Mon 12 May 2014 by The Guardian Newspaper

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

monday, may 12, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,919

British Prime Minister, David Cameron with fellow guest and CNN’s Chief International Correspondent, Christiane Amanpour on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show in London… yesterday.

Manchester City’s midfielder, Vincent Kompany (right); Manchester City’s defender, Yaya Toure and Machester City’s forward, Sergio Aguero and others celebrate with the Premiership trophy after winning 2-0 during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester … yesterday. Story on Page 75 AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES

Jonathan foresees early release of kidnapped girls From Mohammed Abubakar, Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Omotola Oloruntobi, Ezeocha Nzeh (Abuja), Seye Olumide, Bertram Nwannekanma, Olalekan Okusan (Lagos), Lawrence Njoku (Enugu), Tunde Oyedoyin (London) and Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri) s the nation remains in A the grip of anxiety, searching for clues that may lead to the freedom of over 200 girls abducted in Chibok, Borno state, President Goodluck Jonathan assured yesterday that the crisis would end soon. the President’s renewed confidence stemmed from a telephone conversation he

held with the israeli Prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Abuja. in a statement in Abuja by the presidential spokesman, reuben Abati, the President said that he was very optimistic that with the entire international community deploying its considerable military and intelligencegathering skills and assets in

• APC says Nigeria at war, London churches pray • PDP lauds Nigerians for support • Anglican leader Welby urges dialogue with B’Haram • Military denies take-off of foreign allies’ operations support of Nigeria’s efforts to find and rescue the abducted Chibok girls, success would soon be achieved. According to the statement, the President spoke with the israeli Prime minister, mr. Benjamin Netanyahu who called this afternoon to con-

36 Egyptian students jailed over protests - Page 10

vey his country’s sympathy and solidarity with Nigeria. Jonathan welcomed the offer by Netanyahu to send a team of israeli counter-terrorism experts to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operations. “the President briefed mr.

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Netanyahu on actions already being taken by Nigeria’s armed forces and security agencies to locate and rescue the girls, saying that Nigeria would be pleased to have israel’s globCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Stakeholders oppose AMCON’s deadline on bank’s acquisition • Corporation disagrees ritiCism has greeted the C Asset management Corporation of Nigeria’s (AmCON’s) limited time given to interested parties in the acquisition of mainstreet Bank limited, to submit their Expression of interest (EOi). in advertorials in the media last week, AmCON said the EOi should be submitted not later than next Friday, may 16, 2014. some prospective investors and shareholder groups who had stake in the defunct Afribank Plc before its transmutation to mainstreet Bank, have expressed concern that the one - week deadline set by AmCON is not sufficient for any meaningful evaluation and due diligence to be done on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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2 Monday, May 12, 2014

MultiChoice promises uninterrupted World Cup broadcast By Kabir Alabi Garba AY-TV firm, MultiChoice nigeria, has assured nigerians of uninterrupted broadcast of the 2014 World Cup, which kicks off in Brazil next month. The company, which recently announced that SuperSport, on its DStv platform, has secured screening rights to all the World Cup matches, is confident of transmitting the matches in excellent sound and picture quality. Apparently responding to subscribers’ cries over poor signal delivery, especially dur-

ing rains, as contained in The Guardian’s exclusive report of last week, the General Manager, Marketing, Martin Mabutho, said the company is committed to continually delivering thrilling content in the best picture and sound quality available. He assured subscribers that all the matches would be screened live on its DStv and GOtv platforms, and would also be available on the SuperSport HD channels. Mabutho allayed concerns that subscribers would experience signal interruption during the tourney, giving in-

stances in the past when the signal remained intact during the games. “We are the pioneer digital pay television operator in nigeria and have been in business for over 20 years. In those years, we have screened up to five World Cups during the rainy season in excellent picture and sound quality,” he said. “The World Cup falls within the rainy season and though rain fades do happen if there is torrential downpour accompanied by high winds, we have never encountered unaccountable signal loss dur-

ing these times. I don’t expect this World Cup to be any different.” Corroborating his statement, the Managing Director, Mr. John Ugbe, explained how to maximise transmission strength and reduce the chances of losing signal on a continuous basis. He said: “It is worth mentioning that transmission works better when the signal strength programmed on the decoder from the satellite dish is at full functional capacity. “It is important to have a DStv technician check on that every few months. It is a sim-

ple matter of an authorised technician checking the settings on the decoder, and also the positioning of the satellite dish to check that all is intact.” Mabutho explained further: “Some of the matches will be aired when you are in office, or in traffic going to or from work. In these situations, our DStv mobile packages are always handy to ensure no action is missed during the World Cup. Walka 7 allows you to watch in traffic and no additional subscription is required for active premium subscribers. “We also have other pocket-

sized devices like the iDrifta, which works with smartphones (android and iOs) and tablets. The Explora, with its two terabytes memory, gives viewers the opportunity to record all the games on the decoder and keep them for good. “You can also access all the games that have been stacked through the Catch Up feature on the Explora decoder. Furthermore, SuperSport will repeat some of the matches to ensure that as many subscribers as possible catch them all.”

APC says Nigeria at war, London churches pray CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ally-acknowledged anti-terrorism expertise deployed to support its ongoing operations,” the statement noted. netanyahu, who expressed Israel’s total condemnation of the mass abductions, said that the team of experts from

his country who would soon arrive in nigeria, and would work in collaboration with teams from the United States (U.S.) and Britain who are already in the country and their nigerian counterparts to intensify the search for the girls. He re-affirmed Israel’s willingness to give the government and people of nigeria all possible support to overcome terrorism. But the military said yesterday that there had been no arrest or operation by any foreign military or security allies in the ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted girls or the conduct of the ongoing counter-terrorist campaign in nigeria. A statement by the spokesman of the military, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that contrary to the reports and the pictures being circulated to illustrate the claims, there had been no incident or record. “The pictures being circulated to illustrate the claims in the story are not related to the situation in nigeria as they were taken from scenes in other countries. Indeed, no troop of the American Marines has so far been deployed in any part of nigeria as is being circulated in certain media. “International coalition is quite appropriate in handling terrorism being a transborder and global crime. The public will be duly briefed on the areas of collaboration with allied forces in the mission to bring back our girls as the need arises. There is therefore no need to engage in misleading speculations while the mission is in progress.” Expressing outrage at the predicament of the girls 26 days after their kidnap, the All Progressives Congress (APC) warned that the nation was at war. But the party listed some measures to restore peace. At a briefing under the theme “nigeria On Auto Pilot, Let’s Rally To Save her!” in Lagos yesterday, the national Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, urged the government to develop and publish a counter-terrorism strategy, build a new intelligence gathering infrastructure, and improve on intelligence and contingency planning. Other solutions proffered by the party include building effective information management and strategic

communication, developing an economic plan for the northern part of the country and the involvement of civilian peace building organisations in the fight against terror. “ There is currently no publicly known counter-terrorism strategy guiding the response to Boko Haram, and the impact of this can be seen in at least three ways: first is the chaos and confusion surrounding the government’s intention to explore a negotiated settlement by dialoguing with the sect members”, he said. According to him, “ One minute the government favours and seeks to dialogue and grant amnesty to Boko Haram, the next minute government rules it out. There are mixed signals from the government. “Second is lack of use and coordination of military, political and economic means, yet successful counter-insurgency requires close co-ordination of military, political and economic means and objectives.” He further urged the Federal Government to obtain more timely and actionable intelligence from local sources in the areas affected by Boko Haram, stressing the need also to establish an office of the Special Anti-Terrorism Co-ordinator. The APC national chairman further advised the government against deployment of more troops to confront Boko Haram but to rather improve on intelligence. “The solution to preventing, limiting and responding better to Boko Haram attacks does not lie in deploying more troops but in improving intelligence and increasing force enablers. The fight against Boko Haram will be enhanced if government focuses on these two elements.” He continued: “Most major militaries around the world have plans for the major challenges they are likely to face. We need to begin to create plans and conduct training exercises that reflect the challenges we will face. In this manner, our security apparatus will be better prepared if and when a situation arises.” On the need to pursue and align military with political (negotiated) solutions, Akande said: “ Boko Haram is unlikely to be defeated mili-

Our error n May 8, 2014 on page 65, we inadvertently published the O Mansard 2013 Q1 Financials instead of the Mansard Q1 2014 Unaudited Financials, which was subsequently published on page 31 of Friday, May 9, 2014. The error is regretted.

tarily. Most insurgencies are ended through some form of negotiation.” He recommended that the government must develop a strategy along the lines of the policy followed by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua (over the Movement for Emancipation of niger Delta (MEnD) insurgency in the niger Delta) at least to the extent that employment and other rehabilitative incentives would be used to separate the rank and file from Boko Haram’s leadership. On his part, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, warned yesterday of the difficulties of negotiating with an “utterly merciless” group like Boko Haram, but called for active contact with the nigerian Islamists over their abduction of scores of schoolgirls. Welby has experience of negotiating with violent groups in the niger Delta in southern nigeria, and with a predecessor to Boko Haram around Maiduguri, the capital of northeastern Borno State where the group started out. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) about the fate of the schoolgirls seized by the Islamist group last month, the archbishop said the girls faced a “colossal” risk. “They’re in the hands of a very disparate group which is extremely irrational and difficult to deal with and utterly merciless in the example it’s shown in the past, and it must be a huge concern,” he said. Asked if it was possible to talk to groups like Boko Haram, he said: “They’re in many layers. You have a very, very difficult inner core and I think negotiation there is extremely complicated, though it needs to be tried. “Then it goes out and out in different layers of commitment and understanding and involvement. “There needs to be active negotiation, active contact with all the different layers.” He said Boko Haram had “always been a mixture of groups united as much by a common enemy as by a common cause.” Supporters turn to them because of immense poverty, high youth unemployment and the group’s promises of social change delivered through the barrel of a gun, he said. Welby, a former oil executive who joined the church in his 30s, was careful not to criticise too strongly the response of the nigerian government security forces. The leader of the world’s Anglicans noted their loss of

control over large parts of northeastern nigeria, despite a huge commitment of force. “There needs to be effective police and security action across that area, and that is a huge challenge for the nigerian government and one that we should not underestimate,” he said. He added: “We’re talking about a massive area and a longstanding history of ethnic difference, of conflict with other Muslim groups.” Asked about allegations of human rights abuses by the military, he said he had no firsthand evidence but viewed the reports “with great concern”. He also said that it was “always a worry” that more Christians in nigeria might take up arms to defend themselves against the group. “They have a right to defend their lives and the lives of their children and their families,” he said. “But at the heart of Christian teaching is the example of Jesus who said forgive your enemies and forgave his own enemies on the cross.” Supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday organised special churches service to pray for safe release of the abducted girls. During the over two-hour service at the Fathers’ House International Church, Burnt Oak, north-West London, yesterday, Chairman of the Goodluck Support Group (GSG), UK, Chief Austin Ajaero, said people should not blame Jonathan for not doing enough, because “no nation, including the USA, can fight terrorism alone.” Meanwhile, the Borno State government is to rebuild houses, shops and Gambouru Central Market (GCM) destroyed in the Boko Haram attacks of last Monday, which claimed several lives in the border town of the state. Residents, who lost their trucks and vehicles, including 312 motorcycles, are also to be assisted by the state government. Gambouru is a border town with Chad, and 138 kilometres north of Maiduguri, the state capital. A Lagos-based rights group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), yesterday urged the United nations Security Council to “move swiftly to impose targeted sanctions against Boko Haram and their backers to end persistent attacks against children and other civilians.” In a statement by SERAP executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Monday, May 12, 2014

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

monday, may 12, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,919

British Prime Minister, David Cameron with fellow guest and CNN’s Chief International Correspondent, Christiane Amanpour on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show in London… yesterday.

36 Egyptian students jailed over protests - Page 10

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News Jonathan kicks off first Nigeria maritime varsity, others From Chido Okafor, Warri HE groundbreaking cereT mony of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) shipyard and dockyard was performed by President Goodluck Jonathan at the weekend, as well as the first Nigeria Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Warri, Delta State. The maritime varsity, it was learnt, would drastically reduce capital flight arising from citizens’ huge spending on maritime education in foreign institutions. It was further gathered that a science and technical college is being built in Okoloba, also in Delta State, as a demonstration school for the Maritime University. Academic activities, according to NIMASA officials, have commenced at the varsity’s temporary site at Kurutie. Jonathan, at the event, refused to be entertained by traditional dance troupes because of the nation’s current unfortunate problems, especially the kidnap of Chibok schoolgirls and bombings killings by the Boko Haram terrorist sect. The president, who said the varsity would provide the needed manpower to service the lucrative maritime industry, however, accused illegal oil bunkerers and operators of illegal refineries of not only destroying the environment but also the future of generations unborn.

Zamfara raises security over voters’ cards From Isah Ibrahim, Gusau ESPITE the security chalD lenges in some parts of the state, Zamfara State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has taken adequate security measures to ensure that the distribution of permanent voters’ cards billed to commence on May 23, 2014, is carried out successfully across the state. Addressing a press conference in Gusau, the state capital, at the weekend, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Ibrahim Zarewa, said the Commission had made arrangements to ensure adequate security provision in all the distribution centres of the permanent voters’ card. Zarewa stated: “Our Commission was aware of the current security challenge, especially in Zamfara rural areas. However, we have met with all the security agencies and adequate measures are to be deployed in all the distribution centres”. He maintained that his workers, who would be posted to the rural areas, have nothing to fear as “the Commission had taken adequate security measures.” He remarked that the Commission decided to introduce the new card because it has taken into cognisance the challenges witnessed in 2011 and has resolved to conduct free, fair and credible 2015 elections.

Acting National Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), Tijani Tumsah (right); Acting National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; National Women Leader, Sharon Ikeazor; Deputy National Chairman, Senator Annie Okoronkwo and National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, at the World Press Conference on State of the Nation in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO:

Scores injured in fresh Kaduna violence From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief FRESH crisis in Kachia local council of Kaduna State over community land yesterday left many inhabitants injured. Fortunately, no death was recorded from the violence. The crisis between two communities in Kachia town led to the destruction and burning of mosques and churches in the area, causing tension and panic. However, the state Police Command said the situation was under control. Speaking on telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Aminu Lawal (DSP), said the situation was under control, confirming also that no life was lost, though he

said they had not the number of worship places burnt during the crisis yet. Also, Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who consequently imposed a 24-hour curfew in the area, has sued for calm, urging the inhabitants of Kachia not to allow criminals plunge the area into confusion and hardship. However, eyewitnesses said that trouble started when some youths went to fence off a prayer-ground to prevent encroachment but discovered that a part of the portion earlier renovated and fenced had been damaged by unknown persons. The youth, it was learnt, reported the incident to the council chairman, Mr. Peter Agaite, who promised to bear

the cost of renovation of the damaged portion, but was yet to do so until the youth sighted the damage to the worship ground yesterday. According to sources, the youth suspected members of a near-by church to have continuously damaged the prayer-ground and consequently demolished it, while the initial suspects retaliated by burning and demolishing the mosques in the area. In a statement by the Media Assistance to Governor Yero, Ahmed Meyaiki, the governor called on the people in Kachia town and environs to “shun any attempt by enemies of peace to escalate misunderstanding in the area, as government has brought the situation under control.”

Yero assured the people that security agencies have already commenced investigations into the crisis and would not spare anyone found culpable. He stated: “No matter their status in the society, we will no longer tolerate these acts of unwarranted violence against innocent citizens.” He urged the people “to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of diversities,” adding that “difference in tribe or religion does not affect the common aspirations of the people to live in peace and tranquility.” According to him, government will not rest until Kaduna is returned to its precrises era, when all the people lived harmoniously in peace.”

How to make Africa tourism destination, by AU chief From Ajibola Amzat in Durban, South Africa CALL has been made by the A Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, for a joint marketing strategy by Africa to accelerate growth in the tourism sector in the continent. Meanwhile, representatives from 24 African countries are gathered in Durban, South Africa, for Indaba 2014, the largest tourism marketing events on the continent and one of the top three events of its kind on the global calendar. Speaking at the Indaba 2014 ministerial roundtable holding in Durban South Africa, Dlamini-Zuma, said tourists are not interested in Africa’s administrative borders: “They want to explore as many attractions as possible given the limited resources and time at their disposal. “We urgently need to work on simplified and joint visa regimes - a uni-visa - that can

quickly be made available electronically to enable tourists move around African countries easily and more affordably. “We also need to further develop the infrastructure for tourism - from hotels, lodges, bed and breakfast and restaurants to transport, information communications technology, energy, water and sanitation. Tourists want pristine landscape and reserves, but they also want reliable energy, access to wi-fi hotspots and other forms of modern infrastructure.” She said the domestic African tourism market also needs to be developed. “We now have a middle class on the continent of above 300 million people, and we must ensure that as their ranks swell and more Africans have disposable income for holidays, they also spend it on the continent. “We cannot achieve successful results if we continue to work in isolation as individual countries. We need to focus on joint marketing of our tourism attractions across the borders. For ex-

ample, we must start catering for groups of tourists who want to enjoy a package including the beaches of Mombasa, Mount Kilimanjaro and a visit to the primates in the Virunga Mountains.” Dlamini-Zuma said while for the past decade Africa has been one of the fastest growing tourism regions in the world, the continent still lags behind the other regions, accounting for less than five percent of total global arrivals. “Thus, when we say Africa – open for tourism, we need to know where to direct our marketing efforts and which particular aspects of our tourism facilities and services are in need of improvement to cater for the targeted markets,” she said. In addition, the South African Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk said “Africa’s key priorities are to move even faster to liberalise air policies and create an intracontinental air transport architecture that facilitates intraAfrican travel and trade”.

“Furthermore we must remove travel barriers such as cumbersome paper visas by switching to e-passports and evisas, as well as visa waiver and regional visa schemes. “Airfares in Africa are almost 50 percent higher than those outside the continent, which contributes to a price/value mismatch. We cannot price ourselves out of the global market, there are too many other accessible destinations that compete with us. We have to get to the bottom of the often non-transparent pricing factors, such as taxes and monopoly behaviour, which drive up the cost of air passenger travel. “It is possible to create 3,8 million direct and indirect jobs through travel and tourism in less than a decade – but for that to happen, we need to fix what is broken,” said Van Schalkwyk. Indaba 2014, which holds between May 10 and 12, showcases the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracts international visitors and media from other continents.

Engineers meet on disaster control, security From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia NGINEERS at the weekend E met for a three-day maiden national conference at the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, with the task on providing solutions to disasters and security challenges in the country. At the event, titled: “Engineering for Disaster Management and National Security (EDMANS)”, which held at the Senator Anyim Pius Anyim Auditorium, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hilary Odo Edeoga, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Dominic Aja Okpara, tasked Nigerian engineers on providing elusive solution to the security challenges facing the country. He said the conference, which was one of the cardinal mandates of the university system, is truly commendable, describing the theme as most appropriate for the current situation in the country.

Nigerian experts to boost Ethiopia’s economy From Niyi Bello, Akure N pursuits of Nigeria’s comIAfrican mitment to promoting regional integration, which is a major plank of the country’s foreign policy, about 120 professionals in various fields like education, engineering, medicine and law, would soon be deployed to Ethiopia to strengthen its economic base and the social services sector. The deployment, which would be done by the Directorate of Technical Aids Corps (TAC), an agency of Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry saddled with providing human resources assistance to needy African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) nations, is expected to be done immediately the arrangements are concluded by the two countries.

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Edo dep gov, APC seek dialogue • No going back, defectors insist From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE crisis rocking the All T Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State continued on Saturday as aggrieved members loyal to Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, who resigned their membership of the party en masse last week vowed not to return. But the state deputy governor, Pius Odubu told journalists in Abudu, headquarters of Orhrionmwon local council on Saturday that the party remained open to all aggrieved members to come back. He was in the area for the local council congress of the party, which returned Matthew Ehigie as the council chairman of the party. Odubu said that the aggrieved members could not afford to abandon the party they have built over the years, adding that all candidates are important to the growth of the party. “My candid appeal is that they should reconsider their decision to resign from the party they have built. We are a family and many of them have been my family right from the NRC days, to when we were in the PDP and they have helped to grow the APC. “I honestly plead with them to come back, we can talk things out, we are all winners, the party belongs to them. We are very open to dialogue. I have told them that irrespective of their victory, they need each other to succeed. I have told them the need to work together for the interest of the party,” he stated. Present at the congress was the member representing Orhionmwon South constituency, Patrick Aisoweren, chairman of the council,

among other party leaders in the area. But some members loyal to Ize-Iyamu were absent while a few attended. A top supporter of the IzeIyamu political movement and ex-Special Adviser to Governor Oshiomhole on Project Monitoring, Osaretin Edosonwan, said there is no going back on the movement to a better option for the members. “We have crossed the Rubicon, we have resigned; the die is cast. What we are doing is not about Pastor Ize-Iyamu; it is about our people and let the truth, people’s will prevail.” However, the leadership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state led by Dan Orbih on Saturday held a meeting with Ize-Iyamu in a bid to return the state back to PDP. Accompanied by Senator Odion Ugbesia, Clifford Ordia, Matthew Urhogide, Henry Tenebe, Christopher Adesotu and others, Orbih said he had come with his executive council to express their desire to have in their party members of the Ize-Iyamu group in order to fight tyranny and institutionalize internal democracy and participatory democracy in the state. Orbih, who said that it was difficult for the Ize-Iyamu group to leave the APC because they built it, noted that by their action, they have placed the interest of the Edo people above theirs. He described Governor Adams Oshiomhole as the most travelled governor in the country, challenging him to make public his international passports for the people of the state to see the number of times he has embarked on foreign trips since he became governor.

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (right); his daughter, Oludamilola and Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, during Obasanjo’s daughter’s wedding at Chapel of Christ Glorious King, Abeokuta…at the weekend

Acting gov’s aide condemns call for emergency rule in Taraba By Tunde Akinola Assistant to the SStatePECIAL Acting Governor of Taraba on Media and Publicity, Aaron Artmas, has described the call for a state of emergency in the state as one driven by selfish political gains. Addressing journalists in Lagos yesterday, Artmas said

those with such an idea believe it is a shortcut to seize and hijack power from the state’s acting governor for political gains. However, a lawmaker representing Taraba South, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, had urged the Federal Government to take over the security operations in the state by declaring a state of

emergency. Artmas, who described allegations that the acting governor was sponsoring violence in the state as baseless, said: “What does the acting governor stand to gain from sponsoring war in Taraba State? By the grace of God, he is already the leader of the state and he obviously needs a peaceful environment to consolidate.

The aide said: “If Senator Bwacha has any incriminating evidence against the Acting Governor Garba Umarled government in Taraba State, he should make it public rather than making unverifiable and inflammatory comments aimed at destabilising and sabotaging the efforts of the state government.”

Ex-electoral chief, Uya, for burial May 17 From Anietie Akpan, Calabar HE remains of late T Professor Okon Edet Uya, former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) in the regime of President Ibrahim Babangida will be laid to rest on May 17, 2014. A message signed by his

wife, Dr. Ann Uya and made available to The Guardian by the Professor Etim Anim said he will be buried in his compound after a funeral service at the Oron Stadium, Oron in Akwa Ibom State. Professor Uya died on April 17 2014 at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) after a brief illness.

He was 71. Until his death, he was a member of the Parliament of Eminent Persons of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to monitor the rate of democratization and development on the continent. An internationally acclaimed and respected scholar, Professor Uya is the

author/editor of 160 publications including 36 books. In 2006, Uya and his wife established the Leaders Love Life Ministry otherwise known as Jesus Cares World Outreach. He was former Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Argentina.

Agencies strengthen security at airports IRS aircraft crashes in Niger Republic By Ibe Uwaleke OLLOWING rising insecuFsecurity rity in the country , the agencies have mapped out fresh strategies to ensure safety at the nation’s airports. This was disclosed at the weekend by the Benin Airport Manager, Sunday Ayodele while speaking with aviation correspondents in Benin-City. Meanwhile, a Folker 100 aircraft belonging to a Nigerian company, IRS Airlines, last Saturday ,at about 7.30 pm, lost contact with the Control Tower and crashed seconds after in Ganla, Niger Republic. According to Ayodele , though the Benin Airport has put in place adequate

vigilance to ensure that security issues are tackled at the entry points, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel would remain effective even though they are unarmed. He noted that aviation was a globally regulated sector and that under such situation, no country under the regulation of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) could act in isolation. Ayodele said there was a water tight synergy among the various security agencies at Benin airport to guarantee needed security. He gave kudos to the present management of FAAN for timely intervention on occasions of need while he also praised the timely remodeling of the airport.

“But for the timely remodeling of the Benin Airport, we would have faced serious dearth of passengers as a result of the Asaba Airport which has now started operations. You know, Asaba and Anambra passengers used to patronise us here before the Asaba airport came into operations. “But now that we have a better airport, we do not really feel the heat to the extent that even those who used to go by road before, are now flying because we now have better facilities under the remodeling project,” he said. He stated that the major challenge being faced by the airport was that of light, stressing that the airport spend about N1.9 million on public power supply while it also uses about 7000 litres

of diesel to service its generators on monthly basis. However, no life was lost as the two crew members who were the pilots of the plane survived the accident. News of the crash which filtered late Saturday night was still sketchy as no cause for the crash has been identified. Also, no clue as per the health conditions of the surviving crew members is yet made known, including the hospital they are receiving treatment . The aircraft with registration number 5NSIK was returning from C. Check when the incident happened . The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has confirmed the crash but gave no further details .

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EKITI 2014

Fayose

Fayemi

Bamidele

APC, PDP bicker over alleged plan to use fake policemen Stories: Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head South West Bureau Ado Ekiti) HE All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are trading accusations about plans to employ fake policemen during the June 21 governorship elections in Ekiti State. The state chapter of APC alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is planning to place its leaders in each of the sixteen local governments under house arrest on the day of election. The party alleged this would enable the PDP intimidate its members and rig the election. According to the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, “This plan is to be executed with fake policemen who are currently being recruited and trained by the PDP.” “Some of these fake policemen trained in Osun and Ondo States are already assigned to the PDP candidate, Ayodele Fayose, and his

Labour Party (LP) co-conspirator, Opeyemi Bamidele. Decked in fake police uniforms and name-tags, these thugs posing as cops have been providing cover for both the PDP and LP thugs who continue to unleash terror and mayhem on every community the two candidates visit,” APC alleged. However, the Director of Publicity Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO) Gboyega Aribisogan has denied the allegation, describing the accusation “as one of the jejune stories and lies coming from a drowning government”. He said, “PDP is ready for this election and we don’t need to clothe anyone in police uniform for the purpose of this election. We will ensure that fake monitors being trained by APC are not allowed to participate in this election”. APC alleged, “In the last four weeks, thugs of both the PDP and LP candidates have wreaked untold havoc on Egbe, Ido-Ile, Okemesi,

Aramoko, Ipole-Iloro, Ilupeju, Itaji, Iyin and parts of Ilejemeje Local Government. APC spokesperson, Dimeji Daniels of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation alleged that it has also uncovered plans by the PDP to clone voters’ cards, which it plans on using during the governorship election.

their professional capacity through training and retraining. He also pledged to expose them to current global trends and developments in teaching profession. According to him “As governor I won’t subject you to a compulsory test. It is not that you can’t write exams and pass, but it must not be at the

KITi State Council of Traditional Rulers has apE pealed to President Goodluck Jonathan not to interfere in the June 12 governorship election in the state. They also advised the Presidency and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair election. The monarchs, who vowed to resist attempts by any external force to rig the June 21 election, maintained that the people should be allowed to elect their governor.

nor will not be to forcefully examine you. My role will be to encourage you and expose you to contemporary global developments in your profession by training and re-training you.” “As teachers, we shall give you confidence and professional esteem. We shall appreciate you as builders of the society because no nation

At a peace parley held with the 18 candidates of various political parties participating in the election in Ado Ekiti, the Chairman of the Council, Oba Adamo Babalola in company with all the monarchs in the state, also warned his members against partisanship, urging them to be fair to all contestants. Oba Babalola, said “We are calling on the Federal Government to be father of all and allow Ekiti people to choose their Governor. “The INEC must be allowed to function and conduct free

exists without teachers. This confidence has been eroded over the years. We shall revisit the non-payment of the 27.5 per cent increment of pecuniary allowances for teachers being owed by the current administration.” Bamidele blasted governors of All Progressives Congress, (APC) states including Edo and Ekiti States for subjecting their teachers to ‘Teachers Development Assessment (TDA).’

Why I chose a don as deputy, by Fayose ORMER governor of Ekiti FDemocratic State and the Peoples Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the June 21 election, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has given reasons for his choice of Dr. Olusola Ojo as his running mate. Fayose dismissed insinuations that his choice for the Associate Professor was strategically hinged on his solid academic qualifications, maintaining that he decided to go for the academia because of his apolitical status. The PDP flag bearer had last Monday forwarded the name of Dr. Ojo, an Ikere Ekiti born

associate Professor with Obafemi Awolowo university, Ile Ife to Independent National Electoral Commission to replace 80-year old Pa Joshua Ojo he had earlier forwarded as his Deputy. Speaking in Otunja Ekiti during his campaign rally in Ikole Local Government, Fayose said his choice for a non-partisan person does not in any way create the impression that he has no trust in politicians. He said, “The choice of my Deputy, Dr. Olusola Ojo was God-ordained. I presented

tered voters. Information available to us shows that the PDP already has in its kitty close to 50, 000 fake voter’s cards which it plans to distribute to imported mercenaries for use in six local governments on the day of election.” According to the APC allegation, “Their plan is to use fed-

eral might to unleash the Army and the Police to help their preferred candidate in the envisaged supplementary election. We call on the international community to prevail on the PDP to halt its evil plan which is capable of further escalating the fragile security situation in the country.”

Monarchs warn against external interference

I won’t force teachers to write test, says Bamidele ABOuR Party (LP) candi- that rather than subject insistence of the state goverLnorship date in Ekiti State gover- them to compulsory apti- nor.” election, Opeyemi tude test, he would build He added, “My role as a goverBamidele has assured teachers that if elected as governor of the state, they will not be subjected to mandatory examination to assess their competence. Bamidele made the promise in Ado Ekiti during a meeting with the teachers under the umbrella of Nigerian union of Teachers (NuT). Bamidele told the teachers

“The PDP agents of rigging have been going about inducing eligible voters to allow them copy the VIN number on their voter’s cards. They plan to clone as many voters’ cards as possible. This criminal act of the PDP agents is more rampant in Ado-Ekiti Local Government, which has the highest number of regis-

eight people to God and God chose him for me. I prayed to God to direct me according to His will. It was purely a divine inspiration.” “But I had earlier preferred somebody that was apolitical for reasons best known to me. But in clear terms, I did not choose him because of his qualifications. “Though, I quite appreciate the fact that education is essential in governance, but you don’t need to be a doctor or professor before you can add value to the lives of your people,” Fayose disclosed. On the choice of an Ikere Ekiti

indigene for his deputy, Fayose declared that the town is very special and strategic to him among the towns in the South Senatorial District. “You know when I was governor in 2003, I picked Abiodun Aluko, a surveyor and Bisi Omoyeni from Ikere Ekiti as deputies at various times. The town is very special and strategic to me”. Fayose disclosed that the PDP would hold a mega rally in Ifaki Ekiti to celebrate the exit of former Governor Segun Oni from the party. Oni defected from PDP to All Progressive Congress last Monday.

and fair election, anything short of this, we shall resist particularly, if it is seen that the election is rigged,” he warned. Present at the meeting were: Governor Kayode Fayemi and the candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Opeyemi Bamidele of the Labour Party (LP), among others. Expressing regret at the level of alleged partisanship of some traditional rulers, Oba Babalola stated, “Kabiyesis are enjoined to accommodate all candidates. We should not play to the gallery, we are Obas”, he advised. Calling on politicians to be civil in their approach and shun violence, Oba Babalola, said, “We are calling on them to play by the rules. They should not maintain thugs or sponsor violence. It is assumed that if the followers of candidates cause disturbance, it is the candidate who sponsored them. The monarch, who urged security agencies to improve on their performances, also called on the INEC to work

against lateness of electoral materials to designated centres on the day of election, saying the people will not tolerate such flimsy excuses. Responding, Fayemi urged the monarchs to put their position on rigging into a letter and send to President Jonathan and National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki for necessary actions. Fayemi, however, agreed that the incidences of violence had been reverberating in three major parties like the APC, PDP and LP. “Competition especially during election is not a bad thing, but the unhealthy rivalry is what we are worried about. So, if we are going to have a critical solution, the candidates of these three parties must be ready to sign a code of non-violence, peace and decency in this election,” he said. He promised that he would work with all relevant security agencies to prevent violence from taking over the State. Fayose and Bamidele, urged all political parties to comply with the rules to restore peace to the state.

8 NEWS Monday, May 12, 2014

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Bodies of three slain SSS operatives in Alakyio still in mortuary From Msugh Ityokura Lafia ODIES of the three State B Security Service (SSS) operatives slain in Alakyio village on May 10, 2013 are still lying unclaimed in the morgue at the Lafia Specialist Hospital. Efforts of the parents and relatives to claim the corpses for a befitting burial have continued to prove abortive as the SSS authorities in Abuja are allegedly showing a lukewarm attitude towards conducting a forensic test on the bodies as requested by the parents so as to retrieve them for burial. Father to one of the slain officers whose body is also lying at the mortuary, Dr. Nandul Durfa, a former medical director at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital expressed regrets that his efforts to get the corpse of his son released to him for burial are being thwarted for no just reason. Speaking with The Guardian at the hospital premises at the weekend, Nandul wondered why the authorities are frustrating his personal efforts to carry out a forensic test on his son so that the family could bury and forge ahead with other challenges of life. The attitude of the authorities he said “does not give confidence to any security operative in the country any more” The non challant attitude of the concerned authorities he said is ‘killing’ the morale of

colleagues of the slain operatives who are still in service as manifest in what is happening in the north eastern part of the country. He alleged, “The soldiers on mission in Maiduguri are afraid of sticking out their necks because of the usual neglect by authorities in case of an accident in the battle field or even death as is with the case I am facing now.” “Despite several letters” some of which were made available to The Guardian, “the authorities have not deemed it fit to allow for a forensic test to be carried out so I can get my late son’s corpses for a befitting burial” the bereaved father said in an emotional tone.

Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Fulvius Rusticus (left); German Ambassador, Mrs. Dorotheejanetze-Wenzel; Baby Arrion, wife of the head of EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and the Head, EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Michael Arrion, at a reception to mark EU Day in Abuja.

Experts seek special funds 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 needs. 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 unveiling 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-the-earth hospital facilities, apart from the fact that the number of Nigerians seeking medication 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 government’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.”

CAN chief counsels on how to implement national confab resolutions From Collins Olayinka London and Chido Okafor Warri

• Sub-committee decries failure of PTI to meet objective

HE best way to implement T the resolutions of the National Conference is to

the confab, Joseph Bagobiri has advised. Speaking to The Guardian in London, United Kingdom, Bagobiri, who is also the Catholic Archbishop of Kafanchan submitted that though the ideal situation would have been to subject

compartmentalize it into different levels of implementation at different levels of government, leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) delegation to

the recommendations of the conference to a referendum, it is still possible for government to implement the recommendations that fall within the authorities of the executive arm of government. He stated Nigerians should

not be disillusioned by the fear that the National Assembly may frustrate the implementation of the committee’s recommendations, saying, “Obviously, there are resolutions that may require the intervention of the National Assembly, but we

also believe that there are other resolutions that are within the powers of the executive arm of government. If they are good ideas, we believe that there are legal frameworks within the current system that the President can implement some of them through the executive powers given to him by the constitution.” “Most of the conference members are also thinking about the possibilities of the amendment of the Nigerian constitution to allow for a referendum because as we know that referendum is superior to the National Assembly. In a referendum setting, it is the entire Nigerian people that will be speaking directly and not through any kind of representation. I think all three options are there for exploration towards finding ones that will best suit our situation.” Meanwhile, the Technology Sub-Committee of the Conference in Abuja were at the weekend on a fact finding mission to the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and expressed disappointment with its inability to meet the manpower needs of the country’s oil sector. The four-man team led by Chinonso Abasi (Ebonyi) were miffed that the PTI

which was established in 1972 by an act and amended in 1975 was yet to fulfill the dreams of the founding fathers who envisaged the steady production of middle level man power for the oil and gas industry in the hope of attaining a sustainable science and technology environment in Nigeria. Obasi, a former student of the PTI said “I saw the importance that the PTI should be raised at the committee level at the confab because we used to hear that when students graduate from the PTI they get instant job in the oil industry, that didn’t happen with me”. Bagobiri posited that the deficiencies in the system are traceable to some administrative lapses and not mainly due to absence of law and implementation but for some administrative lapses. He submitted that the Nigeria is at crossroads today and urgently needs some drastic changes, adding that if such changes that can revolutionize the destiny of the country, Nigeria should embrace such. Bagobiri highlighted that though the members are under pressure to deliver on their mandate, the call for extension may be unnecessary if the current dedication of member is maintained.

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Monday, May 12, 2014

PHOTONEWS

FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed (left); welcoming Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, during a three-day prayer for the late mother of FCT minister, in Bauchi.

Head of Value Added Services, Globacom, Mr. Nagasai Viswanath (left); Chief Operating Officer of Globacom, Mohamed Jamel, and Head of Operations, Globacom, Bisi Koleosho, during the Globacom media luncheon in Lagos. PHOTO; SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Head, E-Business, Skye Bank and Chairman, CeBIH, Chuks Iku (right); Director, PrepayGo, Peter Iwegbu, MD/CEO, NIBSS Plc, Ade Shonubi, MD, SIBS INT’L, Portugal, Pedro Hipólito, ED, Business Development. NIBSS Plc, Christabel Onyejekwe, Director, PrepayGo, Adeyinka Adeyemi, and Head, E-Business, Zenith Bank, Juliet Nwanguma,

Managing Director, Africa Repro India Ltd, Mutesk Dhruve (left); Grarman Nigerian Book Fair Trust, Samuel Kolawole, Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Akin Olajide, keynote speaker, Dr. Victoria Okojie and special guest of honour, representative of the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Saleiman, chairman, Committee on Education, at the 14th Nigeria International Book Conference, held at the Multi-purpose Hall, University of Lagos. PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

Vice-Principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Abagbo, Tarkwa Bay, Eti-Osa Local Council, Lagos State, Mrs Olusola Omojola (third left), Project Manager, Julius Berger Plc, Hendrick Rypma, Public Relation Officer, Lagos Office, Suszan Obi, community leader, Chief Fatai Olusesi, one of the students of the school, Izuchukwu Emmanuel and others, during the donation ceremony of 13.5KVA, Mikano generator to the school by Julius Berger Plc in Lagos. PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

Consultant/trainer, Nigeria Bible Translation Trust (NBTT), Mr. Jon Lewis (left); Executive Director, NBTT, Mr. Yakubu La’ah, and Executive Chairman, NBTT, Col. Samuel Umar rtd, during an exposition seminar on activities of Nigeria Bible Translation Trust in Jos on Sunday

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology, Nike Animashaun (left); Commissioner, Adebiyi Mabadeje, Special Adviser to Governor on Science and Technology, Lateef Raji and Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Ronke Osho, at the ministerial briefing on the activities and achievements of the ministry in Lagos. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

Ace Actress, Iretiola Doyle (left); Producer and Director, Hear Word, Ifeoma Fafunwa, and Actress, Joke Silva, during the press conference to announce the “Hear Word” Naija woman talk true series of stage play, held in Lagos. PHOTO: GABRIEL IKHAHON

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Monday, May 12, 2014

WorldReport Renewed fighting casts doubts on South Sudan ceasefire EW fighting broke out in N South Sudan yesterday less than 48 hours after the country’s president and the rebel leader agreed to a ceasefire that the United State Secretary of State and United Nations Secretary-General both worked to forge. Aid leaders and analysts hailed Friday night’s deal but some also voiced skepticism that it would translate to

peace on the ground. Those fears were borne out yesterday as fighting again flared for a strategic oil town where horrific crimes against humanity have already occurred. Each side blamed the other for re-starting the violence. South Sudan Defense Minister, Kuol Manyang Juk said rebels attacked government positions near Bentiu at

36 Egyptian students jailed over protests N Egyptian court yesterday A sentenced 36 students of the prestigious Al-Azhar university to four years in prison each over violent protests backing ousted president, Mohamed Morsi, judicial sources said. Students supporting Morsi regularly hold demonstrations calling for his release at several Egyptian universities and in particular at Cairo’s AlAzhar university, a prestigious seat of Sunni Islamic learning. The 36 students were found guilty of holding a violent protest in December, rioting, blocking roads in front of the university and showing aggression against the securi-

ty forces, the sources said. Each of the accused was also fined 30,000 Egyptian pounds (about $4,300/3,300

6:30 a.m. yesterday. He said government troops killed 27 rebels and captured some arms. “At 8:30 they also attacked our position ... along the road between Bentiu and the Thar Jath oil fields. Our forces repulsed them,” he said. An opposition spokesman, Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Kong, said government forces attacked rebels in two states. He said government fighters were in “active combat” with opposition troops around Bentiu. Kong said fighters from Sudanese militias were aiding government troops around Bentiu. “The latest violations of the

agreement to resolve the crisis in South Sudan shows that Kiir is either insincere or not in control of his forces,” Kong said in a statement. He said the international community and IGAD, a regional bloc that brokered Friday’s peace deal, should know that Kiir’s forces were first to violate the agreement. Humanitarian workers hoped Friday’s deal would allow residents to return home and plant crops. More than 1.3 million people have fled their homes because of the fighting, and aid experts say that if residents don’t plant crops by the end of May mass hunger is likely to set in — and possibly even famine.

The World Food Program and Save the Children on Saturday released a nutritional analysis showing that several areas in Unity state, where Bentiu is located, have food needs at “alarming” levels, one step from famine. Up to 75 percent of the population there faces severe hunger. WFP says overall that 3.2 million people need food aid and that a “hunger catastrophe” will set in if food aid is not soon delivered. Still, given that a January cease-fire fell apart immediately after it was signed, many observers feared Friday’s deal would not hold.

Tensions grow as Thai protesters gear up for showdown a televised briefing by the ning crisis broadly pits the HAILAND’S authorities ing to power after premier government agency in Shinawatra family and its T have warned that opposi- Yingluck Shinawatra was charge of the security tion efforts to hand power to ousted by the courts. an unelected regime risked unleashing new violence, as rival protesters prepared for a showdown over the fate of the crippled government. Opposition demonstrators have delivered an ultimatum for a new leader to be appointed by Monday or they will step up efforts to topple a government cling-

“Forming an unelected government is illegitimate and will bring more conflict and violence,” warned Tarit Pengdith, head of the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Officials will “step up law enforcement to solve the problems”, said Tarit during

response to the six-month political stand-off. Fanning tensions, two people were wounded in an explosion, thought to be caused by a grenade, near the government headquarters late on Saturday, officials said. Yingluck’s removal for abusing her power with the controversial transfer of a senior security official has been denounced by her supporters as part of a “judicial coup”. The kingdom’s long-run-

supporters, mostly from northern Thailand — against a royalist establishment with backing in Bangkok and the south. The opposition says that the remaining caretaker government is no longer legitimate and that elections in the current climate will not solve the stalemate. It wants an interim premier to be appointed to oversee vague reforms to tackle corruption before new elections are held in about 18 months’ time.

Iran’s illicit procurement appears to slow amid nuclear talks, UN experts insist RAN’S attempts to illicitly Idisputed procure materials for its nuclear and missile programs appear to have slowed down as it pursues talks on a long-term accord with world powers, a United Nations expert panel said in a confidential report seen by Reuters. The U.N. Panel of Experts, who monitor compliance with the Security Council’s sanctions regime on Iran, presented this conclusion cautiously, suggesting it was also possible Tehran has simply learned to outsmart security and intelligence services in its pursuit of sensitive components and materials. The report cited “a decrease in the number of detected attempts by Iran to procure items for prohibited programs, and related seizures, since mid-2013 ... It is possible that this decrease reflects the new political environment in Iran and diplomatic progress towards a comprehensive solution.” Tehran embarked on a negotiated solution to its nuclear dispute with big powers after moderate President, Hassan Rouhani won election last June, replacing a confrontational ideologue. The high-level talks have yielded an interim deal easing fears of a wider Middle East war and will resume this week in Vienna.

Monday, May 12, 2014

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Focus Kwara shops for N23b, opposition kicks Kwara state is looking to the capital market for N23 billion, to fund what governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has described as critical infrastructure. But his suspicious critics are wary of his intentions, reports ABIODUN FAGBEMI NE of the constant economic slogans of the O Kwara state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed is: “only the one with capacity to repay, has a right to borrowing.” Besides, Ahmed believes that the business of governance should be premised on the formulation of robust human and infrastructural policies for development. But the governor, who described human and capital development as cumbersome, especially when a 47-year old state like Kwara is rated 33rd in the hierarchy of the federal government’s monthly allocations to the states; also noted that for him not to be a mere economic theorist, he would need a huge lifeline to justify his election. Ahmed, who argued that the option of relying on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) too meagre for the developmental needs of Kwara, with its over two million people, also opined that critics of his economic policy should supply him a veritable option or “wait for their own time.” Ahmed’s position appears to be in tandem with that of his predecessor, Bukola Saraki, who obtained a loan of about N30 billion from the Stock Market “to fix infrastructure in the state.” These include, the sprawling International Aviation College; modern Cargo Shed at the Ilorin International Airport; mini power plant at Ganmo; International Agricultural Centre at Shonga, Edu Local Government Area (LGA); upgrading of the state sports complex to an Olympic standard, and the building of model post primary schools among others. One of the critics of Ahmed’s economic policy is the state’s Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Iyiola Oyedepo, who insisted on prudent spending of the state’s resources as against the alleged “reckless spending on godfatherism type of politics.” Besides, Oyedepo, former Chief Whip of the state’s House of Assembly, said the issues associated with public lifeline should not be the exclusive rights of the government, but that of all the major stakeholders. He urged the Ahmed-led administration to either formulate a viable economic policy for the state or quit for a “pro active government.” But Ahmed, while reacting to a question on how he intended to bridge the state’s infrastructural gap said: “What the government intends to do, to fill the infrastructural requirement for growth and development, is a thing that ordinarily, government should not take for granted. But unfortunately, infrastructure is something that we have not maintained in the past. “This has resulted into the decay we have today. In the past 20 to 30 years, we’ve been building roads, constructing bridges, culverts, but we’ve not been maintaining them. In the process, they got spoilt and we have to start all over again. “The most critical part of it is that, the infrastructural requirements in roads, water, energy, education, health, agriculture is huge. By the time we did an assessment, to bring the state to a fully functional environment with the all the needed infrastructure, we found out that there is a huge gap. To put those things in place, it will cost us about N300billion. “We know that we cannot raise N300 billion. But as a government that has a tenure, we must see how much of the N300 billion projects we want to do in our own time. That prompted us into looking at the various sources of funding. “Of course, we know that we get the federation allocation every month, from where we pay salaries and carry on other recurrent expenditure. But is this enough to do capital projects? Obviously, not! It means that we have to look for other sources that will enable us do our own portion of the capital projects. We then expect that next government to continue from where we stopped. The governor said his government had, consequent on the developmental indexes, decided to look at the capital market, which in his words, “is the cheapest source of funds for government to raise money to do capital projects.” He added: “if you go to any organization,

Ahmed

Oyedepo

desirous of improving the lives of its people, it must have access to a large sum of money, where it can do capital projects and begin to pay back gradually. That is why we have decided to approach the capital market. Those who don’t know will exhibit ignorance by saying that government is going to borrow money to execute projects. “How do you want to do projects without borrowing? I don’t know how. Even the federal government issues treasury bills. For those who don’t know, treasury bills are a way by which the federal government borrows money to execute projects. So, the State, on its own, goes to the capital market and raises a bond to do capital projects. They are cheaper sources of funds because the interest rates are lower than when you borrow from commercial banks. I’ve heard a few people making comments, especially I heard an opposition man saying that Kwara State is taking the bond to impoverish the people. “People should talk about the things they know. It demonstrates ignorance. If you say that taking of a bond to execute well-articulated projects is impoverishing the State, then you are demonstrating that you have no business in this business of governance. You should understand it.” Although the exact amount to be borrowed by the state had, for sometime, been a subject of controversy, Ahmed finally put it at N23 billion. But for the PDP chairman, “it is bad, if it is true that the state government wants to take another loan or bond. I think that a sensitive issue like this, that will affect our lives in the future, should have, firstly, been subjected to public debate. All major stakeholders must be

involved. Experts on economic matters must make their inputs. I am not saying the House of Assembly, because the present composition of the House will make us conclude that it is a rubber stamp Assembly. “I think they simply want to take the bond and waste it on misplaced priority, especially moribund projects and conspicuous consumption. Are you aware of the fact that this government had, in the past, obtained a loan of N1 billion to buy vehicles for public office holders? Is that the priority for now? “After about 11 years in government, I have added the eight years of his predecessor (Bukola Saraki), since they refer to their government as that of continuity, they have not been able to make our economy viable. A viable economy will not rely on federal allocations to carry out projects. It will not depend on loans or bonds without public approval. So, they just want to take the loan to service recurrent expenditure, which is not healthy for economy, thus compromising our future.” Reacting to some of the insinuations in some quarters that some of the projects listed for execution through the proposed bond, especially the Ilorin water reticulation scheme should have been carried out under the previous bonds, thus raising a question of duplication, the governor said: “When you have capital projects, you cost them. The costing will give you a specific figure. For instance, the Ilorin metropolis water project was estimated at N7 billion. There is no way we will be able to raise N7 billion in one single bond, except we want to do only

It is bad, if it is true that the state government wants to take another loan or bond. I think that a sensitive issue like this, that will affect our lives in the future, should have, firstly, been subjected to public debate. All major stakeholders must be involved. Experts on economic matters must make their inputs. I am not saying the House of Assembly, because the present composition of the House will make us conclude that it is a rubber stamp Assembly

water and don’t do anything else. But as long as we want to do water, electricity, agriculture, hospitals; then we take whatever we can take, resulting from what we can pay back at that time. “And then, we jump start the project and the project will now take us to either 10, 20, 30, 50 or 60 per cent conclusion, after which we will now take additional money to complete it. If you have big projects, you need to phase them. They will go beyond one to two bonds. If you take the Ilorin metropolis reticulation projects for instance, the first amount that was designated for that project in the bond was N4 billion. That was in the first bond that was taken, the N17 billion bond. “When you take N4 billion, how much do you have left out of seven? You have N3 billion. When I came in, I took a loan, out of which I used N1 billion to support the Ilorin metropolis reticulation project. That takes us to N5 billion. We have still not completed it because we still have N2 billion to go. That is why we intend to raise another bond to take additional N2 billion and complete the project. “When we raise monies, it does not mean that the money will take the project from A to Z. It may take it from A to W or from A to X, then somebody will or something else will take it from that level to completion. “A typical example is the Kaiama-Kishi road. The road is going to cost us about N8 billion. We cannot raise N8 billion with our current repayment capacity; but what we can raise is N2 billion. So, we raised and we’ve broken it down into three sections: One, Two, Three. As soon as we take this bond, we will start section one which will take us to one-third of the road. So, somebody comes in tomorrow for any reason and sees that bond has been raised to jump start Kaiama road, then the next bond is coming in again, you want to take money for Kaiama road, he will say, but you have taken money for Kaiama road before. Yes, just to start, not to complete it, because completion will require large volume of money and large volume of money will require us to have a strong repayment capacity.” He added: “repayment is limited to your inflow. There is a limit to which you can borrow money. You cannot borrow all the monies you want. If you can borrow all the money, I would have taken the N300 billion and complete all the capital projects, but it is not doable. It is only a function of what you can pay back. So, there is no way we are going to impoverish Kwara State. We will take monies, execute projects that will be completed within a specific time frame for the benefit of Kwarans. And when we finish, we will still live here, because we will both enjoy the projects we are going to do.” Speaking on the state’s debt burden, time frame and repayment capacity, the governor said the Federal Government monthly allocations would form the fulcrum of the repayment of the bond. His words: “the sources of government funds are three: federation allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT) and IGR. Most of the federation allocation inflows go into the services of salaries and wages and other monthly commitments. So our VAT and IGR are where we try to see how to carry out capital projects, but they are too small on their own to continue to use them on the projects that we have. “I just told you, Kaiama-Kishi road is about N8billion. My IGR is between N600 million to N700 million, while my VAT is about N400 million to N500 million. How much of that can I use to do Kaiama-Kishi road alone? I’ve not talked about Share-Oke-Ode, I have not talked about Ipetu-Rore road, I’ve not looked at the Teaching Hospital road we are trying to expand. These are all roads that require huge funding. “What I think people should be concerned about is, what do we want to spend this money on? We must see it, and the benefits must be understood by all. Once we understand the benefits, then what we are going to take, use and pay back will not be the problem. That is why we are going to take our time to advertise the projects we want to do, so that people will see.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Monday, May 12, 2014

Politics THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE DEBATE

‘Let’s put all options on the table’ (2) 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. CONTINUED FROM LAST FRIDAY We (religious leaders) have not done enough to HAT is your comment on the charge that the Federal WGovernment is politicising the security situation in the check the excesses of the politicians. I am involved; I country, for example, by blaming the opposition APC of being won’t exonerate myself because if I do that, then I behind the Boko Haram activities, without providing a shred of am displaying holier-than-thou attitude. The evidence? You (journalists) can see yourself; you people reported two Ministers, either in the church or in the mosque — days ago that two APC bigwigs were killed in the North; who we are all guilty. Immediately they (politicians) come killed them? Is it APC killing APC? That is why I say they (Federal Government) are not serious. around and give us gifts, we begin to sing a new What I can say is that even their (Boko Haram) sponsors now song. Immediately they invite us to one of their activappear to be their victims. Has massive unemployment anything to do with the rising ities, we begin to sing a new song; we sell our constate of insecurity in the country? science; we sell our hearts. So, we are not bothered. I disagree; it is not the problem of massive unemployment. Initially, it might have been religious but now, it seems to me to We also want to grab what we can take from them. be political, with those that are looking for power to rule But you won’t eat beyond what your stomach can behind it. Governor Shettima of Borno State said the Boko Haram were bettake; you won’t sleep in more than a room; you won’t ter equipped than the Nigerian military, which angered the ride in more than a car at a time even if you have Presidency. What he right in his assertion? If Shettima, who is feeling the heat most and therefore in a two, three, four or more. What has happened to us in position to know, can say the insurgents are better equipped; this country is a malady. May God forgive us! we should believe him. It would be wrong for anyone to sit in his comfort (zone) and say he (Shettima) is wrong. The proper thing for one to do is to pick the information, investigate it thoroughly so as to assist in finding solution. What I want to tell our political leaders is that we put all of them in government; whatever party they belong to, either PDP, APC or whatever doesn’t matter to us. What we are asking of them is to come and govern us, come and rule us and do it right and we should work together to give us good governance. Are you in support of international aid to tackle the security problem? They better ask for it! See what happened on the rescue mission of the Malaysian airline. When that thing (missing plane) happened, why couldn’t the Malaysian government say they would handle the problem alone? Countries like America, Australia, China and others were all involved by bringing their gadgets to look for the missing plane. If bringing in the international community will help in finding solution to these terrorist activities, so be it. What suggestions do you have in tackling the situation? They (Nigeria political officeholders) better pull their resources together, forget about their party differences or even interparty problems before they consume us and destroy them also. They can’t escape. Even if they run out of the country, the people will pursue them. If they think after governing the people they will run to somewhere and hide — even if they go to the Solomon Islands — they won’t have peace. Some people believe politicians have failed Nigerians; do you agree? They are Nigerians. We cried that the army was not good enough for us; politicians are Nigerians. People are even saying that the problem with Nigeria is that the old brigades are recycling themselves. Truly, they (old politicians) are still on the turf, recruiting and training the young ones in these bad acts that they are used to. They are all Nigerians, whether they are doing right or not.

Politicians should learn from what happened at the last elections when one governor shared so much money to the people, who took the money but voted out the one he anointed to succeed him. That governor started very well and after feeling that things were okay, he began to misbehave during his second term. My prayer for the man (Senator Ibikunle Amosun) at the helms of affairs in Ogun, who has started very well, is that he will learn from history so as to sustain what he is doing till the end so that the people will vote for him for his second term. If he continues the way he is doing, at the end of his first tenure, his good work will earn him the people’s votes for the second tenure. He should remember, as a Yoruba man, that a good name is better than riches.

Rt. Revd. Adekunle If you want to go back to the military era, they are Nigerians; if they want to stay in politics and help this democracy, they are Nigerians. Let us continue to cry, shout, and fight each other and at the end of the day, we will still remain as Nigerians. If they (old politicians) quit the stage, the young ones have no plan or module to operate with than what the old ones have prepared for them. I have grown to see politics in the days of “wetie”. I have grown to see politics in the days of SDP, NRC and NPN; so, I have seen bitter politics, I have seen settlement politics, and there is no new pattern. There can only be a change if we begin to teach the younger Nigerians another style of governance that is worth practising. YOU don’t seem to be happy with the way politicians have comported themselves? Are they well comported? No. I have said that it is their attitudes over time that had evolved into the Nigerian system. Legislators fighting each other, demanding for what will benefit them, not minding the interest of the populace that voted them into power. Is it not dubious that our legislators collect constituency allowances but hardly visit their constituencies to even interact with the people, talk less of carrying out some projects to the benefit of the people? It is a pity that most of our legislators don’t visit their constituencies till the tail end of their tenure when they want to go for another term and begin to beg the people and push out money. They should learn from what happened at the last elections when one governor shared so much money to the people, who took the money but voted out the one he anointed to succeed him. That governor started very well and after feeling that things were okay, he began to misbehave during his second term. My prayer for the man (Senator Ibikunle Amosun) at the helms of affairs in Ogun, who has started very well, is that he will learn from history so as to sustain what he is doing till the

end so that the people will vote for him for his second term. If he continues the way he is doing, at the end of his first tenure, his good work will earn him the people’s votes for the second tenure. He should remember, as a Yoruba man, that a good name is better than riches. Do you foresee free and fair elections in 2015? Yes. Why I said yes is this: People are now conscious of their (politicians) acts. Their thinking is that, ‘let them (politicians) come; we will do the voting. Let them come with their hooligans, people will resist them.’ So, if they think they can buy the people’s conscience or scare people from the polling booths, people will resist them this time around. If you were to advise President Jonathan, will you urge him to contest in the 2015 elections? He is a politician; he has the right as a Nigerian to do whatever he wants. His party reserves the right to pick whoever it wants to fly its flag but it is for the people to vote for whoever they want to govern them. How would you assess the way the Federal government is tackling corruption? The Federal Government is only paying lip service to fighting corruption and this is giving Nigeria a bad image in the eyes of the international community. Could you recommend how to reduce corruption in the country? We have to go back to God. When we go back to God, the fear of God will catch whoever wants to involve in corrupt practices. When you fear God, you will love your country and neighbour as yourself. Therefore, you wouldn’t do anything that would rob the people of what belongs to them. So, to reduce corruption, let’s put God first and put our fellow men into consideration in everything. Would you say religious leaders have done enough to check the excesses of the politicians? We have not. I am involved; I won’t exonerate myself because if I do that, then I am displaying holier-than-thou attitude. The Ministers, either in the church or in the mosque — we are all guilty. Immediately they (politicians) come around us and give us gifts, we begin to sing a new song. Immediately they invite us to one of their activities, we begin to sing a new song; we sell our conscience; we sell our hearts. So, we are not bothered. We also want to grab what we can take from them. But you won’t eat beyond what your stomach can take; you won’t sleep in more than a room; you won’t ride in more than a car at a time even if you have two, three, four or more. What has happened to us in this country is a malady. May God forgive us! What role should religious leaders play in the polity? They should shout more; they should employ the pulpit to cry. There are still masses that we are interacting with daily; they are around in the churches, mosques. Either within or without the church or mosque, you see them (masses) and you see them suffering. We (religious leaders) need to cry and shout on their (masses) behalf to the politicians, who are also our members, who come around on Sundays to listen to our sermons. We should challenge their hearts; we should let the word of God prick their hearts by preaching the right doctrines. By doing that maybe they will get a change of heart and do the right things. CONCLUDED.

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Monday, May 12, 2014 | 13

COMMUNIQUÉ SOUTH-EAST SOUTH-SOUTH DEVELOPMENT FORUM 2014 1.0 Introduction: The inaugural SOUTH-EAST SOUTH-SOUTH DEVELOPMENT FORUM themed, "South East South South Development: From Talk to Action" was held at the Grand Hotel Auditorium, Asaba, Delta State, from 24th - 25th April, 2014. The Forum was facilitated by the South East South South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN). The Forum was held to sensitise the peoples and governments of the two regions on the desirability to build close and effective synergy for the wholesome and integrated development of the two zones taking advantage of the abundant human and natural resources available in the two regions.

federating units with clusters of states and adopting a parliamen tary system of government. This will free up additional investible funds that will be used in laying a solid and sustainable founda tion for wealth creation. Also, fiscal federalism has to be adopted to engender healthy competition required for wealth creation. It is only when wealth is created that the scourge of poverty can be ef fectively addressed for the good of the greatest number. 4.5 The Forum noted the absence of the eleven state governors from the two zones, who were unavoidably absent due to their partici pation in an emergency security meeting with the President in Abuja and resolved that copies of the Draft Roadmap be sent to them for their input.

2.0 Participation: In attendance were representatives of the Public and Private Sectors, The Professions, Organised Labour, Traditional and Religious Institutions, the Civil Society, Youth and Women Organisations. The Chairperson of the Opening 5.0 Recommendation: Ceremony was Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, Deputy Speaker, House of Repre• The Forum strongly recommended the establishment of a South sentatives. Other notable stakeholder groups in attendance were the organEast South South Development Agency (SESSDA) to monitor and ised private sector, the academia, the media, government representatives, evaluate the progress and implementation of DASESS 2035 and informal sector operators, and members of SESSPN. provide technical assistance to the BRACED Commission, South East Nigeria Economic Commission (SENEC), and the Niger Delta 3.0 Deliberations: Papers Presented and Expert Opinions: Development Commission (NDDC) in aligning their plans and The two-day intensive, highly educative and interactive Forum discussed exprogrammes to the vision and objectives of DASESS 2035. The Fo tensively relevant topics, marshalled in highly expository papers presented rum enjoined the governments and peoples of South East and by renowned development scholars and practitioners. The Forum, after exSouth South to ensure that SESSDA, SENEC and BRACED Commis pert presentations, panel discussions, and enthusiastic interactive dialogue sion are properly established and made fully operational before by the participants, deliberated and agreed on a set of resolutions, recomthe commencement of DASESS 2035 on January 1, 2015. mendations and actions, the most important being the adoption of a Draft Development Agenda for the South East South South Zones, christened 6.0 Conclusion DASESS 2035. DASESS 2035 is the veritable roadmap for developing the econ• The objectives of the Forum to comprehensively review the de omy of the regions over the next 20 years. The roadmap will help refocus the velopment trajectories of the South East and South South regions capital, human and natural resources of the zones and enhance collaboraand sensitize the peoples and governments of the two zones with tion so as to better respond to developmental needs and the evolving nature the aim of galvanizing them into confronting the challenges of of the 21st Century global knowledge economy. development as well as identifying repositioning strategies, were indeed achieved. 4.0 Resolutions: 4.1 The Forum noted the heightened insecurity in the country as 7.0 Appreciation: exemplified by the Boko Haram insurgency and sporadic bomb ex 7.1 The Forum deeply appreciated the participation of various stake plosions at various locations across the country which have holder groups, government representatives, the or ganised pri claimed the lives of many innocent Nigerians and called on the vate sector, informal sector operators, and other high net-worth country's leadership to urgently review the nation's current secu individuals for heeding the clarion call and sharing in the vision rity architecture to reverse the palpable slide into anarchy before and determination to push forward the development agenda for terrified and petrified citizens with nothing to lose resort to self the South-East South-South regions. help with adverse conse quences for the Nation's Transformation 7.2 The Forum appreciated in particular following: Sponsors; Person Agenda. alities, especially Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; Hon Kingsley Emu, Commissioner for Commerce 4.2 For DASESS 2035, the Forum adopted the following development and Industry, Delta State representing the Host State; Prof Mkpa drivers anchored on, the Vision: To be the most prosperous and Agu Mkpa, SSG, Abia State, representing the Chairman, South East globally competitive region within the emerging MINT economies Governors’ Forum; Key-note Speakers; Presenters, and Panel Dis (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey) by the year 2035. cussants. 7.3 And last but not the least, The Forum thanked SESSPN for facilitat • Economic Pillars: Oil and Gas; Agriculture; Industry; ing the event and for taking on the responsibility of championing Tourism and Entertainment. a key enabler, Values, in the South East South South. This under taking was kick-started at the event by the public presentation of • Enablers: Values; Security; Power; Education; Health; Skills a Values branded T-Shirt which was launched by Dr. Ngozi OkonjoDevelopment and Standards; Science and Technology; Housing Iweala, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the and Environment; Transport and Logistics; Infrastructure; ICT; Fi Economy ably represented by Dame Elizabeth Agu. nance and Investment; Institutions and Legislations. 4.3 The Forum noted that DASESS 2035 is only realizable in a national Dated this 25th Day of April, 2014. economy whose foundation is anchored on wealth creation and healthy competition. Unfortunately, the Nigerian economy as cur Signed: rently structured is based on the sharing of receivables from a diminishing non-renewable natural resource (crude oil), which is a major disincentive to wealth creation, hence our present under developed economy. 4.4 The Forum resolved that, as a matter of urgency, a delegation be sent immediately to the South East South South Delegates in the on-going National Confab to intimate them of the imperative of constitutionally redesigning the Nigerian econ omy to be an chored on wealth creation. For a start, there must be a drastic re duction in the cost of governance relative to the size of the coun try’s GDP by restructuring the present 36 states cost centers to six

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14 | Monday, May 12, 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 To save MSMEs and truly grow the economy F Nigeria would experience real development, if jobs in the required numbers Imicro, would ever be created and if Nigerians would ever prosper in real terms, then small and medium enterprises would have to be nurtured and promoted.

manners of foreign goods (and services too), a large proportion of which is dumped on the country. There are several explicit examples. Firstly, at frequent intervals and like the maximum rulers of the military era, the Today, the government acknowledges this, talks the talk but never walks or works Federal fiscal authorities usurp legislative functions, unilaterally waive sections of the talk. This is a shame that must be halted. the import tariff regime and flood the country with selected goods of their fancy. The National Policy on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which was adopted The tariff regime is intended to protect the various stages of local production and in 2003 after broad-based consultations, acknowledges that “the importance of local jobs. It is irresponsible to unilaterally grant import waivers and the practice Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in employment generation, ecoshould stop. Secondly, instead of making sure that goods are produced locally in nomic empowerment, poverty alleviation and even distribution of development accordance with desired quality and set standards, the two Federal agencies of has long been recognized”. Generally in Nigeria, establishments that engage up to NAFDAC and Standard Organisation of Nigeria go out of the way to license foreign10 employees fall under micro-enterprises; those with up to 50 employees are con- based firms to manufacture Nigerian specification-compliant products for export sidered to be small enterprises; and medium enterprises engage up to 250 workto the country. That way both agencies create jobs abroad and joblessness at ers. The structure of MSMEs here is different from what obtains in developed home, make it possible for favoured foreign firms to underprice local manufaceconomies. What the National Policy termed “the notorious missing middle of tures with resulting high rate of under-utilized installed manufacturing capacity Nigeria’s private enterprise system” was still evident in 2010 following a survey at home as well as drive away foreign direct investment in similar lines together sponsored by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria with beneficial linkage industries and requisite technological transfer. (SMEDAN). Micro-enterprises made up 99.87 per cent of the MSME population with Thirdly, the CBN’s deliberate incorrect handling of public sector oil proceeds prosmall and medium enterprises forming 0.12 per cent and 0.01 per cent respectively. motes an import-dependent economy through uncontrolled access by all and This is the 11th year since the adoption of the National Policy and it is unlikely that sundry to foreign exchange even at street corners. As a result, a substantial the pattern of MSME distribution has witnessed any improvement. amount of the country’s foreign exchange finds its way abroad through unorthoGovernment policies which impact the MSME subsector deserve close dox channels. Such foreign exchange facilitates, among other anti-economic activattention and a more than cursory examination. In an advertorial last March, ities, the importation of large volumes of contraband to the detriment of the manSMEDAN disclosed that “as of now, 96 per cent of all businesses in the country ufacturing sector. Not long ago, SON revealed that 80 per cent of goods in Nigerian belong to this grouping (MSME) which contributes 75 per cent of national employ- markets were imported. Any wonder that the manufacturing sector’s share of the ment”. Thus any concerted efforts to improve the performance of MSMEs, ceteris forecast rebased 2013 GDP is a lowly 6.8 per cent? paribus, should be expected to absorb a part of the current unemployment rate of What best serves the national interest is for the Federal Government to urgently over 23 per cent as well as reduce the incidence of poverty, which in 2010 stood at reverse all policies which cause MSMEs to wilt and large establishments to be pros72 per cent. However, the monotonic rise of both economic indicators over the trate and the economy to permanently underperform. The root cause of the earliyears shows that relevant government policies have been working against the er identified unstable macroeconomic regime, which leads to the crippling of development of MSMEs. As a matter of fact, Federal Government fiscal policies MSMEs and the economy at large, is because of the forced reliance by the three down the years, which are in large part inappropriate, have produced adverse tiers of government on the deficit financing substituted by the apex bank for monetary measures which in turn have intensified all the well-known obstacles to shared Federation Account dollar accruals which the CBN withholds. The resulting the growth of MSMEs. unintended and ruinous excessive fiscal deficits should be done away with the corTo begin with, MSMEs fare poorly under unstable macroeconomic conditions. rectly converting public sector dollar earnings to non-inflationary naira revenue Despite contrary official claims, there exists irrefutable and unbroken presence of through deposit money banks in order to unfurl conducive economic conditions. the features of macroeconomic instability. They include persistent excess liquidity A strong economy produces the preponderance of what it consumes. MSMEs and the attendant harsh economic production environment characterised by high account for much of that production. The country possesses the resources for inflation, high lending rates and a progressively weak naira. Notwithstanding achieving that objective. Nigeria should, therefore, not continue to be made to hefty devaluations of the naira over the years, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), underperform through deliberate policies. unceasingly fritters away withheld public sector dollar earnings purportedly to defend the perennially artificial naira exchange rate. The ensuing high lending rates compound the factors that deny MSMEs ready access to adequate bank finance. MSMEs are, therefore, compelled to depend mainly on non-bank financing. A comparison with the level of bank loans to MSMEs elsewhere is quite revealing. A cross-country study carried out for the World Bank which was published in 2011 concluded that the median ratio of SME loans to GDP in high-income countries is 13 per cent compared with only three per cent in developing countries. Because data on Nigerian bank loans to MSMEs are not available, the CBN’s MSME Development Fund (MDF) of N220 billion may serve as a proxy. The MDF as a ratio of the rebased 2013 GDP is a measly 0.27 per cent. That is grossly inadequate for the subsector that provides, you will recall, 75 per cent of national jobs. Even then, the MDF, which is unlikely to be fully subscribed in any year, attracts the high interest rate of nine per cent per annum. From experience, however, it is doubtful whether disbursements from the fund would reach any interested MSMEs at less than an annualised interest rate of 72 per cent. The killer bank interest rates make nugatory the touted waiving by the CBN of conditions like provision of collateral, proof of credit worthiness (yet guarantors are required for microloans), bank credit transaction history and so on. And yet still as a mark of celebration of the CBN measures which suffocate MSMEs, the banks, for instance, in 2012 sat on 76 per cent of unutilized lending capacity that amounted to N45.6 trillion. Also as at last March, the CBN had granted banks the sinecure of pilling up the national domestic debt that is made up of sterilized excess liquidity amounting to N8.8 trillion (which is non-investable on government projects). The banks are rewarded with unearned income of about N1 trillion as service cost on the baseless debt annually which is borne by the Federal Government. In the circumstance, it is mere window dressing intended to mock MSMEs for some banks to use international cable news networks to promote SME loans or to sponsor radio programmes that urge SMEs to float their establishments on the capital market for cheap funds when that option has a history of many a failed enterprise. Expectedly, the very high cost of bank loans to MSMEs where available, the prevailing high inflation and the progressively weakening naira currency lead to high cost of the output of MSMEs as with all other producers. Thus burdened with uncompetitive output, the MSMEs face the intensified form of another obstacle to their growth, namely, difficulty in gaining access to domestic and foreign markets. Also the MSMEs have a field deliberately made uneven by the Federal Government to play on. Unfair competition hampers the access of the final and intermediate output of MSMEs to the market. Government policies encourage importation of all

Monday, May 12, 2014 15

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Opinion Political corruption and rise of the oligarchs (1) By Patrick Dele Cole EFORE independence, the question of official B corruption was not a dominant issue although the colonial Government was itself the child of a relatively corrupt Government in Britain. Corruption was always at the back of the mind of Britain vis a vis Nigeria. Moreover, there was a simmering undercurrent in the colonial office that they must do all they can to promote the Northern interest and the Northerners whom they regarded as likely to be less corrupt and more stable than their noisy, over confident and radical southern counterparts. Various studies exist to show how the British skewered Nigerian politics into its tripod formation with the North as the clear favourite. This was done to the deliberate disadvantage of the minorities in the North, East and West. Between 1956 -1959, the question of the Minorities in Nigeria was recognized by Britain but regarded as a minor vexatious, irritant (a feeling, unfortunately still shared today by some of the major ethnic groups). Nevertheless there was no doubt that the three principal figures – Sardauna of Sokoto, Chief Awolowo, Dr. Azikiwe – were inured into a belief that responsible Government had to be moral, ethical and free from corruption. Each of these leaders had powerful institutions – WNDC, ENDC, NNDC – buffer institutions for price stability in agriculture and commerce, they had banks to prop up their states and political parties, etc. The Yorubas, under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, had first barred the fangs of tribalism against Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who, together with his party, the NCNC had won the elections in Western Nigeria. Awolowo’s master political stroke stopped Azikiwe and the NCNC, from running the Government. Chief Awolowo did this by persuading many legislators to leave the NCNC, cross carpet, and join the Action Group to form the majority party in the legislature. This led to the forceful return of Dr. Azikiwe to the East, thus replacing Prof. Eyo Ita, a minority man, who was then in power as premier in Eastern Nigeria. Many minorities in the East saw the ousting of Prof. Eyo Ita and the return of Dr. Azikiwe as the beginning of Ibo domination, forgetting conveniently that the Yorubas in the West had actually voted for Dr. Azikiwe and that Prof. Eyo Ita could not have won in the East without the active support of the majority Ibos. Political memories, when convenient, are notoriously short! Nevertheless the British did all they could to discredit Azikiwe and tried to pillory him through the famous Foster Sutton Tri-

bunal of Inquiry into Eastern Nigerian Government and the African Continental Bank. These antics clearly angered the Ibos who now came out in greater numbers to support Dr. Azikiwe. Now were there corrupt people in Government in Nigeria then? There were, it is safe to say, many wealthy men in politics but there were few men who corruptly made money from politics. There were quite a number of wealthy Yorubas, Ibo, Hausas in politics but their wealth came outside of politics – the Odutolas, the Olagbegis, the Obisesans, the Dohertys, the Obandes, Maideribes, the Attahs, the Dantatas, the Dipcharimas, the Ojukwus, the Ikokwus, the Akwaiwus, the Obis, the Nwapas, the Tom Big Harrys, the Jacks, the Pepples, the Amachrees, the Onyeamas, etc. many were wealthy produce merchants, textile merchants, transporters, lawyers or other professionals, etc. By 1963, the lines for the future of Nigeria were already clearly drawn. Some wealthy Yorubas contributed to the Action Group while others equally contributed to the NCNC. The Northern aristocracy of Fulani-Hausas supported the NPC whereas the Middle Belt was divided. The parties, however, got most of their finances from the people through effective pursuit of payment by registered party members. In the election in 1964/1965, there was little evidence that the Government had suborned aspects of the state for political recruitment or enrichment and the results of the elections, though disputed and contested, were as expected. The coup leaders in 1966 partly blamed their action on corruption; Government drift/political instability. There was a feeling that politicians were overstaying their purpose and tenure, that they were not nationalistic enough – hence the coup leaders killed people from all ethnic groups in the military and in politics (except Ibos). They also claimed that the military was being tribalised and that there was a loss of professionalism. In January 1966, General Aguiyi Ironsi, an Ibo General, took over the Government as head of State thus solidifying Northern suspicions that the coup was a reaction against the North led by the Ibos. Northern fear was allegedly confirmed by some decisions of the Federal Government (National Government) and the proclamation of the infamous Unity Decree – unifying the civil services of Nigeria such that senior officers could be sent anywhere within Nigeria to work, regardless of state of origin. The Northern reaction was a pogrom in the North, through killing of thousands of Southern civilians. The Northern officers organized their own coup of

July 1966 – partly in retaliation and partly, to dismantle Nigeria. General Gowon’s first speech stated that there is no basis for remaining in Nigeria. (He later changed his mind). Colonel Ojukwu agreed and took the East out of Nigeria. A civil war ensued. The war ended in 1970 with General Gowon declaring, No Victor No Vanquished. The civil war made millionaires as any civil war usually does. (There may have been corrupt officers during the civil war). Briefly put – the military in 1966 intervened into politics inter alia, to stop corruption. Every military intervention since then has had this mantra of stopping corruption. Every succeeding Government in Nigeria, it is safe to say, has been more corrupt than its predecessor. The three Rs of General Gowon – Reconciliation, Reconstruction, Rehabilitation – again, made many Nigerians successful businessmen inevitably through the implementation of the Three Rs. The civil service of Gowon was powerful: its policies were bound to increase access to wealth – but no clear evidence till 1973 that political office holders were themselves corrupt or ostentatiously so. General Gowon was quoted as saying that “Nigeria had so much money; we do not know what to do with it” or that “money is not our problem but how to spend it.” There is another anecdotal story that in 1974, a young lady saw a line outside the Ministry of Defence. She asked what were people queuing for and was told they were waiting for contracts for cement. She also stood in line and was given a contract! By 1974 worrying signs had begun to creep in. Some blamed this on the so-called super-permanent secretaries, others on their friends and colleagues who had done well. The Coup of 1975 was clearly aimed at stopping Government drift, “indiscipline” in civil service, sometimes characterized by ostentation. The new Government attempted to return to low profile among officers and civil servants ending culture of excessive Government contracts without due process (the cement armada) and the end unfortunately, of a proper building programme for military barracks) throughout Nigeria. 1975 also saw the end of ostentatiously wealthy soldiers – Adekunle and his white Rolls Royce – and the continued removal of all officers who could not satisfactorily explain their standard of living, etc. (The Bello inquiry – and seizure of property of civilian and military commissioners under Gowon, seizure of Adeyemi

Bero’s and Coker’s houses, return to the policy of one-man one plot, seizure of Chief E. K. Clark’s cinemas etc.) The 1975 – 1979 regime introduced the first money laundering decrees – to catch Nigerians and resident foreigners with foreign accounts. Yet, the same Government was seizing companies and properties of foreigners and Nigerians and reselling them to other Nigerians through the Indigenization Decrees, abandoned property scheme, etc. But in almost all these attempts to curb corruption, all fell far short of perceived grievances and brought untold hardships to Nigerians and foreigners resident in Nigeria without substantially curtailing corruption or its practitioners. If anything, it sucked various leaders of the Government into its vortex and 1979 could not come soon enough for the military to step down. There was, however, on the part of Government a clear intention that those who had been probed, found guilty, etc even if they did not go to jail, were to be denied access to political office; hence the Government resorted to wholesale banning of many people from holding office for 10 years, others for life. The 1979 election saw the sanitization of the political class – at least the older and well-known ones who may have been tainted with corruption through refusal of the Government to allow them to contest elections. The Government used the State Security Service apparatus to deny clearance to many the Government thought were unsavoury through corruption. But you can’t keep a good man down, or better still, you can’t keep a corrupt politician down!! Between 1975 –1979 Government had a Policy of one-man one house/plot – this merely made people to find more ingenious ways to acquire property. In any case, it was not long before nearly all the seized properties were returned to their owners – thus again, bellying the notion that corruption does not pay!! The civilian Administration between 1979-1983 was believed to be more corrupt than any before it? At least it was so in perception, though difficult to prove in reality. Excesses such as personalized champagne both at weddings and parties, junkets to the capitals of the world by politicians, a bravado of heedless spending, cemented a belief in culture of corruption. • To be continued tomorrow. • Ambassador (Dr.) Patrick Dele Cole (OFR) is a Consultant to The Guardian Editorial Board.

The words, the bombs, the sound By Foluke Ademokun UST two months after the mass murder of 106 Jboarding persons in Izghe, Borno State and at least 29 students of the Federal Government College in Burni Yadi, Yobe State, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, in an official reaction to the kidnap of almost 200 (regrettably, weeks after the attack no credible official figure of actual number of victims) senior secondary school girls, suffered a bout of dementia as revealed in his ignorance of Boko Haram’s penchant for large-scale atrocity. More so, with evidence of over 1,500 citizens killed by the insurgents (including 20 students and a teacher fatally shot in July) in 2013. According to the minister; “…nobody in his wildest imagination would ever believe that such a thing could happen in Nigeria.” I do agree with the minister, except that while he is confined to the imaginary world as a government appointee, the ordinary Nigerian citizens are confronted with the realities of a Nigeria where ‘formal education is not just a sin’ but a crime punishable by abduction or/and death! Fast-track to the real world, abduction of teenage girls is a pastime of Boko Haram. According to the Human Rights Watch, about 40 women and girls were abducted between September and November 2013, and over 20 in the first two months of 2014. Agreeably, high incidences of terror are a global phenomenon, requiring that nations adopt collaborative measures to combat varying acts of terror. Even the United States has exercised the tools of partnership to respond to terrorism ‘in and out’ of its border. Similarly, Ukraine and South Korea have adapted collaborative responses to the rhetoric of cross-border terror with Russia and North

Korea respectively. This observation may has informed the calls by Nigerians for the government to seek physical and intellectual help in dealing with the iterative acts of terror. Beyond engagement with Chad, Niger, Cameroun, and the Republic of Benin, the United States for instance offers lessons on how to deal with school attacks, and mass killings that can be adapted to the Nigerian context. Roll back to December 14, 2012 when Sandy Hook Elementary School was attacked by Adam Lanza, 20 pupils and six teachers fell (in all, three short of Burni Yadi victims) but the nation as a whole… and the world with them rose! The lessons learned by experts from this school attack, and other similar cases outside of the United States, suggest the vulnerability of schools was an underlying factor in the attacks; vulnerable persons and circumstances are easy and cheap tools to amplify attackers’ outrage. In our case for instance, in addition to schools, public places such as motor parks may be the next severest point of vulnerability to terror attacks. Between March 18, 2013 and May 1, 2014 over one hundred persons have lost their lives in separate bomb attacks of motor parks in Kano and Abuja! Since this is widely known, the seizure of almost 200 young girls following incessant attacks on schools in the NorthEast geopolitical zone, suggest the following; (i) the security forces are ill-equipped to deal with the zone’s vulnerability or/and (ii) like the Minister of Information, the nation’s leadership is confined to an imaginary world, (iii) Poor intelligence gathering or/and management of information. The latter may actually be the crux of the collective failure on security responses, which are mainly reactive instead of being responsive – more like chasing

shadows rather than substance, lacking the will and efforts to galvanize response as evidenced in other climes. As usual with all political settings, there were measures of publicity in America’s response to the December 2012 school attack but these were with due considerations to the memory of victims of the attack, their families and overall public safety. Aside from public and private figures making some political gains from the incident, deliberate efforts were geared towards reinforcing security protocol, and preventing a re-occurrence, at least within the same location. First, school safety measures, such as front-door buzzers and security cameras were installed to secure school facilities. Second, a variety of mass actions to stem violence were initiated. Next the broad range of search for solutions was extended to the private sector. The Entertainment Software Association published a condolence statement to families of victims due to the perceived linkage between real-life and entertainment violence. And because the calls were genuine and passionate, it was collaborative without compromise to overall safety. This brings to mind the question about the preparedness of our nation’s managers in providing the ambience and required instrument for ensuring safety in public places, particularly schools, open markets and motor parks. Regrettably, this is not the case in Nigeria, where government, oppositions, and organisations seek to make a political capital of unfortunate happenings. Little wonder that the investment of $470 million National Cyber Security Project through the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) appeared a hoax, unworthy of an official response. Everybody is talking but nobody seems culpable! At the moment, it is convenient to blame the mili-

tary, while the politicians and their cronies, conveniently profit from the bloodshed of Nigerians through under-table deals boosted by our collective security vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, reflection on the nation’s ability and readiness for a change from current security situation suggest the need to: • Strengthen Nigeria’s information governance framework • Maximize capacity to gather, manage and protect information • Promote information sharing amongst agencies to enable appropriate response. The abduction of these innocent girls like the disappearance of the MH370, may be a call to the “bloody civilians” responsible for managing government information and their counterparts in the military to evolve a synergy for the management of information on terror. This way, they may jointly develop new tasks for the National Orientation Agency, which currently is preoccupied with merry-go-rounds, and condemnations but lacking the professionalism to guide the general public on practical steps to responding to an unsafe environment. Hopefully, with two bombings in Nyanya within three weeks, President Goodluck Jonathan will be guided towards more action and less talk – he should know that the torrents of bombs with the attendant thunderous sounds are deafening, and he has become inaudible! Maybe, just maybe, he should listen to David Mark, after all, the Senate President, like Joe Bidden is the only one with the military experience in the top three – it is all about synergy! • Ms Ademokun, a monitoring and evaluation expert, writes from Lagos (foladem@yahoo.co.uk)

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Opinion Bring back our girls ! By Chris Okotie N modern times, apart from Adolf Hitler’s IlionHolocausts which killed an estimated six milJews; the more recent ethnic cleansing in the Balkans and the Rwandan versions, no other massacre of the innocent surpasses the Boko Haram killings in brutality. These guys have kidnapped a part of this nation. We need a new strategy to rescue it. Thank God, First World leaders with experience and proven competence in counter-insurgency have responded to President Goodluck Jonathan’s call for assistance. What makes Boko Haram’s case puzzling is that the group targets its own people, and especially weak demographic groups like women and children that are normally spared, along with civilian populations, in conventional warfare. Although, terrorists hardly respect this convention, even groups like Al-Qaeda do not attack their own people, except where they establish a case of betrayal by fifth columnists within their ranks. The unbelievable cruelty of the Boko Haram insurgents as evidenced by the recent abduction of more than 200 girls in a school hostel in Chibok, Borno State ordinarily would have shocked the sponsors of the Islamists, if they have human hearts in their chests. Nothing suggests that they do, otherwise, they’d have called the fighters they unleashed on this nation to order. At the time of writing the United States, Britain, France and China had pledged support for Nigeria’s efforts to help track Boko Haram and rescue these defenceless girls. This has given hope to Nigerians that, at last, a greater, more realistic action is in the offing. It may be too late for the falcons to hear the falconer. If you ride the back of the tiger to power, it would devour you if it has nothing more to

eat. That is the case of Boko Haram. Those who use the hoodlums to rig themselves to power abandoned them when they finally left power. Then, the thugs, abandoned to their own devices were hijacked by politicians of diverse tendencies, and pseudo-Islamic militants, who use the renal youths to pursue dubious objectives. As disparate criminal elements infiltrated the group, it became amorphous, leaderless and difficult to control. The killing of the original leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf allegedly in police custody provoked the initial reprisal attacks against the police. Gradually, other targets were being hit. As the sect made headlines it attracted jihadist partners from neighbouring countries like Chad, Niger, Sudan and Mali. Arms from the failing state of Libya after the death of Col. Muammar Ghadaffi fell into the hands of these mercenaries, who have strengthened Boko Haram, to the extent that members of the terror group are now strong enough to confront our army. That is why arms and ammunition captured by Nigerian security forces from Boko Haram fighters appear to be more sophisticated than those our soldiers use against them. We must understand the forces we are dealing with before we could defeat them. It is doubtful if the terrorists have a well structured command and control system like AlShabab of Somalia or Al-Qaeda – in the – Islamic Maghreb, which almost over-ran the Malian government, before they were stopped by an African intervention force led by French troops. That makes the case more complex. If we must destroy Boko Haram, we need foreign help in the shape of highly sophisticated intelligence which the aforementioned Western powers who have experience in combating global terrorism have started offering. Some of their personnel are already here; but the President must act with greater decisiveness on this terror

war. We need help from anywhere we can get it except Israel. Israel is out of it to avoid Islamisizing the terror war because of the former’s long drawn conflict with the Arab nations, with whom our predominantly northern brothers share a common faith. Therefore, we must carefully select our foreign partners in the war against Boko Haram to avoid introducing international rivalries into it. President Goodluck Jonathan should summon the political will. With foreign help we could fish out the sponsors of the terrorists, and pre-empt the attacks before they are launched. The kidnapping of those young girls at Chibok has set a world record; it is a monumental disgrace, it strikes at the soul of our nation. As it were, Nigeria has been kidnapped. At no time in our checkered history did we live like this, in perpetual fear of being attacked by criminal elements who are now on the prowl across the nation. For the first time, armed groups are laying siege on our military installations; invading army barracks and police formations, leaving heavy casualties in the trail. They appear capable of engaging our last line of defence as hit and run urban guerillas. Now, after the failure of every trick in our books, we obviously have no answer to Boko Haram. We thought the terrorists have been dislodged permanently from Abuja and restricted to just the three North Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, until the two recent Nyanya bombings. Chibok which capped this brazen assault is a terrifying reality. How a group could abduct more than 200 girls from their school in an operation that required huge logistics, without being detected in an area where a State of Emergency is in force, is amazing. Nobody knows where they’d strike next, except the terrorists themselves. This recurrent circle of condemnation after a strike and visits by the President or top govern-

ment functionaries to bombed sites has continued for too long. While this may be a painful imperative for our leaders, what is lacking is a strategy to seriously decapitate the terrorists to such a point that their strike capability is completely destroyed. Effective intelligence could stop the terrorists in their tracks, while a swift, well organised counterinsurgency operation could annihilate them completely. So far, we have not succeeded in containing the terrorists because, either our security forces are ill-equipped, incapable for some reasons, or are over-stretched to police the vast area they are supposed to cover. The Chibok tragedy and the frequent attacks on soft targets like motor parks, worship centres, markets and academic institutions ought to be prevented by the military authorities, because we all know that is the stock-in-trade of Boko Haram. Nobody should claim ignorance of the history of these attacks on such targets. Boko Haram is a special problem in our country, and we require a special arrangement to move ahead of their logistics to nip them in the bud. Aside international assistance as earlier mentioned, localized knowledge of the terrains is an important factor. We have enough para-military forces, which could be deployed to complement efforts by our armed services, to provide adequate security coverage for our nation. There’s nothing wrong if we incorporate our ethnic militias and vigilante groups in this security arrangement because the nation is at war. And anyone, except the terrorists, could be a victim. When a nation is kidnapped, no effort should be spared to rescue it. So that’s why I join the rest of the world in saying: Bring Back Our Girls Now! • Rev. Okotie, a presidential aspirant, wrote from Lagos via Okotie@revchrisokotie.com

GDP rebasing and intra-Africa trade By Roberts Orya ATA released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics following the recent rebasing of the country’s Gross Domestic Product shows that the Nigerian economy is much more diversified than we had thought or acknowledged. But it was not altogether surprising. Efforts in structural transformation of the Nigerian economy have been ongoing for the better part of the last 10 years. The Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan has provided additional fillip in the last four years of supporting private sector-led, non-oil sector growth. So here we are. And this is what we now know about the Nigerian economy after the rebasing. Agriculture, largely subsistence farming, which used to contribute 35 per cent to the GDP now contributes 22 per cent. The oil and gas sector which used to account for 32 per cent of the GDP now contributes 14 per cent. Those are the headline downward adjustments. The structural adjustment that has taken place shows these sectoral gainers. Manufacturing, which had accounted for approximately two per cent of the country’s GDP jumped to 6.8 per cent. From 0.9 per cent, the contribution of the telecommunication sector has expanded to 8.7 per cent. The biggest leap was made in the services sector with a rise in contribution from 29 per cent to 52 per cent. Past trade trend Data provided by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the period 1981 – 2010 shows structural rigidity to Nigeria’s external trade. In 1981, crude oil accounted for 96.89 per cent of the country’s exports. All through the 30-year period, there was no noticeable change in the trade pattern; oil export stood at between 95 per cent and 98 per cent of total export merchandise. A 2004 data shows that roughly 60 per cent of non-oil exports from Nigeria consisted of cocoa and rubber – primary products as well. In this period, the country’s very narrow export goods base invariably meant that Nigeria was trading with very few countries. Indeed, the United States received about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s oil export. A handful of developing economies, mainly China and Brazil also received Nigerian oil export. Nigeria’s imports are mainly in finished products. Thus, our imports are mainly from the industrialised world, again principally the United States and China, and from few countries in the European Union. With this trend, Nigeria was not able to lift intra-Africa trade. Trade within the continent has been very low. At 11 percent of total trade volume by African countries, trade within Africa has been the lowest compared with trade within other regions of the world. An assortment of often discordant policy, tariff and non-tariff barriers to intra-Africa trade has been identified. In addition to this, lack of political will to integrate the economies of

Africa beyond fruitless policy engineering to aid trade has been cited. However, many African countries have exactly the same economic structure as Nigeria; they export primary goods to the leading industrialised nations while they import finished products from the same countries. For this reason, the most knotty of the issues that constitute barriers to intra-Africa trade is the narrow base of economic activities of scale on the continent. This issue then expresses itself in the narrow external trade pipes. Likely new trade scenario The possibility that Nigeria will now influence a new trade scenario within Africa is established in the far-reaching structural adjustment in our domestic economy, as revealed in the new GDP data. The trade influencers are tied in both the absolute size of the country’s $509.9 billion GDP (which is by a wide margin the biggest in Africa), and the structural diversification that is revealed in the recent GDP rebasing. For example, the Nigerian services sector is now worth $265 billion. With the banks accounting for significant part of this economic value, little wonder that over the past few years, Nigerian banks have been playing big in international trade in banking services in Africa. Like it played out for the South African external sector performance, the widening footprint of Nigerian banks across sub Saharan Africa will pave the way for other sectoral trade in Nigerian goods and services in Africa. Financial market infrastructure is a facilitator of international trade. With the linkages the banks have established with other SSA markets through the operations of their subsidiaries, a key facilitator of Nigeria’s external trade within Africa has gained ground. However, a unidirectional trade flow from any African country cannot, mainly because of geopolitical concerns, lift intra-Africa trade. What we now see with the Nigerian services sector’s value of $265 billion is that it will accelerate on foreign participation. While trade flows in the Nigerian services sector will be led by the Western countries because they are more able to tap the Nigerian opportunities, the sheer size of this sector leaves enough head room for other African countries to come in. We also expect the export of services from other African countries into Nigeria. Cross-border trade in research and legal services are immediately contemplated to influence trade flows into Nigeria. Several foreign acquisitions which Nigerian businesses are expected to make in Africa makes this quiet imaginable. The Nigerian manufacturing sector, now worth $35 billion and constituting 6.8 per cent of GDP, has also assumed scale. Gradually, we have begun to see the outflow of Nigerian manufactured products into our sub-regional markets. From cement, sacks to biscuits, Nigerian manufactured products are making a showing outside our borders. Now that the sector has become recog-

nized again with its 6.8 per cent contribution to GDP, coupled with the consumption profile of Nigeria’s over 170 million population, Nigeria will evolve to be a major manufacturing hub, attracting investments as well as merchandises from other African countries, thus maintaining desired two-way directional trade flows. The big lesson The most important structural adjustment to note in the Nigerian economy is that it is now dominated by the private sector. Indeed, further transfer of public sector assets through the ongoing privatization programme, including in the power sector, will unlock resources, accelerate growth and broaden the economic base. Therefore, policies supporting private sector development and broader economic base are critical to opening the clog in intra-Africa trade pipelines. As we look to leverage Nigeria’s diversified economic base to boost trade within the continent, the example Nigeria has set is worth emulating by other African states. Why DFIs are relevant Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) is the designated trade policy bank of the Federal Government of Nigeria. As a development finance institution, NEXIM Bank has been supporting the process that is leading to a more diversified Nigerian economy. In the last five years, NEXIM Bank has pushed forward, through its communication programme, the policy agenda which accentuated the big sectoral gainers in the structural adjustment that was revealed by the GDP rebasing. Through our “MASS Agenda”, we have presented Manufacturing, Agro-processing, Solid minerals and Services as the key sectors for economic diversification and job creation. This being the case, the bigger contribution we now see from services and manufacturing, as well as the strong showing of the entertainment industry in the Nigerian GDP basket, is a big plus for this administration. While policy support for economic transformation is very important, it is not enough. Accordingly, NEXIM Bank and other DFIs in the Nigerian space have received institutional reinvigoration and financial backing from the Federal Government so as to be able to effectively intervene in the sectors that made good showing in the GDP data. Moving forward, financial intervention in SME manufacturing, services and the other areas of our focus at NEXIM will be critical to maintaining growth momentum. As we know, lower cost credit, which development banks provide is important for lifting businesses in these sectors to the point where they can afford and therefore attract commercial credit. • Orya, Managing Director / CEO, Nigerian Export-Import Bank, wrote from Abuja

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TheMetroSection Ijebu monarch, Adetona marks 80th birthday By Tope Templer Olaiya OME people are so poor in life that all they have is money, a fact accentuated by a popular saying among the Southwestern Nigerians that people are the quality of a man’s true assets. This was highly demonstrated at the weekend in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State during the grand luncheon party and climax of the activities marking the 80th birthday of the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona. It was a quality audience of first-class monarchs, politicians, astute businessmen and illustrious sons and daughters of Ijebuland that filled up the 2,500-capacity hall at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium. Leading the pack of dignitaries was President Goodluck Jonathan’s representative, his Chief of Staff, Gen. Jones Arogbofa; the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina; Governor of Bayelsa State, who has traced his lineage to Ijebu, Seriake Dickson, and the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu. Others who added colour to the occasion with their presence included Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, host governor, Senator Gbenga Amosun; the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akinolu; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Alaake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; Chief Michael Adenuga, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Aremo Segun Osobo, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Pastor Tunde Bakare and Nasir El-Rufai among a host of other dignitaries. At exactly 11:45am, the celebrant was ushered into the hall that had been exquisitely draped in glistering yellow and white colours, by a retinue of his council of chiefs, members of the organizing committee, the Ijebu Renaissance Group and palace guards. He was led to his exalted seat with songs from the musical legend, who manned the bandstand, Chief Ebenezer Obey. Proceedings began immediately with opening prayers offered by Oba Rilwan Akinolu. His birthday cake was cut after which the Awujale danced to

Briefs RCCG, LP 23 begins Women Convention HE Redeemed Christian T Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 23, will begin this year’s Overflowing Vessels’ Convention, with the theme: Come up Higher on Friday, May 16, with All- Sisters’ Holy Ghost Service , at RCCG, Maranatha Church, 21, Layori Soetan Street, Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos from 6.00p.m-9.00p.m. with Pastor Olaitan Aromolaran ministering and on Saturday, May 17, at 8.00.a.m. Pastor (Mrs.) Ebele Lewis-Ewangbara will minister. It will be rounded off on Sunday, May 18, with a thanksgiving service. Convener is Pastor (Mrs.) Helen Oyitso while Mother-in-Israel is Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye.

Pa Igbinidu dies at 77 Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (left), the celebrant, Oba Adetona, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akinolu, Obi of Onisha, Nnaemeka Achebe, Alake of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Otunba Subomi Balogun, at the event...on Saturday songs chanted by an eminent group mensely from his wealth of experitraditional institutions to be given a of Ijebu octogenarians, who welence. constitutional role in the country. comed him to the exclusive club of “In appreciation of this, I today re“In the pre-colonial era, the tradithe aged 80s. name the first flyover in Ijebuland to tional rulers were in charge, but the inThen the floodgate of speeches and Oba Adetona flyover bridge, so that direct rule imposed by the colonialists goodwill messages followed. The in years to come, when the history of elevated their appointees, who are president’s Chief of Staff said it was Ijebu State is being written, the story local politicians above traditional not possible for the president to fulwill be told of the exploits of their ilrulers. When we gained independence, fill his promise to Awujale of felicitatlustrious son of Ijebuland whom the the conditions of the obas were worse ing with him on his landmark bridge is named after,” he said. than when we were under the Oyinbos celebration due to the current secuDickson described Oba Adetona, (white people) rity challenge confronting the counwho is also marking his 54th year on “We were given paltry sums of money try. Arogbofa, who promised that the the throne, as one of Nigeria’s finest that made the head to constantly be in challenges would be resolved sooner and best traditional rulers, who have conflict with the stomach. But I am than Nigerians expect, however, told been an exemplary figure to a host of grateful to God for blessing all my acthe Awujale that the president would other traditional rulers in the countivities when I went into distributorstill pay him a private visit at a later try. ship business with Portland Cement at time. Justice George Oguntade in his reEwekoro. The rest today is history.” Amosun said the Ijebu paramount marks said the Awujale’s 80th birthGoing down the memory lane of his ruler loves his people to a fault and day celebration was in honour of a 54 years experience on the throne, he has used his wealth of experience great man of intellect, “a man who advised politicians to sheathe their over the years to bring prosperity to cannot be deceived and who will not swords for peace to reign in the counhis subjects and the people of Ogun deceive you; whose goal is to unify try. “I will advise politicians to take State. Ijebu nation and bring to reality the criticisms honestly. There should be “He has been a rock and pillar of Ijebu statehood.” no politics of bitterness that should support to me, including my predeResponding, the celebrant thanked tear us apart. Also, leaders must be cessors. We would not have achieved his guests who had taken the pains careful of their advisers, who may much without his support and other to be at the event in spite of the prewant to pitch them against imaginary royal fathers in the state. He is a man vailing security situation in the counenemies for their own selfish reasons,” of peace and I have benefitted imtry. He reiterated the call for he admonished.

HE family of Igbinidu OnT aghise of Egba Community in Uhunmwode Local Council of Edo State has announced the death of Pa Daniel Agharekokha Igbinidu at the age of 77 He was a teacher, administrator and community leader as well as an active member of the New Benin Baptist Church. He was also an Executive Officer at Iyayi Group of Companies where he retired from active service in 1995. A statement by Chales Igbinidu says: “Funeral rites will begin on Friday, May 16, 2014 with a service of songs at his compound, No. 1, Igbinidu Avenue, off Ogiefa Street, Ikpoba Hill Benin City, to be followed by interment/ social engagement on Saturday, May 17, 2014, also at his residence. On Sunday, May 18, 2014, there will thanksgiving service at Egba Baptist Church, Egba at 10 am. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Patience Igbinidu and many children including Kingsley Igbinidu, Mrs. Queen Igabari and Lucky Igbinidu

Hospital owner, council boss trade words over shops construction By Odita Sunday HE Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Mr. Fatai Ajidagba, has been accused of using his office to oppress taxpayers in the metropolis. He was alleged to have commenced construction of blocks of shops in Amukoko thereby hindering access into the entrance leading to a property belonging to a hospital in the area. Although the chairman swiftly denied the allegation, his accuser, Dr Adekoya Abimbola, a medical practitioner, told newsmen the chairman has been collaborating with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Amukoko Police station to thwart justice over the matter, despite the Lagos State government agencies condemnation of the Local Council boss’s action. “According to Adekoya: “ Some unknown people came to my property facing the newly commissioned Cemetery Road that the Lagos

State government spent tax payer’s money to construct, to dig foundation on the setback in order to erect shops in front of my house thereby blocking access to the building.” “Apart from blocking the access to my property, the shops, if erected on the setback, will constitute great nuisance on the new road since the road setback that could be used for packing of vehicles will no longer be available.” “The activity started on Friday at about 5.00pm. This shows that it is likely that no approval was given for the construction. They use the weekends to do this illegal work. The Local Council chairman is using his office to perpetrate injustice. He is supposed to be the custodian of the law but he is using his office to intimidate me.” “Initially, I reported the matter to the DPO in charge of Amukoko Division, but he connived with the chairman to cover up the matter. It was when I petitioned the Area

Commander that I got some respite. He called me one day and asked me to pay N1million per shop so that he can collapse five shops for me to have access to my property and I told him I couldn’t do that.” “One day, the State government Task Force came and demolished the structure being built by this chairman, the next day, his boys returned to site. We really want the government to intervene before things get out of hand,” he pleaded. In his reaction, the Chairman Ifelodun LCDA said the allegation against him was false. “It is not true that I am depriving him the right of way. The Land in question belongs to the Market Association. During the construction of Alaba Road, I was the person who demolished the market and I promised to rebuild it after the construction. Now that election is approaching, the Market Association is reminding me of my promise. The people are really worried, so I

was trying to rebuild the market that I demolished because I can’t renege on my promise.” “The man that is trying to stop me from rebuilding the market that I want to rebuild is my professional colleague and my personal friend, so I won’t do what is not right to him. The land can accommodate 10 shops but as a friend, I decided to assist him by collapsing four shops out of the 10 shops to enable

The newly constructed shops

him entrance to his house yet he is not satisfied.” “It is true that Task Force demolished the shops that I was building. When he reported to them they came and demolished it, but when I later showed them the initial picture of the place, they accepted that they acted wrongly and asked me to continue. I am acting right and in good faith. If he likes, let him go to court, we shall meet him there.

PHOTO: ODITA SUNDAY

Igbinidu

Egbuji calls for release of abducted girls HE Executive Director of T Crime Victims Foundation Of Nigeria (CRIVlFON), Mrs.Gloria Egbuji, has appealed to Boko Haram to release over 200 girls under its custody unharmed. In a statement made available to The Guardian, she urged the terrorists to halt the wanton destruction of lives and property. The legal-security expert also advised government “not to play into the treacherous devices of the criminals in responding to their atrocities in like manner to avoid plunging the nation into intractable disturbances,” and called on the security agencies to “seek and secure adequate logistics and intelligence support for the fight against terrorism.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

18 Monday, May 12, 2014

Brief Idumuje-Unor monarch gets Staff of Office May 16 HE official presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Charles Chukwunwike Anyasi 111, the Obi of Idumuje-Unor in Aniocha North Local Council of Delta State, will take place on Friday, May 16, 2014 at 10.00am at the Obi’s Palace. In a statement by the chairman and Publicity Secretary, Organising Committee, Chief Chris O.O Biose and Kenneth Okwuenu respectively, they said the presentation would be performed by the Special Guest of Honour, Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan. They added that the Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos .A. Utuama (SAN) would be the Guest of Honour, while the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Peter Onwusanya would be Special Guest. They also enjoined all sons and daughters of the community, both home and abroad, to grace the occasion and make the event a memorable one

Anyasi

Honour for illustrious sons and daughter • Ndigbo Lagos honour former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, Ezeoba, others By Odita Sunday ONS and daughters of Igbo race Surday came out in their numbers last Satto honour their illustrious sons and daughter who have served at various levels in government and the private sector for flying the flag of the Igbo nation high. They were specifically honoured for displaying exemplary leadership when they were holding public offices during a grand occasion held at the over 5,000 capacity Ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island. The occasion attracted the best of Igbo land. Top on the roll call list were former Common Wealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the Obi of Onitsha, Agbogidi Nnaemeka Achebe, Admiral Ndubusis Kanu, former Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, representatives of all the Southeast governors and Delta State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan among others. The hounorees were former Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Retired), former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah and former Executive Secretary of Petroleum and Pipeline Products Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), Mr. Reginald Stanley. Others were former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, former Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Chima Ibeneche and former Managing Partner of Price Water House West Africa, Mr. Ken Igbokwe. Addressing the audience at the ‘Meritorious Award and Grand Reception’, the President General of Ndigbo in Lagos, Professor Anya Anya said their kinsmen were chosen to be honoured, having effected positive

Honourees, their spouses and the organisers at the event changes during their tenures in ofAccording to Professor Anya, “Genfice. eral Azubuike Ihejirika and Admiral “I am glad to welcome you all for Dele Ezeoba are proud officers and this event. As you may all be aware gentlemen who even as they respecNdigbo Lagos is the apex body of all tively commanded the Nigerian Army Ndigbo Cultural Organizations in and Nigerian Navy over the last few Lagos. We are here today to honour years brought humility, loyalty and our deserving sons and daughter dignity to the service of their fatherof Ani-Igbo (Igbo land) who reland. Princess Stella is a unique examcently left office after distinguishple of a visionary, organizer and ing themselves in the service of our implementer of the first order. We fatherland. We have in decades Ndigbo can state without equivocapast witnessed many Nigerian men tion that her impact on the Nigerian and women who left office without Aviation industry in such a short peleveraging opportunities of their riod is without equal in the annals of positions to positively impact on the industry. She not only created a the nation and communities they well-defined strategic direction for served.” the industry but also historically “Former Governor Peter Obi, not opened the South East to world aviaonly brought the discipline and tion. prudence of Corporate Governance He continued: “Professor Bath Nnaji into Public Service but through the was not only the trailblazer in appresimplicity of his lifestyle removed ciating the lead role of the private secthe pernicious ogre of domineertor in Power development in Nigeria. ing arrogance which others in such As the founder of Geometric Power positions have been identified with Company and former Federal Minisover these years.” He said. ter of Power Professor Nnaji more

PHOTO: ODITA SUNDAY

than any other person has redefined the industry.” “Mr. Reginald Chike Stanley in his role as the Executive Secretary of PPPRA brought integrity, due process and managerial panache to the sensitive down stream of the Petroleum industry. Industry peers while Reginald Ihejiahi and Stanley Igbokwe’s tenures as chief Executives of Fidelity Bank celebrated Chima Ibeneche’s stint as the Chief Executive of NLNG as outstanding and Price Waterhouse Coopers respectively were highly acclaimed.’ All the honourees were present to receive their awards at the occasion. Speaking at the event, former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji said it is a thing of joy to be honoured by one’s kinsmen after serving the nation at various capacities. He lauded the Federal government’s reform agenda for the power sector, urging Nigerians to be patient, as the power sector would soon experience radical change.

NSCDC official shoots mother of four dead By Odita Sunday N official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to Lagos State Command has shot a woman dead in Lagos. The Guardian gathered that there was pandemonium when the NSCDC officials arrived Saponkoji village near Ogogoro village, an Island in Apapa, Lagos. Their mission was said to be undefined as they were alleged to have fired sporadically into the air. Residents were said to have scampered for safety during the drama that lasted for several hours but luck ran out on Angelina Dansu when the officials held her in her shop where she sold kerosene she allegedly bought from the petrol station. An eyewitness, who identified herself simply as Bose, disclosed that the officials entered

her shop on Wednesday and attempted to forcefully carry away Dansu’s petroleum product, which she vehemently resisted. Dansu was beaten to near coma and stripped naked. When they threatened to shoot her, she fled from the scene even in her naked state. A source that caught a glimpse of the drama said one of the officials opened fire on her and the bullet allegedly hit her in the lap. The source said people ran inside their houses and remained there for about an hour before they finally came out one after the other and found the victim dead. The deceased’s husband, Paul, who was still shedding tears at the weekend, told newsmen that he was not at home when the incident occurred only to return and was greeted with the shocking news of the

killing of his wife by the NSCDC officials. The man who has not recovered from the shock said his wife was not a petroleum pipeline vandal. According to him, she bought kerosene with her money and was retailing the product when the officials came to seize it. He lamented that the officials have killed a mother of four children leaving him with more responsibilities. The bereaved said he heard the officials came with guns, arrows and cutlasses, among other weapons. He said they also broke into peoples’houses, destroying so many doors in search of petroleum products. All efforts to reach the NSCDC Lagos State Command spokesperson, Kehinde Bada, on mobile telephone was unsuccessful as his phones were switched off.

Police warn against jungle justice, as kidnap suspect is set ablaze From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti HE Ekiti State Police Command has warned citizens of the State against meting out jungle justice on any suspected criminal, saying the Command would deal with anybody found culpable of such tendency. The Police have also arrested a middle-aged woman, Mrs. Lola Adebayo for allegedly inflicting bodily injuries on her nineyear-old house-help, Blessing Akinyemi. In a chat with the newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Victor Babayemi, said the killing and setting ablaze of a kidnap suspect in Ikere Ekiti on Sunday by irate mob was very regrettable and

inhuman. The suspect was said to have been caught by residents while allegedly trying to kidnap a three-year old girl at Ori Audu Area of Ikere Ekiti, after which he was beaten by an angry mob and subsequently set ablaze. Babayemi, said: “The action is condemnable and regrettable. There is no jungle justice in the Nigerian Laws. It is a barbaric action for people to kill and set ablaze a suspect without resorting to the security agencies. This would not be tolerated.” The Police spokesman revealed that the Command has commenced investigation into the matter in an attempt to unravel the identities of the sus-

pect and those that perpetrated the dastardly act. In the case of the child abuse, the culprit, Mrs Adebayo, who lives in Ekute Area of Ado Ekiti was arrested on Saturday and detained at Ekute Police Station for allegedly beating up Blessing and starving her of food for almost a day. A Commissioner with the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Omotunde Adelabu, recounted to journalists that she saw the tattered-looking girl wandering about the streets and, upon interrogation, she revealed how she was allegedly brutalized by Mrs. Adebayo over an offence she committed.

THE ENVIRONMENT /48

BUSINESS INTERVIEW / 56, 57

As leaders wrap up talks, Ban urges climate change action ahead of New York Summit

Companies need to elevate business ethics for global competitiveness, says Lulin

MONDAY, May 12, 2014

Firms to stake $3b on five new oil blocks HE anticipated growth in T the participation of indigenous firms in the

written analysis and consultancy advice. The studies stated: “The work programmes for the respective blocks will

petroleum sector may be close to realisation as the capital expenditure of the companies on five new divested oil blocks are estimated to hit about $3 billion (N504 billion) by 2020. Although, the firms have been groaning under poor access financial facilities, it is expected that the banks would introduce various funding mechanisms that would aid such investment. According to Wood Mackenzie’s studies, the local Exploration and Production firms are expected to spend close to $3 billion across five of the divested licences between 2014 and 2020. Wood Mackenzie is a global energy, metals and mining research and consultancy group with an international reputation for supplying comprehensive data,

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Abdulkadir Musa (left); Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Vice Governor, China Development Bank, Wang Yongsheng and Deputy Director, China-Africa Development Fund, Dr. Shi Jiyang during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding with the China Africa Development Fund to facilitate investment cooperation between Nigeria and China and fasttrack the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment between the two countries in Abuja.

By Sulaimon Salau

include re-entry into existing wells, flow line and processing facilities repair and drilling of new wells. In addition, exploitation undevel-

oped fields and near field exploration is expected to be carried out. “Given the scale of drilling required, it is estimated that

African Alliance, Access Bank, others lift NSE’s turnover by N17.4 b By Helen Oji turnover of 1.697 billion shares worth N17.424 billion was exchanged in 22,096 deals by investors on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week, up from a total of 1.099 billion shares valued at N13.393 billion that changed hands in 19,078 deals during the preceding week. Specifically, at the closed of transactions last week, the financial services industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.345 billion shares valued at N9.334 billion traded in 12,384 deals; thus contributing 79.22per cent and 53.57per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The conglomerates industry followed with a turnover of 108.919 million shares worth N856.147 million in 1,487 deals. The consumer goods industry occupied the third place with 57.903 million shares worth N3.005 billion in 3,228 deals. Trading in the top three equities: African Alliance Insurance Company Plc, Access Bank Plc and Continental Reinsurance Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 373.988 mil-

Four of the NSE indices appreciated while three depreciated last week. However, the NSE ASeM closed flat. lion shares worth N1.204 billion in 1,012 deals, contributing 22.03per cent to the total equity turnover volume. Also traded during the week were a total of 13,692 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N363,198.90 executed in 21 deals compared with a total of 23,433 units valued at N495,614.00 million transacted last week in 15 deals Similarly, 37,723 units of FGN bonds valued at N39.654 million were traded this week in 3 deals compared with 1,900 units of FGN bonds valued at N2.328 million transacted last week in 5 deal. The NSE All-share index depreciated by 0.06per cent to close on Friday at 38,554.19 while the market capitalisation of the listed equities on the main board also depreciated by 0.01per

42 equities appreciated in prices during the week higher than 23 equities of the preceding week. 34 equities depreciated in prices lower than 47 equities of the preceding week, while one hundred and 123 equities remained unchanged lower than one hundred and 129 of the preceding week.

cent to close at N12.669 trillion. Four of the NSE indices appreciated while three depreciated last week. However, the NSE ASeM closed flat during theBonds week FGN Description

TTM

13.05 15.10 16.00 16.39 14.20 10.00 !

2.27 2.97 5.14 7.72 9.85 16.21

16-AUG-2016 27-APR-2017 29-JUN-2019 27-JAN-2022 14-MAR-2024 23-JUL-2030

each block will need to have a minimum of two dedicated rigs for their near to medium-term drilling plans and this does present opportuni-

ties for the industry,” it stated. Although, Makenzie did not specify the blocks that would gulp such amount, it is on record that 28 assets have been divested between 2010 and 2014, while 11 are awaiting the minister’s approval, another six are awaiting Federal High court judgment on legal disputes. The blocks awaiting minister’s approval include Conoco Philips and Chevron deals involving blocks: Oil Mining Leases (OML) 131, OPL214, OML 60, OML 61, OML62, OML 63, Brass LNG, Kwale-Okpai, OML 52, OML53 and OML55, while others such as OML 13, OML 16, OML71 and OML72 have litigation pending with the Federal High court. Evaluating the already divested assets, Makenzie indentified significant growth in the productions from the divested blocks, expressing optimism that the production would hit the roof in the next six years.

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 7-Aug-14 4-Dec-14 7-May-15

Bid 10.00 10.35 10.90

Offer 9.75 10.10 10.65

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M !

Bid Price 100.95 106.05 112.25 117.65 108.00 79.60

Rate (%) 10.6250 12.4890 13.2209 14.0581

Yield 12.53 12.59 12.67 12.72 12.74 13.05

Offer Price 101.10 106.20 112.55 117.95 108.30 79.90

Yield 12.45 12.53 12.60 12.67 12.69 13.00

Exchange as at Exchange ratesrates as at May 10,May 2014 5, 2014! Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central(NGN)

Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR

154.73

155.23

155.73

POUNDS STERLING

260.8903

261.7333

262.5764

EURO SWISS FRANC YEN CFA WAUA YUAN/RENMINBI RIYAL DANISH KRONA SDR

214.7343 176.3104 1.518 0.308 239.2928 24.7725 41.2547 28.765 240.0636

215.4282 176.8801 1.5229 0.318 240.066 24.8531 41.388 28.858 240.8393

216.1221 177.4499 1.5278 0.328 240.8393 24.9336 41.5214 28.9509 241.6151

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

20 Monday, May 12, 2014

FINANCIALGUARDIAN

Caverton becomes first oil services firm to list on NSE AVERTON, a leading C provider of marine, aviation and logistics services to local and international oil and gas companies in Nigeria, makes history as the first offshore support company to list on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), a move seen as a major plus for the Federal Government policy of encouraging local capacity and ownership in the oil and gas sector. Having met all NSE and other regulatory requirements, Caverton Offshore Support Group has been given approval to list by introduction on the main board of the exchange. The company’s 3.35 billion shares will be listed for trading at N9.50 per share. According to the NSE, the listing will take place on 20 May 2014. Caverton Offshore Support Group is the holding company of Caverton Helicopters

and Caverton Marine Limited, two Nigerian companies that have within a short period grown dramatically to become industry leaders in the oil and gas aviation and marine sub-sectors, two highly technical and capital intensive areas previously dominated by foreign firms. “We are extremely pleased as Caverton enters its next phase of growth as a listed company,” said the Chairman of the company, Aderemi Makanjuola. He added: “Leveraging on our expertise and execution capabilities, we plan to embark immediately on fleet expansion and the development of new service areas in the offshore marine and aviation sectors. “We are also keen on exploring entry into new markets. We plan to create a balanced and diversified portfolio and we are pleased to have strong

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technical partners on board with us. This is in line with our strategy for sustainable growth and we are confident that the company will continue to achieve its growth aspirations while fostering indigenous participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.” Caverton’s rising business profile has been powered by strategic partnerships, highly skilled management and staff, investment in cutting-edge technology and facilities, and

strong financial performance. In the 2012 financial year, the company’s turnover rose 47.6% to N16.132 billion, from N10.928 billion in 2011. Profit after tax and exceptional items jumped to N1.035 billion from N60.373 million in the previous year, an increase of 1,625 per cent. Even though its operations predated the passage of the Local Content Act by many years, Caverton has been seen as the poster-child of indige-

nous capacity and ownership since 2010 when one of its subsidiaries, Caverton Helicopters, edged out longestablished foreign operators to win a $648 million, multiyear contract from Shell Petroleum Development Company for the supply and operation of seven helicopters. Won after a rigorous competitive bidding process, it is on record as the biggest contract ever awarded by the oil multi-national to an

indigenous company. The Shell contract opened the floodgate for Caverton, with more contracts pouring in from other oil majors such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, Total and Addax Petroleum. In 2013, the company commenced its first international operation after it won the contract to provide passenger transfer and pipeline surveillance services to the Cameroon Oil Transport Company (COTCO), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil.

Swift Networks, Paga in payment partnership deal By Adeyemi Adepetun IRELESS and fibre-based W broadband provider, Swift Networks and mobile payment provider, Paga, have sealed a partnership deal expected to bring more convenience to consumers. According to the firms in Lagos at the weekend, the strategic partnership is to & provide convenient self-payment options +0.20 % to all Swift broadband sub+0.15% scribers. +0.50% Speaking on the introduction as Paga as%a payment option, +0.18 Chief Operating Officer Swift -0.36% Networks, Chukwuma Okoye said-0.27% with the firm known for broadband -0.66%service in the country, “we are extremely excited -1.08% to be working with Paga to make our payment options just +0.25% as swift and even more accessi+0 .1our 2%customers.” ble to all The +2.term 91% of the agreement disclosed that the partnership

will see SWIFT Networks making Paga available as a payment option to its numerous customers, stating that from the comfort of their homes, offices or on the go, customers can now pay with Paga in three ways, either using Paga’s secure payment platform at www.mypaga.com; by clicking on the “PAY WITH PAGA” button on Swift Networks website

at www.swiftng.com; or via any Paga agent outlet nationwide. Commenting on the partnership, Paga CEO, Tayo Oviosu said “Partnering with Swift is just one of the many ways we are working with local service providers to bring alternative payment options to their customers. “More and more businesses are beginning to realise the

vast market of potential customers interested in utilising their services or products; but who are limited by their conventional payment channels. Our goal at Paga is to bring an end to those limitations and make it possible for all Nigerians to have access to the services they need irrespective of the payment choices they choose to adopt.”

Bank Chief urges foreign investors to seek credible local partners By Helen Oji NVESTORS from the develIleverage oped economies willing to the bourgeoning business opportunities in Africa has been urged to seek credible local partners. Speaking at the panel on pan-African businesses at the recently concluded threeday Milken Global conference in Los Angeles, California, the Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Phillips Oduoza, said it is imperative for these investors to partner with local players like UBA that

understand the local business terrain. He explained that such partnership would help them scale through some of the seeming challenges of investing in Africa. He identified proper understanding of the local culture, customization of products and initiatives as critical factors needed for a successfully investment in Africa, while urging prospective investors to source new financial models that will enable them invest in the Ports, transportation and power sectors. The main discussions centered on the questions that

confront investors and businesses when approaching the African market, entry strategies as well as obstacles that threaten growth. The Milken Global Conference brings together some of the world’s leading thinkers, visionaries and decision-makers to help find solutions to critical issues facing the world. The Conference, which took place from April 27 to May 1, 2014, brought together more than 3,000 people from around the world — senior leaders with the mind and the means to create positive action for four days of intense discussion.

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FINANCIALGUARDIAN

Consumers task CBN on improved network connectivity on electronic payments options By Adeyemi Adepetun ITH the Central Bank of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (CBN) cash-less economy initiative gradually spreading across the country, South West consumers have asked the apex bank to find possible ways of ensuring improved network connectivity on the electronic payments options. While speaking to representatives of the Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (EPPAN) during the cash-less economy initiative sensitisation programme in states including Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Oyo, the consumers noted that network services currently experienced on the

mobile network is very bad, stressing that such could impact negatively on electronic payment options including Point of Sales (PoS) terminals and the Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) when the scheme becomes full blown in the country. Indeed, in an interview with The Guardian, Group Head, Information Technology, Heritage Bank, Tobe Nnadozie attributed 30 per cent downtimes on the about 15, 000 ATMs in the country to poor network services, adding that erratic power supply accounted for 60 per cent of the challenges. Besides, the South West consumers asked if there could

The consumers noted that network services currently experienced on the mobile network is very bad, stressing that such could impact negatively on electronic payment options including Point of Sales (PoS) terminals and the Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) when the scheme becomes full blown in the country. be a fixed cost for the PoS Charges either on a weekly or monthly basis like they pay for other utility bills, saying that would they still need to open another account for the usage of POS machine or the mobile payment. The consumers also sought to know if their configured phone should gets missing, if their settings and money remains safe, adding that will

the 1.25 per cent to be charge be per transaction or on monthly basis? In addition, they also stressed the need for the CBN to give loans to traders to boost the Nigerian economy, adding that for mobile payment transaction, would they need special kind of phones to do mobile payment transaction. However, EPPAN noted that the sensitization pro-

grammes, which were between March 24 and April 18, included interactive sessions with selected key stakeholders; open-air sensitization campaign; live demonstrations and road show/distribution of IED materials. EPPAN reiterated that the CBN announced its cashless policy in 2011 and commenced a pilot in Lagos state in April 2012, stressing that the policy intended to reduce the use of cash, is in fact a package of measures with three key stated objectives as follows to drive the development and modernization of the payment system in line with vision 2020; reduce the cost of banking services and drive financial

inclusion by providing more efficient transaction options and greater reach and improve the effectiveness of monetary policy in managing inflation and driving the economic growth. The association, which said it was able to douse the consumers apprehension on the challenges identified, stressed that the cash-less Nigeria mobilization and sensitization awareness campaign in Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Osun states was a success. It however advised that it is pertinent that such campaigns like this be sustained on a continuous basis until the desired result is achieved.

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EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

MARKET REPORT AS AT 09=05=2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

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MARKET INDICATORS

MARKET REPORT AS AT 09=05=2014

PRIMERA AFRICA

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INSIDE TAX

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‘Professionals should embrace politics to correct anomaly in governance’Page 37

NIC Properties ventures into real estate with N300m Niger Page 33 Suites

Ban urges climate change action ahead of New York Summit Page 48

MONDAY, May 12, 2014

Minister cancels allocation, orders contractors to complete housing scheme in Abuja As FG test runs American buildings system in Kuje scheme Housing From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja S controversies surrounding the mass housing projects in Kuje area of Abuja deepen, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi has waded into the troubled scheme and given the contractors three months to complete the buildings. The minister also ordered that the whole area would be redesigned because of the encroachment by illegal developers while the first allocation earlier made will be cancelled. She disclosed that the new allotment would be done with preference to those who earlier paid for their allocation. The project is adopting the American Building Systems (ABS) in partnership with the Federal government in the building of affordable housing using of light gauge steel technology and local raw materials. The technology is being used in the development of about 80 housing units under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Housing

Towards assist the Federal government address the 17million-housing deficit in the country, the authorities have entered into partnership with the United States to building of affordable housing using of light gauge steel technology and local raw materials. Though, the project was abandoned, the minister has ordered the contactors back to site and plans to new allotment to subscribers Scheme co financed by the American Exim Bank. Under the scheme, another contractor, Sterling Plaswall Development is building 200 two-bedroom housing units. Currently, the scheme is enmeshed in controversies as most of the subscribers have pulled out the scheme due to alleged price increase from the initial N6million to N9million. Some parts of the Site and Services site of the ministry in the area have been encroached open by developers. Eyakenyi who was on inspection of the project site and other housing schemes being executed by the ministry in Kuje, received the former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Sandas in one of the

sites, where she said that the United States is focusing on how to find ways to assist the federal government‘s efforts in addressing the issue of affordable housing in Nigeria adding that the site is a sample of affordable housing that can be built using a special technology where houses can be built within 510days once the foundation is set. Sanders said, “This would help to rapidly address the housing deficit. We are working very closely with the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to actualize the housing initiative of the federal government. The idea is to work with the ministry

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Global prime residential recovery moving out of cities to holiday destinations Real Estate HILE cities may have been the growth story for prime residential property in the last five years, it is likely to be the city getaway locations that show the best growth in the next five. Many residential retreats will continue to see price growth, of up to 10 per cent in some cases in 2014 with some returning to their former peaks by 2019 and recovery will be led by high quality, low supply prime hotspots in the Balearics, Tuscany and the Caribbean, according to a new report from international real estate advisor Savills.

Portugal’s golden visa scheme has seen significant uptake from the Chinese, who accounted for 78per cent of the 318 visas that were issued in 2013. In Quinta do Lago, British buyers accounted for 57per cent of all purchases in the area in 2013. Properties at the top end of the markets remain in demand with a resurgence in smaller townhouses and apartments. It points out that the widely invested and sought after hot spots of the Mediterranean, the Alps, South Africa and the Caribbean were hard hit in the global economic downturn but 2013 marked a turning point with renewed appetite for leisure property

purchases. The report says that there are three main drivers behind this recovery. First, as many prime city markets are becoming more fully valued, buyers are actively looking for alternative real estate

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Proposed Heritage Place,Ikoyi, Lagos

$65m Lagos Heritage Place gets 2015 completion date Projects By Chinedum Uwaegbulam NE of Nigeria’s key players in the real estate finance and a subsidiary of FCMB Group Plc, FCMB Capital Markets Limited has revealed that the company will complete its commercial office facility known as Heritage Place in the fourth quarter of next year. The Heritage Place, which is strategically located in Ikoyi, Lagos, is just minutes away from the heart of the business districts of Lagos and Victoria Islands, and also the most vibrant social venues in the city. The project, promoted by First Concept and

The project offers great efficiency and flexibility to match the internationally recognised Grade A standards for office accommodation; the iconic design, prestigious address and bar-raising specification set a new standard for Nigeria’s architectural landscape. Properties Limited, and supported by Actis, a leading private equity real estate investor in sub-Saharan Africa on completion will achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in both design and construction. Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector is emerging as an attractive destination for

investors, and increasing direct investment in the economy especially from offshore investors fuel the demand for top quality office and retail accommodation. However, the high cost and poor quality of most commercial real estate in the country, especially in Lagos,

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DEVELOPMENT CONTROL

PROPERTY GUIDE

Dons, planners task govt, FCDA over Abuja masterplan Development Control By Emmanuel Badejo XCEPT the Federal E Government through its Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), vehemently resist the sporadic developments within the nation’s seat of power, Abuja city would soon become a failed city, several academia have said. The academia made this charge, after listening to a lecture on: ‘The Reality and Valuable Lessons of Developing Abuja, Federal Capital City of Nigeria”, delivered by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Gotosearch.com Limited, Professor Johnson Bade Falade. Falade, a renowned planner, and Executive Director, Foundation for Development and Environment Initiatives (FDI), had spoken at the third College of Environmental Sciences lecture, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State. Obviously, Falade’s lecture had aroused the interest of

The trend of haphazard developments in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, must be controlled to conform with the city’s master plan, else the original purpose of shifting the capital city from Lagos to Abuja would ultimately be defeated. some of the scholars, who wondered how the federal government had allowed some developments to be cropping up within the city, more so, when such physical developments are inimical to the overall masterplan of Abuja. Though, the masterplan was applauded, the scholars, however, said failure to implement to the letter by the government would make Abuja city to be worst than Lagos, as the city would experience heavier traffic congestion, if drastic

The Dean, College of Environmental Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Olusegun Areola (left), Guest speaker, Prof. Johnson Falade of Gotosearch.Com Limited and his wife during the third College lecture held recently action was not taken to correct the abuse of the masterplan. Besides, the discourse led to several questions like “in the face of the trend of

uncontrolled development, weak human and institutional capacity, politics, what would happen to FCT in the nearest future? Will there be another Abuja, if

this one fails? What are the roles of town planning professionals, among others?” Bells Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, while delivery his goodwill message,

said the topic of discussion was timely considering the situation of the development of the nation’s capital

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PROPERTY GUIDE

PRIME ESTATES

NIC Properties ventures into real estate with N350m Niger Suites Housing By Chinedum Uwaegbulam and Emeka Nwachukwu N a novel move to increase Iaccommodation the housing stock and ease challenges of worshippers within the popular Lagos - Ibadan corridor, the property management arm of Niger Insurance Plc, NIC Properties Limited has kick-started its pilot residential scheme that signals the company’s entrant into business of affordable housing provision in the c o u n t r y . The project, located at Redemption City, Orile Iboto Village near Mowe in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State measures approximately 4,039.326 square meters. The title perfection is on going with Ogun State. The land was bought from Akinnibi Sanyaolu family and a deed of assignment was obtained from Redeemed Christian Church of God. Christened Niger Suites, the estate consists of 189 studio apartments and each unit comprises a living area, sleeping area, reading area, kitchenette, shower, and water closet. The apartment comes with a tastefully finished floors, security doors, aluminum sliding windows with anti-burglary and mosquito nettings, security gate house, ample parking space, bore hole and water treatment plant. The project estimated to cost

The proposed Niger Suites, Ogun State with studio apartments. Prior to now, we were handling property and facility management as well as assets of Niger Insurance Plc.” Ukpong disclosed that the company has selected its contractor and other consultants for the project. They include Guffcon International Limited (contractors), Cost Dimensions Associates (Independent Project managers) and Miladest Associates (quantity surveyors),

to N350 million would be delivered in 12 months time. “We have laid the foundation, we should be able to sign the contract before the end of the month and work will commence thereafter,” according to General Manager, NIC Properties Limited, Mr. Offiong Samuel Ukpong. He told The Guardian that the project is part of the company’s new vision. “We are divesting into property development and wants to start

Designhaus Limited (architects and engineers), Samson Agbato Consulting (estate surveyors and valuers) and Tayo Biokanni (Land surveyors). Speaking at the foundation laying and ground breaking ceremony recently, Ukpong said the suites offers our prospective buyers and investors a unique opportunity to dedicate themselves and time to God, as the suites are to be built not to necessarily

make profit but to provide for worshippers a place that could comfortably accommodate them when they come to worship. He asserted that the extent of housing development in any nation reflects the level of its economic growth, social standards and future aspirations for enhanced growth, thereby soliciting the citizenry to gear their support in the federal government efforts towards achieving the goal of

housing for all by the year 2020. Managing director, Niger Insurance Plc, Mr. Kolapo Adedeji said that the project is a mission driven by a deep commitment to empower families particularly worshippers all around redemption city irrespective of religion towards owning their own homes through a service enriched housing programme that is affordable within their household budget.

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PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

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Lagos plans mortgage scheme restructuring, as new homeowners emerge Housing By Tunde Alao PPARENTLY to ensure A sustainable mortgage operations in the state, Lagos authorities may overhaul its mortgage scheme popularly known as LagosHoms’ to address more housing needs, become self financing and ensure stability of house prices.

The state has pledged to make the mortgage scheme self-financing and ensure that neither the economic of financial condition in the country would necessitates changes in the prices of the different house types. Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola who dropped hinted last week at the third edition of monthly draws of the scheme’s where 76 new home owners emerged as lucky winners, said that the scheme will soon imbibe the total package of real

mortgage applications, both in financing and execution. He stated that, the international best practice of mortgage is that of self-financing status, with government providing the enabling environment and regulato-

ry organ guaranteeing the investors’ funds. Fashola said as a matter of policy, Lagos Homs scheme would not be subjected to financial or economic vagaries of the country. “All what we want is that beneficiaries should endeavour to

UNHabitat chief seeks new path to sustainable development Urban Development IGERIA’S most senior N director with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN–Habitat) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, Prof. Banji OyelaranOyeyinka has advocated for a return to the path of sustainable development that guarantees improved living standard of Nigerians. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, first professor of Innovation and Industrialization Policy in Nigeria is challenging everyone in his 240-page book Rich Country Poor People - to rise up to building a new Nigeria. The launch of the new book will take place at the NECA House, Ikeja on Thursday and the Executive Secretary, Obafemi Awolowo

Foundation, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu will jointly chair the event with former President, Nigerian Academy of Sciences, Prof Oye IbidapoObe. It will also attract several dignitaries including past and present state governors, academics and industrialists. This book argues that Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy feeds perverse extractive institutions and breeds the Spoil System. Oil-dependence generates “enclave” activities, which limits employment and stunts industrial manufacturing. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka who is also a professorial fellow with the United Nations-MERIT, and professor of Innovation and Development at the Open University, UK as well as fellow

of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, stated that “a dysfunctional oil economy built on weak institutions, low-level industrialization, has undermined the development ideal. This convergence of factors has been at the root of widespread and rising poverty, and the unceasing trend of seemingly unbridgeable gap between the rich and the poor.” According the him, “the book over systematically analyses with an avalanche of data, a strong grounding of history and theory, the reasons why Nigeria evolved into a country marked by extreme social and economic paradoxes. It examines why a country rich in material wealth has large swathes of its people in poverty. Nigeria’s overall Gross

Domestic Product (GDP) has grown remarkably and its growth rate has been consistently high but its citizens suffer poor quality of life. “It is a major producer of crude oil, with huge reserves of mineral and agricultural resources that should be the base for industry but Nigeria’s manufacturing sector contributes little to its wealth. Nigeria is rich in human capital but its citizens are dispersed all over the world looking for opportunities to employ their skills and knowledge. This country should boast very high living standards but rather its poverty level rose from 28 to over 60 per cent between the early 1980s and mid-1990s while inequality rose proportionally.

be faithful to their repayment schedule. This scheme is affordable because the interest rate will not exceed 9.5 percent whatever happens to the Nigerian economy. Every mortgage payment you make every month is not into a bottomless pit but towards owning your own home”, he said. He also said the present administration has also taken practical steps to make the houses is very affordable by giving a 25 percent discount on all houses after calculating the cost of the building and the land. The Governor explained that his administration decided from the outset on the practical solution to the housing issue against the backdrop of current realities. He stated that through the monthly draws the scheme and housing programme will get stronger and more reliable as it goes on and expressed the conviction that it has continued to increase hope for its residents with perseverance. Stressing that through the scheme, the state has stood in support of its residents against those who seek to make life difficult for them like the Omo Oniles. He maintained that the public draws process is just

the beginning with a little over 31 emerging in the first draw and about 37 being successful in the second draw and that as the administration did promise to put 200 homes on the draws monthly, it is doing so without failing. His words: “We have unfailingly complied with our commitment. We will continue to do whatever it is not to break that commitment. So month after month for the third month running, we have held these draws and incrementally winners are emerging.” He urged successful allotees to faithfully and diligently fulfil their obligations under the mortgage scheme reminding that as they pay their monthly mortgage they are building homes for homeless people because “ it is money we collect from you that would be used in building more new homes. “ The Governor told the allottees that they owe it as a duty to fulfill their obligations because if they failed to do so, the state would repossess the home but would refund the equity and that one of the reasons why the applicants were being prequalified was to ensure that only those who can afford to repay get the homes.

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REAL ESTATE

PROPERTY GUIDE

Govt test runs American buildings system in Kuje scheme CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 and other stakeholders as well as local Nigerian Banks to provide the financing required by the developers to build the houses; we are also working with the Mortgage Corporation. This partnership would last as long as the Nigerian government is willing to have it”. The Minister, after inspecting the project expressed satisfaction with the technology being used, adding that the federal government would replicate the technology in other states of the federation. Eyakenyi who confirmed

that each of the 3-bedroom flats would cost N6million, noted that the housing units is supposed to be 80 but that only 24 units are ready and instructed the site manager to ensure that the entire 80 units are delivered within the next three months to enable the ministry hand them over to the beneficiaries. She said, “ Everything needed to push the project to completion has been put in place and there is no reason to delay any longer. The US EXIM Bank would back up the project. The technology is cheaper and quicker to deliver. In 10 days, you can deliver a 3bedroom flat that goes for

N6million, if we go by our own conventional building, you have a similar structure going for about N10million except subsidized. On completion, the developer would have a maintenance unit at the site. Government would replicate this technology in other states of the federation”. However, some of the subscribers to the housing project told The Guardian that they have been frustrated out of the scheme. They alleged that the Letter of Offer given to them stipulates that the houses would cost N6million but were recently told by the Platinum Mortgage Bank

which is handling the mortgage that the developer had indicated that the houses can no longer be delivered at the initial cost of N6million and that each of the 3-bedroom flat would now cost N9million. “This housing scheme started in 2012, we were told that the houses would be delivered within 6months at the cost of N6million. We were asked to pay 10 percent of the cost and most of us have paid about N700, 000. Its almost 2years now and the houses are not ready, instead, we were told that the houses now goes for N9million, because of these frustrations,

Holiday destinations becoming investors’ delight CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 markets in which to invest. Prime second homes in the most sought after locations are an obvious choice. Secondly, due to more liquidity in the market, investment is returning. Interest rates in Europe are low making overseas property loans more affordable, although lending requirements are more stringent than the precrunch era. Equity remains the main form of finance in the less established markets.

Thirdly, some jurisdictions such as Portugal, Cyprus and Antigua, are offering ‘golden visa’s to real estate purchasers buying above a certain value. This is acutely boosting demand for resorts and retreat properties. ‘There are strong signs that the recovery which started in major world cities in 2009 is now rolling out to the hinterland and bolt holes inhabited during weekends and vacations by equity rich home owners,’ said Yolande Barnes, director of Savills

CFAO Equipment boosts Nigerian projects with Bobcat SUBSIDIARY of the CFAO A Group in Nigeria, CFAO Equipment is proposing a range of multipurpose machines called Bobcat for the Nigerian building and construction industry. The Managing Director of CFAO Equipment, Mr. Francois Saget, said Bobcat will change the way people work in building, construction sites and many others industries in Nigeria forever. As the exclusive distributor of Bobcat machines and the sole provider of its genuine parts and maintenance services in Nigeria, CFAO Equipment would be aiming at contributing to the pace of infrastructural development, agricul-

tural cultivation, environmental landscaping, mining development, and drainage maintenance using only one Bobcat machine, says SAGET. The brand is the world leader of compact machines with a wide range of compact loaders, compact excavators and telescopic handlers, but above all the manufacturer is proposing more than 150 accessories that increase the versatility of each Bobcat machines. Bobcat are small machines acting as Tool carrier that do a lot of different jobs depending on the accessory you choose, and you can change a tool for another within a couple of minutes.

World Research. The French Riviera remains the most exclusive and desirable location for second homes and transaction volumes are starting to recover

from a low base. An extremely limited pool of stock coupled with demand from buyers around the world means that the long term outlook for prices in this area are positive.

most of us decided to withdraw from the scheme, many of us have collected the 10 percent we paid from the Platinum Mortgage Bank”. But the Executive Director of the Platinum Mortgage ltd, Okechukwu Onyejiuwa told The Guardian that the bank is not aware of any price increase adding that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) fixed the price of the houses at N6million. He said, “The project we are talking about is not Platinum Bank project because we are

not developers, there is a developer for that particular project. We are only arranging mortgage through the (FMBN) and the price of the houses was not fixed by us, in this particular case, it was fixed by FMBN and the price was N6million. The individual subscribers were supposed to pay N600, 000 which is 10 percent of the houses price, some did not pay up to that amount, although I believe they had intension to make up the equity because you cant make part payment to the

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PROPERTY GUIDE

URBAN RENEWAL

Lagos adopts new option for blighted areas redevelopment Urban Renewal

Stakeholders seek sustainable infrastructure management

By Tunde Alao OLLOWING the withdrawal FLagos of World Bank from the Metropolitan Development and Governance Projects (LMDGP) and non-renewal of its intervention funds for the nine identified blighted areas recently, the state government has moved to resurrect abandoned projects under the scheme. The residents in the settlements - OrileAgege, Ajegunle, Amukoko, Badia, Iwaya, Makoko, Ilaje, Bariga and Ijeshatedo/Itire had expressed concern over the withdrawal of the global institution and closure of LMDGP as some of the projects are still ongoing. They believe that if no intervention is in place, the situations in the affected areas may w o r s e n . Speaking on the development at the Year 2014 Ministerial Briefing, last week, the Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello disclosed that the Lagos Urban Redevelopment Agency (LASURA) has been saddled with the activities of the defunct agency. He added that the increased population in Lagos has made the taking over imperative, and a new approach that would meet the challenges of the time is now in place. His words: “ Lagos government is aware of lack of infrastructure and amenities in these slums and enormity of pressure on the existing few,

Lagos has waded into the withdrawal of World Bank from the State’s Metropolitan Development and Governance Projects (LMDGP) that is targeted at nine identified blighted areas by appointing LASURA to oversee the affairs of the defunct agency. Officials are also seeking effective management and maintenance of Lagos infrastructure before the LMDGP’ intervention and the levels they are now. However, the winding up of the agency would not in any way stop the ongoing projects and that was why LASURA was asked to take over from where LMDGP stops”, said Bello. Just as it were being done by the LMDGP, where project choice and preference were to be determined by the stakeholders that included community leaders, Community Development Associations (CDAs), council Chairmen and their Councillors, similar approach would be adopted by LASURA. “In designing the projects, stakeholder participation approach would be applied. Discussions would be held with local government and state officials to ascertain existing problems, constraints, and local development priorities.” On the return of heap of refuse in some of its dump sites, Bello said the growing population is also affecting waste management in Lagos State, especially in the densely populated areas, a situation he said put more pressure on the activities of the Lagos

Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). Meanwhile, Office of Facility Management of Lagos State has staged its 1st Annual Stakeholders’ Forum on the theme: “Infrastructure Assets Management: Sustaining Lagos Investment in Infrastructure Assets”, where participants agreed that maintenance culture is lacking in Nigeria, and infrastructure that costs billions of Naira has failed to endure up to their expected lifespan due to effective facility management in the country. In his contribution, Former President, International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Mr. Stephen Ola Jagun, who spoke on the subject: Facility Management in Public Sector, while emphasizing the importance of facility management in infrastructure asset maintenance, charged professionals in the built environment to buckle up for the c h a l l e n g e s . Jagun listed what he described as areas of core competences of facility managements to include Communication, Emergency Preparedness and Business

Continuity, Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability, Finance and Business, Human Factors and Leadership Strategy. To him, communication is imperative in business and industrial places to know who is responsible for what. “To effect a sustainable facility management, there must be a clear-cut understanding of ones responsibility”, he reas o n e d . He cited an example of how banks solved parking space problems when staff were giving car loans and majority do come to office in their cars. However, it was realized that apart from space problem, staff got fatigued when they got to office and they failed to perform well in their duties. So, what the management did was to get air-conditioned staff bus. This gesture not only solved space problems but also increased their performa n c e s ” . He also explained emergency preparedness to include things that may be affected in the event of fire prevention, back-up generating plant and other things like that. Stating the importance of

infrastructure maintenance, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC), Mr. Gbenga Akintola, noted that sustainability of roads in contingent upon constant repair and maintenance. Giving his experience on road maintenance activities in Lagos, Akintola stated that attitudes of road users, peculiar terrain of the state and over dependency of road in conveying goods fro and to in the metropolis are major chall e n g e s . “We realized that many road users are not mindful of the implication of their activities. Mechanics drain diesel oil on the road, a material that is not friendly to asphalt, some burn used tyres on the road, while food sellers cook on the road. All these and over dependency on road for movement of goods, among others are having negative effects on Lagos roads”, he said, adding that LSPWC is determined to ensure pothole-free roads in L a g o s . He declared that the agency is targeting 1000 roads to maintain while he claimed that close to 600 have received the attention of the agency. The General Manager, Office of Facility Management and Maintenance, Mrs. Adenike Adekanbi, who spoke on the topic, Lagos State Asset Management Strategy, emphasized the determination of her agency to ensure that the mandate of making infrastructure in Lagos to serve their life spans is achieva b l e .

According to her the main objective of the agency is to effectively manage and maintain Lagos infrastructure, to build a solid database that helps in understanding the demands of its assets, the conditions, useful life, the risks and consequences of failure, feasible renewal options and the cost of these options. She listed some of the maintenance carried out by her agency to include the Lagos City Hall, Agbowa Relief Camp, Ikotun High and Junior Secondary Schools, among others. To ensure that more infrastructure are being provided to meet the growing population in the city, the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA), also advocated compliance for registration by the residents. The agency’s General Manager Ms Yinka Fashola said the registration is also necessary to be able to maintain the existing infrastructures. “To ensure that we achieve our goals of knowing those who lives in Lagos, we made the registration procedure to be easy and accessible. “Besides, we have approach the Lagos Assembly members to look into our laws to make amendments that would look into the case of those that are working in Lagos, but stay somewhere else. They are Lagosians in the day, but another residents somewhere else in the night. This is necessary to make sure that we did not over stressed the available infrastructures”, she said.

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PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

PROPERTY GUIDE

Landscape architects canvass involvement in urban design Professional Practice By Adebisi Olonade RBAN designs would not be complete withU out meaningful inputs from experts in landscape architecture, the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN), has said. The group, which noted that professional landscaping architects are few, called for both intensive and extensive trainings for practitioners, whose responsibility, among others, is to ensure designs that would encourage sustainable human settlement, Professionals spoke last

Landscape architecture as a profession and discipline whose philosophy and practice emphasizes harmonization of human development with nature is very crucial to development of any city and intensive training should continuously be organised for professionals in order to perform optimally week at a seminar in Lagos, organised by the Society of Landscape Architecture Students’ of Nigeria (SLASON) and the Landscape Architecture Programme, University of Lagos. According to the group, landscape architecture brings light to human settlement and serves as a key to realising a better Nigeria. Speaking at the event, SLAN’s president, Tunji Adejuwon, stated that

landscape architecture being a profession and discipline whose philosophy and practice emphasizes harmonization of human development with nature, noted that it is important to ensure that professionals are properly trained to reflect this. Adejuwon said the event was to examine the historical background of landscape architecture education in the country and the challenges in creating

awareness of the profession and sustaining the programme. The association’s vice-president, Nnezi Udoma-Olugu, admitted that the main requirements of good architecture are commodity and comfort, adding that, the building must provide the needed spatial accommodation for whatever uses the structure is meant for. “SLAN, under architecture and urban planning

stretches out to all other profession, engineering botany, and horticulture. With relevance to the Millenium Development Goals (MDG), we are trying to achieve, and the city planning when you are in a beautiful environment it affects you naturally”, he said. Speaking on gender barrier, Olugu advised many women to come into the profession, as it is a niche, women naturally nurture. “It has to do with patience and women are good with anything that requires patience. And it is something we can do without worries”, she explained. Also, Landscape Architect and Environment

Ambassador for Lagos State, Fadera Williams, said professionals needed to do more of enlightenment as it appears a lot of people are yet to come to terms with landscaping. According to her, landscaping is undergoing a complex dramatic change globally, and that calls for collective efforts to reverse the trend, she said. Williams stressed the need for more trainings, saying it would help equip the professionals with adequate skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of intermediation in addition to preparing them to train succeeding generations of the profession.

Planners task govt, FCDA over Abuja masterplan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 city, Abuja. According to him, the decision of the Federal Government to move to Abuja began in 1975 when Lagos as first capital city was faced with land use problems, adding that construction of the capital city took off in 1979 with the drawing up of a masterplan. Adeyemi, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isreal

Babalola, added: “subsequently, the Federal Government moved to occupy Abuja in 1991. The master plan used between 1979–1999, was later reviewed and was found to have serious flaws, anomalies and distortion. Still, Abuja city continues to face challenges and is physically deteriorating. The situation calls for concern”, urging both academics and profes-

sionals within the university to take a challenge from the discourse. Dean, College of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Olusegun Areola, in his welcome address, said the lecture since its commencement, has impacted positively on the university. “The number of academic departments has increased to six with the upgrading of our quantity surveying program.”

Areola said the college was determined to continue to promote “town and gown” relationship with all stakeholders in the built environment, calling on seasoned professionals to link the college up with commercial, industrial and financial organizations that could assist it with the physical development task and in the provision of state of the art studio, workshop, laboratory and computer facili-

ties. Heralding his lecture, Falade, citation was read by Prof. Olukayode Oyediran, a leader among the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyor (NIQS). According to Falade, a comprehensive review of the land use planning, architectural and engineering designs, development and management of Abuja indicated several distortions and deviations from the original plan, with the city now grabbling with ‘the very old land use problems of Lagos that it was meant to avoid’. Primarily, the lecturer, said the failure in implementing the Abuja masterplan was due to several factors, with their root causes including weak capacity of the planning agency, particularly development control machinery, lack of political support, executive fiat in interfering with the plan implementation and the unplanned mass movement of the people into Abuja, when it was yet not well developed to receive the massive migrant population, which he said resulted in the growth of slums and the start-up of spiral and rapid urbanization in these regions. By comparison, Falade, the immediate past UN-Habitat Country Representative for Nigeria, Abuja, said the causes of urban planning problems in both Lagos and Abuja were similar in some respects and differ in others, adding that, the common causal factors include rapid urbanization and urban population growth, the lack of adequate capacity to plan and implement urban plans and regional plans, absence of good urban governance. According to him, these factors are so fundamental that, the mere adoption of a grandiose urban plan, like Abuja masterplan for implementation without holistically tackling them was doomed to failure. Though desirable to move the capital city out of Lagos, Falade however, lamented a situation where politics

often takes the greater reason for such decision. “Since a huge cost is involved, the decision to build a new capital needs to be well-though out. But experience proves otherwise. Often such decision is left for national politics rather than intelligent development thinking.” On the way out, the planner said: “Nigeria is urged to realize, accord recognition and accept that urbanization is a force to be reckoned with and should place urban and rural development issues on the front burner of the national development agenda. All tiers of government are urged to adopt urban plans, and regional plans towards promoting sustainable human settlements development and balanced regional development.” Also, Falade urged the Federal Government to build partnership with state and local governments to promote sustainable human settlements development and balanced regional development through the adoption of urban master plans, slum upgrading plans and regional development. :It should then proceed to prepare a national physical development plan for the country, which will integrate environmental and physical development issues with socio-economic goals of the country. Other recommendations are: government should set up a National Commission of Inquiry to examine how best to re-restructure existing local governments in country towards achieving sustainable approaches to urban and regional planning and effective governance of all categories of human settlements; support and promote on continuous basis, policy oriented researches on urban development issues with a view to improving the understanding of the different land development and management problems and proffer strategic options for managing change.

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PROPERTY GUIDE

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Govt to upscale slum upgrading programme in five cities Urban Development By Gbenga Akinfenwa OWARDS its resolve to upscale slum upgrading and regeneration programme in cities, the Federal Government plans to provide roads, electricity and water in blighted areas across the country. Already, pilot schemes have been undertaken in Kurna Asabe in Kano and BunduAma in Port Harcourt in 2013, while Katsina, Yenagoa, Yelwa, Orile-Owu and Oron are proposed for this year. The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi disclosed this last week at the launch of UNHabitat State of World’s Cities Report 2013 (SWCR), held at Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, saying that the key objective of the current administration with respect to urban development is to promote a dynamic system of clearly defined urban settlements, which fosters sustainable economic growth. According to Eyakenyi, the move is also as well promote efficient urban and regional planning and development, as well as ensures improved standard of healthy living and well being of all Nigerians. The SWCR report is an indepth comparative study

Participants were of the opinion that there is need to promote efficient urban and regional planning and development, as well as ensures improved standard of healthy living and well being of all Nigerians carried out on more than 50 cities in the world covering over 40 nations. It is described as one of the most scientific study ever developed by the UN-HABITAT since its creation. The cities were carefully selected from both developed and under-developed nations, using both scientific and economic parameters. According to Director, Monitoring and Research Division (MRD), UN-HABITAT, Prof. Oyebanji Oyeyinka, despite the fact that the programme is full of benefits, neither Nigeria, nor any other African countries have been able to make use of it, saying the programme would change the past mistakes and build “our cities for the future.” Oyeyinka highlighted the notion of the 21st century cities that are more peopleoriented to include what he described as “spoke‘’ dimension in the wheel of urban prosperity. He therefore implored all the states in the country to partner with UN-HABITAT to benefit from its programmes. For the President, Nigeria

Institute of Town Planners, Mr. Steve Onu, what Nigeria needed now is the legal and institutional framework to achieve the fresh approach. He noted that for the country emerging cities not to be threatened, the well being of its citizens must be assured by the provision of infrastructure, quality of life, and equity, among others. While speaking on the concept of the report, the ViceChancellor of the institution, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju said the report identified and analysed five major pillars of development. These include urban infrastructure, quality life, environmental sustainability, equity and social inclusion, manufacturing and productivity, which are capable of igniting growth and development in any given city, thus leading to city’s prosp e r i t y . He stated that majority of the growth and accelerated development celebrated in most cities of the world was predicated on these pillars, saying all stakeholders need to appreciate the importance of cities and their role

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INTERVIEW

‘Professionals should embrace politics to correct anomalies in governance’ HOUGH a poor country, it is however, T painful that the cost of executing construction projects in this country is too high. Why NIQS, being cost expert is so quiet over this exorbitant high cost of construction project that is killing us or do you think this is good for us as a nation? Quite frankly, we have had issues on cost matters. Just a few days ago, we put a memo together to the Minister of Works, expressing our concerns. Most of the cost issues in the infrastructure sector including roads, bridges and so on, unfortunately, because of the system we have engineers that design roads, bridges; allowed to cost and supervise them even though they are not experts in cost matters. We are already commissioning a study in six universities to have a database for road construction in the geo-political zones, so to set standards on costing for road construction. We will keep advocating and advising the government that road construction of xyz kilometer road should ordinarily not cost beyond a set figure. To achieve this, we need to partner with some organisations like yours because we need to publicize this issue. I was in the Senate when Federal Capital Territory was trying to enact conveyance law for Abuja, and I can tell you that what we still have in operation now was enacted in 1981; it was inherited from the colonial masters, who have reviewed theirs. This law is under review now. When we went to make our position known. We told them that the area where costing often sparks controversy has been taken away from us. We are determined to ensure the thing is done in addressing this issue and when we are done with our study, we will let the world know our findings. We would use it to advise the government and to use it as a guide. We only hope that the government would be sincere to it. As professional cost experts within the construction industry, what impact do think the rebasing of the Nigerian economy have on your sector? I think it is not yet time for celebration; rather we should grow the economy. When you see the number of youths, jobless and consequently roaming the street, this in spite of the rebasing, does not call for celebration at all. For the infrastructure sector, we can see the challenge the public sector has in this area. If that figure would make the industry comfortable by opening more doors for investors to invest more in infrastructure, that would be fine. Like I said, we are not celebrating yet because quite a number of things need to be done to consolidate that statement on the rebasing of the GDP to make it reasonable. This is a country of about 170 million people, and if you take it per capita, we are still very low. Besides, there are other challenges facing this country. Insecurity is major concern. Even when you have a big economy for people to invest but you country is not safe, investors would look elsewhere. Nigeria says it would become one of the best 20 economies in the world by year 2020. Does provision of infrastructure have any role to play in this target ? Our infrastructure gap in Nigeria is very huge, and becoming one of the largest economies by year 2020, just six years away from now, is practically impossible. If must catch up with that, certain infrastructure must be put in place. For instance, we need to generate about 40,000megawatts of electricity, and I do not see that happening in six years from now. As a minister of state in the Ministry of Power and Steel, and I know the challenges in that sector, where the roads cannot support haulage sector. As we speak, all our rivers are silting up, and there are no plans to de-silt them. The issue is not about 2020 economy; it is about getting serious to put some basic infrastructure in place. This is not a political game; but it should be real concern for all us including the professionals. Most professionals complain of preference of foreign expatriates to their local counterparts, but we observed that majority of professionals are not involved in the political move. How then do you think the trend could be redressed?

A leading construction industry expert, MALLAM MURTALA ALIYU, who has served the Federal Republic of Nigeria in several capacities including Minister of State for Power and Steel, is passionate about providing infrastructure for the country. Aliyu, a former Vice President, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (QSRBN) and now the 22nd President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), is one professional that is neck deep into politics and seeking nomination for the 2015 governorship election in Gombe State. He is canvassing for professionals to embrace politics, a subject he spoke about when he led his National Executive Council to the home of the flagship of Nigerian media -The Guardian penultimate week, during which he shed light on some national issues affecting the construction sector in an interview with the duo of TUNDE ALAO AND EMMANUEL BADEJO. Excerpts: Property Interview

Aliyu I came into Lagos from APC congress. I want to be the next governor of Gombe state, come 2015. This is one of my manifestoes when I was elected president, NIQS. I said we would interface with all tiers of governments. This is very necessary in this present day. We as professionals cannot leave the governance in the hands of non-professionals and we expect things to change in the political clime. I have been advocating and will continue to do speak up on professionals like us joining politics. This, I believe is good for our country’s rapid development.Various national institutes of professionals have held public fora on national content, and obviously, this has been a major concern. What we have observed is

that we have a tradition of preferring the light skin to black in this part of the world. But in terms of quality, honesty I do not think they better. You will agree with me that some of our professionals are outside the country and doing very well. Notwithstanding, we are calling on governments to appreciate the issue of local content, not only in the oil industry but in the construction industry also. While we are not out to discourage foreigners from doing business in Nigeria, we at the same time want to ensure that our professionals are properly and fairly engaged. And our standpoint is this: where we need local professionals, that should be done, and where there is need for mixture of local and

foreign professionals for whatever reasons, that should also be done. We are aware of this challenge and working towards correcting it. Some of the nation’s infrastructure projects do not last, in spite of huge amount expended to construct them in the first place. What in your view is/are the reasons for this anomaly? To answer your question straight away, some of our contracts are awarded on patronage and not competence. At times, challenges come from the policy makers, where people in either in the budget office or Ministry of Finance and determine the cost of projects, when professionals competent in that field are not consulted. At other times, some other qualifications, different professional competence, are given as conditions for selection of contractors. And that is why I’ll suggest that we need a system overhaul at the policy level and indeed, at all levels. Contract award should not be based on patronage, but on c o m p e t e n c e . Why is it that NIQS and other professional bodies fail to influence the prices of building materials, which in most cases soar uncontrollably in this country? The skyrocket price of cement is a good reference point. It is not about cement. As along as we fail to produce, we will continue to have this challenge. The truth is that we have moved away from production and manufacturing. When you go to China today, you find that they manufacture. But in this country, for as long as we don’t encourage people to manufacture, this challenge will remain. Also, when one or few people control a certain sector, there abound to be problem. NIQS will not go into production of cement; but we can collaborate with other professionals, like engineers, to see the possibility of another option. To me, the answer is not telling somebody to do a downward review of his cement price, or using the media to say so; if we fail to give a good platform for manufacturing, and stop the trend of importing everything, we would not get out of this. We have Building Code; yet, it appears the Code is a toothless bulldog ? The issue is not about the law, but enforcement. And once there is an issue with enforcement, then things would not go on as expected. We have several laws in this country, but ‘man-no-man’ syndrome is our major bane. If you are a brother/sister/son/daughter of so and so, you can always circumvent the law. And this is not good for our national life. In this country, people disregard the law and do as they wish. For as long as we don’t regulate and take the issue of enforcement on the front burner, we would still be far from our dream nation. When Malam El-Rufai was the Minister of FCT, yes, a lot of people cried, made noise, but some level of sanity was restored to the nation’s capital city. I think if we can replicate this discipline in other place, we would definitely, have some improvements. The Infrastructure Bank of Nigeria, formerly known as Urban Development Bank of Nigeria has been recapitalized. Do you think the recapitalization of the bank will place significant role in reducing the nation’s infrastructure gap? We need to start somewhere; at least we are happy that we have such a bank, which we know may not go take the whole weight, but at least the bank can be used to do something towards improving the state of Nigeria’s infrastructure. The infrastructure bank supposed to be an intervention vehicle and also destination, where other people involved in the provision and funding of infrastructure can now come in to invest. What are the goals you set for the institute when you were elected? When I became the NIQS president, I set up some goals, some of which is to increase our interface with the government, and general public towards increasing our visibility. We intend to strengthen our state chapters. We intend to work with other professional bodies to boost our collective capacity towards our nation’s development. We are also collaborating with other professional colleagues outside the country. We also plan to strengthen our secretariat to make more efficient.

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HOUSING

PROPERTY GUIDE

Construction work in top gear at Heritage Place CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 coupled with the increasing demand for best-in-class amenities and energy efficiency has spurred the need for developers to rethink their approach and also work closely with lenders and financial institutions to make the necessary investments to meet the changing needs of the market. Senior officials of FCMB Capital Markets disclosed that an expected new addition to the office accommodation space in Lagos that will meet the demands of the discerning 21st century user, Heritage Place is the eagerly awaited, world class and ecofriendly office complex. FCMB Capital Markets is acting as the sole financial adviser and arranger of the US$65 million structured debt finance for this project while Actis, with its positive power of capital ethos, leading developers Primrose Development Company (PDC) and Laurus Development Partners, to deliver the office building. The building has been meticulously designed to provide up to 15,730 square meters of office accommodation, and over 13,000 square metres of parking space that will comfortably accommodate 350 cars. It offers great efficiency and flexibility to match the internationally recognised Grade A standards for office accommodation; the iconic design, prestigious address and bar-raising specification set a new standard for Nigeria’s architectural landscape. Key attributes of the building include the environmental friendly approaches adopted in the construction of the complex. These include water recycling and reuse. Rain water is harvested, water is reused in the irrigation of the gardens and there is a condensate recovery of water from the buildings cooling units. Accurate control systems were placed in the bathroom facilities to reduce water wastage all through the building. The building is also very energy efficient which will have a positive impact on its tenants bottom-line. Deliberately positioned to maximise natural light and ventilation and at the same time minimise solar exposure and the energy requirements for heating, cooling and air quality systems, the building offers its tenants a 30-40% reduction in energy use compared to that of other buildings in Lagos Designed by award winning UK architect, Capita Symonds and ECAD, Nigeria, the Heritage Place has eightfloors of office space, each at least about 450 square meters and five-floors of onsite parking integrated into the building. It also has a reception area, meeting rooms, restaurant area, café/coffee shop, plaza, six passenger lifts, and one goods lift. According to the Executive Director, at FCMB Capital

Markets, Mr. Tolu Osinibi, the idea behind the Heritage Place was borne out of an identified significant gap in quality office space in Lagos. With its 14 floors of office space, ample car parking facility, raised floors and suspended ceilings, “the development will help to bridge that gap and proffer a solution to this very real challenge,” he said. The company added: “We are particularly proud to be associated with this project as it aligns with our environmental sustainability principles and adopts cutting edge technology to fulfill not just today’s environmental expectations, but also that of the future.”

The Former American Ambassador to Nigeria, Renee Sanders, President, American Building System(ABS), Emmanuel Iwuoha, Permanent Secretary, Ezekiel Oyemomi and Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi at the building site of a housing project by ABS in Kuje area council in FCT.

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PROPERTY GUIDE

PROJECTS

Europe living up for grabs as Dubai team holds talks with Nigerian investors The Heart of Europe is a first of a kind hospitality development that draws together the very best of European designs, heritage and entertainment. Nestled amidst the archipelago of Dubai’s The World, this breathtaking resort spans a cluster of six islands, stretching just 4km from the city’s coastline. Projects to just how popular this By Chinedum Uwaegbulam ITH an eye on anticipatW ed returns on investment, prospective Nigerian investors have began discussions with a Dubai-based private developer to explore an amazing opportunity to invest in an outstanding hospitality project, in a unique island setting just off the coast of the United Arab Emirate. Dubai is home to innovation and intrigue, a destination that is not afraid of dreaming b i g . This is the second time in a little more than a month that The Heart of Europe hospitality development is brought back to Nigeria. Due to the great attention and interest by Nigerian investor market since the early launch of the project in January this year. The team from Dubai is holding private one-on-one meetings in Lagos and Port Harcourt. The Heart of Europe is a luxurious high-end hospitality development located on The World just off the cost of the cosmopolitan city of Dubai. The Heart of Europe is a development that merges Europe’s magnificent history of culture, arts and traditions into one unparalleled island destination on The World, Dubai. The main Island Europe is designed with flavours from Vienna, Rome, Barcelona and Paris, while the other islands bring the inspiration from Monaco, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and St. Petersburg. Today, Dubai has been transformed into one of the most lucrative and spectacular property markets in the modern world. Travel and tourism now accounts for 14 per cent of the UAE’s GDP. Investors of Mont Royal Family Hotel that have already invested in luxury hotel suites on this premium The Heart of Europe development are expected to have generous profit returns once the project is completed. Dubai is a city that has enchanted the world with many of the biggest and the first. Famous for the scintillating lifestyle and limitless splendor, it really is the City of Dreams. It is officially the world’s Best Property Market with prices increasing by almost 30 per cent in 2013 and hotel occupancy in 2013 reaching a staggering 87 per cent. Dubai also boasts one of the world’s most vibrant hotel industries, with its continued high occupancy levels and revenue – a huge testament

remarkable city is. Dubai beachfront apartment prices have increased by 20 per cent in the past year and total hotel revenue soared to AED 21.84 billion for 2013, an increase of 16.1per cent from 2012. Average Daily Rates (ADR) witnessed a 6.4 per cent improvement from 2012, while Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) levels reached $223 in 2013, marking an impressive 5.9per cent growth on last year. With Dubai’s hotel and tourism growth forecast to continue for the foreseeable future, it is clear to say the emirate is well on course to achieving and indeed surpassing its Tourism Vision of 20 million visitors by 2020. Specifically, investors have a choice to buy into various property options: Hotel Suites (a choice of Princess, Queen, Royal and Presidential Suites), Floating Villas with Underwater Suites, state-of-the-art Hotel Villas, and large five - six bedroom Villas - something to suit every taste. The Mont Royal luxury five star family hotel also invites investors to profit from the most luxurious location in Dubai – The Heart of Europe on The World. “You can profit from your own hotel suite and become part of the world’s most booming hotel industry.” The development brings together so many exciting and innovative concepts, some of which have never been seen before: The only climate controlled outdoor areas allowing guests to sit outdoors even in the hot summer months and enjoy al fresco dining 365 days a year; rain and snow lined streets; an adventurous underwater world, a year round calendar of eclectic acts and events. The Guardian learnt that construction is in progress at The Heart of Europe project. For instance, cranes, generators and other equipment has been transported to the project site and set up for vibro compaction on the islands while construction of pergola has been completed in March. The pergola is part of the arrival jetty on Germany Island and will serve for the purpose as the welcoming location for VIP’s and guests to the islands. Similarly, more than 16 barges with equipment have to date delivered to the islands, each weighing more than 600 tonnes. A meeting is also in progress through the Austrian Embassy and their delegation, with top companies that specialize in green technologies. In another development, one container from Spain

Illustration of the proposed Heart of Europe project, Dubai has arrived in Dubai carrying two different sizes and types of olive trees that are

more than 100 years old to be planted on the main arrival island. The olive tree

experts have advised that the trees can grow in the UAE heat but will require

special attention and special treatments.

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THE ENVIRONMENT

PROPERTY GUIDE

As leaders wrap up talks, Ban urges climate change action ahead of New York Summit The “Ascent” was the first international meeting to draw on the conclusions of the recent reports from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which found its the consequences are already being felt, and that while present action is insufficient, there are still pathways towards a low carbon future that could minimize climate change impacts. Climate Change ITH the ominous and W costly impacts of climate change profoundly evident, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Kimoon warned today that too many stakeholders are still “sitting on the fence”, and he challenged participants at a climate conference in Abu Dhabi to help him build persuasive political arguments to convince policymakers that the time for bold action is now. “Climate change is an issue for all. I need you all to help us push back against sceptics and entrenched interests,” said the United Nations chief, wrapping up the “informative and inspiring” two-day “Abu Dhabi Ascent”, which he co-hosted with the United Arab Emirates Government to build commitment ahead of his Climate Summit, set for 23 September in New York. Change is in the air. I challenge you to be part of that change – to be at the head of the race. More than 1,000 participants, including 100 Government ministers, gathered in Abu Dhabi for the event, which ended last week to chart new routes for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening climate resilience. The “Ascent” was the first international meeting to draw on the conclusions of the recent reports from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which found its the consequences are already being felt, and that while present action is insufficient, there are still pathways towards a low carbon future that could minimize climate change impacts. Action now, said the report, is necessary in order to avoid much higher costs in the future. “Now the hard work begins. In the coming months, I will count on the wisdom and initiative of all actors. Those who are prepared to lead can expect considerable returns,” the Secretary-General said, explaining that the business opportunities of the lowcarbon economy are great and the social and environmental benefits for countries in all regions are yet to be realized. “Now is the time for visionaries and those who are prepared to act to step forward. I am urging all to raise the level of ambition, he contin-

ued, and while Governments have to lead, business and finance, voters and consumers have a significant role to play. Appealing to the participants to help craft the political arguments that will persuade leaders and policy makers in all areas of Government that now is the time for bold action, Mr. Ban said: “Too many are sitting on the fence, waiting for others to lead.” He also called for the building of new alliances that will move climate action from the marketplace of ideas to the commercial marketplace. “Change is in the air. I challenge you to be part of that change – to be at the head of the race,” declared the Secretary-General, warning that any Government or major business that doesn’t have a climate strategy is in trouble. “Don’t get left behind. Don’t be on the losing side of history.” He encouraged the participants to take inspiration from what they have learned at the Ascent “so we can continue to climb” emphasizing that they should develop their own action portfolios, and build coalitions based on concrete deliverable. “Empower and motivate your national leaders to bring bold announcements to the Climate Summit in September. That is how we will support progress at the climate talks in Lima this year so we may have a meaningful agreement in Paris in 2015,” he said. As part of his activities in the afternoon, Mr. Ban toured the Shams 1 solar power plant to get un upclose look at the type of renewable resources that can help power an overhaul of the world’s energy supply. Shams 1 is the largest solar power facility in the Middle East and the second largest in the world. The 100 megawatt plant, which can provide electricity for 20,000 households, is just over a year old, and its owners have deemed it a commercial success. Touring the facility by bus, stopping on occasion to get a closer look at the rows of parabolic solar collectors, the UN chief said: “By harnessing the power of the sun, the United Arab Emirates is cutting greenhouse gas emissions, generating jobs and a laying the foundation for low-carbon economic progress.”

Vice-President of Strategy and Policy, Statoil,Charlotte Wolff-Bye (Left); CCAC Co-chair and National Coordinator, Renewable Energy Programme, Nigeria, Bahijjahtu Abubakar;Executive Vice President, Southwestern Energ, Mark Boling; United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon; Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, United Kingdom, Gregory Barker; Climate Ambassador, Ministry of Environment, Sweden, Anna Lindstedt; Deputy U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change,David Turk duing the climate summit at Abu Dhabi, recently.

United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber at the high level climate change conference in Abu Dhabi, recently.

Faith groups must act on climate change, says Figueres Climate Change AITH leaders are being Frejecting urged to lead the way on fossil fuels UN Climate Chief Christiana Figueres has condemned climate change as “one of the great humanitarian issues of our time”, arguing that faith leaders must take a stronger stance against it and encourage their followers to do the s a m e . In an article for the Guardian, London Figueres contends that “Saving the Earth and its peoples from dangerous climate change is an economic, social and environmental issue – and a moral and ethical one too that goes to the core of many if not all of the

world’s greatest faiths”. According to the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a role which she took up in May 2010, it is vital that faith communities and groups “find their voice and set their moral compass” on the future of our planet. “Overcoming poverty, caring for the sick and the infirm, feeding the hungry” – key tenets of many faiths, including Christianity – “will only get harder in a climate challenged world,” Figueres a s s e r t s . “In supporting greater ambitions by nations, religious and faith groups can assist in shaping a world that is less polluted and damaged and healthi-

er, safer and more secure for every man, woman and child.” Figueres believes that religious institutions should withdraw their investments from the fossil fuel industry; a move which has already been made by several in the US. She also notes that the Church of England’s General Synod has committed to reviewing its investment policies, which she has labelled “a step in the right direction and a potentially powerful signal to its 28 million followers”. “Leaders of faith groups, from Christians and Muslims to Hindus, Jews and Buddhists have a responsibility and an opportunity over the next 18 months to pro-

vide a moral compass to their followers and to political, corporate, financial and local authority leaders,” she writes. “In doing so, faiths and religions can not only secure a healthy and habitable world for all but contribute to the spiritual and physical wellbeing of humanity now and for generations to come.” Figueres’ comments are already being well received by key environmental campaigners, both from within and outside the Church. Ruth Valerio, theology and churches director at A Rocha, praised the UN official’s remarks, asserting that it is imperative that churches and other faith groups respond immediately to her c a l l .

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THE ENVIRONMENT

PROPERTY GUIDE

Rich nations' greenhouse gas emissions fall in 2012, led by U.S. The Environment MISSIONS from more than E 40 nations were 10 percent below 1990 levels in 2012, according to a Reuters compilation of national data submitted to the United Nations in recent days that are the main gauge of efforts to tackle global warming. Still, with emissions rising elsewhere, experts said the rate of decline was too slow to limit average world temperature rises to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times, a ceiling set by almost 200

nations to avert droughts, heat waves and rising seas. In 2012 “the success story is the declining emissions in the United States,” said Glen Peters, of the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo. “Europe is a mix with slow GDP growth offset by a shift to coal in some countries.” Total emissions from industrialized nations fell to 17.3 billion tonnes in 2012 from 17.5 billion in 2011 and compared with 19.2 billion in 1990, the base year for the U.N.’s climate change convention.

U.S. emissions fell 3.4 percent in 2012 to 6.5 billion tonnes, the lowest since 1994, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on April 15. [ID:nL2N0N71SJ] The fall was linked to low natural gas prices, helped by a shale gas boom and a shift from coal, a mild winter and greater efficiency in transport. In the European Union, emissions dipped 1.3 percent in 2012 to 4.5 billion tonnes and were 19.2 percent down from 1990 levels, the European Environment Agency said. Road transport emissions declined in some EU nations

such as Italy, Spain and Greece that are suffering prolonged economic downturns. Emissions rose against the trend in Germany and Britain, with more coal used to generate electricity. Among other major nations, emissions dipped in Canada in 2012 but rose in Russia, Japan and Australia. The overall decline in emissions by industrialized nations is not enough to offset a rise in world emissions, driven by emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil and South Africa which are using more energy

as their populations get richer. Global emissions surged to 49 billion tonnes in 2010 from 38 billion in 1990, according to the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Governments aim to agree a pact to slow climate change by the end of 2015 to succeed the U.N.’s Kyoto Protocol, which binds only some developed nations to cut emissions until 2020. The IPCC says that it is at least 95 percent probable that human activities, rather than natural variations in the cli-

Worldwatch links sustainability to responsible governance The Environment ITIZENS who expect their C governments to lead on sustainability have been badly disappointed in recent years. From largely ineffectual international climate conferences to the failure to pass meaningful U.S. climate legislation, governments’ progress has often been lackluster. Leadership has come from the bottom up rather than the top down. Action on climate change, species loss, inequity, and other crises is being driven by citizens’, women’s, and grassroots movements around the world, often in opposition to the agendas pursued by gov-

ernments and big corporations. State of the World 2014, which marks the Worldwatch Institute’s 40th anniversary, examines what Governing for Sustainability really means. Contributing authors highlight the responsibility of political and economic actors to achieve sustainability, emphasizing the strength of citizens to make significant sustainability changes and showing why effective governance systems need to be inclusive and participatory, allowing members to have a voice in the collective decision making. “Governments today cannot consistently control themselves because they are decimated by a plague of corrup-

tion that devours the public interest in virtually every political system,” says David Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics at Oberlin College and State of the World 2014 contributing author. “Effective government, in its various forms, will require an alert, informed, ecologically literate, thoughtful, and empathic citizenry.” In this edition, contributing authors examine the potential for improving governance by analyzing a variety of trends, such as local and regional climate initiatives, energy democracy, and corporate responsibility. They

argue that sustainability depends on action in both the economic and political spheres. Financial industries need to serve as public stewards again. Unions can help ensure that the transition to sustainability is socially just. Most importantly, citizens must take responsibility and empower themselves. “Ultimately, it seems to us, all governance begins with individuals in communities. Humans are no more isolated actors in politics than they are the independent molecules of mainstream economic theory,” says State of the World 2014 co-director Tom Prugh. “Pressure to improve governance, at every level, can come

only from awakened individuals, acting together, dedicated to making their communities sustainable places,” adds State of the World 2014 co-director Michael Renner. “From there, it may be possible to build communities in a way that affords every person on Earth a safe and fulfilling place to live, and offers future generations the same prospect.” State of the World 2014’s findings are being disseminated to a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, community networks, business leaders, and the nongovernmental environmental organisations.

mate, are the dominant cause of warming since the mid-20th century. Even so, opinion polls show that many voters are doubtful. Corinne Le Quere, professor of climate change at Britain’s University of East Anglia, said far tougher action was needed to reach the target of limiting global warming to 2 degrees C, with global cuts of about 3 percent a year. “It requires a transformation in the way we use energy,” she said. “In the short term, there are a lot of gains to be made in energy efficiency - in buildings, appliances, transport.” Industrialized nations’ emissions have fallen since 1990 partly because many manufacturers had shifted operations abroad to emerging economies with lower costs, she said, meaning there was no overall reduction in emissions. Counting greenhouse gases emitted to make products consumed in rich nations from cars to washing machines - emissions by industrialized nations had risen an estimated 6 percent since 1990, she said. Data submitted to the United Nations, however, only cover emissions inside each country. Meanwhile, China could set a new pace for slow-moving international climate talks by bringing its domestic commitment to fight global warming on to the world stage, the EU’s top climate change official said.

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW

FINANCIALGUARDIAN

Companies need to elevate business ethics Emmanuel Lulin, Group Chief Ethics Officer of one of the world’s leading beauty companies—L’Oreal, is always in his element, when talking about ethical principles of integrity, respect, courage and transparency that his company upholds in all its operations in 130 countries of the world. Recently, he was in Nigeria and he shared with some journalists, the global relevance of business ethics, at the company’s office in Ikeja, Lagos. Lulin also spoke on the secret behind his company’s recognition by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. Business Editor, ADE OGIDAN was there. Excerpts

Lulin

HY should business players emphasise the issue of W ethics in their environment? HAVING a good ethical culture is essential. In a nutshell, I believe that in the long run we have absolutely no doubt that it is one of the best ways to build a universal group. An organisation that is not sound ethically will run into problems. For example, Enron was of the largest capitalization in the world but they just disappeared. Arthur Anderson was a big consulting firm, which also went under. These companies were top-notch firms filled with people of high level of integrity but just because of a handful of people, there was a huge loss of value and the companies went under.

We have to be concerned about the environment in which we operate. We make sure that there are no double standards. If we want people to trust what we are doing, it is very important that we show that there is good organisational justice in the system, whatever the level of responsibility of the persons involved. We have to be concerned about some of the key areas in our activities, like the way we make claims in our advertisements, human rights issues, among others. All these pose concerns for a company, and we spend a lot of time working on them which is one of the reasons I came over to Nigeria. Your company, L’Oreal, seems to be at the forefront of this

campaign on ethics. What is your goal in this? The vision of L’Oreal is to build a company that has integrated ethics in strategic thinking and day-to-day operations. We want to be one of the exemplary companies worldwide, which is the goal we have set for ourselves. We want to set the right example for others to emulate. We also want to fulfill our goal as a company, which is to gain 1 billion new consumers in the next 10 to 15 years, and we want to show that it can be done with good business ethics. Particularly regarding ethics, the goal is to have happy consumers, employees and organisation. It is also the best way to enjoy the future and also to have happy shareholders.

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BUSINESS INTERVIEW

FINANCIALGUARDIAN

for global competitiveness, says Lulin We are making sure that our operations are properly done. We really believe that L’Oreal Nigeria will also develop massively. We have very high expectations and are extremely optimistic about this market. L’Oreal has been recognized five times as one of the most ethical companies by global rating bodies. Ethics is important to have a sustainable corporation. We want to be there for centuries. On a personal note, have you always been involved in this campaign? Not exactly. I am an attorney by training. I was born raised and educated in France. I studied in France and in the U.S in Chicago. I lived in several cities on both sides of the Atlantic. I’m French but I feel like a citizen of the world. I am absolutely passionate about this company, L’Oreal, where I hope to retire from. I joined L’Oreal in 1999 as general counsel for human resources. And in 2007, at the request of the CEO of L’Oreal, I created the mission and function of chief ethics officer. It seems it’s not long ago L’Oreal came into Nigeria, even though we have been seeing the product in the market. Is it that they were just distributing their brands here? Can you shed more light on this? We usually run it through an agent. But we got to a stage where it became important to build our local operations. It’s a sign of trust and belief in Nigeria. There is no doubt we also have strong hopes and beliefs for our expansion in the Nigerian market. L’Oreal is present in 130 countries but have subsidiaries only in 65 countries, for now. L’Oreal Nigeria is one of the 65 subsidiaries. In a developing environment like Nigeria, how can you convince business practitioners to go the whole hog and embrace this issue of ethics? If you have the ambition to be a big international player, there is no choice. You have to play by the common rules, which translate, to more integrity and transparency. You are constantly being appraised and rated. You need to understand that part of the value you have as a company is your reputation. And your influence, to a large extent, depends on how good your reputation is. In other words, you cannot buy ethics. You have to earn it. How can you grow courage in the workforce such that they can embrace this ethical practice? Courage is not easy. It takes courage to challenge the actions of others. We are encouraging people to stand up for their own ideals. We encourage them in a practical way by showing them that when they speak up, they are listened to. In cases where they speak up about allegation of wrongdoing, we ensure it is properly investigated and that measures are taken. It puts weight and credibility on what we are saying. In other words, we walk the talk. The best way to encourage is to lead by example. We offer employee and every manager at every level of the company, values alternative, so there is someone they can open up and speak to. For example, if employees of L’Oreal Nigeria have an issue, they are expected to speak to their line manager, HR, country manager or other senior executive; or the person can talk to me. There is always someone within the organization who will listen to them. We have put a system in which any employee anywhere in

If you have the ambition to be a big international player, there is no choice. You have to play by the common rules, which translate, to more integrity and transparency. You are constantly being appraised and rated. You need to understand that part of the value you have as a company is your reputation. And your influence, to a large extent, depends on how good your reputation is. In other words, you cannot buy ethics. You have to earn it.

Lulin

Every country has its own history. First, I’ll say what is common is the fact that we still need to encourage everyone to speak up without fear. We want people to express themselves to the fullest.

Lulin

There are countries that, sadly, had a difficult recent history and sometimes you find differences in generations. Some generations fear to speak up while others speak up.

Courage is not easy. It takes courage to challenge the actions of others. We are encouraging people to stand up for their own ideals. We encourage them in a practical way by showing them that when they speak up, they are lisLulin

the world can discuss ethical issues and if no one is listening to them, which would be an extraordinary situation, then they can talk to me. The other way is the ethics day where every employee has an opportunity to ask direct questions from the most senior management of the group. It’s a sign of leadership to do this. If we don’t walk the talk, we are weakening the company culture and organization. Every time we walk the talk, we reinforce the organization and the people within the organization. You must have gone to a lot of countries; what are the peculiarities of issues in various environments, like Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia among others? Every country has its own history. First, I’ll say what is common is the fact that we still need to encourage everyone to speak up without fear. We want people to express themselves to the fullest. In a corporation like L’Oreal, human beings are centric to the way we operate. Human beings are very key. It is more about trusting human beings than procedures. The need worldwide is to encourage people to express themselves. There are countries that, sadly, had a difficult recent history and sometimes you find differences in generations. Some generations fear to speak up while others speak up. At times, we operate in countries that have been divided in the past. In some countries, there are still ongoing issues, but we are trying to make sure that everyone respects each other and work together. How big is L’Oreal? L’Oreal has about 78, 000 employees worldwide. We are into beauty products and have over 42 factories mostly outside France. In Africa, we have a factory in South Africa, Ghana and Egypt. We are organised by regions. Recently, there has been a move in the group organisation to be closer to the markets and to give a more important say to the regions and the countries. How do you see the European and African beauty markets? What are the similarities and differences? L’Oreal is in the business of beauty, and Africa is the beginning of a beautiful story. There is no doubt about it; we have a lot of trust in this market and its ability to expand. How do you manage the diversity of the cultures of your workforce? L’Oreal operates directly out of 65 countries and it is present in about 130 countries. The way we manage diversity is, first of all, through the four ethical principles: respect, courage, integrity and transparency. We do believe that these four principles are universal principles. Every year, we have an Ethics Day where all employees worldwide have direct access to the CEO of the group. They can ask questions in an anonymous manner directly to the CEO. The CEO responds to all of these questions directly. Through effectiveness we were able to gain the confidence of our workforce. If people ask a question and get an answer, that’s a first step. If they ask a question, get an answer and see that measures are taken thereafter, it is very effective.

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INSURANCE

FINANCIALGUARDIAN

Regulators remodel conduct of insurance business in Nigeria By Joshua Nse HE recent Federal High T Court judgment that set free the National Insurance Commission of wrong doing in carrying out its functions may have reinforced the power and authority of the insurance industry regulator to regulate the industry according to the 1997 Act that set up the Commission. Meanwhile, shareholders of some of the underwriting companies in the market, have called on the management of insurance companies to obey the Insurance Act 2003 in relation to their operations, to avoid heavy fine the underwriting firms are being penalized by NAICOM for non-compliance with industry regulations and guidelines Specifically, the Act defined the principal objects, functions and powers of the Commission as being to ensure the effective administration, supervision, regulation and control of insurance business in Nigeria. According to the provisions of the law, the Commission shall establish standards for the conduct of insurance business in Nigeria, approve rates of commissions to be paid in respect of all classes of insurance business; ensure adequate protection of strategic government assets and other properties; regulate transactions between insurers and reinsurers in Nigeria and those outside Nigeria; act as adviser to the Federal Government on all insurance related matters; approve standards, conditions and warranties applicable to all classes of business; protect policyholders and beneficiaries and third parties in insurance contracts, among others. Industry observers see the court pronouncement as encouragement for the Commission not only to regulate but also the legal backing to discipline any erring insurance company operating in the industry that did not operate according to the rules, including revoca-

...As shareholders urge practitioners to obey law tion of operating license. However, shareholders of some of the underwriting companies at their yearly meeting in Lagos, advised the management of insurance companies to operate in accordance with the Insurance law and guidelines issued by NAICOM to avoid the heavy penalty the insurance companies are paying for non- compliance. One of the shareholders said, Mr. Chairman, you have done very well this year and we want to congratulate you, but we want to advise that you operate in accordance with the insurance law and guidelines, so that we can

avoid paying the heavy penalty stipulated in the law which NAICOM is taking advantage of to discipline erring insurance companies.” An industry chieftain said “Notwithstanding the challenges in the regulatory regime, the Commission has come out boldly to enforce regulatory responsibilities on willful breaches of insurance laws in the industry. One is encouraged by the actions of the commission, because some of the practitioners (underwriters and brokers) are carrying insurance business in this country as if there is no law.

“The Commission bold effort in recent times has become necessary as a cursory look at recent occurrences in the sector will reveal that the insurance industry is at a very critical cross road as regard its operations and regulation. Legislation and regulations are flouted at will by operators and consumers alike, for instance, non adherence to the provisions of the law, delayed claims settlement, rate cutting and other sharp practices.” Besides, he said, the commission also used its regulatory powers to sanction the board and management of a number of insurance com-

of mounting unpaid premium in the industry. He said, “We support the exercise wholeheartedly in the interest of the industry. The commission should continue to take concrete steps towards improvement in operational transparency by reviewing the current nature of returns being rendered insurance institutions (underwriters, brokers, loss adjusters), the new regime of returns should allow for industry and regulator interface through ICT development. The new regulatory model should also be geared towards early detection and prevention of distress in the industry, with the regulator having the latitude to apply quick remedial measures to redeem distress signals”.

Company Secretary, Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc, Yinka Jafojo, (left), Chairman, Michael Ade Ojo and Director, Wole Oshin, at the 19th yearly general meeting of the company held in Lagos.

Custodian & Allied declares 16k dividend HE Chairman, Custodian and Allied Plc, Chief Ade Ojo, has announced that the company would pay 16 kob dividend to its shareholders in 2013 following good financial performance during the period. He said this during the firm’s 19th yearly general meeting held in Lagos on Thursday. “Subject to the approval of this meeting, we would be recommending a financial dividend payout of 11 kobo per share in addition to the five kobo interim dividend paid earlier in respect of the result achieved in 2013, thus, making a total dividend of 16 kobo per share. He said that this demonstrates the firm’s regular dividend payment to its shareholders. Ojo said that this was the first consolidated result of

panies, and appointed interim management for the companies flouting regulatory requirements both in underwriting and brokerage firms. Notably, he said, the Commission last year banned underwriting of insurance contracts on credit thus enforcing the provisions of “No premium, no cover” of section 50 of the 2003 Insurance Act which states that “the receipt of an insurance premium shall be a condition precedent to a valid contract of insurance and there shall be no cover in respect of an insurance risk, unless the premium is paid in advance.” This is one of the bold step NAICOM took to bring sanity to the problem

the post merger Custodian Group with robust top and bottom line growth. According to him, the top line growth was fuelled by 28 per cent increase in gross premium income and 38 per cent rise in fees and commission income while the anticipated cost savings that were envisaged in the merger manifested in noticeable reduction in underwriting expenses which went down by 15 per cent and management expenses which went down by eight per cent in spite of the generous redundancy benefits paid to the disengaged employees. He said that the group’s profit before taxation was N4.33 billion while the earnings per share and net asset per share increased to 60k and 325 kobo respectively. Total asset, he said, stood at

N45.65 billion while shareholders funds were N19.1billion. He said that the successful integration of the Crusader operations and the resulting strong entity with enviable result had demonstrated that Custodian is ready for the future. “Our strong balance sheet and financial capacity, expanded and diversified product portfolio, operational efficiency and highly professional team will ensure that the company maintains its leadership position and provides superior return on investment to our loyal shareholders,” he said. He said that the company’s name was changed to Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc, when it was sanctioned by the court after

it completed a successful acquisition. According to him, the company is an investment holding company with investment in life and non life insurance subsidiaries, Pension Fund Administrator and a trust company. The company, he added, had also been classified under the other financial services subsector of the financial services sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange official list. He said that Custodian shares had since been issued to the erstwhile shareholders of Crusader (Nigeria) Plc and had grown from a company with 23,812 shareholders as at December 2012 to 41,003 as at December 2013.

CIIN holds fitness walk, road show HE 2014 fitness walk of the T CIIN takes place on Saturday May 17, in Lagos. The walk has become an annual event with vast opportunities for insurance awareness hence it is also tagged the insurance industry road show. This year’s edition will commence from the premises of Guinea Insurance Plc, Jibowu, to terminate at the National Arts Theater, Iganmu. Insurance practitioners are expected to participate in the walk wearing the colours of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. The participants are also expected to display the banners of their respective companies while also distributing handbills with information on their companies and their offerings. Director General of CIIN, Mr.

Kola Ahmed said it is an event no insurance company will like to miss, stating that it remains a veritable platform for reaching out to members of the insuring public in a most unique way. Ahmed also said that the Fitness Walk provides ample opportunities for physical fitness, especially for executives with busy business schedules. The CIIN President, Mr. Fatai Kayode Lawal has also called on insurance executives to participate in the walk, stating that it is always a worthwhile experience. Lawal said that the walk cannot be ignored for whatever excuses except for unavoidable reasons. Attractive prizes await exceptional participants at the destination while the carnival like party offers immense attraction as usual.

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INSURANcE

FINANCIALGUARDIAN

cornerstone partners FRSc on road safety campaign ORRIED by challenges in W the environment, the management of cornerstone Insurance Plc has promised to partner with stakeholders to intervene where the need arises. The General Manager, cornerstone Insurance Plc, Mrs. Yinka Adekoye, who represented the company’s cEO at the inauguration of the campaign – “Safe Route to School” in partnership with Federal Road Safety corp (FRSc) in lagos, said “We care deeply about the environment and our community and the constant pursuit for innovative ways to respond to society’s challenges drives

our approach to corporate social responsibility (cSR).” According to her, we have developed a sustainable cSR framework that thrives on partnership with broad range of stakeholders to intervene where the need is great and this is addition to our philanthropic giving as well as social investment in communities. For instance, we are worried and disturbed by the soaring rates of road accidents in the country. In fact, an account shows that road crashes claim more lives than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined in Nigeria. This is a big challenge that requires both conscious and collective

efforts, she said. She said, “Usually, as an insurer, you insure and you pay when people die, but for us the real test is: We don’t want people to die. We want people to live happily, we don’t want people to be maimed as an aftermath of road crashes. This is why we felt it is an opportunity to partner with one of the most credible agencies in the road safety value chain to touch lives and minimize the impact of road crashes.

“last year, we embarked on safety awareness and sensitization rallies in conjunction with FRSc across different motor parks in lagos whilst also providing basic medical care to over 1000 drivers. It is heart-warming to say that, this effort is already bearing fruits. For example, the record has it that reported cases of road crashes reduced by almost a half in 2013 over 2012 in lagos. This serves as a pointer to the fact that this is a partnership that works, and

we are committed to take this to the next level.” The Zonal commanding Officer of FRSc, John Meheux, in his remarks said the cornerstone Insurance –FRSc project was initiated by cornerstone Insurance as an integral part of its corporate social responsibility with 2013 as a pilot phase. The command entered into a five–year project implementation understanding with the company . The concept for each year are to be jointly

designed and implemented by the two bodies in line with the biddings of the corps and the strategic goal for the year. According to him, the project was designed with the laudable objectives of carrying the messages of road safety through motor parks, media advocacy (radio, TV and print media) and handbills with series of road shows, all structured towards community based advocacy.

Mansard Insurance wins award ANSARD Insurance Plc, M penultimate week added another feather to its cap at the 2014 commerce and Industry Awards ceremony held in lagos when it was awarded the “Most Innovative and Impactful Insurance company” by The lagos chamber of commerce and Industry(lccI). The event which held at the Shell Hall, Muson centre, Onikan, lagos had in attendance captains of industries, business tycoons and members of the press. Professor Juan Elegido, Vicechancellor, Pan Atlantic University, lagos and head of the award panel noted that Mansard Insurance Plc has greatly deepened the scope of Insurance education in Nigeria. “The entry of Mansard Insurance has helped improve the perception of the lackluster Nigerian insur-

ance industry. Mansard has through its consumer education programs, helped bridge the gap created by a lack of awareness in insurance in Nigeria and the company has led the insurance industry through innovation and creation of value added products for clients and customers.’’ close contenders for the award in the same category as Mansard for the award were leadway Assurance and custodian & Allied Insurance. The lagos chamber of commerce and Industry is the premier chamber of commerce in Nigeria and was founded in 1888. Membership of the award panel also included Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Mrs. Nadu Denloye and Mr. Sola Oyetayo. The panel noted that well over 550 entries from virtually all sectors of the economy were received.

MTN unveils insurance package in Rwanda lOcAl insurer has taken A advantage of opportunities presented by the mobile money transfer service to take insurance services to the masses. Prime life Assurance, a life insurance services provider, has partnered with MTN Rwanda in a venture that is expected to benefit mostly the lower market segment. The move is a huge boost to Rwanda’s insurance sector, which is grappling with poor levels of policy uptake. Gregoire Minani, the Prime life Assurance boss, said the mobile money facility could give the insurance sector a breakthrough if it employs local insurers to sell policies to the masses, who are mostly not targeted by most firms. He said his company was inspired to exploit the potential of the mobile money service by the growing number of mobile phone owners in the country. Rwanda’s insurance penetration is one of the lowest in Africa. Norman Munyampundu, general manager of MTN business, said subscribers would access life insurance policies through the firm’s mobile money platform. “The service will initially focus on MTN lifecare, which enables a registered MTN Mobile Money customer to

get life insurance cover. In the event the policy owner dies, their beneficiaries will receive a lumpsum payment,” he said during the launch of the service on Friday. Minani said subscribers will be able to buy policies ranging from Rwf4,525 to Rwf21,625 per year, which qualify them for benefits of between Rwf250,000 and Rwf1,250,000, respectively. “The claims process is simple; payout upon the death of an insured person is processed through the mobile money facility within 48 hours of receiving completed claim documents,” he said. Over 6.8 million people or 64.8 per cent of Rwanda’s population had mobile phones in February, according to figures. MTN Rwanda was ranked second in terms of number of active mobile money customer accounts in the world by the Global Mobile Money Adoption 2012 survey. Over 1.3 million of the telecom’s 3.5 million subscribers are registered on the platform. Financial experts say the initiative will contribute greatly to the country’s financial sector, especially in helping Rwanda attain its objective of financial inclusion under the second phase of the Economic Development and

Corps Commander, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos Sector Command, Chidi Nkwonta (left); General Manager, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Mrs. Adekoya Adeyinka; President of the Rights Groups Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin; and Ag. Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC, John Meheux, during the Inauguration of child safety campaign in Lagos

liberia insurance industry rakes in $10m premium HE Insurance Industry in T liberia has accrued a total of US$10 million premium, Deputy Transport Minister for Administration, levi Demmah has disclosed in Monrovia. “As a result of steady growth in the insurance sector in the country, our premium has grown to US$10,” Demmah revealed and explained that the high premium accumulated from the insurance sector came as a result of the involvement of more insurance companies here. He further disclosed “there are 20 registered and licensed insurance companies operating in the country at the moment.” “We got this premium because each licensed insurance company is required to have a minimum threshold of

US$350,000 in its account as a beginning point for operations.” The government must verify each account before giving license to any insurance company to operate in the country. He said the premium was also a combination of other insurance company requirements including business registration fees, operation license fees, amongst others. Demmah made the disclosure at the 36th yaerly meeting of the West African Insurance companies Association (WAIcA), a regional Insurance bloc that supervises and coordinates the activities of member group of insurance companies in English speaking West Africa. WAIcA was established in 1973 in liberia, but experi-

ence a long hiatus in activities due to the civil war in the country. Delivering keynote address on behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Minister Demmah described WAIcA’s conference a step in the right direction, noting that an improvement in the insurance industry would subsequently have a significant impact on regional economies. He said over 200 persons are currently employed by insurance groups across the country. “I believe the growth of the insurance industry will help to improve our economy because there will be more jobs provided by these companies. It’s a good thing to meet here today to discuss about insurance issues,” he said. He termed the recent enforcement of the third

party motor vehicle insurance scheme in the country as a great progress. later, newly elected President of WAIcA H. Momo Fortune thanked President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her leadership and support to the insurance sector. “We want to thank the President for her able leadership in the country. Through the leadership of the President, the insurance industry has gained momentum and it is growing well,” he observed. He said the conference would mainly focus on education that will lead to use of technological advances meant to improve on the slow pace of insurance benefits. Enhancement of third party motor vehicle liability insurance is expected as major focus for the conference.

UAP launches new insurance distribution pact AP Insurance has partU nered with Fountain Enterprise Program (FEP) Holdings to co-brand tailor made products for increasing FEP investors’ access to insurances services. The deal will see UAP Insurance develop products that will be distributed to the FEP membership through their branch network in 44 counties and the Diaspora where FEP is represented. UAP Insurance Head of Retail and Mass Distribution, George Kuria, says the deal

will see UAP Increase its membership in the counties as well as tap into the Diaspora market. “In the First year we are looking at about getting 10,000 members accessing insurance through UAP and growing that so that we get to 50 percent coverage. We have a Diaspora strategy but it’s not been easy for us to penetrate but we believe now through FEP we can grow our numbers in the Diaspora much faster,” Kuria says. FEP has over 30,000

investors from more than 40 counties across Kenya and another 5,000 Diaspora investors from the United States of America, United Kingdom, canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. Kuria says UAP will also ride on FEP membership to offer consumer education through the counties in bid to increase consumer awareness on the benefits of Insurance products. “Insurance is largely misunderstood in Kenya. When you

work with FEP which has already a loyal membership we believe that they will be more receptive than they would if we went directly to them,” he said. He also said that the company has also just finished developing a claims tracking online portal which enables one to follow a claim process which is also tied with a customer service chatter set to be launched soon to help their medical insurance access their membership details online.

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Monday, May 12, 2014

Media

National Chairman, Progressive People Alliance and General Secretary, IPAC. Peter Ameh (right); Dr. Yunusa Tanko; Chief S Ake of Citizen Popular Party; Emeka Benjamain of People for Democratic Change... at the Calabar outing

Women at a forum

Womenfolk: Giving them voice, expanding their political space Issue By Kabir Alabi Garba NCREASINGLY, gender advocacy aiming at ensuring access of womenfolk to an expanded Irealm of media platforms as well as their active participation in society’s development process including politics is attracting global attention. Women empowerment as one key development goal did not only feature prominently during this year’s anniversary of the World Press Freedom Day (May 3, 2014), good governance, it is argued, would remain a mirage, unless freedom of expression is upheld as a fundamental principle that enables as many citizens (including women) as possible to contribute to, as well as monitor and implement, public decisions on development. With Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda as theme, discussion during the WPFD focused, inter alia, on the belief that women empowerment with emphasis on poverty eradication would remain a top priority in the post-2015 development agenda. Poverty, it is argued, “is more than just a lack of resources; it is a lack of empowernment.” And an important step in achieving this, it is said, “is making reliable and quality information available to the poor, and providing them with platforms for public voice. This applies especially to two groups that are generally disproportionately impacted on by poverty: women and youth.” In addition to achieving gender quality and eliminating violence against women, mention was also made about the smaller number of women in the media in most societies and the special pressures they often face. The resolve was that “much needs to be done to promote gender equality within the profession.” Reference was made to UNESCO’s Global Alliance for Media and Gender launched in Bangkok in December 2013 as a significant step in this direction. And for the voice of women to continue to be heard, loud and clear, a continuous engagement of gender issues by the media is recommended. This is against the understanding of journalism as a “platform for informed discussion across a wide range of development issues – from environmental challenges and scientific progress to gender equality, youth engagement and peacebuilding.” The dominant assumption is that “only when journalists are free to monitor, investigate and criticize a society’s policies and actions can good governance take hold.” Similar campaign at national level is mainly on how to enhance women’s political participation in the 2015 elections. And the efforts received a boost on April 28 and 29, 2014 when the Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a twoday National Dialogue on Enhancing Women’s Political Participation in the 2015 Elections in Calabar, Cross River State. With Dialogue between Woman Leaders and Chairmen of Political Parties on Enhancing

Women’s Candidature in the 2015 Elections as theme, the forum drew the participation of politicians under the auspices of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) as well as members of Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics (FONWIP). The dialogue derived its strength from the observation that involvement of women in elections is declining. This position is justified by the realisation that between 1999 and 2007, nine per cent of women got elected into the National Assembly; the figure rose to 11 per cent in 2007 to 2011; but dropped to six per cent in the current legislative regime that began in 2011. At the opening of the dialogue on April 28, each group had their separate discussion examining issues such as how to network to expand political space for women; sharing of experiences and lessons learnt from the 2011 elections; as well as identification and adoption of key strategies for enhanced women’s participation in the forthcoming 2015 elections. At the joint session on April 29, the five-point demand presented by the woman leaders received unanimous endorsement by the chairmen of political parties in the country. Canvassing the position of woman leaders at the close of the dialogue, Mariam Ahmed of Citizen Popular Party (CPP) listed sensitisation and education of women in politics; amendment of party constitution to be gender responsive; adequate funding; eradication of violence associated with electioneering; and continuous dialogue for better understanding and commitment as some of the demands to foster women’s participation actively in the forthcoming general elections. Responding, IPAC Chairman, Dr. Yunusa Tanko said the demands were not only legitimate and constitutionally justifiable, but that he had the mandate of his group to create a platform of engagement with woman leaders of all political parties in Nigeria to ensure that all impediments to political aspirations of womenfolk are dismantled henceforth. Tanko who is also Chairman, National Conscience Party of Nigeria (NCP) however solicited the cooperation of FONWIP in the struggle by IPAC to “liberate political parties that are not in power (both at state and federal levels) from financial obstacle created by the ruling parties to keep other parties down.” He disclosed that IPAC would soon visit the National Assembly to canvass for the reinstatement of financial allocation to registered political parties by the INEC. Earlier in his presentation tagged Nigerian Woman and Nigerian Politics: The Ways Forward, Tanko argued that “Nigerian woman has proved to be more than a mere benchwarming spectator even in the midst – of the male-dominated congregation.” According to him, “women are participating more actively in political issues than ever before as a result of political re-awakening and awareness. More often than not, they are besieged with challenges of which discrimination is more rife. Majority of the men more on chauvinistic disposition are preoccupied with the notion that

decision making is exclusively for the men folk while women are to be instructed on what to do. “This idea of seeing the women playing the number two role at homes has come to play itself out in the political life of the people. And this ought not to be so with regards to the ever dynamic nature of things globally as women are now seeing in other communities as avantgarde in developed nations. It is surprising that the same mindset of yester years is still what is obtained in our country.” Tanko went down the memory lane: “In 1957, during the pre-independence era of Nigeria, a couple of women political activists such as, Mrs. Margaret Ekpo, Mrs. Janet Mokelu and Ms. Young were members of the Eastern House of Assembly. The late Mrs. Funmilayo RansomeKuti, though not a full-fledged politician, was a very strong force to reckon with in the politics of the Western Region. And Hajia Gambo Sawaba waged a fierce battle for the political and cultural emancipation of women in the North. One can say that women have always played viable political roles in Nigeria in spite of all the limitations and encumbrances.” He referenced the formation of Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics (FONWIP), whose central objective, Tanko noted, is to promote women empowerment and eradication of all forms of violence and discrimination against women. It supports women in decision making in both public and private sector. The group organizes seminars on empowerment and inequality among other things. It is influential in its agenda as it requested that government should yield to 30 per cent female representation in government appointments; made several attempts to increase official awareness on gender issues in public policies and conduct of workshops for women who aspire to run for public offices. He cited instances from the Constitution to enrich his argument. “The 1979 Nigerian constitution guaranteed the rights of women to participate in active politics, section 40 says: ‘Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interest: provided that the provisions of this sections shall not derogate from the powers conferred by this Constitution or the Independent National Electoral Commission with respect to political parties to which that commission does not accord recognition.’ “Stating further, section 42(1) of the same Constitution declares: ‘A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person subjected to any form of discrimination.’ “Equally important and worthy of note is the fact that the constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex as indicated in section 77(2) which says: ‘Every citizen in Nigeria, who has attained the age of 18 years residing in Nigeria at the time of the registration of voters for purpose of election to the legislative house,

shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for that election.’ It is quite obvious therefore that nothing in the constitution excludes the participation of Nigerian women in politics. “The World Conference on Women (The Beijing Conference) in 1995 articulated critical areas of concern considered as main obstacles to women’s advancement in the Beijing Platform of Action (BPFA). The BPFA cannot be said to be a list of laws, but rather a set of principles and strategies for action. It provides guidelines for actions on the part of Governments, member of civil society and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) towards eliminating the barriers to achieving gender equality worldwide. “It is also a powerful statement of the recognition of women’s unequal status globally. The BPFA major area of concern is that it requires States to ‘ensure women’s full participation in power structures and decision making; develop education and training to increase women’s capacity to participate in decision making and leadership; and aim at gender balance in government bodies and the composition of delegations to the United Nations.” Over the years, Tanko said, marginalization has characterized women participation in politics due to various inhibiting social, cultural and religious forces. These forces affected women’s perception of politics leading to a very low level of political interest, knowledge and activities of women in politics. Nigeria politics, he reasoned, became maledominated almost making the women virtually politically invisible. However, he underscored various moves to inculcate skills and knowledge that will liberate women from abject poverty (socially, economically and politically). These measures, he believed, would go a long way to increase and improve women participation in politics in Nigeria as Women are believed to have an exciting political prospect in the country. Also, IPAC, through its scribe, Peter Ameh had urged women in politics to make use of other political platforms rather than focusing mainly on parties in power while calling on National Assembly to domesticate 35 per cent affirmative action as part of condition for political party’s registration among others. Representatives of UNDP-DGD, Dr. Sadeeque Abba and Mufuliat Fijabi underscored the essence of the dialogue which they said, “is in line with DGD’s Roadmap towards the 2015 elections on enhancing women’s political participation in order to increase the number of women who win elective positions and participate in decision making processes in the next political dispensation.” The commitment came out of the understanding that “political parties occupy a strategic position in the electoral process as they are the entry point for all who win elective positions. The parties through their internal party and inter party mechanism have the strategic opportunity to create an enabling environment that will facilitate a better performance by women at the 2015 elections.”

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Poster Awards: Expect bigger outing this year, says Chijide Stories by Gbenga Salau HE President of Outdoor Advertising T Association of Nigeria, (OAAN) Mr. Charles Chijide, has said that the OAAN Poster Award of Excellence scheduled to hold this week Thursday would be one of the biggest events in the industry. This is because, according to him, besides the President of World Outdoor Advertising (FEPE) who would be giving the keynote, legislators and key industry players are expected to be part of the programme. “Bear in mind that our award is the first to be endorsed by APCON and it was instituted to reward creativity so that creative agencies would be motivated to do things outside the ordinary, come up with designs that would help clients sell their products.” He said that this year the association also hopes to use the award to honour those contributing to the development of the industry since its inception and know the value of the

medium. Chijide, who is also the President of West Africa Out-of Home Advertising Association, said the regional body was set up principally to take the out-of-home advertising to take the industry to a great height and compete with what is done internationally. The OAAN boss said he got concerned during the last FEPE conference where regional blocks had presentations but none was from Africa because there were no regional or continental blocks in Africa. According to him, after the inaugural meeting in Ghana where he was elected President, President of Out-of-Home in Ghana elected first Vice President while Cote d’Ivoire’ President was elected second Vice President, a board meeting was held in Cote d’Ivoire, where the association’s constitution was passed. He also stated that the next meeting would come up in October in Republic of Benin where committees would be set up to further

drive the objectives of the association, adding, “Before my tenure ends, a lot of things must have been put in place. I have assured them that all the Presidents of West African countries would have endorsed the association and see reasons to inculcate the Out-of-Home in the planning of the environment”. Speaking on the challenges practitioners are grappling with, Chijide said that though efforts were being made to tackle issues of agency debts through collaborative efforts from stakeholders within the industry, there was the issue of multiple taxation. “State agencies will tax you, local government will and there are times and places you pay for so many things. Federal highway will ask for money; Ministry of Works, then Lands - how many people are we going to pay? Even in the waterways, we have state and federal waterways; sometimes we deploy something on water, we pay the federal waterways, and the state will say no; so we have to pay them. “We hope that they can unite these process in

From left, The Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Alhaji Bola Agboola, Chairman of the occasion Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, Director General FRCN, Mallam Ladan Salihu, Member of Board of Director FRCN Mrs. Bola Doherty, Director Lagos Operation FRCN, Mr. Ike Okereke during Merit Awards for Staff and a Reception for the Director General of FRCN in Lagos. PHOTO: GABRIEL IKHAHON

StarTimes… adding value to customers through promo O constantly add value to its customers, T StarTimes last week unveiled its ExtraTime Promo, where it planned to give four brand new 2014 Toyota Yaris Car and 400 LED televisions to its customers at the end of the promo in August. At the end of every month a customer will smile home with a car while another hundred customers will be rewarded with hundred LED television sets. This is besides some others would be rewarded with an extra viewing day on the StarTimes’ Soccer Card, during the promotion period which kicks off this May. Explaining, the Public Relations Manager of the NTA-Star Network, Irete Anetor, said purchasing the StarTimes recharge card would automatically qualify subscribers for the monthly draws. “We would give an extra viewing day on our Soccer card and the Extra Time promo card, sell our Soccer card specially designed to cheer the Super Eagles for the FIFA World Cup Season and give out instant prizes through our Extra Time promo card – customers can scratch and win instant prizes on its purchase. Customers would automatically qualify for the Extra Time monthly promo draws on the purchase of our recharge cards – be it the usual cards, the Soccer card or the Extra Time promo cards.” According to Anetor, prizes would also be given out in the Predict & Win on the Facebook Fan Page, which is aimed garnering support for Super Eagles, with an official soccer themed StarTimes recharge card – the Soccer Card.” To qualify for the promo, new subscribers need to purchase the StarTimes decoder,

which comes with a month’s free subscription while existing subscribers have to recharge with a StarTimes Soccer Card or the usual StarTimes’ recharge card during the promo period. There are also instant gifts like the 32’ LED

Digital TV Sets or units of Viju Milk to be won. Instants prizes are to be redeemed at designated StarTimes’ prize redemption centres. The monthly draws, he stated, would hold every last Friday of the month at StarTimes’ Lagos head office.

such a way that it would be a one-point payment instead of going to different locations and agencies for payment. They must know that this is a profession that is providing huge employment. We have areas boys too and we expect state agencies to curtail them when we are working”.

Branding Close up Naija Herbal... in the service of consumers O better serve consumers in the toothT paste market and further deepen its market share, Unilever Nigeria has unveiled a new variant of herbal toothpaste, CloseUp Naija Herbal toothpaste. Unveiling the product in Lagos at the weekend, the Brand Building Director, Mr. David Okeme, said that the new product was a result of research conducted on what the market needs and wants from toothpaste. “What we have done is to look at consumers’ needs over time and we noted that among young growing adults, there is this movement towards naturals, natural items, natural look. “With the insight that our consumers want more, we created this, going back to the ingredients that are found locally, relevant to making the Nigerian smile really perfect. Ingredients that will keep the teeth white and strong and the mouth fresh, so what you are seeing today is the launch of a unique Closeup brand, called Closeup Herbal mix. According to him, they are proud to unveil it to Nigerians because it got a unique mix of Aloe vera, fresh mint and lemon that are tested and proven to have anti bacteria, healing properties, properties that keep the mouth lubricated. For him, the new product summarises the naija spirit besides its uniqueness. “It is unique in many dimension. One, this is Closeup, and Closeup as a brand means a lot more to Nigerians because it delivers superior product and Nigerians have a lot of confidence in it as the number brand. “We have tested this product against all competing herbal brands in the market. So from a product delivery point, this has been confirmed by research as the most superior herbal product in the market.” He further explained that the new variant is coming in gel format, and the uniqueness of the gel is that it is clear and transparent. “It has got freshness capsules, which are shining dots inside, which break periodically after brushing to release freshness into the mouth. He maintained that Closeup Naija Herbal is the only brand in the market that delivers superior consumer experience. “It is called Closeup Naija Herbal, Nigeria is the only country in the world where this mix is being sold today, it was designed specifically for Nigerian consumers but in the process of testing it, other African countries have seen the superiority in this mix and want it rolled out across Africa. Again, a testimony to the strength of the Naija spirit that we are talking about.”

How Samsung lifted its brand equity with new offerings N order to further deepen its market share IElectronic of the electronic business, Samsung has launched two innovative products into the market. According to the company, the two products, which were launched at a colourful ceremony in Lagos, are firsts of their kind: the world’s first triangle design air conditioner and the world’s first Curved Ultra High Definition television. The Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa (SEWA), Mr. Brovo Kim, said that his company believes and takes pride in coming up with innovative designs and features, with a view to delivering worldclass products, which enrich the lives of the consumers. “The World’s 1st Triangle design air conditioner is engineered around the concept of delivering, faster, farther and wider air, while saving on energy costs. The triangle design is a World’s 1st in design innovation and is Samsung’s quest in changing consumer perception on utility and aesthetics of spilt air

conditioners,” said Director CE, IT & B2B, West Africa, Sunil Kumar. According to the two officials, it is because the firm is conscious of the health state of their clients was why the virus doctor, which has the capacity to kill all air borne bacteria and viruses up to ninety-nine percent, was built into the air conditioner, thereby helping in delivering uninterrupted and hygienic cooling environment. This is in addition to the triple protector feature, which ensures the air conditioner can function maximally without a stabilizer. “Unlike the conventional air conditioner, the Samsung triangle air conditioner has a selfdiagnosis feature (Smart installation) as it automatically checks for installation faults that can cause problems when the air conditioner is in use. Thus, ensuring the air conditioner is installed properly by the service engineer,” Kumar stated. He pointed out that the triangle design air conditioner comes with a smart check automatic error-monitoring system that detects and diagnoses problems and provides easy

troubleshooting solutions using a smart application. This, he said, saves users time and prevents unnecessary costs prior to a service callout. Commenting on the television, Kumar said that Samsung developed the revolutionary curved design that once seemed impossible for UHD and LED panel TVs. “The Samsung Curve UHD TV’s distinguishing feature is the world’s biggest curvature of 4200R, which gives the best immersion experience. Samsung’s Curved UHD TV automatically differentiates the objects from the scenery of the video, using “Auto Depth Enhancer”, which increases depth of the video. According to him, the product was built on the four pillars of UHD Evolution Kit, UHD upscaling, Purcolor and Auto depth enhancer. He maintained that Samsung’s Curved UHD TV will change the paradigm of TV industry just like the Samsung Bourdeaux TV did in 2006 and Samsung LED TV did in 2009.

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U.S. stocks rise as euro slips on ECB view ALL Street’s blue chips W set a record close in a lackluster session on Friday while the U.S. dollar strengthened against the euro and Japanese yen after the European Central Bank signaled it could deliver fresh monetary stimulus next month. Global equity markets eased after two key indexes hit record peaks on Thursday, but U.S. markets were lifted by growth stocks such as Facebook Inc (FB.O), Priceline Group Inc (PCLN.O), Google Inc (GOOG.O) and Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O). Major U.S. indexes ended the week near their levels of the start of the year. The benchmark S&P 500 is up less than 2 percent for the year and has traded roughly within a 35point range for two months. The Nasdaq is 2.5 percent lower and the Dow only slightly higher. “The volatility and the decline in a lot of growth stuff is wearing people out,” said Michael James, managing director of equity trading at Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles. “There’s a lot of trader fatigue.” The Nasdaq has dropped for three straight sessions in its longest losing streak since early April. Rick Meckler, president of hedge fund LibertyView Capital Management in Jersey City, New Jersey, said investors are trying to gauge if so-called momentum

stocks, whose share prices have been on a roller coaster in recent weeks, will finally stop. “There’s some fear among investors that their steep falloffs are a precursor of something to the broader market, and when they rebound, even temporarily, it seems to give confidence to the overall market,” Meckler said.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI closed up 32.37 points, or 0.2 percent, at 16,583.34, the S&P 500 .SPX gained 2.85 points, or 0.15 percent, to 1,878.48 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 20.374 points, or 0.5 percent, to 4,071.869. Facebook rose 0.85 percent to $57.24, Priceline climbed 2.5 percent to $1,135.91, Google

added 1.5 percent to $518.73 and Amazon.com gained 1.36 percent to $292.24. MSCI’s all-country world index .MIWD00000PUS fell 0.2 percent after advancing to its highest since November 2007 on Thursday. In Europe, the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index .FTEU3 slipped 0.26 percent to close at 1,355.40, after hitting its

highest level since May 2008, also on Thursday. The euro lost ground after ECB President Mario Draghi gave his clearest signal yet that policymakers might act in June to stem slowing inflation and bolster a fragile economic recovery. Italian, Spanish and Irish borrowing costs fell to record lows on the prospect the ECB

Dow ends at record high as Apple drags on S&P 500, Nasdaq HE Dow ended at a record high on Friday, boosted by IBM, T while a rebound in high-growth momentum names helped the broader market. Consumer discretionary shares also lifted the market, with the stock of Gap Inc (GPS.N) up 3.3 percent at $40.52 after the apparel retailer reported upbeat April sales and gave a profit forecast that surpassed Wall Street’s expectations. The S&P consumer discretionary index .SPLRCD was up 0.6 percent. Apple Inc (AAPL.O) was the biggest drag on both the benchmark S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq 100 .NDX on news that it is close to paying a record $3.2 billion for Beats Electronics, an expensive foray into music streaming and headphone gear, two people with knowledge of the matter said. Some analysts questioned whether Beats, valued at $1 billion during its last funding round in September, was worth that price. Apple shares fell 0.4 percent to $585.54. Momentum names advanced, with shares of Gilead Sciences Inc (GILD.O) up 1.3 percent at $79.76. Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) shares rose 2.1 percent to $328.55 after the company increased the price of its most popular video streaming plan by $1 a month. The gains came after a volatile week for those shares. The S&P 500 has alternated between gains and losses each day this week, and the Nasdaq has dropped for three straight sessions - its longest losing streak since early April - as Internet-related stocks came under pressure. Trading was mostly lackluster, with about 5.7 billion shares changing hands on the U.S. exchanges, below the 6.2 billion month-to-date average, according to data from BATS Global Markets. “The volatility and the decline in a lot of growth stuff is wearing people out,” said Michael James, managing director of

equity trading at Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles. “There’s a lot of trader fatigue.” The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 32.37 points or 0.2 percent, to 16,583.34, the S&P 500 .SPX gained 2.85 points or 0.15 percent, to 1,878.48 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 20.374 points or 0.5 percent, to 4,071.869. Shares of International Business Machines Corp (IBM.N) rose 0.6 percent to $190.08 and helped lift the Dow to a record close. For the week, the Dow rose 0.4 percent, while the S&P 500 dipped 0.1 percent and the Nasdaq fell 1.3 percent. This marked the Nasdaq’s biggest weekly percentage decline in a month. The Russell 2000 .TOY gained 0.9 percent. Early in the session, it flirted with correction territory, defined as a 10 percent drop from a recent peak. At its session low, the Russell touched 1,091.50, nearly 10 percent below its all-time closing high of 1,208.65 reached on March 4. Healthcare stocks rose, with shares of Merck (MRK.N) up 0.7 percent at $55.21 a day after U.S. health regulators approved a blood-clot prevention drug developed by Merck for use by patients who have had a heart attack or who suffer from blockages in the arteries of the legs. The S&P healthcare index .SPXHC was up 0.6 percent. Among the day’s big decliners, Rocket Fuel Inc (FUEL.O) shares tumbled 21.5 percent to $21.83 after the technology provider for Web-based video advertising forecast currentquarter revenue far below expectations, prompting downgrades from Goldman Sachs and BMO Capital. Advancers outnumbered decliners on the New York Stock Exchange by a ratio of about 17 to 13, while on the Nasdaq, nearly 17 stocks rose for every nine that fell.

could embark on an asset purchase program if inflation remained persistently low. The euro fell 0.59 percent to 1.3758 against the dollar. The dollar basket .DXY rose 0.63 percent and against the yen the dollar gained 0.14 percent to 101.79. John Doyle, currency strategist at Temps Inc in Washington, said the euro’s fall from Thursday eased a bit and that Draghi has tried in the past to talk down the currency’s strength. “Until the ECB actually acts, I don’t see a sustained rally in the dollar. The market has been calling Draghi’s bluff.” U.S. crude futures were range bound as support from a drawdown in domestic crude stockpile offset technical sell points. Brent crude was lower. Brent for June settled down 15 cents at $107.89 a barrel. U.S. oil settled down 27 cents at $99.99. Gold fell, pressured by the euro’s sharp decline from a 21/2 year high. U.S. COMEX gold futures for June delivery settled down 10 cents an ounce at $1,287.60. U.S. Treasuries drifted lower as the 30-year long bond again surrendered price gains after an unexpectedly costly $16 billion government auction of new 30-year debt. Yields on 30-year Treasuries stood at 3.4676 percent, reflecting a price decline of 20/32. The benchmark 10-year note fell 6/32 to yield 2.6233 percent.

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Osoba to opponents: Stop blackmailing me From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta ATIONAL leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aremo Olusegun Osoba, has spoken on the lingering intra-party crisis in his party, disclosing that some people were taking advantage of the stalemate to destroy his political career. Osoba, who addressed his party faithful in Abeokuta, denied speculations that he was planning to lead his supporters to join either the Labour Party (LP) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to the crisis within the Ogun APC. Contrarily, he alleged that the aim of the Federal Government was to use both parties (LP and PDP) to destabilise the Southwest. The consultative forum, held at Chief Osoba’s GRA, Ibara, Abeokuta residence, had in attendance members of the National Assembly in the state, including Senator Gbenga Kaka and Hon. Adekunle Adeyemi, who, in turn, addressed the members present. The APC in Ogun State has broken into two

factions, the one led by Osoba and the other by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, resulting in the two factions holding parallel congresses recently. Osoba also debunked the allegation by the Amosun faction that he had collected huge sums of money from the governor and that was the reason he had not made any public comment over the intra-party crisis in the state APC. He challenged any one, who has evidence to that effect, to provide it to the general public, saying that it was unfortunate that some people had ganged up to blackmail him for reasons best known to them. The former governor told a large number of his party faithful: “It is not new (blackmail) to me; it is the same agenda that they used to plot against me in 2003. “But this time, I am prepared for them and I want to urge you (supporters) to remain resolute as you have been since 1986.” He said he had heard allegation that he had Osoba been settled; that he could not talk again. you (supporters) and I shall never do it.” “But I am now talking; let them expose me He iterated that the agenda of 2003 was on now,” he said, adding, “I have never betrayed again, and it was meant to destroy him again.

Fragile peace shattered in Oyo PDP From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan

HE fragile peace in the Oyo T State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was recently shattered, as a faction of the party rejected the harmonised list. A former Deputy National Chairman of the party and member, Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, purportedly drawn up the list. The faction, led by former Minister of Power and Steel, Chief Wole Oyelese and erstwhile Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Asimiyu Alarape, described the list as fraudulent, misleading and unrepresentative of the larger interest of the party. Following the factionalisation of the party since its state congress in 2012, Adeojo announced last week that he had succeeded in harmonising the factions and that the party had become one united family. But in a statement, both Oyelese and Alarape insisted that the “fraudulent list is capable of deepening the crisis in the party.” The duo reminded that they

Mu’azu were part of the six-member committee (including Adeojo, Hosea Agboola, Teslim Folarin and Ajibola Muraina) raised at a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Abuja last year. “We did not participate in any discussion of any harmonised list nor was any such list tabled for ratifica-

Osun: PDP harvests APC members From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has made incursions into the camp of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This followed the defection of an APC chieftain and elder brother to the state Deputy Governor, Chief Sunday Laoye and his supporters into the PDP. The National Secretary of the PDP, Professor Wale Ladipo, received Laoye and introduced him to the party leadership at a crowded rally at the party secretariat in Osogbo. He noted that the coming of Laoye to the PDP had boosted the chances of the party, as the defector was a grassroots mobiliser that would bring success to the PDP in Osun. On his decision to join the PDP, Laoye described the APC as a sinking ship and a party that had lost focus. He accused the leadership of APC of caring for their interest alone, adding that the system is in the habit of “using dumping its members.” Laoye berated the government of Governor Rauf Aregbesola for its alleged deceit, saying that it had plunged the state into pangs of hunger, and

made artisans and contractors to suffer since the inception of the administration. His words: “Aregbesola’s government is a deceit and for the past three and half years, nothing concrete has happened in the state. “As from today, his government has fallen. I have been moving with a gangster party for quite some time and I can no longer tolerate them.” Laoye said he and his supporters would work hard for the success of the PDP in the August 9, 2014 governorship election. The chairman of PDP in Osun State, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, noted that for Laoye and his supporters to dump the APC “speaks volume of the development in the ruling party.” He alleged that Aregbesola had brought poverty and starvation to the state due to his government’s bad policy of demolition of houses, shops and business premises without providing an alternative to ameliorate the people’s suffering. Olaoluwa urged party members to prepare to win the coming election by going to the nooks and crannies of the state to mobilise the citizens, including members of the ruling party for the governorship contest.

“This crisis is taking the same pattern, the same way of implementation like the 2003,” he said. “I didn’t know it was a sin to forgive and forget. I decided that let me forgive and forget what they did to me in 2003 so that we could wrest power back after eight years.” The former governor recalled that in 2011, “the 12,000 officers we used at the polling booths were given N2,000 each; we know how we raised the money.” “It is in this compound (his house) that we worked it out,” he said, asking, “how many of the 12,000 officers have been catered for today?” “It is unfortunate that they are now blackmailing me but we shall stand by the truth at all times.” Speaking on the how things stand in the party, the APC national leader disclosed that the national secretariat had directed that all reports on the congresses should be forwarded to it for scrutiny before taking final decision. “It is a national issue (crisis from congresses) and not peculiar to Ogun State.”

‘APC to change polity in Kaduna’

tion either before our committee or any other body,” the said. “We are at a complete loss as to who did the harmonisation and where it was done.” They noted that: “Everybody in Oyo State PDP is well aware that the major problem destabilising our party is the desperation of certain individuals to be governor and the other to be Speaker of the House of Representatives come 2015. “It is our joint belief however that we should first build the house before sharing the rooms. “As a result of the above, we unequivocally reject and dissociate ourselves from the report emanating from Alhaji Yekini Adeojo and declare it as unreliable, misleading and lacking in credibility. “It is not the product of a team work expected by the Oyo State Stakeholders, who nominated the six-man committee in Abuja and as such unacceptable. “We appeal to all the loyal and honest members of our great party in Oyo State to remain calm, as falsehood will fail at last.”

From Saxone Akhaine (Northern Bureau Chief) ORMER Chief of Naval Staff and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), retired Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ishaya Iko, has said that the party would give a good fight to change the politics of Kaduna State in 2015. Leading other party stalwarts to a meeting under the aegis of Southern Kaduna APC Stakeholders, said the party would form the next government in the state. According to him, 50 delegates from all Southern Kaduna local governments had maintained that change in Southern Kaduna was inevitable. In a statement following the meeting, Admiral Iko said after a horizontal and vertical discussion, assessment, and perusal of the political situation in Southern Kaduna and Kaduna at large, with the desirability to expand the political theatre of Southern Kaduna to make space for other parties- especially APC, “the meeting unanimously resolved to walk their talk, and ensure success in 2015.” “We shall work as a united cluster irrespective of our ethno-religious affiliations,” he said. “We shall use our diversity as a source

of strength and build bridges that we will midwife a fraternity never seen since inception of the civil rule in 1999. “We shall build on the remarkable success recorded during our last wards congress, and make subsequent APC congresses in our zone the best in the country and a paragon of politics of order, unity, solitary, and vision.” Iko stressed that members were spreading the gospel of the APC like evangelist waging a crusade to all the nooks and crannies of Southern Kaduna. “We shall use all means acceptable by our Electoral Laws and 1999 Constitution to disinfect the campaign of calumny our political foes are spreading that our party is a party of a particular religion or ethnic group,” he said adding, “let us play issue-based politics.” The chieftains of the party in the state also “revolved to support the emergence of APC State Party Chairman from our zone.” While pledging to stand by any outcome of the state congress that would come up in the near future, they appealed to all members to work hard for the realisation of their objective of ruling Kaduna from 2015.

‘Godfatherism killing politics in Plateau’ From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos OVERNORSHIP aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Mr. Solomon Dalung has described the political atmosphere in the state as dull and discouraging. He linked this development to the politics of godfatherism, which, he said, was killing the state. According to Dalung, a lawyer, Plateau used to set the pace and tune for politics of the Northern minorities, but he lamented that contemporary politicians had deviated from that responsibility. “It is in the light of that that the political activities of the state, as being experienced, are not only dull, but also discouraging,” he said. Fielding questions from journalists in Jos, Dalung said: “This (dull politics) is traceable to politics of godfatherism where credibility, as the basis for leadership, now patronizes political godfather. “This godfather has given birth to people, who see themselves as having the political might and wherewithal to anoint people. “Every other politician in the state is watching the lips of the man in charge of the state and seeking the governor’s blessing to anoint him.” Dalung noted that, “the worst is that they have all taken refugee in worship places, bringing all sorts of men of God to pray to be anointed to lead Plateau State.” “So, this scenario of fear among politicians makes them not to even talk of the

Jang

Dalung

state of affairs of Plateau State,” he said. “But as a son of the soil, I will stand on the grave of the founding fathers of the state who taught them how to be courageous to resist such abnormalities and challenge them.” Although he lacks the financial resources, Dalung said he has the might to challenge the status quo. “And I believe that as the struggle goes on, the people of Plateau will realise that money, as necessary as it were, they need to save the destiny of their children and the state, because it is the money that was collected in the past that brought us to where we are today,” he said. On what the present government had not done that prompts him to want to wrest power from Governor Jonah Jang, Dalung admitted that the administration had tried to the extent of constructing roads in only one local government. “I also commend the government for spending over 80 per cent of the state

resources to build roads in only one local government, that is Jos South,” he said. “All the dual carriages, overhead bridges and road constructed are in Du district of Jos South local government council. “The government also tried because it has introduced two contract system. The contract system of the home of the governor is usually asphalts while the contract for other local governments will be surface-dressing.” However, Dalung said the state has 17 local governments, which should be treated equally. His words: “If I am elected the governor of Plateau, the state is made up of 17 LGCs and over 40 ethnic nationalities; we must give our people full chances to aspire and attempt recognition. We must develop the state equally. “We must provide education as a minority state. The only state weapon that the people need is sound education. “If I will spend only four years and laid a solid foundation for education where our children can challenge and compete favourably elsewhere, I would have produced people that will build a new Plateau. “You cannot build roads where human development index is zero. Human development index is the major economic development factor. “Roads are not meant for poor people; they are meant for the rich. So, there must be a paradigm shift in power.”

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70 | Monday, May 12, 2014

Abducted Chibok Schoolgirls

Situation beyond capacity of government, Extracts from Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka’s interview on Tuesday with the Cable News Network (CNN)’s Christiane Amanpour on the Boko Haram insurgency and abduction of schoolgirls in Borno State in the Northeast of Nigeria. continent and a conscience as well. Why is it that you’ve been warning? And what exactly have you been warning about that hasn’t been dealt with? must be — must be taken out of this country.’ What do you I’ve been warning especially that the pinpricks of this movemake of what’s going on in your country right now? ment are not confined to Nigeria. And that it should be It’s a situation, which has been left to fester. It was addressed recognised, those who understand the history of Algeria, for very late and very casually, very lackadaisically. instance, those who saw the career of the — of the Taliban And now, it’s become not just a national problem but a West when they overran Afghanistan, those who cannot delude African problem because it’s a force, which destabilises the themselves that people are going to Somalia to be trained with Al-Shabaab, etc., those who are conscious of what is entire nation. happening in the rest of Do you think it’s a good thing and the world — should have should your president accept the offer President Jonathan should have asked been done five years ago. of help that the United States is giving And they have been — military personnel, hostage negoti- for it (international assistance) from the very ation experts, all sorts of advice and beginning. I don’t believe in false pride. The his- warned publicly. I’ve said it in letters that the probably materiel on surveillance and tory of the movement which — to which Boko pinpricks you see all other such things? President Jonathan should have asked Haram belongs or which it is a part, a tendency, over the world are consolidating into a situafor it from the very beginning. I don’t that quote-unquote, if you like, “philosophy,” is tion of internal war, believe in false pride. The history of the insurrection by this movement which — to which Boko one which is a menace to the entire world, it’s group. Haram belongs or which it is a part, a not a Nigerian affair alone. So, there should be What will that mean for tendency, that quote-unquote, if you no hesitation or approval of the language by the Nigeria? You are, after like, “philosophy,” is one which is a menace to the entire world, it’s not a president… It’s not only he (who’s in denial); it’s all, the most powerful Nigerian affair alone. the advisers around him. It’s a certain section of economy in Africa. But there’s terrible corrupSo, there should be no hesitation or approval of the language by the presi- the nation, some of whom enjoy, for various rea- tion. A lot of the oil dent. sons, a nation in a state of chaos. They profit by wealth is siphoned off right at the — right as it Why do you think they have hesitated? Look, it was you who called for the it and if I thought — they are guilty of provoking comes out of the ground. What does all of president to confront this and speak to the situation. There’s a measure of guilt and the nation, address the nation. You did also a measure of gloating that the government this mean for Nigeria? Are you worried about that last week. Only this weekend did it? he follow your advice and actually of the nation is in serious trouble. So, it’s a mixOh, very much so, very spoke to the nation. Why has he been, ture of motivations. The person who has no exmuch so. And the — in denial? in your words, cuse is the president of the nation. when we even talk about It’s not only he; it’s the advisers corruption, there’s a around him. It’s a certain section of the need to specify it so benation, some of whom enjoy, for various reasons, a nation in a state of chaos. They profit by it and cause this revolt, if you like, this insurrection or whatif I thought, they are guilty of provoking the situation. ever began in a certain section of the country. There’s a measure of guilt and also a measure of gloating And it indicates what has been happening to what that the government of the nation is in serious trouble. So, eventually became the foot soldiers, the despairing it’s a mixture of motivations. The person who has no excuse imagery, for instance, who’ve been under the thumb of the militant mullahs and who brainis the president of the nation. But we’ve also heard from a father and some parents of these washed thousands of these kids, who are foot children, who were abducted three weeks ago. But what he soldiers. They’re the ones who cannot think for any longer. was saying was we know that had the government moved themselves quicker, they could have rescued our girls. Why do you see And those who have started this movement, this was started; in fact, they’re out of control. to what is going on? You know, I probably have more questions than you have. The politicians, who use that toxic brew of reFor instance, I’d like to know why we are not allowed to see ligion and politics to try and destabilise a nathe faces, the humanity of these girls who have been ab- tion, they are asking for help because those on the jury (BH), who’ve trained elsewhere, who ducted. Why is it that their pictures are not on the pages of the news- become radicalised, even more than their handlers, understand that they are paper? totally out of control. And Well, why isn’t it? Why aren’t they? they’re on the first line of the I told you, I have more questions than you have. victims. But is that a government restriction? You call for the government, and It’s a government — it’s obviously a government — this is a the nation has called for the govgovernment, which is not only in denial mentally but is in ernment to take action against Boko denial about certain obvious steps to take. Haram. But I want to quote It’s almost like childlike situations that if you shut your you someeyes, if you don’t exhibit, you know — the tactile evidence of thing that the missing humanity here — that somehow, the problem will go away. It’s an attitude, which exists in the subconscious, even though it’s not. You know, when you hear his voice and we just spoke about it, it really is, does it make you feel sad? It’s really agonizing, really agonizing. It’s something, which I never thought, even though I’ve been warning for years, it’s not — you know, for years about this menace, when it eventually escalates to this level, it’s astonishing how one still feels, you know, literally eviscerated by the abduction of these girls. OU heard the leader of Boko Haram say the most outraY geous things: ‘By Allah, I have the right to sell these girls into slavery. There’s a market for them. Western education

the United States special envoy said last year when I interviewed him about this. He talked about the backlash because of government actions. He basically said, “We have received numerous reports of mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture and prolonged detention without due process of law. Many Nigerians believe that that excessive use of force by security forces has alienated local populations and fueled support for Boko Haram.” So, on the one hand, you and others are calling on the government to get this in hand. On the other hand, a lot of backlash is being created by the way their scorched-earth policy seems to be progressing. I’m calling not just for the nation to take action; I’m calling for the international community, the United Nations. This is a problem. This is a global problem. And a foothold, you know, is being very deeply entrenched in West Africa. If, for instance, Nigeria, with the assistance of France, had not moved into Mali — and fortunately this is one of the advises, which this government eventually took, but don’t wait for Mali to come to Nigeria; go into Mali and stop them where they are. And France took the lead, we followed immediately in Nigeria — and ECOWAS followed. So, it’s not a Nigerian problem alone. Now when people talk about corruption… And that was, of course, when Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb… And Boko Haram was going to Mali to train, to refresh, to reequip and if Mali had stayed in the hands of Al-Qaeda, it’s a very different story. The other thing I want to say is this: it’s part of the denial when certain — when fingers are pointed at certain events in the country without going back to understand how this had — I’m talking about extrajudicial killing, for instance. It is wrong; it is condemnable and we condemned it. But to say that because a leader of the original Boko Haram was extrajudicially executed that that is why there is now this upsurge, this climactic action — this is part of the self-denial, of the denial of the real situation.

OU are a Y Nobel laureate, yet I have said that you are the voice of a nation, maybe even a

Soyinka

Monday, May 12, 2014 POLITICS

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Abducted Chibok Schoolgirls

it must be internationalised, Says Soyinka This Yusuf was a killer, a butcher. He should never have been extrajudicially killed, I agree. But this event, this rebel started long before the extrajudicial killing. And a man that they’re trying to turn into a saint now, was just a homicidal maniac, who killed non-Muslims, you know, at the snap of a finger, killed families and forced people to convert or give them a choice, convert or you’ll be killed. Now, today, I read about, you know, this Yusuf an asset. He was a saint and it’s only because — and people have the wrong kind of self-deluding piety — oh, if only he had not been touched. This is nonsense. And the world is being deceived. a problem. And you called the president IthisT’Soutand and criticised him for not confronting not talking to the nation for three weeks until he finally did this weekend. Boko Haram, you just talked about the leader of Boko Haram — what did you make of the swaggering, glib, gleeful laughter of this leader when he just sort of appeared, face uncovered to the world and said he was going to sell these girls? Just give me your impression, psychologically of what he’s up to. Most bullies, whether on a small scale or a national or international scale — they bluster; they do more of the same thing when they spy a community, a nation or a state, which is on its knees, which doesn’t confront them directly. Yes. If you remember, when the first — well, not the first, I mean, you know how far back one should go. Well, it’s been going on for a long, long time. The world suddenly got interested because these are 276 girls who were taken all at once. But before that, when the United Nations headquarters were blown up in the capital (Abuja) of a mission, you want to go further back? When the extreme Islamists literally sacked the capital, you know, under President Abacha because they claim that religion was offended because there was a beauty contest, going to go on there… there have been numerous instances like this. And when Yusuf was still, remember, a former head of state appeased — went on a mission of appeasement to Boko Haram family, asking virtually on his — on his knees, ‘please, forgive and forget.’ But these were killers. I mean, those who killed the leaders should have been punished, yes. But we shouldn’t go and appease killers. Now, with these girls, the longer this goes on, the fact that it’s so public now, what do you think is going to happen to these girls? Are they all together, do you think? Have they been split up? Will they be sold? What do you think? I know nobody knows. I made a statement at the World Book Fair, at which I said confront the reality. It’s painful; it’s horrifying. I said these girls are going to be sold as sex slaves. I used that expression. I said let’s not beat around the bush. We’re dealing with a monstrosity. We’re dealing with an affliction the like of which the nation has never encountered. Understand that you must go in quickly. You must act rapidly because these girls are going to be traumatised in a way in which — which is going to blast the rest of their lives. When they are retrieved, I said, start getting

Soyinka ready experts who will assist them psychologically to get over this phase. So, this charade we’re watching; this gleeful obscenity we just watched from the leader of Boko Haram is something, which I anticipated. It’s shocking to see it, but it doesn’t surprise me. That’s the nature of what these people have made themselves into. O you think it’s right, the reports we hear D about the First Lady of Nigeria, criticising activists who’ve been protesting in the streets and basically accusing them of bringing bad publicity and criticising her husband’s government? I made public statements about this woman who calls herself the First Lady of Nigeria. I don’t want to say anything more about her. So, okay, I won’t push you on that. There are many, many people who look at, for instance, neighbouring Uganda, where we had Joseph Kony, the Lord’s Resistance Army. They also took girls for years. It was going on for years. And it took years to get them back except for, for instance, that famous nun, Sister Rachele, I don’t know if you remember, but in 1997, she followed them and brought at least some of them back, 30 remained. This has been go-

It’s really agonizing. It’s something, which I never thought, even though I’ve been warning for years — for years about this menace, when it eventually escalates to this level. It’s astonishing how one still feels, you know, literally eviscerated by the abduction of these girls. I’ve been warning especially that the pinpricks of this movement are not confined to Nigeria. And that it should be recognised, those who understand the history of Algeria, for instance, those who saw the career of the — of the Taliban when they overran Afghanistan, those who cannot delude themselves that people are going to Somalia to be trained with Al-Shabaab, etc., those who are conscious of what is happening in the rest of the world — should have been done five years ago. And they have been warned publicly. I’ve said it in letters that the pinpricks you see all over the world are consolidating into a situation of internal war, insurrection by this group.

The other thing I want to say is this: it’s part of the denial when certain — when fingers are pointed at certain events in the country without going back to understand how this had — I’m talking about extrajudicial killing, for instance. It is wrong; it is condemnable and we condemned it. But to say that because a leader of the original Boko Haram was extrajudicially executed that that is why there is now this upsurge, this climactic action — this is part of the self-denial, of the denial of the real situation. This Yusuf was a killer, a butcher. He should never have been extrajudicially killed, I agree. But this event, this rebel started long before the extrajudicial killing. And a man that they’re trying to turn into a saint now, was just a homicidal maniac, who killed non-Muslims, you know, at the snap of a finger, killed families and forced people to convert or give them a choice, convert or you’ll be killed. ing on for a long time; it’s afflicting different parts of Africa. I called attention to Joseph Kony… And by the way, Joseph Kony’s a Christian monster. And I’m very glad you mentioned, because I have mentioned Joseph Kony a number of times as a parallel to what is happening now. So, that it’s to tell these Muslim fundamentalists that they shouldn’t take pride in bestiality; that the Christian side also knows it. The issue’s not religion; it’s that fundamentalist fascism in which you feel that it’s an act of domination. You prove what are you have in the environment in the little pond, you know, where you’re operating. It’s the same mentality entirely. And for a long, long time, Nigeria, as a whole, wasn’t as exercised as everybody is right now. We saw this stuff happening; it didn’t affect the whole country, and the whole country wasn’t up in arms and they weren’t demonstrating in the streets. Has this abduction changed the Nigerian people? And what does that mean for the government, particularly for these upcoming elections? I think anyone at all with the — with the hu-

mane trait in his or her makeup has got to take this government to task on any level because there are many things, which could have been done. And I’ve stressed this over and over again that abduction, terrorism, suicide bombing — these are very difficult situations to deal with. But they’re not unique. And it’s easy to anticipate, especially if you’re only a country and you have any sense of history; this is very easy to anticipate in what direction this will go. So, those who are coming out in the streets now, they’ve always been conscious, to some extent, but didn’t realise how soon the enormity of the action would catch up on them. Now, if you like, the worms are turning. Where it will end, I do not know. But one thing is certain: the president and his government cannot sleep easy after what has happened to Nigeria. It is not possible. Any, either pretence or real indifference or denial has ended. I’m convinced about that. But also, the situation is now beyond the capacity of the government. That’s why I say the situation must be internationalised.

72 PERSPECTIVE Monday, May 12, 2014

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Delta 2015: Need for equity, good Nigeria: Words, bombs and the sound conscience and democratic principles (1) By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe HE good people of Delta State are very much concerned about who takes over the mantle of leadership of the state from Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, come May 29, 2015. The political atmosphere in the state is heated and the war of words is between the Urhobo of Delta Central and folks of Anioma-Ukwani axis of Delta North. The Urhobo are not taking things low. The umbrella body of the ethnic nationality – Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) – has since declared its readiness to make good use of the population strength of their people to install the next governor of the oil rich state. Their brothers and sisters in the northern part of the state are also scheming through party lines and other political connections to ensure that power shifts to that axis next year. Therefore, the battle line is drawn and where the pendulum will swing is better imagined. Some political analysts say that the temporary absence of Chief James Ibori from the political horizon of Delta State has accounted for the cracked wall and fragmentation in the state politics. The ex-governor, they say, used to be the rallying point of all political discuss and permutations. With a stroke of the pen, the dreaded wealthy political mogul would ordinarily pencil down the likely candidate or candidates and so be it. But right now, some loyalists of the exgovernor who did not benefit from the Uduaghan administration are threatening to go their own way politically, present their own candidate for the governorship election under another political party should the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) both at the state and national levels decides to present a Delta North gubernatorial candidate for the 2015 elections. Frankly speaking, this is not a joking matter. The state is currently in a political dilemma. Those clamouring for Urhobo Governor in 2015 are hell bent in actualising their objectives under the UPU umbrella. Their total resolve is anchored on the many sins of Governor Uduaghan which they say include deliberate neglect of the Urhobo ethic nationalities in state and federal appoint-

ments alleged to have been cornered for the minority group of Delta North. They say, the Finance Minister and Supervising Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, the incoming Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and many more state and federal appointees are from Delta North. They are angry that Governor Uduaghan had little or no respect for the leadership of the UPU and, therefore, did not reckon with them throughout his nearly eight years in office. The Urhobo, according to the leaders of the group, did not see any significant infrastructural developments in Delta Central and other parts of the Urhobo axis during the governor’s tenure due to terminate next year. They painted a picture of absolute hatred for the Urhobo nation by the governor. The deliberate neglect and gross underdevelopment of the area experienced under his Excellency must be restored through the installation of one of their own as the next executive governor of the state. There are other defects accredited to Uduaghan’s administration which has pitched the government against some key leaders of the Urhobo nation. For real, Governor Uduaghan does not deserve some of the media attacks he is currently receiving from a section of the Urhobo ethnic nationality. It is obvious that the governor has transformed the health and educational sector, and spread development and appointment across the three senatorial districts. It is on record that some of the leaders in some constituencies and senatorial districts that short-changed their people. They cornered contracts for themselves and their loyalists and never executed the people oriented programmes after collecting funds from the state government. His youth and women empowerment programmes has helped thousands of Deltans to become breed winners for themselves and their immediate families. The catalogue of his performances can be downloaded from the state government official website. The peace being enjoyed today in the state is as a result of the candid efforts of the governor who used all know result oriented methodology to strike peace with the restive youths

who were agitating for the overall development of the oil rich state which has been neglected by successive governments at the federal level. For me, Governor Uduahan is a distinguished leader and prudent public servant who should be encouraged and appreciated for his good work. The numerous awards bestowed on Governor Uduaghan both at home and abroad is a clear testimony to his good governance. Not too long ago, his Excellency and other prominent Nigerians bagged the Personality and Leadership Award from one of the most highly respected print media, the Vanguard. The Vanguard Man of the Year Award received encomiums from Nigerians for the transparent manner the winner emerged. The uncountable blames heaped at the doorstep of Governor Uduaghan is uncalled for and it can best be described as anti-people, anti-progress and anti-development in all ramifications. However, there is a school of thought in Urhobo nation that does not attach relevance to the demand of the UPU. They are of the opinion that their fellow folks in Delta North should be allowed to govern the state for eight years so as to ensure equity, peace, solid fraternal relationship and good conscience in accordance with sound democratic principles. They strongly believe that it will be a big risk to place the resources of Delta State in the hands of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, Buhari, Atiku, Tambuwal and El-Rufai if the opposition candidate is voted into power by Urhobo ethnic nationality simply because it presented Urhobo governorship candidate. This group has advised the UPU leadership not to be tempted to do what Governor Amaechi did in Rivers State, for giving out the oil rich state to Asiwaju Tinubu and the APC in anger due to his political conflict with the leadership of PDP and the presidency. To be continued • Oghenesivbe, a public affairs and political commentator, is also the National President of the Green White Green Vanguard, a socio-economic and political advocacy group based in Lagos.

By Foluke Ademokun

UST two months after the mass murder of 106 Jboarding persons in Izghe, Borno State and at least 29 students of the Federal Government College in Burni Yadi, Yobe State, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, in an official reaction to the kidnap of almost 200 (regrettably, weeks after the attack no credible official figure of actual number of victims) senior secondary school girls, displayed his ignorance of Boko Haram’s penchant for large-scale atrocity. More so, with evidence of over 1500 citizens killed by the insurgent (including 20 students and a teacher fatally shot in July) in 2013. According to the minister, “…nobody in his wildest imagination would ever believe that such a thing could happen in Nigeria.” I do agree with the minister, except that while he is confined to the imaginary world as a government appointee, the ordinary Nigerian citizens are confronted with the realities of a Nigeria where ‘formal education is not just a sin’ but a crime punishable by abduction or/and death! Fast-track to the real world, abduction of teenage girls is a pastime of Boko Haram. According to the Human Rights Watch, about 40 women and girls were abducted between September and November 2013, and over 20 in the first two months of 2014. Agreeably, high incidences of terror are a global phenomenon, requiring that nations adopt collaborative measures to combat varying acts of terror. Even the United States have exercised the tools of partnership to respond to terrorism ‘in and out’ of its border. Similarly, Ukraine and South Korea have adapted collaborative responses to the rhetoric of crossborder terror with Russia and North Korea respectively. This observation may have informed the calls by Nigerians for the government to seek physical and intellectual help in dealing with the iterative acts of terror. Beyond engagement with Chad, Niger, Cameroun, and the Republic of Benin, the United States for instance offers lessons on how to deal with school attacks, and mass killings that can be adapted to the Nigerian context. Roll back to December 14, 2012 when Sandy Hook Elementary School was attacked by Adam Lanza, 20 pupils and 6 teachers fell (in all, three short of Burni Yadi victims) but the nation as a whole… and the world with them rose! The lessons learned by experts from this school attack, and other similar cases outside of the United States, suggest the vulnerability of schools was an underlying factor in the attacks; vulnerable persons and circumstances are easy and cheap tools to amplify attackers’ outrage. In our case for instance, in addition to schools, public places such as motor parks may be the next severest point of vulnerability to terror attacks. Between March 18, 2013 and May 1, 2014, over one hundred persons have lost their lives in separate bomb attacks of motor parks in Kano and Abuja! Since this is widely known, the seizure of almost 200 young girls following incessant attacks on schools in the North-east geopolitical zone, suggest the following; (i) the security forces are illequipped to deal with the zone’s vulnerability or/and (ii) like the minister of Information, the nation’s leadership is confined to an imaginary world, (iii) poor intelligence gathering or/and management of information. The latter my actually be the crux of the collective failure on security responses, which are mainly reactive instead of being responsive – more like chasing shadows rather than substance, lacking the will and efforts to galvanize response as evidenced in other climes. As usual with all political settings, there were measures of publicity in America’s response to the

December 2012 school attack but these were with due considerations to the memory of victims of the attack, their families and overall public safety. Aside from public and private figures making some political gains from the incident, deliberate efforts were geared towards reinforcing security protocol, and preventing a re-occurrence, at least within the same location. First, school safety measures, such as frontdoor buzzers and security cameras were installed to secure school facilities. Second a variety of mass actions to stem violence were initiated. Next the broad range of search for solutions was extended to the private sector. The Entertainment Software Association published a condolence statement to families of victims due to the perceived linkage between real-life and entertainment violence. And because the calls were genuine and passionate, it was collaborative without compromise to overall safety. This brings to mind the question about the preparedness of our nation’s managers in providing the ambience and required instrument for ensuring safety in public places, particularly schools, open markets and motor parks. Regrettably, this is not the case in Nigeria, where government, opposition parties and organisations seek to make a political capital of unfortunate happenings. Little wonder that the investment of $470 million National Cyber Security Project through the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) appeared a hoax, unworthy of an official response. Everybody is talking but nobody seems culpable! At the moment, it is convenient to blame the military, while the politicians and their cronies, conveniently profit from the bloodshed of Nigerians through under-table deals boosted by our collective security vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, reflection on the nation’s ability and readiness for a change from current security situation suggest the need to: • Strengthen Nigeria’s information governance framework • Maximise capacity to gather, manage and protect information • Promote information sharing amongst agencies to enable appropriate response The abduction of these innocent girls like the disappearance of the MH370, may be a call to the “bloody civilians” responsible for managing government information and their counterparts in the military to evolve a synergy for the management of information on terror. This way, they may jointly develop new tasks for the National Orientation Agency, which currently is preoccupied with merry-go-rounds, and condemnations but lacking the professionalism to guide the general public on practical steps to responding to an unsafe environment. Hopefully, with two bombings in Nyanya within three weeks, President Goodluck Jonathan will be guided towards more action and less talk – he should know that the torrents of bombs with the attendant thunderous sounds are deafening, and he has become inaudible! Maybe, just maybe, he should listen to David Mark, afterall, the Senate President, like Joe Bidden is the only one with the military experience in the top three – it is all about synergy! • Ms Ademokun, a monitoring and evaluation expert writes from Lagos (foladem@yahoo.co.uk)

Fayemi vs Fayose: Between political expediency and moral exigency (1) As the contest for the June 21, governorship election in Ekiti State gathers momentum, John Ajayi who reviewed the political undercurrents in the on-going campaign writes that political expediency and moral exigency will be critical to the chances of would be winner. EARS and apprehension Fgovernorship about the forth-coming election in Ekiti State have been pervasive. Real or imagined, these fears are palpable as they loom ominously in the present political firmament of Ekiti State. But, wait a minute. Should this be so? Without any doubt, there shouldn’t be any fear or apprehension whatsoever about the governorship election slated for June 21 in the state.

This is especially so, if all stakeholders, in the forthcoming contest will spare a thought for the good counsel of Mathew Arnold, a British poet and cultural critic who lived between December 24, 1822 – April 15, 1888. Talking about the sanctity of the truth as it affects the affairs of man, Arnold advised: “We must hold fast to the austere but true doctrine as to what really governs politics and saves or destroys states. Having in mind things true, things elevated, things pure, things amiable, things of good report; having these in mind, studying and loving these, is what saves states.” Indeed, a deep reflection of Arnold’s words as revealed should allay all fears in the minds of men, especially in view of the unfolding political brouhaha in Ekiti land. It is no longer news that the

contest in the election is going to be a straight fight between incumbent Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi (JKF) of the All Progressives Congress (APC); former Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party candidate, Mr. Bamidele Opeyemi. What is however news is the fact that beyond securing a party’s gubernatorial ticket, success or failure in the contest will be determined by the personality and personae of each of the political actors and gladiators. A very keen observer of the political developments in the state can attest to the fact that the forth-coming governorship election, and in particular, the chances of Fayemi and Fayose as well as Bamidele will be adjudged both by moral exigency and

the political expediency of the time. While it is exigent that a new election to determine who runs the affairs of the state in the next four years should hold next month as planned, and that all political parties registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) field candidates for this top position, it is also politically and morally expedient for these candidates to pass the simple test of integrity and moral up-rightness. The emergence of each of these candidates as standardbearers of their respective parties is too well known to all. But suffice to say that each of the parties had earlier conducted primaries, a statutorily mandatory pre-condition to be qualified for registration by INEC in the event there was no consensus, and the exercise produced the

three gladiators. While JKF emerged without any controversy as APC’s candidate, Fayose emerged through a highly contentious and controversial process. Out of about 15 other gubernatorial aspirants of his party, he was said to have scored over 70 per cent of delegates’ votes to emerge winner. The disclosure rattled other contestants who swore to reject the outcome of the election which they unanimously described as “a charade.” However, these aspirants or political wayfarers have since made a 360 degree u-turn on what they earlier objected. The recant was said not to be unconnected with the Aso Rock presidential directive insisting on the candidacy of the former governor as the choice of PDP for Ekiti State. The presidential order has since been backed up with

the open declaration of the proposed election as ‘a war’ by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, a hitherto suave and peace-loving architect turned politician. Indeed, the PDP’s seeming “morbid obsession” (apologies to Olatunji Dare, the great journalism oracle) has no doubt aggravated the atmosphere of fear and apprehension among the local folks and other well meaning Ekitis. Perhaps reading the minds of his selectors correctly, Fayose has been junketing from one village to another like a conquistador already counting the days of his assumption into office which he once occupied with neither pangs nor pains but later booted out without fanfare. To be continued •Ajayi is a Lagos-based journalist

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Sports Ahead 2015 African Youth Championship

MTN Football Scholars dream of opportunity to combine education, football

Yahaya, Awoniyi lead Flying Eagles to 2-0 win over Tanzania USA Yahaya and Taiwo M Awoniyi, who played prominent roles when Nigeria won the FIFA U-17 World Cup last year, were in their clinical best yesterday in Dar-es-Salaam, where their goals accounted for Flying Eagles’ 2-0 defeat of their hosts, Tanzania, in the first leg of their 2015 African Youth Champions (AYC) qualifiers. The Flying Eagles scored in the 49th minute through Yahaya and killed off the contest in the 82nd minute courtesy of Awoniyi. “This win away from home is very, very good for us going into the return leg match in Nigeria,” Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba, told reporters after the match watched by a fair crowd at the 60,000capacity National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. “Tanzania also showed they are a very good side, but they will have to work on their finishing. “Overall, it was the better team that won even though I was not completely satisfied with the final 15 minutes of the game as we sat back in our defence.” However, Ngorongoro of Tanzania coach, John Simkoko, insisted they have not given up hope and said they will battle in the return match in Nigeria in a fort-

night. “Nigeria were the better team and deserved to win,” he admitted. “But the battle is not over yet as we will come prepared to Nigeria.” It was a goalless first half, but Nigeria enjoyed more of the ball possession and created more chances with their biggest opening coming after 24 minutes, when Musa Yahaya blasted wide from inside the six-yard. Newly drafted striker Saad Kipanga from Mbeya City also had a glorious chance to put his team ahead after just five minutes, but his header from inside the box missed its target. The home team suffered a major blow when first-choice goalkeeper and skipper Aishi Manula could not continue after a thigh injury in the first period. He was therefore replaced by Peter Manyika for the resumption of the second half. Four minutes after the break, Tanzania’s worst fears came to be as Musa Yahaya slotted past the goalkeeper from the near post after a low cross by skipper Musa Muhammed. Kelechi Iheanacho, who replaced Alhassan Ibrahim ‘Mu-azam’ for the second half, was denied a goal in the 54th minute by a piece of brilliant goalkeeping by Manyika.

DStv BL: Dodan wins battle of warriors By Adeyinka Adedipe ODAN Warriors D Basketball Club of Lagos defeated Oluyole Warriors 69-59 at the weekend to avenge their first round defeat in the hands of the Ibadan team. Dodan Warriors were at their best fending off the offensive of the visitors and making the most of their chances to record a famous victory at the sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos. The win is the sixth for the Lagos team, who are third on the table behind Oluyole Warriors, who also have six wins from nine games. Islanders of Lagos beat Royal Hoopers 65-60 in Port Harcourt to maintain their lead on the league table with seven wins from nine game. Hoopers are currently placed last on the Atlantic Conference table with two win from nine games. In other games, Union Bank defeated Police Baton 79-69 to confine the Police team to seventh on the log. The Police Baton has two wins from nine games and must improve their performance if they hope to sur-

vive the drop. Nigeria Customs moves to fifth place after beating Kwara Falcons 63-56. In the Savannah Conference, Mark Mentors defeated Plateau Peaks 72-56 at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja. In Minna, Niger Potters defeated Kada Stars 51-50 in a closely-fought encounter, but are still rooted to the bottom of the Savannah Conference table with two

UNDREDS of youngsters H at the centres for the audition in the ongoing MTN Football Scholar Season Four were all ecstatic about the uniqueness of the initiative. The nationwide audition started in Port Harcourt before taking place in other cities of Calabar, Akure, Enugu and Abuja, ended in Lagos over the weekend, with the kids unanimous in their declaration that the idea of combining schooling with active football is fantastic. The audition, which formed the process of securing tickets into the camp of this year’s edition, witnessed display of excellent football skills and talents by the youngsters. Apart from the well-tested and experienced coaches that drilled the boys, prominent ex-internationals were also on ground at the centres to motivate them. Speaking at the Lagos centre, a 14-year-old student of Kuramo Junior College, Lagos, Tunji Ahmed, said he couldn’t wait to be part of the scholarship. “This is a wonderful initiative, and I am proud to have participated in the audition. I want to become a Lawyer in the future and as well be a professional footballer; MTN has shed light to this prospect,” he said.

Awoniyi scored one of Nigeria’s two goals against Tanzania in their AYC qualifier at the Dar-es-Salaam Stadium…yesterday.

Ekeji backs Keshi on Eagles’ list, tips team for World Cup glory From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja ORMER National Sports FDirector Commission’s (NSC) General, Patrick Ekeji, has backed the provisional list of players released by Super Eagles’ chief coach, Stephen Keshi, insisting that no coach would have done better than that. Ekeji, who is the immediate past NSC director general, told The Guardian at the weekend that the Super Eagles coach should be encouraged to do well at the World Cup, stressing that he took so many things into consideration before arriving at the 30man list. Insisting that Keshi will face a more difficult task in arriving at his final 23-man list, Ekeji noted that there must be both technical and psychological reasons for his deci-

sion to recall both team captain Joseph Yobo and Stoke City striker, Osaze Odemwigie and drop inform Villarreal striker, Ike Uche, adding that no coach would want to use any player who would not guarantee him success. “As a former player, coach and producer of coaches, I seldom make comments when a coach has made up his list. But everybody is talking about the World Cup and I keep saying that coaching is a very tasking and difficult job, especially in this country, where even with little or no facilities, expectations are very high. “I feel very sorry for Keshi, but I am also very happy that he has produced results. By any way you want to look at it, he is the most successful coach Nigeria has produced. He won laurels as a player and

he is still winning as a coach. “It is only in this country that people become part of things only when results start coming. Nobody cares to ask what were the challenges faced before the results. Let us wish him well… he has reasons for whatever list he comes out with. “He has submitted his first list of 30. The list he has brought is okay. He now has a task of putting the team together in training before making the final list of 23 for the World Cup.” According to Ekeji, Keshi must have his technical and psychological reasons for inviting any player to his team, adding, “for him to have also dropped any player, there must be a strong reason, no matter how good the people might have seen the player to be.”

Lagos Island are 2014 Ibile Games champions OME say the absence of SedYaba from the just concludLagos State Sports Festival,

Oshodi

tagged Ibile Games, paved the way for Lagos Island Local Government to win the competition, but there was no denying the new champions their time in the sun at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The Islanders topped the medals table of the Senior Category of the Games with a total of 366 medals: 151 gold, 108 silver and 107 bronze medals. In the distant second position were Team Surulere that

won 109 medals: 36 gold, 32 silver and 41 bronze, while Team Ibeju Lekki came third with 93 medals: 29 gold, 27 silver and 27 bronze medals. Team Ojo came fourth with78 medals: 25 gold, 29 silver and 24 bronze, just as the fifth position went to Team Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) that won 63 medals: 24 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze. In the Junior Category, which featured secondary school students, schools with best performance in each of the 20

sports in this category were listed out by the Technical Sub-Committee headed by Babatunde Fatayi-Williams. Team Lagos City Senior College, Sabo, Yaba were outstanding in the boys’ category. They were the best school team in four sports Wrestling, Handball, Badminton and Squash, while in the Girls’ category, Wesley Girls junior Secondary School, Sabo, Yaba out shined others in four sports: Weightlifting, Judo, Badminton and Squash.

Milo African Championship

School sports president urges Amuneke to monitor Team Nigeria RESIDENT of Nigeria P School Sports Federation (NSSF), Ibrahim Mohammed, has invited Coach of the Golden Eaglets, Emmanuel Amuneke, to take advantage of the Milo Africa U-13 Championship (MAC) to identify young talented school boy-players to invite to his camp ahead of the African U-17 Championship. Mohammed spoke from Akure where the NSSF are organising a talent hunt programme for schools in Ondo State and said the Milo Championship is a major milestone for school sports in Nigeria and the African continent. “At the school sports federation, our major objective is to provide the opportunity for students to identify their innate talents and also to be identified for proper grooming to become future stars. This is why we have totally aligned with Nestle Plc, the sponsors of the Milo African Championship which is offering international exposure not just to the Nigerian student but also their counterpart from the rest participating countries”, declared Mohammed. “I will like to seize this opportunity to invite the national coach of the U-17 team to please go and watch the team preparing in Ilorin for the tournament because it is in the schools that you will find the raw talents within the right ages”, remarked the NSSF President.”

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Fans throw bananas at AC Milan players C MILAN players had A bananas thrown at them during a 2-1 defeat at Atalanta. Guinea international, Kevin Constant and Netherlands midfielder, Nigel de Jong picked up two bananas thrown onto the pitch, while Milan players appeared to sarcastically applaud the home support. Fans were warned the game would be suspended if there was a repeat. “Whoever threw the banana on the pitch deserves to have a coconut thrown back at them,” Atalanta boss Stefano Colantuono told Gazzetta dello Sport. “They’ve ruined what was a great afternoon.” Milan boss, Clarence Seedorf said: “I hope they find the culprit and do what they have to do.” Constant was on the receiving end of racist abuse during a pre-season tournament match against fellow Serie A side, Sassuolo in July. On that occasion, the 27year-old kicked the ball into the crowd and left the pitch. He was fined 3,000 euros (£2,500), with Sassuolo fined 10 times that amount. Two weeks ago, Barcelona defender, Dani Alves picked up and ate a banana thrown at him by a Villarreal fan. Footballers worldwide showed their support for the Brazilian by posting pictures online of themselves eating bananas, while Villarreal were fined 12,000 euros (£9,850) by the Spanish Football Federation. Milan’s defeat in Bergamo hit their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Europa League. A Gianpaolo Bellini own goal after 51 minutes put the visitors ahead. But German Denis equalised with a 68thminute penalty after Constant fouled Carlos Carmona, shortly before the bananas were thrown onto the pitch. Milan’s Mario Balotelli hit the post late on before Franco Brienza’s 25-yard strike flew into the top corner to clinch victory for Atalanta in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Liverpool’s English midfielder, Steven Gerrard (right), Henderson and Luis Suarez at the end of their English Premier League match against Newcastle yesterday. Liverpool won 2-1 PHOTO:AFP

Manchester City wins English Premier League Nasri and Vincent Sas AMIR Kompany scored the goals Manchester City reclaimed the Barclays Premier League title with a comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham. The goals came in a 10minute spell, which straddled the half-time interval at the Etihad Stadium, render-

ing nearest rivals Liverpool’s win against Newcastle academic. With ex-Liverpool players Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing in their side, as well as Reds fan Kevin Nolan, West Ham did have the personnel to provide one last dramatic twist at the end of a com-

... Spurs sixth, Norwich relegated St Mary’s. OTTENHAM clinched a at place in next season’s The Red Devils subsequently T Europa League with victory fail to qualify for European over Aston Villa yesterday. They won 3-0 at White Hart Lane with all the goals before half time thanks to Paulinho, an own goal from Nathan Baker and an Emmanuel Adebayor penalty as Villa fell to their 20th defeat and finished 15th. As a result, Spurs finish sixth and join Everton and Hull in the Europa tournament next season. Spurs would actually have qualified regardless of their result as Manchester United failed to beat Southampton

football for the first time since finishing 11th in 1988/89. Rickie Lambert issued a timely reminder of his England credentials in front of Roy Hodgson with a cool finish in the 1-1 draw. Juan Mata responded with his sixth goal in a United shirt to end a disappointing season with a point. Norwich’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed without much fuss as Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 victory at Carrow Road.

Results

Seedorf

Cardiff Fulham Hull Liverpool Man City Southampton Norwich Sunderland Tottenham West Brom

1-2 2-2 0-2 2-1 2-0 1–1 0-2 1-3 3-0 1-2

Chelsea Crystal Palace Everton Newcastle West Ham Man Utd Arsenal Swansea Aston Villa Stoke

pelling season. But realistically - with City having a two-point advantage - that was always a long shot and there was never any hint that the nerve-jangling final-day drama of their title win two years ago would be repeated. It was raining heavily at kickoff but the atmosphere was raucous and City approached the game with the confidence of a side that were comfortable and in control of their destiny. City’s top scorer, Sergio Aguero was back in their side after injury, but not at his sharpest, although on this occasion his brilliance was not needed. West Ham played more positively than the previous visi-

tors to the Etihad Stadium, Aston Villa in midweek, but the occasions they threatened were still few and far between. The hosts appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty early on after Mark Noble deflected a Pablo Zabaleta cross onto his hand. Their first real chance came after David Silva and Aguero combined well on the edge of the box. Yaya Toure’s initial effort was blocked before Silva volleyed over from a Zabaleta cross. Zabaleta then wanted a penalty after going down under a challenge from Mohamed Diame before Aguero showed some nimble footwork to spark an attack from inside his own half.

Table PS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Teams Man City Liverpool Chelsea Arsenal Everton Tottenham Man Utd Southampton Stoke Newcastle Crystal Palace Swansea West Ham Sunderland Aston Villa Hull West Brom Norwich Fulham Cardiff

P 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38

GD 65 51 44 27 22 4 21 8 -7 -16 -15 0 -11 -19 -22 -15 -16 -34 -45 -42

PTS 86 84 82 79 72 69 64 56 50 49 45 42 40 38 38 37 36 33 32 30

The ball was worked across the field and Aguero tried to finish from distance but slipped as he shot and Adrian saved comfortably. Nasri then had a good cross turned behind and Toure curled a shot narrowly wide as news filtered through that Liverpool had fallen behind in their game against Newcastle. City maintained the pressure, with Aleksandar Kolarov forcing Adrian to tip over a powerful drive from distance. Nasri finally broke through six minutes before the interval as he took aim from 20 yards and struck a powerful low shot which went in off the post after a possible touch from Adrian. City fans then increased the volume significantly and Aguero glanced a header wide before Silva saw an effort deflected onto the bar off Carroll. City truly got the party started four minutes into the second half when Kompany stabbed home from six yards after Edin Dzeko won the ball from a corner. The City captain celebrated with unconfined joy. West Ham did make a rare charge to the City end but Matt Taylor’s mistimed shot bounced wide. Aguero had two opportunities to extend City’s lead but headed wide at the near post and then failed to connect in front of an open goal from a Zabaleta cross. Aguero appeared to pick up another knock in the closing moments and he showed his frustration by bundling over Noble off the ball. That sparked an unnecessary scuffle between several players of both sides and Aguero was eventually booked, but it could not dampen City’s celebrations. They knew the job was completed and the hosts duly played out the closing minutes with little alarm to prompt a pitch invasion and jubilant scenes.

Monday, May 12, 2014 SPORTS

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The voice… the beginning of a journey back to the stars By Mitchel Obi HERE was always the voice inside, little and not so distinct. He really never cared to listen even when he finally dropped his playing shirt. For him, it was not such an easy transition and he fancied other endeavours, having given himself so much to the game. A refreshing engagement, one that took him and his name from the game for a while was worth the wait. Decision time had not beckoned and there was really no need for any rush. But suddenly, the inner voice found a confirmation not only from within the family, but also from one, who had given him extra confidence in his playing days and had sharpened his leadership edge all round. It did not take too long for that day to come and inside his Los Angeles home the voice came out loud and clear. “Dad, in my school they are looking for a coach,” the daughter of Stephen Okechukwu Keshi told him pointedly. And the response of the one fondly called the Big Boss was unmistaken. “I said I am not a coach.” Innocently, she prodded on “but you played profes-

sionally and you have played in Europe.” Again he volunteered, “Yes! But that does not qualify me as a coach.” Undaunted, she continued, “they are just 13-year-old kids. Just tell them anything and they will do it.” Of course, when FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, echoed the famous line that the future of football is feminine, he did not envisage that the present head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles would be motivated into coaching by his daughter. Without much ado, Keshi swallowed the bait provided by his daughter. “I started with these kids and I started loving the game again. When I see them, it just reminds me of when I was young playing. That’s how I got started as a coach.” The daughter’s voice was just one of the many influences that dragged him into the job that has seen him receive accolades, not only from those who appreciate his efforts and successes, but also from his colleagues. For the second time, he has been voted as the African coach of the year by the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and he has the bragging right of

the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), a graduated merit from the initial Member of the Order of Niger (MON), which came in 1994 when he captained Nigeria’s first ever team to win the African Nations Cup outside our shores. Indeed, after the World Cup in 1994 in the United States, Keshi believed and held tight to his thoughts that it was over for him and football. It was time to move on, as they say, but one man had another thought. His name is Clemens Westerhof, easily the most accomplished of foreign coaches to handle the national team. And what an impact and deep influence he had on Keshi. “After the World Cup in 1994, I said that I am done and he said no, no no!! He has his own way of speaking English. He said - Hey! My captain! You, I tell you, huh! You Igbo, you coach Nigeria! I said no, I don’t want to coach with this trouble with Victor Ikpeba and Babaginda. No! no! I don’t want to do that. But Westerhof persisted, “I tell you, you become a coach”. I said don’t worry. When I went back to the USA, I went back to school and I said, no way I am not going

My World Cup story…Keshi

Keshi to be a coach!! That was yesterday, all in the past. Today, Keshi, 52, is a coach enjoying the sweat from the sidelines and despite the heartaches and headaches that come with preparing and playing games, he has found a rare joy of coaching a team

‘

Keshi is tipped to surpass the second round achieved by Clemens Westerhof at the USA “94 World Cup.

which he loves and getting the results that matter. Today, Westerhof, 74, can come back to Nigeria and feel proud of seeing one of his players make hay as coach of the same team he managed to new heights. Two of a kind - Keshi and Westerhof. And what a

But suddenly, the inner voice found a confirmation not only from within the family, but also from one, who had given him extra confidence in his playing days and had sharpened his leadership edge all round. It did not take too long for that day to come and inside his Los Angeles home the voice came out loud and clear. “Dad, in my school they are looking for a coach.”

’

reunion they had in Lagos nine days ago when the effervescent Dutchgerian celebrated his birthday. It was time to look and laugh at life in the past, which sometimes can be more complex in the experience than dogmatic illusions. Keshi captures it well, “when Westerhof sees me, he’ll tell me, hey Igbo, I tell you, you’ll become the coach. I’ll say yes, you said it.” No more denial, it is time to work. And Keshi won’t deny now that he wants to go past the record second round finish of Westerhof in the World Cup. It’s all about motivation and being bright for life in the true rise and shine culture of a sincere star. -A Mastersports International presentation.©2014

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Tennis

Edovie wins sixth Rockview Ladder tourney title By Adeyinka Adedipe uCkY Edovie at the weekend emerged the men’s singles winner of the Rockview Ladder Tournament organised by the FHA Tennis Club, Festac. Edovie, who won his fourth consecutive title and sixth overall, defeated rival, Edu Ofoegbu, to cart home the first prize, a chest freezer. Ofoegbu also smiled home with an LED television. In the men’s double, Edovie partnered Peter ukachukwu to win the title, while Ofoegbu and Ifeanyi Nzoiwu finished second. In the veterans’ event, Ifeanyi Nzoiwu beat Charles Ezenduka, but the most improved player award went to Emelia Okika, who is expected to challenge for the title in the near future. In the table tennis event, ukachukwu defeated Samuel Ezewafor to win the title, while John Great overcame ken Abah to win the draught event. In the swimming event, Ewuzie kenechukwu finished first, Ezeamama Models was second, while Amobi Ifeh finished third. Captain of the club, Evans Nwachukwu commended the members for their active participation in the competition, saying that taking part in sports would enhance the well-being of the members. Nwachukwu noted that the tournament was a huge success and praised the management of Rockview Investment Limited for their continuous support for the club. He expressed surprise at the prowess of the members in the swimming competition and stated that it would

Finecountry MacArthur of Royal Hoopers (left) trying to dribble Solomon Ugho of Lagos Islanders during their 2014 Nigeria DStv Premier Basketball League game at the No 2 Field Basketball Court, Port Harcourt… at the weekend.

Ahead 2014 Commonwealth Games

Toriola, Quadri tip table tennis to win medals RESH from their sterling Fconcluded performance at the just World Team Table Tennis Championship in Japan, Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri say they are now hopeful of medals at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland. Despite the inability of the team to gain promotion to the elite division, the ranking of the players have improved globally with Toriola climbing to 150, while Quadri, who made it to the last 16 of the Spanish Open, is now rated 153 in the world. Having played against some of the Commonwealth teams in Japan, the players say they now have an overview of what to expect in Glasgow. “Playing against some of the Commonwealth teams or not in Japan doesn’t really mean a lot to me because we

don’t know whether the teams will come to Glasgow with the same set of players. But I was able to watch some of them in Japan and this I believe has helped us to know what we will be expecting in Glasgow,” the erstwhile African champion said. Quadri says the chance of climbing the podium in Scotland is certain. “Having played against Commonwealth teams and succeeded, I think our chances of winning medals in Scotland has increased. We shocked England, which is one of our major obstacles of winning medals and our general performance in Japan is a good sign that table tennis will pick medals in Glasgow. “I think our team will keep improving in every tournament provided that we are getting support not only from the federation but also most importantly from the

National Sports Commission (NSC). Also corporate bodies should also support the game to be able to restore the country’s lost glory,” Quadri said. On the lessons from Japan, Toriola said: “We have learnt a lot from Japan because we saw the problems and how to fix it. I believe the team will work on it during the camping before Glasgow games.” According to Portugal-based Quadri, efforts must be made to ensure that the preparation commences early for the game. “I think the best lesson we picked from Japan is to ensure that we arrive early to tournament in order to get acclimatized to time changes and weather condition of the host country. This can only be possible if there are more support from NSC and other corporate bodies,” he added.

‘DAWN Games will produce well-rounded athletes’ By Christian Okpara HE Dawn Games featuring T athletes from the six states in the Southwest, is aimed at producing well-rounded young sportsmen and women, who will go on to become national and international champions, the organisers have disclosed. The DAWN, which is part of the Development Agenda for

Western Nigeria, is for students from the states of the region. The Games runs from May 16 to 24 with over 2000 students competing in athletics, table tennis, tennis, chess, scrabble, swimming, taekwondo, gymnastics, badminton, basketball, volleyball and football. The events will hold at the Teslim Balogun Stadium,

The Standard Chartered Nigeria team with Liverpool legends, Ian Rush (in tie) and Dietmar Hamann, at the welcome dinner organised for them ahead of the Standard Chartered Road to Anfield 2014 international tournament at Anfield.

Rowe Park, Agege Stadium and the National Stadium. Speaking on plans for the Games, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Lateef Ibirogba, to a select group of journalists that the region believes it can develop children properly through sports. “The reason for staging the Games is to identify the real talents, the real winners and not age-cheats. “We want to be able to support the genuine talents from among our youths, so that when identified, we shall be able to nurture them to stardom. “We know the talents exist and we want to use the Games to engage the youth of the six states that make up the SouthWest - Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos,’’ he said. Ibirogba said that one of the lasting legacies the leadership in the zone wished to bequeath was a vibrant younger generation united in their love for sports. He added: “We also want them to have opportunity of competing while still in school.

become a regular feature in the club. “I am happy that we had a good tournament. All the members took part and I am sure they will benefit from taking part in the events. Hopefully, the competition will get better next year with our sponsor giving us the backing to make the competi-

tion bigger,” he said. The captain said backstroke, breaststroke and the butterfly would be introduced to next year’s swimming event, adding the level of tennis exhibited by the players was fantastic and called on the members to start training for next year’s event.

AFN coach, Nuhu, drums support for Aba marathon THLETICS Federation of have capable coaches and A Nigeria (AFN) coach, quality athletes and I believe Stephen Nuhu, has appealed that Nigeria can be a houseto the Abia State government and corporate Nigeria to support the second Aba Half Marathon slated for December 21, 2014. Speaking during a courtesy call on the Aba Marathon Local Organising Committee team at the just concluded Okpekpe Road race in Edo State, Nuhu appealled to the Abia State government and corporate organisations to help develop distance running in Nigeria by making events such as the Aba Marathon viable through sponsorship. “Sponsoring events such as this is a form of corporate social responsibility that not only leads to the discovery of new talents, but also keeps the youths engaged, whilst improving the local economy and encouraging tourism,” he noted. According to the coach, “we need the state government and companies to partner with organisations such as yours to help develop distance running in Nigeria. We

hold name in distance running in the not too distant future if we got the necessary encouragement,” he said. He also appealled to the LOC to increase the prize money attached to the competition, just as he commended them for the high standard organisation during the last Aba Half Marathon. Nuhu expressed his delight that it was a half marathon that could compete with any of the popular London, Boston, New York Marathons in terms of standard. Responding on behalf of the LOC team, Seye Adebayo stated that Saturn Communications, which is the parent company of Magic FM 102.9 Aba, the organisers of the Marathon, is committed to sports development in their area of operation and Nigeria as a whole, adding that the Aba marathon is designed as a way of giving back to the society and the city of Aba.

78 Monday, May 12, 2014

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Monday, May 12, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Dolapo Aina

“A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon and by moonlight”.- Robertson Davies, Canadian novelist and critic (1913-1995). HIS piece was propelled by two events, one was T the Annabel Leadership Summit and the other was a brilliant article by Dr Ayo Olukotun (a professor of Political Science and dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Entrepreneurial Studies at Lead City University, Ibadan). Attending the Annabel Summit which took place on the 11th and 12th of December 2012, was refreshing in that the delegates were told the unblemished truth by Pat Utomi that readers are leaders and leaders are readers. From Leo Stan Ekeh, Nicholas Okoye to Tonye Cole, Ali Baba and a host of panellists, they all sang the same chorus and hymn albeit in different tunes-read, read and read. But this writer concluded that a lot of the delegates consisting of youths were labouring under some severe form of misapprehension such as unavailability of enabling environment, job creation by the government, cronyism and favouritism in the employment procedures of corporate Nigeria, to name a few. This writer has held the notion that trucks-load of the upwardly mobile youths of this generation are not wellversed except in the latest dancing steps and lurid songs and accompanying voyeuristic videos to hit the airwaves. There seems to be a steady rise in the poverty of the mind amongst this generation. Attending the summit confirmed the held notion. A panellist asked if any delegate knew the name of his/her senator or House of Representatives’ member. And the collective response was slightly varied but similar-“how would we know that?” This writer was baffled that a lot of the delegates had momentary amnesia and forgot there was and still is a search engine called Google on their “sixth sense- touch-screen” smartphones (which is rapidly becoming a fashion accessory rather than a necessary tool). If the message disseminated on the first day of the summit wasn’t crystal-clear, the stand-up comedian Ali Baba on the second day, without caring whose ox was gored stated that people have to read and continue reading. He was appalled by the mental capacity of job seekers who he encounters on a daily basis and the bombardment of outrageous “verbicides” and “Englishcides” by some of his job-seeking followers on Twitter. Reading some tweets twitted to the comedian, any curious visitor to his twitter page(s) would ponder if such people were “specially commissioned” by the Queen to murder the English language! He reiterated the fact that it is because of his well-cultivated reading habit that he has remained relevant in the comedy industry. And he said he has a huge library of books on diverse themes where he picks his sublime, intellectually witty jokes from. On the article by Prof. Ayo Olukotun on the 21st of December 2012, on Ynaija.com which was titled, “what does President Jonathan read?” What this writer gleaned from the article was that it is quite easy to verify what books Heads of States of countries like Germany, America and UK are reading i.e. an official list of books to devour, alas, it is impossible to get such important data on Nigeria’s president. In Olukotun article, he had stated, “of course, it is well known that United States presidents maintain an official reading list of books, by which they not only improve their minds but rejuvenate a flagging national reading culture by force of personal example”. He made reference to the late Dr Macebuh’s article in which he, Macebuh (a prominent columnist) was part of a government delegation; onboard the same plane to China with President Obasanjo as a military head of state in the 70s and President Obasanjo was seen reading an intellectual book. Dr. Macebuh opined that probably due to his voracious reading culture then, “he (Obasanjo) avoided self-succession and set a democratic precedent at a time when sittight rulers mushroomed on the continent”. Olukotun went further to state that “the focus of this enquiry is Jonathan and what he reads or fails to read. If Jonathan were to make public his reading list today, he would not need another “bring back the book” campaign to both convince a skep-

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Reading culture and mental magnitude of Nigerians

tical nation of his “mental magnitude,” to borrow a favourite expression of Awolowo and to rekindle the appetite for books in an increasingly Philistine generation. That kind of public testimonial on the part of Jonathan will also pull the rug from under the feet of some of his hard-line critics like Prof. Ayittey, a world-acclaimed Ghanaian scholar who after watching one of Jonathan’s media chats dismissed him as “a joke.” He said: “To properly understand why the nation continues to travel downhill, we must put the searchlight on the president’s reading culture, his grasp of issues and understanding of what the times demand; in order to map out possible remedial steps in the area of improving or even modifying his appreciation of burning national issues. Though he belongs to a generation of politicians not famous for their love of books or the company of intellectuals, it is still possible in some respects to amend the situation. And what better way to begin than for him to make public his list of favourite books and other reading material?” Francis Bacon (1561-1626), the famous English philosopher once stated that “some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”. Undoubtedly, the Holy Bible falls into the three categories. But apart from this, what books are a majority of Nigerians reading? Succinctly put, what books are upwardly

mobile youths reading? Fifty shades of grey and the likes or the wealth and poverty of nations, the fortune at the bottom of the pyramid, autobiographies of great leaders or closer to home, Chinua Achebe’s There was a country? A book this writer after reading the first chapter had to put aside because it needed this writer’s full concentration when it was discovered the book is a writer’s classic and delight due to several observations, e.g. the simple play with words. A close friend (Harry Okoh-a modern day version of Soyinka and Achebe) who reads the UK’s Daily Telegraph to search for the weekly 10 books to read, once notified this writer that one of the major differences between Nigerian leaders and the led is that a majority of the leaders read and devour books while a majority of the present generation don’t read but would rather be chronic and unabashed showbiz enthusiasts and wannabes. Furthermore, the appalling dearth in the reading habits of Nigerian youths isn’t ameliorated by the over 80 per cent of only entertainment content invading silver screens like the Tsunami, courtesy of local stations. Nigerian leaders have realised that the quote by the British art critic John Ruskin (1819-1900), which goes thus “if a book is worth reading, it is worth buying” is true. The salient truth is that a well-read mind is in a more advantageous position than a mind which doesn’t read, glean or seek information for mental and personal growth. A gathering of serious minded people mingling and conversing would convince any

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skeptic on the relevance of reading. Lumina Foundation which gives out the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature must be commended for encouraging reading in Nigerian primary and secondary schools through 63 Wole Soyinka Reading Clubs in the country and by working with 84 libraries. For those leaders who don’t read or fail to read enough, their leadership would be characterised and riddled with snail-speed struggles and ready-made excuses for the simplest of clarifications and explanations. Here, a Mark Twain’s quote readily comes to mind, “there are a thousand excuses for failure but never a good reason.” For the youths who don’t read, they would continue to be part of the bandwagon of the present day Nigerian youths who clamour for change but don’t have any inkling on how they can play their own part in effecting the desired change. If majority of youths read books, the clamour for change would have moved up a notch and be more refined and strategic in all ramifications. Reading is quite easy. A book a month for slowpaced “perusers”. This writer has a list of over 100 books (and counting) to be read in a lifetime. The books lined up, to be read from January 2013 have been devoured and still counting. But this sudden, drastic and deliberate change in this writer’s reading habit was instigated by some encounters with the publisher of Hallmark newspaper in November 2012, who informed this writer that enough books weren’t being read by this writer (a shock but a piece of advice coming from a former Commissioner of Information of an Eastern state should be heeded). After this piece was initially completed by some form of Providence, this writer met a unique lad. Consequently, this piece won’t be complete without a mention of the recent encounter with this young lad who sells books at CMS (directly opposite the CMS Cathedral Church). On Friday, January 11, 2013, this writer decided to get some books. He spotted a young lad settling down for the day’s business, arranging his large collection of books. During his selection process, this writer asked the lad if he read the books he sold. An affirmative was the response. Not only that, he reads any book his serious-minded customers bought. To my surprise, the young lad by the name Chinedu Okorie had read Chinua Achebe’s book - There was a country—and did an instant oral review of it for me. The boy was admonished to keep on reading and that very soon he would be spotted for his analytical mind and his reading would stand him out in a crowd. Apparently, there is a glimmer of hope for this present generation, but it may not be found in the midst of graduates of this generation but probably in the midst of the public secondary school graduates who Nigerians see selling books. Three quotes on the relevance and validity of reading would summarise this piece. In 1981, Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987) said: “In honest hands, literacy is the surest and the most effective means to true education. In dishonest hands, it may be a most dangerous, in fact, a suicidal acquisition”. One begins to ponder if he saw the future. But it is well-known that avid readers tend to analyse and consciously or subconsciously make near-accurate predictions. Yarn Martell (Canadian novelist) is quoted as saying “the reading habits of politicians matter because in what they choose to read will be found what they think and what they will do”. Nigerians would appreciate the availability of the list of books to be read by their leader in 2013. Nigerians know how a lot of elected officials think via their utterances. Back to that event of the December 11 and 12, 2012, it was glaring to all and to those who didn’t know that reading coupled with self-discipline is the only way to attain individual, collective and national greatness (it is what would make anyone different from the crowd). And so, when two of the panellists requested for a slogan, after much ruminations, this writer rather, conjured up a quote “leadership is a cumulative reflection of the astuteness or ignorance of the followership.” • Aina lives in Lagos. dolapowrites@yahoo.com • This article was first published on Monday, October 7, 2013