Mon 13 May 2013 The Guardian Nigeria by The Guardian Newspaper

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Monday, May 13, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,555

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N150

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Jonathan’s case for a second term can only be made with concrete evidence of good governance and service delivery to Nigerians, not fire-spitting, intimidation or threats of brimstone on the citizenry. Besides, Asari-Dokubo and Kuku have revealed themselves to be non-believers in the democratic tradition but mere anarchists pursuing sectional and self-seeking agenda. Nigeria is bigger than any of its parts and any individual, regardless of ranking. This being so, let no one or group say, or even think, that this country shall fall apart unless a particular course of action suitable only to it or him is adopted... - Editorial Page 14

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S’South, S’East govs meet, chart path to regions’ growth From Ehichioya Ezomon and Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba SABA, the Delta State capiA tal, yesterday hosted a meeting of the South-South governors and their Southeast counterparts, with the chief executives of the states deliberating on the way forward for the region and the country in general. The first meeting was to review the state of the nation and the topical issues confronting the nation’s “maturing democracy.” Meanwhile, rising after a meeting to discuss the state of the nation among other vital issues, the South-South Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has canvassed support of Nigerians for the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration while also making case for wide-ranging constitutional amendment. At the meeting were host CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

UBA makes N54.8b profit Governors Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State (left), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), during the meeting of South-South and South-East governors at the Government House, Asaba, Delta State… yesterday.

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‘How theft stalls accurate measurement of oil output’ From Collins Olayinka, Houston, Texas, U.S. GRAPHIC picture of how A sophisticated oil theft gangs in the Niger Delta frustrate an accurate measurement of the actual amount of oil that Nigeria produces was painted at the just-concluded Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), Houston, Texas, United States (U.S.).

• Stakeholders task firms on production figures • NNPC, legislators, operators back PIB The theft and other factors have made the country to be losing N160 billion monthly, according to the Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

During a conference in the U.S. recently, Okonjo-Iweala said: “A great deal of loss in production is closely linked to oil theft and illegal bunkering which have been going on for sometime. The thefts are

getting more invasive as the criminals are going beyond the outer pipelines and moving into the more sensitive pipes. We estimate total losses at over 300,000 barrels per day (bpd).

“In all, we estimate that current production has dropped to between 2.1 to 2.2 million bpd leasing to about $1 billion (or N160 billion) a month in revenue. The current production figure is thus lower than the actual production level in 2012 and obviously lower than the projected output of 2.528 million bpd underpinning the 2013 budget, which was

derived in consultation with the NNPC. Besides, a groundswell of support for the proposed oil industry reform legislation designed to position the sector on the path of growth and sustainable development appeared on the horizon at the ongoing Offshore TechnoloCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

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S’South, S’East govs chart path to regions’ growth CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Senator Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Mr. Peter Obi (Anambra); Chief Theodore Orji (Abia); Chief Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Mr. Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Chief Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Mr. Sullivan Chime (Enugu); and

Chief Rochas Okorocha (Imo). But absent at the closed door parley at the Government House were Governors Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. While Amaechi was represented by his deputy, Chief Tele Ikuru, Oshiomhole’s absence was

not made public. But reports indicated that the governor went to Auchi to receive a chieftaincy title. However, both governors, one belonging to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the other on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly stayed away from the meeting owing to the perceived political tone of the conclave. Sources hinted that the meeting, including the second one slated for yesterday’s evening, was convened to discuss issues surrounding the 2015 general elections, particularly

President Goodluck Jonathan alleged bid. Which, perhaps, explains the absence of Amaechi (and for that matter, Oshiomhole), who is reportedly estranged with the president politically. Amaechi’s presence would have given credence to the praises the gathering heaped on President Jonathan in the statement the governors read to reporters at the end of their meeting. In the very first paragraph of the three-page statement coread by Governors Liyel Imoke and Peter Obi, respectively, the governors commended the president “for his focused lead-

ership and bold, result-yielding transformation agenda, which deserves the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of life of all citizens continue to unfold.” Specifically on economic and political cooperation between the regions, the governors said: “The South-South and Southeast governors agree on economic and political integration of the old Eastern and

Midwest regions now the South-South and Southeast. The governors pledged to strengthen co-operation across the board with particular focus on development of infrastructure linking the regions. “The governors also called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate all rail lines linking the states in the region as well as embark on the construction of railway links between all the states. “The governors also pleaded to work together to ensure the development of all the ports in the regions including the Abia

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Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Chad Republic, Garba Zakari, during the Great Green Wall Summit in Ndjamena, Chad Republic… at the weekend.

Stakeholders task firms on oil production figures CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 gy Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas at the weekend as key stakeholders harped on the importance of the bill. The event was the Petroleum Exploration Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) OTC seminar which has over the years emerged an integral part of Nigeria’s participation in the yearly global oil and gas conference. At the pavillion of Expro, an America-based company that specialises in well-flow management and manufacture of oil production meters, a twoman delegation of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) was told how it is possible to install measurement meters at the well-head that will ensure oil production output is measured directly from the flow-station. Up till now, the International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria have continually insisted that it is not possible to measure oil production from the wellhead. This is contrary to the position canvassed by the immediate past Board Chairman of NEITI, Prof. Assisi Asobie, who continued to push for the determination of measurement of Nigeria oil production from the well-head. In his explanation, the Gener-

al Manager of Expro, Mr. Patrick Curry, submitted that it takes only about 30 minutes to install a meter and that the meter does not require routine maintenance. He also said the equipment could be used with solar energy as a way of circumventing the acute energy shortage in the country. Curry, however, expressed worry about government bureaucracy in an effort to introduce the meter into the country. He also said no attempt had been made to introduce the equipment to IOCs in Nigeria. In his contribution, NEITI Director, Technical, Mr. Tariye George, assured the firm that government had the will to enforce all IOCs in the country use the equipment on the well-head. Tariye also hinted of the readiness of NEITI to pay facility tour to the headquarters of the Expro before the end of July in order to kick-start the measurement of Nigeria’s oil production from the wellhead. A member of NEITI Board, Patrick Udomfang, said the visit of the delegation to the biggest offshore technology exhibition was to have interface with manufacturers whose equipment could help foster transparency and accountability in the Nigerian

Our error HE photograph captioned, ‘Ewherido’ on Page 11 of The T Guardian of May 10, 2013, was not that of Senator Pius Ewherido, but Sergius Oguns. The error is regretted.

extractive sector. He said: “I am happy I came here. Part of what has come to the fore is what was hitherto shrouded in mystery. For instance, the IOCs have been telling us that it is not possible to measure oil production from the well-head but I can see today that that is not correct. We have seen equipment that can do that. These games are over now because very soon, NEITI will make it mandatory that all oil companies operating in Nigeria must measure their productions from the well-head.” Speaking with The Guardian on the condition of anonymity, an operator in the oil and gas sector faulted the communication strategies adopted by the IOCs that led to the wrong message sent to Nigerians and government over the years. But according to him, instead of oil companies to argue that oil theft makes measurement at the wellhead an unwise business decision, they continue to deceive both government and the people by dismissing the possibility of measuring oil production from the wellhead. He added: “The IOCs have had wrong communication strategies over the years. It is known worldwide that it is indeed possible to measure oil production from the wellhead. In our neighbouring countries such as Gabon, Algeria and Libya, among other oil-producing countries in Africa, oil production is measured from the well-head and this is known to everybody in the industry. It is surprising

why IOCs would choose to play the ostrich in this matter. To my mind, their argument should be that so many underhand practices happen between the flow-stations and terminal such that there is so much oil thievery going on in this corridor. Therefore, the argument should be that if they measure at the wellhead, there is no way they can account for what would be lost to thieves and therefore they would be shortchanged in the process. It is not measurement that is the problem, it is the massive oil theft that happens in Nigeria that is the problem. Government must develop the will to stop this huge economic sabotage. No low level Nigerian is empowered to steal oil; it is big people - politicians, traditional rulers, senior military officers and business moguls who fund elections that are involved in the dirty business. It is not for government to lament huge appetite for Nigerian stolen oil by the international community but for it to confront these thieves frontally.” Meanwhile, speaking on the fringe of the conference, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa, has cautioned against seeing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as a cure-all pill that will automatically erase the challenges in the oil and gas industry. He said that the passage of the PIB should be a springboard upon which millions of jobs would be created rather CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

News ACN, others caution against emergency rule in the North From Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna), Abiodun Fanoro, Wole Shadare, Bertram Nwannekanma, Tunde Akinola (Lagos) and Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri) CHOING wrongheadedness, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve the plan, if he has any, to impose a state of emergency on some of the northern states worst hit by the Boko Haram crisis. It added that any such move can only be aimed at giving an undue advantage to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) instead of helping to end the crisis. Meanwhile, a Lagos based lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Felix Fagbohungbe has kicked against calls in some quarters for the state of emergency in some northern parts of country. Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jama’atu

• Sultan urges co-operation over planned amnesty • CD, Falana, PDP chief deplore insecurity Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has urged members of the Boko Haram sect and other Nigerians to co-operate with the committee set up to dialogue with the group’s leaders to end insurgency in the North. In a related development, the Campaign for Democracy (CD) has condemned the escalation of wanton killings going on in the country which has lately assumed a dangerous dimension with the death of scores of policemen in the last one week in Borno and Nassarawa states. Also, a civil rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN) has blamed the Federal Government for recent killings of policemen and other law enforcement agents in the country in the

northern part of the country. In the same vein, a chieftain of the PDP, Owolabi Salis has lamented the upsurge in insecurity in the country, regretting that the Boko Haram insurgency had become a monster to the country. And barely a week after the military, police and prisons formations at Bama, Borno State, were attacked by Boko Haram gunmen, the police barracks in the outskirts of the town was in the early hours of yesterday attacked by some terror suspects with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party said if the imposition of emergency rule on the most affected states is the only viable option left for Jonathan

to tackle the crisis, then he should step down. It said the crisis had dragged on for so long because of the failure of the President Jonathan administration to appropriately diagnose the problem in the first instance, coupled with an exhibition of lethargy and an appalling lack of creativity in devising measures to end it. ‘’Imposing a state of emergency on the states that have been mentioned, like Borno, Yobe and Nasarawa states will amount to shifting responsibility and unduly victimising the governors of those states, who have done perhaps more than the President, in dealing with the crisis, even though they are not in charge of any security apparatus. ‘’It is also important to warn

that since the listed states are not under the control of the PDP and - going by precedence - President Jonathan is sure to appoint card-carrying PDP members to preside over the affairs of the state in the event that he imposes emergency rule on them, it will amount to robbing the citizens of those states of their mandate and capturing more states for the PDP. The party said if the President still finds the state of emergency option the most viable despite the arguments to the contrary, then he should go further by also putting Abuja, where the police headquarters, a military barracks and the UN complex have been bombed; the states in the South where kidnapping has become a daily occurrence as well as the areas where the nation’s crude oil are being stolen in millions of barrels under the state of emergency.

‘Gains of Nigeria, S’Africa economic pact’ From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja IGERIA and South Africa are set for fresh economic relationship that could lead both countries into fresh economic boom. This was the submission of Senator Smart Adeyemi, who was in President Goodluck Jonathan’s entourage to the just concluded State visit to South Africa. Speaking on the essence of the trip at the weekend in Abuja, Adeyemi stated: “President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to South Africa was very rewarding in the sense that it focused on economic development, collaboration and integration. The trip enabled the President to solidify the relationship of the government and people of Nigeria with South Africa. “With about nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries, it is a pointer to a new chapter in the history of the Africa because both Nigeria and South Africa are the big economies in Africa. He continued: “The two countries succeeded in opening a new vista for continental economic integration. We should expect a new dawn of economic boom between the two countries very soon. The two nations have potentials; they are coming together at the right time. The visit will enable other African countries to cooperate among themselves and consolidate their ties.

NHRC flays attack on security agencies HE Chairman of the T National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Chidi

Royal fathers in Edo North turbanning Governor Adams Oshiomhole (middle) as the Oshiosinua (divine redeemer) of Afemai land at a ceremony in Auchi at the weekend.

Anglicans, Muslim group ask govt to tackle graft, others From Chido Okafor (Warri) with agency reports HE Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at the weekend urged President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently tackle the massive corruption in government and private institutions which is threatening the development of the country. Meanwhile, the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association has urged the Federal Government to stop corruption in the oil sector and introduce welfare packages for Nigerians. Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Rt. Rev. John Usiwoma Aruakpor who made the charge during

the 5th Synod of the diocese at the Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ozoro, Delta State, also tasked the government to check the rising insecurity and outages, which he said were disincentive to foreign investors. Aruakpor said: “The President Goodluck Jonathan led administration’s transformation agenda is a great idea but no amount of financial commitment to it will make the dream see the light of the day until what hinders our quest in becoming one of the 20 most industrialised nations in the world, which is corruption, is dealt with. To achieve a corrupt free

Nigeria, Bishop Aruakpor said all institutions in the country, all governments at all levels, the executive, legislative, judiciary, all religious bodies must tackle the ill with all determination and that those involved in corrupt activities should be punished sparing no “sacred cows”. He also cautioned against the planned Cattle Grazing Free Zone Bill and other similar laws which were capable of fuelling communal clashes in the country. He added that the bill to grant free grazing land zone to Hausa/Fulani in every state in the federation is sure to escalate the already volatile sit-

uation in the country. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the group while making the call in a statement yesterday at the end of a three-day national conference at Ile-Ife, Osun State, with the theme ``Deregulation and Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria: The Islamic Perspective’’, called on the government to institute social welfare packages and introduce subsidy on education, agriculture and housing. According to the statement, Nigerians have no cause to suffer as the country is ``the 10th wealthiest oil-rich nation in the world and by far the most affluent in Africa.’’

It stated: ``At the current pump price of N97 per litre, government is making N4 billion per day from the sale of the 70 million litres of petroleum products from the 445,000 barrels allocated daily to domestic market. ``The conference believes that there was no subsidy in the first instance, hence there is no need for government to think of removing subsidy. ``The conference notes that cumulative effects of leadership failure and bad governance in Nigeria as a result of mismanagement of the oil wealth are a great threat to internal security and national development.’’

Anselm Odinkalu, has condemned attacks on security agents, and called for firm action to bring those involved in this to justice promptly. In separate condolence letters to the Inspector-General of Police, M.D. Abubakar; and Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Ekpenyong Ita, over the weekend in connection with the killing of service personnel of the Police and SSS in Bama, Borno State and Lafia, Nasarawa State, Odinkalu said: “Law enforcement and security officers have the right to life and when this right is violated in this way, those who do it violate our collective freedoms and security as a people and must be held to account.” He added: “No country can tolerate the killing in this way of those who put on the uniform to protect and defend us. This is totally unacceptable. We condemn unequivocally these and all acts of violence directed at law enforcement and security agents and stand with you in seeking that all those responsible should be promptly brought to justice under our laws.”

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

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S’South, S’East govs chart path to growth CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Dry Port and called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to facilitate the development of this objective.” In addition, they said: “The governors commend Jonathan for the extensive ongoing rehabilitation/modernisation of the airports across the country particularly those in our regions. “The governors also called on the president to establish cargo airports including Owerri and additional deep sea ports in the regions including Ibaka, Escravos, Agge and also call for the dredging of the Calabar port. “The governors agreed to revive agro-allied industries particularly in palm and rubber plantations to exploit the comparative advantage in agriculture in the area. “The governors of the SouthSouth and the Southeast states called on the Federal Government to facilitate the full implementation of the Free Zones status amongst the states of the regions.” On the security situation in the country, the governors pleaded with all Nigerians “to adopt dialogue and peaceful means to resolve issues reflecting our country.” The governors also agreed to work together and ensure regional co-operation in stemming the spate of kidnapping, arson, pipeline vandalism as well as other nefarious activities in the regions to secure the regions and ensure that they remain a conducive environment for attracting investments. They expressed concerns at the “condemnable” behaviour and antics of some Nigerians and their evil collaborators in assaulting the collective psyche of the nation by waging various acts of terrorism. In a statement issued yesterday, the caucus noted that Jonathan’s administration deserved the unwavering support of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria alike, as the laudable achievements of the administration in strengthening our democracy, stabilising the polity, growing the economy and improving the quality of lives of all citizens continue to unfold. The caucus commended the initiative and commitment of the administration on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and urged the National Assembly (NASS) and all stakeholders to support the bill. It noted that the bill, when passed into law, “is certain to launch Nigeria into the next level of sustainable development of our hydrocarbon resources in a manner that takes into account the needs of the present generation of Nigerians without mortgaging the future.” It also calls for the review of the Revenue Allocation Formula, saying: “The current formula has long ceased to reflect the changing realities and, therefore, called for its urgent, reasonable and pragmatic review to achieve vertical and horizontal equity among the tiers of government and better enable the federating units to drive development across the country as was the case up to the 1963 Republican Constitution.” On disproportionate assignment of constitutional responsibilities and fiscal powers, the caucus called for drastic and further devolu-

tion of functions and fiscal powers from the centre to the federating units, towards the direction of the 1963 Republican Constitution. Insisting on the need to make states the effective engines of growth and development and decentralise, localise and ease governance across the country, it said these should be done without undermining the powers of the Federal Government to maintain our uncompromising unity, provide a conducive environment nationwide for development and manage external affairs. The statement also called on the executive at federal and state levels to work with both the National and State Assemblies to strengthen the system of local government prescribed in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), but without comprising the proper placement of councils in the federation. It suggested that constitutional amendment should not become so routine an exercise as to impair the stability required for our political and socio-economic development. The caucus also urged the leadership of PDP at all levels to rally round Mr. President, as national leader of the party, saying that the legitimate exercise of ‘separation of powers’ must not become tantamount to, or metamorphose into, ‘separation of interests’ with the attendant negative repercussions. On the one single term of six years as a means of lessening the tension often generated by second-term bids, the caucus said there is nothing wrong with the current tenure of a maximum of two terms of four years each.

Secretary, Harvest Committee, Ibezim Dennis (left); the Cathedral Vicar, Ven. Michael Oluwarounbi; wife of the Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Mrs. Nkasiobi Okoh; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ama Pepple and the Choirmaster, Gbenga Johnson, during Sunday Service to mark the Ascension Day with the Harvest of Unlimited Blessings at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Gwarimpa, Abuja… yesterday.

Police officers laud Jonathan over Okiro’s nomination OLICE officers have P praised President Godluck Jonathan for nominating Sir Mike Okiro for the Senate’s approval to head the Police Service Commission (PSC). Most of them commended the President for choosing Okiro, a former InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), whom they believe will effect better changes in the security outfit. The tenure of the incumbent chairman, DIG Parry Osayande, is expected to expire this month. In Lagos State Police command, headquarters, Ikeja, officers and rank and file

were happy and expressed satisfaction with the development. In Edo State, shouts of joy by senior and junior officers rent the air in most offices as soon as the announcement was made on Wednesday. Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 5 Benin, Hashimu Argungu, disclosed that officers under him were celebrating Okiro’s nomination. He said: “His appointment is worth celebrating. We are happy and we were jubilating when we heard of his nomination because he will

DPR debunks rumour of sub-standard gas By Adeniyi Akinlola

HE Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has dismissed rumour of killer gas in the Nigerian market, just as stakeholders expressed the need to review the standard of the liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and other equipment. Speaking during a gas stakeholders meeting at the Lagos office of the DPR at the weekend, the Head, Gas Division, Mr. O.C. Okparaojiako, allayed fears by some people over claims that there is a killer gas or cancerous gas in the market. He said such claims were unfounded. However, the stakeholders noted that most of the cylinders currently in circulation in the country are old and there was the need to recertify them. The DPR boss explained that neither the Department nor the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has certified any gas either sourced locally or imported as unfit for domestic use on account of being substandard. The clarification came in the wake of complaints by some retailers and consumers that there were reports and text messages circulating to the effect that certain gas was not good for domestic use. He emphasised that contrary to the claims and the reports, the gas from Niger Republic is not bad and that members of the public have nothing to fear. He said the industry should be happy that there is a gas from other sources, adding that there were other more critical

issues that should be of concern to Nigerians on the use of gas. Addressing the meeting, which was attended by representatives of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), members of the Nigerian Association of LPG Marketers, LPG Retailers Association of Nigeria and gas dealers, Okparaojiako said though ef-

forts were on to review the standard set by the SON on gas and its equipment quality, no gas in the country has been found to be below the existing standard. He stated that the problem in the gas idustry was not much about the gas itself but the handling and wrong choice of equipment like the burners, valves, regulators and the cylinders.

bring good changes to the police. The President has chosen the right person.” Also AIG in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, Mamman Tsafe said: “Okiro’s appointment is no doubt a blessing to the Police Force. He is an agent of change. When he was Lagos State Commissioner of Police almost every officer enjoyed him, and when he was IG he was admired by most officers because his reformation strategies were acknowledged by most of us. In my opinion this is the best appointment in the history of PSC. He is a man of integrity and he will maintain it. Mr. President knows what is good for the police that is why he is always giving us the best.” A retired Commissioner of Police Frank Odita said: “The President has done well by appointing a retired police officer. He should be commended but he should also appoint a police officer as Minister of Police, because he who wears the shoes knows where the shoes are pinching him. Okiro did very well while he was IG. He is a good Christian and a lawyer, so he

will do very well as chairman of PSC.” Also in Kogi State Police command, a former Police Public Relations Officer (names withheld) said: “We were jubilating when we heard of his nomination. The former IG was one of the best IGs in terms of operation. His appointment is a welcome development because he is an officer who already understands the problems of the police. President Jonathan has again given the Nigeria Police the best it deserves. There is no doubt that he will do better in his second coming to the police.” Officers at the Delta State headquarters, Asaba, were also jubilating. A Mobile police officer in Squadron 31 who sought anonymity said: “we are very happy about his appointment. He is an officer who carries others along. There is no doubt that there is going to be tremendous change in the police.” The new Kwara State Commissioner of Police Mr. Oshodi Glover said: “Okiro is a good choice. We will enjoy his tenure. The President has chosen the right person.”

NNPC, legislators, operators back petroleum industry bill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 than seen as an end in itself. His words: “That the PIB would make investment flow is a very good assumption. This is conventional wisdom. Therefore, it is expected that the PIB when passed would result in massive investments flow …but what we have been looking for is a kind of impact that can give us employment on top of the revenue. “But where we are today is if big multi-nationals and other companies do not establish yards where they manufacture components in Nigeria, when the investments from the International Oil Companies (OICs) come, we would lose out.” He, therefore, called for the domestication of the benefits that will accrue from the passage of the bill, saying “it is one thing to get the investments in because we need to increase our revenue intake from oil production, but the real end-game for us is when as we are getting revenues, we

are getting our people to work. Government agencies cannot employ an army of people but the real employment can come from commercial activities that would arise from our preparedness to expand operations that can generate jobs.” During the OTC, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Andrew Yakubu, teed-off the session with a presentation titled “Post-PIB Challenges, Prospect and Opportunities”- to herald what turned out a well-rounded discussion. Describing the PIB as an essential tool for the sustainable development of the industry in Nigeria, Yakubu stressed that the proposed law would present multi-dimensional approach to the nation’s oil and gas resource management that would ensure greater active contribution by players and stakeholders under prudent government

structure of the industry. “It also stipulates guidelines for operations in the upstream and downstream sectors which can be viewed in terms of the following thematic areas: policy, legal and regulatory dimensions, economic dimensions, including participation and ownership, knowledge-based human and institutional capabilities, environmental stewardship as well as governance structure for sustainable resource development,” the GMD said. Commenting on the introduction of the Petroleum Host Community Fund, Yakubu said that the proposed Fund incorporates lessons learnt from the Niger Delta on all new frontiers. “The Fund is a mechanism to formally recognise host communities as important stakeholders by assigning oil and gas infrastructure security to the host communities and minimising environmental degradation due to vandal-

ism and crude oil theft,” he said. According to Yakubu, the Fund also incorporates penalties to host communities in the event of vandalism in their localities. “The proposed legislation includes modalities for using regulations to increase flexibility in managing host community issues”, he said. In his contribution, Emmanuel Paulker, Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream, reiterated the readiness of the Senate to work with the Executive in ensuring the smooth passage of the bill. “I cannot commit to any particular date but I know that this PIB must be passed.” he said. The senator thanked the Executive for ensuring that, this time around, there was no issue of duplication or circulation of different versions of the draft bill.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

MASSOB gives stay-at-home order over killings From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba N commemoration of the infamous killing of six Igbo traders at Apo Village, Federal Capital Territory on June 8, 2005, leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in the Anioma/Ndokwa East Region of Delta State, has called on Igbo to stay at home on June 8, 2013, as a mark of respect to the victims. A statement by the coordinator, Mr. Emeka Okafor, explained in Asaba, Delta State capital, that the stay-at-home order was to express displeasure over the continued senseless killings of the Igbo in the northern part of the country. Okafor remarked that the stay-at-home order is scheduled to take place between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. and was meant to demonstrate the spirits of their kit and kin being massacred on daily basis in the country, especially in the northern part in a coordinated planned extermination of the Igbo by the cabals of Hausa/Fulani oligarchy.

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Akpabio, Lagos PDP disown 2015 presidency posters By Seye Olumide, Tunde Akinola and Abdulwaheed Usamah OR the umpteenth time, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Godswill Akpabio, has stated that he has no interest in contesting the presidential election in 2015, rather he would only vie for the senatorial seat of his state as requested and endorsed by his people. This is coming on the heels of Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warn-

ing on plans to implicate it in a campaign suggesting that the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, is interested in running for the Presidency in 2015. Akpabio said in the early hours of yesterday, his posters as running-mate to Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, just like it happened in Abuja last week, had flooded some areas of Lagos such as the Awolowo Road, Airport Road and Medical Road, Ikeja. A statement issued by Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Media in

Lagos, Mr. Jackson Udom, said the posters had also been sighted around Sagamu, Ogun State, with plans said to be in the offing to spread them to other parts of the South-West and the entire country. “We wish to completely dissociate Governor Akpabio from the printing and circulation of these posters, which are clearly the handiwork of political jobbers who are bent on causing undue tension in the polity with their political mischief. “For the avoidance of doubt,

Akpabio is not interested in the Presidency in 2015 and has not mandated anybody to campaign for him. His focus is on the completion of his Uncommon Transformation Agenda in Akwa Ibom State. In fact, he has made it very clear that based on the pressure by the good people of Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District, he wishes to represent them at the Senate in 2015,” the statement read in part. Spokesman of the Lagos PDP, Taofeek Gani, told The Guardian yesterday the party

Teacher proffers solution to falling standard of education From Charles Coffie-Gyamfi, Abeokuta HE Federal and state governments should stop paying lip-service to education if the falling standard of education is to improve, a university teacher warned at the weekend. Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor J.A. Kayode Makinde, who spoke in Abeokuta, stated that as at now, the foundation of education in Nigeria is so weak that if something urgent is not done to address the situation, it would not be long when the repercussion on the larger society would be painfully felt more than before. He suggested that the authorities must first of all accept that there was something fundamentally wrong with the education system, saying it was only after this that they could initiate moves to redress it.

Rivers youth group lauds Amaechi IVERS State Governor R Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been commended for his developmental strides. The commendation came from Rivers Youth Movement (RYM) worldwide, whose President-General, Richard Alete, at a press conference in Port Harcourt at the weekend, said it would continue to support good leadership as demonstrated by the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). “We also want to use this opportunity to pass a vote of confidence on Governor Amaechi,” Alete, an engineer, said. He noted that the Amaechiled administration has distinguished itself in massive construction of world-class model primary and secondary schools, model primary healthcare centres, roads, agricultural advancement and human capacity development among several others.

Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, Nigeria Stock Exchange Commission, Mr. Adeolu Bajomo (left) presenting the 2012 Merit Award Plaque for the Most Outstanding Quoted Company in the Industrial Sector to the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Lafarge Cement (WAPCO) Nigeria Plc, Uzoma Uja, at the 2013 Annual Dinner and Awards Night of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers held at MUSON Centre in Lagos.

Maku dissociates self from Nasarawa violence From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja HE Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has debunked the media report linking him to the violence in his home state, Nasarawa. One of the national dailies (not The Guardian) had yesterday reported that the recent violence in the state stemmed from alleged rivalry between Maku and Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura over the 2015 governorship election. In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Joe Mutah, described the report as false, unfounded and a calculated attempt to associate the good name of the minister with the violence in Nasarawa State. He claimed that the story was published without recourse to the available facts about the unfortunate violence, which is in the public domain in Nasarawa, and which has also been reported widely in the media. The statement read in part, “The attention of the Minister of Information has been drawn to a story published in one of the national dailies yesterday associating him with the dastardly and condemnable violence going on in Nasarawa State. The newspaper claimed that the violence stemmed from the alleged rivalry between the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran

Maku and Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura over the 2015 governorship election. Either the reporter did not understand the facts on ground or the story was deliberately planted to divert the attention of Nigerians and security agencies from the real story behind the blood-letting in Nasarawa State”. Mutah continued: “For the information of Nigerians and members of the public, the Minister of Information has in the last one year waged a oneman campaign in Nasarawa State, which was widely reported in both the print and electronic media against the activities of militia and mercenary who have been destroying communities, lives and property in the state. The people of Nasarawa State know the truth behind this unfortunate violence and the perpetrators”. According to him, “Maku is totally and completely unconnected with anything violent and ungodly. Right from his days as a student union leader in the University of Jos, a teacher, a journalist, commissioner, deputy governor and now minister, Mr. Maku has been a man of peace and has never been associated with violence. He has repeatedly waged a campaign against violence and called for a ban on the activities of all political thugs and militia groups throughout the country”.

has uncovered plans by unscrupulous elements to destabilise PDP in Lagos by flooding the state with posters presenting the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, as a presidential aspirant for the 2015 election. He said the planned posters shall have the signature of Lagos State PDP and the actual motive is to cause disaffection among the Lagos State PDP members, “the party thus debunks any knowledge of the Vice President’s interest in the Presidency in 2015. We assert that PDP, at this time, is not campaigning for the Vice President or any other person.” He warned that the party has placed security agents on the alert and any person seen posting such posters shall face the consequences. He also alleged that the party is aware of a small group being sponsored by a rival party leaders to cause disaffection within Lagos State PDP, saying: “This group has held at least three meetings, shuttling between Osogbo and Lagos. Their plan is to print campaign posters presenting Sambo as a presidential aspirant. They plan to print the posters in Ibadan. It shall bear the signature of Lagos State PDP and shall be posted in strategic places in Lagos. This shall be done to portray Lagos PDP as being behind the campaign. ” He added that the group is being sponsored by a party “and they have deliberately selected Lagos State chapter of PDP for blackmail in view of the growing popularity of our party. They are agent provocateurs and they shall fail.”

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

NEWS

Otukpo condemns protest against siting of Mark’s private varsity

19 years on, Nigeria, Brazil to restore direct air link

From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi HE people of Otukpo local council of Benue State have condemned in strong terms a recent armed attack on policemen by some youths in Asa 111 area, who were protesting the siting of a private university in their area by Senate President David Mark. The irate youths were said to have blocked the Otukpo/Oju highway, demanding compensation on the said piece of land meant for the university, and on sighting the police, allegedly shot three of them as they tried to ensure free flow of traffic. However, at a peace meeting at the instance of the Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye, which was attended by district heads, elders, stakeholders and opinion leaders of Otukpo, the community frowned at the action of the youths, which was termed as anti-developmen-

By Wole Shadare INETEEN years after Brazil’s defunct national airline, Viação Aérea RioGrandense (VARIG), ceased operations in Nigeria, Nigeria and Brazil are set to restore direct air links between them. Consequently, Arik Air, the Nigerian carrier designated on the route, has commenced the process that would enable it start direct flights into the Brazilian commercial nerve centre, São Paulo, and has applied for traffic rights and slot allocation from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (Agency National De Aviacao Civil) and the Department of Air Transport. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nigeria to Brazil, Mr. Vincent A. Okoedion, who welcomed a delegation of Arik Air officials

Arik applies for traffic rights in Brasilia, said the commencement of direct flights into Brazil would open up a window of investment opportunities for both countries in several areas, including agriculture, aviation, power, education and culture. “Brazil is the hub of the economies of South America, just as Nigeria is the hub of the economies of West and Central Africa,” he said. “Both countries have always had that desire to see the two economies of West Africa and South America linked by direct flights. “Today, Brazil is the sixth largest economy in the world and Nigeria is the fastest growing economy in Africa and the two countries are able to draw all the

economies in their respective regions. “So, once you have direct flight, this flight is not only connecting the two countries but the two regions, that is in Nigeria, the whole of West Africa and in Brazil, the whole of South America. “You can imagine the size of these two regions, that is, the size of their economies, and the way it will boost trade. In fact, it will boost the business of the airline that is able to establish this connection.” The current move by Arik Air, according to its Deputy Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi, was a follow-up to the meeting in February this year between President Goodluck Jonathan and President Dilma Rousseff for the restoration of air link

between both countries to boost trade, commerce and cultural ties. Sanusi said that direct air link between them as regional leaders in Africa and South America respectively would boost economic relationship, which would be accelerated with direct flights into major cities, including Lagos and São Paulo. According to him, Arik was working round the clock to ensure that within three months, all arrangements would be concluded for the commencement of flights into Brazil, even as the airline plans to take delivery of more wide body aircraft to boost its long haul and international operations. Sanusi further disclosed that the carrier intends to secure traffic rights to enable it start service before the Nigerian/Brazilian Bi-

Nurses want non-doctors as health ministers From Kehinde Olatunji, Ibadan HE National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) at the weekend faulted the appointment of only medical doctors as ministers of health and called on the Federal Government to address the trend to save the sector from imminent crisis. The call came at a press conference to commemorate the 2013 International Nurses Week at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. NANNM President, Abdrafiu Adeniji, said that government should adopt world’s best practices where merit counts, instead of neocolonialist idea of making the appointment a birthright. “There is a great disharmony that creates a lot of gap in the health sector,” Adeniji said, adding “while a group of health professionals are consuming healthcare finances in training and professional developments, others who fend for themselves are denied the benefit.

Centre’s DG tasks EFCC cadets on diligence, patriotism From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos CTING Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Mr. Michael Fawole, has advised the newly graduated cadets of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to be patriotic, steadfast and uncompromising. Fawole, speaking at the weekend at the closing ceremony of Course SH. 834 exclusive leadership training for EFCC cadets at Mountain School, Shere Hills, Jos, reminded them that they were EFCC ambassadors, adding that they should stand out as agents of change in order to fulfill the strategic responsibility of their fatherland. Sixty-two cadets completed the two-week training but 61 were presented with certificates while one was denied certificate for flouting the centre’s undisclosed rules and regulations.

Habibat Tinubu (third left) during the graduation ceremony at the Berkeley School of Music in Boston, Massachusetes, USA at the weekend.

Commission conference scheduled for August 2013. The Arik team also visited officials of the Brazilian National Development Bank (BNDB), where they explored opportunities of securing multilateral funding for aircraft acquisition, as well as Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, to explore business relationships with the company with regard to the acquisition of regional jets to boost its operations.

U.S. seeks land for Abuja staff housing From Terhemba Daka, Abuja HE United States (U.S.) Embassy in Nigeria has solicited the partnership of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for land to facilitate the completion of its housing project in 2015 for the over 200 American and 800 Nigerian members of staff in Abuja and to expand other U.S. mission programmes in the country. Ambassador Terence McCulley made the request at the weekend when he paid a courtesy visit to the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, in Abuja, where they spoke on two critical issues of importance to the U.S. mission – logistics and the wellbeing of the Nigerians working with the embassy. McCulley disclosed that the U.S. Embassy was embarking on the welfare programme for its staff in Abuja, including the construction of the houses for the workforce through its cooperative society. According to him, the allocation of a piece of land would go a long way to facilitate the provision of houses for the embassy workers. In his response, Mohammed assured of his administration’s readiness to allocate between five to 10 hectares of land for the embassy to build houses for its 800 Nigerian workers. He further directed the FCT Development Control Department and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to help the embassy achieve its goals of cementing the relationship between both countries.

Suspended registrar prays court to join beneficiary of his office in suit By Joseph Onyekwere HE embattled registrar and chief executive officer of the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCN), Jay Oghifo, has filed an application before Justice J.T Agbadu-Fishim of the National Industrial Court (NIC), Lagos, seeking to join the acting registrar of the institute, Ms T.O Bammodu, in the suit challenging his purported suspension by the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu. Oghifo’s application is contained in his motion on notice, affidavit and written addresses filed by his counsel, Albert Akpomudje (SAN). Moving the application at the last hearing at the weekend, Akpomudje, represented by Solomon Afahokor, said the application was dated April

30 and filed on May 2, and sought the leave of court to join Bammodu as the sixth defendant in the suit and amend his pleadings as a result of the inclusion. Other defendants in the suit are the Ministry of Health, the minister, ICCN, president of the institute, Prof. Felix Okieimen and a senior staff of the institute, Sylvester Obinyan, as first, second, third, fourth and fifth defendants in that order. According to the affidavit deposed to by the claimant, the party sought to be joined as a necessary party who is also the beneficiary of the claimant’s office in acting capacity. The claimant averred that “the party sought to be joined is in law and fact a person who cannot be made a full time

member of staff of the institute, including being made to act as registrar of the institute in whatever manner.” Howebver, counsel to first and second defendants, I.T Abdulsalam, opposed the application to join Mammodu. Asked why, Abdulsalam said the acting registrar was not occupying the position legally but administratively. The judge then jocularly said that he who is occupying office illegally should leave to allow the one who is legal to step in. The lawyer had argued that there was difference between “acting and substantial” positions in their functions but could not convincingly explain the differences. The judge wondered how an acting chief execu-

tive, who oversees the activities of an institute, could be said not to be doing the work of a registrar. Also, counsel representing the party sought to be joined (Bammodu) tried to respond to the motion, but the judge told him to wait until he becomes a party to the suit and subsequently adjourned the matter to May 27, directing Abdulsalam to ensure that he filed his counter-affidavit within seven days. Justice Agbadu-Fishim also refused to grant an interlocutory injunction filed by the claimant seeking to upturn his suspension. He was of the view that the prayers sought by the claimant bordered on the content of the substantial suit. The claimant had sued the

defendants challenging his purported suspension from office by the first and second defendants while he was on leave. In his motion on notice, the claimant had sought for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants or their agents from preventing him from performing his function as ICCN registrar pending the hearing and determination of the suit. Supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit, the claimant averred that by a letter dated July 16, 2010, he was employed as registrar of the institute for a period of four years, adding that he had been performing his duties creditably without blemish until he proceeded on annual leave on December 27, 2012, from which he was due to resume on January 28, 2013.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

NEWS

Stakeholders seek govt’s intervention in glaucoma prevention in rural areas From Lillian Chukwu, Abuja

OWARDS an effective T sensitisation campaign, stakeholders have urged

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Ryuichi Shoni (front); Osun State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Home Affairs, Sikiru Adetona Ayedun (right); Chief Representative, Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICAN), Mr. Tetsuo Seki; Special Adviser to Governor Aregbesola on Water Resources, Mrs. Tawa Williams; the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Basiru Ajibola; Media Aide to the Governor, Mr. Yomi Obaditan and Special Adviser to the Governor on Federal Matters, Yidiat Babalola, after a Business Dinner with Japanese Ambassador in Abuja… Friday

Lagos ex-HoS urges Christians, Muslims to work for peace By Adebisi Olonade OR Nigeria to survive the current frightening violence and insecurity, as well as ethno-religious contentions, the Lagos State former Head of Service, Babatunde Rotinwa, has appealed to Christians and Muslims in the country to embrace peace and work in harmony. Speaking at the weekend during the golden jubilee celebration of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria and Overseas, Salem Evangelical Model Parish, Ilupeju, Rotinwa said he was impressed by the church’s invitation of Muslim clerics to their anniversary and urged all Nigerians, especially Christians and Muslims, to work with government to stop the wanton killings in the country. Also in his sermon at the event, the Chairman of Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OIAC), South-West Nigeria, Archbishop Magnus Adeyemi Atilade, advised adherents of both religions to come together to end the menace of Boko Harm and all other forms of religious crisis in the country.

Communication practitioners urge careful use of social media From Niyi Bello, Akure O limit the negative effects of the operations of uncontrolled social media networks, media practitioners and users of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools were yesterday tasked to be wary of their use. The Catholic Bishop of Akure Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, who gave the charge yesterday in Akure, Ondo State capital, during the celebration of 2013 World Communications Day, urged the use of the networks to propagate truth. Arogundade, who was represented by the Vicar General of the Catholic Cathedral, Akure, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adewale Ojo, lamented the instances where falsehood were often given prominence to the level that those telling the truth were doubted.

intensified government’s collaboration to create meaningful awareness for eye care and glaucoma diseases, especially in rural areas. National Coordinator of the Social Welfare Network Initiative (SWNI), Emmanuel Osemeka, said in Abuja at the weekend at the glaucoma sensitisation and awareness campaign with All Stars Football Club that government’s collaboration with citizens and intervention groups would

Minister laments setback on construction of East-West Road From John Okeke and Abosede Musari, Bayelsa NSECURITY in the Niger Delta region is at the heart of problems hampering the early completion of the section two of the East-West Road, which now stalls between Mbiama and Kaima villages in Bayelsa State, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, has said. The minister, who disclosed this at the weekend in Bayelsa during the kickoff of the construction of Okoso Bridge, said the situation has lingered because workers would not work at the site for fear of being kidnapped. This, Orubebe said, necessitated the stationing of armed soldiers in the area to keep watch at the

• Seeks support for early completion site. “The last time we visited here, we held a meeting and the contractor promised that this road would be ready by the end of April but unfortunately, within this period, we had some challenges - some kidnap cases even as we speak, two of our engineers have been kidnapped and because of that, it is difficult for some workers to come back to site,” he said. “We have to appeal to them and put in more security measures to enable contractors return to site. If you look around, you will see a lot of armed soldiers, and that is the condition under which these people are working. You can see the

chairman of SETRACO and the MD here with us. I had to appeal to them to continue work.” However, Orubebe assured that the work would be delivered soon, while appealing to the community leaders and other stakeholders to maintain peace and a conducive environment for the work to progress. He added: “I have just discussed with the contractor and he promised that with all the security network in place now, this road would be in use in July. “I hope they will allow the contractors to work. If we say that we need development, we must allow contractors to come and work

Kwara CJ chides judiciary over shoddy prosecution of offenders From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin HE Chief Judge (CJ) of Kwara State, Justice Ayinla Bamigbola, at the weekend chided the nation’s judicial system for its inability to diligently prosecute offenders against equity and probity. Bamigbola condemned the rate at which corrupt government officials often escape

unpunished, just as he bemoaned the high rate of violence in Nigeria, which perpetrators also escape sanctions despite the existence of adequate provisions by the law of the land for their prosecution and punishment. He urged the Bench and the Bar, “who are leaders in their own rights,” to live up to their callings towards an egalitarian

TETFund’s N2b not yet with us, says UniAbuja VC From Lillian Chukwu, Abuja ICE-CHANCELLOR of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. James Adelabu, has described as malicious the claims that the N2 billion approved by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for projects in the institution has been misappropriated by the school authorities. Adelabu assured that the fund was still intact with TETFund and not yet with the school authorities as widely speculated. He disclosed that an April 30, 2013, letter from the body entitled, “Re: Change of proposal for utilisation of

funds,” was an indication of progress to access the fund in line with the guidelines and requirements. Adelabu told journalists in Abuja at the weekend that the school’s inability to access the fund was due to technicalities and errors in project delivery terms, and assured that the university campus was at peace, contrary to existing rumours. TETFund is charged with managing, disbursing and monitoring the Education Tax Fund to public tertiary institutions, but since 2009, UniAbuja has not been able to access its share of the fund.

society. Bamigbola spoke at the weekend in Ilorin during a special meeting of members of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) in honour of two elevated members of the Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The two members, Dayo Akinlaja and Abeny Mohamed, were conferred with the SAN honour in Abuja on May 12, 2012. Mohamed was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983 and Akinlaja in 1991. According to Bamigbola, “there is a system failure in Nigeria today; it is indeed a leadership problem. The rate of the rot is increasing daily. Leadership starts with the lawyers because no man saddled with authorities today can take any step without consulting with the lawyers. “Even the day we were called to Bar, they called us leaders. But if we look at the level of atrocities in the country today, you will ask the whereabouts of the leaders. People are committing crimes and going scotfree. We need to sit down and look for the way out so that the lot of Nigerians can improve.”

and that is the appeal we are making. I’m appealing to everybody to support the contractors so that we can keep to that promise. “At the rate we are going with all arrangements in place, we are confident that this road will be delivered by October 2014, but we need the co-operation of everybody to deliver this road.” About the kidnappers, he said: “We are working round the clock and are bringing on board the community leaders and everybody. We are believing that some reasoning will get into the head of our young men, who are into criminal activities, to stop so that development can come to us.” In same vein, SETRACO Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Said Kalaf, said: “We pray there will not be another kidnapping here. We believe that all this work is for the benefit of the country and the community and we are working on the condition that things will be peaceful. “Despite the kidnappings, we are very sure that we will deliver this road on or before December 2014.”

improve the country’s health delivery profile. Osemeka said the antiglaucoma campaign theme, “Don’t go blind, have your eye checked,” was apt as glaucoma has been nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight” because in the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Managing Director of Florida Eye Clinic, Dr. Stephen Ume, explained that glaucoma is an eye disease that results in damage to the nerve inside the eye, and could be present in one or both eyes. According to him, “vision stays normal, and there is no pain. As the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her vision gradually failing. If glaucoma remains untreated, a person will slowly but surely go blind.” Ume stressed that the nerve is critical to sight because it transmits information from the eye to the brain and damage to it can lead to irreversible blindness. He stated further: “High eye pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma. “If the pressure remains too high for too long, the extra pressure may result in damage to the nerve inside the eye and vision loss. Other factors such as disturbances of blood flow to the eye, as well as chemical-imbalance inside the eye may interact with high pressure to cause glaucoma.” According to Osemeka, objectives in SWNI’s medium term strategic framework include protecting vision and sight through regular checks and other preventive measures, awareness campaign on glaucoma and cataract, and treatment and surgery. It also includes providing access to primary healthcare through comprehensive education on malaria prevention and treatment, sensitisation and awareness campaign on HIV and AIDS, providing capacity building for primary health workers and safe drinking water.

THe GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

AfricanNews 800,000 people need food aid in Niger, says UN eSPITe a good harvest last D year, some 800,000 people will require food aid in Niger in the coming months due to problems supplying cereals to markets, which have pushed up prices, and an influx of Malian refugees, the United Nations said. The United Nations office for humanitarian coordination (OCHA) said they would need food from now until the start of the rainy season, which is usually in June, July and August. It said the situation was critical in 13 regions surveyed by the government in March, where 84,000 people needed emergency food aid. The agency cited problems with supplying food to markets in some areas, such as the northern mining regixon of Arlit and Tahoua in central Niger and Tillabery in the west, which had driven up cereals prices. Recurrent shortages in recent years have forced pastoralists to sell livestock, including valuable young females normally kept for breeding, reducing their resistance to food shocks. The presence of some 60,000 refugees from Mali, where a French-led international mission has battled Islamist rebels since January, has exacerbated the food shortages in Tillabery

and Tahoua, OCHA has said. In 2011, the landlocked desert nation was struck by a famine that afflicted nearly six million people, roughly one-third of

its population, as a drought coincided with a return of emigrants from conflict-stricken Libya and Ivory Coast. Niger appealed to interna-

tional donors for $354 million in February to tackle this year’s food crisis, down from $490 million in 2012 - of which only two-thirds was received, OCHA said.

Mayardit

Benghazi police stations bombed for second time in three days WO more police stations were attacked in Libya’s eastern city of Benghazi in the early

hours of yesterday morning, the local council said, after two others were bombed on Friday.

The attacks are the latest signs of insecurity in Libya’s second city, birthplace of the uprising that toppled the dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Nearly two years after his fall, rebel groups that helped to overthrow him are still refusing to disband and remain a more visible presence on the streets than the state security forces. “We are not satisfied with the performance of the Ministry of Interior,” said Osama Al Sharif, Benghazi’s local council spokesman. “And especially with the leadership of Benghazi’s police.” The recent violence against diplomats, military and police includes an attack in September that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans. This week, diplomats began to withdraw from the capital Tripoli, where security took a turn for the worse in late April when armed groups seized two ministries for about a fortnight to press demands on parliament.

South Sudan’s president to launch oil exportation in Sudan main processing station at Sudan’s President Sudan’s Higleg oil field, and SvisitOUTH Salva Kiir Mayardit will was “now on its way to the Sudan on Wednesday to launch the exportation of his country’s oil from Port-Sudan, Khartoum’s Almeghar Al-Siasi daily reported yesterday. “South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit will arrive in Khartoum next Wednesday to launch the arrival of the south’s oil at Port-Sudan harbour and discuss outstanding issues with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir,” the paper reported, quoting an unnamed official source. Mayardit will be accompanied by South Sudan’s petroleum, finance, defense and interior ministers, the paper. The paper quoted Sudan’s Petroleum Minister Awad Ahmed Al- Jaz as saying on Wednesday that South Sudan’s oil had reached the

export harbors in PortSudan.” Khartoum and Juba used to dispute over fees, which the north said the south should pay for exporting its oil through Sudanese infrastructure. In January 2012, Juba decided to halt oil pumping after Khartoum reportedly started deducting oil for what it claimed as payment of use of its infrastructure. In a bid to thaw ties, the two sides signed in March in Addis Ababa an agreement of modality to implement the security arrangement as well as the cooperation deal reached in ethiopia in September last year. They further agreed to resume South Sudan’s oil exportation through Sudan’s pipeline.

Mugabe warns government officials against keeping mistresses IMBABWeAN President Z Robert Mugabe has warned local officials to stay away from keeping mistresses, terming it a practice that is “not good to nation building.” Mugabe told the third Zimbabwe Local Government Association biennial conference that he receives continuous reports of various national leaders lavishing their mistresses with expensive gifts such as vehicles and houses, the state-controlled Sunday Mail newspaper reported. “When you cheat, people will not trust you, especially when the position you hold is an economic one. They will think you are abusing their money,” he said. The 89-year-old Zimbabwean leader said the trend of men keeping mistresses, commonly known as “small houses,” is to blame for the country’s rising divorce rate. Children will also suffer from the men’s loss of moral, he added. There are two types of marriages legally recognised in Zimbabwe the Marriages

Act Chapter 5:11, which is monogamous, and the registered customary union, covered under the Customary Marriages Act Chapter 5:07, which recognises man having more than one female partners. But the government has been urging a shift from the customary marriage to monogamous marriage to avoid disputes and provide better upbringing environment for the children. Mugabe’s “morality call” is also seen as an attack on his arch- rival Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who was embroiled in a relationship scandal last year when he tried to remarry. The 60- year-old former opposition leader’s first wife was killed in a road accident in 2009. Two women filed civil cases to court blocking Tsvangirai’s marriage last year, alleging they are already “married” to the prime minister. Mugabe and Tsvangirai are expected to compete against each other for the country’s top post in the elections later this year. The two were forced into a coalition government in the wake of the last dis-

Tension high in northern Kenya after killing of police officer eNSION yesterday T soared high in northern Kenyan town of Mandera near the borders with Somalia and ethiopia after the killing of two people among them a police officer on Saturday evening. The latest killings came a few hours after the east African nation announced the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers to help

quell inter-communal clashes in Mandera. Kenyan authorities said the militia who, according to eyewitnesses, wore Kenya police reservists’ jungles ambushed the police officers as they were resting outside canteen and proceeded to hurl a hand grenade before opening fire at them. “It was still early to tell whether the attackers

were mere criminals or had links with Somali militants group,” Mandera County Commissioner Michael ole Tailal said on yesterday. Tailal said a police officer and a civilian who were both shot on their heads died on the spot. Three other police officers and other civilians sustained serious gun wound injuries.

THE GuARdIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

WorldReport Turkey detains nine alleges Syrian link to car bombings “The investigation into the uRKEy has detained nine of T its citizens in connection perpetrators is for the most with twin car bombings that part complete. It has been killed several dozen people in the town of Reyhanli, Turkish deputy Prime Minister, Besir Atalay said yesterday. The two blasts Saturday afternoon killed 46 people, 35 of them Turkish citizens, the semiofficial Anadolu news agency reported Sunday. About 100 other people were wounded, Turkish officials said. Fifty were hospitalized Saturday night, including 29 in critical condition, according to Interior Minister Muammer Guler. Atalay said the Syrian government was linked to the attack.

determined that the organisation and its members who carried out the attack were in contact with pro-Syrian regime Al Muhabarat (Syrian Intelligence Services) organization in Syria,” he said, adding, “the organisation is identified and for the most part the persons involved are identified. “ Atalay added that license plate checks were completed. But Syria’s information minister denied that his country had any involvement. He made the comments Sunday while speaking to journalists in damascus on Syrian TV.

Afghanistan accuses Iran of holding 21 labourers FGHANISTAN has accused Iran of holding as many as A 21 migrant Afghan workers fol-

lowing a border shooting incident over the weekend and has filed a formal complaint to Tehran, an official said yesterday. According to local accounts, Iranian border guards opened fire on the Afghan laborers on Friday as they tried to cross the boundary illegally looking for work, said Abdul Rahman Zhawandai, a spokesman for the provincial governor in the northwestern Farah province. Several wounded laborers were brought to a district hospital in Farah, Zhawandai said. Some of them said four of their compatriots were killed in the shooting and 21 were taken by the Iranian guards, the official said.

But details remained sketchy and the laborers’ testimonies conflicted, Zhawandai added. In Kabul, Afghanistan’s foreign ministry spokesman, Janan Mosazai, told reporters that a complaint was lodged Saturday with Iran’s ambassador to Afghanistan. “We are following this issue very seriously through our embassy in Tehran,” said Mosazai, who added that while the migrants were trying to enter Iran illegally, “the reaction of Iran should have been a civilian reaction, not a military” one, a reference to the shooting. In Tehran, Iran’s chief of border guards, Gen. Hamid Sharafi, denied there was any shooting at Afghan migrants, according to Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency.

Supporters of Pakistani politician, Imran Khan stage a protest against alleged vote rigging in Karachi on Sunday. Khan welcomed the high turnout in the country’s elections as a step forward for democracy, but said his party would submit a report on alleged vote-rigging. Pakistani election winner Nawaz Sharif was in talks yesterday to form a new government, with fixing the shattered economy and tackling Islamist militancy likely to be his two biggest challenges. PHOTO: AFP PHOTO / ASIF HASSAN

Pope proclaims 800 saints, says Christians still persecuted OPE Francis yesterday proP claimed as saints, some 800 Italians killed in the 15th century for refusing to convert to Islam, and said many Christians were still being persecuted for their faith. The Vatican seemed at pains not to allow the first canonizations of Francis’ two-monthold papacy to be interpreted as anti-Islamic, saying the deaths of the ‘Otranto Marytrs’ must be understood in their historical context. The 800 were killed in 1480 in the siege of Otranto, on the

southeastern Adriatic, by Ottoman Turks who sacked the city, killed its archbishop and told the citizens to surrender and convert. When they refused, the Ottoman commanding officer ordered the execution of all men aged 15 or older, most by beheading. “While we venerate the Otranto Martyrs, we ask God to sustain the many Christians who, today, in many parts of the world, right now, still suffer violence and give them the courage to be faithful and to

respond to evil with good,” Francis said before more than 70,000 people in St. Peter’s Square. He did not mention any countries, but the Vatican has expressed deep concern recently about the fate of Christians in parts of the Middle East, including Coptic Christians who have been caught up in sectarian strife in Egypt. A booklet handed out to participants said the “sacrifice” of the Otranto Martyrs “must be placed within the historical

686 candidates register for Iran’s presidential election HE latest report released by T Iran’s Interior Ministry shows that a total of 686 candidates have registered for the upcoming presidential election slated for June 14. Among the contestants are a number of prominent conservative and moderate political figures as well as incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s independent candidate. Several conservative figures, or “principlists,” as some of them prefer to be referred to, have signed up for the forthcoming race. On Saturday afternoon when the registration deadline was about to end, to many’s surprise, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili appeared in Iran’s Interior Ministry and made an announcement about his decision to run for the country’s upcoming presidential contest. Other hopefuls, either before or on the registration day, made comments on their campaigns, but Jalili left the Interior Ministry without making any remarks or talking to reporters. A hardliner conservative, he currently leads Iran’s negotiation team with the world powers on the country’s

nuclear issue and is also secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. On Saturday, Mayor of Iranian capital Tehran, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, also signed up for the election. Qalibaf, a member of the Principlist Coalition of 2+1, which also includes former Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Velayati, told reporters that he runs for president to turn words into actions. Commenting on Iran’s nuclear issue, he said that “Today, the Islamic establishment enjoys key opportunities in international arena and in diplomatic sectors to take fast paces to resolve the nuclear issue.”

Ahmadinejad

He also said he would fight against financial corruption and discrimination in close cooperation with Iran’s judiciary system. Besides, Velayati vowed to protect the “ achievements” in the country’s nuclear program, after recently saying that amicable ties with neighboring states will serve Iran’ s national interests and guarantee its national security. Velayati, who currently serves as a senior advisor to Supreme Leader of the Islamic republic Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said he would do his utmost to ease sanctions slapped on Iran by Western governments over the country’s disputed nuclear project.

Khatami

On Saturday, former moderate President Akbar HashemiRafsanjani also entered Iran’s presidential race in the last minute. Hashemi-Rafsanjani, in office from 1989 to 1997, said the reason behind his decision to re-run for president is that “he wants to serve” the people and the country. He has got support from ex-

Iranian reformist President Mohammad Khatami. Hashemi-Rafsanjani, currently chairman of the Expediency Council of Iran, recently put forward the idea of forming a “national unity government,” which calls for a moderate government from both conservative and reformist camps to manage the country.

context of the wars that determined relations between Europe and the Ottoman Empire for a long period of time”. Francis’ predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, made a speech in Regensburg, Germany, in 2006 that was perceived by Muslims as equating Islam with violence. Benedict said at the time he had been misunderstood. He is now living in retirement in a Vatican convent, after stepping down in February. Roman Catholic sainthood requires that two miracles be attributed to those who are being made saints, one before beatification, and another before canonization. In the case of the 800 Italians, the requirement for the first miracle was waived because they were killed “in hatred of the faith”. The miracle approved for their canonization was that of a nun who had cancer which, according to the Church, was healed after she prayed at a memorial to the martyrs in Otranto.

Bangladesh plans pay rise for garment workers ANGLAdESH’S government B plans to raise the minimum wage for garment workers, Textiles Minister Abdul Latif Siddiky said yesterday, after the deaths of more than 1,100 people in the collapse of a factory building focused international attention on the textile industry’s dismal pay and hazardous working conditions. A new minimum wage board will issue recommendations for pay raises within three months, Siddiky said adding that the Cabinet will then decide whether to accept those proposals.

The wage board will include representatives of factory owners, workers and the government, he said. The April 24 building collapse, the world’s worst garment industry disaster, has raised alarm about conditions in Bangladesh’s powerful textile industry, which makes clothing for major retailers around the world. Working conditions in the $20 billion industry are grim, a result of government corruption, desperation for jobs, and industry indifference. Minimum wages for garment workers were last raised by 80

percent to 3,000 takas ($38) a month in 2010 following protests by workers. Rescue workers said 1,125 bodies had been recovered by late yesterday from the ruins of the fallen Rana Plaza building, which housed five garment factories employing thousands of workers. Overnight rainstorms had halted the recovery efforts, but by midday the teams were back at work using hydraulic cranes, bulldozers, shovels and iron cutters as they continued looking for bodies more than two weeks after the eight-story building collapsed.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Politics

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ACN, AP return to the trenches From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan OMBATANTS in the political C drama enveloping Oyo state have since upped their game in a bid to outshine one another. The battle for the soul of the pacesetter state has thus advanced in recent weeks. On one side of the bout is a former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and his Accord Party (AP), while the other side features the ruling party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with its Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, struggling to defend his mandate and the party. The broken Accord Signs of imminent crack in the unwritten pact between Ajimobi and the former governor became noticeable following the incessant criticisms of the ACN government by Ladoja. The cold war between the duo reached its peak few weeks ago when the governor sacked all political appointees of the AP leader serving in his government. With this, the almost two year-political romance between the two Ibadan indigenes came to an abrupt end. Indeed, in the last couple of months, hardly would a week pass without verbal altercation between the two camps. The AP leader at public fora on several occasions came hard on the governor particularly concerning his urban renewal project. He noted that the decision of the government to demolish structures across Ibadan, the state capital, smacked off insensitivity to the welfare of the people. “It is a fact that most of the displaced traders use proceeds they make to train their children and for any government to displace them before thinking of where to move them to, is an act of wickedness to these poor

‘

There is nowhere in the world that people can be happy with a government which, more or less, embarks on programmes that bring them heartache. So, it will not be out of place to say that in a matter of time, the Accord Party will hold sway in the state. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had come and gone, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) also will soon go, as the future in the state belongs to the Accord

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traders. I believe it is only reasonable for the government to have provided alternatives before driving them from where they were. There is nowhere in the world that people can be happy with a government which, more or less, embarks on programmes that bring them heartache. So, it will not be out of place to say that in a matter of time, the Accord Party will hold sway in the state. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had come and gone, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) also will soon go, as the future in the state belongs to the Accord Party,” Ladoja said. Apparently irked by the perceived ‘excesses’ of the AP leader in the criticism of his government, Ajimobi wielded the big stick when he announced the sack of all the nominees of Ladoja in his government. In the letter which he personally signed and delivered to Ladoja at his Bodija, Ibadan residence, Ajimobi traced the history of his alliance with the former governor and how, in the last few months, Ladoja had consistently broken the tenets of the accord by casting aspersion on a government in which he is part of, through the participation of his nominees and proxies, which included his younger brother. The letter read in part, “Immediately after (the 2011) election, because of the peculiar configuration of the electoral balance, it was obvious that, for the good of our state and its development, I needed to extend my handshake across other frontiers.

Ladoja

Ajimobi You will recall also that after the elections, I met with you to ask for an alliance between your political party, Accord Party and my government. The basis of the relationship being demanded was for you to support me and contribute, as well as participate, positively in the governance of the state, considering the devastation and degradation that had been visited on the state over the years. “You will also recall that, at my meeting with you, you agreed with me that, for a total restoration of the state, there was the need for wellmeaning citizens of the state to eliminate the politics of brickbats, mudslinging and the proverbial Pull Him Down Syndrome which had become the byword for politicking in our state. This politics, invariably, misinforms the citizenry through subterfuge and has, over

the years, contributed in stalling the development of the state. At that meeting, you agreed with me that there was the need to rescue the state from those vices of the political arena that had driven our state backwards. In spite of the initial opposition by my party echelon, which had reasoned that your ambition to govern the state again would destroy the alliance, I stuck to the agreement with you, believing that, as a sportsman, you would respect the spirit and letter of the alliance. Regrettably, recent developments, in terms of the conduct of your people and the campaign of calumny which is recorded frequently in the newspapers, unsubstantiated allegations, as well as unwarranted vitriolic attacks against my person and the government under my leadership, have made me come to the conclusion that these recent campaigns against me are incompatible with the spirit of our alliance”. Ajimobi, in further deploring the attacks on his government by Ladoja and his group, said that being a beneficiary of the alliance, it was inconsistent with reality for the former governor to consistently run his administration down, stating, “There is nowhere in the world where an alliance that benefits a participating partner is repaid by destructive manoeuvres and corrosive innuendoes aimed at bringing down the house as this.” Ajimobi recalled that among others, former governor Ladoja had been quoted at campaign grounds to have said that his participation in the Ajimobi government had shown the inadequacies of the government. “It is in view of the foregoing that I am using this medium to inform you of my decision to disengage your nominees from the government. I feel constrained to take this painful but inevitable decision, in view of our personal relationship”. AP/ ACN clash The acrimony between the two gladiators assumed a violent dimension few days ago when supporters of the ACN backed by members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state clashed with AP members at Olomi area of the state at a rally to welcome

There is nowhere in the world where an alliance that benefits a participating partner is repaid by destructive manoeuvres and corrosive innuendoes aimed at bringing down the house as this. It is in view of the foregoing that I am using this medium to inform you of my decision to disengage your nominees from the government.

’

defectors into their fold. By the time the dust finally settled, several cars belonging to AP faithful, chairs and canopies erected for the function were burnt beyond recognition while some party supporters sustained injuries. Both groups have pointed accusing fingers at each other with the AP calling on the Inspector General of Police (IG) to call his men and members of the ruling party to order. Both Ladoja and other leaders of the Accord Party flayed Ajimobi for the violence and accused him of sponsoring the crisis to prevent the AP from receiving the defectors. Ladoja while tracing the history of political crisis in the state, said it was the underdog that normally has the upper hand, stating that despite the fact that it was Governor Ajimobi that broke the agreement between his government and the AP, he was the one through his actions that was not ready to tolerate opposition in the state. He said, “ It is quite unfortunate that the present government in the state is intolerant of opposition, whatever our criticism of the urban renewal programme was done in the interest of the people of the state. This is not the first time that we would be having urban renewal in the state, but of what value is this if government should continue to demolish where the people are earning their livelihood without providing alternatives.” But Ajimobi dismissed the claim wondering why his administration which has been championing the cause of peace would thrive in promoting violence and violent acts. He reminded the former governor that his government was predicated on peace and tranquility and would not hesitate to visit the full weight of the law on anyone who breaches the peace of the state. “In the last two years, Senator Ajimobi has demonstrated that he is a man of peace. The large-scale infrastructural and urban renewal that our administration has been known for could only have been made in an atmosphere of peace. If there is anything we are trying to do in Oyo State and which we have done successfully, it is a paradigm shift from the gangsterism and violence of the past two governments before us, to an era where our people, no matter their party affiliation, can move about freely.” Certainly, there is more to follow in the ensuing drama in Oyo State. And the whole essence of the new face of opposition is the 2015 election as parties and individuals have begun to position themselves ahead of the exercise. But whatever is the fate of the contenders, only time will tell.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

TheMetroSection Protest over murder of 58-year-old farmer

Briefs Rotary holds District conference May 15-18

• Amizi people accuse Abia State Police Command of ineptitude

OTARY Int’l District 9110, R covering Lagos and Ogun states will from Wednesday,

By Odita Sunday HO killed our brother, Mr. Anthony Onwuebuibo Ukatta?” This is the burning question on the minds of the entire Amizi people of Awomnuzie community in Ikwuano Local Council of Abia State. Yet to be identified persons killed Andrew Ukatta, 58, in a wicked manner on January 10, this year in his village farm. His death, being mysterious and first of its kind in the community, threw the entire village into mourning because of testimonies that the slain Ukatta “was a good man.” He was said to have been murdered in his farm and his body discovered the following day by a search team constituted by the community following an alarm raised by the family when he did not return home after farm work that fateful day. The nature of his death was seen by the community as an abomination as such had never been recorded. The manner in which he was murdered has, therefore, thrown the entire farming community into great fear and despair. The people no longer go to farm unless they are in groups for fear of being attacked. But some people in the village believe that Ukatta’s killing could be the handiwork of some unscrupulous members of the community. Though they have not accused any person specifically, the entire community believes that proper investigation was yet to be carried out by the relevant security agencies to unravel the killing. In anger and perhaps to spur the

May 15 – Saturday, May 18, hold its yearly District Conference for all its members, their spouses and friends, at the Green Legacy Resort, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Presidential Boulevard, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State. A statement by the Chairman, Organising Committee, Bala Yesufu, said over 2000 participants from 80 Rotary Clubs in the district were expected. “ Two key motivational speakers, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and Prof. Pat Utomi will address participants on issues relating to theme of the conference: ‘Embrace Peace.’’

“W

Powerkids get award

The late Ukatta... (inset) when he was alive

police in Abia Command to do the needful and unravel the mystery behind the man’s death, the community delayed the burial of Ukatta. But five months after his murder, Abia Police are yet to do anything meaningful in the area of investigation and the community decided to bury their brother recently. They have, however, called on the Inspector General of Police to detail a crack team of investigators to expose the brains behind the killing. Andrew Ukatta was buried a few days ago with calls by the leadership of the community, comprising the leaders of the town union at home and in Diaspora, the youths and the church for proper investigation into his death as well as to prevent future occurrence. The youths in their own effort had in a February 25, 2013 petition to the

Director of Department of State Security Service (SSS); Abia State Command, decried the state of insecurity in the community. Tagging their letter: “Insecurity of Lives and Property in Amizi,” the Amizi Youth Movement (AYM) in the petition signed by Roland Uzoanya said, “We are no longer safe in our home town, which led to the murder of one Mr. Andrew Ukatta on January 10, 2013.” They cried to the law enforcement agencies “to as a matter of urgency, come to the rescue of our little community.” The petition also frowned at the manner the traditional ruler had handled the matter, alleging that he had not shown serious interest in ensuring proper investigation into the killing, even when every adult in the community was levied N300 to ensure proper investigation.

On the burial day, the youths indeed demonstrated their anger over the death of their brother. From the mortuary, they carried the remains of Ukatta in protest and went round the entire community, praying that God and their forefathers should ensure that killers of Andrew were found. The most pathetic scene was when an octogenarian from Ukatta’s family knelt beside the casket and, almost in tears, called on God and his ancestors to bring to book those who killed Ukatta. Clad in all black attire, the youths recounted the good services the late victim rendered to the community as well as his uprightness and prayed for proper investigation by the police to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Security agencies arrest 162 alleged hoodlums in Lagos joint raid By Odita Sunday TOTAL of 162 persons were A arrested at the weekend on Lagos Island, during a joint raid by security agencies, aimed at nipping activities of cultists and hoodlums in the area in the bud. The coordinated raid comprising policemen from divisions under the Area ‘A’ command, Lion Building, the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Police

Mobile Squad 20, Lagos, Directorate of State Security, (DSS), the Military and members of the Neighborhood Watch, was led by the Area Commander, ‘A’ Mr. Edgar Imohimi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police. Sources said the operatives stormed hideouts of suspected cultists between 9.00p.m and 10.30p.m. on the Island. Among the 162 persons arrested were two

females. Areas raided included Bamgbose, Masy, Oja-Oba and Adeniji Adele under bridge, all on the Lagos Island. Although it could not be ascertained which particular cult groups those arrested belong to, sources told The Guardian that the suspects were being interrogated, at the end of which the innocent ones among them would be released.

It was gathered that the raid was part of proactive measures to check excesses of cult groups in the area and also to ensure they did not have a foothold on the Island. Sources further told The Guardian that the raid became necessary following intelligence report from residents, some of whom were said to have been gripped by fear over activities of cultists

which most times resulted in violent clashes. “ We acted on a tip-off. That is why we had to engage the services of members of the Neighborhood Watch . it was evident that some of them could be members of confraternity groups. But that will be determined at the end of investigation,” Police sources said, adding that the raid would be a continuous one.

One dead, 28 allegedly detained by Police in Abakaliki From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki T was another show of police brutality, over the weekend, as one person was feared dead and 28 others arrested when a minor traffic snarl caused human and vehicular congestion along Gunning Road in Abakpa Market, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital. The incident, which happened around 6.25 p.m. when traders closed from market on Saturday, caused panic among commuters and pedestrians within the market environment, thereby congesting the road. Eyewitnesses said as people tried to maneuvre their way out of the blocked road, a policeman who volunteered to control traffic accidentally shot a passerby on the hand, an action, they said, infuriated the already agitated traders, who allegedly beat up the policeman, dispossessed him of his gun and left him with various degrees of injuries. “But no sooner had the irate mob disciplined the lone police man than a team of policemen

drove into the market, shooting teargas canisters into the market. About 28 persons were arrested even as the police allegedly shot and killed an innocent boy, Ndubuisi, 22, an indigene of Ebonyi State who had just left his master’s shop,” the witnesses narrated. When contacted, the owner of the shop, where the deceased worked as a shop assistant, Mr. Aaron Onuorah, was still in shock, lamenting the barefaced denial by the police over the death of his worker. Onuorah said he had already forwarded a petition on the matter to the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Saba Ndagi, adding that he had also reported the incident to the Divisional Police Officer, Ekumeyi Police Station in the state. His words: “I’m surprised that the police would deny this. I have already reported to Ekumenyi Police Division and a petition on the matter had been forwarded to the CP, Ebonyi State Police Command. The boy was killed for nothing”.

The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sylvester Igbo (DSP), stated that the police had on the fateful day made frantic efforts to reduce the traffic jam within the market, pointing out that in the process, a Police Corporal was attacked, his gun taken away while a police patrol vehicle was allegedly smashed by the aggrieved traders. The PPRO said: “Two persons attacked the Police Corporal and were struggling to take his gun and in the process, the gun went off and injured a passerby. The traders joined hands to attack the policemen. One was badly injured and his gun taken away by his attackers and they smashed the police vehicle. “The injured policeman had been placed on intensive medical care at the police clinic in Abakaliki and the other at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, (FETHA) while 28 suspects have been arrested. I appeal for calm and promise to get to the root so that the public will be updated as soon as new facts emerge”.

O commemorate the sucT cessful completion of the 2012-2013 Lagos State Power Kids programme, the Lagos State Ministry for Energy and Mineral Resources and the Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB) in collaboration with Eko Project will hold an award ceremony in honour of 20 students selected from the 30 participating Junior Secondary Schools in Lagos Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) will personally give the awards to the students who were selected on merit after participating in the 10- week programme that was designed to improve energy efficiency, utilization and conservation practices among the youth.

Abeke Iroko for burial UNERAL rites for Mama FeFgun), licia Abeke Iroko (nee Adeodied on April 19, at the age of 88, begin on Wednesday, May 15,with a Service of Songs at her residence Block 109, Flat 2 LSDPC Housing Estate Abesan-Ipaja at 5.00p.m. A Christian wake holds on Thursday, May 16 at same venue at 5.00p.m. and funeral service on Friday, May 17, at the African Bethlehem Cathedral Church, 13, Lagos Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

Okafor, 40, for burial rites for Mr. EmFwhoUNERAL manuel Okafor (Manners) died at the age of 40, begin today with a Christian wake at Nwajobi Okafor compound, Eziabor Village, Oko Orumba North Local Council, Anambra State. He will be buried tomorrow after a funeral service at St. John Divine Anglican Church, Oko, Anambra State, at 10.00am A thanksgiving service holds on Sunday, May 19 at the same church.

Okafor

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

METRO

Photonews

Director, Extension Services, National Council for Arts & Culture,who represented the Minister of Cuulture, Tourism & National Orientation, Mr. Larry Ogbechie (left) and His Royal Highness, Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro 111, Emir of Borgu Kingdom at the second Borgu International Gani-Durbar in New Bussa, Niger State…

Administrator, Covenant Seeds School, Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs Olabisi Ibitayo (left), Chairman of the event, Elder Seni Adegbite, Queen of Sapphire House, Busola Womiloju and Mrs Lillie Adegbite at the school’s Inter-house sport competi-

Lagos Assembly orders recall of disengaged civil servant By Wole Oyebade AGOS State House of Assembly has brought smiles to the face of a civil servant and teacher in the State, Yekini Aregbesola, as it ordered his immediate recall to the service. Aregbesola had in 2011 been disengaged following a row with the service commission. He had petitioned the House in July 2012 praying for a recall into the service. Hearing a report and recommendation of the House Committee on Establishment, Training, Petitions and Public Service that looked into the matter, the Assembly directed the Head of Service (HOS) Adesegun Ogunlewe and Chairman Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to reinstate Aregbesola into the service of SUBEB and his salary be paid from December 2011 till date. Aregbesola, a civil servant

of over two decades, fell out of favour when he rejected a new appointment as a Grade Level (GL) 9 classroom teacher at Lagos State Polytechnic Nursery and Primary School. The petitioner was on GL 13 at SUBEB prior to his transfer request to Lagos Polytechnic, as Head Teacher. Following his refusal of the new appointment, Aregbesola was disengaged from service on September 15, 2011. Presenting the report on the floor of the House, Chairman House Committee on Establishment, Training, Petitions and Public Service Omowunmi Olatunji- Edet recommended that Aregbesola should be reinstated into the service on compassion ground, to enable him collect his retirement benefits. The Committee noted that it was evident that the petitioner had applied for transfer of Service from

SUBEB to Lagos State Polytechnic Nursery and Primary School and could not be said to have absconded as alleged by the Polytechnic. Olatunji-Edet added that series of meetings involving the Rector Lagos Polytechnic, Executive Secretary SUBEB, Special Adviser on education and the petitioner, Aregbesola had been held since the petition titled “Unlawful Termination of Appointment by Lagos State Polytechnic” was received by the House on July 10, 2012. Olatunji-Edet said: “After series of meetings with all the parties involved, the Committee resolved that on compassionate grounds the petitioner should be reinstated into the Service of SUBEB.” Following debates, Members of the Assembly adopted the recommendations of the Committee as a resolution of the House.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde (left) and Director General, National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii during his courtesy visit to Nigerian Breweries, Lagos …at the weekend.

Jesse Jackson to deliver Boro Day lecture in Yenagoa From Willie Etim, Yenagoa RENOWNED civil rights A activist and former presidential aspirant in the United States of America ( USA), Revd. Jesse Jackson, is billed to be the key speaker at a colloquium entitled: “Oil and Peace: Compatibility for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria” at the 2013 Major Isaac Adaka Boro Day celebration in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The week-long event begins

on Thursday, May 16, at Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Councilof the state. It will be chaired by an Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark while Alhaji Maitama Sule will be the guest speaker. Prominent discussants include: Prof. G.G. Darah, Dr Fredrick Fasheun, Chief Diepriye Alamieyeseigha, King Alfred Diete Spiff, Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas and Chief Samuel

Owonaro. The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr Felix Tuodolo, told The Guardian in Yenagoa that event would kick off with the commissioning of the Boro Town link road and foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Isaac Boro and free medical services and a special command performance of Isaac Boro Play, written by Simeon Abmbakedremo.

Chief Executive Officer. Mike ‘O’ Carpets Ltd., Sir Michael Olusegun Sonaiya and the Remo Diocesan Bishop’s wife, Mrs. Abimbola Taiwo at the yearly synod and inauguration of the Sagamu-Oko Circuit...

Commercial motorcyclist beaten to death in Dutse From John Akubo, Dutse COMMERCIAL motorcyclist met his untimely death on Saturday as he was ambushed and beaten to death in Baranda village of Dutse Local Council of Jigawa. The victim, Yusuf Giwa, was a member of the staff of the State House of Assembly, who also engaged in commercial motorcycle business after work as well as during the weekends to make ends meet. An eyewitness who gave his name as Salmanu Dutse told The Guardian that as soon as he dropped

a female passenger in the village, Giwa was hacked by two men. Dutse said that he could not identify the attackers. He, however, alleged “they looked like Fulani men.” He explained that the killers used sticks to beat him to death while the passenger took to her heels. Giwa’s neighbour in Marajuwa, who gave his name as Alhaji Indallahi, said that the deceased was a gentle and hardworking man. Indallahi expressed dismay over his death, adding that it was a shock to the

entire neighbourhood, as he had never had any misunderstanding with anybody in the area. The Public Relations Officer of Jigawa Police Command, Malam Abdu Jinjiri confirmed the incident. Jinjiri indicated that the body was initially in the custody of the police, adding that it was later released to the deceased’s relations for burial. He stated that no arrest had been made so far but investigation was ongoing, and the culprits would soon face the wrath of the law.

Leader of Peace Vision and Care Foundation, Mr. Adedeji Joseph (right), Alhaji Rahman Oriyomi (left) and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South West, Archbishop Magnus Adeyemi Atilade during his installation as Life Grand Patron of the Foundation in Lagos…

TheGuardian

14 THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

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 Kuku, Asari-Dokubo and the limits of blackmail T would have been enough to dismiss the utterances as the rantings of overzealous and misguided courtiers. But against the background of the fragility of Nigeria’s security today and the embarrassing spectacle of scums stumping around the national stage as potentates, it is risky to weigh the recent statements of Kingsley Kuku and Asari-Dokubo lightly. Kuku, Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty, reportedly warned while on a visit to the United States that the current peace in the Niger Delta area cannot be guaranteed unless President Goodluck Jonathan gets a second term come 2015. And leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, Asari-Dukubo, went even further to declare that “there will be no peace, not only in the Niger Delta, but everywhere if Goodluck Jonathan is not president again by 2015 … (because) Jonathan has an uninterrupted eight years of two terms to be president according to the Nigerian Constitution”. In the first instance, Asari-Dokubo’s ignorance must be quickly pointed out: Section 135(2) of the constitution allows a presidential term of only four years and does not guarantee an incumbent an automatic second term. He is indeed free to run for a second term, which he has to win in a free and fair election. The syndrome of two terms has come to envelope the mind-set of not only the AsariDokubos and the Kukus of Nigeria, but even those persons voted into office for four years, that many tend to assume the second term should be taken for granted instead of being conditioned on performance in the first. It is a betrayal of public trust and a shame that men and women given power, authority and huge public resources with a mandate to serve the best interest of the people are so self-seeking as to devote the better part of that tenure scheming for the future while ignoring the job at hand. Utterances such as Kuku’s and Asari-Dokubo’s are not new, having been made by otherwise respectable politicians and persons north and south of the country. Reprehensible, divisive and disruptive, Nigerians must see them clearly for what they are: cheap blackmail intended to coerce other parts of the federation to acquiesce to a predetermined desired end. But this is a democracy and this is a country of federating units. Therefore, in principle and in practice, political power must be won only by the voting consent of the people and in accordance with the laws of the land. It must be stated directly that the Kukus, the AsariDokubos and such other persons who share their views are doing too much harm to the very cause they seek to advance. Jonathan’s case for a second term can only be made with concrete evidence of good governance and service delivery to Nigerians, not fire-spitting, intimidation or threats of brimstone on the citizenry. Besides, Asari-Dokubo and Kuku have revealed themselves to be non-believers in the democratic tradition but mere anarchists pursuing sectional and self-seeking agenda. Nigeria is bigger than any of its parts and any individual, regardless of ranking. This being so, let no one or group say, or even think, that this country shall fall apart unless a particular course of action suitable only to it or him is adopted. Whereas Kuku has gone to the press to deny “the wrong notion that I threatened that if Jonathan doesn’t win or get re-elected in 2015, there would be violence in the Niger Delta”, this is an afterthought of a man who spoke before thinking. And as an adviser to the President, it boggles the mind what manner of advice such a man gives to President Jonathan. The silence, in contrast to the regular combative riposte to criticisms, in the Presidency to both Kuku’s and Asari-Dokubo’s irresponsible threats is also deplorable. The public is indeed being made to assume that these two speak the mind of the president, even if this may not be so. For if the president is in any way uncomfortable with, and finds their utterances unacceptable, it is taking too long to make this known. It is said that the essence of an objection is its timing and whatever objection emanates now from Aso Rock can only be regarded an afterthought. Indeed, in a better-administered polity, Kuku would have been relieved of his duties for bringing his public office, funded by the Nigerian people, to so much odium. The Nigerian constitution is explicit in Section 130(1) that “there shall be for the Federation a president” who can only be so designated and hold the office on the basis of a broad mandate spelt out in Section 134. Thus, the presidency is a position created by the constitution and imbued with federal responsibilities and obligations. Besides, the oath of office of the president demands of him, in thought, words and deeds, a pan-Nigerian view. It is not for nothing that a president is regarded as ‘father of the nation’. This is because, of all elected public office holders, only the president holds a nationwide mandate. It is regrettable that Dr. Jonathan continues to allow himself, wittingly or unwittingly, to be advertised by a section of this nation for itself and its narrow interest. This is not acceptable. It is not what Nigerians voted for. No part of this federal republic has a special claim or right more than any other to the presidency and its occupant. It is the duty of the incumbent to assert this principle, assert his independence, and protect the federation from cant and chicanery in pursuance of sectional interests. This is the challenge of leadership. A president must at all times aspire to statesmanship. Jonathan has a duty to rein in his supporters and stop them from holding him out as anything other than the President of Nigeria.

LETTER

Issues in constitution review by House of Reps IR: The House of Representatives Ad-hoc SCommittee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution under the chairmanship of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has delivered on its pledge to the nation to make the constitutional amendment process a people-driven exercise. On Thursday, 18th April, 2013 at a well-attended public forum held at the Conference Hall of the House of Representatives, the Committee led by Ihedioha unveiled the outcome of the Peoples Public Sessions held across the 360 Federal Constituencies in the country on 10th November, 2012. The sessions were intended to ensure the full participation of the people in an inclusive and transparent manner. The House kept faith with this revolutionary programme as all the 360 members returned to their various constituencies where they drove the amendment process as facilitators with members of the public at the driving seat. Prior to the commencement of the sessions, the Ihedioha-led committee with the assistance of consultants it engaged for the process formulated 43 questions on contending issues, which were mainly drawn from the various memoranda submitted by civil society organisations, professional bodies, interest groups, tradi-

tional institutions, the academia, religious groups, organized labour, women societies, youth bodies and individuals. Each of the Federal Constituency was expected to vote on those items. For instance, the number one question was: Should Section 8 of the Constitution be amended to remove the ambiguities in the process for creation of more states? And the number 43 and last question was: Should the Constitution be amended to enable the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission send Proposals for Revenue Allocation directly to the National Assembly in order to avoid undue delays in preparation of the Revenue Allocation Formula? The collation was done openly at the secretariat of the committee in the full glare of representatives of civil society organisations, professional bodies, labour unions, gender activists, youth groups and media. The whole essence was to ensure that the results were free from any form of distortion and manipulation. It was therefore regrettable that the planned presentation of the collated results about two months ago was called off following insinuations and allegations that the results of the voting in some constituencies may have been doctored to favour a certain geo-political zone.

Given this temporary setback, members were given an opportunity to go the secretariat of the committee to verify the results as submitted by their various constituencies. At the end of the day, every one was satisfied that the Ihedioha-led Committee did a highly professional job that left no room for any suspicion. For once we should be generous enough to give commendation where it is deserved. The House Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution has done quite a commendable job with the novel peoples’ public sessions. The House has shown through the report that it is truly representative of the people of Nigeria. As evidenced in the results, the people have rightly or wrongly rejected rotational presidency, State Police, State Independent Electoral Commissions, Diaspora voting, resource control, state joint local government account, and recognition of geo-political zones for administrative purposes while voting for presidential system, independent candidacy, electoral reform, role for traditional institutions amongst others. I believe that the House deserves accolades for the thoroughness of the constitutional review process. It is only hoped that the Senate will follow in the same direction so that at the end we can have a truly peoples’ constitution. • Emeka Nwosu, Abuja

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

BUSINESS

Business Imperative of enabling environment for investors’ confidence Page 54 NITDA hinges improved living standard on functional national database By Adeyemi Adepetun XCEPT Nigeria has a defiE nite and functional national database, the country’s quest of becoming a major economic bloc by 2020 may remain a mirage. Specifically, the challenge of not having a national database is said to be retarding the country’s developmental growth, because policies have not been matched with actions. Speaking in Lagos at the weekend, the DirectorGeneral of the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof. Cleopas Angaye, who stated this, added that for visible growth, Nigeria must mitigate the increasing influence of poverty among its citizens. Eradicating poverty, Angaye said a proper national database would offer the country the opportunity to be able to allocate resources efficiently. Besides, he said the database would also assist the country in the areas of security. While calling for a collaborative effort between government and the private sector in Nigeria’s developmental quest, the NITDA DG said the economy will grow if efforts could also be channeled towards mass digital literacy and improved educational standards. According to him, poor human capacity development and lack of infrastructure cum decay are also retarding Nigeria’s economic prowess. “For the economy to grow, there is need for mass literacy and digital education. We must get our infrastructure right and research and development. “We must also be computer literate because that is where the world is going to. Everything is moving online. We must also move in that direction”, he stated. Angaye, who noted that that

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Managing Director, Chams Plc, Sir, Demola Aladekomo (left); Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Technovision Communication, Tomi Davies and Chief Executive Officer, MainOne Cable Limited, Ms. Funke Opeke during the Inaugural Pitch Event of Lagos Angel Network, held at Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Oshodi, Lagos.

Nigeria’s crude oil production drops, earnings fall to $10.1 billion By Roseline Okere IGERIA’s crude oil producN tion has decreased from the 1.746 barrels per day it recorded in the month of March to 1.734 in April 2013, according to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said in its latest report that the country’s crude oil earning in the first quarter of 2013 decreased from $11.6 billion it recorded in the last quarter of 2012 to $10.1 billion. OPEC in its April monthly report released at the weekend, disclosed that the country’s crude oil production went down by 11.9 bpd in the month of April. OPEC forecast 2013 demand for its crude will average 29.84

million barrels per day (bpd), up 90,000 bpd from the previous estimate. Both world oil demand and the demand for Opec oil will increase in coming months. The average requirement for Opec’s crude in the second half will be 30.47 million bpd, up from 29.14 million bpd in the current quarter. OPEC experts said the African economy is continuing to expand quickly. In North Africa, the economy in Tunisia is expected to register a growth of 2.8 per cent this year, compared with 2.5 per cent in 2012, related mainly to a rebound in tourism. “In Egypt, which is still being held back by political uncertainty, economic growth is expected to reach two per cent in 2013, compared with 1.9 per cent last year.

“Sub-Saharan Africa is achieving higher growth levels currently, fuelled by increasing commodity exports. It will see growth pick up slightly to 4.7 per cent in 2013, after reaching four per cent in 2012. Several of the oil exporting countries in the region (including Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Ghana) will benefit from rising hydrocarbon output. “New mining production in several countries will also be a positive factor for manufacturing. After lower production levels in March, which were also held back by China’s Lunar New Year holidays, the expansion should recover. The resurgence in Africa’s fortunes, and the uptick in its vital oil, gas and mining sectors has been linked to factors such as the rapid growth of

China and other Asian economies”, it added. It noted that total Developing Countries (DCs) oil output is expected to average 12.34 mbpd in 2013, representing an increase of 0.20 mbpd and a minor downward revision of 10 tbpd from the last report. “The supply forecasts from Latin America and the Middle East drove the downward revisions, while Other Asia’s and Africa’s supply projections saw minor upward revisions compared with the last MOMR. The downward revisions came mainly from the first half, while the second half supply projection has been revised slightly up. Meanwhile, the CBN said that the country’s oil sector accounted for 29.1 per cent of the total $ 34.4 billion Nigeria’s foreign exchange inflow

through the economy. According to the bank, total non-oil export earnings by Nigerian exporters stood at $1,136.33 million at the end of the review period. “This indicated an increase of 15.1 and 9.3 per cent above the levels in the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2012, respectively. The development was attributed, largely, to the 66.9 and 70.3 per cent rise in receipts from the industrial sector and manufactured products, respectively. “A breakdown of the proceeds in the review quarter showed that industrial, manufactured, agricultural, minerals and food products earned $634.2 million, $322.6 million, $89.9 million, $67.9 million and $21.7 million, respectively”, it added.

Lekki port to reduce Apapa congestion, boost bilateral trade By Femi Adekoya ESPITE may be in sight for many users of the Apapa ports as the congestion problem in the ports may soon be addressed with the near conclusion of the Lekki Port project. Specifically, The Guardian gathered that going by the accelerated pace of work on

Commences operation in 2016 the project, the Lekki port may become operational by the third quarter of 2016. Indeed, industry watchers and stakeholders believe that the project would aid Nigeria’s maritime sector in witnessing a major boost translating into rapid economic growth for

the country, which would also help shape trade business for good in the entire West African region and by extension Africa as whole. The port, which is to be located in the Lagos Free Trade Zone at the Lekki sub region is a Build, Own and Transfer

(BOT) plan and has been vetted by the relevant regulators. Speaking during a media tour of the facility in Lekki at the weekend, the Managing Director of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise, Haresh Aswani, explained that the Lekki Port, conceptualized as a multiproduct industrial and logistics hub would spread across 90 hectares of land and shall

be built at an estimated cost of $1.55 billion, noting that so far, the aggregate committed amount to date is $800million while 33 out of 36 project permits have already been secured. He further said the deep-sea port which will be located 65 km east of Lagos Mainland would become the gateway to West African region which

would be one of the most efficient and modern maritime facilities that will cater to containerized, liquid and dry bulk cargo par international standards. “In addition to bridging the capacity deficit, Lekki Port will have significant positive macroeconomic impact esti-

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THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

16 BUSINESS

‘Infrastructure deficit may hinder Nigeria’s global business target’ From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan XCEPT Nigeria addresses the increasing infrastructure deficit in the country, it risk being excluded from

global business development target. Besides, the country’s focus of becoming a major economic hub in Africa cum the world may also not materialise.

This view was expressed by the Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, while presenting a paper at the 3rd Distinguished Lecture

Series of the “Think Oyo” group. In the lecture titled, “Infrastructure: a critical ingredient for development”, the commissioner noted that Nigerian transport facilitiesroads, rails, ports and airports have only limited cargo handling capacity. He noted that though Nigerians travel extensively, there are no facilities to handle high capacity plans. Hamzat, while also stating that Nigeria has significant infrastructure deficit with a fast growing population and stunt in growth of infrastructure, urged the Federal Government to address issues of development quickly.

The commissioner noted that the infrastructure deficit has also worsened the unemployment situation in Nigeria, adding too that the low quality infrastructure has resulted in such social consequences as family disintegration and social dislocation. Highlighting the state’s experience on key projects, Hamzat said the dearth of skilled artisans such as welders had slowed delivery of projects. He added that most skilled artisans and would-be artisans had taken to Okada riding business; a situation being addressed by the restriction on their areas of operation and the skill acqui-

sition and vocational training centres. Dr. Hamzat while speaking on the possibility of South West integration opined that a condition of equilibrium must be reached wherein states involved quickly upgrade infrastructure to a level of near equality prior to such integration. He said there is active collaboration already taking place between the States of the region. He further urged investment in maintenance to ensure that facilities perform at their optimum at all times, adding that there will be challenges as long as built infrastructure are neglected.

Fashola woos foreign investors to auto industry By Taiwo Hassan AGOS State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has said the state remained a veritable ground for foreign investors to invest in the automotive industry to achieve the state government’s aspiration as a ‘truly mega city state.’ He stated this at the opening ceremony of the eighth Lagos motor fair in Lagos at the weekend, said the infrastructures in place was a real testimony for genuine investors to invest in, pledging that policy thrust that would boost investment and businesses to thrive in the state were already in

place. The Governor, who was represented by the state’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, J.O Coker, explained that the motor fair was a test ground for auto stakeholders to showcase their latest auto wheels. According to him, the fair was set-aside to promote the development of the state’s tourism and economy, particularly as it relates to world class standard auto show in the country. Fashola, however, pledged that the state government would continue to use the fair as economic opportunities to

promote the nation’s auto sector. In his remark the Chairman of the organising committee for the fair, Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, said there was no gainsaying that Nigeria remains the hub of African market, especially as it relates to automobiles. According to him, the desire to organised the Lagos fair was because of the support of other stakeholders and the government to give the country’s automotive industry, international recognition and acceptance; so as to position it for greater global competitiveness.

Imperative of a national database CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 there are no jobs in the private sector because of lack of training, especially in computer, noted that for any visible transformation agenda, there is need to provide the necessary tools to drive it. Angaye, who spoke on ‘Role of ICT in the transformation agenda and job creation’ at the Pan-African University organized forum, noted that its agency is saddled with the

responsibility of ensuring deeper ICT penetration. According to him, apart from bringing Information Technology to the doorstep of Nigerians, he said the agency has established over 400 Rural Information Technology Centres (RITCs). The RITCs, he said are aimed at providing a communitybased platform for youth empowerment through elearning and capacity build-

ing in Information Technology and communitybased trainings in IT-enabled outsourcing and promoting equitable access to assets (credit, education, information, and technology).

Lekki port to commence operation in 2016 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 mated at $361 billion over the entire concession period. It is expected to contribute more than $200 billion to the government exchequer while also creating close to 170,000 new jobs in the economy. Furthermore, Lekki Port will spur the economic development around the Lekki subregion and on a wider perspective, the whole of Lagos State through rapid industrialization”, he added. He further said: “In a bid to ensure, smooth and efficient operations, Lekki Port has engaged the services of leading global consultants in the mould of The Louis Berger Group Inc., Delta Marine Consultants, Berger ABAM and TBA Netherlands and the container terminal has been sub-concessioned to International Container Terminal Services, Inc, Philippines. “The EPC construction contract has been issued on a turnkey basis to China Harbour Engineering Company which mobilized their men and machinery in August, 2012 and is already in the last lap of pre-construction investigations and site preparation activities”.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

18 BUSINESS

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Enabling law, security threaten Ogidingbe Industrial Park project From Collins Olayinka, Houston, Texas, U.S HE plans by the Federal T Government to build a multi-billion-dollar industrial park in Ogidingbe, Delta State, is under threat by lack of enabling law,

security concerns and dearth of manpower. The Group Executive Director, Gas and Power of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. David Ige, has revealed. This comes as the Nigeria

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), denied favouring any particular audit firm to execute its oil and gas audit reports. Speaking in Houston, Texas, United States at the

Continued on Page 19

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

BUSINESS

Dangote Sugar increases profit by 31 per cent, posts N27.6b turnover in Q1 By Helen Oji ANGOTE Sugar Refinery D (DSR) Plc on Friday, increased shareholders’ returns for another financial year by recording a growth of 31 per cent in profit for the first quarter (Q1) ended 31, 2013. Details of the results showed that DSR posted a turnover of N27.64 billion in Q1 of 2013, indicating a growth of 2.2 per cent above the N27.1 billion in the corresponding period of 2012. Profit after tax rose by 31 per cent from N4.119 billion to N5.951 billion while profit before tax also increased from N2.809 billion to N3.453 billion in 2013. Based on the performance and future prospects in the

company, analysts at Dunn Loren Merrified, an investment bank, have put a 12 months target price of N11.60 on the shares of DSR. “In the months ahead, we expect lower prices of raw sugar to keep cost of sales at moderate levels, whilst the strong competition in the market will provide headwind to revenue growth Our valuation puts DSR’s 12 months target price at N11.60, an upside of 49.5 per cent compared to the closing price of N7.76 on May 10 2013, hence we maintain our BUY recommendation on the stock,” they said. In line with its desire to attain the status of a fully integrated sugar company through its backward integration plan, DSR recently acquired 95 per cent of in

Suzuki Motors revitalises after-sales service centres By Taiwo Hassan HE management of C&I Leasing Plc, distributors of Suzuki range of automobile has unfolded plans to strengthen its after-sales service centres for all brand vehicles nationwide. According to the company, the need to revitalise her auto centre was to cater for the maintenance requirement of fleets and to ensure adequate availability of spare parts for numerous customers. Stating this at a media briefing in Lagos recently, Acting Managing Director, Suzuki Motors Limited, Maureen Ogbonna, said the reason to turnaround the auto centres nationwide was to satisfy their loyal customers, who have been patronising the Suzuki products since its inception in the country. Ogbonna said the company intended to set up some one-stop shop auto centres in some parts of the country soon, as parts of its strategy to ensure back up for its

fleet. She said as an auto company, motor vehicle manufacturers and spare parts manufacturers distribute their products via networks of distributors (dealers) and set up networks of authorised repairers. She added that strengthening the after sale service would boost customers acceptability of the brand. “Our primary goal is to make Suzuki a household name in Nigeria. We want to be known for the best aftersales care, stress-free ownership experience, reliability, and quality. It is not only a matter of product sales, but spare parts availability.” The acting managing director, however, said the company plans to launch its latest brand - Grand Vitara tomorrow at the eight Lagos motor fair at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. According to her, the Japanese Sporty Utility Vehicle (SUV) was built to enhance the company’s competition in the SUV segment.

Enabling law, Security threaten Ogidingbe Industrial Park project Continued from Page 18 on-going Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), Ige said lack of enabling law by the National Assembly designating the Industrial Park an Exporting Processing Zone (EPZ), dearth of appropriate manpower needed to execute the project and hostile community relation between the contractors and the community, are fast forming formidable stumbling block to the realisation of the project. Ige said: “Security issues and community relation challenges are threatening the project. Even before the contractors mobilise to site, they are confronted by members of the community, which make mobilisation very difficult. We also see huge challenges in terms of human capital and capacity. There are not

enough skilled people to drive what we are trying to do. We still do have the type of high-skilled and exposed contractors that can handle what we are trying to do.” He expressed worry about the pessimism that has trailed the project saying, “as a nation, there is a lot of negative news we hear concerning the project. It is important as professionals that we separate the fundamentals from what we hear and read. But as professionals we must focus our attention on the picture, which presents the fact that the fundamentals are right, the progress is persistent and the future is bright.” Meanwhile NEITI has declared that processes in the choice of audit firms that execute its audit report are purely influenced by professionalism and competence.

Savannah Sugar Company Limited, a fully integrated sugar producing company located in Numan, Adamawa State DSR said it was confident that the acquisition of SSC will provide a solid platform to supplement its existing sugar refining capacity, reduce input cost and substantially scale its business with new business opportunities including the generation of bio-ethanol fuel from the production of molasses and development of a bagasse-based coal generation plant. It also added that it would help increase margins, boost its export potential, provide a valued basis for further profitable growth of the company as well as enhanced shareholders’ value.

Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako (left); Managing Director Stallion Motors Limited, Parvir Singh and Branch Manager, Stallion Motors Multi-Brand Facility, Sokoto, Hiten Katoch, at the inauguration of the centre in Sokoto.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

BUSINESS

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

May & Baker posts N6 billion sales in 2012 By Bukky Olajide AY & Baker Nigeria Plc has M announced its audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2012, indicating that total sales rose by 17 per cent to about N6 billion. Key extracts of the audited report, which was prepared and approved in compliance with the International

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), showed that turnover continued to rise on the back of recent expansion. Total sales closed 2012 at N5.7 billion as against N4.8 billion recorded in 2011. Gross profit also increased from N1.9 billion in 2011 to N2.1 billion in 2012. Profit for the year stood at N75.9 million in 2012. Commenting on the performance of the company,

Managing Director (MD), May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Nnamdi Okafor, said the company expects better results in 2013 based on increased output from its new multi-billion naira world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing plan and ongoing business restructuring efforts. He added that expected improvement in the business environment that could result

from positive developments in the resolution of the country’s security challenges, would give the company unhindered nationwide access to market her products and consolidate its performance. According to him, the company also expects to reduce finance costs as a result of a recent access to soft loan provided by the chairman of the board of directors, which is

Sweden to explore ICT trade opportunities in Nigeria O further drive its investT ments in the country through exploration of opportunities in the Information Communications Technology sector, the Swedish ministerial delegation led by Minister of Development Cooperation, Gunilla Carlsson and Finance Minister, Anders Borg, have conducted a visit to Nigeria to such end. Specifically, the duo visited Main One at the weekend, to learn about the business opportunities in the ICT sector, a sector attributed to be responsible for boosting Nigeria’s position as Sweden’s second largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. The visit, which was also attended by Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront

FirstBank designs specialized products to support cashless policy By Helen Oji S part of its efforts to sustain its leadership position in the industry and support cashless transactions, First Bank has designed specialised products for its customers. These products include expressions on cards, Firstmonie, FirstOnline internet banking and FirstTravel card. According to the bank, expressions on card is a card that allows a customer to personalise debit card with pictures and still enjoys the benefits of FirstNaira Mastercard. It also grants a customer immediate access to Naira Savings or Current account anywhere in the world. “Your Expressions card is accepted globally wherever the MasterCard logo is displayed. You receive alerts on all transactions (purchases, transfers and withdrawals), the product is secured by Chip and PIN technology, and it is accepted across all channels – POS, Web, ATMs and it offers Card validity period of 2 years.” For First Monie, the bank explained that it is a mobile payment service by FirstBank that enables phone users to send and receive money, pay bills, buy airtime and do lots more with their mobile phones without a bank account. The mobile phone number serves as the account number. “We want to ensure service consistency and here every single transaction must be pin verified.” The First travel card, according to the bank is a non-personalised card which is dollar denominated.

Development, Adesegun Oniru, provided entrepreneurs in the ICT sector and the state government the opportunity to discuss how to further boost broadband communications activities in Lagos and how ICT can further aid the development of Lagos as a mega city.

The Swedish Development Cooperation, Gunilla Carlsson, highlighted that 10 years ago, no one in Sweden could foresee the role that the internet is currently playing in government service delivery, commerce, healthcare and education. She highlighted the benefits

that improved broadband access would provide the residents of a mega city such as Lagos and commended the efforts of the state government to work with companies like Main One to achieve the vision of affordable broadband service availability around the state.

expected to significantly raise the profitability of the company in 2013. He pointed out that its worldclass new plant, otherwise known as ‘The PharmaCentre’, has raised May & Baker’s production capacity by over 60 per cent noting that it was a landmark investment in the pharmaceutical sector targeted at making Nigeria one of the leading producers of quality medicines in the world. His words: “The PharmaCentre is currently undergoing the process for World Health Organisation (WHO) pre-qualification which will make her products to be internationally accepted, a situation no Nigerian pharmaceutical company currently enjoys. “The WHO prequalification will help the nation become self-sufficient in the manufac-

ture of essential medicines and invariably have multiplier effects on the economy notable among which will be job creation and increased foreign exchange earnings,” Okafor noted. He however noted that provisions for depreciation on the over N4 billion new pharmaceutical plant as well huge finance costs, high interest rates and teething challenges with product transfer to the new factory, which severely hampered factory output and revenue realisation also affected the bottom-line in 2012. May & Baker had recorded net profit of N222.2 million in 2011 when depreciation for the new plant had not begun. The MD reiterated the commitments of the board and management to creating better shareholder value and returns for all stakeholders.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

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InvestmentWatch Free On-Line Securities Trading Platform INTRODUCTION ANY investors often wish they could practice how to invest in the stock market in an environment that simulates the market without bearing the risk. In answer to this desire, INVESTMENT ONE Financial Services Limited broadened its “Investment Education Project” by launching its “Virtual Investment Simulator”, a flexible online game portal with in-built capabilities to enable potential investors and researchers to interact with the dynamics of the Nigerian equities and financial asset markets. The online game which is currently in its second phase, will answer investors’ questions’ on how professionals in the market invest and also provide information on what the basics of portfolio construction and management are among others. INVESTMENT ONE's “Virtual Investment Simulator” is a fun-filled, free, and interactive teaching tool designed to educate the general public in furtherance of its investment education objective of disseminating information to the general public on the art and science of investing without actual exposure to market risk. The virtual gaming portal in addition to encouraging participants to learn about how to make informed investment decisions and how the financial market works, also enables them mingle with and learn from the trades of some of the best stock market traders. Stock Market Trading Simulator Stock market simulator, a component of the Virtual Investment Simulator, is a simulated stock trading program or application that attempts to reproduce or duplicate some or all features of a live stock market on a computer so that a player or would-be trader can practice trading stocks without risking their money. Also known as virtual stock trading, this module also allows traders and investors to try out various investment strategies that involve high risks in a real market situation without committing actual cash. Simulated stock trading can be done by anyone wishing to participate upon creating an online account in stock market simulators offered for free by INVESTMENT ONE. The participant will then be given simulated money of predetermined amount that he or she can use to make simulated stock investments. The gaming portal also allows participant investors to form exclusive investment clubs within the portal whereby participants can invite friends and colleagues to join, compete with one another as well as share ideas and post comments on the portal blog page. Features of the Virtual Investment Simulator include: • Participants use a computer with an on-line access to execute buy and sell instructions. • The money used for trading is virtual money (not real money).

Virtual Investment Simulator • Players can compete with each other to see who can predict the direction the stock markets will go next. • Stocks traded are based on real life stocks uploaded from the Nigerian Stock Exchange. • It gives them a chance to win between N300, 000, N200, 000 & N100, 000 in real cash reward for being the first, second and third best investor respectively. (A winner will be announced on 31st of July 2013). (Terms and Conditions Apply). • The principal objective of the game portal is to educate potential stock traders and future stock brokers on how to trade stocks. • The Virtual Investment Simulator allows users to generate a portfolio based on real stock entries, but with delayed data feed to prevent abuse. Eligibility To be eligible to sign on to the gaming portal, participants must: • Not violate any rights of INVESTMENT ONE Financial Services Ltd, including intellectual property rights such as copyright or trademark rights. • Not be a competitor of INVESTMENT ONE or are not using the service for reasons that are in competition with it ; • Agree to provide at their cost all equipment, software, and internet access necessary to use the service. Registration To participate simply log on to www.investmentone.com/feds • Register with a valid email address and phone number. • Upon registration, a code will be sent to your registered email address. • Activate your account by supplying the details of your registration as well as the code sent to your email address in the activation tab on the homepage. • Upon successful activation, you can proceed to login and start playing. Rules for Virtual Investment Simulator • All Players must be 18 years and above and must be resident in Nigeria. • Each player begins the simulation with N10,000,000 in virtual cash. • Players may trade any of the more than 100 stocks, and fixed income securities listed in our database. • Trades can only be processed in their entirety in 'fill or kill' fashion, and will be rejected if sufficient buying power does not exist to execute the entire order. • The Virtual Investment Simulator game is run, 7 days a week between the hours of 3pm and Midnight (1500hrs - 00hrs). The contest compares performance from the beginning to the end of each calendar month. • Groups are compared on the average perform-

ance of that group's member portfolios. Teams are allowed to communicate trading and other information freely. • Trades will only be open within specific periods in time during the day and will be executed using the most recent closing price or afterhours price, as available. • Players have to liquidate their portfolios as their cumulative ROI will be the basis of evaluating their performance at the end of the final transaction day. • Gift certificate will be presented to the verified individuals with the top portfolio performance. Winners will be contacted via email and telephone, while cheating will disqualify the winner from the prize. • Participating in the contest without being eligible will constitute a breach of the rules and result in the forfeiture of any prize or award earned. Advantages • It is a great way to practice stock trading and assess the pros and cons of certain investment strategies without exposure to actual market risk. • It is similar to real trading since such simulator programs mimic actual events and situations experienced in real life market scenarios. • It allows traders and investors to try out various investment strategies that involve high risks in a real market situation. • It benefits both would-be traders and expert investors. • It can be used by individuals who wish to have complete features and have more options. However, it must be noted that, simulator programs are not real and even the best of them cannot completely duplicate the real market. Also trading are also not restricted in these virtual environment compared with real stock market. Whilst participating in the game, below are strategies to deploy: • Asset Allocation Strategies Establishing an appropriate asset mix is a dynamic process and it plays a key role in determining your portfolio's overall risk and return. Strategic asset allocation is a method that establishes and adheres to what is a "base policy mix." It also deploys these techniques: - Constant – Weighing Asset Allocation Strategic asset allocation generally implies a buy-and-hold strategy, even as the shift in the values of assets cause a drift from the initially established policy mix. - Insured Asset Allocation With an insured asset allocation strategy, investors establish a base portfolio value under which the portfolio should not be allowed to drop.

- Dynamic Asset Allocation Another active asset allocation strategy is dynamic asset allocation, with which investors constantly adjust the mix of assets as markets rise and fall and the economy strengthens and weakens. - Integrated Asset Allocation With integrated asset allocation investors consider both your economic expectations and your risk in establishing an asset mix. • Market Timing Identifying the best time to enter or exit the market is next to impossible. Every market has cycles that repeat itself over time and the Virtual Investment Simulator provides a good module to test this assumption. The following are phases of business cycles that must be taken into cognizance to ensure they are well guided in their investment decisions: In the market recovery phase, hope begins rise owing to the marked economic policies, falling inflation and increasing consumer confidence. They are a good time to buy stocks, long-term bonds, commodities, oil and gas, and even precious metals to hedge against a possible up-tick in inflation. The next is the upswing phase, consumers’ confidence is up and the economy is gaining some momentum. The early upswing is probably the healthiest period of the cycle because economic growth can continue without any signs of overheating or sharply higher inflation. In the last phase known as the late upswing, the economic boom is in full swing; manufacturing capacity utilization is at or near a peak and this phase is followed by a recession phase that is marked by falling production, peaking inflation and weakened consumer confidence. • Securities Selection Stock selection can also be practiced on the Virtual Investment Simulator given the over 100 stocks listed on the gaming portal. The art of finding and selecting good stocks (and avoiding bad ones) based on certain criteria (i.e. what is the price of the entire company, how does the broader economy affect things, how is the company doing against competition and earnings growth rate?) with the aim of maximizing the total return on investment (appreciation plus any dividends received) for the targeted holding period, limit risk (according to an individual's risks tolerance levels) and maintain an appropriate degrees of portfolio diversification. INVESTMENT ONE’s Virtual Investment Simulator remains principally a game designed to enable participants and would-be investors be educated in the art of making wise investment decisions while having fun. We believe this is critical to the success of every investor’s aspiration to grow and protect wealth. We advise you to log onto www.investment-one.com/feds to register and start playing.

Employees of INVESTMENT ONE and its subsidiaries, or any sponsor(s) of the contest, their respective advertising and promotion agencies, their parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies, as well as members of their immediate families and households (including children, spouses and siblings and/or persons living in the same households as such persons, whether related or not) are not eligible for participation. Join us next week Monday to learn more on how you can invest in capital market instruments to help you achieve your investment goals. Kindly let us know if you have found this article useful. Please contact us at: enquiries@investment-one.com. You can download related articles on INVESTMENT ONE education series at www.investment-one.com.

BUSINESS 25

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Provision of infrastructure is responsibility of govt, says Aregbesola From Tunji Omofoye,Osogbo OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state has explained reasons why his administration has not commissioned most of the capital projects completed saying the state government does not believe in undue jamboree. He said the projects executed by the government is a pact between it and the people and implementing such projects and provision of infrastructural facilities are the statutory responsibilities of any responsive government. Fielding questions recently

from journalists in Osogbo, after inspecting some ongoing projects in the capital city, Aregbesola also dismissed claims by the opposition that the state is broke, insisting “Osun is economically strong in spite of the massive construction works going on in all parts of the state”. His words, “Our administration does not believe in the commissioning of projects. We believe it is the peoples’ project. So, why must you commission it. In all the advanced countries in the world, we don’t see leaders commissioning projects the

way we do in this country”. “In advanced countries, leaders are not seen rolling out drums commissioning projects”Aregbesola asserted, stressing that commissioning projects is another waste of public fund. While stating that contrary to insinuation in some quarters that the Osun was insolvent, Aregbesola affirmed that the economy of the state was growing. He described the opposition leaders in the state, most especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as political jobbers who despite the massive transformation

of the state in the past two years, sees nothing good about the present administration in the state. He said, “Don’t mind their claim that the state had gone bankrupt. You can also see that there is massive construction works going on everywhere, so if the state is insolvent, would there be that kind of level of development in virtually all parts of the state? “Today I can say that the state is not insolvent. The question of insolvency should not even arise at all. They are just blabbing and we would not be distracted by their negative comments”, Aregbesola said.

Govt competent to prosecute subsidy suspects, says court By Yetunde Ayobami-Ojo USTICE Lateefa Okunnu of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja yesterday ruled that the Federal Government, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was competent to prosecute suspects for alleged fraud from fuel subsidy scheme. Justice Okunnu dismissed the application filed by the oil markerters, Emmanuel Morah, and his company, Rocky Energy Ltd.to quash the eight counts preferred against.

The oil marketers in their application argued that the Federal Government was not competent to file the charges against them for not been a physical person. “Federal Government, not being a physical person, could not have been the right complainant to file charges of obtaining by false pretence against the defendants.” They submitted that the offences of obtaining by false pretence can only be charged by a physical person who was assumed to have been

Stallion Group builds automobile facility in Sokoto By Taiwo Hassan TALLION Motors Limited has pledged to transform Sokoto State to an ultra-modern commercial centre, especially its automobile industry. The company stated this at the inauguration of its multi-brand 3s (sales, service and spare parts) automobile facility in Sokoto recently. Managing Director, Stallion Motors Limited, Parvir Singh, said at the occasion that the company was mindful of the commercial and traditional significance of the ancient city in the annals of the country history, especially the magnanimity of the state, which culminated in the creation of Kebbi and Zamfara states respectively more than one and half decades ago. Singh said Stallion has steadily bolstered her image to a global brand with reputation for excellent performance said “it was expanding her network to cater for customers irrespective of their locations.” He said the facility is a complete one-stop shopping arcade, covering all aspects of vehicle ownership and providing seamless access to quality service, adding that it is the first of its kind in the region. The facility is an entirely multi-brand automobile precinct uniquely designed to provide (3s) sales, service and spare parts for about 10 different automobile brands marketed and distributed by the company. “This is in addition to several multinational representations in eight African coun-

tries with unrestrained involvement in commodities, agri-business, food, industries, automobiles and services,” Singh said, “Stallion’s commitment to consumer-oriented values and delivery of best quality products at the most affordable prices has made its products the most sought after and to a large extent, a household name in Nigeria.”

defrauded. Morah, his companies were charged alongside Adamu Maula, George Ogbonna and Downstream Energy Resources Ltd for allleged N789.6m fuel subsidy fraud. The defendant counsel,Mr Eubena Ahmedu argued that counts 3 to 8 of the charges were defective and therefore be quashed, adding that it was based on a repealed law, the Lagos Criminal Law 2003. Justice Okunnu held that Federal Government was a right and competent complainant as it was capable of being defrauded since it employs “physical persons” which conducts its business on its behalf. Her words: “It can therefore through its recognised officials become victim of economic crime. The government, for instance, the Attorney-General, or through its delegated officials can sue or can be sued.” Okunnu also dismissed the defendant submission that counts 3 to 8 of the charges were instituted against them in 2012, at the time when the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2003 had been replaced with the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. She ruled that the EFCC was right to have charged the

accused based on the Criminal Law 2003, being the existing the law as at January and May 2011. Also, she dismissed the contention that there was no prima facie case against the defendant as the prosecution’s proof of evidence attached to charge showed not link between the alleged offences and the defendants. She said the contention was premature, adding that the defendants ought to have waited for the prosecution to conclude their case, as stated in section 260(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2011, before challenging the “sufficiency of the evidence adduced by the prosecution.” “In the event, I can find no merit in this present application. The prayers are accordingly refused and the application dismissed,” she said Justice Okunnu therefore adjourned trial till Friday July 25 2013. However, in another related matter, Justice Okunnu fixed today for continuation of trial of Walter Wagbatsoma, Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, Fakuade Babafemi and Ezekiel Ejidele along with their company, Ontario Oil and Gas Ltd. for the EFCC to call its second witness.

Ibeto must leave NIGERCEM, Elechi insists From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki BONYI State Governor Martin Elechi has blamed all previous investors in the Nigeria Cement Company, Nkalagu, (NIGERCEM) for the deplorable lot of the foremost cement factory accusing them of dishonesty towards sustaining the objective behind the establishment of the company. The governor made the remark at town hall meeting at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, seemed to be in total disregard for the court processes instituted by the current core-investor in NIGERCEM, Ibeto Group; maintained that “Ibeto should get out of NIGERCEM”. Reacting to the governor’s outburst, Ibeto group, through its Director of Strategy and Public Affairs, Dr. Ben Aghazu, said it does not want join any part to the case to commit contempt of court since the matter is still court. Elechi contended that Ibeto group’s intentions, as core investors were hypocritical, even as he declared that NIGERCEM must be left for Ebonyi people. While explaining that he was not waging a personal war against Sir Cletus Ibeto, the Ebonyi State chief executive dis-

closed that he was fighting against “his unprofessional antecedents on issues bordering on cement production and distribution in the country”. The governor noted that his government was not prepared to leave the potentials of NIGERCEM in the hands of mischievous investors stressing that “government was committed towards utilising the natural deposits at Nkalagu in Ishielu Local Council of the state for the betterment of every citizen in the state. Expressing optimism that the state would bring in credible investors into the company “when the time was due”, Elechi added: “Our position is this, our God-given mineral resources in Nkalagu has not been used to our own profit; it has not given us the grandstanding we deserve in the contemporary sphere of solid or liquid mineral exploitation in Nigeria. “We believe that no other investor can determine our destiny better than ourselves and we believe that we have the potentials to bring in the best core investors; not those who parade themselves as investors without any knowledge of the game,” he declared.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Insurance Stakeholders commend NIID database for industry By Joshua Nse HE Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) solution initiated by the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) to check incidence of fraudsters and fake insurance certificates has received the commendation of insurance consumers. Some of the clients told The Guardian that the database is working, adding when you feed in the particulars of our vehicle in the portal, it will bring out details of your vehicle particulars if your insurance certificates are

genuine. The system is working to the surprise of observers of the industry. For instance, Dr. Femi Adedayo, an Engineer and Consultant commended the Association for the initiative principally to launder the image of the industry as an important financial component in the economy. Basically, he said, no modern economy can work without a strong insurance base. In the developed economies, there is nothing that you buy without having an element of insurance built into it.

Therefore, what the industry has done is commendable and I want to advise the NIA leadership to strengthen it. “What I think the industry should do is to undertake more enlightenment campaign in Lagos State Ministries, particularly Ministry of Transportation because that is where all the vehicle documentation are done. Insurance firms should also market the cost of genuine third party insurance cover for their understanding” He said, “Public enlighten-

ment is very important here due to the large number of vehicle registration carried out in the state daily to educate them on the effect of buying fake insurance certificates for N2,000 instead of N5,000, and the benefits of taking genuine insurance certificate where they could be compensated in the event of accident..” Also, Donald Chuks, a businessman told The Guardian, “I was pretty surprised when I saw my vehicle particulars displayed in the database, I think it is a good innovation.

However, it is a good beginning , it should not be allowed to die prematurely like any typical Nigerian initiative, it may take sometime for the public to appreciate, but with time, the industry will begin to reap from this innovation. Chief Yemi Soladoye, an insurance technocrat and consultant, in his remark said that there was need to restore consumer trust and confidence in the insurance mechanism, consumer protection and enlightenment have to be accorded prime of place and institutional building blocks for insurance development in Nigeria. On the need for Nigerians to take up insurance, he said, “today we are all in bondage of having and not having insurance protection. There are millions of victims of accidents and disasters out there who lives we will change by making them aware that they have rights. “There are millions of potential widows and orphans that we will be their saving grace, as we educate the public and

the employers on the wisdom of taking the appropriate insurance protection. Our roles become very essential in this country with high dependency ratio, low life expectancy and hostile business environment.” He said” It is very clear to the insurance companies that the premium paid is money held in trust for the policyholders and there are so many benefits, which the Nigerian policyholders are at the moment not enjoying under their motor, fire, burglary and other insurance products. I think what the association is trying to do is to fulfill this role.” The highlight of the services of the database include the remote upload of information by individual insurance companies from all over Nigeria, remote verification of individual policies by insuring public, via the internet/SMS and remote verification by law enforcement agencies such as the Nigeria Police, FRSC, Customs, among others using a mobile handheld device.

Niger Insurance launches Mutual Halal policy IGER Insurance Plc has N counseled members of the public to embrace takaful

President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Laide Osijo presenting Broker Friendly Award to Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi, Managing Director of LASACO Assurance Plc which hosted the April 2013 edition of the NCRIB Brokers Evening in Lagos. With them is Executive Director of the company, Babajide Wright (right), and Deputy General Manager, Business Services, Biodun Dosunmu.

Stanbic IBTC Pension opens Uyo office TANBIC IBTC Pension Ssidiary Managers Limited, a subof Stanbic IBTC Holdings, on Tuesday April 30 opened a new business office in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, with a pledge to deepen awareness about pensions and retirement planning to benefit residents of the city and its environs. The new office is an additional avenue for the company to meet the needs of its customers who already have access to the company through Stanbic IBTC branches present in every state of the federation. The opening of the leading pension fund administrator’s (PFA) new office in Uyo is expected to stimulate further participation in Nigeria’s growing contributory pension scheme, and

help people in and around the state prepare adequately for their retirement. Coming shortly after Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited celebrated its attainment of one million retirement savings accounts, the company said the move aligns with its strategic goal of continuously delivering outstanding customer value by enabling Nigerians, be they active employees, retirees or employers, to become pension-conscious and to plan for their retirement. “Opening this additional location is in fulfillment of our promise to avail as many Nigerians as possible the opportunity to have quality pension fund administration and financial management services, which will

enable a life of comfort in retirement,” said Dr. Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited. “We offer value added services in all our touch-points and this new office will enhance access to these services.” On hand to commission the office located along Olusegun Obasanjo Street, Uyo, was the Head of Service, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Barrister Offiong Udoffe. Udoessien said the state government is delighted to partner with Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers to address the welfare of the people, and promised that the state will always strive to provide a friendly operating

environment for businesses to thrive. With the new office, Sogunle said Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited has established an effective presence in all states of the federation, in line with the expanding footprint of the Stanbic IBTC Group in Nigeria. He added that more offices will be opened in the months ahead, to complement the almost 200 branches of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers’ nine regional offices, as well as selected branches of Zenith Bank where customers are attended to by Stanbic IBTC staff. Additionally, there is ease of accessing the retirement savings account via the internet, telephone, email and SMS.

insurance as the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is striving to ensure that all adults in Nigeria are adequately protected by insurance. The company’s Managing Director, Kolapo Adedeji, made this call during a chat with journalists in Lagos recently, said that Niger Insurance has a policy called Mutual Halal Plan which is based on this Islamic profit sharing and reciprocal guarantee principle of al-takaful. As part of NAICOM’s ongoing pursuit to increase insurance penetration in the country and increase the contribution of insurance to the national GDP, the need for TakafulInsurance was identified following detailed research. He explained that Mutual Halal is a life insurance scheme with a savings and investment plan designed for muslims and other interested parties in the country. While Mutual Halal aims at encouraging Muslim brother and sisters to save and mobilise fund to meet the financial obligations involved in performing certain religious rites without subjecting themselves to financial hardships, he emphasised that non Muslims can also purchase the policy. Under this plan, the policyholders can save regularly for a period that is convenient for them and the accumulated

amount can be used to finance religious obligations such as performing Hajj, buying of ram for Sallah, Marriage, he noted. Besides, Adedeji pointed out that the policy could also be used to meet other medium and long term financial obligations such as retirement, purchase of land or house, self and children’s education, travelling expenses as well as unexpected commitments. In this regard, he said there is a marriage plan (Al Nikah) designed to make sure that people can make their dream about matrimonial bliss come true, while there is a mortgage plan (Al Binau) which offers policyholder the life-time opportunity to own a home of his own. Additionally, there is a pilgrimage plan to enable people fulfill the vital religious obligation of going to mecca in a stress-free manner, people can use sallah plan for the celebration, while education plan (Al-Tadris) is designed to help people bequeath this legacy to their children and there is a retirement plan (Waqifl’amal) to help people look forward to a life of basic comfort in retirement. The Niger Insurance boss further explained how the plan works saying the installment paid by the participants are credited to a special fund which is segmented into two accounts, namely the participants accounts and the participants special account.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

INSURANCE 27

CHI implements e-payment platform in Zenith Bank EADING insurer, LInsurance Consolidated Hallmark (CHI Plc), in a bid to ease the transaction process and procurement of the compulsory third party motor insurance has embarked on collaboration with Zenith Bank Plc for payment across the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s counters nationwide. With this arrangement, vehicle owners, insurance brokers and fleet operators can now walk into the bank, effect payment and obtain the e-pin for processing of the motor third party insurance cover through either the product portal www.motorthirdpartyonline.com or from the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website www.consolidatedhallmark.com The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Managing Director, Mr. Eddie Efekoha said the company embarked on the arrangement in order to provide numerous clients with additional options of obtaining their genuine insurance, having pioneered the online web portal payment for the product in 2008. He disclosed that with the Consolidated Hallmark e-pin from the bank, clients can generate their insurance certificates from the comfort of their homes or offices within a few minutes, print the document for their immediate use or save for future use after completing a few details. Details of the vehicle thus covered are automatically uploaded to the portal of the Nigeria Insurance Industry Vehicle Database, a central registry of all vehicles with valid insurance cover.

Customers also have the option of making payments for the product with their ATM cards, or obtaining this and other classes of insurance through the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) licensed insurance agents across the country.

The Consolidated Hallmark Motor Third Party Insurance cover protects the holder for up to N1 million in property damage liabilities to third parties, and also covers bodily injury and death of third parties arising from the usage of the insured vehicle.

World risk viewership jumps 70 percent in first quarter ORLD Risk and also relies on social media to W Insurance News, Inc. engage industry profession(WRIN.tv), the online video als. LinkedIn is now responsinews and information network for the global insurance community, announced that its viewership had increased 71 per cent during the first quarter of 2013 - compared to video views in the fourth quarter of 2012. Since introducing daily reports in January, WRIN.tv newscasts are even more timely and relevant for today's risk professional. The new format also provides the framework for additional video programming planned for the future. The network is finding its audience, and the insurance audience is finding WRIN.tv. During the first three months of 2013, viewers came from over 120 countries, with the number of unique visitors increasing by 73 per cent. Nearly 20 per cent of viewers watch WRIN.tv on players embedded on partner websites; and 12.5% are watching on mobile devices. WRIN.tv

ble for directing 17% of WRIN.tv's audience, and that number is growing. "Our success is due to the quality of our video content, and the tremendous support we receive from across the industry," said WRIN.tv President John P. Greene. "We are grateful for our many content contributors, media partners and valued sponsors, and look forward to building new relationships as we expand our reach." About World Risk and Insurance News, Inc. World Risk and Insurance News (WRIN.tv) is the online video news and information network for the global insurance community. WRIN.tv works closely with news outlets, research firms, industry analysts, trade associations and subject matter experts around the globe to deliver relevant and valuable insights and special programs.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13 , 2013

Stockwatch In association with Lead Capital

Stock Market Report for the week Friday, 3rd May to Thursday 9th May, 2013 N the week, the total volAJOR equity markets around the I83.02% ume appreciated by ANNOUNCEMENT M globe moved upwards as their uring the period under review, fifty two (52) and value traded various indexes gained marginal D stocks recorded price appreciation comappreciated by 84.08%. A points. In our universe of sample pared to thirty seven (37) that depreciated in the equity markets; the S & P 500, NASDAQ and Dow Jones all gained points by 3.16%, 3.46% and 2.75% respectively, at the end of last week. In Europe, The German Dax, FTSE 100 and France CAC 40 gained points by 4.25%, 2.05% and 2.58% respectively. In the Asia/Pacific region, Nikkei 225, BSE Sensex and Hangseng gained points by 3.63%, 1.03% and 2.40% respectively. In Brazil, the Bovespa lost point by 0.19% while Russia’s RTS INDEX gained points by 3.19%. On the local setting, NSE ASI closed at 35,782.08 recording 3.71% appreciation at the end of the week’s trading.

turnover of 1.94 billion units of shares valued at N22.20 billion was recorded, in contrast to a turnover of 1.06 billion units of shares worth N12.06 billion that was recorded in the previous week. Volume this week was driven by activities in the shares of UBA, FBNH, FCMB, ACCESS, ZENITHBANK, SKYEBANK, FIDELITYBK, MANSARD, DIAMONDBNK and TRANSCORP.

previous week, ABCTRANS was first on the top gainers chart to close with 52.05%, followed by AIRSERVICE with 45.45%, AFRIPRUD with 32.14%, CUTIX with 31.51%, CAP with 26.71% and UACN with 19.12%. Other gainers in the top ten categories were DIAMONDBANK with 18.81%, NASCON with 16.67%, CADBURY with 14.35% and PRESTIGE with 14.04%. On the flip side, twenty (20) stocks depreciated in price last week compared to twenty nine (29) that depreciated a week ago. COSTAIN led on the price losers’ table with 17.92%, followed by IKEJAHOTEL by 17.17%, IPWA by 14.29%, PAINTCOM by 13.37%, LEARNAFRCA by 10.45%, RTBRISCOE by 10.00%, BETAGLAS by 8.15%, CILEASING by 7.27%, SKYEBANK by 6.63% and NEIMETH by 6.25%.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13 , 2013

STOCKWATCH

Lead Capital Stock Valuation

COMPANY’S RESULT

CONTINUE ON PAGE 51

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Homes & Property One World Trade Centre reaches its final heightPage 32

Lagos rakes in N2.9b from property charges Page 45

Developer flagsoff Lekki’s Lashone estate Page 33

Seven firms vie for Abakaliki masterplan contract Urban Development From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki firms of town planStractEVEN ners are vying for the conto design a comprehensive master plan of Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital, which will take into cognizance immediate urban communities that are currently or likely to be effected by the urban population explosion. The proposed project is promoted by the Abakaliki Capital Territory Development Board (ACTDB) and will cover the 15-kilometre radius of the capital city. The master plan would entail the production of base map and cadastral map for the capital city with the most recent high resolution (of ground spatial resolution of not lower than 0.6m) satellite imagery and aerial photographs of the Capital territory. Successful firm would also undertake comprehensive survey of the existing land use pattern in the capital city; identify and assess the existing infrastructural facilities and services, project growth and future needs for the period 2013 – 2023; carry out traffic and transportation surveys (road and water transport) including motorized and non-motorized with the objective of identifying existing bottlenecks and opportunities that may affect or influence immediate and future demands in the capital city. Already, seven firms have been prequalified for the

Aerial view of Abakaliki, recently

PHOTO: LEO SOBECHI

With a view of reducing the trend of urbanization and haphazard development in Ebonyi State capital, the authorities have kick-started the process of picking a town planning consultant to develop a masterplan for the metropolis. The winner will identify and assess the existing infrastructural facilities, project growth and future needs for the period 2013 – 2023 contract and bid evaluation committee has been set up to screen bids. The committee has two weeks to com-

plete its job. Only a firm will be picked after the bidding exercise. The board chairman, Mr.

Edward Nkwegu, explained during the opening of the bids that the proposed master plan was necessitated by

the increasing urbanization and haphazard development of the city. He hinted that apart from carrying out training of staff of the Board on the use of relevant computer software for the Master Plan Implementation and development control in the capital city, the successful consultant would also carryout

an in-depth demographic survey taking into consideration the population characteristics. Nkwegu added: “The envisaged master plan would contain a detailed comprehensive Master plan to guide the present and future develop-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

Stakeholders urge tax rebate for private developers Housing By Chinedum Uwaegbulam, Assistant Housing & Environment Editor IVEN the looming threats to mass housing delivery, a fresh call was made recently on the need for governments at all levels to provide an enabling environment for private developers either by providing the basic infrastructure or tax rebates for the developers to recoup investments in infrastructural development. Stakeholders who met in Abuja at the third Housing Exhibition and Conference, organised recently by ASO Savings and Loans Plc, noted that lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply - all of which have to be provided by private developers, are contributing to high

The participants recommended that the Federal government should fund mass housing schemes, using the huge funds lying in bank vaults in the form of unclaimed dividends, dormant accounts, and accumulated premiums from pension schemes, among others. cost of buildings. They observed that majority of existing housing schemes do not enjoy basic infrastructure; ignore traditional architectural designs and building material; do not take advantage of emerging non-conventional technologies; and disregard local climatic conditions. The forum was attended by representatives of the different tiers of government, relevant ministries, departments and agencies, the academic community, and those in the housing sector, including researchers, civil society and financial institutions from

Nigeria and other parts of the world. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to address the political, economic, legal and socio-cultural dimensions of the challenge of delivering of affordable houses in the right quantity in the country. The participants recommended that the Federal government should fund mass housing schemes, using the huge funds lying in bank vaults in the form of unclaimed dividends, dormant accounts, and accumulated premiums from pension schemes, among oth-

ers. They said the government should also institute appropriate policies and laws to accelerate the provision of mass housing, including policies to reduce the cost of construction. “In this regard, the Land Use Act, amongst other relevant legislations, should be reviewed to address the bottlenecks it creates in title registration.” While advocating a speedy passage of the Foreclosure Bill into Law to encourage infusion of capital to the mortgage banking/housing finance sector , they also sought for a window to guarantee free entry

and free exit for existing and potential investors in the sector. Stakeholders in the sector were also urged to explore and invest in research, development and public enlightenment on the use of local materials and innovative architecture in housing construction, adding that more needed to be done to generate data on the nation’s housing challenges for better planning. Government, they said should make commitments to train artisans and craftsmen, whose inputs were required to deliver durable and affordable housing. Observing that the mode of implementation of the Land Use Act in the various states of the federation has frustrated efforts to build affordable housing for low-income citi-

zens, the stakeholders noted that over 60 per cent of building materials are imported, which constitute a major constraint to affordable housing provision. They also want the government to strengthen professional associations and provide relevant practical training, adding that regulatory bodies should be empowered to prevent the tragic effects of constructing substandard building. The participants had earlier observed that it was disheartening that millions of Nigerians were homeless, particularly in urban areas, in spite of fact that the Federal Government was currently implementing a National Housing Programme, including a Presidential Housing Initiative

32 HOMES & PROPERTY

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

One World Trade Centre reaches its final height Projects TALL, heavy spire was fully installed atop One World Trade Centre on Friday, bringing the New York City structure to its symbolic height of 1,776 feet. Loud applause and cries of joy erupted from construction workers assembled below as the huge, silver spire was gently lowered and secured into place. “It’s a pretty awesome feeling,” Juan Estevez said from a temporary platform on the roof of the tower where he and other workers watched the milestone. A t 1,776 feet tall, One World Trade Center will be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Codeveloped by The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and The Durst Organization, this building sets new standards of design, construction, and prestige, and heralds the renaissance of Downtown Manhattan. One World Trade Center is the new icon of New York’s magical skyline and the most recognized and desirable office address in the world. “It’s a pretty awesome feeling,” Juan Estevez, a project manager for Tishman Construction, said from a temporary platform on the roof where workers watched with shouts of joy. It’s a culmination of a tremendous amount of team work … rebuilding the New York City skyline once again,” said Estevez, a project manager for Tishman Construction.He said the workers around him were “utterly overjoyed.” Installation of the 408-foot,

With the installation of the spire, the World Trade Centre’s rebirth is almost certain. The spire contains 18 steel sections and three communication rings. It will be an antenna for a television broadcast facility in the building, which rises from the site near the original site, which fell in the 2001 attacks. 758-ton spire was completed after pieces of it had been transported to the roof of the building last week. It will serve as a world-class broadcast antenna and also as a beacon to ward off aircraft. The spire contains 18 steel sections and three communication rings. The first — and heaviest — steel section was installed in January. It weighs more than 67 tons, according to a statement from the Port Authority. Lee Ielpi, whose firefighter son died after responding to the attacks, watched workers secure the spire from his office at the nearby 9/11 Tribute Center, which he cofounded.”The building looks spectacular. … I’m looking forward to the day when the cranes come down and they light the spire at night,” he said. “It’s supposed to be a very moving experience.” The tower is slated to open for business in 2014. Tourist Carol Johnston gazed up at the structure from a nearby building. “It’s sort of a renewal ... like ‘you can’t keep us down’,” Johnston said. For New Yorkers who have followed the World Trade Centre rebuilding, after the September 11 2001 attacks destroyed the twin towers, the spire’s completion was an impressive milestone.

The skyscraper, expected to open next year, is the focal point among the buildings designed to replace the twin towers. When master plans were unveiled in December 2002, architect Daniel Libeskind envisioned the tower “restoring the spiritual peak of the city, creating an icon that speaks to our vitality in the face of danger and our optimism in the aftermath of tragedy”. It is the tallest skyscraper in the US and third tallest in the world, although building experts dispute whether the pinnacle is an antenna, a crucial distinction in measuring the building’s height. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, a US-based organization considered an authority on such records, says an antenna is something simply added to the top of a tower that can be removed. By contrast, a spire is something that is part of the building’s architectural design. If it didn’t have the spire, One World Trade Centre would be shorter than the Willis Tower in Chicago, which stands at 1 451 feet (440 metres) and has the title of tallest building in the US, not including its antennas. The world’s tallest building, topping 2, 700 feet (823 meters), is in Dubai.

New World Trade Centre, New York, recently

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Prime Estates Developer flags-off Lekki’s Lashone estate Projects By Tony Nwanne PPARENTLY buoyed by recent activities by authorities to upgrade the Lekki axis, a Lagos based property development firm, Lashone Links Limited recently launched it latest housing project called Lashone Estate. The estate, strategically located at Iberegodo town in Ibeju Lekki, features facilities such as, central borehole system, drainage system, a medium supermarket, laundry, perimeter fencing and parking spaces. The fully gated estate, which is nearing completion, also comes with housing types such as three-bedroom bungalows, semi detach and terrace units. The estate has close proximity to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, La Campaigne government Teacher’s estate and the newly constructed Lagos Island International Airport. Managing Director of Lashone Links Limited, Lanre Shonekan, during the firm’s yearly stakeholder’s forum in Lagos explained that investors have the opportunity of easy land acquisition through its payment plan, which stretches from six months to two years depending on the specific plans.

According to him, “We focus on providing affordable housing for the low income earners in Lagos through investment friendly mechanism. At the moment, we have easy land acquisition payment plan which are classified into three levels based on investor’s monthly earnings, which are; Utter plan, Supple plan, and Economy plan”. Developed in collaboration with the Lagos State Cooperative, the estate is targeted at low-income earners, and currently being duplicated in the three different locations in Agbara, Simawa, and Ibeju Lekki areas in Lagos. Shonekan said: “The estate also offers great tremendous and high level of comfort to real estate investors in an amazing dimension, with the opportunity of easy land acquisition, payment plans that stretches for a period of time based on four categories of payment monthly. “We have fully developed bungalows, blocks of flat and duplexes which will be sold out to client that are interested in buying buildings. Our desire to satisfy the different sectors in the society has prompted us to initiate a peace meal mortgage payment plan which enables salary earners to become a landlord with ease.”

A section of Lashone estate under construction, recently

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

HOMES&PROPERTY 35

Govt tasked to refund N50b for completed road projects Infrastructure By Tunde Alao its huge FintoOLLOWING financial commitment infrastructure and quest to improve the standard of living of citizens, Lagos authorities have urged the Federal Government to make good on its promise of repaying N50 billion incurred in the reconstructing of federal roads. A senior official said the plea became necessary in view of the number of vehi-

Lagos Government has appealed to the Federal authorities to refund over N50 billion it owes the state for rehabilitating and reconstructing roads in the metropolis. The state is also calling for more cooperation to fix other roads that are in bad shape cles plying the roads daily, especially, the axle loads on some roads that are usually heavier than designed; the pressure on the existing roads are becoming enormous, to the extent that Lagos is urgently in need of collaboration of the Federal government to ensure that its ongoing road rehabilitation and reconstruction

exercise is meaningful. According to the State’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the topography of the state poses major challenge to infrastructural development, particularly, roads. He said that “some roads are subject of massive soil replacement with its concomitant enormous cost

implications”. Hamzat who spoke at the ministerial press briefing held in Alausa recently, declared that if federal government honours its commitment to Lagos by paying the huge debt amounting to N50 billion, many roads in Lagos would be wearing a new look. Hamzat was of the opinion that in view of the volume

Architects’ forum begins Wednesday Professional Practice HE annual forum that T brings together stakeholders in the construction industry to rob minds on key sector themes, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) Lagos Chapter, will hold at the Lantana and Zinnia Halls, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos from Wednesday this week. The three-day Lagos Architects Forum (LAF 2013), which is in its fifth edition has its theme as “Lagos 4.0-Architecture and Urban Design”. The forum focuses on architecture and the synergy with urban design and real estate development, con-

sidered as the vehicles capable of creating sustainable and live-able cities that have vibrant economies. The Chairman of the chapter, Mr. Ladipo Lewis, said: “The event would avails both the discussants and participants the opportunities to interact and possibly, establish bilateral ties as follow-on contacts with affiliated companies, service providers, manufacturers, corporate bodies, prospective end users, among others”. He also listed activities lined up for the event to include educational/professional development sessions that incorporated seminars and workshops,

exhibition of architects’ works, and others. “There is also going to be pre and post conference tours, that would allow the participants to learn theoretical and practical from local and international experts in the industry”, he said. Expected to participate are architects in the private practice, the academia, civil servants, financial institutions, allied professionals in the construction industry, policy makers and government agencies and parastatals. Others include real estate developers, property development institutions, construction companies and building materials manufacturers and retailers, and so on.

The expected speakers at the occasion include a lecturer at the School of the Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kinkdom, Dr. Noah Kofi Karley; Chief Consultant of Evans-Anfom and Associates, Accra, Ghana, William Nii Teiko EvansAnfom; Managing Consultant at Casa Assocaiti, a leading firm of architects, designers and planners, Accra, Ghana, Osei Kwame Agyeman; Managing Director, L+B Design Group, Martin Baerschmidt who is also an architect and current Design Director, STREDGE, UAE, Ivar Krasinki. 321wds

of traffic in Lagos, he expected the federal government to join hands with Lagos to fix many or the roads that are in bad shape. He added: “Instead of concentrating its resources on Abuja roads alone, what we expect from officials of the Federal government is to facilitate cooperation with Lagos and get these roads fixed. There is no doubt that Lagos is the economic epicenter of Nigeria, with many federal government instituions and facilities. So, what we need at this point in time is collaboration and not antagonizing us”, said the Commissioner. He listed the Ijora-Apapa Wharf, Apapa-Marine Bridge, Tin-Can Island and other critical roads as where action and collabo-

ration is urgently required. Other federal roads that are currently in bad shape include the Ikorodu-Itoikin, Ikorodu-Shagamu axis, EpeAgbowa, Agege/Idimu inner route, Isolo-Ikotun-Ejigbo NNPC road, Ijiora-Apapa and others. Similarly, the Ijede-Egbin road where Egbin Power plant is located is not fairing well. “These are the roads that federal government needs to focus attention”, he said. He called for FERMA intervention in other roads begging for attention across Lagos, such areas as LagosAbeokuta Expressway, Lagos-Sagamu Road, Apapa – Oshodi Expressway and Ikorodu-Itoikin-Ijebu-Ode road, where drainage facility has being constructed since 2012.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

HOMES&PROPERTY

Architecture students’ design competition Competition HE International Council T for Caring Communities (ICCC) and UN-Habitat have launched a design competition targeting students. The competition, in which UN-Habitat is participating within the ‘I’m a City Changer’ initiative, is running under the banner ‘International Student Design Competition 2014, A Society for All Ages.’ It has the fabulous prizes of

USD 10,000 for the winner, USD 5,000 for the runners up and USD 2,500 for the third place. The Competition invites architecture students around the world to apply their creative talents in developing solutions, which integrate older persons into the fabric of the community and fully include them in all social, cultural, and productive activities. The program is aimed at

answering future urban challenges: Is it possible to design successful, diversified and multi-generational communities for older adults including aspects of information and communication technology (ICT)? How are older adults fully integrated, connected to and fully engaged in their communities? To enter the competition, an individual or teams of students must register on the www.international-iccc.org

Firm unveils lotpool, real estate portal Real Estate By Tosin Fodeke NEW online home sales listA ing company has joined the rank of websites offering services for marketing and buying of properties in the country. The company, Lotpool limited has formally launched its commercial housing sales listing portal, lotpool.com, to the public. Senior officials of the company opined that a freer market would drive the cost of housing down and douse the superiority of suppliers or property owners in the market. Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Sayo Dada explained that the problem of housing shortage in the country does not border on the availability but the quality and cost of

housing adding that government has to do more to encourage private investments in to the housing section. Dada while speaking on the firm’s new web portal, added that its mission is to be the most comprehensive online portal for real estate offerings and declared it has already over 37,000 listings and growing. He said”“We have been in operations since last year but not into commercially as we offered our services for free. But since April we have commence commercial operation with sellers having the option of listing for as low as N30 per day” “We take pride in the robustness of our web application and the technology behind it. The website is backed by a US based web host, Go-daddy and

we have rich features and functionalities designed to bring fun and pleasure, for both buyers and sellers.” “In a move that has the potential to be a game-changer in the online real estate space, lotpool uses technology commensurate with top search engines to find, aggregate and serve data from the web into one convenient location. “The portal is a blend of a vertical search engine and the familiar portal interface, powered by robust keyword search and an exciting new feature enabling users to draw their own search directly onto a map. Clients receive valuable insights including filters and keywords used to locate the property. The website also uses analytic tracking for user behaviour to improve their experience.”

Town planners jostle for Abakaliki masterplan contract CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 ment of the capital city, develop phasing options to minimize disruption of operations during the Master Plan implementation, generate detailed designs of all immediate urban communities. He stressed that the State government is desirous of giving the state capital a befitting masterplan that could stand the test of time. “In two weeks’ time when the report is submitted, we will convene the board and study the recommendations of the bid evaluation committee and select the successful firms,” he added remarking that the master plan would be taken holistically. The Committee chairman, Dr. Philip Uche EchIegu, noted that the essence of the bid opening is for all the bidders, the consultants firms that bidded to see that everything is transparently done so that whoever wins will be seen as the best consultant, the best experienced the best qualified that will give us the best. He said a lot of money was going into the proposal “because we definitely need the best for this capital city. He hinted that a public hearing would also be organized before implementing the expected master plan. His words: “We are going to scrutinize the contents of the envelopes. When eventually a consultant emerges; there will be specifications not just to the committee or the board but also to the public because the public hearing is

very necessary. In planning, you plan for the people. We expect that public to make input because it is just like democracy, people will be involved”. “The technical aspect of it for those of us who are consultants and have the technical knowhow, we are going to scrutinize and have coordinating consultants who are specialists in various areas that border on this matter. They include surveyors, architects, town planners that is the master plan that has social aspect, engineering, it has environmental and architectural and in all these components we have specialists who are going to look into every aspect” Other members of the board, including the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Paul Okorie and the Acting General Manager of ACTDB, Princess Anne Agom-Eze, expatiated on the crucial nature of such a master plan. Dr. Okorie, who was the immediate past Commissioner for Works and Transport in the state said: “We need to have a proper master plan for Abakaliki capital territory and over the years the board has been making frantic efforts for it to commence. There is no way we can control development properly without a properly designed and articulated master plan”. He said when the master plan is produced, “people can from then know where they will build, people can

now develop under a pattern” since according to him the master plan will be a public document to guide developers from outside and those living in the state. On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Survey and Housing, Princess Agom-Eze, who doubles as the General Manager of ACTDB, said the vision is to make Abakaliki a capital city to be envied by other states and to make sure things are put in their right perspectives to guarantee the happiness of indigenes. On the complaints against incessant pulling down of houses and arrest of offenders, the acting GM said the master plan would address such issues. She appealed to developers to always contact the Board before they put up any building in order to find out whether there are new rules guiding development. “For instance, now we talk about setbacks; they should find out what is the appropriate distance of a building from the road. This way they would avoid a situation where they start a building and we come in to pull it down. Some people don’t understand that principle; first and foremost, don’t build without approval,” she surmised. The Acting GM maintained that not only civil servants would be involved in the implementation of the master plan since according to her, “we would employ specialists to look at the plan to ensure its adaptability”.

entry form. The entries are due on or before September 15, 2013 and projects must be postmarked by December 31, 2013. The ICCC was founded in 1994 by the late Dr. Albert Bush-Brown, architectural historian and professor Dianne Davis to stimulate and showcase innovative concepts that deal creatively with the chal-

lenges of global longevity. Through educational programs, conferences, technical support and international stu-

dent architectural competitions, ICCC promotes a global dialogue on the impact of aging.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

39 HOMES & PROPERTY

London appoints 25 developers to new land panel OME 25 developers have been Scurement appointed to a new land propanel in London set up by the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mayor Boris Johnson with the aim of accelerating the delivery of new homes. The panel is charged with

making it faster, easier and cheaper for public landowners to bring forward land for development to combat the severe shortage of homes in London. As a result of the transfer of assets under the Localism Act 2011 the Greater London Authority

(GLA) is currently one of the largest owners of public land in London. The Mayor wants to speed up the release publicly held land, to get more homes built for Londoners and support the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

HOMES&PROPERTY 43

Professionals seek new strategies to curb building collapse Housing HE campaign to curb T growing incidents of building collapse berthed in Lagos recently, when professionals in construction industry met with regulatory agencies in the building sector on need to adhere strictly with high building standards and explore options of professional services delivery in building control. Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), President, Mr. Agele Alufohai, who chaired the section at the 13 th Lagos Housing Fair said that the challenges of services delivery in the Nigerian housing sector today reside mainly in pre-construction and construction stages. According to him, the collaboration between the regulatory agencies, the professional associations and the various academic institutions, which train professionals to deliver services in the housing sector, is highly needed. Alufohai, who compared the contribution of the housing sector in Nigeria to growth with the United Kingdom, said it falls between four to five per cent. “But once the many services these houses “consume” or require post-construction are added, the contribution of the sector climbs to an astounding 17per cent. Such services range from professional interior design to janitorial and cleaning services to the installation of solar power systems. Inverters and generating sets will be added and all sorts of security features in Nigeria. “There are needs for various types of professionalslawyers, accountants, quantity surveyors, architectures, builders, furniture makers, insurance people, bankers, town planners, engineers-etc to come together and support our quest for key legislation and policy reforms in the housing and construction sector. Alufohai called for the repeal or amendment of key legislations like the Land Use Act, and mortgage foreclosure that will benefit many professionals. He urged that future Lagos Housing Fairs should project research with hard figures in naira and kobo on the loss to the various professions delivering services to the housing sector and the Nigerian economy from the lack of well-regulated systems of training. He went ahead to commend the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) for the successful initiation of the Technical and Vocational Education Training scheme through which the respected City and Guilds is being partnered to train highly qualified and proficient professionals in housing and other sectors driven by vocational or artisanal skills. The General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Dr (Mrs.) Abimbola AnimashaunOdunayo in her address said the agency was established through the urban and regional planning and development law of 2010 under the parent Ministry

to reduce building collapse and ensure that people build right high quality materials, by engaging good practice, workmanship and high technology using local materials where necessary for sustainability in compliance with the laws and regulations governing building control agency. his year’s theme beamed the searchlight on the implication of the climate change phenomenon on housing development. Chairman of the fair, Mr Moses Ogunleye, said the idea is to direct the nation’s attention to the debilitating effects that climate change could have on all aspects of housing delivery, which include design, land use management, material use/specification, construction methodology, infrastructure as well as finance.

Representative of Federal Mortgage Bank, Mr. Kabiru Adeniyi Yagboyaju (left), General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Dr. (Mrs) Abimbola Animashaun-Odunayo, Chairman of the occasion and President, Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS),Mr. Agele Alufohai and President, Building Collapse Prevention Guild at the Professional Services, Kunle Awobodu at the Lagos State Building Control Authority Day of the 13th Lagos Housing Fair, recently

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

RICS calls for compulsory regulation of UK estate agents Professional Practice HE Royal Institution of T Chartered Surveyors (RICS) wants to see all estate

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi(right), his Deputy Tele Ikuru and the site engineers at the ground of the new Aba road/ Airforce base/G.U Ake road flyover under construction in Port Harcourt, recently

agents in the UK compelled to sign up to a professional regulation scheme to make sure buyers are properly advised. The organisation says that with the UK property market gradually opening up to first time buyers again, almost a third admit they do not have a good understanding of the purchase process when making the biggest purchase of their lives. Since the government’s various initiatives to assist buy-

ers have been introduced, an increase in accessible mortgage products has led to an upturn in activity across the country with more first time buyers now able to get a foot on the ladder. But RICS is concerned that 29 per cent claim they did not have a good understanding of the purchase process when buying their home, and 30per cent claim that their agents failed to even advise them on their transaction. With no statutory regulation in place to ensure agents are suitably qualified to sell property, and with public understanding at such a low level, understandably, the majority of first time buyers, some 77per cent, believe that consumer understanding would improve if compulsory regulation were introduced. Currently agents who are not members of a professional body are not obliged to meet minimum competency standards or regulated against them. RICS says that this means that consumers are potentially dealing with an agent who, while technically abiding by existing legislation, could be providing inaccurate advice. It believes that more needs to be done to ensure agents understand what they are doing when it comes to the complex procedures involved in the selling process and advise their clients accordingly. RICS would like to see all estate agents required to sign up to a professional regulation scheme that ensures consumers are dealing with an agent who is suitably qualified to broker their sale and advise on the processes involved. “When making the biggest purchase of their lives, it’s important that buyers, and especially those who haven’t been through the purchase process before, understand precisely what is involved. This is particularly relevant now, with the market now seemingly over the very worst and more first time buyers a position to make a move,” said Peter Bolton King, RICS global residential director. “By using an unregulated estate agent, people are potentially dealing with someone who doesn’t understand the technicalities involved in buying a home or their obligations to consumers. I would recommend that anyone who is buying or selling a house checks that their agent is a regulated member of a professional body, such as RICS, who have met minimum standards of competency and understanding,’” he added. RICS also found that 93per centof first time buyers believe agents should have to meet minimum competency standards before practicing and 23per cent claim their agent didn’t demonstrate an in depth understanding of the sales process. While 30per cent claim their

HOMES & PROPERTY 45

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Lagos rakes in N2.9b from property charges, decries land encroachment Housing By Tunde Alao FUNDAMENTAL shift in the A procedures and approval in obtaining Governor’s Consent has yielded bumper harvest to the coffers of the Lagos government, under fresh measures by the authorities to quicken processes for land ownership and create new towns in the state. The process, which government officials described as more transparent has created a “one stop shop that has reduced the burden in land titling in Lagos State”. The figures released last week at a ministerial press briefing by the Lands Bureau show that the government exceeded its target for the year 2012 put at N2,984,500,000, as N2,960,070,432.55 was generated. During the period under review, the agency received and processed a total number of 7,349 applications, comprising Deed of Assignment, 4,455, Sublease, 1,795, Mortgage, 1,039, Power of Attorney, eight, Vesting Deed, one and Gifts, 49. The Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakem Muri-Okunola, said the increased numbers of applications and revenue generated was a result of new measures put in place to facilitate homeownership in the state. He lamented that virtually all government schemes in the state are faced with the problem of encroachment, asking the public to endeavour to do proper chatting and verification on properties before committing their money on them.

The new measure introduced by the Lagos Government to ensure prospective homeowners obtain their necessary land documents on time has increased the number of applications for Governor’s Consent and revenue accruing to the state. Furthermore, Muri-Okunola advised allottees in government schemes to take immediate possession of their land, saying that government is ready to enforce its law and allottees that run foul of the various clauses in their letters of allocation and Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) will lose their plots. On the need to make available the data of government land to the public to avoid a situation by which the unsuspecting ones would fall into the hands of dubious landowners, the permanent secretary said the state lacks sufficient manpower to follow up every physical development across the state. The permanent Secretary also hinted that a number of excision and resettlement of towns and villages were made in a peaceful and result-oriented manner. He said: “In the past, strong belief was attached to land as being accessorial to the extent that people placed a doctrine of non-alienation of land. They believed that if land was sold, they had sold their ancestors, hence the holding retained in jurisdiction of certain families.” To this end, he said government had to set up a committee on village excision to, among others look into excision matters. The committee is made up of land surveyors, land officials, officials of New Town Development Authority

(NTDA) and Scheme Officers from L.U.A.C. The committee is saddled with the responsibility of inspecting the villages and making recommendations to the Governor, while its main objective is to preserve the heritage, culture and historical records of existing villages. So far, a total of 760 applications had been received in this regard, with 414 villages already inspected, leaving 346 villages yet to be inspected. Among them, a total of 321 applications were however recommended to Governor for approval while 17 were declined. “By granting of excision to these villages, not only do they secure good titles to their lands, the values of their land also appreciates which in turn is a good source of revenue to the state government by way of Governor’s Consent. Also the story of the people, their historical values and artefacts are also preserved”, said MuriOkunola He disclosed that a unit has been set up to tackle issues relating to the regularisation of the Federal Government’s properties in Lagos, especially, to regularize the interest in land holding granted to individuals and corporate bodies by the Federal Government. The category of the Holding are as follows:One, Lands that is vested in the Governor before the commencement of Land Use Act

National Financial Secretary, Building Collapsed Prevention Guild, Mrs. Imo Jarleth (left); National Publicity Secretary, BCPG, Mr. George Akinola; Chairman, Building Collapsed Prevention Guild Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Kehinde George; and Secretary BCPG, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Mrs. Bolaji Olasupo, during the guild’s visit to the site of collapsed building in Lagos…recently PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU No. 6 of 1978, such as SouthEast, Ikoyi Residential Scheme, Lagos Island Scheme, Apapa Residential/Commercial & Industrial Scheme, Ijora Industrial Scheme, Victoria

Island Residential Scheme, Yaba Residential Scheme, Ikeja Residential and Central Business District, Ikeja. Second, Lands vested in the Governor by the Land Use Act

and these include all Land holding in Lagos State, except those vested in the Federal Government by the acquisition through the State Government.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

HOMES&PROPERTY

The Guardianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly review of building materialsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; prices (April 2013) Cement Blockwork

April 13 (N)

March 13 (N)

P.H (%)

Cement per 50kg bag Cement per tonne ( 20 bags) Sandcrete block- 9 x 9 x 18 Sandcrete block - 9x 6 x 19

1800 35,000 150 120

1900 36,000 160 150

0.5 2 1 1

Earthwork Gravel per tipper load Unwashed gravel per tipper Granite per tipper load Sharp sand per tipper load Soft sand per tipper load

23,000 16,000 27,000 15,000 16,000

27,000 19,000 32,000 18,000 17,000

6 2 2 1.5 1

Hardwood 2 x 6 x 12 2 x 4 x 12 1 x 1 x 12

1100 600 700

1000 500 750

1 0.5

Softwood 2 x 2 x 12 2 x 3 x 12

200 250

250 350

Plywood (White) 3x4x8 1x2x8 1x4x8

3,500 2,300 2,300

2,400 2,000 1,600

1 1

Panel Doors Flush door (plain) Flush door (laminated)

4,000 15,000

3,800 15,000

Roofing Corrugated iron sheet per bundle

10,000

9,500

Super Asbestos 4X8 (per piece)) 4X6 (per piece))

1600 1500

1300 1700

1 1

Nails 1 inch per bag 3 inch per bag 4 inch per bag

6,000 5,500 5,000

6,500 5,000 5,000

Glass Work 2 x 4mm (plain) 2 x 4mm (obscure) 2 1/2 x 4mm (plain) 2 1/2 x 4mm (obscure) 3 x 4mm (plain) 3 x 4mm (obscure) 3 x 5mm (plain) 3 x5 mm (obscure)

75 75 90 90 115 115

60 60 75 75 90 90 115 115

Aluminium Lourve Blade Unic 8 blades per piece Unic 6 blades per piece Unic 4 blades per piece

440 420 280

Paints Colour Emulsion (high) Colour Emulsion (low) White Emulsion (high) White Emulsion (low) Colour Gloss (high) Colour Gloss (low) White Texture (high) White Texture (low) Wood Coating (high) Wood Coating (low)

2,700 2,700 2,800 2,800 2,700 2,700 4,700 4,700 2,800 2,400

14,500 1000 3000 350

5,500 15,500 1000 3000 350

5 -

Timberwork

Sanitary Fitting Vitrous Suite with tap Twyford (W/C) with big wash hand basin Hindstan (W/C) with big wash hand basin Shower Curtain and rail 80 x 80 shower tray Stainless towel rail Ariston Water heater (80 litres) 2 Thermacool water heater (50 litres) Ariston water heater (50 litres) Wall Tiles Ceramic (white) 6 x 6 x 88 pieces China 20 x 20 x 16 China 25 x 40 Floor Ceramic Tiles 14 x 14 (Brazil) 13 x 13 (Spain) 45 x 45 (Spain)

27,000

25,000

19,000 18,000

19,000 18,500

1,200 1,200 1450

1,200 1,100 1,400

1,700 1,550 2,000

1,450 1,350 2,200

0.5 -

Vitrified 30 x 60 Pack 50 x 50 Pack 60 x 60 Pack Marra Italy 40 X 40 glazed 40 X 40 mall 30 X 30 Aristea

3,500 1,600 2,000

3,100 2,000 2,500

4 4 -

3,500 3,200 1,700

Reinforcement 12mm (93 pieces) per ton 16mm (93 pieces) per ton 8mm (153 pieces) per ton 10mm (153 pieces) per ton 20mm (53 pieces) per ton

160,000 176,000 125,000 135,000 123,000

145,000 160,000 110,000 145,000 145,000

1 0.5 -

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

BusinessInterview Govt must provide the enabling environment to boost

Soyewo

PHOTOS: GABRIEC IKHAHON

Dr. Feyi Soyewo is the Chairman and Chief Executive, Prestige Insurance Brokers Limited, past president of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), past chairman, African Insurance Brokers Association (AIBA), a management and insurance technocrat, and has spent over 40 years in the insurance industry. He believes that the economic reforms being undertaken by the government must provide the enabling environment that will give investors confidence and assurance that their investments will attract good returns as well as fight corruption, so as to fast-track the nation’s economic development. Soyewo, also expectedly discusses other issues in the insurance industry spoke with JOSHUA NSE. Excerpts: Insurance industry in Nigeria has witnessed significant restructuring and rebranding to improve customer services, as one of the pillars in the market, what is your assessment of this transformation? NSURANCE industry in Nigeria has no doubt witness significant restructuring and rebranding in recent time and as rightly observed, it is intended to improve on customer services. We are delighted to know that the intended purpose of the restructuring is quietly being achieved. For example, the reliability of the Nigerian insurers today is greater and the image of the industry is getting better by the day. Even the cooperation amongst the various arms of the industry has improved greatly. Indeed all hands are on deck and I am delighted to know that the Nigerian insurance industry is steadily moving to greater and more enviable height that we

can all be proud of. What has been the role of regulators in these reforms? The regulator, no doubt is the engine room of the transformation, we are talking about. For example, they provide conducive environment for the restructuring through appropriate regulations and operational guidelines as well as ensuring effective monitoring and compliance by the various insurance institu-

tions and bodies. So you can see that the regulator is the key actor in the transformation process and I’m delighted to say that they have so far shown that they are up to the task. Indeed, NAICOM has been responsive and supportive of all meaningful effort geared towards the development of the insurance industry. As an investor, risk manager in this environment, what are the challenges in

Our governments need to do a lot more towards creating conducive business environment that will give investors confidence, the assurance that when they invest their money in the economy, they will get good returns, and that will fast tract the nation’s economic development.

the management of business in Nigeria, vis-à-vis the ECOWAS countries? As you very well know, Nigeria and indeed all ECOWAS countries are developing nations with high poverty level. To make matter worst, corruption has almost become endemic in these countries. All of these and more constitute great challenge or threat to doing good business in these environment, including insurance. Our governments need to do a lot more towards creating conducive business environment that will give investors confidence, the assurance that when they invest their money in the economy, they will get good returns, and that will fast tract the nation’s economic development. Insurance penetration in Nigeria is less than six per cent of the population, do you see the MDRI project initiative being able to drive penetration level in this country, what should be the role of insurance brokers, agents in this regard.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

investors’ confidence, fight corruption, says Soyewo I am not sure of your six per cent insurance penetration in Nigeria but I agree that insurance penetration is very very low in Nigeria. Some of the reasons responsible for this low penetration include the high poverty level resulting in low disposable income of the average Nigerian. Another important reason is the low level of insurance awareness. Let me also explain that in time past, especially during the era of “mushroom” insurance companies, the image of the insurance industry has been seriously battered and it is taking us so long and so much out of us to convince the insuring public of the reliability of today’s insurance industry. The MDRI project initiated by NAICOM to me is a good initiative that is capable of transforming the insurance industry and achieving the purpose it was intended to achieve. It is apt that all of us players in the industry cooperate and ensure diligent implementation of the project. Low insurance awareness is an issue in the African insurance market, what are your views on ways to encourage policyholders to embrace insurance for protection. Organized African insurance markets should embark on aggressive insurance awareness campaign to sensitize the public on the benefits and advantages of insurance as an effective risk mechanism. African governments should copy the Nigerian government example when it took the bull by the horn recently and enacted the Local Content Law, which inter alia provides for oil and gas insurance, emanating from Nigeria to be compulsorily insured through local brokers. It is a law that, if diligently implemented would fast-track growth and capacity building of the local brokers in the continent. In most African insurance markets, majority of policyholders are not literate enough to be able to read and understand insurance policy documents. As a result, such policyholders would not be aware of the conditions attached to the insurance contract entered into viz, the scope of cover granted under the policy, what part of a loss he/she is to bear on every claim made, what policy conditions that are precedent to accepting liability and such other conditions attaching to and forming part of the insurance policy and most times creates problems for policy holders and hinder them from receiving fair claim settlement. In some cases, outright repudiation of claims. Even among the literate policyholders, not too many of them has the time to go through the policy documents to understand the terms and conditions of the policy. Even the so-called “small print” are now made bigger, the poor attitude to reading still prevents many from reading. This no doubt is a mark departure from what obtains in the developed world where reading culture is imbibed by the larger majority, and reading and understanding is not a difficult task. The intervention of insurance brokers, especially in the African insurance market, therefore, becomes crucial as it helps to make insurance beneficial to policyholders. The brokers interpret the policy conditions to the insured and reject obnoxious ones on behalf of his client. It also ensures compliance, especially at the time of claim administration resulting in prompt, fair and equitable settlement, thus ensuring achievement of the purpose for which insurance policy was obtained. Because of this peculiar situation, the African insurance market requires new legislation that can strengthen the brokers to play their role effectively. Legislation that would enhance growth

and capacity building for local insurance brokers to enable them compete favourably in the international market. We have seen rising incidence of disaster in the country recently – insecurity of life and property, flooding, fire, collapsed building, however, the public seems not to realize the benefits of insurance in mitigating some of these losses. As risk manager, what is your advice to Nigerians in taking insurance as better risk transfer mechanism? Insurance to me remains the most viable option of risk transfer and government should encourage and support the insurance institutions to be able to assume even greater and more hazardous risk, especially in the face of kidnapping and other security risk that were recently introduced to this part of the world. The Nigerian Oil & Gas Content Development law is now in force in support of local players, how has the brokers in the industry responded to the challenges in relation to foreign brokers in the oil business? I give kudos once again to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Assembly for the passage of the Oil & Gas content development law. This is one law that if properly implemented would help in no small way to build capacity, especially local insurers and brokers. It is also able to strengthen local brokers to be able to compete with their colleagues in the international market. We will continue to support and ensure that the indigenous local brokers for whose benefits the law was enacted are the real beneficiaries. What are your views on the regulatory enforcement on ‘no premium, no cover’ rule in the industry, how would it impact on the performances of underwriters, brokers? The ‘no Premium, no cover’ law is not a new law, it has been in existence for close to a decade. It is the strict implementation that is just coming up and I make bold to say that this is one law that if strictly and diligently implemented would lift the insurance industry in Nigeria to the next level. It will remove completely the usual disagreement between brokers and underwriters especially on premium collection and premium remittance. It will restore and sustain healthy and cordial dealing between brokers and underwriters. It will resolve once and for all, the issue of unpaid premiums. It would bring about, better balance sheet for operators and a robust industry all stakeholders, especially the insured, insurer and brokers would be happier for it. We have seen mutual dependence between the underwriting companies and brokers in the market recently, what would you attribute this to? Mutual dependence or symbiotic relationship is what the relationship between brokers and underwriters should normally be and we are gradually moving towards attaining this level some of the new rules guiding insurance operations in Nigeria would surely make us to attain this level and with close to 100 years of insurance practice in Nigeria, we are not getting any younger and maturity is setting in at all level. So you should expect greater harmony and understanding in the insurance industry in the years ahead. Looking at recent developments in the industry, what is the future outlook of the industry like? Oh! I can see a very bright future for the Nigeria insurance industry. An industry supervised by a proactive NAICOM. An industry operated by rededicated brokers and re-energised insurers all operating to the delight of all stakeholders and building a more virile industry.

Soyewo

The intervention of insurance brokers, especially in the African insurance market, therefore, becomes crucial as it helps to make insurance beneficial to policyholders. The brokers interpret the policy conditions to the insured and reject obnoxious ones on behalf of his client. It also ensures compliance, especially at the time of claim administration resulting in prompt, fair and equitable settlement, thus ensuring achievement of the purpose for which insurance policy was obtained

Soyewo

Because of this peculiar situation, the African insurance market requires new legislation that can strengthen the brokers to play their role effectively. Legislation that would enhance growth and capacity building for local insurance brokers to enable them compete favourably in the international market.

Soyewo

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13 ,, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

STOCKWATCH

Starting a small business (2) Last week we published the first part of our article; STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS. Here is the concluding part of the article HIRING EMPLOYEES OR some businesses, employees are a necessity right off the bat - it's impossible to run a popular restaurant or even a small coffee shop single-handedly. For other businesses, employees are more of a luxury - as much as you love the idea of a secretary answering your phone and picking up lunch for you, it may not be in your best interest to hire one right off the bat. Still other lines of business, like freelance writing, are wellsuited to being one-person operations. Here are the main issues you should consider if you're thinking about hiring employees.

Do You Want Help? This might sound like a no-brainer, but employees aren't for everyone. If you like to work alone, there's no reason you shouldn't - it's your business, after all. You can finally escape gossiping co-workers and office politics. And if you're the type who thinks that a job won't get done right unless you do it yourself, that's another reason not to hire employees - at least not in your business's fragile startup stage. While hiring someone can bring benefits to your business by increasing your efficiency and freeing you up to do the tasks you're best suited for, it also introduces more complexity and risk to your business. If you hire someone you know, you have to think about how a business relationship would affect your personal relationship and vice versa. And when someone else works for you, suddenly the success of your business affects not just you and your family, but also a your employee and his or her family. Also, having even one employee dramatically increases the number of government regulations you'll have to comply with, which takes away time and money from the core operations of your business. And, of course, you'll have to pay your employee. Can You Afford Help? Employees are expensive. They need their own place to work, their own supplies and wages or a salary. Then there are the payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, workers compensation and possibly health insurance and other potential benefits you'll have to provide. In other words, if you hire someone to help you for N10 an hour, their actual cost to you will be a lot higher than N10 an hour. If that employee really costs you N20 an hour, will he or she bring enough value to your business? For many startups, the answer is no. (Don't leave it up to your accountant - owners are ultimately responsible for fulfilling tax obligations However, some businesses can't afford not to hire help. If you want to run a restaurant, you can't expect to stay in business very long if you try to design the dining room, market the restaurant, buy the food, keep the books, do the prep work, cook, wait tables and wash dishes all by yourself. If you have a strong social network, you may be able to convince friends and family members to donate some time to your new business. Think about what you can offer them in return to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Differences Between Employees and Independent Contractors If you're not ready to make a financial or emotional commitment to an employee but you'd like to see how you do with help, consider hiring temporary help, virtual help or an independent contractor/freelancer. In the case of virtual help, depending on your line of business, this person could be a virtual assistant, writer, researcher, website designer - anything you need that can be done remotely. If you want to, you can conduct all of your interactions with this person online and through a thirdparty company. You can hire someone to fill a temporary need, or you can hire them on a trial basis to see how you like having assistance. RECORD KEEPING Creating and maintaining thorough business records is essential. These records will help you analyze your business's profitability, stay out of trouble with tax authorities, maintain positive relationships with clients and vendors, protect your business from lawsuits and win lawsuits if you are harmed. For the most part, you can choose any record keeping system that works for you. However, laws and best practices require/suggest specific methods of record keeping and lengths of time

to keep different types of records. Which specific regulations and practices apply to you will depend on your line of business. Certain records are key to all businesses, however, and we'll discuss a few of the most important ones here. Client Files You should have paper files and/or electronic files for every client and every project. It's important to keep a record of the work you've done and the business agreements you've made in case you or the other party has a question about it after the fact. Also, sometimes you can use your past assignments and agreements to inform your future ones, saving you time. Client files are also a good place to store notes about a client's preferences or anything else unique to that client that you want to remember. Set aside some time once a day, once a week or once a month to keep your files organized. The same goes for backing up your electronic files. Contracts If your business provides a service, you should sign a contract with your client every time you begin doing business with a new person or company. If you provide a product, you may have contracts with suppliers, distributors and the like. And if you have employees, you'll definitely want to draw up employment contracts. If you're working with an established business, it will often have an existing contract for you to sign. Of course, it may be beneficial if you're the one who writes the contract, as it may give you bargaining power over the terms of the business relationship that way. As for smaller businesses and individuals, you'll usually need to bring your own contract to the table. Before you open for business, you should create a standard contract that lays out the basic areas you want to cover in every business agreement, such as time frame, pay, and what the job entails. Your contract may also cover issues such as confidentiality, records, liability and ownership of work product. You will want to tailor the contract to each business agreement you create, but that process will be faster if you have a starting point. Working from a form contract can also ensure that you don't leave anything important out. Contracts serve the obvious purpose of making it easier for you to file a lawsuit if you don't get paid or if your client commits any other harmful breach of contract. But contracts also serve a few less obvious functions. They spell out the details of the work to be performed, providing both you and your client with an opportunity to make changes or clarifications before the work begins, when it is cheaper and easier to do so. Contracts also help weed out people who have no intention of paying you and show your clients that even though your business may be small and new, you are a professional and you take your work seriously. Both you and your client should keep a copy of the signed contract for your records. Accounting and Tax Records If your business has complicated financial records or if you want to be able to prepare financial statements with the click of a button, business accounting software like QuickBooks can be a big help. Be warned, though, that to use business accounting software accurately and effectively requires some accounting knowledge. If you don't know what debits, credits and journal entries are, this software may just cause you headaches. You can always keep records by hand or by spreadsheet. In many cases, spreadsheet software can serve all of your accounting needs - at least while your business is small. You can even get free spreadsheet software by downloading Open Office, an open-source software suite similar to Microsoft Office. The types of records you need to keep for accounting and tax purposes include the following: • Business expenses • Credit card statements • Bank statements • Annual tax returns • Quarterly tax filings • Payroll • Inventory • Sales • Income • Petty cash • Vehicle use log • Travel log • Cash register tapes • Credit card sales receipts • Invoices • Canceled checks

• Check stubs Other Records While this is not an exhaustive list and the types of records you will need to keep depend on your line of work, other records you should hold onto generally include the following: • Purchase orders • Employment applications • Emails and other business communications • Inventory logs • Personnel records • Accident reports • Articles of incorporation • Permits • Licenses • Trademark registrations and patents TIPS FOR GROWING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS To succeed in business today, you need to be flexible and have good planning and organizational skills. Many people start a business thinking that they'll turn on their computers or open their doors and start making money - only to find that making money in a business is much more difficult than they thought. You can avoid this in your business ventures by taking your time and planning out all the necessary steps you need to reach to achieve success. Read on to find out how. Get Organized To be successful in business you need to be organized. Organization will help you complete tasks and stay on top of things to be done. A good way to do this is to create a to-do list each day - as you complete each item, check it off your list. This will ensure that you're not forgetting anything and you're completing all the tasks that are essential to the survival of your business. Keep Detailed Records All successful businesses keep detailed records. By keeping detailed records, you'll know where the business stands financially and what potential challenges you could be facing. Just knowing this gives you time to create strategies to overcome the obstacles that can prevent you from being successful and growing your business. Analyze Your Competition Competition breeds the best results. To be successful, you can't be afraid to study and learn from your competitors. After all, they may be doing something right that you can implement in your business to make more money. Understand the Risks and Rewards The key to being successful is taking calculated risks to help your business grow. A good question to ask is "What's the downside?" If you can answer this question, then you know what the worst-case scenario is. This knowledge will allow you to take the kinds of calculated risks that can generate tremendous rewards for your business. Be Creative Always be looking for ways to improve your business and to make it stand out from the competition. Recognize that you don't know everything and be open to new ideas and new approaches to your business. Stay Focused The old saying that "Rome was not built in a day" applies here. Just because you open a business doesn't mean that you're going to immediately start making money. It takes time to let people know who you are, so stay focused on achieving your short-term goals and give the rest time to come together on its own. Prepare to Make Sacrifices The lead-up to starting a business is hard work, but after you open your doors, your work has just begun. In many cases, you have to put in more time than you would if you were working for someone else. In turn, you have to make sacrifices, such as spending less time with family and friends in order to be successful. Provide Great Service There are many successful businesses that forget that providing great customer service is important. If you provide better service for your customers, they'll be more inclined to come to you the next time they need something instead of going to your competition. Be Consistent Consistency is key component to making money in business. You have to consistently keep doing the things necessary to be successful day in and day out. This will create long-term positive habits that will help you make money over the long term. CONCLUSION Starting a small business is complex, time-consuming and lifealtering. There are many more things that go into running it than just providing the product(s) or service(s) that your business offers, however. You'll also be responsible for your business's finances, protecting your business and personal assets, keeping your business legal, paying taxes, keeping records, managing employees and more. If you understand what you're doing and know how to minimize the risks and challenges, the independence, personal satisfaction and financial rewards you can achieve as an entrepreneur can make starting a small business the best decision you'll ever make.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

BusinessInterview Govt must provide the enabling environment to boost

Soyewo

PHOTOS: GABRIEC IKHAHON

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Soyewo

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at Friday PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 10/5/2013

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

66 CAPITAL MARKET

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 10/5/2013

PRICE GAINERS

LOSERS

UBA’s profit grows to N54.8 billion in 2012 By Helen Oji NITED Bank for Africa U (UBA) Plc has announced its audited financial results for the full year 2012, even as its profit rose by over 905 per cent to close at N54.8billion from the N6.8billion loss it recorded in the previous year. The bank explained that the loss recorded in 2011 was on account of loan provisioning that it did to clean up its balance sheet. According to the result released at the Nigerian Stock Exchange to stockbrokers and the financial community, improvement was recorded in all indices in a performance that has seen

the complete turnaround of the pan-African financial services institution. The result showed that profit before tax increased by over 295 per cent to N52.00billion in 2012, compared to a loss of N26.60 billion posted in the previous year, whilst Total Comprehensive Income attributable to equity holders grew outstandingly by 5,058 per cent to N55.53billion, compared with a loss of N1.12 billion in 2011. Gross Earnings in 2012 for UBA grew significantly by 34.45per cent to peak at N220.1 billion; representing approximately N56.40 billion additional revenue from the N163.7 billion achieved in

the preceding year whilst the bank was able to keep total operating expense lower by 3.30 per cent during the period under review. Commenting on the performance, the Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, said, “we achieved those results despite a tough operating environment, demonstrating the strength and resilience of our business model. UBA had a strong year in 2012. Our success was again driven by the strength of our customer-focused, Corporate and Treasury driven business model. We are confident about our ability to deliver sustainable earnings growth in the future.

We will continue to strategically invest in our businesses, manage our expenses and contain cost, whilst continually seeking ways to exceed expectations of our stakeholders. “As always, our employees and their dedication to our customers and clients remains the driving force behind our success and I thank them for their tremendous contributions. The bank had a good performance for full year 2012, putting us in a position to commence the journey back to industry leadership and setting the stage for the attainment of our long term strategic intent of being a leading Bank on the African conti-

nent” he stated The Group Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwaghodoh, said the bank has continued to focus on customer service delivery, efficient capital management and returns maximization with return on equity exceeding 30 per cent in 2012, one of the highest in the industry. “Our ability to serve clients globally with solutions tailored to their needs gives us a strong advantage in today’s rapidly changing and highly competitive market place. Adopting a unique business platform across Africa, as a group, has also ensured that we present a single face to our customers

and clients around Africa . This does not only help foster collaboration throughout the Group, it also strengthens our ability to deliver value adding and innovative solutions to our customers and clients through our integrated model.” Nwaghodoh said. With operations in 19 African countries and presence in New York , London and Paris, UBA provides banking services to over seven million customers through expansive retail distribution outlets. Its ability to deliver tailored financial solutions based on high-value customised products and services sets it apart from peers.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Opinion Africa’s infrastructure, key to development (1) By Boima Rogers RECENT report stated that seven African countries were projected to be among the A top 10 fastest growing economies in the world in 2013. This is an impressive record that the continent should be proud of, but it fails to highlight some important issues. Firstly, African countries have exhibited the highest variation in economic growth rates, so while 2013 may be a good year some of those countries may well record minimal or even negative growth rates in 2014. Secondly, these growth rates are fuelled by the demand for raw materials, as China and some other fast growing economies pick up from the recession. African countries continue to remain at the lowest level in the food chain where variability is high and their take of finished products is miniscule. Africa has lost market share in world trade, from six per cent of world trade in 1980 to its current share of only three per cent. In order for these countries to minimize variability, move up the food chain, improve their market share and bargaining positions in trade and ensure that economic growth filters through the various parts of their communities, the continent needs to build and expand its infrastructure. This should include the physical, educational, governance and regional infrastructure. The continent possesses considerable natural resources that can be used in its infrastructure, the measures required are not insurmountable and indeed some are quite basic. Africa’s trading partners, aid donors and nongovernment organisations must play a role in this process. African leaders must realise that improving the infrastructure will attract investment, generate economic growth and political stability and secure their positions. An anecdote highlights the importance of the infrastructure. In responding to recent accusations of military aggression in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rwandan government stated that the problem in Congo was the lack of basic infrastructure, which caused its people to revolt against its leaders. It is bizarre that Rwanda, a country that has only one per cent of the area and 15 per cent of the population of Congo should be an aggressor. Congo, with an abundance of minerals and huge agricultural potential is in such a sorry state that it can be threatened by its much smaller neighbour. A tiny country with minimal natural resources, which has made great strides in developing its physical and human infrastructure is being accused of aggression by a huge country teeming

with natural resources because the bigger country’s infrastructure is largely non-existent. The only way that the continent can attract and maintain investment is by building and maintaining its physical infrastructure, namely, ports, rail and road networks, airports, power supplies and telecommunication. An analysis of the situation reveals the challenges facing the continent. A review of ports, the gateways where the bulk of imports and exports pass into the continent shows that much work needs to be done. The dwell times, that is average waiting times for ships is four days for European ports and berth productivity is 25 moves per hour compared to four days and 40 moves for African ports. High dwell times result in high congestion levels and make African ports less competitive. Customs delays for the continent are three and a half times what they are in Europe. The time spent in ports as a percentage of total transport time in Africa is four times that of East Asian ports. African ports have failed to invest in new equipment, notably, on equipment to handle large ships and in container facilities, consequently only small ships can call in many ports and many ports cannot handle containerized cargos, a fast growing mode of transportation. The continent also has some of the highest insurance charges. These conditions make African ports significantly more expensive for shippers, discourage ships from using them and for many ports because only small vessels can be handled, they miss out on the efficiencies that large ships can bring, ultimately, incurring higher shipping costs. Roads and railways are the arteries in the economy. Farm to market roads are crucial in agricultural development. National road and railway networks are essential in moving goods and people within countries, between and outside the region. Roads, which carry between 8090 per cent of freight and passengers within Africa, are in a poor state and inadequate for the needs of the continent making transportation less efficient compared to other regions. A recent World Bank study revealed that rural subSaharan Africa has only 34 per cent of access (lands covered by roads) as compared to 90 per cent in the rest of the world. The study found out that the average paved road density for countries in sub-Saharan Africa was only a third that of the average for low-middle income countries as a whole. The poor state of roads, particularly secondary ones and the numerous check points on all roads increase the time it takes to travel and transport goods significantly. This is a major impediment to trade and development, with

wastage of farm produce on the continent accounting for up to 50 per cent of output. The density of rail networks in Africa per land is lower than in other low-income countries. A high proportion of them are very old, up to a hundred years, with low maintenance, in some cases tracks have deteriorated to a point of no return and some have gone out of service. The lack of repair and upgrade means they cannot compete against modern road networks. Railroads according to a recent report tend to have “low axle loads, low speeds, small scale, undercapitalised, and ill-suited to modern requirements”. Most of them are single tracks and are not electrified, with South Africa alone accounting for virtually all the electrified rail network. Africa has largely ignored this mode of transport that could play an important role in its transport network by giving businesses and passengers choice, removing transport bottlenecks and being a cost effective transport mode if properly maintained and upgraded. In comparison with countries of similar per capita income, African countries are under-endowed with airports, runways and passenger and freight terminals. The number of paved runways longer than 1,500 meters is 20 per cent less (as a share of land area) than other low-income countries. Many of the runways are unpaved. A study by Bofinger in 2009 found that 25 per cent of airports are in poor condition. Airport efficiencies, in terms of processing passengers and cargo are low and many airlines servicing those airports have poor safety records. The state of the aviation industry on the continent is a severe impediment in attracting business travellers, tourists and the development of air cargo. With 3.1 per cent of world power generation, Africa has the lowest electrification in the world. The Economic Commission for Africa reported that only 23 per cent of the continent’s population has access to electricity, with unreliable supply, power rationing and unscheduled cuts. Installed capacity is equal to what China installs every two years. Installed capacity at 153 kWh per capita, excluding North Africa and South Africa, was only six per cent of the global average in 2009. If we include North Africa and South Africa, per capita electricity consumption increases to only 23 per cent of the global average. The average effective electricity tariff in Africa is

US $0.14 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), three and a half times the tariff in South Asia and double that for East Asia. Tariff rates would be even higher without subsidies by African countries of U.S. $0.04 per kWh. The situation is really bizarre with some countries endowed with vast power resources having very low installed capacity and consumption per capita. The power generation industry in Africa is dominated by costly smallscale power systems. Subsidies for electricity have discouraged investments needed to expand capacity. The deficiencies in power supply are a major impediment in attracting investment into the continent. In a World Bank survey of 55 countries, 67 per cent of firms cited electricity as a business constraint. Telecommunications and ICT are important for competitiveness and productivity. While there have been significant improvements on the continent in mobile phone usage, the region lags behind other regions in terms of the number of fixed lines, internet usage and broad band installation.

The area where African countries have lagged behind very significantly is in fixed lines and fixed lines with broadband. Fixed lines are still the dominant and cheapest telephone system for businesses and the lack of this infrastructure is a serious impediment to business. African countries are not yet making full use of e-commerce systems. The limited use of information technology is due to inadequate, inefficient and very expensive telecommunications services; the inadequate development of fixed lines, which is required by businesses providing such services is a major factor. • To be continued. • Rogers is Principal Consultant at Media and Event Management Oxford (MEMO).

Che, Mandela, Obama By Patrick Dele Cole HILE Che and Mandela have succeeded, Obama is destined W to fail, even though his vision is as powerful as Che and Mandela. Obama’s failure will be as a result of his locality. It is as if he was built to fail. No one will see any roads, bridges, institutions etc built by Mandela or Che. But their ability to touch the mind profoundly differs from an equally powerful way Obama touches minds and the type of minds they each touch. For all three of them race is a central issue and their view for political action start from the same spring – inalienable right to liberty, man was born free. Obama has to perform as President of the United States. He has to build roads, railways, airports; he has to put people to work, put food on tables in an attempt to build a middle class or an America where anyone could be anything. Che and Mandela do not doubt these potentialities, they just think they are irrelevant to the fight that they have to face; they do not have a middle class to satisfy. They have an underclass that have to be organized, fed, educated and thought how to forgive their erstwhile oppressors. Obama has institutional blocks that will prevent his ability to build these institutions that will bring jobs because to do so would be to fundamentally change the economic basis of the United States, spend and borrow or let the poor whose fault it is anyway to fight their way out of poverty. The hearts of Americans need further tilling – it is still too hard: it needs further tilling and watering for Obama’s ideas to take hold and grow. Obama’s words, soothing and wonderful as they may be, can never turn an enemy into a friend – which is Lincoln’s test of political suc-

cess. An American Messiah would come: today Obama is a pretentious John the Baptist. What can Obama do? He cannot balance the budget; cannot grow the economy out of the recession, cannot cut government expenditure to the satisfaction of the Republicans. Whatever vision he may have is in danger of being beforehand maligned by advocates of sexual preference, adherents of gun control, and so forth. Che Guevara has been my icon for over 60 years and inspired me as no political figure has done ever. All the great political thinkers from Aristotle, to Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke and the various enlightenment philosophers all affected me but a lot less then Che. The political mathematics that Aristotle and Machiavelli were experts taught us that there are certain underlying principles in the organisation of society: that within these principles are tolls, not always pretty, or truthful in dealing with the dynamics of politics. We learn that while you preach the doctrine of a just rules, nearly always there is some injustice in rulership and successful survival in the deadliest of all games – called politics. The remaining pantheon of political theorists, or practitioners merely refine what simple thought and logic ought to make clear: that to be free, we have to be able to give up some freedom; that to survive, we should be willing to fight and die for the survival of society. The retreat from Marxism was generated within the old radical left in itself, not least by the clash inherent in the intervolutionary versions of Marxism between automatic historical evolution and the role of interventionist revolutionary action. If historical development inevitably led to the end of capitalism and hence, it was assumed, the inevitable triumph of socialism, then there

could be no decisive role for revolutionary action, except when the apple was ripe enough to fall off the tree of history. The radical left, before 1914 hungry for action, rejected Marxism identification with the evolutionary expectations of German social democracy. Only the First World War and the October 1917 Revolution brought their radicalism to Marx via Lenin and the establishment of USSR. The new radical left movements of the 1960s as stated earlier identified with the evolutionary expectation of Germany. That radical left occurred at the height of Western Capitalist success, established by rising incomes, increased welfarism and the symbiosis of business enterprise and labour unions. Marxism also had a new face, no longer the massive head of Marx and his eminence grey beard, but by the move suitable visage of voluntarist insurrection, personified by Che Guevara. The uncontrollable increase of human capacity to produce was demonstrated by the Club of Rome in the early 1970s, and it began to engage men’s mind on the problem of the environment. Are we producing so much, using both human and natural elements, to extinction? All of a sudden, Marxism had a new paradox within the old paradox. There was no doubt in the minds of Marxist that Capitalism would destroy itself and the workers would succeed. The question was what would they succeed to? A barren earth full of carbon dioxide; no forest, no oxygen etc. Marxism had to find a new way. It had to follow the Che Guevara example: that example is being solidified today in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador where the principles of Che are working themselves out. • Ambassador (Dr.) Cole is a Consultant to The Guardian Editorial Board.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Opinion Freedom for the sake of truth By Anthony Akinwale EQUEL to a proclamation of the United NaSin tions General Assembly in December 1993, what ritualizes Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the World Press Freedom Day is marked every year on May 3. Article 19 states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” These two declarations are of crucial importance for the health of democracy. Abraham Lincoln’s vision of the imperishability of democracy, expressed in his Gettysburg Address of 1863, “that government of the people by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth”, will remain an illusion unless the citizen’s freedom to hold and express opinions is acknowledged, protected and promoted. Without freedom of expression, ideas needed for the actualization of individual and collective potentials are stifled, personal and collective aspirations go unfulfilled, and authentic development is impeded. The World Press Freedom Day offers a unique opportunity to peoples and governments all over this planet to identify threats to press freedom in our time. Some of these threats are internal to the press, some others are external. But there is one threat that is both internal and external, and that is, the danger to which the

very notion of freedom is subjected in much of contemporary discourse. To be free, says St. Thomas Aquinas, is to be “masters of our own actions by reason of our being able to choose this or that.” But there is more to be said. “Choice,” continues Aquinas, “regards not the end, but the means to the end, as the Philosopher [Aristotle] says” (Summa Theologiae, I, q. 82, art 1, ad. 3). If freedom is the power to make choices, and choices are means towards an end, then choices are not morally neutral. The choices we make in life are either good or bad, depending on whether or not they are made in view of the attainment of the Highest Good. The good, by definition, is that which everyone desires. It is that to which the human will, by way of natural necessity, adheres. Our choices are good or bad, depending on whether they assist or hinder us in our desire for the truly good. Press freedom can never be an absolute. It is not an end but a means to an end. It can be put to good use just as it can be put to bad use, and the truth can be told in a way that misleads. Press freedom is an instrumental agent. The journalist is the principal agent. Freedom of the press is freedom of the individual journalist. If that freedom is not used in ways that conform to the purpose of press freedom then there is abuse of press freedom. What is the purpose of press freedom? Freedom is not power to do what we want but power to choose the good rightly under-

stood. It is therefore contingent on rationality propelled by diligent inquiry, and aided by wise counsel and good judgment. Freedom cannot be dissociated from truth and goodness. In concrete terms, press freedom is not the journalist’s freedom to publish what he wants but freedom to publish the truth. And the journalist must be free to publish the truth. Three decades and two years ago, Pope John Paul II wrote: “freedom is not merely a right that one claims for oneself. It is also a duty that one undertakes with regard to others. If it is really to serve peace, the freedom of each human individual and each community must respect the freedoms of each human individual and each community must respect the freedoms and rights of other individuals and communities. This respect sets limits to freedom, but it also gives it its logic and dignity, since we are by nature social beings” (World Day of Peace Message, 1981, n. 7). Press freedom is not just a right, it is also a duty. The press, as watch dog and fourth estate of the realm, is free to publish and report. That is a right. To this corresponds the duty to publish and report the truth, to practice journalism with moral and professional competence, always at the service of the common good. And there is no common life, no common good, where there is no truth. Every journalist must take responsibility for the common good by publishing the truth, not by fabricating news. The executive should

be so busy that it has no time to intimidate the press. The legislature is to make laws that protect press freedom, and the judiciary should be on the side of justice in interpreting and applying such laws. Without press freedom understood as freedom to publish the truth in the service of common good, the polity resembles an edifice founded on deceit and falsehood, built on quicksand. It will, sooner or later, collapse like a pack of cards. Where it does not collapse it remains a habitation of discomfort and discontent, a land of insecurity where leaders and led try to excel in appearing to be good when in fact they seek to outdo one another by devoting their energy to plotting and executing evil. Without exonerating private media organisations, it has to be said that the very idea of staterun media is an assault on press freedom. The press in Nigeria is not at the service of the people. It is a tool in the hands of the state personalized in the political leader. Every news bulletin on radio and television begins and ends with how the President, Governor or Senator has transformed the land into a paradise. Truth is sacrificed for the sake of the politician. The tax payer’s money is used to misinform the tax payer. The fourth estate of the realm works in ways that are inimical to the common good. That largely explains why our democracy is in distress. • Father Akinwale, a Dominican priest, teaches Systematic Theology and Thomistic Studies at the Dominican Institute, Ibadan.

Nebo’s kind of revolution By Sunny Igboanugo KNOW how to motivate my men to go into the heart of gun“I fire,” Napoleon Bonaparte was quoted to have said. What was this special skill that the French revolutionary leader and one of history’s most celebrated military strategists rely on to make this profound statement? Simple. He had the heart of the soldiers in his palms. How? It was said that Napoleon neither distanced himself from his soldiers, nor the people of France. He fought the battles with them, relaxed with them, ate and drank the same food and drinks with them, slept on the same type of bed like them and conducted himself like any other soldier despite having the power of life and death in his hand. The compelling lesson here: Any leader, who firmly grabs the heart of the people, achieves the impossible as easily as blowing out a candle. The world is replete with examples – Mahatma Gandhi of India, Mao Zedong of China, American Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King, Kwame Nkruma of Ghana, Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria, Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, Barack Obama of America. The list continues to swell daily. The same template has been transported to the Nigerian power sector to remedy the obvious intractable problems responsible for the elusiveness of constant electricity. At the driving seat of this initiative is the new helmsman, Prof. Ositadinma Nebo. It is a silent, quiet, noiseless revolution. But the effect is tremendous. On Friday, May 3, during one in the series of meetings with stakeholders in the sector, Nebo demonstrated how it works. It was a short parley. But by the time it rose, he practically had the heart of everyone at the conference hall of the Ministry of Power, including those watching on the sidelines in his palms. It was magical. But it evidenced the reason why every step of this first-rate scholar, preacher and exemplary manager of men and materials in his previous assignments is dotted with success and spoken about in superlatives. No wonder his record as the Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where in just one term of office, he destroyed the decades-long monster of cultism, threatening not only to emasculate the vision of the founding fathers, but defined a new status and direction for that premier citadel of learning; ended the incessant and wanton destruction of properties, mindless orgy of killing; built new infrastructures, cemented industrial harmony, destroyed the restrictive glass cage that prevented lecturers from becoming professors, and introduces what is now nostalgically being referred to as The Nebo Era, a feat he was about replicating at the Federal Univer-

sity, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, before being sprung away for his current assignment. By conviction and conversion as opposed to coercion and compulsion, he revved up the workers by talking “with” them as fellow workers and family members instead of talking “to” or “at” them as hired labourers in a magisterial, ministerial capacity, it became clear why a converted Saul, by applying the same zeal, effervescence and determination, became so audacious as to confront and defeat the most ferocious foes in the spread of Christianity. Hear him: “I urge you to become cathedral builders. Our own cathedral is to give Nigeria power 24/7; uninterrupted power supply. That is the vision; that is the destination of the vehicle that is carrying all of us. Everyone of us must have his hands on deck. It is not what we do for ourselves that matter. It is what we have done to change the lots of others. Can you imagine what will happen when in future we get to our destination, and we will; and Nigeria is emancipated and power supply is 24/7 and somebody asked you, if you are retired, ‘where did you work’ and you say, I worked in the ministry of power? Can you imagine the pride with which you will say that?” It was a clincher. The result was not only demonstrated in a standing ovation, the first time in many years a chief executive of the ministry would be so treated, the torrents of praises that showered like a fountain, but in the commitment of the workers to practically squeeze water out of stones if need be to make him succeed. Of course, not everybody would agree to this model as an effective management strategy. To some, it would be more effective to play the boss, bang on the table and issue orders and threats and leave the workers cringing into their shells in utter trepidation of “consequences.” Come to think of it, was it heard that at Nsukka, Nebo drafted in a battalion of soldiers to eradicate cultism? Was it heard that he brought in men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to chase around his accounting officers in order to do projects. No. He simply laid the cards on the table. He simply led by example. From the foregoing, it is apparent that the ululation of the minister’s Nsukka legacy, a demonstrable evidence of the efficacy of a convinced and converted foot soldiers is not far from reverberating across the country and beyond. The naysayers miss the point by recently suggesting the big stick option or frantically looking for somebody to strike down, to show “strength,” as the first step. It would be incongruous for him as a cleric, who has no need to seek the punishment of an offender, who has repented. That was his point at that meet-

ing. The task at hand is too big and the time too short. Besides, as Obama said, you can’t be applying the same solution to a given ailment and expect a different result. The criminals in the sector only need to discover that there is a new sheriff in town and either become good citizens or leave town. That is Nebo’s style. He doesn’t need to prove he is not a weakling or naive. A tiger doesn’t advertise its tigritude, it is said. Already the positive signs are self-evident. On Monday, April 22, this year, the Presidential Power Reform Transaction Signing Summit, was performed by Mr. President himself, ending the doubt about the practicability of cementing the privatisation process and opening a new panorama of opportunities envisioned by its initiators. Achieving this recent feat, without the rancour and doubt that hampered the process in the past, has shown the direction of events, just like the rancour and deafening noise over labour issues that have given way to a quiet, but effective engagement by all parties. Hear what he told the visiting Lord Mayor of Britain recently: “When you look at the telecoms sector and the potentials, people say it is astronomical and I agree with them. But then the power sector has the potentials to top that. Because when you have a situation in a country the size of Nigeria with 170 million people generating and distributing 5,000megawatts, South Africa has 40 million people and generates 43,000; in order to match South Africa’s per capita generation and consumption of electricity, Nigeria needs more than 200,000megawatts of electricity.” Rousing that giant is the new attraction, the larger picture. Doubtless, some people somewhere are not on the same page with the new vision of both the President and the minister, who now sleep and wake up power. They resort to the old game of distracting by personal attacks. But Nebo’s pedigree speaks for itself. His achievements are not a mere fluke. Naturally, he is not one to run away from problems or deny the existence of facts, no matter how bitter. He has admitted existing hiccups. But he is not sleeping over them. He equally tracks his fieldsmen without relent. The haze is clearing fast also. Unlike in midApril when there was a sharp dip, the power situation has improved tremendously once again, with statistics showing that between May 1, and May 6, available generation capacity has grown from 3,500megawatts to 5,467megawatts. Nebo’s plea now to Nigerians is patience. The media, a critical vehicle must also drive the current enterprise of hope and regeneration. That is the new trend. The naysayers should wake up from their slumber and smell the coffee, because the train has since left the station. That is the new reality. • Igboanugo, a journalist, writes from Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Media Bolarinwa out, Mba in... ‘New dawn’ at NBC

Mba

Issue By Gbenga Salau HE news filtered in as rumour coming a couple T of hours after the outgoing Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Eng. Yomi Bolarinwa, chaired a forum in Lagos. None within the airwaves’ regulatory agency family was willing to confirm or comment on the change of baton until the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) broke the news. And surprisingly, Mr. Emeka Mba was announced as the new DG of NBC. Mba, until late last year, was the DG of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). Ironically, the Thursday forum in Lagos was staged under the umbrella team of regulatory agencies in the creative industry in Nigeria tagged The QUARTET, comprising Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), NBC and NFVCB, an indication that Bolarinwa and Mba had, for years, worked together as partners in progress mobilising resources, human and material for the development of television and entertainment industry. In fact, it has become a tradition among the leadership of the four agencies to attend and lend support whenever any of the agencies is organising event outside the mandate of the QUARTET. For instance, in 2011, when NBC organised a retreat for the review of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, the duo of Afolabi Adesanya (NFC) and Mba were present as special guests. Could Mba’s appointment be a stab on the back of Bolarinwa, most importantly when he still had almost one year to complete his first term in office? Is the appointment politically motivated? Does it have ethnic colouration? What is the antecedent of Mba to have merited the new post after serving as the DG of NFVCB for almost eight years? Why does government have to recycle somebody who had headed a similar federal parastatal for two terms as DG of NBC at this time of transiting to digital broadcasting? Assuming it’s the turn of Ndigbo to have a taste of the NBC top job, especially now that the principle of ‘turn by turn’ has become a critical factor in appointment, does it mean that Mba is the only qualified person among Igbo nation? These are some of the posers his choice has generated, and his disposition to the new assignment in the next few months will certainly provide answers. But for him, sitting at the driver’s side of a commission charged with the mandate of ensuring

people’s right to quality broadcasting should be a familiar terrain, especially after working with Multi-choice as well as the attempt, in collaboration with other investors, to set up an indigenous pay TV company, HiTV. The Guardian learnt that the major reason he was picked for the NBC job was his knowledge in digital broadcasting, as well as managerial acumen to manage men and materials judiciously. But opinion is already divided on these attributes because Nigeria’s trouble with transition to digital broadcasting has largely been that of political will on the part of government to take right decision at the right time. And till date, his tenure at censor’s board generated so much controversy than resolving any. In taking a cursory look at his tenure at Censor’s board, he could not be rated to have performed above average considering the fact that his major project for the two terms he served as DG did not yield much fruit. The distribution framework, which was his primary and only project on paper is regarded as excellent but it failed to make real impact and its realisation was zero. Many stakeholders in the film industry continue to lament that distribution is the major reason the industry has failed to move to its next level. And with the distribution framework, many had thought that the battle would be over but it did not yield fruit. The beauty of the project is in the paper work, and far from practitioners’ yearning. Also, his collaboration with other investors that gave birth to HiTV didn’t turn out a positive story, as the company only existed for a few years before it collapsed with subscription money of thousands of Nigerians going down with the company’s collapse. As a person with vested interest in pay television to pilot the digitalization and regulate the entire broadcasting industry, will Mba be a fair umpire? This is why some stakeholders at unsure if he is truly the man that should be picked to serve. In commenting on the issues, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda, Edetaen Ojo, said, “The first point that needs to be made is that there are major structural and fundamental defects in the processes of appointment and removal of the Director-General of the commission. “These defects have to be corrected through legislative reform. The current process simply cannot guarantee the independence of the commission. It is a well-established principle under international law that institutions, which exercise regulatory powers over the media, should be independent of political influences. “Regrettably, the current process of appointment or removal of the Director-General makes the occupant of the office as well as the commission itself vulnerable and susceptible to political manipulation and influences.” He noted that under the current arrangement, the Director-General had no security of tenure and does not have clearly defined or certain conditions of service because Section 5(5) of the National Broadcasting Commission Act states that “the DirectorGeneral shall hold office in the first instance for a period of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for such further periods as the President may, from time to time, determine.” This, to him, is a clear invitation for any Director-General who hopes to be re-appointed to do the bidding of the President and an enormous power placed in the hands of the President to exercise full and unqualified control over the Chief Executive of the commission.

“To worsen the situation, section 5(6) of the NBC Act goes further to provide that “the Director-General shall hold office on such terms as to emoluments and otherwise as may be specified in his letter of appointment and as may, from time to time, be approved by the President.” To the MRA head, this also gives the President enormous discretionary powers, which are not circumscribed by any guidelines to determine the salary and allowances of the DirectorGeneral and to vary them as he pleases. Ojo stated, “These are clearly arbitrary powers and like most arbitrary powers, subject to abuse. This situation obviously puts the Director-General in an untenable position where he is vulnerable to political pressure to act in accordance with the wishes or dictates of the President. “With regards to removal from office, Section 4(4) of the NBC Act stipulates that “A member of the Commission may be removed from office by the President if he is satisfied that it is not in the interest of the Commission or the interest of the public that he should continue in office.” This provision also applies to the Director-General of the Commission by virtue of Section 3(c ).” He also said there were also very broad and discretionary powers that were subject to abuse and may be applied for purely political reasons, since the Act makes no attempt to define “public interest”, the Director-General can be removed for virtually any reason or for no reason at all. N what might have motivated Mba’s O appointment, Ojo said, “It is difficult for me to make an objective assessment about whether Emeka Mba is the right choice since I do not know him well. But I think the best way to ensure that the right person is appointed always is to reform the legal framework and adopt an open and transparent process of appointment which will provide an opportunity for industry stakeholders to be involved in the selection process and to provide information about the competence or otherwise of any proposed candidate. “I believe that at this point in time, the head of the regulatory body for broadcasting should be someone with considerable knowledge of and experience in the broadcast sector, who has a good understanding of the issues and challenges relevant to the sector and has ideas about how those issues might be resolved. “We have long advocated a system where a nominee for the office goes through a confirmation hearing. This will provide a platform for assessing the nominee’s knowledge and understanding of the relevant issues as well as his or her ideas and proposals for taking the broadcast industry in Nigeria forward”. A professor of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, Lai Oso said Bolarinwa’s removal a few months before the expiration of his tenure was part of the arbitrariness with which Nigeria ran its government and institutions, adding, “So, it is part of the arbitrariness in government.” On whether the change in NBC leadership might slow down the digitalization project since in Nigeria a new government always saw things differently, Oso said, “If institutions are supposed to run as they should run, removing one person should not disrupt the running of the organisation. So, I do not think that should be a problem. The main problem should be the appointment and removal of government officials.” While commenting on the new appointment, Oso said that in Nigeria things worked on a patronage system, and would not want to review the appointment of the new DG because he did not know the criteria used by govern-

Bolarinwa

ment in picking him neither did he have an insight to the personality of the new helmsman. However, former President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mallam Garba Shehu argued that the change in the leadership of NBC was long overdue, saying, “I said it before that the NBC under Bolarinwa was being run with a deathwish for the private radio. Thank God that he is leaving just one station, Wazobia in Kano in the morgue. The recent fine of N2 million slapped on Liberty Radio in Kaduna for airing an opinion criticising the Minister of Information’s media tour is the most misguided, most bizarre action a regulator anywhere could ever take.” Continuing, Shehu added, “If my wish has been the need for a change of leadership at the NBC, I cannot say the same for the appointment of a censor to head the regulatory agency. Certainly, Emeka Mba should approach his new job with a different frame of mind than he did the censorship board. It is offensive to the sensibilities of believers in Press Freedom for a censor to be made to run the NBC. But it is what Mba does at the NBC, in the final analysis, that will determine if he is at the wrong place.” According to the journalist-turned politician who has been serving as spokesperson for the former Vice President Atiku Abubakr, “NBC is fortunate to have had visionary managers at commencement. The challenge is for a serious government to look around to find such type of managers and have them run the NBC.” Former Executive Director of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, (FRCN), Mr. Kevin Ejiofor, said the question of whether Mba was the right person for the job should not arise, noting, “He has a strong background in broadcasting and media. Most importantly, NBC has a crop of strong, exciting and competent people in all departments. Unless you actually bring a complete fool into the place, I do not see why he should not work. “The outgoing DG did an excellent job and set up a team, which I have great respect for. And Mba with his background in media and broadcasting should not have problems continuing from where Bolarinwa stopped. To be quite frank with you, I called the former DG and congratulated him on his tenure. I think it was a fantastic tenure he had. I also called Mba to wish him luck and tell him that as far as I am aware, the team at NBC, with the experience and professionalism based on the things that they have done, is good”.

The GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Oil & GasWeekly Remi Aiyela, Editor-in-Chief

editor@NOGintelligence.com www.NOGintelligence.com

UPSTREAM NEWS

SPDC To Test Gbaran-Ubie Gas Wells for Supply To Imiringi Power Plant

he Imiringi Power Plant in Ogbia Local T Government Area in Bayelsa State will soon get a gas boost as the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) tests five gas wells with a view to supplying the Imiringi Power Plant once tests are successfully completed. SPDC, which has just released a progress report on its Gbaran-Ubie project says it is currently testing the potentials of five gas wells as it progresses implementation of the project in Bayelsa State. The exercise, which began two weeks ago involves brief simulated production to determine the potentials of the wells and flaring of released gas in isolated locations. The company says that once the tests are completed the wells will be hooked up to the Gbaran-Ubie central processing facility which will process the gas for domestic and export markets with the Imiringi gas turbines as one of the main recipients. SPDC stressed in its statement that it had engaged the local communities before commencing the well tests. Project lead Gbaran- Ubie Phase 2, Calistus Iwu said: “The testing of the gas wells is standard international practice and the exercise will last about four weeks. As we explained to the communities, the flares from the tests for each well typically lasts only a few days.” The company credits the Gbaran-Ubie project with helping it to significantly reduce operational flares in Gbaran, Kolo Creek, etelebou and Zarama since it achieved first oil/gas in June 2010. News of the Gbaran-Ubie progress comes hot on the heels of the announcement by Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson that the State Government has just signed a Memorandum of Agreement with IPP energy Limited and GMB Leasing Partners for a new 100 mega watts gas turbine in the area. The Governor hopes that the project, which should be completed by the end of the year, will take his government a step closer to delivering uninterrupted power supply to Bayelsa State residents.

DOWNSTREAM NEWS

through its pipeline, the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAGPCo) has decided not to set a new deadline until it has completed all preparatory work. The vital pipeline was shut six months ago on the 28th of August, after incurring extensive damage in the Lome area. The crash occurred when a Togolese naval vessel collided with another craft causing severe damage to the pipeline in the incident. According to the General Manager,Corporate Affairs, Mrs harriet Wereko-Brobby, the company is carrying on with maintenance work and is currently cleaning and drying the pipeline, a measure that will protect it against pipeline corrosion. The delay in resuming operations is causing a great deal of hardship to the recipient nations. Ghana, for example, has been rationing power after the 200 mega watt Asogoli power plant, which relies wholly on gas delivered through the pipeline, ground to a complete halt following the incident. MrsWereko-Brobby said previously: “The damaged pipeline is receiving intensive repairs and it is being tested to make it leakage-proof. We have replaced the damaged segments, tested the joins and made sure that there are no leakages. Now the next thing that we have to do is to clean the pipeline to make sure that there is no water and debris.” Unfortunately, the April 30th deadline she gave in the statement was not adhered to by the company. MrsWereko-Brobby explained that the damaged pipes had been replaced and the joints tested and that the drying of the pipeline was now taking place following which, operations along the 656 kilometre long pipeline will resume. The pipeline project, a joint venture between public and private sector companies from Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana was set up to transport natural gas from Nigeria to the partner countries who make up the customers. The company, which has its headquarters in Accra is owned by Chevron West African Gas Pipeline Ltd. (36.7%); Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (25%); Shell Overseas holdings Limited (18%); Takoradi Power Company Limited (16.3%); Societe Togolaise de Gaz (2%); and Societe BenGaz S.A. (2%). An extension of the pipeline to the Jubilee field in Ghana, to be completed in September will see Ghana adding to Nigerian supply to the company’s cus-

FINANCIAL NEWS

Oryx Raises $249.7 million in Canadian IPO

RYx Petroleum’s partners in Oil Mining Lease O (OML 141) will be pleased to know that the company has succeeded in raising $249.7 million in an initial public offering. The company, which farmed into OML 141 in 2011, is an offshoot of the Addax and Oryx Group Limited (AOG), which was incorporated in 1987. Founder of AOG, Jean Claude Gandur, was the founder of Addax Petroleum, which he sold to Chinese state-owned Sinopec in 2009 for a reported $9.8 billion. Oryx is his attempt to build a new Addax Petroleum and it is made up of key members of the former senior management team of Addax. Oryx Petroleum is understood to have reduced the size of the sale after originally announcing its intention to raise $346 in the IPO. It sold 16.7 million shares for $14.86 each as against the price of $19.81 to $22.78 dollars, which it was initially seeking. The sale was led by Royal Bank of Canada, Barclays, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Bank of Montreal. The company had previously announced that it was seeking the IPO to enable it to accelerate work on its assets. It had said that it plans to invest $400 million over the next four or five years and plans to spend $325 million on exploration in 2013 alone. In spite of its acquisitions in Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Congo (Brazzaville) and Iraq, the company is yet to reach first oil on any of its assets. Oryx has a 38.67 per cent participating interest in the 1400 square kilometre OML 141.

REGULATORY NEWS OPEC Daily Basket Price Stood At $102.75 A Barrel Tuesday 7 May

he price of OPeC basket of twelve crudes stood at T $102.75 dollars a barrel on compared with $102.61 the previous day.

The new OPeC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (ecuador), Iran heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait export (Kuwait), es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAe) and Merey (Venezuela).

WAGPCo Unable To Confirm Gas Supply Resumption Date

the establishment of a pipeline protection agency, the state national oil company, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has confirmed that there are no plans to establish any such agency. The President of the NUPeNG, Comrade Igwe Achese had called for special agency that will be responsible for monitoring and protecting the nation’s 5,000 kilometres pipeline network. Speaking at the recent Special Delegates conference held in Lagos, Igwe Achese said: “We are due for an agency like the pipeline protection agency so that the country can address the challenges of pipeline vandalism. The country as we all know is losing so much as a result of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. So we can’t afford to continue to watch helplessly as large volumes of our crude is being wasted and lost owing to the damage done to our pipelines.” he also wants the Government to enter into a dialogue with illegal refiners as a way of tackling that problem which is partially responsible for the pipeline breaks and environmentally damaging oil spills. Responding to the call for a new agency, Ms Tuminini Green, speaking to Dow Jones Newswires, said that NNPC has been collaborating with security agencies and local communities and she commended the work being done by the Joint Task Force, the agency set up by the Government to tackle the menace of oil theft, which she said is making great inroads in the fight to end pipeline vandalism. “We sincerely believe that these efforts and the engagement we are having with the communities will help check and eventually end pipeline vandalism. We neither believe in nor support the establishment of any agency for the specific purpose of protecting pipelines,” she said. Nigeria is said to lose 150,000 barrels a day of oil from illegal tapping of pipelines. Although some of the stolen oil is used by illegal refiners in make shift local refineries, the bulk of it is said to be sold abroad. The government says that it is planning to use fingerprinting technology to identify and track stolen crude to its destination.

NEITI Board Member Appointed To The EITI Global Board

MeMBeR of the Nigeria extractive Industries A Transparency Initiative (NeITI) National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), Faith Nwadishi has been nominated as a full member of the International Board of the extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (eITI). The move is largely seen as validation of the work being done by NeITI to achieve transparency and accountability in the Nigerian extractive industries, but due to its importance, the Nigerian oil and gas industry in particular. The eITI International Board, chaired by former British Member of Parliament, Clair Short is the highest policy making organ of the global extractive Industries Transparency Initiative operating in about forty five countries including Nigeria. Ms Nwadishi is to represent the Civil Society in the International Board made up of twenty members drawn from member countries across the world. Faith Nwadishi is the National Coordinator of an international Civil Society Organisation known as Publish What You Pay (PWYP). PWYP is reputed worldwide for championing the campaign for companies to disclose publicly what they pay to government in form of royalties, levies and taxes and for governments to also declare what they receive. The concept of public disclosure, which Faith Nwadishi and her organisation are associated with is based on the extractive industries transparency principles that availability of information and data to the citizens on extractive industries payment and receipts is fundamental to ensuring that resources from oil, gas and mining rich countries aid national development and reduce poverty through transparent and prudent management. Faith Nwadishi’s nomination is expected to be ratified at the 6th Global Conference of the eITI holding in Sydney, Australia later this month.

Nigeria And South Africa Sign MOU To Boost Oil And Gas Trade

IGeRIAhas signed a Memorandum of Agreement N (MOU) with South Africa, which is intended to boost oil and gas trade between the two countries. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison Madueke revealed this during the State visit by the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan to South Africa which started on Monday. The Minister had been due to speak at the Oil Technology Conference (OTC) in houston, the largest annual oil and gas event in the world which she normally attends. She called off her visit to OTC to join the President’s delegation for the State visit. Speaking about the MOU while in South Africa on the visit, she said: “The MOU will reinforce and strengthen the existing symbiotic relationship between the two largest economies in Africa.” Mrs Alison Madueke also said that the MOU would also help in the transfer of knowledge, skills, capa-

POWER NEWS NNPC: No Government Plans To Establish Pipeline Protection Agency

GE Awarded $230 Million Contract For 200 Megawatt Kaduna Power Plant

e Oil & Gas, a leading company in oil and gas equipOLLOWING the call by the Nigeria Union of failing to meet the April 30 deadline it had G ment and services, has won a $230 million conAFTeR set previously for the resumption of gas delivery FPetroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPeNG) for tract for the construction of a power plant in Kaduna.

in association with

The contract, which was awarded by the Federal Government to Ge and its local partner, Rockson engineering Nigeria, is for the installation and manufacture of a dual-fired (low pour fuel oil/gas) 150- to 200-megawatt power plant in Kaduna, Nigeria. The contract will include the design, manufacture, supply and testing of eight Ge gas turbines in the 15 to 20 MW range. Rockson engineering Nigeria will supply engineering, balance of plant, erection, commissioning, site works and a 132-kilowatt substation. Daniele Scenarelli, Ge Oil & Gas region sales executive for Sub Saharan Africa, said: “Ge Oil & Gas technology has been selected due to our proven trackrecord in delivering large-scale projects of this nature, meeting challenging deadlines and efficiency parameters without compromising on quality. We are delighted to be able to support the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure and are committed to continued long-term investment in the country.” Ge has an agreement with the Federal Government under which both parties seek to collaborate actively in developing critical infrastructure for Nigeria with a view to helping the nation achieve its 2020 Vision plan. The “Country to Company” strategy aims at promoting infrastructure projects including oil and gas.

LEGAL NEWS Validity of NIMASA Levy On NLNG

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety T Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) are being urged to resolve their dispute over the payment of levies to NIMASA in court. NIMASA has been demanding a payment of three per cent levies on gross freight and two per cent surcharge due on its cabotage contracts from NLNG. A face-off between the organisations occurred recently after the agency stopped NLNG’s vessels from entering or leaving Bonny Channel alleging a failure by NLNG to pay charges which the agency says is in violation of the law setting up NIMASA. The NIMASA Act 2007 in section 15 stipulates that the agency shall be funded by monies accruing to it from among other sources including the three per cent of gross freight on all international inbound and outbound cargoes from ships or shipping companies operating in Nigeria as part of the funds to meet the operational costs of the agency. NLNG meanwhile is refusing to pay the fees saying that it is exempted from doing so by the Act establishing NLNG. If that is so then the company will have grounds to seek damages for the economic losses incurred by the company while its vessels were prevented from leaving and entering the port. even after an intervention by the Presidency, the maritime agency was reported to have again prevented two NLNG vessels Adamawa and Lagos from getting to the buoy. Commenting on the situation, energy lawyer Gbite Adeniyi says he believes the only lasting solution is for NLNG to institute legal action against NIMASA and get a ruling from the Court on the matter which is far from cut and dried. In the first instance, he said, there is no doubt that the NIMASA Act gives NIMASA the power to impose fees and charges but he says that NLNG can argue that it is not obliged to pay the fees as the NLNG Act of 1990 provides a waiver from such prescribed levies. There is in effect a question of which laws and regulations will prevail in these circumstances. On the one hand there is the Act establishing NLNG, which exempts NLNG from paying the fees ad charges. What NLNG will argue is that as this Act came before the one establishing NIMASA and therefore should have overriding influence over the latter. On the other hand, Adeniji believes NIMASA could argue that the latter NIMASA statute overrules the prior NLNG exemption and that NIMASA is therefore free to impose fees and charges on the company. “The best way to get this knotty situation resolved is to get the court to give a legal interpretation on the matter. The court would be able to decide whether upon expiration there could be a review for an extension of the exemption or not, he said.” Adeniji explained that the exemptions and fiscal incentives in the NLNG Fiscal Assessment and Guarantee Act came into force in 1992 were intended to attract global interest and further investment into the Nigerian LNG sector. NLNG operates a liquefied natural gas plant on Bonny Island. NLNG operates six liquefaction units (LNG Trains) producing 22 million metric tonnes of LNG per annum (mmtpa). This amounts to roughly 10% of the world’s LNG consumption. Trains 1, 2 and 3 have production capacities of 3.2 mmtpa, whilst trains 4, 5 and 6 have capacities of 4.1 mmtpa each. The final investment decision on Train 7 has just been made.

BondWatch DLM BOND WATCH: May 13, 2013

THEGUARDIAN, GUARDIAN,Monday, Monday,May June13, 6,2013 2011 THE

Published in association with (Regulated by the Securities & Exchange Commission of Nigeria)

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Sports English Premiership

Man U beats Swansea, as Magpies move closer to safety ANCHESTER United M Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson and veteran mid-

Manchester United’s retiring Manager, Alex Ferguson (centre), surrounded by his players at the end of the match against Swansea City at Old Trafford, lifts the Premier League trophy … yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

South Africa 2013 CAF Nations Cup

Four months after, Eagles yet to get cash gifts from Dangote, others • Secure Brazilian visas For Confederations Cup HE home-based members T of the Super Eagles’ squad to the South Africa 2013 CAF Nations Cup are worried that those who promised them cash rewards after their victory at the continental fiesta have not redeemed such pledges four months after the competition. The home-based players secured entry visas to Brazil entry visas at the weekend for their participation in the Confederations Cup, but they are not happy that they have not received the financial rewards promised them by top Nigerian businessmen. Among the largesse the players are still hoping to get are those of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, whom many says has been too busy to even remember that he pledged $1million to the all-conquering Super Eagles. There is also Alhaji Ishaku Rabiu, who promised half the amount Dangote pledged, and Senator Ifeanyi Uba. Cross River State govern-

ment, which has been behind most of the team’s successes, is also yet to redeem its pledge but officials say they trust the Senator Liyel Imoke government, which hosted qualifiers for team’s games en route the Nations Cup and has contin-

ued to support the NFF and all the national teams. One of the players, who pleaded anonymity, said the redemption of the pledges would go a long way in encouraging the team and its officials in the forthcoming

World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup, which Brazil is scheduled to host next month. Already, the team has secured entry visas for the South American country, after earlier securing the ones for

the United States, which would host Super Eagles’ friendly game against Mexico, and Germany, where the team will camp for the qualifiers against Kenya’s Harambee Stars and the Brave Warriors of Namibia.

Ferguson says emotional farewell to Manchester United supporters ETIRING Manchester R United Manager, Alex Ferguson, yesterday bid fans farewell at Old Trafford and urged them to back his successor, David Moyes. The Premier League champions produced a battling display in Ferguson’s final home match yesterday, winning 2-1 against Swansea thanks to a late Rio Ferdinand strike after Michu cancelled out Javier Hernandez’s first-half opener. Ferguson took centre stage as the trophy was presented after the victory and thanked those involved at the club during his 26-and-a-half years in charge before reasserting that despite his retirement, he will contin-

ue to be involved behind the scenes. “I have no script in my mind,” said Ferguson. “I’m just going to ramble and hope I get to the core of what this football club has meant to me. Thank you to Manchester United. “My retirement doesn’t mean the end of my life with the club. I will be able to now enjoy watching them, rather than suffer with them. “But if you think about the last-minute goals, the comebacks, even the defeats, are all about this great club of ours. It’s been an unbelievable experience for all of us. So thank you for that.

“I have been able to manage some of the greatest players in the country. All of these players have represented the club in the proper way. They have won the championship in fantastic fashion. Well done to the players.” The 71-year-old went on to look to the future and implored fans to get behind Moyes, the man set to replace him, before congratulating Paul Scholes as he also approaches retirement at the end of this season. “I’d like to remind you that through the bad times, the club, fans and players stood by me. Now stand by the new manager,” added Ferguson.

“Before I start blubbing, I want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes. He is an unbelievable player, one of the greatest players this club will ever have. “Paul, I wish you a good retirement, though I know you’ll be around, annoying me. And I wish Darren Fletcher a speedy recovery for the club. “I wish the players every success for the future. You know how good you are, the jersey you are wearing, and all the people here. Don’t let yourselves down. “Thank you once again, from all the Ferguson family. They’re all up there - 11 grandchildren. Thank you. Thank you.”

fielder, Paul Scholes were both given the perfect send-off from Old Trafford thanks to Rio Ferdinand’s late winner against Swansea. Michu had cancelled out Javier Hernandez’s first-half strike, and the game, almost incidental to the day’s double farewell celebrations, appeared to be heading towards a 1-1 draw before Ferdinand popped up to score his first goal in five years in the 87th minute, as the club could celebrate being presented with the Premier League trophy on a high. The fact that Manchester United scored a late winner seemed quite fitting in Ferguson’s last appearance in the Old Trafford dugout in a Red Devils career that has spanned nearly 27 years. The result came after Ferguson was given a guard of honour by both sides before kick-off in an emotionallycharged final appearance for the Scot. David Moyes, who also enjoyed victory in his final home game as Everton manager, will replace him next season. Striker, Kevin Mirallas ensured Moyes departed Goodison Park in perfect circumstances with a 2-0 win over West Ham. The victory also guaranteed Everton finished above Liverpool for the second successive season. In the relegation fight, Norwich confirmed their topflight survival with an emphatic 4-0 victory over West Brom at Carrow Road. Robert Snodgrass gave the Canaries a half-time lead before a Ben Foster howler gifted Grant Holt the second and former Ipswich defender, Gareth McAuley’s own goal prompted Delia Smith to dance with delight. The Baggies were woeful and Jonny Howson scored a spectacular late fourth as Chris Hughton’s men claimed a third win in 20 Premier League games to make certain of their top-flight status ahead of next week’s final-day trip to Manchester City. In contrast, Sunderland will be anxiously watching Wigan’s match at Arsenal tomorrow, as Southampton held them to a 11 draw. Jason Puncheon came off the bench to grab a point for Southampton and all but secure their safety, just as it looked as though Sunderland had saved themselves in their clash at the Stadium of Light. The midfielder struck with 14 minutes remaining after fellow substitute James WardProwse provided the ammunition to cancel out Phil Bardsley’s opener, and in the process left the home side still looking over their shoulders.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

Davis Cup Africa Group III

Team Nigeria begins quest for promotion By Olalekan Okusan EAM Nigeria will today at the Smash Tennis Academy in Cairo, Egypt, begin its quest for promotion to Group II of Africa Zone of Davis Cup Championship. The five-man team, made up of Abdulmumini Babalola, Shehu Lawal, Clifford Enosoregbe, Henry Atseye and non-playing Captain, Benson Ishicheli, will tackle 13 other nations for the two slots available for promotion in the group. The team, which departed the country on Saturday, is hoping for better performance after its inability to compete at the last edition in 2012. According to Ishicheli, the team is in top shape to get back to the elite division. “Based on the players’ response to training, it is clear that they mean business. “They are all in good form to pick one of the two slots at stake in the Davis Cup. We

are ready to return the country to its rightful place after missing out from the competition last year. All I can say is that we are ready for the other teams in the group,” he said. Also speaking on the competition, winner of the justconcluded 35th Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Open, Atseye, told The Guardian that he is optimistic that the team would do well in Egypt. “All the players invited for the tournament are in top form and I am sure we will achieve our aim, which is to gain promotion to Group II and we are hoping to do that in Egypt,” Atseye said. The team was camped at Ibadan Recreation Club in preparation for the tournament scheduled to serve off today and end on May 18 in Cairo, Egypt. Other nations expected to compete for the two slots are host, Egypt, Algeria, Botswana, Cameroun, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya,

Delta picks HotSports as Work For Life consultant ELTA State government D has signed an agreement with HotSports Nigeria Limited as the marketing consultant for the maiden edition of the Annual Work For Life programme, which first edition holds in the state on May 29. In his opening remark at the signing held in Asaba at the weekend, the state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, represented by Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah explained that the Annual Work For Life programme is in

line with the human capital development agenda of his administration, aimed at encouraging the civil servants and members of the public in general to embrace walking as one of the best ways to maintain good health. “The idea is to use the programme as a practical way of demonstrating that there are so many health benefits associated with walking as an exercise, chief of which is that it helps to improve your health and prevent terminal ailments.

Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Matches will be played in a round robin format on an outdoor clay court with the 14 teams divided into four groups. The top nations in pools A and B would be drawn to play off against top nations in pools C and D, with two winning nations promoted to Europe/Africa Zone Group II for 2014. Nigeria’s best Davis Cup performances have been semi-final finishes in Europe/Africa Zone Group I in 1988 and 1989.

Zenith Bank Basketball League

First Deepwater, First Bank maintain top spot By Adeyinka Adedipe EFENDING champions, First Deepwater Basketball Club and First Bank maintained their dominance in Group A and Group B of the Zenith Basketball League after they won all their games in the second phase, which ended in Asaba on Saturday. In the last games, First Deepwater defeated Nigeria Customs 98-51, while First Bank mauled Delta Force of Asaba. Also, AHIP defeated Coal City Queens 83-50, IGP Queens beat Oluyole Babes 64-37, Sunshine Angels beat FCT Angels 56-43, Dolphins beat plateau Rocks 70-68 in overtime while GT 2000 were awarded two points after Hurricanes pulled out of the game. The final phase will come in Lagos with the eight teams-four from each group-competing for the top prize.

Clifford Enosoregbe…one the players that will feature in the Davis Cup tournament in Egypt

Traders Cup: Player slumps, dies at Olubadan Stadium RAGEDY struck at the T Olubadan Stadium Ibadan yesterday when a player slumped and died on the spot during one of the matches of the on-going Traders Cup. The player, identified as Onyebuchi Onyekwere, 26, who is an apprentice at the Aleshinloye Market, was participating for the first time in Traders Cup, a soccer tournament featuring the popular markets in Ibadan and its environs.

The late Onyekwere was confirmed hale and hearty before the match between Aleshinloye FC and Felele Market FC, according to one of his teammates, who pleaded anonymity. “We have trained together twice this week before this match, and Onyebuchi never showed any sign of illness. He just slumped without any contact from any player and died before we could rich Oke-Ado hospital here,” the teammate said.

While reacting on the incident, the Chairman of Ibadan Football Association (IFA), the custodian of the stadium, Banji Akintayo said such disaster has never happened at the soccer venue, saying they always ensured the fitness of those that use the arena. Akintayo prayed to God to give the family of the late player, his team and the Igbo community, who are the organizers of the tourney, the fortitude to bear the loss.

Former Chairman, Oshimili South Council, Chinedu Okafor (left) presenting the winners’ trophy to captain of Team 5Megabites, Tony Agbodo at the EasyStarter Football Fiesta held in Asaba…at the weekend.

Lagos Junior League honours Maigari, as NFF reaffirms commitment to youth development HE board of directors and T management of the Lagos Junior League at the weekend

President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari (fifth from right); Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi (third right) and some directors of the Lagos Junior League, as well as awardees at the 2012/2013 award held in Lagos… at the weekend. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

honoured the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Aminu Maigari, for his support to the development of youth football. The organisers of the Lagos Junior League, which rewarded deserving players and officials of the league at the weekend, also said that under Maigari, the NFF has made quiet but significant leaps in school and youth development, with efforts geared towards encouraging all 36 states of the federation to adopt the NFF age grade formula. Speaking after receiving his award, Maigari assured that the federation would continue to support youth development, while commending the Lagos State government for setting up the league. “I want to urge other state

governments and governors to emulate what is happening in Lagos. The NFF is ready to partner the state governments, to sit down and exchange ideas. Football development is not only about NFF, it’s not about Maigari, its a national issue… its not about individual, let us do it collectively and our doors are open for people, who can come up with ideas so that we can do it together. “We are very appreciative of what Lagos State government and the good governor are doing because an enabling environment has been created for the youths to hone their skills,” he said. In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi said the state would continue to focus on youth development as its contribution to nation building.

In the award, the duo of Adebayo Salami of Eti Osa East and Folorunsho Sesan of Apapa Iganmu were adjudged the joint highest goal scorers for netting 13 goals this season. Adewale Sapara of Apapa won the best goal of the season, Egbe Idimu FC was named as the best attacking team, while YMD Babes of Ojo was adjudged the most defensive team. Aminu Abubakar of Nath Boys FC won the most valuable player (MVP) award, while Nath Boys was also named the team of the year. Coach of the year award was won Coach Hassan Tairu of Lagos Island West, while the best goalkeeper award went to Semiu Adegboyega of Surulere FC. The most improved team award went to Onigbongbo Ultimate Strikers and Itire Ikate FC, while Ajeromi Ifelodun FC won the fair play award.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

SPORTS 75

Globacom/LMC Title Rights Deal

Alaafin backs Oyo’s monthly boxing tourney

Nwosu, Odegbami, others predict rapid growth for NPFL By Tony Nwanne HEN the League Management Company (LMC) and Globacom Nigeria signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) handing the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title rights to the telecommunications outfit, many stakeholders in the league heaved a sigh of relief because they saw the deal as a new impetus to the development of Nigerian football. Although there have been some criticism of the agreement by some stakeholders, genuine lovers of the local league have come out in support of the deal, with the proviso that the money accruing from the agreement should be used judiciously to ensure that the clubs and players benefit from it. Globacom has been sponsoring the league since 2003, with the company also helping some of the clubs in their quest for international recognition. In 2004, the group signed a N100 million shirt sponsorship deal with Enyimba, giving the then African champions added impetus in their stranglehold on the CAF Champions League. Enyimba won the CAF Champions League back tom back in 2003 and 2004. And with the new N1.8 million deal with LMC, stakeholders in the league are of the opinion that many more clubs would get the financial muscle to challenge for honours both within and outside the country. Former Super Eagles Captain, Henry Nwosu told The Guardian at the weekend that the new Glo deal is capable of revolutionising Nigerian football. According to Nwosu, who is rated as one of the best players to have graced the Nigerian league, “the South

ORUBA monarch, Oba Y Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo,

Africa 2013 Nations Cup showed that the league can provide excellent players for the national teams. “What have been lacking are the right environment for the players to hone their talents and also the opportunity for these players to exhibit such talents. “Coach Stephen Keshi has given the players the opportunity and I sincerely believe that the Globacom sponsorship, if well utilised, would give the players the ground to work to be better in their jobs. “The three-year sponsorship deal signed by Globacom and LMC is capable of taking the Nigerian league above its peers in the continent to become Africa’s truly flagship league. “The implication of the sponsorship is that some of its most nagging problems, including remunerating match officials and sundry logistic problems that always taint the outcome of matches, would be easily taken care of.” The former New Nigerian Bank (NNB) of Benin and ACB of Lagos star called on the club owners to sheathe their swords and join hands with El Kanemi and Kano Pillars battling for the ball during a recent league game… Stakeholders believe the recent the LMC and Globacom to Glo/LMC deal would aid the growth of the NPFL. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI. build a league Nigerians would be proud of. Also speaking on the title league board and its manage- stakeholders, clever incenConsultants, a construction sponsorship deal, Green ment. The organisation must tives for the clubs, spectators company, and Isiaku Rabiu’s Eagles former Captain, Segun now focus on fully utilising and match officials that perBUA Group. Odegbami said for Globacom the opportunities its spon- form well, and the introducGuinness Nigeria, through to have gone ahead with the sorship offers to drive its own tion of many other novel two of its brands, Dubic Beer sponsorship deal worth company objectives, support ideas that its creative departand Harp Beer has endorsealmost N2 billion is a bold the growth and development ment can bring up to re-posiment deals with Enyimba, step that must be commend- of the Premier league, partic- tion domestic Nigerian foot3SC, Lobi Stars, Sunshine ed. ularly in the area of venue ball in a bright new light.” Stars, Rangers, Heartland and The title sponsorship deal Dolphins. He said, before the deal “at ambience and spectatorthe rate things were going, friendly Dubic Beer endorses activities. seems as the catalyst the domestic Nigerian football According to the former league clubs needed to delve Enyimba and 3SC, while the stood a very real risk of dying Shooting Stars Sports Club of fully into the corporate world other five are endorsed by investors. Harp. BUA Group is the shirt from ‘financial asphyxia.’ Ibadan winger, “through for A few days after the deal was sponsor of Kano Pillars, while Globacom’s action must be proper packaging, Globacom regarded in that context. can start to slowly and steadi- consummated in Lagos, some ULO Consultants sponsors “Globacom’s next steps ly bring back spectators to of the clubs have announced Sunshine Stars. must now be guarded. It must various stadia around the their own private endorseTo ACB of Lagos former now distance itself from the country through the re-orien- ments with such companies Captain, Mike Onyemachara, Guinness, ULO the new LMC/Globacom deal consuming politics of the tation and ‘education’ of all as

Eko 2012 NSF Fine Fall-Out

Imo receives panel’s report, promises sanction on culprits From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri MO State government has promised to sanction anyone that contributed to the show of shame at the last National Sports Festival, tagged: Eko 2012, where the state was fined for behaviour inimical to the tenets of the festival. The state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Kenneth Emelu, at the weekend in Owerri, while receiving the report of a panel set up to probe the circumstances that led to the sanction, including a fine of N100, 000 against Imo contingent, Emelu, said the government was embittered by the state of sports in the state, adding that despite its efforts at sports development, some persons were dragging the state on the mud. He said the state would study the panel’s report and mete appropriate sanctions on those indicted for the offence. The panel, chaired by the Acting Director of Sports in the State, Chizota Aritola, also had as members the Vice Chairman of Imo FA, Emma

Ochiagha, sports journalist, John Nwaogu and the Acting Director of Sports Development in the state, E.E. Ihesiaba. Emelu also disclosed that the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha has directed the immediate commencement

of a football competition for artisans and traders in the state, adding that a committee has been set up to midwife the competition. The committee, according top Emelu, is headed by a former international, Ndubuisi Opara, adding that 43 partic-

ipants would be involved in the competition scheduled to take place in Iho, Owerri, Nworieubi, Isu and Okigwe. He also disclosed that the final of the competition would hold on May 25 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium,

The participating boats angling for honours during the NBC National Boat Racing Championship, held at the Lagos Yacht Club, Marina…at the weekend. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

has thrown his weight behind the monthly boxing tournament proposed by the Chairman of Oyo State Boxing Association, Baron Akintunde Opaleye. Speaking in his palace at the weekend, the Alaafin, who described the monthly bouts idea, which has been on in Lagos for the past one year as the best scheme that could revive boxing in the country, pledged to support Oyo body in actualising the dream. Also speaking on the monthly boxing plan, President of an Ibadan based sports body, Links Youth Sports International of Nigeria (LYSIN), Niyi Dada signified interest in collaborating with Oyo Boxing Association in reviving the game. He opined that only active engagement of boxers would bring out the best in them, adding that the process would soon produce new talents to replace the aging boxers in the state. Thanking both the monarch and the institution for identifying with the idea, Opaleye promised transparency and accountability in the organisation of the monthly boxing tourney. has added a new impetus to the domestic game. Onyemachara, now a coach with the BRF Football Academy, the Nigerian league suddenly seems to be on the road to genuine development, adding, however, it that “it still needs everybody’s support to reach the required level.” According to Onyemachara, “all over the world, clubs make their revenue through such corporate sponsorships. In fact, what they make from the gates is just a minute part of their revenue, and it should not be different with the Nigerian league.”

Taekwondo federation needs innovative, passionate leader, say stakeholders By Olalekan Okusan WENTY-FOUR hours to the election into the boards of sports federations, stakeholders in taekwondo have canvassed for a change in leadership, adding that for any meaningful impact to happen, the incoming president of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation must be an innovative, knowledgeable and passionate individual, who loves the sport. Koffi Anani, Michael Ugboko and Osita Egwim are of the opinion that nothing encouraging has taken place in the sport, aside Nigeria’s qualification for the last London 2012 Olympics. Anani specifically expressed worries over the state of the game, saying that he is more concerned about the quality of the leadership that would take charge of the sport. “We need somebody that will come and develop the sport and he must also have an idea on how to source for sponsors for taekwondo. We need a leader that will be interested in exposing the

athletes to international competitions. “We don’t need someone that has nothing to offer. What we have now is modern and beyond a static level of competency, so we must follow the trend for us to move forward. That is why we need new hands that will take the game to the next level,” Anani said. For Ugboko, the new president must have a robust idea and be ready to commit his resources to the growth of the game. “What we need in taekwondo is somebody that is willing to spend his resources to lift the game. We need someone with the necessary political and business connection that will attract more sponsors. “We don’t need somebody with political, tribal and religious bias to lead the federation because these had really affected the game. The era of favourism should be discarded in this new board as all the athletes should be given equal opportunity to showcase their talents and make the team,” he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

76 SPORTS

European Round-oﬀ

Officials were afraid to upset Ferguson, Redknapp admits PR Manager, Harry Redknapp has suggested that match officials have often felt intimidated by Sir Alex Ferguson and were wary of incurring the wrath of the retiring Manchester United manager. The veteran Scot was infamous for his protestations towards referees and his Rs counterpart feels that his “aura” may have affected decision-making. “A lot of officials would be in awe of him and afraid to upset

him. There was such an aura about him because he is a winner,” Redknapp told BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘Sportsweek.’ “I never had any doubts about that. If there was a bit of time to be added they would make sure they got it right, because they did not want to upset him. Especially young referees, and even one or two of the older ones, were a little bit afraid to upset him.” Redknapp also admitted that he had not expected his United counterpart to retire

just yet. “I think we all knew it would come suddenly. I thought he would go on for a couple of years yet,” Redknapp said. “He has won the Premier League and maybe feels it is a good time to go out and enjoy his life. Maybe he wants a bit more time to do stuff away from football. “He has put great teams together. He has known the right time to let people go and never been afraid to make the big decisions. Whether it was Roy Keane, David Beckham or Jaap Stam, all the great players have come and gone. He knows the game inside-out.” David Moyes has been appointed to succeed Ferguson, an appointment the Rs manager welcomes. “It is great for British coaches that Manchester United have picked someone, who has come up through the lower divisions,” Redknapp

Champions Barca shift attention to transfer market ARCELONA were turning B their attentions to strengthening the squad for next season after secondplaced Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Espanyol on Saturday, to gift them a fourth La Liga title in five years. “There’ll only be a few changes,” Barcelona VicePresident, Josep Bartomeu told Barca TV. “It’s a very competitive team and it’s very difficult to substitute the pieces.” “(Spain goalkeeper) Victor Valdes has told us he doesn’t want to continue, so we will try to find a replacement this summer. Also a central defender and a forward.” Coach Tito Vilanova’s team made a record-breaking start notching 55 of a possible 57 points in the first half of the season, but have faltered in the knockout competitions over the last couple of months as injuries and fatigue took their toll. Defeats to Real in the King’s Cup semi-finals and a thrash-

ing at the hands of Bayern Munich in the last four of the Champions League had many predicting the end of Barcelona’s recent glittering run of successes. A string of injury problems for 35-year-old captain Carles Puyol, and Eric Abidal’s long recovery from a liver transplant left Barca short of options in defence, which were compounded when Javier Mascherano and Adriano Correia also picked up injuries. The inconsistency of forwards David Villa and Alexis Sanchez have meant, Barca

have been more reliant than usual on World Player of the Year Lionel Messi to score goals, especially in the big games. “People talk of a cyclical change but we have returned to win the main title, the one that rewards consistency,” Barca Sports Director, Andoni Zubizarreta said. “If we look at our squad, 80 per cent of the players that would interest us are already part of our team. As always, we’ll analyse what needs to be improved but the base is solid and we’ve already got it.”

Stramaccioni dismisses Inter’s overhaul Milan Coach, Andrea IthatNTER Stramaccioni has insisted the struggling Serie A

Redknapp

Moyes will need time to impose himself at Man Utd, says Rodgers IVERPOOL Manager, going in after Sir Alex Limplored Brendan Rodgers has Ferguson will be the same. “David will come in and David Moyes to be “strong” in his new role at Manchester United and believes that it will take him time to assert himself given the length and success of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign before him. The Everton boss is set to assume the reigns at Old Trafford on July 1, taking over from Ferguson as the veteran manager brings an end to his 26-year stay at the club. Rodgers compares the task that Moyes faces in following the club legend to that which faced him when he took control following Kenny Dalglish’s departure at Anfield, emphasising that, as a manager, “you cannot be daunted by your role.” “You have to respect the great past, and when I came in after Kenny Dalglish, I said it was a competition I could never win! This is a guy, who was voted the greatest player in the club’s history and has done so many great things on and off the pitch, so he rightly gets that iconic status,” Rodgers told reporters. “But I wasn’t daunted by the task of replacing a club legend. I didn’t become a manager at 35 because I was shy. I arrived here with 20 years of work - it wasn’t just presented to me. Kenny was an incredible man and David

look to impose his personality, and it will take time because of the number of years his predecessor was there. But you have got to be strong enough to come in and at least know at the end of it all you’ve done it the way you wanted to do it.” Rodgers noted that Ferguson was not entirely successful in the early years of his reign, suggesting that the board should afford Moyes the same amount of leniency over the next few years.

Zanetti

giant does not need a complete overhaul and that not many “top-quality signings” are required this summer as many people believe. The Nerazzurri have endured a disastrous campaign by their own lofty standards, with their early hopes of a title challenge having been derailed by a torrid injury crisis and a stunning dip in form that has left them ninth in the table ahead of their Genoa showdown with just two games to go. Stramaccioni freely admits that Inter needs to strengthen during the offseason, but he is adamant that the making of a good squad already exists at the San Siro. “Yes, we do need to make some top-quality signings, but, in terms of numbers, fewer than you might imagine,” Stramaccioni told his club’s official website. “Inter have a good base here, it can be improved but it’s already good. Inter came out of the January window with an exceptional player and that’s Mateo Kovacic. Finding a player that good at just 19 is extraordinary.”

Stramaccioni also rejected the notion that he has contributed to Inter’s struggles this year by failing to implement a clearly defined strategy and style of play, arguing that the unavailability of so many players through injury has hindered him greatly in that regard. “That’s the criticism, which hurts the most on a personal level because I made my way up to Serie A always playing the same system, setting my teams up in a very precise way,” Stramaccioni said. “If a coach is successful for 12 years using a particular formation and then changes it’s because he believes he can get more out of what’s available to him by doing so. “Next year we’ll have a very clear tactical system. I’m sorry about the criticism, but Inter always comes first.”

Messi

No contact with PSG, insists Wenger RSENAL Manager, Arsene ment from Manchester A Wenger has denied that United, Wenger is set to he has been contacted by become the Premier League’s Paris Saint-Germain and insists that he will stay at the Emirates Stadium this summer. Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s imminent retire-

Adebayor lifts Spurs, Norwich, Newcastle play safe MMANUEL Adebayor E struck late to earn Tottenham Hotspur a 2-1 Premier League victory at Stoke City yesterday that

kept their slim hopes of Champions League qualification alive. Manchester United Manager, Alex Ferguson led his team out for the last time at Old Trafford before the late game against Swansea City and David Moyes, Ferguson’s replacement, watched Everton beat West Ham United 2-0 in his last home match in charge of the Merseyside club. Norwich City and Newcastle United ensured their Premier League survival with one match left in the season. Norwich crushed West Bromwich Albion 4-0 and Newcastle won 2-1 at relegated Queens Park Rangers. Sunderland were held to a 1-1 home draw by Southampton and can still go down as they are just four points above third-bottom Wigan Athletic, who have two games left. Daniel Sturridge scored a hat-trick to lead Liverpool to a 3-1 win at Fulham.

longest-serving manager. After another trophyless season in North London, though, there were reports that the big-spending Ligue 1 outfit wanted the Frenchman to take charge. Even so, the Gunners’ boss is adamant that he will not breach his contract to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Parc des Princes. “I have had no contact with PSG,” Wenger told BeIn Sport. “Carlo Ancelotti has done a good job, and I do not see why he would leave the club by viewing the quality of his work this season. “I followed their season. They have built their success on a form of individual superiority and the collective one that they found through the Champions League. In Ligue 1, they had a quite difficult journey. “And for my part, I have a contract with Arsenal, where I have served for 17 years and I do not see myself leaving the club like a thief and not respecting my contract.”

Wenger

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

SPORTS 77

Nadal wins Madrid to lay down French Open marker LAY king, Rafa Nadal sent C another reminder he is not about to surrender his Roland Garros crown without a fight when he crushed Swiss 15th seed Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2 6-4 to win the Madrid Open. It was the Spanish world number five’s fifth title since he returned from a sevenmonth injury layoff in February and was more evidence that his troublesome knees are not about to bring his career to a premature end. Nadal now heads to Rome, where he beat world number one Novak Djokovic in last year’s final, for another Masters event on his favored surface before the French Open starts at the end of this month. Since he recovered from his latest knee problem, the 26year-old has won the events at Sao Paulo, Acapulco, Indian Wells, Barcelona and now Madrid. He also reached the final at Vina del Mar and Monte Carlo and yesterday’s triumph was his third in front of his adoring home fans in the Spanish capital. “Maybe this win is even more special given where I have come back from,” Nadal, a seven-times French Open champion, said in an interview with local television broadcaster La Sexta. “Playing in Madrid is always very exciting for me and the tournament couldn’t have worked out better.” Wawrinka, who came through grueling matches against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Tomas Berdych on the way to his second Masters final, never looked like claiming a first win against Nadal at the ninth attempt. Nadal broke Wawrinka’s serve three times in the match and such was his dominance, the Spaniard did not face a single break point. He collapsed on to his back in celebration when Wawrinka’s backhand went long on match point. The red dirt clinging to Nadal’s shirt was a reminder that a year ago he had threat-

ened to boycott the 2013 tournament if organisers had stuck with the controversial blue claycourt they had unveiled last year, when he was knocked out in the third round by compatriot Fernando Verdasco. Wawrinka has never taken a set off Nadal in their nine meetings and said he had not been at his best physically or mentally on Sunday after an intense couple of weeks. The 28-year-old arrived in Madrid having beaten Nadal’s countryman, David Ferrer in the final in Estoril last Sunday, his fourth career title. “Even if I’m playing my best tennis and completely fresh, it’s really, really tough to

beat him (Nadal),” the Swiss told a news conference. “If you’re not completely there then he’s killing you, like he did at the beginning of the match. It was tough for me. I didn’t find the way to play my game, how to be aggressive on the court. He was also dictating the points. Against him, it’s impossible. Nadal’s 40th clay crown puts him equal second with Thomas Muster on the list of career title winners on the surface and six behind leader Guillermo Vilas. He has the best record on clay in the professional era and has won 40 of his 46 finals. He also has the most Masters titles with 23, two ahead of Roger Federer.

Spanish player, Rafael Nadal, celebrates after winning the men’s singles final tennis match of the Madrid Masters against Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka at the Magic Box (Caja Magica) sports complex in Madrid yesterday. Nadal won the match 6-2, 6-4. PHOTO: AFP

…As Serena targets Paris after second straight title Williams went from Sto ERENA winning the Madrid Open losing in the first round at Roland Garros last year and she is hoping history does not repeat itself after crushing Maria Sharapova to defend her title in Spain yesterday. Williams has one more tournament to play - the clay event in Rome - before heading to Paris for the French Open, where the 31-year-old American has just the one singles title compared with five at Wimbledon, five at the Australian Open and four at the U.S. Open. Her 6-1 6-4 victory over Sharapova, the current French Open champion, was her 50th career title and her seventh on clay and Williams said she was hungry for a first Roland Garros crown since 2002, when she beat Sister Venus in the final. The switch back to red clay

from blue in Madrid and the construction of new courts had made the conditions much more similar to Paris, which would help in her preparations, she added. “It definitely plays more like Roland Garros, so I think that’s a plus,” Williams, who lost to China’s Li Na in the semi-finals in Rome in 2012, told a news conference. “It’s a little slower than it was last year and plays more like a true clay court. So I think it’s great preparation.” Williams crashed to a shock defeat to Virginie Razzano in the French Open first round last year and she said she would avoid raising her expectations too high this time. “It is the ultimate challenge. Whether I reach it, I don’t know. I’m not going to put that pressure on myself. I wanted it last year and I didn’t get it. So this year I’m just

looking forward to Rome and then after that Roland Garros and see what happens. “I feel pressure every day. I think it’s a good thing a little bit because it means I’m still really hungry. If I didn’t, then I would be like, oh, it doesn’t matter.” Williams was sidelined for 11 months between 2010 and 2011 with a right foot injury and lung problems and said the experience had made her more motivated. “Every time I play I really relish it more, every time I get out there,” she said. “I feel like, honestly, Serena, when are you going to get tired? I don’t know. “I don’t know if it’s because of what I went through. I just feel like I’m so fortunate to be out there and healthy and to have an opportunity to play something, a sport, and be really good at it.”

THE GUARDIAN, Monday, May 13, 2013

InsideTax

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TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Tochi Okafor HE marketplace is where needs are T met through exchange of value. Organisations meet the needs of customers or society at large through the exchange of products and services while work force meets the needs of the organisations with their skills and knowledge. In the world of business transaction, needs and opportunities are one and the same but mean different things to the buyer and seller. The buyer sees it as a need while the seller sees it as an opportunity to add value and make profit. In other words, without needs there could be no opportunity. The greatest threat to the marketplace of today is joblessness. The paradox is that today’s marketplace has countless needs requiring competent workers yet unemployment is the order of the day. The burden of unemployment mounts pressure on the government to create jobs for the jobless. Unfortunately, no government can meet this demand in this age because of emergence of a new kind of knowledge-based economy demanding a new form of organisation and new kind of work force different from the industrial man. In the service economy of industrial societies, an injection of capital spending or consumer purchasing power could stimulate the economy and generate jobs. Given one million jobless, one could, in principle, prime the economy and create one million jobs. Since jobs were either interchangeable or required so little skill that they could be learned in less than an hour, virtually any unemployed worker could fill almost any job. The problem evaporates. To cope with the Great Depression, John Maynard Keynes, we recall, urged deficit spending by government to put money into consumer pockets. Once the consumers had the money, they would rush out and buy things. This, in turn, would lead manufacturers to expand their plants and hire more workers. Goodbye, unemployment. In today’s global economy, pumping money into the consumer’s pocket may simply send it flowing overseas, without doing anything to help the domestic economy. A Nigerian buying a new TV set merely sends dollars to China, South Korea or Japan. The purchase doesn’t necessarily add jobs at home. Another strategy, like Nigerian YOUWIN, is to distribute capital fund to aspiring young entrepreneurs with good business plans in the hope that they will employ themselves and other jobless youths. Business experts know that what really matters is not the business ideas and plans. It is the people and their capacity to execute that matter. But there is a far more basic flaw in

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Unemployment today means that the jobless has no marketable skill. It is either he has no skill at all or his skill has no ready market. An idea is an opportunity when it is timely, fills a need and provides value to the buyer. So also is skill. An employable skill must have a demonstrated need and ready market – must meet company’s need of the hour

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editorial@risenetworks.org and 07067976667- SMS ONLY

Understanding joblessness in today’s marketplace

Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour and Productivity

these strategies: They still focus on the circulation of money rather than knowledge. It is no longer possible to reduce joblessness simply by increasing the number of jobs, because the problem is no longer merely numbers. Unemployment has gone from quantitative to qualitative. So even if there are 10 million vacancies and only one million unemployed, the one million will not be able to perform the available jobs unless they have skills – knowledge –

matched to the skill requirements of those new jobs. These skills are now so varied and fast-changing that workers can’t be interchanged as easily or cheaply as in the past. Money and numbers no longer solve the problem. Any effective strategy for reducing joblessness in a knowledge economy must depend less on the allocation of wealth and more on the allocation of knowledge plus relevant trainings. The jobless must be taught the new

The YOUTHSPEAK Column which is published daily is an initiative of THE GUARDIAN, and powered by RISE NETWORKS, Nigeria’s Leading Youth Development Centre, as a substantial advocacy platform available for ALL Nigerian Youth to engage Leadership at all levels, engage Society and contribute to National Discourse on diverse issues especially those that are peculiar to Nigeria. Regarding submission of articles, we welcome writers‘ contributions by way of well crafted, analytical and thought provoking opinion pieces that are concise, topical and non-defamatory! All articles (which are not expected to be more than 2000 words) should be sent to editorial@risenetworks.org To read the online Version of this same article plus past publications and to find out more about Youth Speak, please visit www.risenetworks.org/youthspeak and join the ongoing National Conversations’’. Also join our on-line conversation

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ABC (ISSN NO 0189-5125)

Monday, May 13, 2013

The greatest threat to the marketplace of today is joblessness. The paradox is that today’s marketplace has countless needs requiring competent workers yet unemployment is the order of the day. The burden of unemployment mounts pressure on the government to create jobs for the jobless. Unfortunately, no government can meet this demand in this age because of emergence of a new kind of knowledge-based economy demanding a new form of organisation and new kind of work force different from the industrial man.

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paradigm-shift with emphasis on the nature, challenges and new market demands of 21st century from organisations, individual employees and entrepreneurs. For instance, smart companies increase their productivity and profits by simply automating mindless works and reducing the number of the work force in order to tap their full potentials. Self-regulating machines are faster and easier to manage than human beings. These companies in their pursuit of excellence outsource and network with independent specialists and contractors instead of employing to increase staff strength. The goal is a better-paid but smaller, smarter work force. What it means is that the traditional method of employment where you wait for a job description to be advertised no longer applies. Only very few can be that lucky! Unemployment today means that the jobless has no marketable skill. It is either he has no skill at all or his skill has no ready market. An idea is an opportunity when it is timely, fills a need and provides value to the buyer. So also is skill. An employable skill must have a demonstrated need and ready market – must meet company’s need of the hour. Again, there is nothing like ‘underemployed’. It is a term used to describe one whose skill though it may look big when pronounced but has no relevance in the marketplace because nobody needs it or the supply is higher than the demand. Most universities train graduates to fit into an organisational structure designed to solve problems that no longer exist. Educational contents must change in response to changing needs of today’s marketplace. To survive in a high-paced innovative age, competence and passion must be embraced. There is no room for generalists and mediocre. Human capital development organisations must rise to the occasion of not just capacity building but directing the youths with regard to career choice and skill choice. It is not enough to have a degree; one must understand the current realities and changing demands of 21st century marketplace if joblessness is to be reduced. Opportunities are created when there are changing circumstances. Jobs, needs, opportunities, organisations, skills are no longer stable. Nothing is permanent again in the marketplace; HR professionals and research firms must equip people with new skills to confront changing needs. • Okafor is the CEO of Dream Connect, a motivational and personal development firm in Abuja.