-Washington Consensus policy kit, has paid off in the evacuation of rubbish in the state through the Private Sector Participation (PSP) Scheme. The beautification project has also borne fruits despite initial cynicism of residents who asked the question: would flowers fill our stomach? It is the triumph of the vision of growing the economy by making Lagos environment friendly for investors and of course the pay off in terms of jobs and aesthetic are too glaring.

It earns the state accolades from respected international organisations such as the Economist Intelligence Unit Analysis, which named Lagos among the 140 livable cities in the world.

The expansion of Epe and Badagry corridors, a great project done by concessioning has been implemented but the tolling has been mired in controversy and has been the subject of public resentment and litigation.

What went wrong? The justification of tolling as basis of road maintenance sounds fallacious (p. 76). From our past, it never really achieved its purpose and was seen as exploitative. That founded cynicism must be overcome.

Equally important is the commitment to physical planning and urban renewal. The controlled demolition of the decrepit Bank of Industry in Lagos Island holds a symbolism that the government of Lagos State cares and so is the complimentary regulatory regime on physical planning and urban development.

Durugbo’s transit bus takes us to the realm of practical politics, a realm Harold Lasswell characterised as “the act of the possible” and V.I. Lenin as “the most concentrated form of economics”. In the real sense, politics has to do with the choice of trustees to superintend social relations, which include the wealth of society. In neo-colonial and pre-industrial setting such as ours, it is warfare. But Fashola brings temperance to bear by means of tolerance of the opposition, a true virtue of lib-

eral democracy. This contrasts with the intolerance in other states of the federation where opposition elements are hounded. Fashola sticks to issues and not personality. The author seeks to dispel the rumour, which made the round during the 2011 election to the extent that there was a personality conflict in the state between Fashola and his predecessor, Bola Tinubu as result of which the former was shopping for a new platform to contest in case he was not endorsed by the party stalwarts. Whatever, the colour of the water which passed under the bridge, Fashola was re-elected in 2011 by the electorate based on his performance and the author emphasizes this as a prognosis of future elections based on informed choice. This, in sum, is the representation of Durugbo in this work.

My reading: The above representation, accomplished in 228 pages, does not present an alternative view, nor does it in any measure engages critically with the policies of the Fashola administration. His Excellency has fared well—‘carry go’. This perspective, in my opinion, robs this historical work the merit of objective analysis in ways that the work could be dismissed as panegyric in essence.

Fashola’s policies have often been construed as elitist. The author disagrees and marshals the number of roads constructed in lowbrow areas and the free education policy in primary and secondary schools as examples of equality in provision and distribution of public goods. Once the premise to a question is wrong, the answer would be wrong. His understanding of elite to mean a focus on the rich alone is the problem in his analysis and hence his spirited disavowal of low cost house inspired of course by his excellency who says “there is no low cost cement or iron rods or any other building materials” (p. 95). To say there is no such thing as low cost house simply on the basis of market forces is to repudiate the concept of the welfare state. Governor Lateef Jakande built low cost houses all over Lagos State in the Second Republic. The alternative to low cost housing policy is empowerment of small and medium scale enterprises through the micro-finance scheme and mortgage scheme. The success of the former is dependent on the vagaries of our planless environment and the latter

which access is based on a regular income hold less promise in our non-productive economy. I can understand where this is coming from— Ehingbeti 2008 whose ideology is rooted in privatisation—the private sector as the engine of growth.

Let us advert to the issue of taxation. It is true that taxation form the pillar of government revenue in many ordered societies. In a rentier state run on the basis of proceeds from hydrocarbon, where consumption is extroverted and corruption is the order of the day, there is so much cynicism on the part of the population to pay tax.

This reality does not undermine the merit in the tax policy of Lagos state at least in principle.

Three key issues arise from this aspect of public administration: statutory negating over-reliance on allocation from the federation account, diversification of revenue source and lessening the burden of administering a mega city. Without internally generated revenue anchored largely on taxation, the mega budget for capital projects would have been impossible. For a country whose oil production is at a stage experts call ‘peak oil’, it is a forward-looking strategy.

Whatever the viewpoint one holds about Lagos State and its incumbent leadership, there are certain achievements beyond those accounted for in Fours with the Actualiser which cannot be concretely expressed and which are felt and I call them intangibles of governance. One is the belief that it is possible to rebuild a city. Lagos is greening despite the initial cynicism and a maintenance ethic is evolving once again. I saw a few days ago, a man on a ladder moping the iron scaffolding of the roof of a bus stop somewhere on Idimu Road. Surprise! We have come to expect vandalisation of public property. The leisure of Freedom Park at night-reawakens Lagos pastime. Also, the Ikoyi-Lekki Link Bridge, in its aesthetic detail, boosts Lagos tourism potential while the gradual exit of Molue described in the Lagos of the Poets as a “weird contraption from a lunatic’s day-dream” restores a measure of sanity to the city. This is perhaps the product of a dream and as Governor Fashola said: “We are a government of ideas and we are not afraid to pursue our dreams. Only those who dreams can plan, only those who plan can succeed” (p. 183).

Dr. Akhaine, a visiting member of The Guardian Editorial Board, delivered this review at the City Hall, Lagos Island, Tuesday May 6, 2014,

SMEs as the African success story

By Arancha González NTERNATIONAL investors, representatives of International Iernment and regional organisations, and African leaders from govand civil society, who are attending the World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja, Nigeria from 7-9 May 2014, have tasked themselves with finding ways to translate the region’s economic promise and youthful demographics into employment opportunities and poverty reduction.

Sub-Saharan Africa is a rare bright spot in a still-sluggish world economy, with the International Monetary Fund projecting 6% output growth this year. A decade of expansion has been driven by peace, better economic governance, investment and high commodity prices. But make no mistake: it has not just been about resources. Some of the best performing countries are not rich in natural resources, such as Rwanda, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. Services such as retail and communications, together with agribusiness and manufacturing and exports, have driven growth more than is generally recognised. Business incubators and accelerators are spawning technology start-ups from Accra to Dar es Salaam.

That said, Africa faces daunting challenges. The extractive sector propels growth in several countries but does not directly create many stable jobs. By 2050, the continent’s labour force will be bigger than that of China or India. Creating jobs for hundreds of millions of labour market entrants will mean the difference between a demographic dividend and a social time bomb. Africans don’t just need more jobs; they need better jobs.

Prosperity hinges on getting people out of subsistence agriculture and marginal self-employment into more productive activities.

Growth without diversification, technological improvement, and increased productivity is easily reversed: all it takes is a dip in commodity prices. This is where trade and SMEs fit in. Trade demands competitiveness. Exporting firms are more productive, and pay higher wages than their domestically focused counterparts, especially in places like Sub-Saharan Africa. If

firms manage to thrive in world markets, they tend to increase their productivity even more.

At the Abuja summit, participants should look at the bottlenecks that prevent existing and yet-to-be-founded firms in African countries from exporting value-added goods and services, and think about how best to encourage investment and hiring in modern, tradable sectors.

Just take a look at the success story that is M-Pesa .The impending launch in Europe of this mobile money transfer service that has transformed the way banking and business are done in East Africa, is more than a feel-good story about a Vodafone technology pioneered in one of the world’s poorest regions being imported to one of its richest. M-Pesa is a powerful example of the gains to be had when the development community works together creatively to empower people and businesses in developing countries. From a modest pilot project focused on microfinance repayments, M-pesa – ‘pesa’ means ‘money’ in Kiswahili - has grown to the point that an estimated one-third of Kenya’s $44 billion annual economic output now flows through it. M-Pesa has turned mobile phones into both offices and banks.

Responsive governments committed to improving the broader trade facilitation and business environment can help companies of all sizes by improving infrastructure: roads, transportation, ports, information and communication technology, and electricity. For enterprises to capitalize on opportunities to grow, they need access to finance. This can be difficult for SMEs that are too big for microfinance institutions but too small to interest commercial lenders. Meeting export markets’ health and quality standards, together with the dizzying array of private voluntary standards, is especially tough for smaller firms, although the rewards for compliance can be considerable. The recent World Trade Organization agreement on trade facilitation should cut customs-related red tape, which weighs heavily on SMEs, making it easier and cheaper to bring goods across borders.

The International Trade Centre works to internationalize SMEs in developing countries. Some of our work is with governments

to improve policies and to strengthen their institutions in trade and export development. The rest of our work is with the private sector: creating free intelligence tools to help them learn about conditions in potential markets; assisting them to connect to value chains; helping with product branding; and tackling non-tariff measures.

In our experience, modest, targeted interventions can yield substantial rewards. Facilitating contact (and contracts) between Southeast Asia and Western and Central Africa yielded over $150 million in deals for cashews, rice, and cotton in the space of a few years. Bringing experts from Bangladesh spinning mills to the United Republic of Tanzania to train cotton farmers and gin operators on how to reduce contamination, led to higher prices for the farmers and better raw material for the mills. Connecting women in rural Burkina Faso to a rising star in Italian fashion meant more sales than ever for their traditional prints which helped Stella Jean’s high-end customers do some good while being fashionable.

In Abuja, governments, African business, foreign investors, and civil society groups have an opportunity to pool their ingenuity and their resources to find innovative new ways to strengthen the African private sector and help SMEs access capital and markets.

The broader development community can support the private sector to improve productivity and generate jobs, which can free people from unemployment or the drudgery of subsistence labour. Prioritizing the private sector will require some development policy experimentation. The policy makers and policy takers at the Abuja meeting could take a lesson from M-Pesa’s success where small risks can have huge payoffs. They can think about how they can work together to help the continent’s biggest job creator: its immense ecosystem of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Empowering the African private sector to tap into value chains would bolster prospects for growth and job creation.

• González is executive director, International Trade Centre, Geneva.

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Friday, May 9, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Opinion Power sector reforms, one year after

By Kande Daniel URING the period March 2013 to March 2014, D Nigeria’s Power sector recorded some vibrancy in policy implementation, attracting global attention focus. The attention which the sector attracted was based on the fact that it was making positive history, taking practical steps to translate reform policies into reality.

At the start of this critical time in the country’s energy supply history, the power reform process was practically on pause, with the sector lacking substantive leadership for about five months. The entrance of Professor Chinedu Nebo as minister raised the people’s hope and birthed the promise of a new beginning for one of the most vital sectors of the national economy. It was time to get down to business to tackle issues that needed to be dealt with, in order to fast-track power delivery, in line with the Electricity Power Sector Regulatory Act EPSRA 2005 and President Jonathan’s Power Sector Roadmap of 2010.

Power supply to homes and businesses in Nigeria has remained a focal point of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and Prof. Nebo is fast imbibing the spirit.

In order to provide the focused leadership badly needed at the time, the minister held meetings and consultations with stakeholders. These established unprecedented synergy among the stakeholders and their different but related roles, resulting in a unified power sector with the same agenda, same focus and same commitment to deliver more power.

Seeing that the inability of the nation’s transmission capability at the time was grossly inadequate to wheel out even the available transmitted wattage, the minister, early in the day, took the bold, quick step of empowering the contracted managers of the TCN to resume work by presenting the required Schedule of Delegated Authority (SODA) to them. This was followed swiftly by the inauguration of the Supervisory Board of the company.

In view of the critical role of transmission in the power supply chain, the need to rehabilitate, upgrade and expand transmission infrastructure across the country became urgent. Massive fundraising efforts by the minister followed, yielding substantial results. This was the first time ever, that external funding was sourced for the cash-strapped

TCN, for its decayed infrastructure. These included funding from the African Development Bank and the Eurobond.

Mid-January 2014, the Federal Executive Council approved N1.9 billion for the supply of 746 kilometres of aluminum conductor composite core reinforced (ACCR) for the re-conduction of the Onitsha-New Haven 330kv transmission line that runs up to Makurdi in Benue State.

The FEC later secured a loan of $170 million from the French Development Agency to boost power transmission in the Federal Capital Territory.

Shortly after assumption of office, Professor Nebo took a tour of some generation, transmission and distribution facilities across the country, commissioning and activating some, including some high technology-based initiatives towards eliminating stressful processes and fraudulent practices in metering and billing.

The ministerial tour also revealed various degrees of dilapidation and state of financial crisis that was worsened by the total lack of budgetary provision for generation and distribution companies in the 2013 budget.

To prevent a total collapse of the system due to non-budgetary provisions for the PHCN in 2003, and especially in view of imminent handover to private investors, the minister decisively sought for and the president graciously granted intervention funding in two releases, to the tune of about 13.8Billion naira, as a lifeline, for the maintenance of the Generation and Distribution companies.

Virtually every aspect of the electricity value chain, as well as segments and agencies made good progress and recorded remarkable achievements in the period under review.

In collaboration with other agencies, the Presidential Action Committee on Power (PACP) planned and executed short-term projects towards service delivery targets.

The operations of the Presidential Task Force on Power were as vibrant as ever, monitoring, facilitating and fast-tracking the process of transformation.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission was strengthened to perform its regulatory functions more effectively, certifying, monitoring and ensuring compliance with the rules of engagement, as more and more investors en-

tered the emerging electricity market.

In line with President Jonathan’s vision for power supply to all Nigerians wherever they reside, the Rural Electrification Agency, resuscitated from a comatose state, was energised with funding as well as the appointment and inauguration of a supervisory board.

The envisaged local content for the nation’s manpower began to materialise, as the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, (NAPTIN) executes government’s strategy to provide the technical manpower required to replace aging personnel and indigenous experts for the expanding industry. The institute gives specialized, needs-specific training to young Nigerians and graduated its first 243 engineers in November.

As envisaged in the Electricity Power Sector Regulatory Act, the role of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET) in boosting investorconfidence was consolidated, to enable it engage in the purchase and re-sale of power and ancillary services from independent power producers, and from PHCN successor generation companies.

The transfer of debts of the PHCN in the wake of privatisation, to the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company facilitated the takingoff of successor companies, free of heavy debts and liabilities.

The Electricity Management Services Limited (EMS) was established in September 2013 to reposition the power sector for the delivery of, not only increased quantity, but also quality of electricity. The EMS has already begun to carry out its mandate of ensuring standards of materials, thereby enhancing safety.

The quantum of electricity infrastructure delivered through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company in the period was a big plus to the reform process. Of the ten NIPP plants completed or nearing completion, President Goodluck Jonathan commissioned two, and others are due for commissioning soon. The process of selling these plants to capable investors is at an advanced stage, with over 200 investors bidding. The NDPHC has also completed several transmission and distribution projects.

In line with global trends, and in pursuance of the 2003 approval of renewable energy as part of the National Energy Policy, Nigeria is pro-

moting energy security by diversifying energy sources. In addition to existing hydro plants, the 700 MW Zungeru Hydro Power Project (which was on the drawing board for 30 years) was flagged-off by President Jonathan on May 28, with a promise to kick-start work on the 3,050 MW Mambilla project, as well as Gurara 2, among other smaller hydro projects.

Work on coal-fired plants in Kogi, Benue, Enugu and Gombe states has advanced considerably, targeting to contribute up to 30 per cent of the nation’s power needs.

Work on the Wind Power Farm in Katsina for the development of wind-generated energy has progressed, and it is to be commissioned soon.

Perhaps the most interesting development in the renewable energy efforts is the Light Up Rural Nigeria Solar Project, commissioned by the President in rural FCT and to be extended to other off-grid villages.

Over and above all the achievements recorded in the power sector in the last 12 months, the successful privatisation of power assets, spearheaded by the Ministry of Power stands out.

The Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), working with the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) headed by Vice President Namadi Sambo, planned and executed a massive privatisation of the nation’s power utilities, now acclaimed to be highly transparent, and the biggest in the world.

As Nigerians anticipate changes, post-privatisation, informed authorities assure that given the time required to settle down and re-organise the sophisticated electricity business concerns, the new owners will execute their business plans, to improve power supply.

Infrastructure vandalism is receiving presidential intervention. So is the urgent need for steady improvement in gas supply.

During the period, mature leadership and government’s respect for the dignity of workers led to systematic settlement of workers’ entitlement up to 98 per cent.

The Jonathan administration is proud that between March 2013 and March 2014, these milestones were covered in the Power Sector Reform Roadmap, in accordance with the EPSRA of 2005. Nigerians should be watchful as the efforts translate to steady and better power supply.

• Daniel is the special assistant (Media) to the minister of power

Otedola: Nolstagia from a political son

By Sina Ogunbambo CONCERN of any enterprising journalist is to think and brainstorm on story ideas. Such was the lot of this writer while on A the Features Desk of The Guardian Newspapers, Rutam House, Lagos, in 1986 when he ran into a roommate, Olaitan Ogidan, during his undergraduate days at the University of Ibadan.

Ogidan, now Chairman of Eredo Local Government in Lagos State told me about Sir. Michael Agbolade Otedola as a philanthropist with human kindness. Ogidan told me of a renowned medical practitioner who could have ended up as a fisherman in Epe but for the intervention of Sir. Otedola, who in the late 1970’s began a scholarship scheme for indigent students. Otedola had utilised the Western region scholarship for his education in Great Britain and later worked as press secretary to the late Premier of Western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Spurred by this recommendation, I burst into the office of this Catholic Knight of Saint Sylvester without any prior notice.

Otedola, who had served as Public Affairs Manager of Mobil Oil before venturing into publishing at his Impact Press outfit in Surulere, Lagos, received me warmly. He especially held The Guardian Newspaper in high esteem. He was reluctant to speak on the scholarship scheme as he felt it was a God sent service he has been rendering silently, without any intention of making any mileage out of it.

However, after the publication of the interview, Sir. Otedola was overwhelmed by the commendations he received from well-meaning Nigerians including those calling the shots at the federal level.

This elderly man made an effort to call me on phone to express his appreciation. Since then I became his ‘son’ and I will always seek his comment when writing on topical issues.

Sir. Otedola went into partisan politics at the prodding of his people in Epe Local Government in Lagos State.

When former President Ibrahim Babangida later midwifed two political parties, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1990, Otedola opted for the NRC, rather surprisingly, because the SDP was the favourite party in the South West. Baba Otedola said that he was in politics to make a difference and firmly believed that his credentials would sell him to the public. He said he was not desperate and if he did not win the election, he would regard his campaign expenses as the extension of his scholarship scheme, as he owes no individual or a group, any financial indebtedness.

Otedola had a massive support of the Christians in Lagos State, as that was the first time a very serious Christian candidate was con-

testing for the governorship in Lagos State.

His advanced age at that time was no barrier as he campaigned vigorously with the agility of a younger person and was quick to educate those capitalizing on his age as a deficit, that the government house is not a boxing ring where he required too much energy to survive but a place for an intelligent mind to perform.

Otedola won the NRC primaries convincingly. As fate would have it, the two political gladiators in the SDP at that time, late Prof.

Femi Agbalajobi and Chief Dapo Sarunmi fought themselves to a standstill and Babangida’s administration had to disqualify them.

Chief Yomi Edu later emerged the candidate for the SDP and the true meaning of Otedola (rift has become a source of blessing) was spelt out during the Governorship election in Lagos State on December 4, 1991, which Otedola won through the Option A4 voting method.

Sir. Otedola’s emergence brought into Lagos State politics a unique dimension where one party led the executive and the opposing party was dominant in the legislature, a ratio of 20 SDP to 4 NRC. However through maturity, deft political calculation, wisdom and regular caucus meetings, Otedola wriggled out of any controversy with the legislature. In fact, his cabinet members were made of NRC and SDP and there was no factionalisation or oppression of the opposition party through the nearly two years of his administration before Late General Sani Abacha hijacked power from the democratically elected people in November 1993.

Within this short period, Sir. Otedola was able to commence Jubilee Housing Scheme for mass housing of Lagosians and Jubilee Transport to ease transportation difficulties. Though his administration was the first to feel the impact of movement of the Federal Government from Lagos to Abuja as capital of Nigeria, Otedola’s constant communication with the Police, Army, SSS and other Security agencies ensured that crime was at its minimum. But the roads suffered because of the absence of federal financial support.

However, Sir. Otedola mandated Lagos State Public Works to embark on road rehabilitation 24 hours a day. His critics opined that he was slow and could not move Lagos at a very fast tempo expected of him.

Sir. Otedola did not take their criticism in bad faith, remarking that he had to exercise prudence in the way government fund was being spent, which necessitated a careful scrutiny of memo and prayers before approval.

When he finally got a good grinding in government and was moving at the jet speed required of him, the military struck.

When there was protest in Lagos State, organised by the National

Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to protest the annulment of the June 12, 1992 Presidential election, the military authorities asked him to call the people to order. Sir. Otedola told the military that he had employed dialogue with Lagosians and had also counselled them on the need to avoid violence but cannot fold their hands if they were fighting injustice. To him, his exalted position as Governor of Lagos State meant nothing to him than the interest of his people and the need to ensure justice.

When he was handing over (after the military took over government) to General Patrick Aziza (rtd), the then acting Military Administrator, Otedola remarked that though he was saddened by the military takeover of government from the democratically elected people, he has no regret as he has fulfilled his promise to serve the people with all honesty. His return to Lagos in a show of bravery was proof that he had no skeleton in his cupboard.

When he returned to his hometown, Odoragusin, his modest house, which had no major transformation than ordinary, repainting, could not contain the overwhelming crowd that held a carnival to receive him. This was not unexpected as he was a man of the people who fully identified with the ordinary people. On the first Eid-El-Kabir (Sallah) celebration as Lagos State Governor, he joined Muslims at Odoragusin near Epe, on the praying ground and observed all the rules of Islamic worship. When the Catholic authorities challenged him over this act, he replied that he was born a Muslim, before converting to Christianity and even as a Christian, he had never failed to pray along with his people, Christians and Muslims alike, as he believed, all serve one God. Otedola convinced the military to handover their underutilized barracks at Epe to Lagos State Government for the takeoff of Lagos State University (LASU) Engineering and Agricultural Campus; and constructed the FESTAC Link Bridge alongside other projects.

His wife, Lady Doja Otedola had through the Better Life for Rural Dwellers trained and empowered women in several fields. A devoted family man, Otedola, after partisan politics, continued to relate with his political associates .

One of his sons, Mr. Femi Otedola, a chip of the old bloc and one of the most successful and philanthropic Africans, has taken over his father’s scholarship scheme for indigent students and enlarged further the list of beneficiaries.

I consider myself lucky to have come across this accomplished statesman, who till his translation from mortality to immortality on Monday, May 5, 2014 remained humble, caring generous in assisting people but prudent in his spending. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

• Ogunbambo was Otedola’s chief press secretary as governor of Lagos State.

Friday, May 9, 2014 15

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TheMetroSection ‘We were forced with all sorts of threat’ •Arrested Damaturu suicide bomber suspect explained how he was initiated into Boko Haram sect From Njadvara Musa, Damaturu HE arrested Boko Haram suicide bomber, T Abubakar Sadiq Umar (19) had on Wednesday at the Yobe State Police Headquarters, Damaturu “confessed and admitted” how he was coerced to join the Islamist sect four months ago in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The confession and revelations were made yesterday by the suspect while responding to journalists’ questions on how he joined Boko Haram to attack and bomb the Damaturu ‘A’ Division Police Station last Sunday.

His words: “The truth of the matter is that I was initiated into this Boko Haram organization about four months ago. We were forced with all sorts of threats and intimidations that the fight against the infidels in Nigeria has to continue, until an Islamic state was established.”

To this end, he said: “Two Pick-up vans were provided for two separate suicide missions in Yobe State. I was directed by our field commander to handle Damaturu, the state capital, while the other group headed towards other undisclosed destinations in the state for operations in this part of the North.”

On how he by-passed military posts on Gujba road, Umar said: “I already have a guide on the mission, considering the fact that I have never been to this town to destroy a major police outpost or station that is densely populated, and instructed by our field commander in the forest.

“On reaching Damaturu, my guide pointed at the A Division and asked me to trigger the explosives in the Pick-up van I was driving immediately we reached the target. But I was left alone to carry out the task, because my guide refused to cooperate with me when I reached the gate on that Gujiba Road.

“My worry for not carrying out the task was, why should I kill myself and other innocent people?” Umar asked in his confession.

A bomb expert at the Yobe State Police Command, Mohammed Danladi, said that the capacity of the explosives indicated that it was the largest consignment ever recovered from any terrorist since the commencement of Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

He said that if the bomb had exploded, it

Some suspected members of the sect would have had a devastating effect within the metropolis covering 500-metre radius, including UBA, the Damaturu Market and two other banks and shops around the main roundabout of the city.

The State Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Rufai also said that according to ongoing investigation, the suspected bomber was recruited in Maiduguri four months ago and taken to the Sambisa forest and trained for terrorist acts at one of the camps.

The police chief said that the suspect has

Bayelsa police arrest five pedophiles, 15 suspected cult members some parts of the state.

While five persons, including a 64-year-old man, were arrested for defiling children between the ages of 10 and 13, 15 others, including a 22-year-old notorious cult member, identified as Small Boy Danger, were arrested for the recent cases of cultrelated violence and killing of about four persons along the OMPADEC, Opolo and Ekeki areas of the state capital.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Hillary Okpara, while speaking with reporters in Yenagoa, said though the recent upsurge in cult- related killings was sad and unfortunate. It spurred the police into a seFrom Willie Etim, Yenagoa ries of patrol and security operations, which led to OLICE in Bayelsa State yesterday announced the major arrests.

On the arrest of the five pearrest of 20 persons over dophiles by the Police, Oktheir alleged involvement para said though previous in the defiling of underaged girls and cult-related arrest and prosecution of rape and child defilement violence and killings in cases were frustrated by

Okpara said though previous arrest and prosecution of rape and child defilement cases were frustrated by lack of will by parents of victims to prosecute, the Police and the Bayelsa State government have set up a committee to ensure cases of child rape and abuses, violence against women and girls are properly prosecuted

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lack of will by parents of victims to prosecute, the Police and the Bayelsa State government have set up a committee backed by law to ensure that cases of child rape and abuses, violence against women and girls are properly prosecuted and indictment secured.

Okpara also announced that the marine component of the Nigeria Police have also engaged some sea pirates in a shoot-out and arrested 14 suspects along the Igoli River and the Brass/Snake Island axis of Brass Local Council of the State.

Okpara, however, called on the people of the state to be vigilant by observing strange movement of persons or group of persons in their area. He called on market women and motor park operators in the state to employ the services of security personnel and encourage passengers to observe and report strange objects, bags

confessed coming to Damaturu to bomb the A Division as well as kill innocent people in Damaturu Central Area.

He also said the suspect was blindfolded from take-off and was unfolded on approaching Damaturu as he was then given the pick-up van to drive up to the destination.

Though investigation is still continuing, he said the suspect would be handed over to the Joint Task Force (JTF) for further interrogation.

Explosives and other arms recovered from suspect’s pickup van include five constructed cylinders with explosives devices, 20 litres of diesel and 10 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Other items found in his possession include five 9.5 battery chargers, a fire extinguisher containing explosives and a wall clock used as a timer to detonate the explosives.

Kogi poly warns students against terrorism From John Akubo, Lokoja HE Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, Professor Matthew Idowu Ajibero, has warned the students of the institution against terrorism, hooliganism and vandalisation of the social amenities on the campus.

The Rector who spoke during the matriculation of 3,000 new students for the 2013/2014 session, said the institution would not tolerate any situation, whereby a group of students would constitute themselves into a terrorist group to harasses and intimidate other law- abiding students.

He warned that any student found wanting in these vices would be summarily expelled from the institution.

The Rector further explained that the Polytechnic, like any other institution, has its own rules and regulations to guide the conducts of both staffers and students, adding that it would invoke them where the need arises.

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Ajibero, who admitted that the institution was unable to admit more students due to the in-elastic capacity of the resources available, equally added that concerted efforts were made to expand the existing facilities to overcome the challenges.

He enjoined the fresh students to use the opportunity offered them by their admission into the school to lay solid foundation for their future through the enormous investment being put in place by the institution for them to study.

He promised that the school authority would continue to ensure that amenities such as water, hostels and supply of electricity were provided.

Ajibero, who warned the matriculating students repeatedly on vices that could lead to their expulsion, urged them to channel their complain if any through the Students’ Union government and the Directorate of the Students’ Services of the polytechnic.

Briefs Apples of God for launch Saturday BOOK entitled Apples of God written by Attah A Ogbole will be launched on Saturday, May 10, at Protea Hotel, Isaac John Street, G.R.A. Ikeja, Lagos at 1.00a.m. For enquiries, call: Omousi on 08073620218 or Adeoye on 08033707539.

Trinity House hosts Worship Experience today OJI Alawiye takes WorM ship Experience Live to Lagos Island.

In her words: ‘The purpose of life is worship, accepting the fact is wisdom, to deny it is weird, have a bliss of Heaven, today, 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.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

16 Friday, May 9, 2014

Briefs Group assists churches in Ebonyi From Nnamdi Akpan Abakaliki NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION based in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Chiboy Foundation has donated bags of cement and cash worth over N800,000 to some selected churches in the crisis-torn communities of EzzaEzilo in Ishielu Local Council of the state.

The churches visited by the Foundation were St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ezilo, Copus Christi Church, Umuhali, Christ Methodist Church Nkalagu, Deeper Life Bible Church and Christ the King Parish, Nkalagu.

The Foundation gave different amount of money to churches, raging from N6,000 to N160,000 respectively.

The breakdown showed that St Patrick’s Parish, Ezillo got N150,000, Deeper Life Church got N60,000, Methodist Church, Nkalagu got N140,000, Christ the King Parish, Nkalagu got N100,and 100 bags of cement for the churches’ building project while Copus Christi Church, Umuhali got undisclosed amount.

Addressing journalists immediately after the donations, the founder and President of the Foundation, Chinedu Ogah, appealed to the churches to be instruments of peace, despite past cases of communal clashes in the area.

Ogah, who is also the Ebonyi State Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), youth leader, added that the state government, having established a Military Base and carried out various peace advocacy visits to the area, the present administration was determined to ensure lasting peace and security of lives and property.

Responding, the clergymen thanked the PDP youth leader for the kind gesture and assured him that the church would continue to pray for good governance and leaders

‘Don’t watch corrupt movies,’ CBN director warns kids

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Presbyterian Prelate condoles with Nyanya bomb blast victims HE Prelate and Moderator T of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Emele Mba Uka has condemned in strong terms, the incidence of bomb blasts at the Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja in which many innocent citizens lost their lives, while others sustained injuries and property worth millions of naira destroyed.

A release signed by the Director of Information & Public Affairs, Rev. Kalu Eme, read: “ Referring to the second bomb explosion at the Nyanya Park last Thursday night in which many people reportedly lost their lives and others injured, the Prelate lamented the spread of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria even in the face of the many security strategies adopted to curb the menace of the terrorist sect. He described the acts of the sect as heinous, barbaric and inhuman.”

“Most Rev. Uka called on the President to seek global assistance, particularly in the areas of intelligence and combat action to quell the incidence of terrorist attacks in Nigeria, particularly as it appeared that the orgy of mass murder of innocent citizens was spreading more rapidly and with impunity.

He commiserated with President Goodluck Jonathan and the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and prayed God to grant their souls eternal rest.

Children displaying SuperBook calendar at the Silverbird Cinema Centre in Abuja... today do not inculcate moral charFrom John Okeke, Abuja acters in their lives.

HE Regional Director, Christian He said: “Parents must pay close Broadcasting Network (CBN attention to what their children Africa), Anglophone West Africa, Dr. are watching on TV today. There Felix Oisamoje, has warned parents are a lot of adult programs today to avoid permitting their children masquerading as children’s proto watch corrupt movies, which are grammes.” capable of infesting their lives with “These so called children’s probad character. grammes do not espouse any valOisamoje who spoke in Abuja at ues that will help our children the launch of the new SuperBook, an grow into respectable members of animated children’s TV series, said the society in the future.” that many of the television proAccording to him: “Unless proacgrammes that the children watch

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tive measures are taken to establish moral truths and life lessons through the captivating, Bible-based movies, there may not be remedy of our small children’s minds getting badly affected because of corrupt movies.”

“It is against this backdrop that the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN Africa), producers of the popular 700 Club and Turning Point television programmes, recently launched the New SuperBook, an animated children’s TV series, to sensi-

tize children on the biblical truth.”

He added: “ We want to let the parents know that Superbook as they once knew has been re-imagined using new storytelling technology to teach educational and social values important to parents and society.”

Dr. Ezikiel Ladan, one of the parent of the children expressed satisfaction for the SuperBook adding that it pains the parents seeing their children viewing some corrupt movies.

He said: “I think it is a wonderful idea. For sometime, we Christian parents have actually been looking forward to things that will really entice our kids. I mean in the way of the faith because most of the time we see our kids watching some bad movies and it just breaks our hearts and we don’t have any alternative for them, but looking at this actually is a wonderful movie and children will begin to look up to Bible stories with more enthusiasm and they will be able to give more attention to that.”

Advising other organisations to emulate what CBN is doing, he said: “ This is a good platform and I will advice other organisations to key into it. It will help our kids to be able to grow in the way of the Lord.”

Another parent, Joshua Affi, also lauded the CBN initiative to produce movies that revolve around the biblical truth.

He said: “CBN tried. In fact, it is an opportunity for children to come close and I believe one of the things that the children learnt is the morals in the biblical characters shown in the movies and I believe this is part of the training that God expects us to give.”

According to him: “The Bible says that we should train up our children in the way they should go when they grow they will not depart from it.”

N82.8m alleged theft: Court to fixes May 26 for ruling on application

By Yetunde Ayobami Ojo USTICE Lateef LawalAkapo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has fixed May 26,2014 for ruling in an application filed by the Managing Director of Cross Country Limited, Mr Bube Okorodudu seeking court order to quash the N82.8 million alleged theft charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Okorodudu in his preliminary notice of objection filed by his counsel, Chief Robert Clarke (SAN) asked the court to quash all the charges filed against him.

The defendant was charged alongside his company, Car-

J

Link Limited, which also filed a similar application through its counsel, Chief Ladi Williams (SAN).

The defendants are facing an eight-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, forgery and others.

The EFCC alleged that they stole the money through the fraudulent sale of 17 units of Volkswagen transporter buses belonging to AG Moeller Ltd and Mr Adeloye Olukemi.

At the resumed hearing of the matter Wednesday, Chief Clarke argued that the EFCC had no power to prosecute offences under laws enacted by the State Houses of Assembly.

He said all the eight-count

charges were brought under the Lagos State Criminal Code Laws.

He said: “ Section 70 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2011 makes it mandatory for the EFCC to obtain a fiat from the attorney-general of Lagos State before they can prosecute matters before the state High Court.”

Clarke said the failure of the anti-graft agency to obtain the fiat had made the charge against the defendants a nullity.

He urged the court to quash all the eight-counts listed in the information and discharge the defendants.

Chief Ladi Williams (SAN), counsel to Car Link Ltd. also

argued that the charge was absurd as the defendants had already paid for the buses.

He submitted that, “the proof of evidence does not disclose a prima facie case against the defendants requiring them to stand trial.”

He argued that the dispute between the defendants and the complainants was purely a civil matter that was already being heard before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

However, the EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, responding to their submission urged the court to dismiss both applications and order the defendants to take their pleas.

Oyedepo in his argument

cited the Court of Appeal decision in the case of Erastus Akingbola and Federal Republic of Nigeria, where the appellate court held that the EFCC had the power to prosecute cases at the state high court.

According to him: “It is now settled that the EFCC does not need a fiat from the Attorney-General of Lagos State to initiate criminal proceedings at the state high court.”

“In the interest of justice, I urge Your Lordship to dismiss these applications and call upon the defendants to take their pleas,” he said.

After listening to the parties, Justice Lawal-Akapo adjourned ruling till May 26,2014.

Boat mishaps: Use of life jackets now a must, says Fashola

By Kamal Tayo Oropo a bid to check the frequent IitsNincidents of boat mishaps on waterways, which has claimed several lives in recent times, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has ordered compulsory use of life jackets on Lagos waterways.

The governor, who made the pronouncement yesterday at the flag-off of Life Jacket distribution in Ebute-Ojo Jetty located in Ojo area of the state, said the state government took up the responsibility of providing the life jackets to avert further loss of lives in case accidents occur on its waterways.

He said: “We have come here to flag- off compulsory use of life vests on our waterways. Ordinarily this should have been the responsibility of our boat opera-

tors to procure and provide this as part of their services, but because we understand that many of them are small businesses struggling for survival, government has again taken the lead to provide these life vests free. We will do so gradually across all the water points of Lagos.

“I would like to appeal to all passengers whether on locally made canoes, motor boats or the more sophisticated ferries that now ply our waterways, must insist that the boat operators must provide them life jackets because we are going to issue those life vests and all the operators must also insist that every passenger on their boat must wear that life vest or disembark the passenger. This is all about safety.”

Corps will ensure safety of the passengers.

Fashola further explained: “We will continue to do our best to make our waterways safe. We have started the dredging, continuous signing by lifebuoys. We have completed the dredging of this place up to Lagos Island and we have installed lifebuoys, which are the navigational signs of boat operators.”

“I was just being briefed this morning that one of the Fashola lifebuoys has been stolen. If government provides facilities The governor who also inspected on-going Lagos HOMS to aid and assist our lives and safety and some unscrupuproject in Agara, Badagry, the lous people remove them, it Agric-Yes model on the same axis, among other state govern- means that community leaders owe us the responsibility to be ment projects, argued that since accidents happens unan- vigilant. Those who do that are nounced, the life jackets and of- saboteurs and must be exposed.” ficers of Lagos Water Guards

Fashola said the state water transportation capacity has increased from about 2000 per month seven years ago saying, “We are now ferrying about 1.6 million passengers on the Lagos waterways monthly.”

“Very soon we will complete the concessioning of other water terminals in the state and we expect to see increased passengers using the Lagos waterways.”

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa said the provision of the 2000 life jackets was the first phase of the 10, 000 life jackets earmarked for distribution.

He said the state government has also continued to carry out massive awareness campaign on water transportation safety in the state.

Friday May 9, 2014 BUSINESS 17

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Business African leaders launch visa free travel campaign

By Ade Ogidan (Business Editor) and Itunu Ajayi

• Govt unfolds business facilitation agenda at WEFA

FRICAN Development Bank A (AfDB) President, Donald Kaberuka, alongside two

“True integration will take place only if people are able to move freely across the continent and leaders need to take action to make this happen.”

The initiative was launched by Rwanda President, Paul Kagame; Kenya President, Uhuru Kenyatta; Dangote and Kaberuka.

President Kenyatta said: “Lack of political will and negative perception should not be allowed to undermine Africa’s integration and economic growth.”

The AfDB is closely involved in other WEFA initiatives in Abuja, including those on financing the Africa infra-

African leaders and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Wednesday in Abuja, launched a call to action for regional integration in Africa, through freer movements within the region.

Called “Visa free travel in Africa”,the initiative, launched at the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA), was scripted to promote travel across the continent by easing visa constraints.

Kaberuka expalined that “the African Development Bank strongly supports the initiative, as a key component of its commitment to enhancing regional integration across Africa. Easing visa constraints and removing other unnecessary barriers will contribute to boost our economies by expanding regional trade.

structure gap.

On Wednesday, AfDB Chief Economist, Mthuli Ncube, urged Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa to synergize and drive inclusive growth in the continent.

He made the call during a panel discussion on “Forging Inclusive growth, Creating Jobs’’.

Ncube spoke as a panelist on the topic, “Driving Competitiveness through Cooperation, integration and Economic Growth’’.

He said that growth is positive in the region, but inequalities remain high. According to Ncube, if the three coun-

tries could work together, it would dramatically reduce the average poverty rate in the Africa region.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government, also on Wednesday, at the nation’s investment platform in Abuja, assured investors of its determination to remove all bottlenecks in business legalisation procedures, to provide prompt, efficient and transparent services.

Addressing a group of investors at the ongoing WEFA, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Alhaji Abubakar Hassan explained that the government’s strategy to stream investment and

coordinate same has necessitated the establishment of the One-Stop Investment Centre (OSIC), where investors can access up to date information on various businesses.

Hassan said the centre, comprising over 26 government ministries and agencies concerned with investment in the country provides what he described as an investment highway for business startups and doing sustainable activities in the country.

He said with a synergy of the relevant government agencies and regulatory bodies in one location, the centre provides support for a coordinated and streamline service offering.

He added that the centre provides efficient and transparent services through a coordinated interface with the Corporate Affairs Commission,the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service and 22 other agencies.

This interface, Hassan explained, saves investors the time spent on business documentation in Nigeria and allows for the smooth running of their businesses.

He said the investment platform is aimed at highlighting the investment opportunities in the Nigerian economy and showcase the emerging sectors in the economy both to international and domestic investors.

Private sector must drive the economy, says Amosun

By Gbenga Salau HE Governor of Ogun State, T Senator Ibikunle Amosun has noted that for any state to develop, the private sector must drive its economy process. This to him is why his administration has allowed the private sector to take charge of the economy in the state.

Amosun said this when the Managing Director of Unilever, Nigeria, Yaw Nsarkoh, led members of the Unilever Nigeria management on a courtesy visit to the governor.

The governor however called for more presence of the company in Ogun State disclosing that the state deliberately invested heavily on security because the state knows its importance to develop and business growth.

“This is why we want you to partner with us by providing some support because we cannot do it alone,” Amosun said.

He promised that the state would continue to collaborate with Unilever by creating an enabling environment to operate to ensure it continues to thrive.

In his speech, Nsarkoh said that Ogun State will get good percentage of the multi million dollar investment his company would be making in the next couple of years.

He said the visit became important because of the need to say thank you to the governor for the partnership and assistance given to his company.

According to him, before now, his company had invested about one hundred and fifty million dollars in upgrading its facilities.

Nsarkoh, who stated that Nigeria occupies a critical position in the business plan of Unilever, commended the governor for supporting his organisation especially in the area of land administration.

Kenya’s Pesident, Uhuru Kenyatta (left); his Rewandan counterpart, Paul Kagame; and President of African Development Bank, Donald Koberuka, at the World Economic Forum for Africa, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Shell stakes $12b for world’s biggest FPSO From Sulaimon Salau, Houston-Texas HE Shell Petroleum T Development Company (SPDC) has commenced arrangements to build a new world-class Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, with indications that it would take the Final Investment Decision (FDI) before the end of this year.

The FPSO, expected to emerge the world biggest, would aid the development of the Shelloperated Bonga South WestAparo discovery.

The company’s General Manager for deepwater Nigeria, Jerry Jackson who said this in the official journal of the 2014 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, noted that Shell has begun contract awards’ process for construction of the FPSO for its $12 billion Bonga South West Aparo development.

Noting that the tender process for the single-point moored facility is current out to tenders in Nigeria, he said the major bidders are Samsung and Hyundai.

Concept for selection for the project spans through Oil

Mining Lease (OML118), 132 and 140.

Bonga also lies 120km southwest of the Niger Delta in a water depth of over 1,000m.

Shell had previously issued a tender in August last year to source line pipe for Bonga SW-

Aparo, a field , which lies in a water dept of 1,400m (4,592 ft) some 135 kilometre (84 miles) offshore Nigeria.

It has planned processing capacity of up to 225,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil storage for 2.5 million bpd. The FPSO vessel will be spread-

moored with 82 kilometre (50 miles) of subsea line pipe, including four production loops, three water injection lines, a 16 inch, 90 kilometre (61 miles) gas export line and 70 kilometre (43 miles) of static umbilicals.

Shell however indicated it was looking to award a contract for the supply of line pipe for the project during this quarter. The tender includes line pipe for production, water injection, gas export and gas lift service, along with flex joints and bend stiffeners.

Nigerians top customers’ list at London shopping mall

By Nike Sotade HE luxury shopping mallT The Village, at Westfield London, has so far recorded Nigerians as the largest number of visitors to the facility.

Indeed, about 25 per cent of shoppers at The Village are Nigerians, according to figures released by Gwyn David, a senior manager at the mall, to Nigerian journalists who recently visited the mall on a media tour, sponsored by British Airways to showcase London as a fashion and shopping destination.

The attraction may have been predicated on the fact that Nigerians love luxury goods, and this is not too surprising because, for any business traveler or holidaymaker in London, The Village

at Westfield London offers the ultimate luxury shopping experience.

With more than 40 luxury brands, from Louis Vuitton and Prada to Dior and Mulberry, all under one roof, The Village at Westfield London is a place to discover the best in designer fashion and lifestyle.

A visually stimulating environment makes this a stylish shopping experience for lovers of luxury everywhere.

And it’s not just for shopping.

The Searcy’s Champagne bar located in the heart of The Village creates an intimate focal point: a place to meet and relax and take in the panoramic views of the world’s leading fashion brands, including UK firsts and world acclaimed names

all in one space.

The Village is an ever-evolving space that cleverly combines shopping with culture.

Events, exhibitions and fashion installations habitually take their place within, to create an inspirational and culturally stimulating destination.

The Village has played host to evenings of art and entertainment, including free exhibitions and celebrity performances. Fashion installations activate the space whilst the latest fashion collections to life, putting a stamp on Westfield London as an avantgarde destination that fuses art and culture with retail and lifestyle.

A recent visit to The Village by Nigerian journalists on a

media tour also revealed a wide range of services for shoppers’ delight.

Westfield London’s high level of customer service includes personal chauffeurs, concierge, handsfree shopping, UK and international home and hotel delivery, personal stylists, cloakroom and bag storage services, tax-free shopping and valet services – all designed to transform the shopping experience.

Westfield London also celebrates modern luxury for the contemporary shopper with a dedicated microsite on The Village, extending the luxury experience online to give shoppers 24/7 access to the latest news from the designer world of fashion and accessories.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

18| BUSINESS Friday, May 9, 2014

Nigeria, China sign MoU to fast-track FDI inflow

By Femi Adekoya HE Federal Ministry of T Industry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Africa Development Fund to facilitate investment cooperation between Nigeria and China and fast-track the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment between the two countries.

The China-Africa Development Fund, commonly known as CAD Fund, is a Chinese investment fund focusing on stimulating and facilitating Chinese invest-

ments in Africa. It is China's largest private equity fund focusing on African investments. As the first fund in China focusing on investment in Africa, it also encourages and supports further Chinese enterprises to invest in Africa to promote the development of Sino-African commercial ties.

According to a statement made available to The Guardian, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, while speaking during event, said the CAD Fund, in addition to strengthening the trade and investment rela-

tionship between Nigeria and China, would also help to fasttrack the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment from China into Nigeria.

Aganga said: “We began this discussion during my visit to China Development Bank in Beijing. As a result of that meeting, we had discussions with the China Fund for Africa (CAD-Fund), which have resulted in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU involves the establishment of a Joint Office in Nigeria; recommending competent and willing Chinese investors for projects proposed by FMITI; facilitating investment coop-

eration between Nigeria and China, among other things.

“The four basic ingredients that facilitates investments globally are capital, technical know-how, raw materials and market.. While you can move capital and technical knowhow from one part of the world to another but you can’t move raw materials and the market. Nigeria has raw materials and the market while China has the capital and know-how. This is why this synergy is important because in addition to the raw materials and the market, the opportunities for investment are here in Nigeria.

The minister added, “China is

the number one importer into Nigeria. So, it is in our best interest to have stronger and deeper relationship with China. This MOU with China we have signed today is very critical in terms of helping achieving that goal of facilitating investment between the two countries.

“After signing the MOU today, the next milestone is to organize a strategic investment promotion event with CAD-Fund clients in China and introduce them to the investment opportunities in Nigeria so that we can bring them to invest in the real sectors of the Nigerian economy”.

In his remarks, the Vice

Governor, China Development Bank, Wang Yongsheng, said the MOU had laid a solid foundation for deepening of the current and future relationship between Nigeria and China.

He said, “As at the first quarter of 2014, our total asset was $1.3trillion, with our clients spread across about 110 countries. Our loan balance for Africa as at the first quarter of 2014, was $19.3bn. Africa is our priority and Nigeria is very critical as an area of focus. The MOU has laid a solid foundation for deepening and strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and China now and in the future.”

MAN commends govt for rejecting EPA deal

By Femi Adekoya HE Manufacturers T Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Federal Government for not signing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in its present form; having taken into consideration the negative effects EPA would have on local manufacturing.

According to a statement made available by the Director-General of MAN, Remi Ogunmefun, the body believes that government's efforts to enlist the support of other members of African Union to reject the EPA in its present form should be sustained.

The association added that government should continue its efforts to convince other ECOWAS Member States of the potential dangers of the EPA. The EPA is a reciprocal preferential trade Agreement being promoted by the European Union to create a Free Trade Area [FTA] between the EU and the African, Caribbean and pacific Group of States [ACP] through six regional economic communities into which the ACP is divided' ECOWAS Commission, which is one of the six regional economic communities is negotiating the Agreement on behalf of the sixteen [16] countries in West Africa, including Nigeria.

MAN President, Chief Kola Jamodu, stated that "no country can develop without protecting its industries; he added that Nigeria stands the risk of having its market flooded by European goods with resultant negative effect on our industries and economy" if the EPA is approved in its present form.

Jamodu pointed out that the need for employment generation, which is a critical aspect of the government’s transformation agenda and the Nigerian industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), requires that local manufacturing be protected.

The statement read further: “MAN is delighted that Nigeria's position has been vindicated by the support it received at the Extra- ordinary Session of the Conference of African Union Ministers of Trade held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on April 29, 2014.

MAN is pleased that African Ministers of Trade and experts in trade and regional integration, at their recent meeting in Addis Ababa aligned with Nigeria's position on EPA by expressing their dissatisfaction with the Agreement because of its negative impact on the African continent's effort to industrialize and create jobs.

“MAN expresses its gratitude to the Honourable Minister of lndustry, Trade and investment, Olusegun Aganga for his strong will not to succumb to internal and external mercantile interests and pressures whose objective is to turn Nigeria into a dumping ground for imported consumables to the detriment of local and foreign investors in manufacturing in the country.

The association however reiterated its support and commended actions taken by the government on EPA while urging the government to continue to reject EPA in its present form, as its acceptance will negatively impact the industrialization process in Nigeria and lead to shutdown of our industries.

General secretary, Association of Assets Custodians of Nigeria (AACN) Taiwo Sonola (left); President, Segun Sanni, and vice-president, Kem Adewole, at a press conference organized by the association in Lagos.

FCMB Capital backs Edo gas turbine project with N24b From Chuka Odittah, Abuja O actualise the three-year T completion time frame for the construction of a pilot 450MW open cycle gas turbine power plant in Edo state by 2017, FCMB Capital Markets Limited is to boost the power project with N24 billion facility.

Speaking in Abuja at the official ground breaking and signing ceremony of the project, Executive Director of FCMB Capital, Tolu Osinibi said the financial stake of N24 billion or $150million provided by the financial institution

represent the naira component of total financing cost of the IPP project, which on one hand comprises $220 million of equity and $530 million of debt, on the other from local and international financiers Osinibi explained that the FCMB Capital had leveraged on the Federal Government intervention fund for power and aviation provided by the Bank of Industry (BoI) to structure the much-needed funds, saying the bank is confident that the project will succeed.

According to him, the N24 billion leg of the funding provided by FCMB is in fulfillment of

the two-phased wave of financing requirement that form part of the wider transaction.

He noted that the bank was convinced by the depth of study done by the parent company driving the gas to power initiative in the quest for improved power supply.

While explaining that the Azura -Edo IPP is all about constructing a short transmission line connecting the new power plant to a local substation and a short underground gas pipeline connecting the country's main gas supply line, he stressed the bank

Stakeholders predict foreign investments portfolio growth in Q3

By Femi Adekoya HE Association of Assets T Custodians of Nigeria (AACN) has predicted that there will be an escalation in the volume of foreign investments portfolio in Nigeria from the third quarter of this year.

The prediction was made at the association’s press briefing to announce the third in its annual investors conference billed for the 28th of May 2014 at the London Marriot West India Quay hotel, with the theme “Nigeria: the road to emergence.”

Specifically, automation of the certificate of capital importation process; introduction of securities lending

and the adoption of the Swift platform by the CSCS were some of reasons advanced for the expected positive outlook by the President of AACN and Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Nominees, Segun Sanni.

He attributed the successful adoption of the new initiatives to the advocacy efforts of the association comprising of Stanbic IBTC, Citi bank, Standard Chartered bank, UBA Plc and First bank in bridging the gap between foreign investors and the Nigerian regulatory agencies.

“Our efforts will help to improve the perception of foreign investors and also improve our global rating which is significant in deter-

mining the amount that investors are prepared to stake in any economy. Our objective is to raise the status of the Nigerian market from being a frontier to an emerging market this year”, he said.

He noted that having foreign portfolio investors in the Nigerian economy was of prime importance because they (investors) actually bring some huge benefits to the table, one of which is the fact that by their very nature of high standards of performance and governance there was that demand to replicate a structure of high standards in processes and technology in any economy where they are investing.

“Foreign investors tend to

bring progress to the market because they are always asking of improvement in the way things are done such as processes automation and removal of delays,” he said.

“Some of the key initiatives that we have worked on with the various regulators and the financial dealers association of Nigeria to improve our markets include the automation of the Certificate of capital importation process which is now being issued by the CBN electronically,” he said.

Expected to be present at the conference are the DirectorGenerals of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as well as the Acting Governor of the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He disclosed that AACN also worked with the CBN, CSCS, NSE to introduce securities lending into Nigeria and that the paper work has already been formalised for the market to leverage on the product and begin to do business.

In her remarks Vice-President of AACN, Kemi Adewole, noted that general automation in the market was generally being driven by foreign portfolio investors because in the market that they are used to there is full automation and they are really looking forward to a time when Nigeria will be on that level.

“A lot of our activities are being driven by the pin-point of our clients. So the e-CCI was

would continue to stand by the Azura and Edo state government to provide financial supports wherever needed.

Speaking at the event, Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomole described the project as a pilot scheme that would show the way for future Independent Power Project under the Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He expressed optimism that the project would be completed on target, saying that the state and its indigenes are receptive to expatriates on a mission to develop the state's gas resources for the good of all.

a major one about two years ago and this year we are happy to say that at least we have a date. We will continue to do all we can to make Nigeria an attractive investment destination and the way we can do this is to build a transparent system that is in line with global standards and hopefully this will continue to yield more investor confidence in our market,” she said.

A member of the event committee, Biodun Adebimpe, disclosed that this year’s conference would be a bit more robust because between the last conference and this one there has been a lot of interesting development in the market such as new trading platforms have been created.

Taraba under siege

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Weekend

Arts & Culture P. 36

Feeling the pulse of PanAfricanism in Jamaica

Autowheels P.43

Business Travels P.46

2014 Subaru Forester revs on as off roader

Govt beefs up security at international airports, passengers kick

20 WEEKEND Friday, May 9, 2014

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Insurgents destabilise Taraba, residents The once peaceful atmosphere in Taraba state has been shattered by the relentless attacks on innocent people by armed insurgents in recent time. From Jalingo, CHARLES AKPEJI narrates the agony being experienced by women and children, and why stakeholders are pointing accusing fingers at the state government for not doing enough to check lawlessness

Victims of the crisis on their hospital beds HE dream of halting rampaging insurgents from entering and destabilising Taraba by T the state government has, so far, turned out to be a mirage. As at the time of filing this report, crises were still erupting in various parts of the state, claiming innocent lives and causing massive destruction of properties.

Unlike other parts of the North East region, where the activities of insurgent are tied to the Boko Haram sect, Taraba’s seems to be different, as the ongoing pogrom appears to have originated from the Fulani herdsmen’s activities.

Though, no part of the state’s northern part has so far been visited by the attackers, whom The Guardian learnt are sufficiently armed with dangerous weapons such as the general multipurpose machine guns (GPMG), residents of Jalingo, the state capital, now go to bed with their two eyes wide open.

Badly affected by the ongoing upheaval are several villages in four out of the five local councils in the southern part of the state.

From Donga, Takum and Ibi local councils, the insurgents’ activities, which gradually extended to the ancient city of Wukari, which serves as the headquarters of the Jukun people, have wrecked tremendous havoc.

Other councils that have also come under attack include Bali and Gassol, located in the central part of the state. The crisis, which began early last month, was due the massive movement of “strange Fulani herdsmen” from Nassarawa and Benue states, into Taraba state.

Notwithstanding the presence of heavily armed security personnel, some of whom were drafted from the neighbouring states of Adamawa and Gombe, the insurgents have continued to operate, as both the army and anti-riot policemen were said to have been unable to contain them, du to the sophisticated weapons in their possession.

One of the uniformed men who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “For the Nigerian

government to triumph over insurgents in this state and the country at large, we have to be fully armed to the teeth because their (insurgents) weapons are more sophisticated than the ones we are using.”

Among the villages so far burnt down completely by the insurgents include Nwukyu, Nwukyu-Kaura, Akwana, Ando-Ekwe, Fyayi, Ando-Yaku, Ando-Manu, Nwusen, Bakyu, Nayinawa, Nwuko, Yamini, Myankwala, Dorowa, and Vayo.

Apart from the loss of hundreds of lives and properties in the aforementioned villages, prominent persons such as Emma Bala, Sabo Agyo, Bala Atoagai, Jimjiri Danla among others, were also killed by the attackers.

Other villages where innocent persons, especially the Tiv, were hacked to death are ShadeWanka near Domayo in Sendirde ward, Uwua, Peven, Gajere near Buluwa Sabon-Gida ward, Vaa-Yough, Amove, Bukawa, and Wuryo.

Also badly affected by the crisis are the governorship aspirant of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Ezikiel Irmiye Afukunyo, whose 91-year-old father, Baba Irmiya Afukonyo, collapsed and died as a result of shock; and the State House of Assembly’s Committee Chairman on Information, Culture and Tourism, Daniel Ishaya Gani, whose senior brother was also killed with a machete.

The uprising, which has already claimed hundreds of lives of the Tiv, has compelled those who escaped by the whiskers to relocate to neighbouring Benue state. But those who could

not leave were recently admonished by their leaders to relocate to Jalingo, the state capital, in order to compel the state government to wake up from its slumber.

Indeed, with the massive exodus of the Tiv community and the non-indigenes, accusing fingers are being pointed at the state government for its lukewarm attitude towards the crisis. In fact, the acting governor, Alhaji Garba Umar was pointedly accused of not visiting any of the communities attacked by the insurgents throughout the period the mayhem lasted.

Besides, both the past and present Presidents of the Jukun Youth of Vision, Barrister Luka Agbu and Awudu Kefas, believed that the Acting Governor’s refusal to act swiftly was aimed at distablising the state’s southern parts, to enable him actualize his political ambition of ascending to the number one position of the state in 2015.

The Tiv leaders, including Zaki Joseph Mela, Zaki Francis Uja, Zaki Turan Iba and Zaki Aam Cholugh, affirmed: “The Tiv people are worried by the rate at which the crisis is spreading very fast and being defenseless and innocent, they have been forced to flee before it becomes too late.”

The “incidences,” they observed, “forced most of the Tiv if not all to flee from their homes” in the aforementioned villages. Eighty per cent of the said Tiv settlements, according to their leaders, have been completely burnt down.

The state’s chapter of the Christian

The crisis also compelled members of the House of Assembly to move a motion, asking the federal government to intervene by taking over the security of all the affected places, as the state government was said to have failed in its responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of its citizens

Association of Nigeria (CAN), under the leadership of Bishop Timothy Yahaya, has openly accused the acting Governor of being responsible for the unrest in the state, hence the need for the state’s House of Assembly to as a matter of urgency “impeach him.”

Yahaya alleged: “CAN is of the view that Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar is solely responsible for this crime being perpetrated against humanity by the Boko Haram insurgents.”

While condemning the ongoing crisis, CAN implored President Jonathan to, as a matter of urgency, “use his good offices to remove the Acting Governor for his failure to protect human lives.” Umar, has however, strongly denied the accusations.

The crisis also compelled members of the House of Assembly to move a motion, asking the federal government to intervene by taking over the security of all the affected places, as the state government was said to have failed in its responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of its citizens.

The motion, which was jointly sponsored by the entire members from the Southern part of the state, and unanimously supported by their colleagues from north and central zones, directed the executive arm of the government to “request for the immediate takeover of the security situation in the affected areas by the Federal Government, to safeguard lives and properties.”

To further strengthen the security, the members also urged the executive to direct the appropriate “agency of government to resuscitate all vigilante groups in the state, so that they can assist security agencies in intelligence gathering and other security networking.”

The Guardian discovered that women and children are the hardest hit, having lost their breadwinners to the crisis. Many women are

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accuse governor of inaction now widows, and several children have also become orphans, a situation that the only female member in the state House of Assembly, Rashidat Abdullahi, described as pathetic.

With tears rolling down her cheeks, she said: “a lot of women have lost their husbands and their children are asking of the whereabouts of their fathers.”

While some of the women, presently domiciled in one of the refugee camps located in Mutum-Biu, in Gassol council, were confirmed to have given birth, the sanitary condition of the various camps is said to be deplorable.

A health official from the camp told The Guardian: “the likelihood of an outbreak of communicable diseases is very high because of the bad condition of the camps. As I am talking to you, there is no clean water. The people defecate around and most of the children are suffering from one ailment or the other.”

The health official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity added: “most of the pregnant women who recently put to bed in the camps are going cap in hand, seeking for attention, but the attention they need is coming from nowhere.”

Confirming that the camps took delivery of relief materials from the state government, he said: “most of the items that would have assisted the women and their new born babies are not included in the materials brought to us.” Due to lack of space, some of the injured victims who were rushed to the state’s specialist hospital in Jalingo, were scattered in various wards of the hospital.

Confirming that “victims of Wukari, Ibi and Jibu” crisis were rushed to the hospital, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Joel Remande, admitted that as a result of lack of space, the victims, with varying degrees of injuries, were deployed to several wards and are being treated by the limited number the medical personnel available. He however assured: “They are working very hard to save lives. The medical personnel are well motivated to take care of the situation on ground.”

Both the Acting Governor and his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Aron Atmas are unhappy that, rather than join hands with the state government in its efforts to halt the crisis, some individuals “are busy apportioning blames.”

The state government, according to Umar, has been working tirelessly to checkmate the insurgents by requesting for additional security operatives from Adamawa and Gombe states.

Besides, relief materials worth millions of naira in no fewer than 29 trailers, he affirmed, have been disbursed to the various camps in the state.

Also, Umar said numerous security meetings with stakeholders, especially from the southern part of the state have been convened at his instance, with a view to finding a lasting solution.

The acting governor, who visited the monarchs of Wukari and Ibi, expressed dismay over the crisis, which he admitted had caused massive destruction of lives and properties. He was also of the view that the exit of the Tiv community from the state would have adverse effect on food production.

It was also gathered from sources at specialist hospital, that the Acting Governor has directed the hospital management to treat victims of the crisis free of charge. Some of the victims, who spoke with The Guardian on their hospital beds, said the attackers besieged their villages without their knowledge and shot at them.

Virtually all the victims in the male surgical wards had bullet wounds in their thighs, chest, and arms and were waiting to be operated upon.

One of them, who gave his name as Shehu Ibrahim, said in spite of the several bullets “that were pumped into this my left thigh, I still manage to escape, so I thank God that I am not among the numbers of persons that were killed.” Though now saved from the crisis zone, he prayed that the surgery would be successful without “my leg being amputated.”

Like the state government, the security agencies – the police, army and the State Security Service (SSS) are leaving no stone unturned as they struggle to permanently put an end to the crisis, which has not only paralyzed business activities in the af-

Umar

fected areas, but had also separated children from their parents and wives from their husbands.

According to the Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), ASP Joseph Kwaji, additional two units of visiting anti-riot policemen from 34 Squadron in Gombe state and 14 Squadron from Yola, in Adamawa state “have been drafted to Wukari.” A personnel of the SSS confided in The Guardian that large numbers of plain clothes security operatives have been drafted to areas considered as flash points, stressing that reasonable “progress is being made.”

The security personnel also stated that the recent arrest of some insurgents in the state was just a tip of the iceberg, noting that “more arrest of insurgents and their sponsors would be made soon.”

Heavily armed security personnel are now mounting surveillance at various entrances leading into the state capital, due to intelligence reports that the insurgents had concluded plans to attack the Jalingo metropolis. Business activities in the state, especially in the affected areas, have not only been crippled, investors who had earlier made plans to invest in the state are also being forced to look for alternative states.

Commercial vehicles plying the state from the southern parts of the country have also begun to seek alternative routes.

The situation has led to a hike in the price of food items and other valuables in the various markets.

Perturbed by the manner some drivers were brutally killed and their vehicles burnt to ashes, one of the drivers who said he had being plying the Taraba/Enugu route in the last decade, vowed never to come back to the state. He said: “I will be the greatest fool if, after seeing the way and manner some of my co-

drivers were killed and their cars were burnt, I still go ahead to be driving in and out of this state. My friend, no matter the amount they offer me, I will never come back here again, Even heavens will not forgive me if I failed to learn from what I have seen in this state.”

The crisis, if not urgently put to an end, according to the acting governor, monarchs, top politicians and other stakeholders, would lead to food scarcity. The social life of the people has also nosedived, following the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in Wukari. Unlike in the past, when people hanged out for several hours at night, the reverse is now the case as all streets in Jalingo and its environs often become a ghost town once it is 8.30p.m.

Several social activities, especially weddings, are being postponed indefinitely or shifted to other peaceful parts of the state or other parts of the country.

A lady, who said she was supposed to have wedded three weeks ago in Wukari, regretted that the crisis made it impossible for her wedding to hold. She said: “At 39, I am not yet married. Even when the opportunity finally came, the crisis chased it away.” While praying fervently for the crisis to be over, so she could get married, she is also embarking on dry fasting “so that my husband-to-be will not have a change of mind.”

She added: “I knew that type of prayers and fasting I engaged in before getting a man, who was ready for marriage.”

The crisis has also thrown many families into desperate situations. The imposed curfew has made it impossible for several families that had been separated to organize search parties to locate scattered relatives. While some families live in some of the camps, others are being held incommunicado by the curfew; the situation that has caused pains and untold hardship for the people.

Several staff members of the newly established Federal University in Wukari, and the privately owned Jubilee University have reportedly begun to seek for transfer out of the state. One of the senior lecturers told The Guardian that the University has so far lost over 30 per cent of its academic and non-academic staff because of the crisis.

Now that stakeholders from the state, especially from the southern part where the crisis is fiercest, have lost faith in the leadership of the state, the questions presently begging for an immediate answer is: Who will save the Taraba from the terrorists?

Baba Irmiya Afukonyo

Afukonyo

The state government, according to Umar, has been working tirelessly to checkmate the insurgents by requesting for additional security operatives from Adamawa and Gombe states. Besides, relief materials worth millions of naira in no fewer than 29 trailers, he affirmed, have been disbursed to the various camps in the state

A hospital ward where some of the victims are being treated

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BusinessRound-Up

In association with

INTERVIEW

Seni Adetu

Nigeria’s Economic Offer To Investors Nigeria is an attractive market and the World Economic Forum for Africa is a powerful platform to showcase the enormous economic opportunity that sits in Nigeria. CNBC Africa’s EsthEr UgBodAgA spoke to seni Adetu, CEo gunniess Nigeria on what Nigeria can offer investors who attended the World Economic Forum for Africa.

STHER: How excited are you to be in EAdetu: West Africa for the first time?

I am very excited, we have always said that Nigeria is an attractive market, and I see the World Economic Forum on Africa as a powerful platform to really showcase the enormous economic opportunity that sits in Nigeria.

There are so many reforms that are happening in Nigeria now, in the parts sector, agriculture, and so forth, that actually require investment support from outside the shores of Nigeria, so for me its an opportunity for those investors to come in and fill those reforms and make up their minds on how they can participate in what is about to happen in Nigeria, so both as a businessman in Nigeria and as a Nigerian I couldn’t be more excited, Esther: How can businesses in Nigeria successfully serve Africa’s growing consumer market?

Adetu: Clearly there are opportunities that we’ve talked about in Nigeria, but there are headwinds as well. Especially in the manufacturing sector where there are four critical factors that are impending the growth of the manufacturing sector, which if we address can really help up access the consumer opportunity that sits in Africa beyond Nigeria. How many times have we talked about the challenges of infrastructure? We’ve talked about the challenge of cost of capital, raw material availability or lack thereof, the skilled manpower talent.

The question on how we can grow the consumer base in Africa, is really down to how quickly we can address those factors. We really need to put our money where our mouth is in terms of really addressing each of those factors, Esther: How does it affect a big company like Guinness Nigeria? It usually affects small companies.

Adetu: If you look at the reserves of the last quarter ending 31st March 2014, you would have seen that the quantum of the absolute amount that we’re putting into finance charges was really significant, and it was to do with the investment that we called three or four years ago, in 2010, around capacity

expansion, for which we did some borrowing, and because of the cost of capital in this market, we are having to pay so much back in interest which is affecting the profitability of the business. Its not exactly true that its only small businesses that suffer and if you take it further to the subject of power, seven of us including my business, have reached a conclusion that the only way to sustain the quality of our products is really by providing our own power and facilities. I have my own gas pipeline that delivers gas to my breweries, that’s comes at a cost. Now that cost is often at times passed to the consumer because it actually affects your trading cost, it means prices are high, so it has a ripple effect on consumption. Again to my point, its really about addressing those factors, and I think this week again is an opportunity to talk about that.

Esther: Aren’t you confident with the power reforms that we have gotten to at this stage?

Adetu: Being confident in the reforms is one thing but getting the pace and skills that we need to really resolve it is a separate conversation because talking about pace, it has been almost a year now that we handed over facilities to private investors and if you go ask the average Nigerian in the street, he could argue that he hasn’t seen much impact , businesses will also tell you that they haven’t seen much impact after that, so I think the pace is a little bit slow, and maybe its because the expectations were high. Some investors are saying that we are probably three or four years out anyway and so we’ve got to be patient about that, but the other fundamental issue is around the skill, we are coming off a very low base, we’re doing 4000 megawatts for a country that should be doing at a minimum

40,000megawatts.If you’ve got a population of 170 million, you will probably need 170,000 megawatts. The reality is that yes I believe in reforms , yes I am seeing the effort that is being put in, but what I am seeing today still lacks base and potentially lacks skill, Esther: How are you maintaining your market share and growing it?

Adetu: what we are doing at Guinness in

that respect is catch up, because some of our competitors went into the value segment like 5 or 6 years ago, we have now decided to address that, we have launched a new brand called Dubic, which is playing in the value segment because what we are seeing from a segment standpoint is that there is some down trading that is happening.

WEF’S NEW INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME TO BOOST INTRA-AFRICA TRADE

By Farhaanah Mahomed HE World Economic Forum has released a new infrastructure programme to accelerate intra-Africa trade.

The report on managing transnational infrastructure programmes in Africa, was released at this year’s WEF on Africa in Abuja.

The document could potentially make a huge contribution to social and economic welfare by boosting intra-regional trade, connecting landlocked countries to world markets and improving access to electricity by linking large power plants with neighbouring countries.

“Infrastructure is essential for integrating regions, realising socio-economic potential and fast-tracking development in Africa,” said Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, chief executive officer (CEO) of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Planning and Coordinating Agency.

He added that the report is an important contribution to identify best practices that will help facilitate and coordinate the implementation of regional priority programmes.

T

According to WEF, infrastructure projects in Africa face a high number of challenges, including financial, technical, regulatory, as well as governance and human relations issues.

Historical differences between countries, such as a legacy of mistrust and past conflict have also had a negative impact on African governments’ relations with each other, as well as on public-private partnerships.

Jay Ireland, CEO of General Electric Africa, added that coordinating processes across various governments makes the regional integration process more complex even though its payoff will benefit all countries.

“Africa’s growth will accelerate through success in building intra-African trade. Coordinating actions across multiple Governments inevitably makes the process more complex, costly and bureaucratic. But the payoff from regional integration, building more efficient and reliable infrastructure for energy, logistics management, and movement of labour across borders, is high and will have a strong multiplier effect on growth, entrepreneurship and employment,” explained Ireland.

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James Mwangi

Creating Sustainable Growth Trajectory In Africa but a lot of it is in the transport of produce, land so it’s not that they don’t see the opportustorage and processing. It is moving young nity, I think it’s just too focused on primary people into those opportunities, not neces- production and buying tracts of land, we’re not seeing the creativity around building new busisarily on the farm, but in the rural towns, nesses that target agriculture. For example, where they can add value.

Bronwyn: what about getting investors ex- how do we bring mobile technology and apply it to serving farmers’ needs in a way that’s profcited about agriculture? itable, that’s high tech, its sexy, but it’s actually James: investment is going into agriculat the share of our economy going into the varifundamentally changing the ways of rural ecoture too, land grab in terms of large investous sectors, manufacturing to agriculture, etc, nomic empowerment. ments into the purchase of productive that structure is not changing yet, and what that means is that the vast majority of our people, particularly young people, are stuck in low productivity, low income paying jobs and as long as we’re comfortable to move along with regular economic growth without shifting the different components of our economies, we are not going to improve the incomes of that 40%.

The 60% rural population is the challenge as well as the unemployed urban poor, but boosting the productivity of agriculture, boost incomes in agriculture and then creating opportunities for value added industry remains a huge challenge. We are still exporting too much raw materials, which means you’re not capturing value, which means you can’t pay good wages.

The preparation for the world economic Forum for Africa has been very Bronwyn: what will it take to change the perception of agriculture across the continent? intense especially with security challenges in Nigeria’s capital Abuja.

James: part of that is a clear and simple mesCNBC Africa’s esTher UGBoDAGA spoke to Frank Nweke, head of weF sage, which is agriculture is a business and a big business. Being in agriculture doesn’t necsecretariat. essarily mean pulling weeds, although it is a good way to do it if you’re good at it, but we happy that Nigeria and global community STHER: I imagine it must have taken you need to actually bring business and science to rose up as one. a lot to put this event together factoring the farm gate. You think about all the opportu- that Nigeria is hosting the event for the first Esther: Some groups say it was insensitive for nities we need to create value in agriculture, the federal government to go ahead with the time and not forgetting the security chalsome of them are in growing the crops better, programme while we still have the security lenges challenge. Your take on that.

Frank Nweke: It has been very intense, thanks to a very solid team I have, young and Frank Nweke: We have security challenges but we are having this interview right? Would you professional team and very staffed and reconsider it insensitive on your part, have you sourced secretariat. We also have different agencies of government- ministry of foreign stopped eating and working? My approach is that every government should focus on the affairs, the management of international forefront of driving responsible economic safety, welfare and well-being of her citizens conference centre and Hilton. We had ingrowth, job creation and entrepreneurism in that’s the primary responsibility of every govtense 13-14 months. The event of the last 3-4 Africa. We look forward to the active and dyernment. One way to do it putting in place weeks not anticipated and not expected, namic role they will play at our meeting in strategies to resource it, implement it and Abuja, working with the region’s leaders to fos- very saddening and not sure at some point sustain it that’s the responsibility of the what would happen. ter inclusive, sustainable growth in the reNigerian government. I believe in the course Esther: Was there at any point in time for gion,” said David Aikman, managing director and head of new champions at the World Eco- you to halt this process and perhaps change of doing that the federal government ensures economic development and national the venue nomic Forum.

Nigerian and South African based companies A Frank Nweke. It would have been unfortu- progress continues, that’s my take on it and I dominated the 16 champions list with six com- nate if we had succumbed to our fears, if we say this most respectfully with great respect had given the insurgency what they wanted to people who say this is not the way to go panies from each country. they have every right to express their views because at some point it was clear that they Nominations include Nigerian businesses and communicate what they think is the best wanted to shoot down the meeting.

I can say such as the diversified conglomerate, UAC of way to move the country forward.

Nigeria Plc, technologies company, Computer safely the people involved in the kind of acEsther: What about the invited guests and forWarehouse Group, and financial services com- tivities that has thrown the nation into eign investors coming for the event mourning are an insignificant number of pany, Interswitch Limited. Well-known South Frank Nweke: We absolutely assure the guests people and so for millions for majority of African brands such as property investments of their safety. Its humanistic instinct to have this country and the global community to firm, Growthpoint properties, financial servself-preservation, people want to know what succumb to their blackmail and to their acices group, Capitec Bank, and retail chain, tivity would have been a tragedy and so I feel is happening on the safety issue. These are Tekkie Town also made the list.

Africa faces a triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality which needs to be addressed. CNBC Africa’s BroNwyN NielsoN spoke to James Mwangi, Global Partner for Dalberg Global at the world economic Forum on Africa, about creating an inclusive and sustainable growth trajectory RONWYN: Poverty, unemployment and BJames: inequality, how do we address that?

I think the challenge there really hinges in the middle of the question Bronwyn, it’s around unemployment, if you are trying to create an inclusive sustainable growth trajectory, you need to create and propagate jobs. Specifically, you need to take the largest cohort of Africans, the young people entering our job markets, and find them the opportunities, the quality opportunities for employment that they require.

Over the next 15 to 20 years, we are scheduled to have the largest workforce in the world period, our challenge though has been while we made investments, education and to some extent growing our economies, we are not creating quality jobs at the rate that we need to do so. Not only that, we are also not helping youth transition to the workforce, so we’ve got a growing number of young people, with either a high school or tertiary education who are still unemployed because we haven’t figured out how to help them transition into the workplace.

Bronwyn: how do we address the income gap?

James: it’s small business, entrepreneurship and also changing the structure of our economies. Africa is growing but if you look

WEF RECOGNISES 16 AFRICAN COMPANIES AS GLOBAL ECONOMIC LEADERS

By Farhaanah Mahomed HE Word Economic Forum (WEF) has nomT inated 16 African companies as future global leaders.

Drawn from a broad spectrum of sectors such as financial services, retail, media and energy, these companies have been invited to join the WEF’s Global Growth Companies (GCCs) community at this year’s WEF Africa in Abuja as they are considered trailblazers, shapers and innovators that are committed to improving the state of the globe.

The companies will become part of the larger GCC community which currently consists of 360 companies worldwide, and will contribute to WEF meetings, projects and knowledge products, which in turn will support each company for further growth.

“The World Economic Forum is proud to recognise these 16 champions that are at the

Frank Nweke

Experience Of Hosting WEF Africa

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ECOBANK WELCOMES WEF AFRICA 2014 ThEME

S.AFRICANS VOTE IN FIRST ‘BORN FREE’ ELECTION

By Trust Matsilele

OUTh Africans voted in the first “Born Free” Showever, election on Wednesday. polls suggest the allure of the rul-

hE World Economic Forum Africa summit foT cusing on inclusive growth and employment creation has kick-started in Nigeria, Abuja.

Albert Essien, the Group chief executive officer of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated told CNBC Africa on the side-lines of WEF Africa that the theme resonated with Ecobank’s vision.

“We have served in bringing economic development in the region so the theme is very appropriate to us as it talks about inclusive growth and creating employment which is what we are doing. We currently have a workforce of 18,00019,000 employees.”

Nigeria has of late been viewed as prime market by companies in various sectors due to its population advantage.

“We have seen growth in top line of our business in the country and we are seeking to capitalise on that more as we believe that our business in the country will grow.”

“Nigeria is very important to us as it has about 40 per cent of our assets which makes us to pay very close attention to Africa’s biggest economy.”

Essien added that there are great opportunities in Nigeria in areas such as the power sector, upstream oil and gas, and the retail sectors.

Ecobank has been going through financial challenges due to unpaid debts to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (Amcon). however, Essien says that chapter is in the past.

“We have calmed the waters, we are restoring confidence and reaching out to stakeholders- our regulators, customers and staff to assure them that what happened is in the past.”

“We are in the thrills of having a new board and there is a committee working on that which is ex-

Ecobank looking to spread its wings into East and Southern Africa. pected to submit names to the annual general meeting in June.”

Essien added that “there is a lot of stability now as [the crisis within the organisation] was no longer featuring in the newspapers anymore. All institutions have their down time, we have survived and have come out stronger.”

On future growth prospects, the group chief executive said the company was looking at the Francophone and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

PHOTO: Ecobank

“Francophone as a block especially the West Africa is a good growth point though it might not be as fast as Nigeria. Ghana is also a good growth despite their economic challenges.

We also believe that we could grow our subsidiaries in east and the southern parts of Africa.”

“The banking is very especially for Ecobank is key as we have the largest platform in sub-Saharan Africa. We have always served as a catalyst for financial navigation and a catalyst to deep in financial services in our area.

ANC FACING FIERCE ChALLENGE IN 2014 POLLS

By Trust Matsilele AFRICA’S ruling party faces its most SitsOUTh fierce challenge in 20 years as it seeks to retain two third majority in the 2014 elections.

The ruling party, African National Congress (ANC) has been losing support since 2004 having garnered 69.69 per cent and dropped by 3.79 per cent points to 65.9 per cent in 2009.

“Elections are important for markets, we expect smooth operations, free and fair elections de-

spite some scandals coming from IEC [Independent Electoral Commission] officials,” Peter Attard Montalto, an emerging markets economist at Nomura told CNBC Africa.

“We should watch for the possibility like in 2009 of early ANC huge drops and big Democratic Alliance gains as a result of early count of urban votes. The markets should be cautious and not get too excited until all results are out.”

“Under a stronger ANC, investors will see increasing chances of turmoil as the party attempts to delve into economic contradictions with macro-economic policies in trying to combat the emergence of a possible new Numsa [National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa]-led party. This likely environment might see the introduction of new unfriendly investor policies coming into effect.”

“A lower turnout will make ANC to take radical decisions on labour policies and move toward job creation as to win back support going into 2019,” he added.

At the time of publication, leading political figures such as President Jacob Zuma, his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe, Cyril Ramaphosa-ANC’s deputy president and helen Zille the Democratic Alliance leader had cast their votes.

The Economic Freedom Fighters firebrand leader, Julius Malema, was also expected to cast his vote this morning in his home town of Polokwane.

This election will among others be determined by dynamics such as the unpopular etolls in Gauteng, the ‘Nkandla gate’ and the

ing African National Congress as the conqueror of apartheid will prevail even among those with no memory of white-minority rule.

Polling stations opened at 0500 GMT, with voters waiting in line, many wrapped up against the early morning chill of the southern hemisphere winter. They close at 1900 GMT and a firm idea of the outcome should be available by midday on May 8.

Opinion polls suggest there is no doubt about the overall result, with ANC support estimated at around 65 per cent, only a shade lower than the 65.9 per cent it won in the 2009 election that brought President Jacob Zuma to power.

The resilience of ANC support has surprised analysts who a year ago were saying it could struggle at the polls as its glorious past recedes into history and voters focus instead on the sluggish economic growth and slew of scandals that have typified Zuma’s first term.

Africa’s most sophisticated economy has struggled to recover from a 2009 recession its first since the 1994 demise of apartheid and the ANC’s efforts to stimulate growth and tackle 25 per cent unemployment have been hampered by powerful unions.

South Africa’s top anti-graft agency accused Zuma this year of “benefiting unduly” from a 23 million dollars state-funded security upgrade to his private home at Nkandla in rural KwaZulu-Natal province that included a swimming pool and chicken run. his personal approval ratings have dipped since the findings by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. But at a news conference this week to conclude the ANC election campaign, the 72-year-old brushed aside suggestions the imbroglio was damaging the party.

“I’m not worried about Nkandla,” Zuma said.

“The people are not worried about it. I think the people who are worried about it is you guys, the media, and the opposition.”

Besides being easy fodder for the cartoonists who have revelled in the freedom of speech enshrined in the post-apartheid constitution, Nkandla has exposed the gulf between current and former ANC leaders, in particular Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, who died in December.

South Africans voted in the first "Born Free" election on Wednesday.

PHOTO: Getty Images

KENYAN ECONOMY STRAINED BY TERRORIST ATTACKS September.

In 2013, terrorists brought business to a halt hE Kenyan economy is set to face a strain at the Westgate mall killing over 60 people in as the country is moving toward increased a series of attacks. security so as to lure prospective investors.

The United States has warned its citizens to “The real problem is the escalation in the na- avoid travelling to the coastal city of Momture and form of the attacks. The attacks are basa following the weekend attacks, posing a sophisticated and will surely prompt an indanger to the country’s tourism sector. crease in costs of security in the country,” President Uhuru Kenyatta is reported to have Robert Bunyi, chief executive officer of said the country’s tourism sector was on its Mavuno Capital told CNBC Africa. knees due to the recent attacks.

“Kenya has always been in a vulnerable posi- Kenya’s travel and tourism contribution to tion. We have always been a neighbour to a the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is country that was in a civil war for over 20 estimated to be above five per cent of the total years, so it was to be expected that a natural GDP and was forecasted to rise by 3.4 per cent evolution would eventually lead to a spill per annum, from 2012-2022. over to neighbouring country.”

“It started with proliferation of small arms into the country and increasingly a number of raids started to be encountered at the border regions precipitating the entry of the Kenyan military into Somalia which resulted in a backlash from terror groups,” he added.

The two attacks experienced over the weekend in the coastal city and two simultaneous attacks on public transport indicate the magnitude and frequency of attacks in East Africa’s economic hub.

Analysts predict that perceptions on security will affect decisions of investors who are yet to come into the country.

Al shabab, has claimed responsibility for a series of There have been eight separate attacks beattacks in Kenya.

PHOTO: Reuters lieved to be initiated by terrorists from last

By Trust Matsilele

T

normal enquiries that came but surprisingly we have over 3000 who have arrived to take part in the event with 1500 to participate in the meeting. People have come from over 70 countries. The fact that this is going to be the largest meeting outside Davos it’s unprecedented especially coming after people have expressed concerns.

Esther: What are your expectations with regards to the content of the meeting?

Frank Nweke: First of all, part of the reason why support of the meeting was overwhelm-

ingly is because of the theme: forging inclusive growth- creating jobs, this goes to the heart of the matter when talking about insurgency and social conflicts. In the course of preparing for this meeting this was not the original theme but after brainstorming it was agreed that there was need to interrogate the African growth story and the quality of this growth. We expect to have consensus after this meeting of improving the quality of this growth that’s what we expect after this meeting.

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Friday, May 9, 2014

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Friday, May 9, 2014 ARTS 27

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Literature ‘I’m grateful to Nigerians for making me a writer’ Stories by Anote Ajeluorou journalist-turned writer couldn’t Fof RENCH conceal his excitement at the excellent turn event in his career by harsh conditions in Nigeria when he was an intern back in the 1990s in Enugu. Unlike Joseph Conrad who saw nothing but heart of darkness, title of his uncanny genius a century ago, Pierre Cherruau saw Nigeria’s difficulties and turned them into enduring fiction that pay tribute to the unflagging spirit of a country in transition.

And, at the recent Port Harcourt UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 opening, where he spoke at the International Authors’ Forum, Cherruau spoke about the warmth and openness of Nigerians and how Nigerians generally endeared themselves to him, taking him as one of their own. He’d barely arrived the Alliance Francaise in Enugu in 1994 when the strikes induced by the June 12, 1993 crisis began to bite real hard. He was stuck, and he couldn’t travel.

According to him, “I didn’t plan to write books. I was a trained journalist. It was during the 1994 strikes. I finished reading all the books I had; I had no money; there were no mobile phones as now; I wasn’t connected to the outside world. Then I began to think, What should I do? I have to say, Thanks to Nigeria. No electric light (NEPA); no fuel. I decided to write, and my first work Nene Rastaqouere came out.

Other are Lagos 666 and Chien Fantome.

“Nigerians were very open-minded; they took me to their villages and showed me things”.

Cherruau is a much-travelled journalist and writer in Africa, who has worked and lived in many countries. These experiences, he said, have reshaped his personality and outlook both about himself and the continent usually

regarded with mixed feelings back in his native Europe. Now, some 20 odd years since he wrote his first novel set in Nigeria about a hardworking woman who endures so much just to make a living, Cherruau submitted, “The experience in Enugu was very unique. When you are in Africa as a European, you discover so much about yourself. If I write about Nigeria today it will be different because things have changed a lot. There’s no one Africa, or even one Nigeria; there’s diversity and complexity, as expressed in the music, art, dance, lifestyle.

“I try to be objective in my journalistic work, but not necessarily in my novels. My novels are like bridges between Europe and Africa although we have to be modest about our achievements in this regard”.

Florent Couao-Zotti, another of the two international authors and a neighbouring Beninoise, said he came from a family that loves literature and read a lot. While growing up, he said there would be gatherings in the family, and they always discussed foreign authors from France, Russia and other places.

But what led him into writing was as dramatic as it was profound.

According to him, “It was raining one day and my mother asked me to leave the rain. I didn’t; it was a thunderclap that scared me out of the rain and I fled into the house. My father asked me if I was afraid; I said, Yes, and thought that I was going to die.

“But I thought that before I die, I must leave something behind, as a legacy. The writers I’d read had already died. So, to escape death and be immortal, I started writing so I could leave my thoughts behind, as my legacy”.

His first novel, Les Fantomes du Bresil (The Ghosts from Brazil), chronicles Brazilian returnees of the 1950s and how they segregated

Pierre Cherrau (left), Okechukwu Uwazuoke (Moderator) and Florent Cuoau’zotti, Okara and Rainbow book club staff themselves from the local population and married among themselves. Couao-Zotti said they bore a feeling of betrayal against the local population for selling their ancestors into slavery, and kept to themselves. But for once, the unthinkable happened when one of their girls married a local, and all hell seemed to break loose.

However, Couao-Zotti, who has written several other novels in French, couldn’t quite say

whether he has succeeded in immortalizing himself the way he’d envisaged it as a small boy with his writings. But he said he derives immense satisfaction from his writings.

Although Beninoise reading population is about 40 per cent out of 10 million people, Couao-Zotti’s target audience, as a writer are readers outside of his country, especially everyone speaking French the world over and through translation of his works.

Abiding Dreams… When parents’ ambition clashes with children’s natural talT’S always been a sour point and Idren’s source of conflict between childreams and parents’ ambition for them on which course of study is best. It does not matter whether the parents are educated or not. It’s particularly daunting when the parents are educated and assume the allknowing attitude of what is good for their children and then go ahead to enforce theirs irrespective of the children’s preference and natural ability.

Of course, the professional courses are all the more alluring in this regard for parents to ram down the throat of their children or wards.

Unfortunately, such parental ambition doesn’t always work out as planned. A child or ward’s natural inclination towards something else could scuttle such overriding parental ambition. When this happens, all parties suffer the opprobrium that may result. This is the case of Jasper, who is made to pass through the valley of the shadow of death, as he succumbs to his father’s personal ambition for him in a chosen course of study in Abiding Dreams (Litreamed Publications Nigeria Ltd, Lagos; 2011)

by Sasi Miet Jaja, a fictional account of parental meddlesomeness in the life of a promising young man soon turned upside down.

An otherwise brilliant student in a Government College, Jasper is among the best in his class. At 14 he wrote a play that came second at a national competition. Jasper, his literature teacher and his entire school are toasting to his success, as a playwright prodigy and his path seems cut out for him in theatre arts. But his father, a manager with the post office, thinks otherwise; he wants his first son to be in one of the usual professions – medicine readily comes handy. Jasper is not good in the sciences that should qualify him for medicine, but a determined father throws in his weight and defies the

school counsellor‘s advice to let Jasper be. He is the father; he is adamant, and should know it all. At last he is allowed to have his way; Jasper is forced to make a turnaround and switches to the sciences.

He applies himself to please his father and manages to scrap through secondary school and is admitted into university.

But that is when his real woes begin.

Studying medicine is no joke, he soon finds out and before long, flops his clinical exams. Last try, he is advised to withdraw. Meanwhile, Jasper accidentally meets a female theatre arts student holding his play script at the dining hall; he’d given the play to his literature and drama secondary school drama director, Kayode, who was estranged from his wife and daughter. His teacher had taken the script to show his daughter as a way of reconciling with his wife or daughter; he needed his daughter to understand why he acted the way he did.

But Mr. Kayode dies in an accident and is unable to return Jasper’s script to him.

Finding his script in unusual hands rekindles his first love for the theatre. They strike a relationship and become lovers.

But Jasper’s withdrawal from medical school puts the relationship in jeopardy. Jasper returns home bowed; his parents, particularly his father is mortified at his first son’s failure in proving himself a man.

Sinking into despair, Jasper takes to the streets in Port Harcourt and ends up in the harbour point, where he runs into an old schoolmate. This relationship proves disastrous; his old schoolmate is first class dealer in marijuana. The anti-narcotics agency swoops on him while Jasper is visiting; they are caught a n d

detained. Jasper manages to escape a long spell in prison. But he is already hooked to the drug and struggles to pull himself out. In frustration, he attempts suicide.

In his hospital bed, his mother arranges for him to meet with a motivational speaker, Mr.Bomah, who becomes his mentor. After recovering from his suicide attempt, Jasper goes to sea, as a means of finding a new direction for his life. That, too, proves disastrous, as he nearly drowns at sea enroute to Cameroun.

He returns to rediscover greater meaning in the teaching of his motivational coach and rededicates himself once again to the business of finding meaning in his life. He applies to be mentored afresh by Bomah, who takes him through life’s tortuous journey, as others worse than himself had undergone. Jasper soon recovers his wits and returns to school again; he sits through school certificate and university entrance exams. He enters this time to study theatre arts, the first course of choice his father denied him. Although he has lost four years of his young life, Jasper is able again to set sail for his certain destination. He arrives with a crown of glory, emerging first class in theatre arts!

Jaja’s novel is highly instructive in parental influence that is not always for the best.

Although Jasper’s father has good intentions for demanding that his son studies medicine, he fails to take into account the natural abilities of his son. Had Jasper’s abilities tallied, there would have been no problem.

But they didn’t, and poor Jasper, as

most young people today are suffering, has to undergo an unavoidable crucible in a bid to satisfy a father’s ambition. As it turns sour, both family and Jasper are made to suffer untold consequences.

Although Jasper’s mother’s is supportive of her son, she cannot overrule her husband; her husband promptly silences her objections only to watch heartbroken her son’s disintegrating little world.

Parents with overriding ambition for their children to fulfil the dream they themselves could not attain would do well to read Abiding Dreams for its timeliness and instructiveness. The author shows just how heart-breaking it is to push one’s child to the brink on the altar of personal ambition that is so unconnected to that child’s mental preparedness and capabilities. The author has told a fascinating and enduring story.

However, Abiding Dreams suffers from serious editing problems. It ought to have been a much more compact story told in about half of its current length. A great deal of the sentence constructions is too long and unwieldy. In some frequent instances, the sentences are somewhat incongruous, things editors should easily cut down and manage properly. A re-edit of the story would seem best.

While the introduction of motivational aid seems apt, especially these days of motivational speaking boon, it seems overdone in Abiding Dreams. Clearly, the edifice of the entire narration and Jasper’s salvation is intrinsically anchored on Mr. Bomah’s motivational talk.

It seems a bit sermonising and tends to be a drawback on the narrative. A reissue perhaps would do well to tone down this aspect.

However, Abiding Dreams is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

28 ARTS Friday, May 9, 2014

VisualArts At Lagos auction, Anatsui raises the bar Stories by Tajudeen Sowole T was a night that the Ghanaian-born sculptor, El Anatsui, dominated top of the sales and, perhaps, accounted for nearly half of the entire over 100 lots sold at the 12t th ArtHouse Contemporary auction.

At hammer prices, Anatsui’s three works that led the tops of the sales made a total of over forty two million naira during the auction held few days ago at The Wheatbaker, Ikoyi, Lagos.

A wood panel assemblage Commercial Avenue (wood, aluminium and house paint, 2014) for N21 million naira; a decaying tree trunk rescued by the artist’s sculptural skill and labelled Untitled sold for N14m; and a clay, floor sculpture, Unsukka Shrine bought for N7.8m.

Although none of the three works met the targeted estimate, Arthouse appeared to have bent backwards. For example, Commercial Avenue fell short of the estimated N33 to N36 million naira estimation.

However, Anatsui’s totaled sales for three works are unprecedented for a single artist at an auction in Nigeria since the secondary market started fully in 2008.

While the Arthouse sale of N21 million for Commercial Avenue is a record for Anatsui in Nigeria, the artist’s all time auction record is still £541, 250 ($850,544) for a woven tapestry of flattened bottle caps, titled ‘New World Map’ sold at Bonhams’ Africa Now art auction in the U.K, two years ago.

Remember the Bruce Onobrakpeya panel of foils on wood that opened the gate of mega sales at the maiden ArtHouse auction in 2008 when sold for N9.2 million naira? Titled Greater Nigeria, what looks like a sister piece or

I

series of the work surfaced during the auction few days ago as Cultural Industrial Economic, and sold for 7.5 million naira, without meeting the 10 million naira asking price.

Over all sales for the 111 lots, most likely, would take a record place for the auction house as nearly all the lots were sold. At the last auction, in November, total sales, including the buyer’s premium, reached N112, 769.000.00 million naira, from 80 lots, were recorded.

At the last outing in November, Ben Enwonwu’s bust of a Fulani Girl (fibre glass, 1967) led the top sales at N15.5m followed by a panel Ends and Means Committee by El Anatsui, picked for N12m Other lots that made the top ten of the 12th auction included Felling Trees, a wood plaque of Ben Enwonwu, for 7 million naira; Uturu Morning Meeting of Chiefs in old Asaba, oil on canvas by Enwonwu for N5 million naira; Country Road, also by Enwonwu, for N2.8 million naira; Kolade Oshinowo’s mixed media of painting and fabric collage, Engagement, for N2.6 million; Ben Osawe’s sculpture Untitled, N2.1m; and Akinola Lasekan’s Portrait of A Man, N2 million.

For the young artists, it was not exactly a bad outing as Ade Adekola b. 1968 and Peju Alatise b. 1975 had impressive sales. For Adekola, a photo artist, his Okada Dare Devils, Dare Angels, C-Print mounted under acrylic sold for 1.8m, and Altise’s Beautiful Minds for N1.7m.

However, the auction featured some new entrants, both young and old. These included Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga, Modupe Fadugba, Jeremiah Quarshie, Bona Ezeudu, Tobenna Okwuosa, Dominique Zinkpe, Ini Brown, Hassan Aliyu, Yves Mi-

Assemblage of wood in panel titled Commercial Avenue by El Anatsui sold for 21 million naira dahuen and Nyornuwofia Agorsor.

As the mega bucks rolled in, particularly from the sales of the predicted masters, the auction did not produce any surprise sales from either the young or old artists, not even from the masters. At the last auction in November, pioneer modernist, Aina Onabolu made what appeared like his record sale at auction with Portrait of Sisi Nurse, oil on canvas. Estimated at between N10 million and N12m, the

work sold for N7.5m, hammer price.

The auction house’s tradition of selling for charity was not left out of the night. It was a charity segment for Chattered Bank project, Seeing Is Believing as the works of Onobrakpeya’s Horns of Freedom,, Anthea Epelle’s Praise Tayo Olayode’s Dance Steps and Uchay Joel Chime’s I Thought As Much were sold as charity lots.

Light Artmosphere... Sanwo’s darkroom of painterly lines S photography is increasingly beA coming an extension of artists’ palette and easels, painter, Kehinde Sanwo dips into the science of light in digital darkroom.

Sanwo, whose identity as a documentary painter of old and lost architectural designs spans over 15 years, has, of recent found additional

passion in photography. His theme of abstractive content in the new medium, surprisingly, is a sharp deviation from anything the artist’s nearly 17 years career stood for.

But buried in Sanwo’s new love is light as a central focus on which the spirituality and scientific factors converge. Today, Sanwo will explain

From Sanwo’s new technique, a piece titled Face to Face

to fans his thought on the link between light and creativity, via a body of work titled Light Artmosphere, an exhibition that ends on May 16, 20014 at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, The technique, which is basically of photography effect, produces light on a darkened background, result-

ing in what looks like a neon sign reflection or filtered-shot effect. But Sanwo during a preview, insisted that it’s “a. Divine inspiration” effect.

Some of the works include such titles as Embrace, Divine Glow Series, Symphony of Praise, Face To Face, Darkness Fading Away and Light Force. In a technique that is largely lines-based, the painter in Sanwo oozes, so suggest the distilled painterly orms in Embrace, Face To Face and Let Be Light.

However, Sanwo’s experiment in what is obviously a 360-degree turn from his modernist identity of over one and half decade could distract his followers, particularly in a highly conservative art environment such as Lagos. “It’s like a pause on a journey,” he explained. “I have not halted or abandoned my work on documenting old architectures on canvas.” He argued that the architecture painting identity period of his career has come to stay. In fact, one of his works on architecture, which featured at the last TKMG auction, he cited, “sold for impressive amount.”

And in addition to the lines commonality shared by his painting styles and the darkroom light technique, is “the application of yellow.”

Indeed, Sanwo’s architectural rendition on canvas is widely deodorised in soft yellow that roves within aging and lost architecture periods.

Either in the digital or analogue form, photography has been implored by artists from across the genres and disciplines in a broad ways to achieve several effects. So, what is the “divine inspiration” about Sanwo’s technique? He disclosed that “It’s a play on light; I capture light in a dark studio with amazing results.”

Specifically, the spiritual aspect, he recalled, was the non-predetermined. results. He explained how a mere taking picture of his son led to the technique after a PHCN power cut. So, he decided to play around with that light. Sanwo explained: “I concluded that taking pictures with light from the device would be interesting. So, I went captured objects that had little or soft light - red, green, yellow, blue and white. In the process, I had an assist by someone who shakes and moves the device to create an interplay of the lights.”

With the new found darkroom light technique, Sanwo seems to have also found additional calling for artists. He noted that the calling of artists “is to send light into the human heart.”

Sanwo, a member of Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) is widely exhibited, home and abroad. His bio says his works are in the permanent collections of Nigeria modern Art Gallery and in private and corporate spaces in Nigeria, Brazil, London and U.S.A. His previous solo exhibitions included Nigerian Landmarks, Terra Kulture, Lagos, 2007; Moment in time, Didi Museum, Lagos, 2002; In the past, Earth works Gallery, Lagos, 1997; and Legacy, Brazillian Embassy, Lagos, 1996.

Sanwo’s works featured in group shows such as Transcending Boundaries at The Gallery in Cork Street’ London, 2013; 13th Annual Pastel Exhibition, Mydrim Gallery, Lagos; 2013; Imbued Essence London Olympic Exhibition, 2012; The Crux of the matter, Terra Kulture, Lagos, 2010; Threshold, Terrakulture, Lagos, 2008 and Times and feelings, Pastel Exibition Mydrim, Lagos, 2006.

THE GUArdIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, May 9, 2014 ArTS

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In Lagos, a window into Ghana via Aggrey’s palettes

By Tajudeen Sowole ArELY does watercolour get as r much a deep space in the most artists’ choice of regular medium.

But a visiting Ghnaian artist, Jonathan Kwegyir Aggrey has added to the list of signatures such as Ini Brown, Sam Ovrraitii and Lekan Onabanjo who have, in the past two to three decades thickened the watercolour landscape of Lagos art.

Also, young Aggrey’s themes, basically, are about Ghanaian on the streets, within and outside the urban settings. From the traditional ladies hair-braiding to the street workers and rural activities, Agggrey implores his watercolour in such a controlled flow as if it were oil or acrylic.

“We have to project African values,” he declared to a guest, few days after the closing of his exhibition titled African Essence, which held from March 29 to April 11, 2014 at Biodunomolayo Gallery, Onikan, Lagos Island. It was Aggrey’s fiesr show in Nigeria.

Aggrey’s bio shows he is a graduate of the University College of Education, Winneba, Ghana. His work has featured in local and international exhibitions, just as the artist has also participated in quite a number of workshops in Western and Eastern Europe quite a number of awards to his credits.

If the works of familiar masters like Ablade Glover and El Anatsui have, over the decades, given Nigerian art lovers windows into Ghana’s sociocultural landscape, young. Aggrey appeares set to widen the opening.

Some of his works such as Kanya Yoo, Leisure Activity Series and Adowa Dance, Fishing Village; The herdsman, Boat Park, Deep Sailing, Potsin Village and Twilight Village offer a broader scope into the people’s contemporary and diverse culture.

It’s of interest to note that the artist’s capture of women braiding hair as depicted in the Leisure Activities series is not a revisit of lost culture. “More women in Ghana still do the plaiting

Kayaa Yoo, a watercolour painting by Jonathan Aggret of hair than go to the salon for western hairdressing,” Aggrey disclosed.

A three ladies painting composited in triangular shape brings in a part of the country’s ethnic diversity. Titled Kaya Yoo, it represents a section of Ghana’s northern ethnic groups noted for “carrier jobs in the city of Accra.” As an art piece, Kayaa Yoo exposes the artist’s prospect of great compositional gift and quite a level of control over the highly fluid medium.

And like some of the works on display inside Biodun Omolayo Gallery at the top floor at City Mall, the bounc-

ing of yellow from the background onto a subtly reflection on the subjects is also one of the artist’s creative assets.

While Aggrey ‘s streetscapes and riverside captures come with various form of depths as imbued masterly piece, the artist’s strength weighs heavily in the human elements. The mobility of his rendition, for example is loud in Adowe Dance, a depiction of what he described as “a popular Ashanti dance steps.” Even in a portraiture, The Retired Fisherman, an illusory of movement radiates from the

old man’s neck through the veined jaw.

The curator, Biodun Omolayo and Aggrey met over the social media on Facebook. Exchanges took place between the two artists, eventually leading to the showing of African Essence.

“Our meeting started on facebook as friends across borders,” Omolayo disclosed. Soon, Omolayo realised that he and Aggrey had something in common to expand their friendship.

While checking on what each person was involved in, we both discovered that we can work together in a

With lens, Akin-Nibosun’s Alternative Africa’ ‘tell better stories than words’ From Oludare Richards, Abuja N a solo exhibition titled ‘Alternative IsunAfrica’, photo artist, Kemi Akin-Nibointends to take visual artistry into the future through the art of photography by impressing upon minds of the relevance of photography as an art.

Showing in Abuja, Lagos and Enugu, Akin-Nibosun’s exhibition will take off at the Thought Pyramid Arts Gallery, Wuse 2 from May 13-21, 2014 and proceed to Lagos for from June 14-28 and August 7-13 at Alliance Française, Enugu. described as ‘Thematically large’ visual statements made by digital manipulation of images, artistic Photography presents a non-conventional perspective in a bid to portray imagery of identity.

The question of place of photography as an art has come up many times over the years as the art itself has evolved beyond association with regular professional practicality and simplicity; its evolution has been a process.

“Though the medium is photography, it is an art. We are right now in a world of conceptual art where the thought is what counts, and how its creative portrayal is conveyed, however the medium employed”, said Akin-Nibosun, who intend to speak beyond word at her forthcoming exhibition.

Under the influence of collage artist, Hannah Hoch and Arnulf rainer, Akin-Nibosun’s work explores the relationship between collage and the anaglyphic effects of 3d cinematography to create depth and form. Subjects of choice range from socio-political issues to personal connections through different African cities, in a desire to re-imagine the pos-

sibilities of her environment, practice and life. “due to the diverse images from 2010 to 2013, a selection of 10 works two or more serial bodies of works created in each year would be selected. This would total 40 images for the exhibition, giving a better scope of all themes addressed”, Akin-Nibosun’s said. “Photography is multi-dimensional and multi-functional. It is not only a professional skill but also a n

Kemi Akin-Nibosun

artistic skill. Photography is not only needed to document our history”.

“Chinua Achebe onece said: ‘If you don’t like a story, write your own story’, with photography, a story is made with the artistic function of conveyance, of beauty, direction, depth and imagination. Photography tells a story in many ways better than words. Photography tells the story differently and tells the story in different ways, feeding the imagination richly with sophisticated subtlety”.

The relevance of Photography in comparison to Performance art and Installation art is its vast visual impressionability upon the imagination, showing the thought process of the artist in relation to the world involved in the photographic work of art, its development, transition and inspiration reflecting the journey and advancements of visual artistry beyond the classic paint to canvass.

Akin-Nibosun has participated in several exhibitions including ‘From Within’, Art and Photography exhibition by the National Gallery of Art held in Kaduna, 2013; ‘Life in my City’, Enugu, 2013; ‘Crossing Compasses,’ a photography exhibition held at Goethe Institute, Lagos, 2012 as well as group exhibitions with the ‘Invisible Borders Trans-African Photography Project’ held at New Museum, New York, 2012; and many more. Winner of ‘Life in My City’ Best Photograph category’ 2013 Her photographs, created for this solo exhibition, are a conscious effort to project an alternative African in an alternative Africa.

gallery= artist relationship.”

And coincidentally, African Essence was programmed into several activities that marked the 50th birthday of Omolayo.

Born in 1984 and received both his basic and senior education in Ashaiman, he currently holds a degree in Art Education (Bachelor of Arts) from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.

Aggrey works as an Art educator/teacher, painter, sculptor and book Illustrator.

For Femme Fatale, eight female artists converge in Lagos NdEr the platform of U African Artists’ Foundation’s (AAF) Female Artists’ Exhibition, entitled Femme Fatale, which opens today at the Ford Foundation, Banana Island, Lagos, eight artist express contemporary contents.

Tyna Adebowale, Jenevieve Aken, Karimah Ashadu, Elisa Bortolussi, Sésu TilleyGyado (winner of the 2013 National Art Competition), Shannon Lawrence, rOF (duo Carmen & Selina Sutherland) and Omoligho Udenta are artists of Femme Fatale.

The artists’ feature recent work explore the concept through varied artistic practices including: painting, photography, performance, video, and mixed media installation. Participants include: With a specific focus on strengthening opportunities for women artists, this exhibition was conceived

by African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) under the Female Artists’ Platform which aims to highlight the importance of investing in female artists, designers, and women in the arts and culture industries in Nigeria today. This year, a second component to the Female Artists’ Platform includes a group mentor session for secondary school age girls, led by the eight exhibiting

artists. The mentorship is part of a larger initiative, YECA (Youth Empowerment through Contemporary Art), sponsored by the Ford Foundation and organised by AAF. This event is free and open to the public.

Please take care to park on 104 Close (the street on the right immediately past the Ford Foundation Building).

African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary African art.

Established in 2007 in Lagos, Nigeria, African Artists’ Foundation aims to encourage the highest standard of art in Africa. African Artists’ Foundation serves a significant role in art and academic communities through organising art exhibitions, festivals, competitions, residencies, and workshops with the aim of unearthing and developing talent, creating societal awareness, and providing a platform to express creativity. By providing assistance to professional and emerging artists in Africa and support to international exhibitions and community outreach programs, African Artists’ Foundation views the contribution to a strong cultural landscape in Africa as a transformative element in driving social change.

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Heritage Okafor gets his groove back as AMP president

By Usman Abdul S early as 4am, the sky opened up, letting A out its contents as if it wouldn’t let the sun come out. But by 7.30a.m, the sun lit up the sky, indicating a bright weather and when the troupes took positions under their respective canopies, it was apparent that the oracle has spoken: Artistic Director of the outing, Usman Abudah smiled at Felix Umoru, the erudite master of ceremony…

“It’s going to be a beautiful day and we just have to ensure that we keep to the take off time of 11am”, he assured him.

Instrumentation strokes in a mixed rhythm from the various masquerades and traditional troupes, rented the air as spectators took their seats. Chairman of the occasion, Prince Abdulmalik Suleman Afegbua, the Executive Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, took his seat and the royal father, H.R.H. Alhaji Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, the Otaru of Auchi came in while the Eluemosi Dance Troupe of Fugar was on stage, exhibiting a dexterous weaving pattern of dance steps dictated by its soothing team of instrumentalists.

The specially rehearsed female ensemble of Ogbona held the audience captive with its deliverance of folksongs in Etsako dialect with an embellished Aigbi format line of songs of praise, pain and abuse, very well known to the people.

The Aluaye female troupe of Okpella (a much travelled troupe) took its turn and Prince Afegbua couldn’t contain himself as he sent out one of his aides to enter the stage and spray the dancers on his behalf (he is also from Okpella).

The Isiko (hunters dance) troupe from Auchi took its turn: the staccato strokes from the pot drums capped in varied snake skins, produced a smart pattern of dance steps evidently demonstrated by the male dancers, depicting the tactics of hunters while in the bush.

Barrister (Alhaji) Nurudeen Asunogie, who delivered a paper on the theme “Rhythms of the Drums & the Gongs Don’t lie”, held the audience in absolute quietness with his style of emphatic deliverance, which prompted the chairman of the occasion to Christine him “our own Wole Soyinka”.

And it was the turn of the main speaker, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka represented by Dr. Omozuwa: in an address, Prof. Soyinka said, “Greetings to the Ancestors. I am sorry that I cannot join the living who will welcome you to the ecumenical city of Auchi during your brief visitation. However, I have no doubt that your children will give you a proud welcome and that you would take fond memories of the reception back to your abode. Continue to intercede on behalf of progeny that they may soon overcome these troubled times and prove themselves worthy of your blessing”.

The applause was deafening and the master of ceremony, Felix Umoru took the pains to explain the contents in Etsako language, which was quite soothing to the audience.

The vivacious Aimi masquerades of Ogbona, a troupe that had excelled in its performance at the Black Heritage Festival in Lagos in April 2010 at the invitation of the Nobel Laureate himself after watching them at the inauguration of Afenmai Heritage & Cultural Studies at the same Open Pavilion of the Federal Polytechnic at Auchi in March 2010, performed below expectation as it didn’t keep to its cue to perform with only a masquerade rushing to the stage. Usually, its format of stage entering is for the bushy Idu masquerade to come to the stage and later the troupe would emerge.

Obviously, it was a messy turnout and the artistic director fumed over this inexplicable blunder. The Royal father called on the Artistic Director not to relent on this yearly promotional effort in propagating the artistic contents of Afenmai people and promised to make it an issue before the Edo North Traditional Rulers

Masquerades on parade

Representative of Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Dr. Edo Omozuwa (left); chairman of occasion, Prince Suleman Afegbua; HRH, Otaru of Auchi, Saliu Ahmed, Saddiq of Auchi.

Forum towards joining hands to ensure its continuity.

In his remarks, the founder of Afenmai Heritage & Cultural Studies and Artistic Director of the outing, Prince Usman Abudah observed that he “would continue with this self-sponsored project. Most painfully, the local government councils in Edo North are never forthcoming, no response to written correspondence; personal visitations to their respective locations are turned into searching for my letters and on top of it all, some troupes nurse the suspicion that Usman is given money by the government. In fairness to Governor Oshiomhole of Edo State who attended the maiden edition in April last year at Auchi was very forthcoming with a financial donation to kick start a permanent location for the body, but the recent edition was embellished in self-egoistic attitude at the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Orientation, but these won’t kill my spirit”.

Artworks on display

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Arthouse The Future Awards Africa announces ninth season RGANISeRS of The Future Awards Africa has called for nomiO nations for the ninth season of the event that was launched at the closing gala for SHAPE Africa 2014, in Abuja on Tuesday, 7 May, just before the World economic Forum on Africa began. This years’ awards and summit have fully expanded its mission across the continent, to identify exceptional young leaders, celebrate their achievements, and present them as leading the new set of young Africans who will be shaping the future of Africa and the world.

According to co-founder of the awards Adebola Williams, “As the world focuses on Africa, with global leaders weighing in on our most pressing solutions, we are excited to launch yet another season of the premier event for Africa’s young leaders”.

Nominations that will end on June 12 in the following categories: The Future Awards Prize in Advocacy, The Future Awards Prize in Agriculture, The Tony O. elumelu Prize in Business, The Future Awards Prize in Community Action, The Future Awards Prize in education, The Future Awards Prize in enterprise Support, The Future Awards Prize in entertainment, The Future Awards Prize in Public Service, The Future Awards Prize in Technology and The Future Awards Prize for African Young Person of the Year.

Unoma Azuah reads in Ghana IGeRIA’S professor of english at Lane College, Jackson, N Tennessee, U.S., Unoma Azuah, will have a series of readings and talks in Ghana this month. Some of the places where she’ll be hosted include Center for Popular education and human Rights, Accra and Kumasi where Kwabena Agyare Yeboah who is of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology will be her host. She’ll be accompanied by coartists and writers, Atsu Gadri, a dancer poet, and Dolapo, an actor, singer and a performance poet. The trio will be performing, reading and speaking to issues that range from immigration, human rights, music, dance, literature and creative writing, among other subjects.

Compiled by: Florence Utor

Pupils of Mbani-Mbayo secondary school on day one of the 14th Nigerian International bookfair

Abudu, others speak at 2014 NYU African Economic Forum Stories by Florence Utor Chief executive Officer of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, was a speaker at New

Mo during her presentation

York University’s Annual economic Forum (AeF) on April 26, 2014. Speakers and attendees dialogued on the theme: “The African Gold Rush: Realities of Africa’s economic Growth and Potential”. The aim of this year’s forum was to present a balanced depiction of the current economic situation in many African countries, while highlighting promising transformations across Africa.

Abudu shared on “how we did it” – building a proudly African media company to tell a different story to the world.

“Africans must tell their own story, we are best placed to tell our own story. We need to ensure African brands become global brands”.

Other discussions included the challenges that lie ahead of Africa’s path to realizing its full potential as the world’s final investment frontier. The event featured a series of panels covering topics ranging from Technology and entrepreneurship, to entertainment and Private Capital amongst others. There was also a Leadership Fireside Chat and a “Five-Star Speakers Series”.

Speakers that delivered keynotes were CeO and Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, Ladi Balogun, and World Bank’s Vice President for Africa, Makhatar Diop.

Other speakers were Founding Partner of Red Media Africa, Adebola Williams, executive Director at United Nations Global Compact, Georg Kell, Group head at ecoBank, Charles Kie; Daniel Monehin; eric Kinoti, CeO of Shades Systems east Africa Limited; Amini Kajunju, President of the Africa America Institute, Kunle Olaifa, head of hR at Samsung West Africa; Chika Nwobi, Managing Partner at L4Lab, eric-Vincent Guichard, chairman and CeO of GRAVITAS Capital Advisors amongst others.

CORA declares 2014 ‘The Soyinka Year’ he Committee For T Relevant Art (CORA) has declared 2014 ‘The Soyinka Year’ and proclaimed the theme of this year’s edition of the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) as Freedom &The Word.

CORA asserts that these two go well together: Soyinka has worked towards the unshackling of our freedom of expression for all these years and in the year of the 25th anniversary of the Fall of The Berlin Wall; 20th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy and the 15th year of Nigeria’s end to military rule, it is fitting to honour a landmark birthday of a man whose life-long career irrepressibly dotes on concern about human Freedom(s) with a year-long programme that interrogates our quest for freedom, especially through the letters. every programme of CORA in 2014, including the Art Stampede, our quarterly conversation on the state of the arts and the administration of culture; the Arthouse Forum, our periodic symposium on interface between the lives/work of a distinguished culture producer and the social environment, the Booktrek, CORA’s outreach intervention focused on youth education as well as the Lagos Book And Art Festival, an annual feast of celebration of the written word, and our contribution to turning Nigeria’s teeming masses into true human capital, shall reflect this honour.

The Lagos Book and Art Festival 2014, which is the 16th edi-

tion, will run for from November 14 to 16 at the Freedom Park on Broad Street. Pre-Festival events, including the yearly Publishers’ Forum, Worksop for Young Writers and Publishers, as well as finale of the Book Trek, start on Monday November 10 and round up on November 13.

Pro. Soyinka

The festival features readings and conversations around books, art and craft displays, children’s art workshops and reading sessions, book exhibitions, live music and theatre performance, capacity building workshops and exhibitions, and critical seminars for different sectors of the creative industries.

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Revue Feeling the pulse of Pan-Africanism in Jamaica

Edem Duke

Babawale

By Kabir Alabi Garba HE conviction that concerted and strategic approach will be required to develop approT priate and lasting panacea to socio-economic and political challenges confronting Africans and their brethrens in the Diaspora has continued to receive global attention and varied interpretation within and outside the continent.

On April 23 to 25, 2014, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) held its 9th Global African Colloquium on the theme: Toward a New Pan-Africanism: Deploying Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy in the Service of Africa and the Diaspora at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica.

It was a collaborative effort involving other partners such as the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus Kingston, Jamaica; the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica (ACIJ); the Pan African Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG); the High Commission of South Africa in Jamaica; and the Nigeria High Commission in Jamaica.

The conference derived its essence from the realization that African continent and the Diaspora, in recent time, have been confronted with numerous socio-economic and political challenges.

But despite decades of experimentation with different economic policies and programmes, “the world’s absolute poor still live on the continent. With only a few exceptions, most countries on the continent are caught in the poverty trap, with more than half of the population living below the poverty line and on less than $1 per day. Poverty is so severe in Africa that about 22 out of the 25 poorest countries in the World are in Africa.” Needless political crises that often resulted in violent conflicts on the continent has also compounded the problem of poverty.

And like the African continent, the African Diaspora is also faced with its own challenges.

The continent’s Diaspora is plagued with the problems of socio-political and economic exclusion. Despite constituting significant segments

of their countries’ population, most Diaspora Africans are condemned to the lowest socio-economic rung of the ladder in their own societies and are almost excluded from political participation. This is in addition to other these challenges of domination, inequality, poverty, disease and racial discrimination faced by Diaspora Africans.

The objectives of the conference included the need to create the desirable space and forum for African and African Diaspora experts, students, scholars and researchers to meet, debate, exchange ideas and present their work particularly the humanistic and social science disciplines of history, the arts, philosophy, anthropology and archaeology.

The organizers envisaged that it would also foster understanding of the relationship between Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy and identity politics in Africa and the Diaspora; while participants would examine the extent to which Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy have promoted or hindered development in Africa and the Diaspora. In addition to enhancing understanding of Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy and how they could be explored and utilized to advance the frontiers of Pan-Africanism.

Broadly, the conference was also intended to foster renewed commitment to stocktaking, improved investigation and dissemination of knowledge and general considerations of the plight of Africans and peoples of African Diaspora; draw attention to and harness the multidimensional advantages of the disciplines of Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy in redefining new Pan Africanism in the service of Africa and the African Diaspora; as well as provide a platform for the gains of Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy in the service of Africa and the Diaspora.

Minster of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke attributed the choice of Jamaica as venue of the conference to cordial relationship that exists between Nigeria and Jamaica. “Our countries share cultural affinity,” the minister said,

noting further, “Jamaica’s biggest cultural export to Nigeria is music and fashion.

Nigeria’s Nollywood enjoys great patronage from Jamaicans. Consequently, organizing a conference of this magnitude here in Kingston will surely strengthen bilateral relationship between our countries.”

On the theme of the conference, Duke said, “Pan-Africanism marked a significant watershed in which people of African descent forge a common front at confronting impediments of global Africans development. It represents an attempt by African and its Diaspora at destroying the leviathan and vestiges of slavery, colonization, racism, neo-colonialism and all negative identity syndrome that have become characteristic of places inhabited by people of African descent.”

Pan-Africanism, he stressed played useful and significant role in Africa’s decolonization process. “Lamentably, years after we attained self-rule, we are yet to realize the lofty dreams of the great people that led our agitation and struggle for independence. In recent times, disturbing images have emerged from our continent. UNDP Human Development Report, in quantitative terms, paints a gory picture of the continent. According to it, Africa’s shares on the world market and the values of its exports can be compared to that of Hong Kong. In terms of GNP, the continent is comparable to an average European country and the budget of an average African country is equivalent to the budget of an average European city. The Diaspora has not fared better. They face similar challenges as the continent.

“In short, Africa bears half of the burden of world’s misery. Life expectancy is rapidly declining while infant mortality is on the increase. At the political level, we are developing and improving on culture of violence. The continent is a hot bed of frightening inter-state confrontations, civil wars and genocide. On the continent, the culture of accountability and peaceful conflict resolution is gradually paving way for recklessness, impunity and violence.

“These are not the dreams and desires of our founding leaders. The situation therefore demands that we retrace our steps by revisiting the ideology that drives the struggle for independence in the first instance. Given the problems on the continent, an international conference that explores other ways of surmounting Africa and Diaspora’s numerous problems is appropriate and timely.”

Duke expressed the belief that Pan-Africanism could be reactivated to turnaround the lives of Africans globally. “It is capable of creating enabling environment for viable and sustainable economic growth and development. This way we can reduce poverty, re-engineer our

social development and end various mindless wars and conflicts that continue to plague our continent. The ideology is capable, if employed objectively, of providing us avenues for peace-building which can help in promoting democratic governance and respect for human rights. Pan-Africanism can also aid our quest at fostering continental integration and seeking beneficial partnership with the industrialized world,” Duke said.

In his opening remarks, Director-General of CBAAC, Prof. Tunde Babawale shared his thought on the theme as he described PanAfricanism as “an ideological construct conceived to encourage unity among Africans and people of African descent. It evolves and is premised on the assumption that there is power in unity. Pan-Africanism represents the aggregation of the historical, cultural, spiritual, artistic, scientific and philosophical aspirations of Africans and her Diaspora from the past to the present.”

Motivation for the conference, according to Babawale, is partly to deconstruct certain misconceptions concerning Africa and humanistic disciplines. “Before now, humanistic disciplines like Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Philosophy were believed by Western knowledge enterprise to be their preserve and beyond the comprehension of Africans and their descendants.

“To their establishment, Africans and their descendants have no knowledge system on history and philosophy. Consequently, claims of the existence of African history and philosophy are not tenable. Western establishment also tenuously believes that anthropology and archaeology were areas of knowledge founded by them. This conference challenges such beliefs and corrects those impressions. This conference will also explore ways these forms of knowledge can be used to advance Africa’s and Diaspora’s developmental strides.”

CBAAC’s choice of Jamaica for the conference, he explained, “is informed by country’s centrality to African and African Diaspora History and Culture. Our choice is also spurred by Jamaica’s enviable commitment to the strengthening of relationship with Africa particularly through the AU 6th Region initiative.

Our choice of the beautiful campus here in Mona located in the alluring city of Kingston which is surrounded by the Blue and Long Mountains and Red Hills is informed by the warm reception of the University management to the idea of holding a conference here.”

Babawale expressed optimism that the gathering would help “to identify, assemble and

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… Driving growth in Africa through humanistic disciplines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 document the contributions of Africans all over the world for proper preservation using these disciplines. In addition, the opportunity provided by this meeting would enable us create a platform for proper coordination of the vision, mission, ideals and activities of both past and present pan-Africanists.”

He also believed that the meeting would give birth to a platform whereby Africans and the Diaspora speak “with a stronger voice and ensure that we take Pan-African unity beyond mere slogans and resolutions.”

According to him, one of the expected yields of the colloquium is a sustainable platform “for Africans on the continent and the Diaspora to further the cause of Pan-Africanism and achieve the goals of continental and Diaspora integration envisioned by various Pan-African organizations for total political emancipation and economic empowerment of Africa and the Diaspora.” Just as he believed the exercise would “strengthen the relationship between Continental and Diaspora Africa and assist in the appropriation of the positive areas of our diversity for sustainable development.”

CBAAC, he reiterated undertook the project in fulfillment of its mandate of reconnecting Africa and her Diaspora. It would be interesting to note that CBAAC came into being through Decree 69 of 1979, following the successful and epochal hosting of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77).

Essentially, the Centre holds in custody for the Black and African countries and communities that participated at the festival core artifacts and cultural items that were exhibited. It achieves its set aims and objectives through conferences, lectures, symposia, workshops and exhibition. The Centre also promotes research, publishes and has a hall of fame, a gallery of the arts and a library of prints and audio – visuals, archival collections.

As a Pan-African and Afro-Centric Organization, CBAAC in recent times, has intensified activities on its international mandate of fostering closer historical and cultural links between continental and Diaspora Africa.

The conference in Jamaica is one of such programmes the centre organizes to bring the Diaspora closer to the continent. Although the Centre engages in other activities on regular basis, the yearly international colloquium has become the flagship of the series of conferences, workshops, public lectures and other intellectual programmes organized or sponsored by the centre.

“Our annual International Conference is one of such programmes that the Centre organizes not only to bring to the front burner issues affecting global Africans and the general public for intellectual discourse but it is in part fulfillment of the Centre’s mandate of reconnecting Africa and her Diaspora,” Babawale told the

Participants at the workshop gathering during the opening on April 24.

On his part, Chairman, Governing Board of CBAAC, Senator Brimmo Yusuf acknowledged efforts of CBAAC in “bringing to the fore issues that set agenda for the development and progress of Africa and the Africa Diaspora.”

Pan-Africanism, he noted, is about the recognition of the common experience and common destiny of Africa’s people against colonialism and slavery, and for unity, independence and self-determination. He premised the imperativeness of the conference on “the urgent need to reflect on developmental challenges Africa and its Diaspora continue to face and fashion out strategic responses to these problems.”

In the last several decades, Yussuf decried that political independence has not translated into socio-economic and even political progress in most African countries. “Most of our peers at independence have since left our countries behind. While they continue to make progress, Africa and her Diaspora are befuddled and enmeshed in needless socio-economic and political crises. Consequently, the convocation of this conference by the Centre and her partners is a timely response to these challenges,” he said.

Adding, he said, “although we are yet to attain the heights we would have loved to be, this conference offers us the best chance to reflect on our journey so far. The reflection is not to start or engage in the blame game but to assist us in charting a realistic path to sustainable growth and development. As an ideology, I believe that pan-Africanism can be used as our

spring board to greatness. It can act as the tonic we need to nurse our ambitions to reality. I sincerely believe it can propel our determination to succeed in spite of all odds. It can guide our strides towards development.”

Participation of great scholars such as Professor Augustin Holl of the Université ParisOuest Nanterre La Défense, France who gave keynote speech on Global Africa: Moving Forward; Pro Chancellor and Campus Principal, the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Professor Archibald McDonald; the Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris and others enriched discussion at the three-day outing.

Some of the recommendations reached at the end of the conference included the need for African scholars and public intellectuals to deconstruct Eurocentric tendencies and dependencies and develop epistemologies that are reflective of African realities, relevant to Africa and its Diaspora, responsive to the challenges of socio-political, economic and intellectual development of Africa and the Diaspora.

In encouraging Africans from the Diaspora to visit Africa, participants canvassed that CBAAC and similar African organizations should provide a database of interested Diaspora Africans who would like to go to Africa as well as those in Africa who are willing to host brothers and sisters from the Diaspora.

It was also resolved that production of films, movies and documentaries on historical figures and experiences from the continent and

the Diaspora should be actively pursued.

Africans, they argued should value each other by respecting our past, our ancestry and embracing courageously the challenge of building our future together.

“We need our scholars to communicate with us, they must be accountable to the African youth, be more approachable/available to engage with the grassroots community.

Elitism must be discouraged,” participants admonished.

They canvassed for the creation and funding of a ‘Brain Trust’ of best minds - experts and community stakeholders - who will be able to design the strategic plan for Africa and Diaspora development and implement the solutions needed.

Other resolutions reached are: *Provision of funding to support initiatives and organizations committed to youth and community leadership development.

Strengthen Civic societies to hold leadership accountable; * Development of a language that can be used similar to how the European languages are taught by strengthening the mandate of the African Heritage Project; * Creation of a database of curriculum in a format easy to use by teachers, parents and community members and made available via the internet for free; * Creation of skills database of African intellectuals and professionals in order to identify what they are doing and could be part of Africa’s development agenda; * Creation of partnerships with Historical Black Colleges and University that can become sister universities with African universities; * Evaluation of the role of education and the curriculum to tie it into the findings of the needs assessment. * Creating a comprehensive needs assessment which is adaptable to each country’s needs.

This assessment will be the guiding document for the creation of education and training needs for each country and will tie into internships for college students; * Developing international relationships between CARICOM, African Union and the Americas; * Developing youth entrepreneurial programs to begin to create future business people for Africa; * Broadening of trade opportunities between Africa and the Diaspora; * Opening up travel opportunities and removal of visa restrictions between Africa and the Diaspora; * Establishing African administrative structures on solid intellectual and academic traditions; and setting up task force and timeline for the realization of recommendations; as well as translation of the communiqué into African and other European languages.

In Dubai, medley of fun, excitement for Legend winners

By Omiko Awa AST week, a new vista was opened in Lthethe lives of the first set of winners in on-going Legend Extra Stout promo, as they travelled on an allexpenses-paid trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

While in Dubai, the lucky winners had the opportunity to shop for items to the tune of N1 million in one of the country’s biggest malls. Aside from the shopping spree, they also visited interesting sites such as Desert Safari, where they enjoyed exhilarating jeep rides and exciting Falcon show. And to cap off the evening, the consumers enjoyed exotic three course Arabian dinner, while a belly dancer thrilled them with her scintillating dance steps.

The following day, the splurge continued with the winners going through different sections of the shopping mall, picking any item that catch their fancy.

According to Ernest Favour Nzelu, one of the winners, “the shopping experience was wonderful. I am satisfied with the items I was able to pick during the 60-second-period given to us to make a choice of what we want in the mall. I didn’t even dream of coming to Dubai, less shopping for

the items. I am grateful to Legend Extra Stout.”

Ernest, who owns a bar in Abuja, said he has also used the opportunity to explore business potentials in the country.

He noted: “I am a businessman, who has been planning to explore the business potentials in Dubai. My recent trip has made that dream come true. I now know a few places I could visit in the country.”

Advising the youths against crime, he said, “for youths that may be thinking of getting involved in criminal activities as a means of getting rich, participating in Legend Extra Stout national promo may just be it, because the promo has transformed the lives of those of us that won it.”

Another winner, Aliuhuo Vivian Chinasa, a shop attendant, who never thought of visiting Dubai noted, “ I would have been satisfied with just N100, 000 worth of gift items, but with the trip and the things I bought, I am shocked beyond words; I will sell some of the items and keep the rest.”

For Friday Okonofua Peter, the journey was an answered prayer. He had witnessed the glamour that followed last year’s edition and desired to be part of the fun. Thanking God for

answered prayer, he revealed, “I am grateful to Legend for giving me the opportunity to fly in an airplane and to get a traveller’s passport for the first time in my life.”

Also sharing the joy of entering airplane for the first is Yohanna Bishara from Sokoto State, who is grateful to the stout brand for the experience.

Kazeem Sadiku Gbenga, who was filled with joy at the Dubai experience, said, “I still have not made up my mind on what to do with my largesse.”

Nwala Simon, who initially doubted the promo even after sending in his crown cork codes said: “I never thought it was real and now I have had the experience, I now know it is real. I am very grateful for the gift items. And if another promo comes up, I will participate again. I appreciate it. I love it.”

Femi Atanda Ishola, a 34-year old furniture designer referred to his stay in Dubai as the experience of a lifetime. According to him: “I felt happy when I learnt that I would be coming to Dubai for the opportunity to shop. I enjoyed myself, I visited various places and I ate whatever I liked.

I was also able to pick a lot of things during shopping.”

Winners on their way to the shopping mall last week in Dubai

Tourists inside Dubai Museum

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ExecutiveBrief

EDITION 306

In association with TRIPPLEA ASSOCIATES LIMIED

Charles Nwankwo: Committed To Developing New and Improved Drilling Techniques NRG Drilling Nigeria Limited (NRG), an indigenous Nigerian drilling company was established to become an industry leader in onshore drilling in Nigeria and Africa. With a foundation built on impressive handson experience of its principals derived from many years of operations, NRG was established as a direct response to the emerging opportunities in the dynamic Nigeria and Africa Oil and Gas industry due to the Nigerian content act. Mr. Charles Nwankwo, the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation has over 22 Years Industrial and Business Management Experience, 10 years of which was in Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry. He has held senior management positions in major blue chip companies, both in and outside Nigeria. The quintessential business leader spoke on the Focus of a CEO in this interview with Nnamdi Nwokolo.

What is NRG Drilling all about?

RG was established as a direct response to the emerging opportunities in the dynamic Nigeria and Africa Oil and Gas industry due to the Nigerian content act. NRG provides drilling rigs and experienced crews to drill oil and gas wells to access hydrocarbon. It converts former producing wells to injection wells to enhance oil recovery operations and carry out major repairs and maintenance on existing wells. NRG stands out because our rigs can be hired on a daily basis, and this allows marginal field operators to use NRG’s services without having to sign a long-term lease. We are going into more challenges according to government aspiration and directive to participate wholesomely in the exploration, prospecting and exploitation of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon.

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NRG and drilling expertise: Drilling is a highly specialty activity. Nigerians have spent over five decades understudying the expatriates. Basically, the understudy program does work. We’ve put in a lot of years to learn from the expatriates that know the terrain and they are willing to support the understudy programme. It works because, those who want to learn will learn. Right now, I have very good Nigerians who are products of the successful understudy programme and they handle very complex and highly technical activities. I believe that as the organization grows, they’ll be able to mentor other Nigerians in their own body language and psychologically as well to make it easier for more people to catch up.

Four years of Nigerian Content Act: As a company run by Nigerians, NRG is committed to the Local Content Act. It has developed plans to train indigenous employees and the majority of their supply chain is sourced from within the country. I think globally there are gains. For me any attitudinal change in the body polity is beautiful. Are we there yet? I don’t think so. A lot of efforts need to be put in its implementation and monitoring to make sure the industry players comply. It’s important to know that the law is not just for the oil and gas industry. It cuts across the whole gamut of the economy. The kind of society we are in, the ripple effect will multiply exponentially over time. It’s not going to happen over night. The movement is on: we should also pass the Petroleum Industry Bill to give us a direction in the industry. The quick passage of the bill would create an enabling environment and encourage more foreign investments into the industry because it will actually define industry operations. Any delay is dangerous, if you delay a bill, which a lot of people are anticipating, it will in turn delay foreign investments, which has negative impact on the economy. However, the long term impact of a well articulated, negotiated bill cannot be quantified.

What were the initial challenges and how were you able to surmount it?

I want to use this medium to tell Nigerians in the Diaspora that no one gives you an inch or a quarter when you come back home, but the opportunities are there. My own approach is that when you come back, you look at your own specific discipline, you see where the line is, and you go to the back of the line and take your position and wait for your turn.

Usually, you’ll do well if you manage your expectations. The

in areas that are not our direct catchment because our direct catchment belongs to the companies we work for. We have some NGO’s in medical, recreational, and educational facilities that we provide. We have developed successful entrepreneurs in terms of uplifting the lives of ordinary Nigerians. I believe strongly in empowerment because the ripple effect it will have in the immediate environment cannot be over emphasised. We have a responsibility along with our operators to contribute to the development of our host communities. We work with locals on basic infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.

Focus and Projections: We started pretty much on a shoestring and already we have grown to be on the largest producing marginal oil field in the country. In the future with the successful award of new contracts the company wants to increase its rig fleet which will allow it to employ over 10,000 youths in the Niger Delta. The company wants to be the largest land and shallow water drilling company in Nigeria and expand into the North and East African market. We want to grow on our own steam and keep the debt exposure to a minimum. When you do that well enough, you naturally attract investments. We are committed to developing new, improved drilling techniques and equipment, and focusing on value creation for clients, NRG is arguably one of the most outward-looking companies in Nigeria, and its plans for the future coupled with its willingness to learn from the past means it will maintain an upward trajectory, creating a new standard for drilling companies.

On the Critical Factors for business success: The critical factors for business success are honesty first, honesty second and honesty third. Honesty is the critical factor for a successful life. You also need to keep an eye on your key performance indicators. You need to have a kind of resilience to downtime and think out of the box and you need a lot of prayers.

Driving force: Man by nature is looking up toward the next challenge or terrain to conquer. What drives me is growth. It opens some vista but the courage comes from strong personal belief. If you go into a high risk industry, you need to have the confidence and knowledge to really be a success. As long as we are affecting lives, and if by our growth other people see success, then it’s a key driving force. Although there is still a long way to go in terms of harnessing the full potentials in the industry, however, the participation by local companies is a litmus test that the local content initiative had come to stay. I call on industry players, small and medium enterprises to wake up to the challenges of tapping the benefits in the industry.

Leadership Philosophy: Good leadership thrives on good followership. I believe that a leadership that takes on frontline responsibilities unto itself creates a good path for good followership because you are living with some level of example. It is only then you have the moral high ground to make demands on followership.

How do you get in touch with people at all levels in your organisation?

I’m not far from my people. I have an open door policy and it goes down to our rig hands, security. We relate as friends and talk like colleagues. Luckily, when I was standing at the back of my line, I stood in the line of different jungles. I have no issue with my people. I think one will miss the mark when you begin to stratify in your organization. I thought the question would’ve been for the country generally, I would say that we sincerely need to think outside tribal, religious, ethnocentric marks, giving the position that a leader occupies in other to create a welcome environment for the people. It has happened a lot of times in the past when we play football games, or when labour calls for mass action, we do this regardless of who made that order, and Nigerians act as one.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: I’m happy you didn’t ask me what advice to give Nigerians looking for work because it’s a hard one to give. I’ve been through that and I know how frustrating it could be. I can only do that when I’m in a position to create jobs. My advice to young entrepreneurs is that it takes many mountains and Charles Nwankwo valleys to get to the ocean shore. Entrepreneurship is a calling, everybody cannot be an entrepreneur. A little percentage of our population go for entrepreneurship. It shows that it challenge when you come back is that of your expectation and comes with the challenges of more hills and more valleys. everybody around you. The expectation of the people around you makes it difficult for people to come back, if you don’t What’ your phobia when you decided to be an Entrepreneur? have a lorry load of cash. For those of us who stayed in the When I was coming back, one of my uncles called me and said countryside in the US, we’ve learnt how to live on a shoe are you crazy, look at the traffic every one is coming this way string. To really succeed, you need to manage your expectaand you are going the other way. My phobia was like every tion and apply whatever you’ve learnt in everything you do. young mans phobia, but it wasn’t phobia enough to stop my coming back. I came back on a shoe string and I knew there CSR of NRG: will be difficult times. My business phobia still exists and that Usually we hook up to our clients CSR Programmes and we is after so many years, I can’t have access to my president. We boost it. We try to add to it. We do have our CSR Programmes always have silent conversation with our leaders.

For Advertisement and Enquiries Call Nnamdi on 08025070837 or E-mail:editor.executivebrief@trippleagroup.com

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The Gadgets That Should Be in Every Home

INFOTECH

By Groshan Fabiola ECHNOLOGY has redeT fined the way people spend their time and even the way they interact with friends and family. More importantly, the 21st century has brought considerable changes in the gadgets and accessories that people use at home. Perhaps many of us remember how a few decades ago, those who had a flat screen TV or an audio system were considered quite well-off and tech savvy. Today, things have advanced faster than we could have imagined before the 2000s and the modern home is equipped with much more than that.

Although sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with technology, the good news is that most gadgets and accessories are very affordable and you can get amazing benefits without investing a huge amount of money. It goes without saying that every modern home needs a computer, so for this article we will focus on other products that are not as well known, or on accessories that enhance the functionality of the PC. Computers and the Internet have managed to achieve the unthinkable: they’ve managed to overthrow the TV from its

supremacy and even turn it into something obsolete.

Just how people used to gather around the TV set in the evening, they now use tablets, smartphones and laptops to watch movies online. Of course, none of the above gadgets offer the comfort of television in terms of dimensions, which is why many prefer to spend thousands of dollars on smart TVs. If you’re not yet ready to make this invest-

ment, you can use a mini DisplayPort to connect your TV with any gadget and watch movies or videos on it. This way, you will not have to make compromises and watch a movie like Gravity on a small 7 inch screen.

If you have children, then you’re probably wondering how to keep them happy and entertained. A great way of bonding with children and spending quality

time together is to get an Xbox or PlayStation and play games together. It might be a bit of a costly purchase, but it’s worth it, considering that you can play all kinds of games, for both kids and adults. Another product for entertainment purposes is the Himedia Q10 II, which is a popular media player with HD video playback. A docking station can also come in handy, especially if you have both a laptop and a desktop

computer at home. For example, you can find creative iPhone docks that look very nice and also offer a variety of great features, such as alarm clocks and portable speakers.

A common misconception that people have about technology is that it is addressed only to young people or those who work with it everyday. However, anyone can understand and benefit from technology.

Household gadgets are made in an intuitive way, so that they can be enjoyed by parents and children alike.

If you have been dreaming about a hi-tech home, but feared to make investments because you imagined modern devices to be too expensive or too complicated, then visit any dedicated online store and you will see that there are in fact many great options to choose from.

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

The MOST IMPORTANT Word In Business

By Tito Philips, Jnr. ACH time I throw open this quesE tion to entrepreneurs; what is the most important word in business? The most frequent answer I get is profit. Profit is a short term view of assessing the health and wealth of a business. Unless you want to stay in business for the short term, don’t focus on profit alone. The most important word in business is not profit, but cash flow.

Yet, many entrepreneurs strongly believe that profit is the most important word in business. But according to management guru Peter Drucker, this shouldn’t be so.

In his all time management classic book; ‘The Essential Drucker’, he states; “Entrepreneurs starting new ventures are rarely unmindful of money; on the contrary, they tend to be greedy. They therefore focus

on profits. But this is the wrong focus for a new venture, or rather, it should come last rather than first”.

Cash flow, capital and control should be emphasized in the early stages. Without them, the profit figures are fiction –good for twelve to eighteen months, perhaps, after which they evaporate. Growth has to be fed. In financial terms, this means adding financial resources rather than taking them out. Growth needs more cash and more capital. If the growing new venture shows a “profit”, it is a fiction: a bookkeeping entry put in only to balance the accounts…the healthier a new venture and the faster it grows, the more financial feeding it requires.”

Cash flow is the Most Important Word in Business - The understanding of cash flow management is key to the survival of any business. As my

financial mentor Robert Kiyosaki always says, ‘the direction of your cash flow is everything’. Successful entrepreneurs know that one of their key functions is to know how to manage the available resources and at the same time galvanize the available resources towards achieving the desired result. This is what Peter Drucker above referred to as “feeding growth” and for growth to be fed, you need to understand cash flow.

What Is Cash flow? Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of your business. It is the direction from which revenue is generated and the direction through which revenue is spent. Cash flow is the inflow and outflow of cash inside your business. The whole concept is hinged upon two words; income (receivables) and expenditure (payables).

Cash flow is the measure of cash that

Action is the foundational key to all success. -Pablo Picasso

flow in and out of your business.

Cash flow is the life wire of any business. What blood is to the body is what cash flow is to the business.

When blood stops flowing into your system then you’re on your way to the mortuary. Cash flow is simply the life blood of any viable business. Your responsibility as an entrepreneur is to ensure that more cash flows into your business than goes out of your business. It is the maintenance of a positive cash flow in your business that determines the financial health of your business. This is the reason you must always ensure that more cash flow into your business than what’s going out of your business.

When more cash flows in than it flows out, you will have a positive cash flow, but when more cash flows out than comes in, you will have a negative cash flow.

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Friday, May 9, 2014 AUTOWHEELS 43

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AutoWheels

2014 Subaru Forester

2014 Subaru Forester revs on as off roader HE Subaru Forester has morphed from a T lifted, high-clearance wagon to something of a serious off roader in recent years – especially in base specification as tested here.

The steel wheels and no frills exterior trim on this 2014 Subaru Forester indicate a level of capability that is more go than show. Pricing for this base model automatic starts at an impressive $32,990.

The boxer engine remains (2.5-litres if you desire an auto, or 2.0-litres with a manual transmission) and Subaru’s legendary all wheel drive formula remains key to the Forester’s appeal.

If the manual is more to your taste, you can net the entry-level model for $29,990.

Strangely though, you can’t mix and match those two engines and transmissions, which is not the end of the world, but strange regardless.

Fuel efficiency isn’t especially impressive for the class – the ADR claim is 8.1litres/100km. On test over a 200km largely city loop it returned 10.1-litres/100km – impressively close to the ADR claim in real world terms, it has to be said.

Despite the relatively cheap entry price, the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Auto is actually quite well equipped. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning, reverse-view camera, DataDot theft detection and, crucially for anyone travelling longer distances into remote areas, a full size spare, something that should be mandatory for any vehicle claiming to be an SUV in Australia.

As we’ve come to expect from the brand, the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i auto gets the full five-star ANCAP safety rating thanks to

Subaru’s commitment to safety and the inclusion of seven airbags as standard equipment across the range. Extensive use of aluminium has dropped overall weight down but also assisted in creating a more rigid body structure that adds to the safety equation.

The Bluetooth connection was easy to set up, and reliable. The audio streaming was clear and didn’t lose connection, and the major phone controls were easy to decipher. Likewise the high-mounted reverseview camera, which was crystal clear and extremely handy negotiating tight, city parking spaces, not to mention safe.

Our test model came equipped with a factory tow bar and electronic brake controller. We only managed to hitch up a lightweight box trailer for a short run, but the camera made lining the trailer up an absolute cinch.

As you’d expect of a base model car, the interior is rather plain and a little austere, but it’s comfortable even over longer distances. The front seats especially are well contoured and comfortable for drivers of all shapes and sizes and the cabin is nicely insulated up to freeway speeds. The curved plastics can feel a little harsh, but the general interior design is attractive.

Base specification Forester gets a fairly rudimentary audio system, but retains the steering wheel mounted control functionality.

Visibility is excellent from the driver’s seat. Entry and egress is also just about perfect thanks to the combination of ride and seat height. Looking forward through the windscreen, the A-pillars don’t get in the way around town as you negotiate tight streets, and the view aft is obviously

assisted by the rear vision camera. Auto repeat blinkers are something we’ve almost come to expect, but we’ll forgive the Forester this shortcoming given the price.

The new Subaru Forester is slightly larger than the outgoing model, with a 35mm gain in overall length, and a wheelbase that has stretched by 25mm. The Forester’s cabin has always felt capacious, but its even more the case now with plenty of legroom in the second row regardless of how long legged the front seat drivers are.

The low load height and flat floor in the luggage space was especially appreciated, plenty of luggage could fit into the space, while the retractable cover keeps your gear hidden from prying eyes. The rear seats fold forward easily too, with levers on each side well within reach.

Under the bonnet, the 2.5-litre engine powering our test car is nowhere near as high tech as the higher specification, turbocharged XT model with direct injection.

Conventional multi-point injection might hurt the fuel consumption a little, but 126kW at 5800rpm and 235Nm at 4100rpm is more than enough to get the Forester up to speed and keep it there without the automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT) slurring or making too many nasty noises. Speaking of which, the CVT backing the Forester’s petrol engine is one of the smoothest and least intrusive we’ve experienced over the past few years.

Stop-start technology is standard on all automatic models. Often an annoying and laggy addition to an otherwise smooth driving experience,Subaru’s stop/start works well in the Forester and it certainly helps keep the fuel usage lower than it otherwise would be.

Buyers considering this entry-level end of the medium SUV segment won’t be looking for a sports-car feel. With that in mind, the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Auto handles daily driving duties around town with ease.

The combination of 17-inch steel wheels and high profile rubber work together absorb ugly road surfaces with comfort and composure. Hit the freeway and get up to speed and there’s no intrusive road noise, tyre roar or tramlining to worry about either. You will notice some noise over really rough roads – such as corrugated dirt for example – but that won’t be an issue for most drivers most of the time.

A function dubbed X-Mode can also be engaged via a console-mounted switch and helps the driver stay in control on loose, scrabbly surfaces up to 40km/h. It’s not a ‘proper’ 4WD system by any means, but it does make more difficult off road driving a little easier for the less experienced driver.

Take into account the full sized spare on board, and the base specification Forester is perfectly suited to family weekends traversing national parks and heading off road onto fire trails and non-threatening dirt roads.

Australia has had a long running love affair with the Subaru Forester that doesn’t really look to be set to change anytime soon. This fourth generation model doesn’t shift the goalposts as such, certainly not within the class. What it does is improve on a tried and tested formula by offering a spacious and comfortable cabin, a solid driving experience both on road and off, and sharp pricing.

For the family buyer looking for a robust soft roader on a budget, the new Forester definitely hits the mark.

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Fiat Chrysler bets on Jeep, Alfa revamp to go global Chrysler (FIA.MI) is betFsionIAT ting on a breakneck expanof its upmarket Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Maserati brands to transform itself into a global car making powerhouse within five years.

The newly merged group outlined a long-awaited business plan on Tuesday, aiming to revive its historic car making names and persuade investors it can overcome high debt, an uncertain market backdrop and past missteps to close the gap on industry leaders such as Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) and Toyota Motor Corp.

“Today is much more than a new chapter. We are writing an entire new book,” Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne told reporters and analysts during a day of presentations in Detroit.

Besides an aggressive, belated push into Asia, Marchionne promised to increase North American sales by half as Chrysler broadens its lineup and the embattled Dodge brand digs in.

Fiat Chrysler said it would invest billions of dollars to build new models and ramp up output, predicting sales would surge to almost 7 million vehicles by 2018 from 4.4 million last year - a target some analysts thought highly ambitious.

“It’s definitely a tall order, but I don’t think we ever expected anything less from Marchionne in terms of the ambition,” said Exane-BNP Paribas analyst Stuart Pearson.

“Even getting half or twothirds of the way to those business plan targets would

be a positive achievement industrially - it’s then a question of what investors are expecting and what’s already priced into the shares.”

Fiat shares have risen 44 percent, outpacing a 5.4 per cent gain for the broader sector .SXAP, since the Italian company announced a January 1 deal to take full control of Chrysler and create the world’s seventh-biggest carmaker. The stock closed 1.2 percent lower at 8.47 euros on Tuesday.

The group, preparing to move its main share listing from Milan, Italy, to New York

as soon as October 1, hopes its combined clout and profitable U.S. business can overcome European losses and propel it into the major league.

At stake are thousands of jobs, particularly in Italy where Fiat Chrysler plans to make many of the new Alfa Romeo models.

The core Fiat marquee’s future growth prospects now lie elsewhere, brand chief Olivier Francois said, pledging model updates tailored to Latin America and Asia, including a long overdue Punto revamp.

“There is no easy fix,”

Francois said. “We are all realizing that notwithstanding Fiat’s great European history, things have changed.”

Marchionne is seeking to emulate rivals such as Volkswagen by building global brands and a strong position in the rapidly expanding and high-margin market for premium cars, particularly in Asia, where the group lags behind its main rivals.

The company forecast Alfa Romeo would multiply sales more than fivefold to 400,000 vehicles in 2018 as it invested 5 billion euros ($7 billion) to add eight new models and ramp up produc-

tion.

Maserati sales would rise at a similar rate to 75,000 on the back of more than 2 billion euros of capital spending, while Jeep would double output to 1.9 million vehicles in 2018, almost half assembled at six new sites outside the United States.

With sales of the mass-market Fiat brand expected to remain flat in a struggling European market over the coming years, analysts said the strategy made sense, though some were skeptical of the sales targets.

“Of all the plans presented so far, Jeep is both the most

The front grill of a 2014 Chrysler Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on display outside Chrysler World Headquarters during the FCA Investors Day in Auburn Hills, Michigan,on Tuesday.

interesting and the most tangible,” said ISI Group analyst George Galliers from the sidelines of the presentations.

“The opportunity is clearly there, but 1.9 million Jeep units is a stretch,” he added.

The brokerage has forecast Jeep sales of 1.2 million in 2018.

Jeep, whose globally recognized products trace their roots to the iconic World War Two vehicle, is seen as Fiat Chrysler’s biggest opportunity to tap fast-growing demand for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in Asia.

While Marchionne has a track record of deal making in ten years at Fiat’s helm, he has been less successful at delivering a string of ambitious turnaround plans, with Fiat losing market share in its main European market amid delayed investments and some bad design choices.

There are other challenges too. Analysts expect the total cost of the revamp could top 8 billion euros a year - a big burden for a group with 9.8 billion euros of net debt.

Then there is the market backdrop. Europe’s car industry is battling to recover from a six-year slump in sales, while demand is faltering in some of Fiat Chrysler’s most important emerging markets, such as Brazil.

The U.S. market is altogether more buoyant, but Chrysler and Dodge have suffered lately from an investment slowdown in new models.

For the Dodge lineup, which lost ground as deliveries fell 6 percent through April, the company pledged to hold sales steady at 600,000 vehicles despite the discontinuation of the Avenger sedan and

Tesla Q1 profits to drop on fewer government credits ESLA Motors Inc.’s results T were dragged down during the first quarter as government pollution credits declined and tight battery supply made it harder to outfit the carmaker’s electric vehicles.

The youngest publicly held U.S. carmaker, led by Elon Musk, today may post earnings of 7 cents a share, excluding some items, according to the average of 10 analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. A year ago Tesla earned 12 cents a share on the same basis, its first ever profit, buoyed by a surge in California zero-emission vehicle credit sales and savings from the early repayment of a federal loan.

Analysts project a loss on a GAAP basis. On that basis, the company narrowed its losses to $16 million during the fourth quarter from $90 million a year earlier. For 2013, Tesla’s net loss narrowed to $74 million from $396 million.

Annual revenue last year soared 387 percent to $2 billion from $413 million.

This year’s first quarter won’t be as lucrative with the contraction of clean-car credit sales in California combined with slower vehicle deliveries.

Sales in China, the world’s largest auto market, didn’t start until last month, so they won’t be included in today’s results.

While sales will rise from a year earlier, they will probably be less than the record

6,892 set in the fourth quarter.

“Constraints in supplies from Panasonic and 1,000 cars on the water headed for China” will keep the automaker from setting another record, said Craig Irwin, an analyst with Wedbush Securities, who rates Tesla outperform.

After Tesla’s stock-market valuation swelled to $25.7 billion from $6.4 billion a year earlier the company in 2014 plans to boost Model S output by 56 percent and lift China sales to a level matching those in the U.S. by as early as next year.

DoubleLine Capital LP’s

Jeffrey Gundlach said he would rather own electric carmaker Tesla Motors Inc., which could prove to be a “killer” investment, instead of social network Twitter Inc. “This could be wildly transformational the way electricity and electromagnets were,”

BMW displays 2014 M4 DTM series HEN BMW returned to fits the video like a chain-mail serving as a a test bed for W the DTM series in 2012 codpiece. newly designed suspension with after a two-year hiatus, it bits, and the first models of wasted no time finding its way back to the podium.

Fielding specially prepped DTM cars based loosely—the cars run a purpose-built chassis and series-spec V-8 engines—on its M3, BMW took home the manufacturer’s championship in both 2012 and 2013. To give the fans—not to mention rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz—a sneak peek of what it will be packing when the 2014 season commences at Germany’s Hockenheimring this May, BMW has released short video of its new M4 DTM car.

Flush with dramatic closeups, black and white historic shots, and the obligatory epiphany moment when the camouflage is pulled away and the M4’s engine is fired, it’s the gravitas of the soundtrack that really sells the bit.

Sounding every bit like a Tangerine Dream/Wagner mashup composed to rally the Order of the Teutonic Knights before a crusade, it

BMW says development on the M4 DTM car began well before the start of the 2013 DTM season. By December of last year, the M3 chassis was

the M4 DTM car assembled in January. Its inaugural track test was on February 11.

Although all DTM cars run

Gundlach, 54, said Tuesday.

“What does Twitter create? It creates information flow but it’s not really creating anything. If you’re going to buy a high flier, I’d rather buy Tesla.”

Analysts including Irwin, Barclays’s Brian Johnson and

series-specific 4.0-liter V-8 engines and six-speed sequential gearboxes controlled pneumatically with wheel-mounted shift paddles, the teams are allowed to choose between 11 different

Robert W. Baird’s Ben Kallo say gauging China’s demand for Tesla vehicles is critical.

While just a handful of customers in China, where the Model S starts at about $118,000, received their cars in April, China-bound shipments will rise quickly, Kallo said.

final-drive ratios, permitting some flexibility in setting up he cars for an individual track. The spec-chassis is a carbon-fiber monocoque with integrated fuel tank and steel roll cage.

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BUSINESSTRAVEL Friday, May 9, 2014

Quote of the week

AviationBusiness

“Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous.

But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect.”

——Captain A. G. Lamplugh, (British Aviation Insurance Group, London. 1930’s) ibeuwaleke2012@yahoo.com 08033151041 (SMS only)

Govt beefs up security at international airports, passengers kick ISSUE Stories By Ibe Uwaleke T is no longer business as usual at Nigeria’s Iments international airports as access and moveto such airports have been restricted to only those who have business transactions to conduct there. Hangers-on and unwarranted visitors are no longer tolerated within the vicinity of the airports.

Investigation conducted by The Guardian revealed that security at the airports is now manned by the gun- totting and stern-looking camouflage military personnel assisted by the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), including State Security Service (SSS) officials, who stand in strategic locations to observe movements of persons and luggage in and out of the arrival and departure terminals.

The security mandate is being executed with utmost precision as directed by the Presidential Committee on Airports Security (PCAS) which a forth night ago on a visit to Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos, announced that beginning from May 1, 2014, government was going to start implementation of the review of security and screening architecture in all international airports in the country.

The chairman of the committee, Professor Sylvester Monye (MFR), who led 12 other members, said the objective of the measures put in place was to ensure sanity, security and global best practices at all international airports in Nigeria.

At the MMIA, Lagos, all the measures are being implemented. The car parks around the terminal building have been relocated to one kilometer away, near the Mosque and Christian Church Centre, not too far from the Toll Gate on the Expressway leading to the international airport.

No vehicle is allowed any longer to go close to the terminals for any reason, not even for the purpose of picking or dropping travelers who are physically challenged. Also, no person without clear identity or purpose is allowed into the arrival or departure halls.

Security officials mount all the entry points to the airport, screening and directing traffic in and out of the place.

The Guardian also observed that all undesirable elements that hitherto touted at the airport have been cleared out of the place completely and no crowds are entertained again within the vicinity of the terminal building.

Travelers coming in or leaving the country are no longer picked or dropped at the terminals. The option left to them is either use the

bus shuttle service provided by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), when it is available, or take the commuting passenger trolleys whose fares range from N1000 and above depending the size of your luggage.

Those who cannot afford the fares of the trolleys or wait for the buses, the investigation revealed, resort to trekking the distance with their luggage, sometimes inside the rain.

One of the travelers, Juliet Ozoro, who was leaving to England on Tuesday said though government might have good intentions, but the measures are creating more hardships for travelers at the airports.

“This is not funny for somebody to be trekking this distance sweating because government is tightening security at the airports. What sort of measure is this that is forcing every person to trek or enter bus? They (government) are punishing us, even if the intention is for our security and safety”.

Another person, Mike Akubata, who returned to the country from Canada on Wednesday to see the new security arrangements, commended the efforts of the government in sanitizing the airports as it is done in other civilized countries, adding that it was long overdo, especially as Nigeria is witnessing very

precarious security challenges at the moment.

“I do not see anything wrong in the security arrangement at the airport. It is for the safety and security of all users of the airport. What is the difficult thing in trekking or joining a bus to pick my car at the car park? It is the same system they use when you want to board or disembark from an aircraft. You either join a shuttle bus or trek from the tarmac to the terminal halls or vice versa. This is an international best practice all over the world”.

Other measures being put in place now requires all visitors to Nigeria including foreign dignitaries and officials of multilateral institutions to submit themselves to the nation’s immigration officers for requisite security scrutiny and clearance.

In the same vein, no protocol officer or aid of inbound passengers including trolley handlers are allowed into the arrival or baggage halls again.

President Goodluck Jonathan approved the constitution of the PCAS on September 6, 2013 and mandated it to ensure adequate security at all the nation’s airports.

Membership of the committee are drawn from 12 government institutions including the Nigeria Police, National Security Adviser,

Nigeria Army, Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services (DSS).

Others are: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service and a representative of the Federal Road Safety Commission.

Part of the mandate of the committee is also to clear the traffic gridlock that for years pervaded the approaches of the MMIA, which has now be dismountled.

Further to this mandate no unauthorized uniformed and un-uniformed military and security officials are allowed within the restricted areas of the airports as against the practice in the past.

The idea is to stop all those who are not supposed to be within the precincts of the airports from using such facilities for loitering.

“This unwholesome milling around in the immigration and customs areas is a threat to national security. A stop will be put to the practice forthwith. This is also to stop the impunity of government officials and military officers from using their positions to operate in such facilities,” Monye was quoted to have directed.

Contractors abandon work at airport terminal projects ONTRACTORS handling the remodeling of C terminal projects at various airports in the country have pulled out of site due to lack of funds.

Apart from the five new terminals being built in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja and Enugu, which have concession arrangement and where construction is still ongoing, work had stopped on the other projects across the country.

It was learnt that though there is enough money earmarked for the completion of all the projects, the permanent secretary, Dr Jamila Shu’ara, who is the accounting officer for the Ministry of Aviation is alleged to be indisposed to releasing the funds.

She is also being alleged to be redeploying the directors who are directly monitoring the projects for the ministry.

An informed source said that the office of the permanent secretary is also questioning the

projects being built in Akure, Ibadan, Asaba, Enugu and Jos, saying that they were not priority projects.

The source said: “The money to complete these projects is there but they have refused to release it to contractors. The permanent secretary, who is the accounting officer has refused to pay the contractors.

“It is the refusal to pay these contractors that is holding back the completion of the expansion project at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Work should have been completed there by now and new chillers installed to stem the heat being experienced at the airport.”

Again,the source argued that the danger of not paying the contractors is that the target date for the completion of the projects would not be met, adding that it is major development programme of the present administration which ought to be completed by the end

of this year.

In addition to the rehabilitation and restructuring of airport terminals across the country, government is building 14 new perishable terminals for harnessing and export of farm produce from different parts of the country. Work has since commenced in the ones located in Lagos, Kano, Yola, Akure, Asaba, Markurdi, Owerri and others.

When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ori Okojokwu denied that Dr Shu’ara is holding back the funds.

“That allegation is very unkind. It is not true.

Although I am not the spokesman of the ministry but I am telling you that it is not true.

Somebody is being mischievous somewhere.

That is just the truth,” Okojokwu said.

While Nigerians are happy of the transformation projects at the nation’s airports, many are nowexpressing concern that they would

not be completed, especially as the minister who started them is no more there, fearing it would take the old trend where a newly appointed top government official abandons projects started by his or her predecessor.

But the Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr Samuel Ortom in a recent interview promised that the projects would be completed because their completion would improve the viability of the aviation sector.

“The aviation road map as you are aware is a comprehensive blue print on how to transform the Nigerian aviation industry into a modern, viable, profitable and sustainable one.

“The roadmap gave birth to the upgrade of all 22 federal airports, building of five brand new modern international terminals to be located in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu. Works on the terminals have started and would be completed by 2015,” Ortom said.

Friday, May 9, 2014 AVIATIONTrAVeL 47

THe gUArDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Airlines cargo growth trend pauses Stories by Ibe Uwaleke He International Air Transport T Association (IATA) has released data showing airfreight markets in March were up by 5.9% compared to a year ago and capacity grew by 3.4%. While this marks a significant improvement in volumes compared to March 2013, much of the growth took place in the final quarter of 2013 (over and above the usual year-end volume growth).

Since the beginning of the year, air cargo volumes have been basically flat. This plateau in volumes is consistent with the recent pause in improvements to business confidence and world trade.

Business conditions in the US and europe, however, provide a reason to be cautiously optimistic for a resumption of growth in the months ahead. rising export orders, in particular, are expected to give positive momentum to US and european markets. But this is balanced against the impact of a slowdown in Chinese manufacturing which is now into its fourth month. This has already impacted exports from emerging Asian countries, which contracted in February.

“Cargo markets had a boost in the last quarter of 2013, but have now leveled off. It is a competitive industry with growing capacity chasing weak demand. The business cycle will eventually swing upwards. But the air cargo industry also needs to improve its value proposition if it is to attract growth when markets improve. Modernizing air cargo processes and infrastructure offers the potential to cut end-to-end shipping times by up to 48 hours.

We cannot let market doldrums hold us back from this critical competitive gain,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director general and CeO.

In the 40 years since the introduction of the 747 freighter, the endto-end shipping time for goods by air has remained unchanged, at six to seven days. During this period, innovators have created a new value proposition for shippers and consumers based on an end-to-end model, speeding up deliveries through integrating the airline and ground components of freight, challenging the existing business model for many participants. At the World Cargo Symposium in March, IATA’s global Head of Cargo Des Vertannes challenged the industry to cut the end-to-end airfreight shipment time by 48 hours by the year 2020, to enhance the competi-

tiveness and value of air cargo. regional analysis in detail Asia-Pacific carriers grew 6.9% compared to a year ago. Some of the March growth will reflect a resumption of business activity after the break for the Lunar New Year. Looking ahead, however, the continuing slowdown of Chinese gDP growth is likely to ultimately impact trade growth and air freight demand for local carriers.

Capacity grew by 7.5%, running slightly ahead of demandeuropean airlines expanded by 5.1% compared to March 2013.

Measures of business activity in the eurozone have been pointing to continuous expansion since mid-2013, which is expected to be

maintained. Capacity expanded just 1.3%, strengthening load factors.

North American carriers grew 1.9% year-on-year. The slower growth could be a reflection of the weather-related disruption in the first quarter of the year. Business fundamentals in North America are strong, which should support greater air freight volumes in coming months.

Capacity declined by 0.3%.

Middle eastern carriers saw a 13.2% year-on-year rise in FTK volumes.

This strong performance comes on the back of airlines taking advantage of growth in both developed and emerging markets.

Carriers in the region are expand-

ing their networks and services, broadening the range of goods they transport. Capacity grew just 4.7%, taking the load factor to nearly 50%.

Latin American air freight volumes were flat. Trade in the region deteriorated in early 2014, which could explain the slowdown. Capacity rose by 2.3%, weakening the load factor.

African airlines expanded 5.9% compared to March 2013. growth in the region remains volatile, but the average for the first quarter was an expansion of 1.5%. growth has been affected by a slowdown in the South African economy.

Capacity grew broadly in line with demand, at 5.5%.

Dana Air launches flydana mobile application ANA Air has launched its D mobile and social media sales and distribution solution called “FlyDana Mobile”, which will further improve the all-round passenger travel experience in areas relating to searching and booking flights as well as checking-in. The FlyDana App is an enhanced and innovative distribution channel that will allow passengers and customers to view flight information and availability in real-time whilst giving them the option to book and pay for flights from the comfort of their homes or on the

move.

With the introduction of the mobile App, Dana Air has further aligned its vision with technology in providing innovative and pioneering solutions centered on improving passenger experience.

The FlyDana Mobile App is powered by FlyNow Mobile and developed by Fountedge Technologies; a UK based aviation mobile technology solution provider.

Obi Mbanuzuo, Head of Commercial, while speaking at the launch of FlyDana Mobile App, reiterated Dana Air’s commit-

ment to constantly review, align and introduce products that positively impacts on overall customer experience, noting that the FlyDana Mobile platform is a onestop shop that will allow more customers easy access to tickets, great value fares either for Business or Leisure trips. Mr. Mbanuzuo added that the platform is secure as the app has enhanced security encryption that guarantees secured transactions.

“Mobile solutions are now a trend in the aviation industry and FlyDana Mobile App will further transform the way people purchase Dana Air tickets as the mobile App will

allow our guests to experience a spectacular change in overall customer travel experience through this secure and effective distribution channel,” said Mr. Mbanuzuo.

He also emphasized that the FlyDana Mobile App is a welcome development that will promote sales and encourage the purchase of tickets on-the-go as well as eliminate the hazards associated with the delays in commuting to ticket sales points as it affords our guests the convenience of searching for and purchasing Dana Air tickets whenever and wherever by just a click’’ Also speaking on the launch of the mobile App, Mr. Stephen Williams, the CeO of Fountedge

Technologies said: “Travel is mobile by nature” and going mobile is a key consideration to any airlines’ strategy for growth.

He noted that FlyDana Mobile App is based around three core processes which are “Search, Book & Pay”.

Nigeria is currently the largest mobile market in Africa with approximately 110 million mobile subscribers and an 85% penetration and rising of which 30% are smartphone users which further supports Dana Airlines’ decision to implement its FlyDana Mobile solution as part of its continued strategy for growth, making air travel accessible and affordable within Nigerian and Africa as a whole.

NAMA completes installation of solar-powered airfield lighting at Lagos, Port Harcourt airports IgerIAN Airspace Management Agency through less taxiing and long wait for takeN (NAMA) has completed the installation offs and landing. of solar powered Airfield lighting system NAMA is also expected to benefit in areas of

Etihad Airways last Sunday unveiled a new product and service offering (bed and bath suites) on its Airbus A380 and Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft. This is the sample christened “The Residence”

at Lagos and Port Harcourt international airports.

The installed lighting system is a product of Avlite Systems Pty Ltd., Australia, one of the world’s recognized solar LeD airfield system manufacturers.

The lighting system certified by ICAO and FAA is currently in use at various airports across the globe, particularly in Africa, Caribbean, europe and South America.

With the installation at these two major airports, the tempo of night/low visibility operations is expected to increase and reduce operational cost to the airlines

low maintenance and running cost as power generation and cabling are totally eliminated.

The project, according to the managing director of the agency, Ibrahim Abdulsalam, an engineer, ’’is part of NAMA’s drive to completely upgrade and modernize airfield lighting sytems among other navigational facilities in the country’’.

Abdulsalam added that ‘’the system is also robust and the lights can be remotely controlled by the duty controller in the tower’’.

Installation at the Lagos airport was completed on April 30, while that of Port Harcourt was on Sunday, May 4, 2014.

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48 Friday, May 9 , 2014

FridayWorship

By Afis A. Oladosu

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful “Surely the number of months with Allah is twelve… among which four is sacred… do not, therefore, perpetrate injustice against yourself in it…” (Quran 9; 36) BOUT a week ago, the Muslim world began the countdown to the sacred month of Ramadan.

It did when the crescent, which signaled the beginning of the month of Rajab, appeared in the horizon. The month of Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. Arabic linguists would remind us that the lexical definition of the word Rajab, particularly when it its converted to the tri-literal verb –rajaba, means, “to respect.”

In other words, the word Rajab speaks to the essence of the month- a month in which Muslims are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and decorum. The month of Rajab is that in which the journey to the ultimate month- the month of Ramadan begins.

This month is regarded as one of the four sacred months in Islam. The other months are Muharram, Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah. But why is the month sacred? The month is held in awe and reverence because the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, demands that from us. In fact, He reveres and adores the month in His Majesty. This explains why He says: “Do not perpetrate injustice against yourselves during the sacred months.”

Why is it that the Almighty holds the month in reverence? He does that based on His Will and Wisdom, The Will of the Almighty is unknowable; the Wisdom of the Real Architect is intractable.

But that which is indubitable is this: the Almighty forbids all acts of violence during the sacred months except when the Muslims come under aggression.

The Prophet is reported to have said: “Rajab is a great month instituted by the Almighty (SWT); it is unmatched with reference to the respect and significance (accorded to it); war with the unbe-

A

“Surely, the religion with Allah is ISLAM,complete submission”... Qur’an 3:19

The month of Rajab is here lievers during this month is prohibited; Verily, Rajab is the month of the Almighty, Sha’ban is my month and Ramadan the month of my Ummah; whosoever fasts a day in the month of Rajab will be granted the great reward of Ridwan (attainment of eternal bliss); the wrath of the Almighty (SWT) shall be distanced from such a person and doors of Hell shall be closed against him.”

Thus the month of Rajab is held sacred, as has been mentioned, because it comes as a prelude to the months of Sha’aban and Ramadan. Each time the crescent announcing the beginning of the month of Rajab appeared, Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of the Almighty be on his soul) used to supplicate to Him in the following words: Allahumma baa-riklanaa fi-rajab wa sha’ban wa bal-lig-na shah-ra Ramadan. “O! Almighty, make Rajab and Sha’ban blessed months for us, and preserve our lives so that we can witness Ramadan and benefit from its merits and blessings.”

Put differently, the month of Rajab is a Divine blessing to the Muslims as it opens the floodgates of Divine redemption and salvation for those who, among the Muslims, would be willing and ready to avail themselves of its inestimable values.

Perhaps the greatest reason why this month enjoys an iconic status in Muslim weltanschauung is that the Prophet’s journey from the earth to the presence of the Almighty actually took place during this month. The Almighty alludes to this important journey in the Quran where He says: “Glory be to Him Who took His servant (Muhammad) on a journey one night from

Masjid-al-Haram (in Mecca) to Masjid-al-Aqsa, whose vicinity We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs: surely He is the One Who is the Hearer, the Observer. (Quran 17:1).

Otherwise known as al-M’iraj, the Prophet’s journey to the heavens began in Makkah, unto Jerusalem, from where he was guided in the ascension to the heavens by Angel Jibril (upon him be peace). Readers who are interested in the details, the dynamics and the miracles that occurred to the Prophet during the journey should go to www.onislam.net.

The core of the message which the Prophet (upon him be peace and blessings of the Almighty) brought from our Creator for the Muslim world is the observance of the five daily prayers; that the observance of the Salat is the template of Islam and the membership of the Islamic commonwealth. The Prophet’s ascension to the heavens, an event which occurred during this month of Rajab, equally functioned as a marker for the spiritual in contradistinction to the hypocritical.

Thus during this month, Abu Bakr, son of Abi Quhafah became a Siddiq as a result of his unshakeable belief in the supra-normal and for his trust in the Almighty. During this month, some among mankind particularly during the time of the Prophet equally crossed the Rubicon of unbelief and infidelity. By disbelieving in the ascension of the Prophet some Makkans lost the opportunity to enjoy eternal bliss and forever, too.

In other words, dear Brethren, is it not true that sometimes we grumble when opportunities come our way? Sometimes when it rains, we

complain for lack of sunshine; sometimes when we are blessed with daughters we become disconsolate because we desire sons. Some among us miss life opportunities because we are incapable of recognizing the rahmah of the Eternal for what they are. Some among humankind would learn about and appreciate the truth in the message of Islam only after they have left this world. One solemn aspect of our lives as humans is that we become knowledgeable only after ‘fits’ of ignorance.

Brethren, the month of Rajab is also significant for us because it witnessed one of the greatest battles the Prophet fought in defence of Islam.

This is known as the Battle of Tabuk. This battle took place in the ninth year after the hijrah from Makkah. It was also during the month of Rajab that the second Oath of Aqabah took place. It was during the month of Rajab that Salahudin alAyyubi rescued Jerusalem from oppression of the oppressors.

Ironically brothers and sisters, it was during the month of Rajab that the Ottoman Caliphate was liquidated by powers from outside the Muslim world, which worked in collusion with spiritually dissolute elements among the Muslim populace.

Now how should you spend this month? It is useful and reasonable that you endeavour to do as much good deeds as you can in it. Fast as many days in it as possible but do not go to the extreme of saying you want to fast the whole 29 or 30 days.

The Prophet did not recommend that for us.

Seek forgiveness of your sins as many times as you can. A recommended formula goes thus: Astaghfirullah wa as-aluhu a-tawbah –meaning: “I seek forgiveness from Allah and penitence.”

Endeavour to give Sadaqa - charity and alms giving. The Prophet says: “The best of you is the one who is most compassionate with the creatures of Allah.”

Perhaps one other way by which this month could be put into better use is for us all to re-read aspects of Islamic history in which nests great lessons for us as a nation. An unexamined life, the sage says, is not worth living.

(08122465111 for texts only)

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50 MARKET REPORT Friday, May 9, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

MarketReport EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

AS AT 8=05=2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

Friday, May 9, 2014

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MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 8=05=2014

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PRIMERA AFRICA

NSE index appreciates marginally

By Bukky Olajide HE All-Share Index of the T Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on yesterday appreciated marginally by 0.14 per cent in spite of drop in volume of shares traded.

The index, which opened at 38,585.99, grew by 54.45 points or 0.14 per cent to close higher at 38,640.44.

Also, the market capitalisation rose by N18 billion or 0.14 per cent to close at N12.72 trillion against N12.70 trillion achieved on Wednesday.

Mobil led the gainers’ chart, gaining N5.90 to close at N129.40 per share. Ashaka Cement came second with a gain of 80k to close at N19.80 per share.

Okomu Oil appreciated by 66k to close at N35.60, while Oando garnered 52k to close at N16. Guinness gained 50k to close at N180.50 per share.

On the other hand, Nestle topped the laggards’ chart, shedding N9.51 to close at N1,070.49 per share.

Lafarge Wapco trailed with N1.99 to close at N110, while UACN dropped N1 to close at N56 per share.

Nigerian Breweries lost N1 to close at N149, while PZ Cussons depreciated by 40k to close at N35.60 per share.

The volume of shares traded dropped by 6.58 per cent as a total of 300.78 million shares worth N2.89 billion were traded in 3,990 deals.

This was against the turnover of 321.98 million shares valued at N3.24 billion achieved in 3,952 deals on Wednesday.

FCMB emerged the most traded stock with a turnover of 32.94 million shares worth N116.67 million. It was followed by ETI which had 24.39 million shares valued at N317.22 million, while UBA Capital sold 21.49 million shares worth N48.03 million.

ABC Transport traded 19.52 million shares valued at N15.62 million, while Zenith Bank accounted for 17.76 million shares worth N408.02 million.

Fidelity Bank unfolds strategy to enhance shareholders’ value

By Helen Oji Bank Plc has FtionIDELITY unfolded plans to reposiits business operations by strengthening its role in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and retail segment in the industry.

The move is expected to further enhance profitability and shareholders’ value.

The Managing Director of the bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo stated this during the bank’s ‘Facts Behind the Figures’ in Lagos yesterday, stressing that deepening its focus on these areas would attract the unbanked segment, which would help the financial institution to mobilise cheap deposits.

He pointed out that the bank was poised to continuously increase its operating efficiency through consistent business processes, also expressed optimism that the bank would extend the leverage on the value chain of its corporate banking to extract maximum value from the commercial and retail businesses to achieve a 50:50 loan split between corporate and commercial loan.

“We offer these SME’s advisory services in terms of financial, technology and human resources solution. There are a lot of concerns in these risk areas in the past but the future and success of banking in future goes to the retail and I assure you that we are taking steps to prepare ourselves. We are leaving a lot of returns for the customers because we don’t want to take risk.

“We have built capacity on this and we have put in place product and proper pricing to improve our bottom-line.

We have put in a lot of resources. We are deploying customer relationship management system and business analytics tools to gain deeper customer insights and

We offer these SME’s advisory services in terms of financial, technology and human resources solution.

There are a lot of concerns in these risk areas in the past but the future and success of banking in future goes to the retail and I assure you that we are taking steps to prepare ourselves. We are leaving a lot of returns for the customers because we don’t want to take risk increased penetration ratio for our branded retail and electronic products.” He added.

Okonkwo also explained that the bank would deepen participation in energy, oil&gas and other fast growing sectors by leveraging its enhanced balance sheet and expanded distribution network to drive the market.

He identified the bank’s major challenges which affected negatively on the 2013 financial performance to include; AMCON clawback of N4.4billion on the previously sold loans, one-off additional provision of N1.8billion in respect of actuarial valuation on gratuity and pension obligations, increased in cost of deposits due to tightening monetary conditions among others.

He explained that the bank is targeting a six per cent increase in net interest margin, as well as 10 per cent growth in Return On Earnings.

“If any body is interested in buying a stock that shows consistent return, stable management, stable liquidity and increased capital base, it is a good time and now to buy Fidelity bank stock because we are taking this bank somewhere.” he assured.

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Friday, May 9, 2014 NEWS | 53

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Nigeria takes delivery of U.S. naval vessel, Gallatin HE United States Navy T has officially transferred the former Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin into the hands of the Nigerian Navy at a ceremony on Wednesday.

According to a statement from the Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ohimai Amaize Godwin, the Gallatin was offered to Nigeria on April 24, 2013, through the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act, and was decommissioned from US Coast Guard service on March 31, 2014.

The statement explained that during the ceremony on Wednesday, US Coast Guard Chief Acquisition Officer Rear Admiral Bruce Baffer and Obanikoro signed transfer documents in front of U.S. and Nigerian spectators, marking the official handoff of the ship to Nigeria.

Baffer said the transfer was bittersweet but said he believes the ship, now renamed NNS Okpabana, will provide valuable service to Nigeria.

Obanikoro, who received the vessel on behalf of Nigeria, thanked the United States Navy for their consistent support. He said the ship would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism and illegal activity. “I am glad to know that American support has greatly enhanced the capacity of the Nigerian navy,” he said.

‘No permanent voter’s card, no voting in Kogi’ From Tunji Omofoye (Osogbo), John Akubo (Lokoja) and Gordi Udeajah (Umuahia)

• Card for distribution in 2676 Abia wards • INEC pledges credible gov poll in Osun

HE Independent National T Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned voters in

registration of voters will be done in 145 polling units that recorded either zero or less than 50 registered voters during the 2011 exercise.

Meanwhile, INEC has restated its readiness to conduct free, fair and acceptable governorship election in Osun State in August 9.

The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, gave the no-card-no-voting warning yesterday when he reeled out the commission’s activities for the forthcoming permanent voter’s card distribution and continuous voters Registration in Lokoja.

Kogi State to take the collection of their permanent voters card seriously because it is the first criteria of eligibility for participation in subsequent elections.

In Abia State, where the cards will also be distributed, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Jacob Jatau, said the exercise will take place in all the 2676 polling units while the continuous voters registration will be at designated centers in each of the 184 registration areas. Besides, he said

He said from now onwards, without permanent voter’s card, no electorate will vote in Kogi State.

The REC said as part of its strategy to achieve success in the planned activities, INEC has commenced sensitization of voters in the state on its programmes, announcing that the actual distribution of the permanent card, precontinuous voters registration and display of the voters register will start on May 23 and end on May 24, 2014.

The exercise will take place at the state headquarters and local government area

offices across the state.

“Worthy of note is that the display for claims and objections would be simultaneously carried out with continuous voters registration.

The continuous voters registration at the ward level will end on Sunday, 1st June, 2014 but will continue thereafter at the Local government level,” he said.

According to Agbaje, those who fail to collect their permanent voter’s card at the polling unit level will have another opportunity to do so at the INEC local government offices across the state.

He said the card which is designed with a microchip that stores the bio-data of each voter is a very striking innovation that will give credence to the 2015 elec-

tion.

The commissioner pointed out that the innovation is not for electronic voting which the law has not permitted yet in Nigeria, According to Agbaje, the continuous voters registration is in line with section 10 (1) of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended since the commission will no longer use the addendum register.

He said the exercise will enable those who have turned 18years and above since the last exercise to register and vote and will allow other eligible Nigerians whose names are missing in the INEC data base, those whose finger prints and photograph were not captured and those who did not register at all to register.

Experts canvass special fund for health sector

By Abiodun Fanoro HE Federal Government T has been urged to establish a special medical intervention fund for the purpose of transforming the health sector and take it to the level where it can always adequately meet the country’s need.

Besides, the government was admonished to begin a process of categorizing private hospitals operating in the country along the line of capacity with a view to making members of the public know hospital to patronize in relation to whatever ailment for which they intend to seek medication.

Some medical experts in the

country, including Lagos State former Health Commissioner, Dr Leke Pitan, the State’s Chairman, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners, Dr Adeyeye Arugbabuwo, and former President of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, gave the advice in separate interviews with The Guardian in Lagos at the un-veiling of a new branch of May Clinics, a private hospital in Lekki, Lagos.

The trio, who were of the common view that the cost of modern and standard medical equipment is too expensive and beyond what private hospital operators could afford, expressed regret that

the situation has been responsible for the poor standard of hospitals in the country, the parlous state of healthcare delivery and the increasing death arising from lack of or poor medical attention.

According to them, wealthy Nigerians and government officials are trooping abroad in search of medical treatment because of the poor medical facilities available in the country.

The experts said if government could reverse this trend through special intervention and the country can boast of hospitals with state –of-theearth hospital facilities, apart from the fact that the number of Nigerians seeking medica-

tion abroad would reduce dramatically, Nigeria could also become a destination for medical tourism by other nationals.

Pitan expressed delight that there is a government institution, Infrastructure Bank, already in place that could facilitate the intervention. “I completely agreed with the clamour for the creation of a special medical intervention fund by the Federal Government, for the health sector.

The government should mandate the Infrastructure Bank to include in its portfolio the health sector.”

According to Ohuabunwa, “The country’s health sector is truly in urgent need of govern-

ment’s intervention if we are serious in moving the sector from this poor level to where it could adequately meet the national need. Due to the expensive cost of infrastructure, the private sector that is supposed to complement government’s efforts in lifting up the sector could do only a little. So, private sector operators would certainly need some support from government in form of intervention funds.”

Ohuabunwa further noted that, ”as a country the only way we can show that health and healthcare are important and strategic is by the nature of the investment we bring into the sector.”

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Sports Federations’ chiefs lament apathy to C’wealth Games

By Christian Okpara IGERIANS expecting the N nation’s Commonwealth Games team to excel at the Glasgow 2014 festival should brace up for what could be the country’s worst outing at the event.

Reason, with just a few months to the competition, the federations in charge of Team Nigeria are still battling to secure the funds for the country’s preparation for the event.

This is despite promises that Nigeria will never experience the type of shame brought upon the country at the Olympic Games in London two years ago.

Rising from their board meeting on Wednesday, the federations’ presidents, who make up the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), said they have been left to grope for funds to prepare their teams for the Commonwealth Games.

They lamented that two months to the games, no money has been released by the Federal Government for the preparation of the team and there is no hope in the horizon that it may happen soon to enable our athletes sparkle in the Games.

“What this means is that Nigerians should not expect any miracle from the athletes we are taking to the Commonwealth Games. If two months to the Games in Scotland, money has not been released for preparation, what then do you expect from the athletes?” said President of

the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Ogba, shortly after the meeting at the NOC. Ogba, who also doubles as the second vice president of the NOC and President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), likened the scenario to that witnessed during planning for the London 2012 Games, which ended in a fiasco as no Nigerian athlete made podium appearance.

“We were in a similar situation for the Olympic Games in London two years ago. At the end of it all, no Nigerian athlete won any medal and we the administrators were blamed for the failure. It is to avoid taking blames for what is not our direct faults that we are sounding it loud and clear that nobody should expect medals from Team Nigeria in Glasgow,” he said.

Ogba has been funding the AFN programme with private funds.

Apart from the AFN’s Golden League and All Comers, Nigeria’s elite athletes late last month featured in the Mt Sac and Penn’s Relays in the united States of America.

“On our own, we are running our programmes at the AFN, hoping that this will help put our top athletes in shape for the Commonwealth Games.

“If you remember that it is only the Americans that are not going to feature in the Commonwealth, the opposition in Glasgow is going to be strong. The Jamaicans and their Caribbean neighbours are coming with their strong teams. Same with the British,” stressed Ogba.

Yobo sure of Eagles’ success in Brazil uPER Eagles captain, Sprovisional Joseph Yobo, has hailed the World Cup list released by Coach Stephen Keshi.

Speaking through his confidant, Pastor Chibueze Ndubueze, Yobo says he is thrilled with the blend of youth and experience in the list.

“You know this will be Joe’s third World Cup and in the previous World Cups he participated, he featured in all Nigeria’s matches, so he knows what it takes to succeed at that level of football.

“Immediately the list was released, I spoke with him and he was so thrilled with the composition,” Ndubueze said.

He continued: “Joe is particularly happy that there is a mixture of youth and experi-

ence in the team. These are two ingredients needed for a team to do well at international level. That was a missing link at the Confederations Cup last year. You know the younger players need the guidance of the more experienced players, while the older ones will need the mobility of the younger ones.”

He further allayed fears over Yobo’s fitness.

“I repeat here that Joe is as fit as fiddle. I just spoke with him this afternoon when he returned from training. He should play some part against Arsenal this weekend. But you will actually see his level of fitness when the camp opens during the pre-World Cup friendlies. It is his last World Cup and he wants it to be a memorable one,” he concluded.

400 metres hurdler, Ajoke Odumosu, is one of Team Nigeria’s medals hope at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Ahead 2014 World Cup

Don’t blame Keshi for picking benchwarmers, says Amasiamaka

By Alex Monye ORMER Green Eagles star, Adokie Amasiamaka, says Coach Stephen Keshi should not be castigated for picking benchwarmers in his Brazil 2014 World Cup provisional squad.

Amasiamaka told The Guardian on Wednesday that Nigerian players are not regular starters for their clubs because the country doesn’t have a credible football programme to groom talented youngsters at their formative years.

Stating that the performance of the players in their clubs was a reflection of the poor state of football organization in the country, he wondered why people would apportionblames on Keshi for selecting

F

players not regular in their clubs when Nigerian players get the opportunity to play professional soccer only when they are old and out of form.

Amasiamaka noted that Keshi has a big role to play in ensuring that the final 23 players picked for Brazil are committed at all times, stressing that it is the only way the Super Eagles can surmount quality teams in the Mundial Coupe. ‘’I congratulate the 30 players selected for the World Cup preparations because it is not easy to be among these set of players out of over 150 million Nigerians.

“But I don’t think Keshi should be blamed for selecting mostly benchwarmers for the World Cup preparations.

The poor state of football de-

velopment in the country gave birth to this present predicament of parading average players.

“Nigerian footballers don’t get the basic training at their tender age before getting the opportunity to play professional soccer.

“We cannot cheat nature. It is quite unfortunate that Keshi will be working with this caliber of players at the World Cup. He does not have any option because they are the best the country can offer.

“With due respect to Mikel Obi and Victor Moses, they are the big players in the present Eagles squad, but they are not regular in their clubs. This is a clear indication that our developmental programme is nothing to write home about,” he said.

Omeruo wants more money from Chelsea uPER Eagles’ defender, StendKenneth Omeruo, will exhis contract with Chelsea only if they agreed to increase his pay.

Omeruo’s representative has claimed that the Nigeria international has snubbed a new contract offer from Chelsea.

The 21-year-old defender has just returned to Stamford Bridge after spending the second half of last season on

loan at Middlesbrough.

Omeruo impressed hugely at the Riverside and Boro boss, Aitor Karanka, has already confirmed his interest in bringing him back.

However, Omeruo first needs to resolve his Chelsea future with just 12 months left on his current deal.

Omeruo - who is set to go to the World Cup with Nigeria has now turned down an initial offer, according to his

agent.

Omeruo’s adviser, Chika Akujobi, is quoted by AfricanFootball.com suggesting their proposal is not good enough.

“We want them to double the offer, but they said they have a new policy for young players, who have yet to break into their first-team and this ensures they do not go overboard with their offers,” he said.

Lagos FA Cup: AS Racine plans better outing at Federation Cup S Racine’s General ManA ager, Mojeed Adegbidin has stated that the club would adopt a scientific method to give the state an appreciable representation in Federation Cup. Adegbidin, who spoke after his team’s 4-3 victory over First Bank in Sunday’s final said hardwork gave his team’s victory.

His words: “AS Racine has come to stay and the FA Cup win is a proof for our hardwork over the years. We play in the Metro Pro League and the fair competition in the league prepared us for this victory,” Adegbindin noted.

The FA Cup is AS Racine first trophy since 2001. The club produced in-form Stoke City striker, Osaze Odemwingie and other top stars in the country and all over Europe.

In Sunday’s game, the Emmanuel Ibru-boys upsets Nigeria National League side, First Bank FC 4-3 on penalties at the Onikan Stadium. The tension soaked match produced no goal for the entire 90 minutes.

AS Racine’s dangerman and Metro Pro League Player of the Month in March, Gafar Lasisi almost put his side ahead with several forays into the vital areas of the Bankers, but vigilant First Bank defenders thwarted his attempts.

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60 SPORTS Friday, May 9, 2014

IAAF Diamond League:

Okagbare dares Jamaican Lioness in Doha

By Gowon Akpodonor with agency reports IGERIA’S queen of the N tracks and Moscow double sprint finalist, Blessing Okagbare, will lead the challenge against reigning World and Olympic 100m champion, Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the flag off of the 2014 IAAF Diamond League campaign today in Doha.

Last year, Okagbare improved the African 100m record to 10.79. Fraser-Pryce’s compatriot, Kerron Stewart, a 100m finalist at the World Championships last season and 2008 Olympic 200m silver medallist, is also confirmed for the meet.

There are no bigger names in the world of women’s sprinting at the moment than the 27-year-old Jamaican and the Nigerian, who are poised to make huge impression in Doha before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Doha tracks may not be entirely new to Okagbare. Perhaps, what may appear new could be the challenge she will pose for the rest of the strong field in the money spinning desert track war.

On her part, the world 100m women champion, ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce said fans closeness to the tracks makes her feel good at the meet.

“I enjoy running in Doha.

The stadium is close and inti-

mate makes you feel connected with the fans,” she said.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is aiming to defend her 100m and 200m double Diamond Race victory she won last year.

“The 200m is the event I want to get better at. I am doing okay, but I believe there is a lot more to give. So this season a lot will be placed on being better and faster in the 200m.

Capturing another double would definitely top the year for me. Let’s see what happens.”

Fraser-Pryce won the 200m in Doha last year, a victory that set her on course to her first world title in the longer sprint. In 2012, she also sped to Olympic silver over the distance.

We are not banking on sprinters for gold medals in Glasgow, says AFN

By Gowon Akpodonor HE Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has said it won’t bank on sprint events for gold medals in this year’s Commonwealth Games holding in Glasgow.

The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, will tomorrow host athletes from all parts of the country in the third of leg of the money spinning AFN Golden League and the federation’s Technical Director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, says it is one of the building processes to the Commonwealth Games.

But Nesiama revealed in a chat with The Guardian yesterday that the body would pay full concentration on areas it is sure the athletes

T

Okagbare congratulates Fraser-Pryce after the Jamaican won the London 2012 Olympic Games 100m title. All eyes will be on them today in Doha.

African Senior Taekwondo Championships

Chukwumerije, Onofe, others win bronze medals ESPITE copping an ankle D injury on his way to the semifinal, Beijing Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije, still fought to a bronze medal at the African Senior Taekwondo Championships held in Tunisia.

His compatriots, Sunday Onofe and Joy Ekhator, also won bronze medals in the competition, which ended yesterday.

The five-man team claimed three medals and also garnered over 60.48 points in total to improve in their world rating.

140 athletes from 18 African countries took part in the three-day tournament, which

served as an avenue for athletes to gain crucial word ranking points. This plays a key role for Rio 2016 Olympics qualification.

The El Complex De Menza Arena in Tunis hosted the competition with three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije defying the massive home support his opponent, Abdelrahim Abidi, got to win his first fight at 10-3. But that was not without a prize, as he copped an ankle injury during the fight.

Aware of what was ahead of him at the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)-organised Grand Prix Olympics series

DAWN Games gets corporate Nigeria’s support, as curtain draws on Ibile festival HE Local Organizing ComT mittee (LOC) of the DAWN Games 2014 has recorded significant success in its marketing drive, as more companies continue to sign on as sponsors/partners for the competition.

The DAWN Games (SouthWest States Secondary Schools Games) will hold in Lagos from May 16 to 24, 2014 with over 2,000 athletes from the six states, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos competing for honours in 12 sports.

Some of the companies that have signed on with the Marketing Subcommittee include Nestle Nigeria Plc, Honeywell Foods, Bingo Foods and Beverages, as well as vivi Chocolate, GT Bank, First Bank and PZ. Some of these companies are already very visible at the des-

ignated Games venues and according to the Marketing Subcommittee, other companies are expected to come on board before the Games commence.

Chairman of the LOC and Lagos State Commissioner of Sports, Wahid Oshodi, expressed the state government’s appreciation to all the companies supporting the DAWN Games, adding that this only goes to confirm that in Lagos State, there is indeed an excellent collaboration between the public and private sectors in all areas, sports inclusive.

He enjoined other private sector companies to support the state government in its efforts to ensure effective and sustainable sports development.

holding in China, Chukwumerije had to withdraw from the semifinal tie to settle for points, which also earned him 14.40 points in

Alao leads Standard Chartered team to Anfield ETERAN sports journalist v and group managing director of Complete Sports newspaper, Mumini Alao, will this weekend lead a Nigerian team to the third Standard Chartered Trophy international tournament finals taking place at Anfield, home ground of English Premier League title contenders, Liverpool Football Club.

The Standard Chartered Trophy is an annual five-aside football tournament sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank to foster

good relations amongst its staff, customers and associates. This season, qualifying tournaments took place across 14 markets globally with over 1,200 teams participating before the finalists emerged.

The 14 finalists will be opportune to watch Liverpool’s last game of the season against Newcastle on Sunday, May 11 before taking to the hallowed Anfield pitch themselves to compete for the Standard Chartered Trophy two days later on May 13.

• Athletes hit Akure for Golden League jackpot can give Team Nigeria gold medals in the Games.

He singled out four events as areas where Nigeria has medal prospects, adding, “We are banking on the women’s 4x400 relay team, women’s long jump, men’s triple jump and the men’s shot put event.”

Speaking further, Nesiama said: “I don’t want to give Nigerians a false impression that we will be able to win gold medals in the sprint events because the Jamaicans are very hot. But it is a race and anything can happen. We can bank on Blessing Okagbare for the gold medal in the women’s long jump event, the same way we are putting our hopes on Tosin Oke for the gold in the men’s triple jump.

“The women’s 4x400m relay team should be able to give us a gold medal, if they get things right. Our shot put thrower, Stephen Mozia, should be able to fight for the gold medal. There is one strong contender from New Zealand, but the shot put is a

technical event and anything can happen.

“I won’t say that our women 4x100 relay team will be able to give us the gold medal, but don’t rule them out,” Nesiama said.

Meanwhile, home-based athletes have started arriving Akure for tomorrow’s AFN Golden League.

AFN technical officer, Yusuf Alli, said he expects impressive performances from the athletes than their previous outings in Abuja and Ilorin.

The junior athletes took over the podium at the second leg of the event in Ilorin two weeks ago with the likes of Divine Odududru, Ese Brume and Akerele Omeza winning their respective events.

Oduduru, a gold medalist in last year’s African Junior Athletics Championship in Mauritius, won the 200m, while Brume, who captured two gold and a silver medal for Team Nigeria in Mauritius also impressed in the long jump, beating her senior counterpart, Chinazom Amadi to sec-

200 tennis stars battle for CBN’s N14.5m vER 200 will feature in the O 36 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Tennis Open Chamth

pionship, which officially gets underway today with the qualifying round of matches.

Nigeria Tennis Federation

Students of the King’s College, Lagos, registering for the MTN Football Scholar Season 4 programme at the Lagos Audition Centre, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos… yesterday.

(NTF) Secretary General, Gloria Ekwempu, yesterday disclosed that the men will feature in three qualifying rounds, while the women will slug it out in two qualifiers before berthing into the main draw, which will guarantee them a part of the prize-money.

She also revealed that over 70 players registered for the Wheelchair Tennis, which is in its second year following its incorporation to the championship in 2013. The wheel chair tennis will serve as the tune up for Nigeria’s team to the forthcoming World Team Cup billed for the Netherlands later this month.

Meanwhile, 2010 semifinalist, Collins Abamu, has vowed to upset the formbook by emerging the champions in the 10day event.

Abamu took a four-year break from the game in pursuit of higher education and after graduating from Yaba College of Technology, the 23-year-old believes he is now a better player and is primed for the top prize.

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GolfWeekly 12 to fly Nigeria’s flag at US Kids European Championships BOUT a dozen Nigerian A kids recently earned their tickets for the trip to Scotland for the U.S Kids European Championships. The championships is scheduled to take place from May 25th to 30th at Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland The youth golfers emerged from the 3rd KGI All African Junior Golf Championships, which the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 hosted. The tournament is a ranking event endorsed by the Royal and Ancient Club, Scotland.

At the 3-day individual stroke play event, the children compete rigorously some of the children, who shot within the qualifying criteria to represent Nigeria are: Olalere Olasewa, nine, and 16-year-old Wonderful Ilori both of Rosani Golf Club, Erimope, Ekiti State, Chinwe Obuaya, nine, Chisom James (10) and Chibueze James (12) all of Ibori Golf Club, Asaba, Delta State. Emmanuel Otokpa (8), Mohammed haruna (8) and Faith Bawa (10) all of Police Staff College Jos, Plateau State. From Ikoyi Club 1938, emerged Osime Egbakumeh (8), Jordan

Thompson (10), Georgia Oboh (13), Diana Osmond (16) as well as Avani Prashant (7), who would represent India.

Ten-year-old Aaliyah Idris of The Putters League, Bok Nam Kim Golf Course, Air Force Officers Mess, Accra, Ghana also qualified and would be the first Ghanaian entry to the tournament.

On the other hand, the Ghana team stole the show at the boys 19 to 23 category, where Yao Dogbe and Assorgbah Samson shot impressive scores of 1 over par on the final day. Dogbe ended up winning the boys 19 to 23 category. he also won the newly introduced ASA plate and cash prize of N25, 000 for playing the lowest gross scores over 3 consecutive days. This was after shooting 78, 78 and 73.

The ASA plate was introduced in memory of late Abubakar Shime Abdullahi, who passed away in 2013 after losing the battle to cancer. he was instrumental to the staging of the first KGI event at the IBB Golf Club Abuja in 2012, during his wife- Mrs Nana Wasilatu Abubakar’s tenure as lady captain.

Business executives trade swings as ARM celebrates 20 hEY may be chieftains and T arrowheads of blue chip firms from across the country,

Chieftain of ExxonMobil Nigeria, Udom Inoyo (right), and his playing partner before teeing off at the 20th ARM Anniversary Golf Tournament at the Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Club, Lekki, Lagos State

but their heavy portfolios off the course did not stop them from showing the immense golfing skills, which they are endowed with.

This was as executives of at least 40 firms exchanged swings at the Asset & Resource Management

(ARM) Company Ltd 20th Anniversary Golf Tournament, which took place Thursday at the Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Club, Lekki, Lagos State.

Firms that vied for the ultimate diadem, the ARM Director’s Cup included ExxonMobil, Chevron, Addax Petroleum, Peugeot Citroen,

10 Nigerian pros vying for honours at 2014 Cameroon International tourney Stories by Eno-Abasi Sunday hE 5th edition of the T Cameroon International Golf Championship got underway at Tiko Golf Club in Likomba, Cameroon, with 10 Nigerians trading swings alongside their counterparts from other parts of the continent, especially West and Central Africa.

The 10 Nigerian players who departed the country for Cameroon Monday are Gboyega Oyebanji, Gift Willy, Olapade Sunday, Oche Odoh, Liadi Jaiyeola, Magnus Onumajuru, Chidi

Tobias and Kingsley Oparakwu and Morgan Atako and Femi Olagbenro.

The event, which teed off yesterday and is expected to end on Sunday, is clearly the most prestigious in the Central African country, which has barely 30 professional golfers. The winning purse is about €40,000.

The winner of the championship will go home with a princely €15,00. A sizeable part of the remaining purse will go to the runner up down to the tenth-placed. In some of the past editions, every player that made the cut went home with a conso-

latory prize of €100.

Two Nigerians have won two out of the four editions so far held. They are the late Ali Abdullahi, who died three days after winning the maiden edition (and shortly after winning the 15th Moanda Open Golf Championship in Gabon).

The other is Oyebanji of IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Considering their current forms, pundits are of the view that the fight this time around will be between Nigeria’s Willy and Ghanaians Vincent Torga and Emos Korblah. Torga

and korblah hold dual tour cards from the Nigerian and Ghanaian tours.

Korblah is the resident professional of Otukpo Golf and Country Club, Akpegede, Otukpo, Benue State. In three tournaments at the club, which he and Willy played, Willy won twice while he did once. he, however, won the last tournament at the clubSenator David Mark’s birthday tourney, while Willy was away in Gabon, where he finished third in Moanda Open.

According to the President of the Cameroon Golf Federation (FECAGOLF), Ahanda Yves Martin, the

organisation would celebrate all past winners of the elite competition even as Abdullahi’s case remains a special one, being the maiden winner of the tourney, who is no more.

Martin, who said the tourney was not all about the players nationality, stressed that the fact that winners like Abdullahi and Oyebanji amongst others have lifted the coveted trophy, among other things, strengthens the international outlook of the championship and exemplifies what the tournament was created to fulfil, that is “promote raw golf tal-

Guarantee Trust Bank, Deux Projects Limited and MTN, Stanbic IBTC, Sahara Oil, Total Oil, Starwood hotels and Berger Paint.

Others were Mainstreet Bank, Sea Bulk Nigeria, Interswitch, Airtel, Custodian and Allied Insurance and CMCL Golf Tours Ltd. At the end of the keenly contested encounter, with a 60 netscore garnered over 18 holes, Team Mens’ Clinic Nigeria did enough to lift the trophy, while Peugeot/Citroen, with a 62 netscore finished 2nd and Deux Projects Limited ended the day in third place. Addax Petroleum, and Guarantee Trust Bank completed the top five places.

The tourney, which format was Team stroke play (best net score per hole), saw the better gross score for the hole counting for the total team score. The corporate golf tournament had players organised in teams of two from each company competing for the ARM Directors Cup. Golfers with unofficial handicaps, were given a handicap by the tournament director based on 18 for men and 24 for ladies or as otherwise instructed.

According to organisers, “the anniversary event, while a celebration of our momentous milestone, was intended to capitalise on the unique opportunity for ARM to give back to the society and our stakeholders.

One of the participants at the event described it as “a great opportunity to fraternize with friends, exercise the body and rejoice with an indigenous firm that has done well for itself, it staff members and its patrons.

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Friday, May 9, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Oghenevwede Elum ANY social engineers, political analysts M and policy makers have written extensively on the lingering security challenges of our nation Nigeria. The causes, impact and the way out were among the multifaceted issues of discussion. We read in national newspapers how students of Yobe College were murdered in cold blood. For three weeks the girls abducted from their examination centre in Chibok have not been rescued. There have been several killings that ink and paper will not be enough to put down. Women and children have been told to police themselves even when the men have not been able to do so. So many lives and properties have been destroyed. The sounds of guns and fierce looking terror groups have driven our animals into the interior part of the forest. Some are afraid to profess their religion for fear of being assaulted. Several persons have relocated, they are moving aimlessly without knowledge of the region to settle. Cattle men have started locking horns with farmers. Husbands have lost their wives and our women and girls have been bodily assaulted.

The events that have played themselves out over the years are a perfect epitome of pogrom. It is a systematic genocide by a group of people who desire a product but do not care about the process. A social analyst had said; “Nigeria is exhibiting the trappings of a failed state.” This is so because the process is faulty. A northerner, who has a controversial political antecedent also noted: “Nigeria needs institutional revolution”. However, a holistic view of the crises can be summed up in the projections of John Gunther; “Africa is like an exploding mass of yeast. Its fermentations are not merely political and economic, but social and religious”. Little wonder Honorable Patrick Obahiangbor had noted: “The conflict in the northern part of the country is not only a religious problem but economic problems taking ethnoreligious coloration”. John Gunther left us with a striking remark when he said: ‘‘Africa can be anything but a source of trouble. This is so because millions of people are being transformed from primitive and tribal way of life to aggressive membership in modern society.’’

Come to think of it, Nigeria’s case is not different today. We still have primitive homo-sapiens among us. Nigerians want to know why, how it started and the way out of the dehumanising conflict. Conflict arises for many reasons. It ranges from disorderliness in governance, the struggle for existence, cession, unequal distribution of resources, ethnocentrism, egotism, and negative perception on issues of national. After World War 1, the big powers kept an eye on each other in order to make sure that no one nation can outdo the other. No one nation wants another country to develop a military base that will plunge them into war. At a point, some wars became preemptive like the U.S.A. action in Iraq.

United States of America had to attack Iraq because they suspected them of acquiring weapons of war.

In the same way, the different ethnic groups in Nigeria had at one point in time or the oth-

The perception of leadership in Nigeria has been tied to a scenario where a particular group believes that political leadership is its birth right. Any attempt to tilt the scale in favour of another group or a minority thus leads to conflict. It is difficult if not impossible for political power to be a permanent right of any particular group

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Employment as a panacea to conflict

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu er suspected each other and still do. They clamour for political relevance when they feel marginalised. The preconceived notion about marginalisation has led to division which was the bane before the

Nigerian civil war of 1967 in Nigeria.

More importantly, the unprecedented and unexpected drift in political power from the major ethnic group to the minority is also one of the rationales behind the insurgency

The YOUTHSPEAK Column which is published daily is an initiative of THE GUARDIAN, and powered by RISE NETWORKS, Nigeria’s Leading Youth Development Centre, as a substantial advocacy platform available for ALL Nigerian Youth to engage Leadership at all levels, engage Society and contribute to National Discourse on diverse issues especially those that are peculiar to Nigeria. Regarding submission of articles, we welcome writers‘ contributions by way of well crafted, analytical and thought provoking opinion pieces that are concise, topical and non-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 publications and to find out more about Youth Speak, please visit www.risenetworks.org/youthspeak and join the ongoing National Conversations’’.

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Social economist would agree that the issue of unemployment which is a product of poverty by extension could make the people willing tools in the hands of greedy and power drunk politicians. The psychologists know that it is only a thin line between abject poverty and mental retardation. This is the case with a group who are fighting for an unknown cause. This is so for a people that has rejected dialogue and peaceful coexistence. They kill others and themselves. in Northern Nigeria. The perception of leadership in Nigeria has been tied to a scenario where a particular group believes that political leadership is its birth right. Any attempt to tilt the scale in favour of another group or a minority thus leads to conflict. It is difficult if not impossible for political power to be a permanent right of any particular group. This is a lie that has become too old that it looks like truth.

Ideological differences are also flash points of conflict. This is so when a particular group does not believe in what another group believes. These differences have led to bitter and acrimonious relationship between nations, groups and individuals.

The conflict we have witnessed today in some north eastern Nigeria states started as soon as President Goodluck Jonathan stepped into office. No doubts, the embers of terrorism could have been there before President Goodluck’s ascension, but the genocide of the 21st century in northern Nigeria is a consolidation of what had accumulated over the years.

Having looked at the why, how or when it started, the need to proffer lasting measures geared at ending the crises cannot be wished away. I did my calculations and discovered that the northern politicians have ruled Nigeria for more than 38 years since 1960, yet the highest poverty level is still in the north.

The poverty level of the people is reflected on their standard of living and choice of trade. Some have taken up nail cutting and others have become cobblers to say the least.

Social economist would agree that the issue of unemployment which is a product of poverty by extension could make the people willing tools in the hands of greedy and power drunk politicians. The psychologists know that it is only a thin line between abject poverty and mental retardation. This is the case with a group who are fighting for an unknown cause. This is so for a people that has rejected dialogue and peaceful coexistence. They kill others and themselves.

In order to experience relative peace and tranquility, the government and organised private sector must do well to create jobs for the citizens. In the same vein, the leaders of the states where the insurgency has taken root should come up with jingles that pass moral messages and inscription that preaches peaceful coexistence.

More importantly, justice should be upheld at all levels. Little wonder Martin Luther King Jr. had said; “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice.” vwedeworld@gmail.com