Fri 10 May 2013 The Guardian Nigeria by The Guardian Newspaper

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Friday, May 10, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,552

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IMF scores Nigeria’s economic performance high • Cautions on expansionary spending, oil subsidies From Mathias Okwe, (Assistant Business Editor, Abuja) OR the second time in one Fment’s week, the Federal Governeconomic policies have received the approval of two Breton woods institutions: the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to them, the country’s economy is sound with a positive outlook. But they warned that caution must be applied to spending pressure to avoid the risk of a decline in international oil prices in future. Only last Tuesday, the World Bank elevated Nigeria to the elite club of countries with strong and sound President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor (on the floor) and members of Christian Elders Forum of Northern States during a prayer session on the state of insecurity in the country and award presentation to Oritsejafor in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Outrage at Lafia attacks, death toll hits 30 From Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna), Madu Onuorah, Adamu Abuh , Karls Tsokar (Abuja), Mohammed Abubakar (Windhoek, Namibia), Chris Irekamba (Lagos), Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri), Emmanuel Ande (Yola) and Charles Akpeji (Lafia) S the death toll in the atA tacks on security operatives in Lafia, Nasarawa State, rose to 30 yesterday, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, vowed to arrest the killers and bring them to book. The Nasarawa State Police Commissioner, Abayomi Ak-

eremale, said yesterday that the death toll had hit 30 and that all the bodies had been recovered. Besides, all the 25 members of the Presidential Committee

• .IGP vows to arrest killers, panel meets Boko Haram leaders • Jonathan cancels Namibia trip, meets with service chiefs, others • Doctor shot over rejection of 22 policemen’s bodies • Reps seek probe, NLC decries govt’s response on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North yesterday

met with 40 Boko Haram commanders and operatives at the Kuje Minimum Security

Prison, on the outskirts of Abuja, the nation’s capital. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Obama not coming to Nigeria soon - Page 6

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

S’Court insists on political end to sovereign wealth’s dispute From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja ONCEDING to the Federal C Government the last chance to resolve the case on the Sovereign Wealth Fund Account amicably, the Supreme Court in Abuja yesterday held that the dispute was political and would better be resolved out-of-court. The apex court expressed this view while speaking to the Federal Government’s legal team led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) when the matter came up. But the panel, presided over by Justice Walter Ononghen who led six other justices, said that the court would have no choice than to proceed with hearing the case should the Federal Government fail to take advantage of the out-ofcourt settlement option for CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

2 NEWS

IMF cautions on expansionary spending, oil subsidies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 economies that can borrow from its International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) lending window because of the country’s growth in national instability. and come And in what may appear as a confirmation of the country’s positive rating by the World Bank, the IMF yesterday equally announced that Nigeria’s economic reform programme was on track and advised the government to remain focused on the plans. The IMF Senior Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Williams Scott Rogers, relayed the Fund’s position on Nigeria at a press briefing to present the highlights of the Staff Report on the 2012 Article IV Consultation on the country which will soon be published. Rogers commended the economic reform programme of the Nigerian government, saying they had succeeded to aid growth, particularly in the non-oil sector as well as enthroning a verily sound banking sector and driving inflation. down He then advised the managers of the economy in the country to remain focused and pursue the programmes to their logical conclusion, while warning against pressure on expansionary spending because the Excess Crude Account Savings could be wiped off in just two months if a serious decline in international oil prices occurred. Rogers said: “Growth in Nigeria is expected to rebound in 2013 and remain strong, driven by a vibrant non-oil sector. Inflation is expected to ease further in the face of fiscal and monetary tightening. Tighter monetary policy has driven interest rates up, easinflationary ing pressure…Generating capital inflows and helping the CBN to rebuild reserves while stabilising the exchange rate. “Tighter fiscal policy has also helped to rebuild the ECA, but balances are well below earlier levels. Declining world oil prices mean lower oil revenue. Even with expenditure restraint, fiscal deficits are projected to re-emerge. Com-

bination of stagnant oil exports and continued growth in imports means smaller current account surpluses. “But with capital inflows and outflows broadly in balance, the current account surpluses would permit a rebuilding of international reserves. Macro-economic performance and policies in 2012 were broadly positive. Fiscal targets for 2013 and mediumterm are consistent with macro-economic stability, but additional measures needed. “Planned savings in recurrent spending will require public sector reforms. Elimination of subsidy would help fiscal adjustment, mobilise non-oil revenues, strengthen oil-price rule and oil savings mechanism and there is need to strengthen the implementation capacity of public investment,” the IMF representative said. Specifically assessing the Nigerian banking industry, he advised that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should continue to maintain a tight monetary policy until there were signs of durable reduction of inflationary pressure. He gave the sector the following assessment and recommendations: “Health of banking system has improved considerably; credit to the private sector is growing again; banks fully capitalised; more work on consolidated and cross-border supervision; a formal sunset provision for AMCON to minimise fiscal risks and moral hazard.” On the fiscal side, Scot said there was urgent need for structural reforms to enhance productivity and global competitiveness and also the need for quick conclusion of the electricity sector reform for a quick win for growth and competitiveness. He gave another prescription: “Quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to transform oil and gas sector to increase investment; trade protection for ‘infant-industries’ should be strictly timebound; focus on measures to improve competitiveness and export diversification is key to long-term growth.”

Consultant of Media Practitioners Workshop, Prof. Mohammed Suleiman (left); Director, Research and Planning Global Straskills Consulting Limited, Auwalu Anwar and Editor, The Guardian, Martins Oloja, during a workshop for media practitioners in Abuja... yesterday. (Story on Page 5) PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

Jonathan cancels Namibia trip, meets with service chiefs, others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Among the Boko Haram terror suspects the presidential panel met with was the alleged 2011 Christmas day bombing mastermind at Madalla, Niger State, Kabiru Sokoto. The committee members held a one-on-one discussion for over three hours with the imprisoned terror suspects. Recalling the recent killing of policemen in Bayelsa and Borno states, the IGP directed all the field commanders and special units, including assistant inspectors-general of police and commissioners of police, to harness all resources available within their domains in ensuring that the reign of terror and lawlessness was brought to an end. In a statement in Abuja by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer (DFPRO), Frank Mba, the force high command said that it received the news of the “unprovoked and brutal killing of scores of policemen who were on legitimate assignment in Nasarawa State” yesterday morning. He said that this “disturbing, condemnable and highly distressing incident, coming closely after the ones in Bayelsa and Borno states, has thrown up new and emerging threat on the part of policing our country.” According to the statement, the IGP considers the attack as not just on the Nigeria Police and its officers and men but on the collective will of Nigerians to protect and preserve the integrity of the country. “This we have vowed to put an end to. We must put an end to this endless circle of impunity,” the IGP said. “The Nigeria Police Force

working in conjunction with all positive-minded Nigerians will do everything within its powers to fish out and bring to book all those involved in this and other similar killings of law enforcement agents”, he added. Scores of policemen were reportedly killed in Nasarawa State on Wednesday by suspected militants. The killings in Bayelsa and Borno states are yet to be unravelled. The rising insecurity has made President Goodluck Jonathan to cancel his scheduled twoday official visit to Namibia. A statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, noted that in view of recent developments at home in Nigeria, Jonathan had to cut short his visit to South Africa and aborted his state visit to Namibia which was due to yesterday. start According to the statement, “the President is returning to Abuja immediately to personally oversee efforts by national security agencies to contain the fresh challenges to national security which have emerged this week in Borno, Plateau and Nasarawa states.” He noted that the President would on arrival meet with the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police and heads of national security services to review the security situation in the country. The House of Representatives yesterday called for the institution of a judicial panel of enquiry to probe the Lafia killings. While condoling with the Nasarawa State government and families of the late security operatives, the House urged the authorities at both the state and federal levels to

Our errors N a story entitled “Navy releases names of crashed air force’s Iputpilots” in the The Guardian of May 8, 2013 , we erroneously ‘navy’ instead of Nigerian Air Force as the agency whose pilots were involved. Also, Air Commodore Y. Anas, Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information was referred to as Navy’s Director of Information. The errors are regretted. We also erred yesterday in the rider of our story on the Rivers State crisis saying,”Patience Jonathan, gov’s aides trade words,” Instead of “Patience Jonathan denies ordering security agents to go after gov.” The errors are regretted.

explore dialogue with the warring parties to achieve lasting peace. The lawmakers, who observed a minute silence in honour of the slain, further urged the authorities to adequately compensate security operatives that met their untimely death in the hands of the assailants. Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Vice President, Issa Aremu and other labour leaders yesterday expressed concern over the handling of the state of affairs in the country by Jonathan. They urged him to bring to order those undermining the security of the nation and subverting the democratic process. Aremu, Chairman of the Kaduna Branch of NLC, Adamu Ango and other Labour chiefs, converged on Kaduna yesterday, as they condemned the recent comments of the leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force (NDVF), Alhaji Mujahid AsariDokubo and the crisis within the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which they believed, could subvert the democratic political process in the country. Though the rally by the Labour in Kaduna was to protest against the 19 northern governors who unceremoniously suspended an earlier scheduled meeting yesterday on the comatose state of industry in the North, they also used the occasion to speak their minds against Jonathan’s leadership style in the handling of political, economic and social affairs in Nigeria. Besides, piqued by the “outright rejection” of 22 bodies of slain policemen at Bama in Borno State by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) mortuary authorities yesterday, a medical doctor was shot in the leg, while the hospital laboratories were also allegedly destroyed by the police at 10.35 a.m. An attendant said that the mortuary was already filled up and could not contain the bodies of the slain policemen brought from Bama on Wednesday. The Spokesman of Borno State Police Command, Gideon Jibrin, confirmed yesterday’s incident, but added that normalcy had returned to the hospital. Jibrin said: “Yes, there was a po-

lice rampage at the UMTH. The professor, (referring to the Chief Medical Director, Tahir Othman) called me on the development, but as I am talking to you now, the situation is under control, as normalcy has been restored and the people are going about their normal businesses.” Arewa elders yesterday condemned the killing of policemen in Lafia, saying that the Federal Government must act on the state of lawlessness in the country before it degenerated. The statement by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, said that the security challenge facing the nation needed prompt intervention by government, adding that “the reported ambush of police and SSS by the Ombatse worshippers in Lafia Local Council of Nasarawa State which resulted in the loss of 23 officers and eight vehicles is tantamount to revolting.” On his part, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alexander S. Badeh, has identified unemployment and poverty as the major security threat in the country. Badeh, who spoke in Vimtim, his village in Mubi-North Local Council of Adamawa State during the final football match of the maiden edition of the former Falli Local Council championship competition, said that the aim of the fiesta was to engage the youths in activities that could take them away from evil acts. Also, the Archbishop of Lagos Province and Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Adebayo D. Akinde, condemned last Tuesday’s attack on Bama town in Borno State, where 55 people were reportedly killed. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian on the forthcoming first session of the third Synod of the church slated for May 16, 2013 at St. Jude’s Cathedral, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, the Archbishop of Lagos Province, who equally expressed his displeasure at the Baga attack, described the two separate incidents as a declaration of war on the Nigerian nation. He called on the Federal Government to check the crises.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

News PDP wades into Presidency, N’Assembly feud over budget

Air Force plane crashes in P’Harcourt From Madu Onuorah (Abuja) and

From Bridget Chiedu Onochie and Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja HE face-off between the T Presidency and the National Assembly over the 2013 budget may soon be over as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has waded into the matter. Meanwhile, for non-availability of lead debate (preamble), the Senate yesterday suspended the consideration of 2013 Supplementary Budget Bill. The lawmakers also made it compulsory for any sitting President to deliver a State of the Nation address yearly. This followed the passage of the Conference Bill for an Act

Ebiri (Port Harcourt) • Absence of lead debate stalls Senate’s discussion on supplementary budget KelvinNIGERIAN Air Force Mi-24B had earlier indicated that the Ahelicopter on a training • Makes ‘State of the Nation’ address mandatory amendment Bill sent to it last exercise crash-landed at the to make provision for the State of the Nation Address by the President and for Other Matters Connected therein 2013. At a meeting between the Senate leadership and the party’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, in the National Assembly yesterday, the disagreement between the two arms of government over the budget became an issue. A source informed The Guardian that although the budget issue was not in the

agenda for the meeting, it was raised by the lawmakers as one of the issues causing trouble. It was learnt that Anenih asked the Senate leadership to be given an opportunity to intervene in the matter with a view to sorting out the grey areas and resolving them. A senator said: “We told him that we are not happy with the treatment we receive from the President on the issues of budget. It is not possible that the President must have his way all the time on

the issues of budget. We see it as a mark of serious disrespect for the National Assembly if whatever the President brings to the National Assembly were meant to be rubberstamped. It is not fair. What about our own constitutional responsibilities on budget?” It was learnt that the PDP Board of Trustees chairman indicated his interest towards meeting the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives for the purpose of resolving the impasse. The House of Representatives

month might not be attended to. The Upper Chamber had scheduled in its Thursday Order Paper, the consideration and debate of the lingering amendment request for the supplementary budget. But immediately the debate was set to commence, the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, said: “My lead debate is not ready at the moment. So, I am not in a position to take this bill yet. I therefore, move that we suspend this till another legislative day”.

Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt yesterday morning. Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information of the Air Force, Group Captain Dele Alonge said in a statement in Abuja that “there was no casualty as all the crew members came out unhurt.” Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh has already constituted a team of experts to unravel the circumstances that led to the accident. Alonge pledged “further details of the crash will be made known as investigation reveals.”

Aka Ikenga, Ogidi Union hold tributes for Achebe By Odita Sunday S part of the burial rites for the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe, two different Igbo groups, the Aka Ikenga and his Ogidi kinsmen residing in Lagos State, under the umbrella of Ogidi Union (Nig.), have scheduled days of tributes in his honour. The Aka Ikenga event, “Chinua Achebe: There was a Man,” holds on May 14, 2013 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos. Its president, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, described Achebe as “larger than life.” Uwazurike told newsmen that the group decided to mark Achebe’s exit in the fashion the literary icon would have preferred if he were alive. He stated: “Our programme is a mixture of culture, speakers and literature.

Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs, NAFDAC, Dr. Monica Eimunjeze (left); Director, Enforcement and Investigation, Mac Donald Garba; and

Clark faults Reps over Kuku, Dokubo From Chido Okafor Warri JAW National Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark yesterday accused the House of Representatives of being bias by asking for the arrest and probe of the leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo and Adviser to the President on Amnesty Mr. Kingsley Kuku for their alleged utterances over the 2015 presidential polls. Clark rather urged the lawmakers to display fairness by also probing the past utterances of some Northern leaders like Shehu Sani, Lawal Keita, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Farouk Aliu and several others who made similar inflammatory statements against President Goodluck Jonathan. Clark said he supported the lawmakers for condemning the alleged utterances by “my two sons” (Dokubo and Kuku), though Kuku has categorically denied ever making such statement while in the United States (U.S.). He, however, added that the same Dokubo had in December

2012 criticised President Jonathan, saying “Jonathan will lose “2015 elections because he was surrounded by greedy people’’, a statement, he said was applauded by the President’s political opponents. Clark added: “One will like to

express strong reservations on the House’s reaction which seems to be one sided and discriminatory because the House had not condemned similar provocative seditions and more inflammatory statements made by some Nigerian leaders especially the

Northerners, more so when some of the incitements arising from such statements are currently causing serious security problems in Nigeria. “Mr. Speaker and my most respected Honourable members, I demand to know why the most respected Green car-

pet House did not react to such statements. It is only when a satisfactory answer is given for the lawmakers’ silence to past inflammatory statements that the House can be seen to be above sectional, tribal, political and religious influence”.

INEC backs Umeh as APGA national chairman From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HERE may be no end yet to T the crisis rocking the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it would only deal with the Chief Victor Umeh-led faction as the authentic national body of the party. The INEC stated this through a letter of recognition which it sent to the Umeh-led faction of the APGA on Wednesday in Abuja, stating that it would continue to relate with Umeh as the APGA national chairman.

The letter, which was signed by INEC Secretary, Abdulahi Kaugama, noted that the decision to recognise the position of the APGA national chairman was based on the recent ruling of the Court Appeal, which ordered a stay of execution on the order of the Enugu High Court, which had earlier sacked the Umeh-led APGA NEC. The INEC letter with Reference number INEC/DPPM&L/APGA/003/T/35 8, dated May 8, 2013 read in part, “The commission notes the ruling of the Court of Appeal which stayed execution of the order of the Enugu

High Court that restrained Chief Victor Umeh from parading himself as APGA National Chairman. Consequently, the commission will continue to relate with Chief Victor Umeh as the national chairman of APGA.” Reacting to the letter from INEC, Umeh, who applauded the commission for the decision, noted that the INEC has continued in its efforts to do everything as a public institution to preserve the rule of law in Nigeria, adding that the development would return the party to its noble position in Nigerian democracy.

“Even after the decision of the Court of Appeal in Enugu on April 8 that restored me as the authentic national chairman of our party, some other people have continued to parade themselves as APGA national chairman, knowing that this country is rooted in the rule of law and that there is nothing anybody can do to disobey the decisions of the Nigerian court, how much more an appellant court, we patiently waited for the INEC, having informed it of the Appeal Court’s verdict to take its decision on who to deal with as APGA national chairman.

Amaechi remains Rivers PDP leader, says Wike From Kelvin Ebiri, Port-Harcourt INISTER of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, has admonished the Felix Obuah-led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State to work with Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who is the leader of the party in the state. Meanwhile, the PDP elders would soon resolve the crisis in the party in the state, according to a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Gordon Bozimo. But reacting Amaechi’s threat to expose the misdeeds of those fighting him, the minister said anyone thinking of exposing him would be embarking on a fruitless venture. Wike stated this yesterday evening while addressing members of the PDP during the party committees’ inauguration ceremony, which took place at the party’s headquarters in Port Harcourt .

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

NEWS 5

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Sylva gets bail

Govt appoints Hajiya Ciroma, others as parastatals heads

From Abosede Musari, Abuja governor of BayelFwassaORMER State, Timipre Sylva who arrested on Wednesday

From Karls Tsokar, Abuja HE Federal Government has T approved the appointment of a new managing director for

in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been granted administrative bail by the commission. When contacted at press time yesterday, EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren confirmed the bail but could not ascertain if the former governor had already left the premises of the commission. Sylva was arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the EFCC allegedly hiding in his mansion in Abuja. He was arrested following his refusal to honour the commission’s invitations.

S’Court insists on political end to sovereign wealth’s dispute

President Goodluck Jonathan (right), his Benin Republic counterpart, Boni Yayi and former President of Cape Verde, Pedro Pires, during a meeting in Cape Town, South Africa... yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

the Federal Inland Waterways (NIWA) and chief executive officers in other federal parastatals. The new Managing Director for NIWA is Hajiya Inna Ciroma, a former Minister of Women Affairs, rejected by women from her home state Borno, when she was nominated for a ministerial appointment in 2011 for allegedly not being of assistance to them while she held public office. Nigeria Broadcasting Commission also got a new Director General in Emeka Mba, hitherto of the Film and Censors Board, while Bature Masadi takes over Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) as Director General, as well as Engr. Danjuma Dabo, who is the new Managing Director of Nigerian Film Corpora-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the last time. The action, instituted by the 36 state governors against the Federal Government, was consequently adjourned indefinitely to allow the two parties reach a compromise on the matter. Lead counsel to the state governors, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo (SAN), had accused the Federal Government of foot-dragging on out-of-court settlement proposals by the two parties. He told the apex court that a committee put in place by the two parties had met and prepared the terms of settlement which he alleged were not implemented by the Federal Government for reasons best known to it. But Chief Olanipekun said substantial progress had been made on the issue and a little more time was still needed for conclusion. At yesterday proceeding, the parties agreed that a case first instituted since 2006 by Bauchi State would be used to determine the rest and that the Supreme Court’s decision on it would be binding on other states. The apex court also agreed that a motion seeking to further amend the statement of claims by the state governors would be heard on December 2, 2013. At the last mention and after months of intense horse-trading between the Federal Government and governors of the 36 states of the federation on the possibility of reaching a consensus over plans by the Federal Government to transfer $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to a new account to be known as the “Sovereign Wealth Fund,” the parties had told the Supreme Court that the out-of-court settlement option failed to yield any dividend. A seven-man panel of justices of the apex court, presided over by Justice Chukwuma Eneh, had slated yesterday to commence definite hearing on the constitutional issues raised against the proposed new account by the 36 state governors. The governors had in a suit they filed before the apex court on October 23, 2011 sought an order declaring the planned creation of the “Sovereign Wealth Fund” as unconstitutional.

New media, threat to social responsibility, say stakeholders From Karls Tsokar, Abuja HE advent of the new meT dia that has given a boost to information dissemination has changed the concept of social responsibility, such that it poses a threat to other conventional media of communication. This, among others, was the opinion of stakeholders yesterday in Abuja at the one-day workshop on “Effective Understanding and Reporting of Terrorism by the Mass Media: A Constructive Approach.” They added that news events as they occur are transmitted and circulated within minutes, to a large audience, thereby threatening the relevance of the conventional media and the possibility of sieving the wheat from the chaff. The Editor, The Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Martins Oloja, while presenting a paper on the Role of the Media in the Management of Terrorism Reports, said “reporters on the beat must be proactive in fil-

ing their news stories as they evolve or such reports would lose their freshness”. Oloja said the e-revolution has effected the change of the concept of journalism such that “text, sound and video are being managed in a way that it cannot be controlled.” Oloja also called on the security agencies in the country to “declassify information about terrorists and their sponsors for better reportage”. He said: “This can enhance

the notion of naming and shaming that the Hong Kong people used in fighting corruption”. Because globalisation has reduced the world to a small place, so that “the expediency of expanding the frontier of information and communication management by quiet declassification about terrorism and their sponsors” is in line with the e-trend championed by the new online media. Expunging on the historical

evolution of terrorism and other such religion related revolt in Northern Nigeria, Dr. Auwal Anwar said Boko Haram is just a reflection of the breakdown of law and order in the country and the only way to control the insurgents is to “bring back law and order” in the region. He said unlike Maitatsine, Boko Haram members are sons and daughters of the rich, who have western education and access to western

HE Lagos State Election Petitions Appeal Tribunal yesterday quashed the judgment of the state election tribunal which ordered that a fresh chairmanship election be held in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The Appeal Tribunal subsequently affirmed the election of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Jide Jimoh and his deputy, Mrs. Olumegbon Bola Lawal. In a unanimous decision, the five-man panel headed by Justice Opeyemi Oke held that all the proceedings that led to the judgment of the lower tribunal were conducted without jurisdiction. The appeal tribunal in its lead judgment delivered by Justice Mojisola Dada held that the lower tribunal lacked jurisdiction to conduct proceedings without any application for extension of time and

NUJ, workers shut down ThisDay over pay By Tope Templer Olaiya

Court remands 14 oil thieves in prison From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned 14 suspected oil thieves before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, over acts of economic sabotage. The suspects included Joseph Amaechi, Israel Friday, Ubadia Francis, Abayomi Adebisi, Abdullahi Idris, Samuel Job, Onah Peter Ode, Sabo Tasha Hassan and Abdullahi Moh’d.

Others are Abubakar Abdulkadir, Ehiogu Paul, Ibrahim Saidu, Garba Mohammed and Bartholomew Onyema. Though they all pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and illegal oil bunkering, the trial judge, Justice Elvis Chukwu, ordered that they be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of their bail application fixed for next Tuesday. However, the remand order

came after Justice Chukwu had ordered the EFCC prosecutor, Salisu Maigidadi, to commence trial, contrary to his request for an adjournment to enable them prepare for trial. In a statement, the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at a military checkpoint at Toto, Nasarawa State, by officers of the 177 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, while attempting to transport 14 trailer loads of crude oil to northern states.

Appeal tribunal upholds Lagos ACN candidate’s election By Joseph Onyekwere

civilisation. Earlier, the Chief Imam Sahaba Mosque Kundila Kano, Sheik Mohammad Othman, said journalists under-report the explanations scholars of religion give to justify certain activities as they relate to Islam especially, thence the unending misconceptions.

without any order made extending the proceedings of the tribunal beyond 30 days as provided by Sections 14 and 54 of the Tribunal Law. “I allow this appeal and dismiss the petition of the petitioner at the lower tribunal, the proceedings having been caught by the provisions of Section 14 (1) of the local government election tribunal law’’, Justice Dada held. The judge further ruled that the lower tribunal by operation of the law lost jurisdiction to hear and deliver judgment in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Adeyemi Moyegun, upon the expiration of 30 days provided by the Local Government Election Tribunal Law which establishes and vested jurisdiction on the tribunal. The tribunal further held that the lower tribunal erred in law when it held in its judgment that Section 14 of the State Election Tribunal Law is unconsti-

tutional on the ground that it offends Section 36 of the Constitution. Besides, Justice Dada held that the petitioner at the lower tribunal (PDP candidate) had ample opportunity under the Local Government Election Law to apply for enlargement of time within which the tribunal could determine the petition but failed to do so. ‘’Something cannot be built on nothing. The conduct of the proceedings without jurisdiction is a nullity, a mere waste of time”, the tribunal held. The court further awarded cost of N250,000 against the first respondent (Adeyemi

Moyegun). The lower tribunal nullified the declaration of Mr. Jide Jimoh of the ACN as the winner of the election held in Yaba Local Council Development Area and ordered a fresh poll in the council. The tribunal said it based its decisions on the irregularities that took place during the conduct of the election in the two councils.

HE Nigeria Union of JourT nalists (NUJ) made good its threat at the beginning of the month to picket media houses that owe journalists salaries, as it yesterday halted activities at the ThisDay newspapers headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, over six months’ salary arrears. In the action carried out by the NUJ in conjunction with the National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Product Workers, (NUPPPPW), all print work, including production of today’s insertions of the newspaper, was halted to enforce its ‘no-pay, no-work’ stance. Also, workers were refused entry into the company’s premises. But before the NUJ notified all media houses of the intending action, the Publisher of ThisDay newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena, had on April 5, 2013 sent a memo to the members of staff in which he blamed the delay in payment of salaries on last year’s Boko Haram attack on the newspapers’ Abuja offices, and promised to clear the backlog within weeks.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

6 | NEWS

Osamgbi becomes NIMASA’s deputy director, heads PR HE Nigerian Maritime AdT ministration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has appointed a renowned journalist, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi, as its Deputy Director and Head, Public Relations (PR) According to the NIMASA Director General, Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, “Isichei Osamgbi is expected to bring his immense wealth of experience in public and private sectors to bear on the agency’s operations and growth.” Osamgbi, who was last year appointed NIMASA’s Deputy Director/Head, Abuja Zonal Office, was until then an employee of Shell Nigeria between 2007 and 2012. Within that period, he served in various capacities as Shell Media Relations and Communications Adviser. He was a key member of the team that helped restructure and resuscitate the image of the global oil giant, providing a new prospect for its operations. Between 1996 and 2006, the new NIMASA spokesman was with THISDAY, where he held several positions such as Energy Editor, Deputy Political Editor, Deputy Group Business Editor, Business Editor (Nation’s Capital), Foreign/Diplomatic Editor, Deputy Group News Editor, Corporate/Public Relations Manager, and member of THISDAY Board of Editors.

Osamgbi

Nnewi plans Palace Museum project HE indegenes of Nnewi in Anambra State, led by their ruler, Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III, will be launching a N500 million Igwe Nnewi Palace Museum Project billed to host the town’s cultural artifacts and antiquities of rare gem, according to the invitation letter sent to The Guardian. According to the planners, the event scheduled for May 25, 2013, at the Igwe’s Palace, has President Goodluck Jonathan as special guest of honour, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State as chief host, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State as chief launcher, while Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu would be the lady of the day, among many other dignitaries and illustrious indegenes of the area. The statement noted that the Palace Museum would boast “something unique to Nnewei and Igbo culture, ranging from traditional architecture, cuisines, songs, dance, relics and antiquities.” It would also house shopping complex, library, conference centre, restaurant and café, as well as chronicle auto parts markets in Nnewi.

Obama not coming to Nigeria soon From Oghogho Obayuwana (Foreign Affairs Editor) HOSE nursing the desire of seeing President Barack Obama of the United States (U.S.) visit Nigeria any time soon, for whatever reason, should forget it, as the country’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Karen Hanrahan, said rather, “in a longer time that can happen, but there are no immediate plans.” At a roundtable yesterday evening with a select Nigerian media team at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Hanrahan disclosed that having visited the violence-ravaged area of the North, including the decimated Baga in Bornu State, new concerns have now arisen. “We found discrepancies in the figures. There is a consensus that some bad things happened. Now, we want the

• U.S. wants Boko Haram members tried Human Rights Commission to carry out an independent investigation and make its report known to the public,” she said. And while fielding questions jointly, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Terence McCulley, also submitted that there was now a clear need to understand “the undercurrent factors that drive the Boko Haram insurgency,” that these factors needed to be addressed, even through the transformation agenda in the provision of jobs and social services to the people. A U.S. government statement on the new concerns in Nigeria was also released yesterday, noting among others, that “as they did this week in Bama, Boko Haram has terrorised the people of northern Nigeria, killing thousands over the past three years with bombings, shootings, kidnappings and coordinated at-

tacks on security force facilities. “The United States condemns Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms and has worked to help Nigeria address the threat of terrorism. Those members of Boko Haram responsible for the violence must be held accountable in accordance with the rule of law.” The statement added: “The U.S. values the strong partnership it has with Nigeria and respects the role Nigeria plays in the world stage. We remain deeply concerned about increasing insecurity in Northern Nigeria and the potential threat it poses to stability in both Nigeria and the region. “The rising cycle of violence is affecting Nigerian citizens the most, with the number of civilian casualties increasing.” However, the U.S. decried the excessive use of force and extra-judicial killings by the

Nigerian authorities, stating that the “tragedy at Baga underscores the need for the government of Nigeria to put civilian protection at the forefront of its insurgency campaign.” It added: “The government now has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and the wellbeing of all Nigerians by first adopting tactics in the North that are effective and protect civilians and, second, ensuring that the National Human Rights Commission carries out an independent and transparent investigation. “Reports from the investigation must be made public and those who committed or ordered these crimes, regardless of position, must be held accountable.” In any case, the U.S. wants the government of Nigeria to bring to book members of the Boko Haram insurgency responsible for the violence and killings in parts of the North.

Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama (left); Vice President Namadi Sambo; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Mohammed Kachalla Abubakar and Acting Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki, during a meeting on National Council on Privatisation held at the Presidential Vila in Abuja… yesterday PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

It said it was very concerned that the current “indiscriminate, force-based approach to counter-terrorism is increasing extremism and decreasing confidence in the Federal Government. These tactics tarnish Nigeria’s reputation as an emerging leader and a stable democratic government.” Nevertheless, the U.S. does not have any immediate plan to heighten the level of defence cooperation it currently has with Nigeria, even though it welcomes a modification of the tactics of Nigerian security arrangement to deal with terrorism, new ways of handing insurgency, as well as different capacity building models for the military Joint Task Force.

NEMA to address boundary disputes nationwide OLLOWING the incessant F boundary disputes among different co-habiting groups across the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has unfolded intervention plans to address the crisis. NEMA Director General, Mohammad Sani-Sidi, who disclosed this during a technical tour of the agency by the International Federation of Surveyors, expressed worry at the recurring conflicts that had claimed many lives, destroyed property and dislocated people’s means of livelihood. He noted that the crisis, occasioned by disagreements between individuals and communities over border delineation, have retarded the development of affected communities and the nation in general. According to Sani-Sidi, NEMA is intervening through the proper delineation and documentation of all disputed lands and riparian boundaries across states, councils and communities across the country.

Court rules June 6 on contempt charge against Police By Yetunde Ayobami-Ojo USTICE Yetunde Idowu of a JIkeja Lagos High Court sitting in has fixed June 6, 2013, to decide whether to commit the state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, and two others to prison for contempt of court. Justice Idowu had on Feb-

ruary 18, 2013, ordered the Police to produce two suspected kidnappers, Philip Tomi and Joel Wolomo, or their bodies before the court on a motion ex-parte brought by Chief Seliwei Willy Baidi. When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, Baidi informed the court that the

respondents had persistently refused to appear before the court on all adjourned dates in spite of being served the various court processes, which proof of service were before the court. He submitted that the attitude of the respondents constituted contempt of court

and amounted to ridicule and disrespect to the court. In his application, Baidi prayed for an order of the court committing the respondents to prison for willful and unlawful disobedience of court order. According to him, “there is a case of willful disobedience of court order by the respon-

dent and the reason is because the respondents have extra-judicially murdered the applicants. “We, therefore, urge your lordship to exercise your powers until they have purged themselves of the contempt. Let them come to court to tell us whether they are still alive or not.”

Tinubu warns against inflammatory comments on nation’s unity By Gbenga Akinfenwa and Adeniyi Adunola HEAD the 2015 elections, A former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, has sternly warned politicians and other Nigerians to avoid taking measures or making comments capable of threatening the unity of the country. Tinubu, who spoke yesterday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, during the public presentation of Lest I Forget: Memoirs of Nigerian Career Diplomat, written by Ambassador Oladapo Fafowora, said that in recent times, self-acclaimed friends,

as well as aides of the President have been making comments that could jeopardise the unity of the country. He described those comments as insensitive, inciting and incendiary, adding that such threats are utterly irresponsible and unjustifiable. According to him, “one says if President Goodluck Jonathan is not re-elected in 2015, the tenuous peace now being enjoyed in the Niger Delta will not be guaranteed. “Another builds on that, saying with all the crudity in his being that not only will there be no peace in the Niger Delta, there will also be no peace everywhere across the country.

“Earlier, a gregarious presidential aide boasted that he would no longer bear his name if by 2014 the new political platform called the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not vanished into thin air. These are pretty strong words.” The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain said the statements must be seen for what they are because “words are like eggs dropped from great heights; you can no more call them back than ignore the mess they leave when they fall.” He stressed that it was important “for us” to keep quiet when the dead-enders unleash these kinds of words,

adding that the opposition parties must not allow the ethnic militias to ruin Nigeria’s democracy or untie the country’s unity. “It is said that evil triumphs when good men do nothing,” he said. “It is, therefore, incumbent on all our acknowledged good men to speak out against these ethnic jingoists, or those that the Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, will call ‘lickspittle’. “To the best of my knowledge, President Goodluck Jonathan was elected by Nigerians of different ethnic groups, and no single ethnic group, whether minority or majority, can single-handedly elect a President. No eth-

nic warlord or groveling aide can single-handedly elect a President.” Tinubu disclosed that the framers of the country’s constitution apparently had it in mind when they said that, for a candidate to be elected President, he must win no less than one-third of the votes cast at an election in each of at least two-third of all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. “There is strength in our unity, let us guard it jealously,” he said, adding: “Let us work hard to keep our country united. Above all, let us not take our unity for granted.”

NEWS 7

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Ugolor seeks Jonathan’s action in Oyerinde’s murder From Itunu Ajayi, Abuja HE principal suspect in the first degree murder of Olaitan Oyerinde, the principal Secretary to the Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene and order a proper investigation of the murder case. The Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor, who was arrested by the police and detained at the wake of Oyerinde’s murder told journalists in Abuja yesterday that it is high time the police boss came out clean in the much celebrated murder case. He lamented that activities of the police has been shrouded in insincerity since the unfortunate incident happened. Ugolor said there was the need to conduct a proper investigation into the case to unravel the manner in which the Police under the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Peter Gana who was the leader of investigation and the Deputy Commissioner of Police DC Ezekiel handled the case.

Govt okays collaboration of TAC with global agencies

From Oghogho Obayuwana, Foreign Affairs Editor OLLOWING breaking of new frontiers of cooperation, the Federal Government has given approval for collaboration by the Technical Aids Corps (TAC) with global agencies and international organisation with the aim of advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy

objectives. Aside from the United Nations (UN) Volunteer Service, the other international agencies for which a go ahead has now been given for collaboration, include the Japan Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

And besides fresh requests by newly independent South Sudan and Timorlees governments to join the TAC scheme, Nigeria is also now striving to consolidate on its drive of helping in the effort by the African Union (AU) to establish an African Union Volunteer Service. These and other disclosures

were made yesterday in Abuja by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri at the start of the 2012-2014 Biennium TAC orientation exercise where in the end, no fewer than 1,700 are expected to be deployed to mostly African Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP). Since its inception, 26 years

Edo ACN tasks council chairmen on performance From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City DO State leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday read the riot act to elected chairmen of the councils, urging them to replicate the developmental strides of the state government in their councils just as it threatened to sanction any of them who do otherwise. Chairman of the party, Thomas Okosun stated this when he met with the elected chairmen in Benin City just as he condemned the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s criticism of the council election. He said the PDP was not on ground in the state; “it is funny because they only exist on the pages of newspapers in Abuja but nowhere to be found in Edo State”. Okosun told the chairmen that “the reason why we are celebrating victory today is because of the performance of the comrade governor and that is exactly what we demand from you as chairmen. We will entertain no excuses for failure. You must be disciplined, the party has remained united till today due to discipline in the party”.

From Ali Garba, Bauchi HE Bauchi State Commissioner, Ministry for Water Resources, Alhaji Sani Muhammad Bura has tasked journalists in the state to enlighten and educates rural communities on the importance of clean environment, saying that people are not safe without cleanness. Speaking during a courtesy called by group of journalists known as Journalist for Water and Sanitation in his office yesterday, Bura said that the group has the responsibility of creating awareness and mobilising communities with the aim of reducing water borne diseases and droplet in their domain.

Swedish Finance Minister, Anders Borg (left); Main One CEO, Funke Opeke; Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru; Swedish Development Cooperation Minister, Gunilla Carlsson; and Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Svante Kilander during the visit of the Swedish Ministerial Delegation to Main One’s Corporate Office… on Wednesday.

Arik made me lose money, lawyer tells court By Joseph Onyekwere LAGOS-BASED lawyer, Mr. A Ikechukwu Chiaha yesterday opened up his testimony in the suit he filed against Arik Air Limited at the Federal High Court, Lagos, saying the Airline made him loose money. The lawyer had filed a N125 million damages suit over alleged cancellation of his flight to Abuja and lost of income. Led in evidence by his counsel, O. Oloyemi, Chiaha told the court that due to the cancellation, he missed a legal brief worth N50 million after his client accused him of being unserious. The lawyer who sought to tender some documents opposed to by defence counsel, A.B Ogunsusi, insisted that the airline is liable to monetary compensation to him, haven made him lost legal brief. The documents he sought to tender are The Punch and Peoples Daily newspapers and a letter from his chambers. The lawyer asked the court to order the airline to refund him the lost N50 million, pay him N18, 000 as cost of the air ticket, and N75 million as general damages. He also sought interest on the total sum at 21 per cent from September 1, 2010 until judgment is delivered, as well as cost of the action. But the trial judge, Mohammed Yunusa in a bench ruling said the plaintiff needs to obtained certified true copy of the documents he sought to tender so as to make it comply with the requirements of the evidence Act 2011 and adjourned the matter to

June 18 for continuation of trial. Chiaha said he bought an Arik air ticket through Zenith Bank on August 31, 2010 and was issued a boarding pass, numbered ETKT 7252416610757-1. The flight was billed to depart Lagos for Abuja at 7.30 a.m. on September 1, 2010. He explained that he arrived at the airport as early as 5.45a.m. and was checked in by Arik officials, and eventually took his seat aboard the plane but that the plane never took off when it was 7.30 a.m. as scheduled. He and other pas-

sengers waited till 10 a.m., yet the plane did not take off. According to Chiaha, Arik Air officials later told passengers that the plane was prevented from flying that day because the airline has not paid navigational charges to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The plaintiff said he was forced to travel to Abuja by another airline, but by the time he arrived, he had been debriefed by his client who said the lawyer did not show seriousness by honouring the meeting time and therefore

was not a man of his words. The lawyer said the flight cancellation caused him “untold and unquantifiable” hardship as he lost the N50 million brief, suffered psychological trauma, loss of goodwill, waste of precious time and foreclosed his chances of getting further briefs from his client – Joofid Technical Company Limited. Chiaha said the airline’s failure to pay the navigational charges, which occasioned the cancellation, was widely reported in national dailies on September 2, 2010.

ago, about 10,000 volunteers had served in more than 40 countries that include The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Guyana, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya (Shelter Afrique) and Ethiopia. Others are Namibia, Mozambique, Seychelles, Eritrea, Congo Brazzaville, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Fiji Islands, Sao Tome and Principe, Belize and Commonwealth of Dominica. The Nigerian TAC scheme currently has about 1,040 Nigerian professionals contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the ACP countries. Addressing the Nigerian volunteers, the minister stated, “As you go out as ‘development ambassadors’, note that you are to project the good image of your country through excellent performance and comportment. You are therefore going to act as a good catalyst in promoting Nigeria’s bilateral relations with individual recipient countries. “Let me assure you that government will continue to support this programme which has become an effective and veritable instrument of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy as well as the delivery of Technical Assistance to sister African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The success of the scheme can also be measured not only by the increasing number of requests from recipient countries but the increasing demand for high calibre manpower from recipient countries, away from the middle level manpower being requested earlier. The government will therefore continue to do all it can within its limited resources to ensure that the scheme continues to grow from strength to strength,” she added. The Chief Executive Officer of TAC ambassador Mamman Daura also disclosed yesterday that owing to its successes and increasing acceptability, the scheme has already attracted the interest of the Commonwealth, which has since signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government in this regard.

Olanipekun lists corruption, impunity as dangers to Nigeria By Joseph Onyekwere HE former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has said that the issues of security, constitutionalism and corruption must be critically addressed for the corporate existence of Nigeria. The revered lawyer explained that Nigeria is gradually becoming a country where laws are emasculated with impunity, adding that the situation has become very worrisome. Olanipekun made the postulations in a paper he presented at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in honour of the first Director General of the Institute, late Dr.

Akinola Aguda on Tuesday tilted: Law as an endangered specie. He said: “Three critical areas have been examined within the context of this paper, that is, security, constitutionalism and corruption. Each of the three of them is critical to the corporate existence of Nigeria. God forbid our entering into the Guinness Book of Records as the foremost country where law is emasculated with impunity. “Apart from the actual threat of terrorism, which we face, how does one rationalise the audacity of over 5,000 ex-kidnappers seeking amnesty and demanding for compensation from the government because they voluntarily surrendered their arms? How do we also ratio-

nalise or defend the retention in our statute books of an antiquated law which stipulates a penalty of N750, 000.00 for someone convicted of corruptly making do with or dissipating pension funds amounting to N23.3 billion? The mockery to which our laws is further subjected to can be clinically analysed if we compare that within the same clime, a hungry man or an unemployed youth who stole the telephone handset of a serving governor was convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 45 years by an Osogbo High Court.” He warned that in any country where the laws are not obeyed, anarchy would set in, adding that the populace would go

astray and become rudderless when law is inefficient. “A hapless law attracts a hopeless citizenry; a bankrupt law breeds impotent people; when law is inefficient, then the country becomes rudderless; if law is so frail, then the society is encircled by a gathering of unruly crowd; when and where law is disrespected, the populace would go astray and whenever it is subjugated, anarchy becomes enthroned; at any given situation where law can no longer tame, criminals are born, bred and raised to the positions of leadership in every facet of national life; when law becomes the servant, it automatically metamorphoses to an endangered specie.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

8 | NEWS

Edo electoral body berates polls monitors

China tops sources of fake drugs to Nigeria, says NAFDAC

From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City

HE Edo State Independent T Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Wednesday berated some election monitors and observers, who it said, were masquerading for some political interest from reports they have been publishing on the April 20, 2013, local council election. It, however, promised the people of the state credible election in Esan North-East Council and other wards in some councils across the state where polls were inconclusive. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Benin City, a member of the Commission, Prof. Stanley Orobatror, said many of the self-acclaimed election monitors who had been condemning the election in Abuja, were those who did not meet the criteria for monitoring the polls and also failed to force the Commission to pay them for the exercise. He said 104 individuals and non- governmental organisations (NGOs) applied to be accredited but that on accepting their applications, “It was discovered that most of the applicants belonged to unregistered bodies while some had forged registration certificates”.

Court delivers judgment in My Pikin trial May 16

By Chukwuma Muanya HE National Agency for T Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday confirmed in Lagos that most fake and substandard food and drug products imported into the country were sourced from China. NAFDAC also revealed that

drug counterfeiters now operate from markets that deal on other commodities so as not to draw attention of law enforcement agencies on their nefarious activities. Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, at a press briefing in Lagos on the arrest of Mr. Olisemeka Osefoh for the importation of counterfeit

medicines worth over N106 million from China, said: “The suspect has been interrogated and his statement taken. He confessed to be in business with a cartel based in China where the products were sourced and stored in their warehouse before being shipped to Nigeria. He has also given investigators infor-

mation on how the medicines were illegally cleared through Tincan Island Port, Lagos. The counterfeit medicines have been sample against the suspect and he will be prosecuted as soon as investigation is concluded.” The NAFDAC director general said the agency is working closely with the Chinese Em-

Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayo Phillips (right); the state Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Dr. Kole Abayomi; wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola and Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okojie at the 5th year remembrance of the late Prof. Jadesola Akande titled “Uniting to end violence against women and girls” in Lagos… yesterday PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

By Joseph Onyekwere

JUDGE of the Federal High A Court, Lagos, Okechukwu Anambra PDP seeks return of PLOs, pledges fair primaries Okeke, on yesterday said he would deliver judgment in a suit against Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Limited charged with production of alleged killer syrup, My Pikin on May 16. Justice Okeke fixed the date for judgment after parties in the suit had adopted their final written addresses. The company is charged by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) together with two of its employees, Adeyemo Abiodun and Ebele Eromosele, on a six-count charge bordering on the offence. Counsel to Barewa Company, Osaro Eghobamien (SAN), while adopting his address, urged the court to discharge and acquit the accused, adding that the prosecution had failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on it. Eghobamien argued that NAFDAC’s case was incompetent as it failed to adopt a constructive approach in proving same. He told the court that the prosecution would have demonstrated a toxicological or pathological report to show that the alleged “deaths” arose from consumption of My Pikin teething syrup”. According to Eghobamien, the samples of the syrup collected from the defendant company was not shown to be the same as that which was analysed, investigated and presented before the court. “The process of scientific evidence is that the samples taken from the accused must be shown to be the same with that analysed and presented in court. The chain must not be broken,” he told the court.

From Chuks Collins, Awka NAMBRA State chapter of A the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the return of Presidential Liaison Officers (PLOs) in the states, particularly Anambra, and others where the party is not in power. This was part of the findings and recommendations of the PDP Harmonisation, Peace and Reconciliation committee led by the immediate past Chief Judge of the state, Justice Paul Obidigwe. The committee, which was set up by the state executive committee led by Ken Emeakayi in March this year, during the handing over of its report yesterday, stated that the need for the liaison officers was borne out of their findings in the course of their work. Obidigwe, while handing over the report yesterday, said due to the absence of a PDP governor on ground, the SURE-P programme, farm inputs/enumeration of farmers, relief materials/funds distribution for flood victims and other such democracy dividend were clearly mismanaged because they were handed

over through a non-PDP administration. The retired jurist pointed out that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) administration that handled the programmes used them as “tools of victimisation to non-APGA members”. He, therefore, appealed for the consideration of the establishment of a PLO for the

state to supervise and handle such issues henceforth. Meanwhile, as preparations for the November 2013 governorship polls in Anambra State gather steam, Emeakayi has assured all its aspiring members of free, fair and transparent primaries. According to Emeakayi, “the gubernatorial primaries of the party will be openly con-

tested and not selected, awarded, given or chosen. Every vote must count and must be counted in our primaries.” Assuring that the party must reclaim the state in the next governorship polls, Emeakayi thanked God and members for the return of peace and unity in the party in the state now.

‘Social media, threat to journalism’ HE immediate past ComT missioner for Information in Ondo State, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, on Wednesday, advised relevant agencies of government in the country to deploy necessary instruments of law to check the growing abuse of the social media in order to save the communications industry. Akinmade stated this while delivering a lecture, titled: “The Press as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, Fact or Fallacy”, at the orientation programme held for fresh students of the Mass Communication Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. He noted with concern that

the use of the Internet by most Nigerians to post incorrect information about issues and events, if not immediately controlled and checked by government, could negatively affect the image of the media industry. He lamented that most Nigerians prefer to believe information posted on the Internet by the users who had done nothing to cross-check their facts, compared to wellinvestigated information aired or published in the mass media. He said: “The Fourth Estate has been eroded by the new media. Both newspapers’ circulation and advertising revenues are in decline as the

print media audience seek greener pasture on-line. The broadcast media too have become dramatically affected by a persistent loss of audience and revenue. “With the increasing popularity of on-line social networking, television has ceased to be the fundamental source of people’s entertainment, news and information. “As a consequence of the attrition of the Fourth Estate, there has been a widespread reduction in resources and staff numbers. This siphoning off of resources from the newsroom has led inexorably to a decline in journalistic standards.” The former image-maker of

Kwara gov lauds ex-VC, Alao, over NSCIA From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin OVERNOR Abdulfatah G Ahmed of Kwara State has commended the emergence of the former Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Isha’q Olanrewaju Oloyede and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez

bassy in Nigeria to track down the criminal company in China, which connived with the suspect to ship into the country these counterfeit medicines. “The agency has enjoyed the support and cooperation of the Chinese Embassy in the fight against drug counterfeiting in the country,” he said. Orhii said Osefoh was arrested by operatives from NAFDAC investigation and enforcement directorate following a tip-off. He said the officials raided a warehouse located at Progressive Traders’ Market known for the sale of jewelry and cosmetics products within Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, and 158 cartons of Skinneal cream, 43 cartons of FunbactA cream, 719 cartons of Mycoten cream, 131 cartons of Neurogesic cream, 56 cartons of Rough Rider condom, 20 cartons of Iman Luxury Powder and 205 cartons of Heal Balm with estimated street value of the counterfeit medicines, which is about two 20feet container load for N106,210 only. Orhii said there would be no sacred cow in the fight against counterfeit medicines and any counterfeiter arrested will be prosecuted according to the law of the land. He appealed on behalf of the agency to members of the public, landlords and market unions to report any suspicious activity relating to NAFDAC regulated products around their community to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate action and see it as part of their contribution in the fight against counterfeit and fake products. Orhii said that henceforth, landlords of warehouses stocked with counterfeit drugs and other substandard regulated products will be arrested and prosecuted as accomplices.

Arisekola Alao, as the new Secretary General and the Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). He said their appointment was a further testimony of the duo’s unquantifiable contributions to Islamic knowledge

and religious harmony in the country and beyond. In a congratulatory message signed by Ahmed’s Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Oloyede, according to the governor, has not only become a reference point in university administration in Nigeria during whose tenure

University of Ilorin enjoyed stable academic calendar through his unparalleled penchant for students’ discipline and academic excellence Alao, the governor said, invested his enormous resources in the promotion of Islam and Muslim communities and associations.

the Ondo State government further noted that most media establishments, because of the current threat, were either being forced to downsize in order to remain in business or owe salaries and allowances of workers. He expressed worry that if nothing was urgently done to save the mass media industry in Nigeria, the nation may have to contend with a situation whereby corruption would be the order of the day since there won’t be any credible medium to check activities of those in positions of authorities. Akinmade also reviewed the ownership structure of most Nigerian media establishments and concluded that urgent steps should be taken by government to ensure that stakeholders in the industry play the game according to the rules. Although the former commissioner contended that the management of media houses in the country had a great role to play to sustain their business, he however, said such task should not be at the instance of Nigerians who deserved adequate and reliable information.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

WorldReport Eritrea jailed about 10,000 political prisoners, says Amnesty International RITREA has reportedly E jailed no fewer than 10,000 political prisoners,

The Castro brothers – Onil, Pedro and Ariel – arraigned at Cleveland Municipal Court for the kidnapping of three women in Cleveland in Cleveland, Ohio…yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

U.S. court places kidnap suspect on $8m bail bond Africa’s wealthiest man, Dangote, pledges to NITED States (U.S.) bus U driver, Ariel Castro, was ordered held on an $8 million bond yesterday on charges he kidnapped and raped three women and held them in his home for a decade. The 52-year-old suspect, in his first court appearance since the revelation of a crime that has shocked and disgusted a nation, did not enter a plea and was sent to county jail, where he is to be placed on suicide watch. Found inside the house where Ariel Castro allegedly held three women captive for a decade was a note from 2004

in which he called himself “a sexual predator” in need of help, local media reported. Castro was arraigned for the rape and kidnapping of Amanda Berry, 27, Gina DeJesus, 23 and Michelle Knight, 32, who all emerged Monday from the unassuming Cleveland house owned by the former school bus driver. Local television station WOIO investigative reporter Scott Taylor, on his Twitter feed, said the note was among dozens of pieces of evidence that police recovered when they combed the two-story premises after the women’s escape.

Prosecutors file corruption charges against Berlusconi ROSECUTORS in Italy have filed charges against former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for allegedly bribing a left-wing senator €3.0 million ($3.9 million) to join his party. The announcement from the prosecutor’s office in Naples came a day after a Milan court upheld Berlusconi’s conviction in a separate case of tax fraud linked to his Mediaset business empire. Wednesday’s ruling confirmed a sentence of four years in prison against Berlusconi

and a three-year amnesty, leaving a one-year prison sentence, which is suspended pending an appeal. Prosecutors yesterday alleged the media baron paid off senator Sergio De Gregorio after elections in 2006 won by a centre-left coalition led by Romano Prodi by just a handful of votes. A few months later, De Gregorio crossed the aisle and joined the Berlusconi opposition in a move that helped bring down Prodi in 2008. The subsequent elections were won handily by Berlus-

uphold good corporate governance in Zambia FRICA’S wealthiest man, A Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote, has pledged to uphold good corporate governance and abide by the Zambian laws following his investment in a cement factory in the southern African nation, Xinhua quoted Zambia Daily Mail as reporting y e s t e r d a y . Dangote, who is chairperson of Dangote Group, said he intends to abide by the Zambian laws through payment of all tax and statutory obligations

following the construction of a $400 million cement plant in Masaiti District, Copperbelt P r o v i n c e . “Our plan is to commence corporate social responsibility obligations in order to consolidate on our relationship with communities in which our future investments will be located in Zambia,” he was quoted as saying by the paper during a meeting with Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda.

many in “unimaginably atrocious conditions”, according to a report by rights group Amnesty International criticising the situation in the Red Sea state. The report claimed that with political opposition banned, independent media quashed and religious minorities targeted, the ex-rebel government uses a system of underground cells and shipping containers to house the prisoners. Claire Beston, Amnesty’s Eritrea researcher, said: “The government has systematically used arbitrary arrest and detention without charge to crush all opposition, to silence all dissent, and to punish anyone who refuses to comply with the repressive restrictions it places on people’s lives.” But Eritrea dismissed the report as “wild accusations” and said it “rejects in the clearest of terms” that it had jailed thousands. “The sordid picture it paints resembles little to the reality,” Eritrea’s foreign ministry said in a statement. The report said “at least 10,000” prisoners have “disappeared into secret and incommunicado detention” in

The government has systematically used arbitrary arrest and detention without charge to crush all opposition, to silence all dissent, and to punish anyone who refuses to comply with the repressive restrictions it places on people’s lives. the Horn of Africa nation, but warns it is impossible to know the exact figure. The report was released ahead of Eritrea’s celebrations of 20 years of independence on May 24, which followed an overwhelming vote by the people to split from arch-foe Ethiopia after years of bitter war. Eritrean rebels battled far better equipped Ethiopian troops – backed first by the United States, then the Soviet Union – for three decades until victory in 1991, which was followed by a referendum two years later. A subsequent border conflict with Ethiopia from 1998-2000 still simmers, which analysts said Asmara uses as an excuse for its continued iron-rule.

Son of Pakistan’s ex-PM kidnapped two days before landmark polls OME gunmen yesterday kidSGilani napped a son of Yousuf Raza – a former Pakistani prime minister – on the final day of campaigning for landmark elections, which the Taliban have vowed to bomb. Ali Haider Gilani, 27, was seized in a hail of gunfire on the outskirts of the city of Multan in Punjab province. Officials said his secretary and a bodyguard were killed and four people wounded, according to Agence France Presse (AFP). “People came on a motorbike. They also had a car with them and they opened fire and ab-

ducted Gilani’s son, Ali Haider, in a black Honda,” police officer, Khurram Shakur, told reporters. The ex-premier’s family is one of the most powerful in Multan and a key clan in the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). The party’s campaign for re-election has been dramatically curtailed by threats from the Pakistani Taliban. The insurgents, who have dismissed the elections as unIslamic, said they have sent suicide bombers to mount attacks on polling day, which is tomorrow.

There was no claim of responsibility for the abduction of Haider, a provincial assembly candidate for the secular PPP whose two other brothers are standing for the national assembly. Gilani senior was disqualified after being sacked and indicted by the Supreme Court last year for refusing to reopen corruption cases against the president. “We will not allow people to sabotage the election,” he told reporters after the kidnapping, calling on PPP activists to remain “quiet and peaceful”. He

said the family had not been provided with security despite being threatened. Meanwhile, around 25,000 supporters of Pakistani politician Imran Khan gathered in Islamabad late yesterday, enthusiastically waiting for the ex-cricketer to address them by video link from hospital. The charismatic 60-year-old has been ordered by doctors to remain immobile after suffering fractured vertebrae and a broken rib on Tuesday after falling from a stage at a rally in Lahore ahead of tomorrow’s elections.

Kenya asks United Nations to drop ICC charges against Kenyatta, Ruto HE United Nations (UN) SeT curity Council has been asked by Kenya to scrap the international crimes against humanity trials currently hanging on President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Vice President William Ruto, according to a letter seen by Agence France Presse (AFP) yesterday. Kenyatta, 51, voted into power in March elections, is to go on trial in July at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for crimes against humanity relating to post-election violence in 200708.

Also Ruto, 46, faces three counts of crimes against humanity for his role in the deadly violence. “What this delegation is asking for is not deferral,” Kenya’s ambassador to the UN, Macharia Kamau, wrote in a letter to the Council seen by AFP. “What this delegation is asking for is for the immediate termination of the case at The Hague.” The letter, dated May 2 and stamped confidential, is the first such official request for the cases to be dropped.

However, while the Security Council can ask for a case to be deferred for a year, it does not have the authority to order that the ICC drop a case completely, and diplomats at the UN said Kenya’s demand is likely to get a quick rejection. “No formal response has been made yet, but the Kenyans will be told their request is going nowhere,” said one diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. The letter – which criticises the process as “neither impartial nor independent” – is therefore viewed more as a po-

Kenya appealed to friendly nations to use their good offices and prevail upon the International Criminal Court to reconsider the continued process. litical appeal to drum up support among allies rather than a practical step towards dropping ICC charges. Kenya appealed to “friendly nations to use their good offices and prevail upon the International Criminal Court to reconsider the continued process”. Some 1,100 people died in

bloodshed after the 2007 elections marred by allegations of vote rigging, shattering Kenya’s image as a beacon of regional stability. What began as political riots quickly turned into ethnic killings and reprisal attacks, plunging Kenya into its worst wave of violence since independence in 1963.

Rwanda, a temporary member of the 15-nation Security Council, raised the Kenyan case at a meeting with ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda on Wednesday, and Bensouda sternly hit back at suggestions that her office’s action was politicised. “The ICC has always and will always continue to respect the sovereign equality of all states. The ICC however will not shy away from investigating individuals for any alleged crimes irrespective of their status,” Bensouda told council members.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Politics Monguno: The man they didn’t know By Dele Fanimo HEN the news broke that gunmen, susW pected to be members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect, had kidnapped elder statesman and First Republic politician, Alhaji Shettima Ali Monguno, it elicited outrage and condemnation across the nation. Indeed, the circumstance and manner the four-man gang abducted the 92-year-old former minister on his way home after observing his Juma’at prayers at the Mafoni Mosque in Maiduguri, almost brought the machinery of government in Borno State to a halt. Perhaps, if emotions had ruled the mind of his abductors; if they had considered his pedigree, his age, philanthropy and contributions to national development, particularly his home state — Borno, maybe he would not have been a prey for such “evil” enterprise. Besides, for a man, who has been speaking to the understanding of the Boko Haram about the dangerous security situation they have foisted on the North, and at the same time pleading the cause of the insurgents, as regards the government dialoguing with them; abducting him was not the right thing to do. God forbid! How would the abductors have explained it to his family members, his community, his local council and state government, and the entire Nigeria had he died, on account of his age, in their den? Well, perhaps unknown to his assaulters, Monguno, who has been confined to his homestead due to old age, was a prominent figure in the political firmament of the First Republic. Reputed to be one of the respected educationists in the northern part of Nigeria, Monguno was born in Monguno, Borno State. He attended the Monguno Primary School, and on completion, he proceeded to the Teachers’ College in Bauchi and Katsina; the College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria; and Moray House College of Education and the University of Edinburgh. He was a member of the Parliament in 1959 when Nigeria was about to attain independence. Between 1959 and 1965, he was Education Secretary and Councilor for Education, Works and Social Welfare in Borno Local Government. Monguno shot into national reckoning when he became the Federal Minister for Air Force and Internal Affairs in 1965 through 1966. The veteran later became Federal Commissioner for Trade and Industries (19671971), and Minister of Mines and Power, Petroleum and Energy between 1972 and 1975 under the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd). A tested technocrat, he was a leader of the Nigerian delegation to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCAD II) held in New Delhi, India, in 1968 and member, Nigerian delegation to the United Nations (UN) for over a decade. He was chairman, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (1977-78), member, Constituent Assembly (1977-78), and president, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), between 1972 and 1973. Suffice to say that it was Monguno, in his capacity as OPEC president and Federal Commissioner for Mines and Power, who announced the postponement of the OPEC meeting in Tripoli, Libya on oil accord. He was named Pro-Chancellor, University of Calabar (1978-80), and Pro-Chancellor, University of Nigeria (1980-84). During the Second Republic that kicked off in 1979, Monguno was deputy national chairman of the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) between 1980 and 1984, while Chief Adisa Meredith Akinloye, of blessed memory, was chairman. As a mark of his global acclaim, Monguno, who holds the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), has bagged various national honours from other countries such as the Ethiopian Empire, Republics of Egypt,

Monguno Sudan and Cameroun. He also holds keys to the cities of New York, Louisville, Kentucky in the United States of America; Quito, Ecuador; and Luna in Peru. With these achievements, what more does a man deserve other than rest. Unfortunately, members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, would not let Ali Monguno be. The gunmen, who kidnapped him at the Mafoni Juma’at mosque in Maiduguri, reportedly fired several gunshots into the air, to disperse the people, before fleeing with the 92year-old, eyewitnesses said. Worshippers at the mosque, which is situated in the heart of the Maiduguri metropolis, said Monguno, who once lived in the area, has been patronising the mosque for decades and the abductors had carefully perfected their plans and executed it without resistance. Despite alleged high concentration of Boko Haram insurgents in area, Monguno has maintained close contacts with his extended family members, friends, neighbours and acquaintances, who are still living there. It was gathered that he was kidnapped, minutes before 2p.m., after the Friday congregational prayers, by a four-man gang, which whisked him into a waiting vehicle and disappeared. An eyewitness said the Friday congregation, with large concentration of old women and

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children, burst into tears as the old timer was seized from the hands of some people who were helping him to get to his private car. Interestingly, Monguno, as a source told The Guardian, has been an advocate of a peaceful resolution to the Boko Haram crisis. “He (Monguno) refers to the insurgents as Yaana (i.e., sons of Borno), and has been appealing to them to stop violence and champion their cause through peaceful means,” one of the sources said. Monguno, an outspoken individual, who comments on virtually every national issue, is the chairman of the Borno Elders Forum (BEF) and meetings are mostly held at his residence. During a recent visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Maiduguri over the protracted Boko Haram crisis, Monguno, who many say is as fearless as he is sincere in his words, faulted the president for saying that the insurgents were faceless and deserve no amnesty. Without sounding hawkish, a trademark of some elder statesmen in the country, or disrespectful to the Office of the President, Monguno reportedly insisted on dialogue with members of the sect. The nonagenarian, to the amazement of some attendees, told Jonathan: “To be frank, Mr. President, but for dialogue, you wouldn’t have become the president of this country today. “Our founding fathers, who got together and

Mr. President, sometimes, we wonder whether you are running a military government, a democracy or something called diarchy. We can hardly put our finger on what type of government you are running, Mr. President. We hope the labours of our heroes past shall not be in vain.

begged the British government to hand over the reins of government, had to sit together and forget their differences and agreed that if given (independence), we would live together in harmony; we would respect each other.” He continued, this time very pointed: “Mr. President, sometimes, we wonder whether you are running a military government, a democracy or something called diarchy. “We can hardly put our finger on what type of government you are running, Mr. President. We hope the labours of our heroes past shall not be in vain.” Turning to the issue of the North, he advised you to “relate more with the governments of Northern Nigeria.” He added: “I have a feeling that there is something like misunderstanding between you, Mr. President, who has the responsibility of running the entire country and the governors of 19 States. We have told them, too, to always be together.” From the foregoing, no other person could put these issues — government dialogue with Boko Haram, the nature of government that the Jonathan administration runs, and close cooperation the central and state governments. Apart from his call to duty at various times spanning over three and a half decades, Dr. Ali Monguno has attracted enough goodwill to himself, his state, the nation and the subSaharan Africa. Hence, the alleged N20 million payouts to his abductors for his release — though refuted by the Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima — could not have been a wrong decision to retrieve an icon, as Monguno, from the jaws of death.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

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POLITICS

Ogboru, Ewherido plunge Delta DPP into crisis From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba HE unfolding scenario may just T lead to the final fall of the political house of Chief Great Ogboru. At the heart of the matter is the tussle between him and Senator Pius Ewherido for the soul of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) in Delta State, which Ogboru had carefully and stoically built over the years from the scratch. Who, between the duo, should call the shots, and maybe fly the flag of the party in Delta for the 2015 governorship election, seems to be the real reason the state branch of the party recently suspended Ewherido, former Deputy and Acting Speaker of the House of Assembly. Also suspended by the party is the acting national deputy chairman, Mr. Olisemeka Akamukale, the vice chairman of Delta Central senatorial district, Mr. Henry Olori, as well as a leader in Sapele local government council, Mr. Cyril Ogodor. The crisis secretly rocking the party in the state climaxed on Tuesday when the State Executive Council suspended Ewherido, and some other top members. Announcing the suspension, the DPP state chairman, Chief Tony Ezeagwu, said the decision to descend on the alleged erring members was because of their flirtation with the budding All Progressives Congress (APC), an action he described as gross misconduct and anti-party activities. In a way, the 50-year-old senator is a kind of interloper, who is probably out to upset the apple cart, considering the fact that before now, Ogboru had been synonymous with the party in the state, while his nemesis (Ewherido) was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served for eight years in the House of Assembly between 1999 and 2007. He decamped to the DPP during the 2011 general elections, when political scheming was too hot to handle in the PDP. And a magnanimous DPP gave him the platform to have a shot at the Senate and he won. Nonetheless, the instant clash had been brewing because of Ewherido’s ambition, and his open romance with the emerging APC was all that was needed to axe him. Even though the decision to suspend the senator was announced by the state chairman, political analysts concluded that it was the hand of Ogboru and the voice of the party chairman, Chief Ezeagwu. A party source told The Guardian in Asaba that it is an open secret that the party leadership was also not happy with Ewherido for romancing with APC when Ogboru, who ran against Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the ruling party in both the January 2011 re-run and the April 2011 elections, still has his case pending at the Supreme Court. The source added that Ogboru, who had contested every governorship election in the state since 2003 when he first ran against former Governor James Ibori, still wants to run in 2015. But the charismatic senator may truncate his ambition. Unlike when Ogboru was virtually unopposed as the party candidate, the source said that his word may no longer be law in the APC and would have to contend with other candidates in the party primaries should he decide to run. The source said that the state branch of the party was also wary of aligning with the APC against the PDP so as not to rattle President Goodluck Jonathan, a fellow Niger Deltan in the 2015 elections. According to the source, from being the top dog of the DPP where

A party source told The Guardian in Asaba that it is an open secret that the party leadership was also not happy with Ewherido for romancing with APC when Ogboru, who ran against Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the ruling party in both the January 2011 re-run and the April 2011 elections, still has his case pending at the Supreme Court. the buck stops on his table, Ezeagwu is jittery that his influence in a brand new APC will be considerably whittled down should he agree to the merger. The source said that instead of aligning with the opposition parties, a hopeful Ogboru, whose case against Uduaghan, as regards the rerun election comes up early next month at the Supreme Court, might decamp to the PDP if he won. Ogboru was not disposed to being part of the merger, which Ewherido is very passionate about. Therefore, the senator from Delta Central and some other top members of the party had to be suspended last week by the Chief Ezeagwu-led State Executive Council of the party “for engaging in anti-party activities.” Undeterred by the unconditional romance between the DPP at the national level with the APC, the Delta State branch of the party had resolved to maintain a splendid isolation from the merger effort while those romancing with the new party were warned that they risked expulsion. The leadership of the DPP in Delta State, where it has the largest followership across the country, distanced itself from the action on the ground the merger conditions were clearly spelt out. In fact, Ezeagwu had warned members of the party to desist from fraternising with other political associations that are capable of balkanising the DPP. He said: “We still remain DPP that we are and we have equally banned every affiliate political group masquerading within the party to balkanise it.” He advised the members, who want to remain loyal to the DPP, not to associate with another political association that tends to pull out its

Ewherido

faithful. However, determined to weather the storm, Ewherido has dismissed the report of his suspension from the DPP, insisting that he was still a bona fide member of the party for the simple reason that his suspension was illegal. He disagreed with the state party chairman, Ezeagwu, saying that the accusation of flirting with the APC did not hold water, as the national executive of the party had reached a deal with the APC to be part of the merger. He said that the action of the state branch of the party smacked of ignorance because the executive council members were not aware of the decision of the leadership of the party to fuse with the APC. The lawmaker said: “I am still a member of DPP. The suspension was not in order. I never engaged in antiparty activities. I am a loyal member of the DPP and can never go against it. “The fact is that Delta State executive council is supposed to be part of the national executive, which agreed to merge with APC. The DPP is now a part of APC; so, holding meetings with them is not illegal.” Uncomfortable with the ongoing squabbles, former Senator Francis Spanner Okpozo disclosed that he decided to wade into the crisis because the two (Ogboru and Ewherido) were his political sons and so could not afford to fold his hands and watch them engaged in a rough fight. With a dismissive wave of the hand, Okpozo said he was yet to believe that there was a real quarrel between Ogboru and Ewherido, adding that even if the two had issues, he was ready to do everything to settle them. “I have no knowledge of a crisis

Ogboru

between the two gentlemen but if it is true that there is a quarrel between Ogboru and Ewherido, it is not above the competence of me and others to resolve,” he said. “The quarrel will be ephemeral and so, opponents should not take advantage of what they heard to cause disaffection between the two.” Trouble started last July when some members of the party pointedly accused Ogboru for sponsoring Mr. Isaac Akpoveta, a candidate of the ruling PDP in the 2011 House of Assembly election against his party member, in a long-drawn legal tangle against the victory of the DPP candidate. But one year after the election, Mr. Rufus Akpodiete Edojah of the DPP, representing Ughelli North Constituency II, had finally heaved a sigh of relief, courtesy of a Federal High Court in Asaba, which upheld his victory in the April 26, 2011 election. Dismissing the pre-election suit of Akpoveta, Justice Ibrahim Buba held that going by the facts before him, there was no doubt that Akpodiete was the real winner of the DPP primary and the subsequent election. Justice Buba averred that the petition had no locus standi, as his opponent failed woefully to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt. Even in victory, a renowned human rights activist and former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA, Ughelli chapter), Mr. Peter Wanogho, had harsh words for the DPP and Ogboru, who, he said, lacked the capability to take firm decision on political matters, thereby causing crisis within his party. Wanogho blamed Ogboru for having a hand in the numerous litigation against the election of Edojah, all in a single-minded bid to subvert

the choice of members of the party. He charged: “All the litigation brought against Akpodiete before the Federal High Court, Asaba, could be traceable to Ogboru with the intent of subverting or perverting justice against his own political followers whom he had fallen out with. “He should go back to the drawing board politically and think the way of fighting for political goals.” But Ezeagwu, who sharply disagreed with Wanogho, said that the activist was acting the script of his sponsors in the PDP, who, he insisted, were bent on discrediting the DPP and its governorship candidate. Again in August of 2012, the state branch of the DPP described the purported dissolution of the executive council by some aggrieved members, as the machination of the PDP to stop it from taking part in the forthcoming council polls in the state. For allegedly failing to conduct congresses and convention at the expiration of their tenure, some aggrieved members of the party, totaling 44, claimed that the party executive, from the ward to the national level, had been dissolved. But Ezeagwu thundered, saying that the action of the petitioners was an aberration, stressing that the “faceless petitioners” were not members of the party, as their names were not in its register. He described them as hirelings of the party’s opponents, who were determined to create the impression that there was crisis within the DPP. He added that the strategy was to ensure that the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) does not honour correspondence from the present coming local government elections in the state. Indicating that the current executive was given a fresh mandate at the party’s national convention held in Jos in 2010, Ezeagwu queried: “And if you watch, it was only the 25 local government areas of Delta State that were represented there. “We have 36 states in this country, and only one state and the FCT is dissolving the national body of a party; is that not an aberration?” He noted that it was not the right of any individual, group or sycophant to register or de-register any political party but rather an exclusive preserve of the INEC. Ezeagwu said the party was investigating the source of the advert, which, he claimed, had no address, with a view to taking necessary actions against those involved in the plot. The fortune of DPP, which before now was the main opposition party in the state, and finished a strong second during the 2011 elections, seems to be on the decline. Some members of the House of Assembly, like Dr. Alphonsus Ojo (Ukwani Constituency), had resigned their membership in favour of the PDP. Dr. Olisa Imegwu had lost to the PDP candidate, Mr. Ossai Ossai, at the court, and Mr. Eme Mukoro of Ughelli Constituency lost to Mr. Taleb Tebite of the PDP, also at the court. The suspension of Senator Ewherido and several others for alleged anti-party activities may be the icing on the cake for a once vibrant DPP that again and again gave — and still giving, that is at the court, though — the ruling PDP sleepless nights. With the crisis in the party, there is no doubt that Ogboru is fighting the main battle of his political career. It is still hazy whether his long trek will finally lead him to the Government House, Asaba.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

TheMetroSection ‘How we rape old women of Opi’ From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu

Shamefully, most of the old women and widows being raped are grandmothers as well as those old enough to be their mothers...various organizations, including the church and the Umuada Igbo International have condemned and staged peaceful protests in the community as well as rained curses on the perpetrators, the act has continued VERYONE who heard his confesE sion on Tuesday, after he was arrested by the Police in Enugu while on a failed rape mission, agreed that it was a major breakthrough in the fight against the rape of old women in Opi Town, Nsukka Local Council of Enugu State. For some time now, the peaceful town has been on the negative side of the news following the activities of young boys whose ages range between 18 and 22 years, who waylay and rape old women. Shamefully, most of the old women and widows being raped are grandmothers as well as those old enough to be their mothers. Yet, while various organizations, including the church and the Umuada Igbo International have condemned and staged peaceful protests severally in the community as well as rained curses on the perpetrators, the act has continued unabated. These boys armed with machetes and other dangerous objects search and swoop on their victims at night and forcefully make love to them. Stories abound that some of the women have sustained various degrees of wounds while attempting to flee from the young boys. One of the suspected rapists, Nnanna Osondu, who had set out on Monday evening in search of an old woman to rape, but had his mission thwarted, narrated how

The suspect, 19-year-old Nnanna

he, in company of other young boys, usually rape old women and widows in Opi community. Nnanna, 19, who was arrested by the police while attempting to rape a 65-year-old woman, said they engaged in the notorious activity to derive pleasure and satisfy their sexual urge, stressing that it was not for money making as being popularly speculated. On that fateful day, at about 4.30p.m., Nnanna, said he was already struggling with an old woman, whom he had threatened “with his knife”, when villagers pounded on him and handed him over to the police. Explaining their modus operandi, he

said they usually lay siege “against any of our targeted victims along the road with sharp kitchen knives, which we used to threaten so that she would succumb to our sexual assault.”. He further disclosed that he had raped many old women in the community, adding that the intention was not for ritual purposes but to satisfy his sexual urge since young women refused to succumb to his wish. “I will also like to marry but it is difficult getting anybody to marry at this time, because the young girls are looking for wealthy persons who can take care of all their needs. I do not have such money and I

have no good job at the moment,” he said, stressing that he dropped out of school a few years ago, after completing his primary education. Although, he disclosed that he had often left victims who raised an alarm during an attempt, but however, confessed, that he would often go to the homes of some of the identified victims at night to satisfy his urge. Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed that the suspect had made useful statements that could help the command tackle the negative development. He noted that the trend had gone on unabated, despite several efforts by the Police to curb it, stressing that the suspect had expressed regrets and begged for forgiveness over his actions. He confirmed that operatives of the State Criminal and Investigations Department (SCID) had begun full- scale investigations on the incident, adding that the Police were grateful for the effort of goodspirited members of the community for their prompt report and assistance. It would be recalled that Umuada Igbo International, led by Mrs. Kate Ezeofor, had last year organized a protest march in Opi Town aimed at putting a stop to the incident. The group cried out that unless the trend was stopped, it was capable of attracting God’s anger on the community as well as on the perpetrators. This was followed by a protest led to the State House of Assembly by a coalition of non-governmental organisations to call the attention of the lawmakers to the incident. A committee of the House led by Nze Michael Onyeze was then set up to uncover the remote causes of the crime as well as make recommendations on how to check it. The Onyeze Committee made farreaching decisions, including establishing a police station in the town, strengthening the vigilance groups as well as encouraging the young boys on the need to be in school, as a way of ending the problem.

In Kwara, Appeal Court begins hearing in Ofa stool suit From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin N Appeal Court sitting A in Ilorin, Kwara State capita, has commenced hearing in the suit filed by the Olugbense Ruling House against the High Court ruling that upheld the appointment of Oba Mohammed Mufutau Gbadamosi as the Olofa of Ofa in Offa Local Council. The trial court, in July 2012, dismissed the suit filed by the Magaji of the Olugbense Ruling House, Alhaji Sheu Oyeniyi, seeking to invalidate the appointment of Oba Gbadamosi as Olofa of Ofa. In the appeal filed on December 20, 2012, counsel to the appellants, John

Olusola Baiyeshea (SAN), prayed the court to set aside the judgment of the High Court, stating that “the trial judge wrongly rejected Exhibit ‘G’ in evidence.” He averred that “it is the original copy of the Kwara State government’s press statement of 1969 informing the general public and the whole world that the chieftaincy crisis in Ofa was resolved by the government, which recognised two ruling houses in Ofa. “These are Olugbense and the Anilelerin ruling houses, and also established rotational chieftaincy in Ofa between the two ruling houses. A com-

bination of credible, cogent, concrete and strong oral and documentary evidence and exhibits presented by the claimants/appellants are strong enough to be relied upon to give judgment in favour of the claimants. “The purported appointment of Alhaji Gbadamosi (5th respondent) is liable to be nullified, and the 2nd claimant/appellant, Prince Abdulrauf Adegboyega Keji, is entitled to be declared and installed as the Olofa of Ofa.” According to him, “the principle, notion and doctrine of fairness, justice, equity and estoppels

are applicable in favour of the appellants in this case in determining the right of the ruling house to present the candidate (Prince Keji) and not the current Olofa to fill the vacancy in the stool created by the death of the immediate past Olofa in 2010 from the same Anilelerin Ruling House as the 5th respondent. “Your lordships are urged to give judgment in favour of the appellants accordingly, and order that the 2nd appellant be installed by the state government forthwith. Alhaji Gbadamosi’s appointment/installation ought to be nullified and an order of perpetual injunc-

tion be made to restrain him from further parading himself as the Olofa of Ofa.” However, the lead counsel to the 1st to 7th respondents, R.A. Lawal Rabana (SAN) and Kamaldeen Ajibade, prayed the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the decision of the trial court. According to Rabana, “the succession to the throne of Olofa was never rotational and government does not have any right to dabble into traditional/cultural issues as the final decision is rested in the kingmakers.” The case has been adjourned to May 20, 2013, for further cross-examination.

Briefs Old students meet MEETING of Osogbo A Grammar School Old Students Association, Lagos branch, holds on Sunday, May 12, at the residence of Mr. Kayode Bankole at House 3, Gilbert Ochor Avenue Thomas Estate, Ajah, Lagos at 3.00p.m.

Egba Muslims to raise N1 billion tomorrow HE Egba Muslims ComT munity Council will tomorrow raise N1 billion for the modernization of Egba Central Mosque and turbanning of Capt. Rasheed Raji (rtd.) as the Baba Adeen of Egbaland at the Alake of Egba’s palace, Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State a 10.00a.m. Host is Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Royal Fathers are the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo. Father of the Day is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Mother of the Day is Alhaja Kubrat Adebisi Edionsere. Chief Launcher is Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chairman, Abdul-Jabar ‘Bola Ajibola.

Deeper Life holds vigil HE Deeper Christian Life T Ministry holds Night of Total Breakthrough on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 6.00 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 8.00 a.m. at Deeper Life Conference Centre Kilometre 42, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi will minister.

Quarterly fellowship at Baptist Church HE Goodnews Baptist AsT sociation will today and tomorrow hold its second quarter fellowship at the Shalom Baptist Church, Oreptal Bus Stop, Isheri, Lagos.The theme is: "Your Health and Christian Service.” The moderator of the association, Rev. Titi Ajadi said the theme was chosen to further expose members on stress management and how to identify unsuspecting health conditions. The Assistant moderator, Rev Olajide Oke also said recent happenings had shown that people needed to focus on their health even they perform their Christian obligations.

Latter Rain organises football matches HE Latter Rain Assembly T (LRA), in one of its outreach programmes, is organizing football matches tomorrow between Ogba Youth Football Club /Starland Football Club and Dairyfarm Estate Football Club / LRA Stars at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Ogba from 10.00a.m. It will also feature career counselling and training programme for youths who wish to become professional footballers.

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Photonews

Chief Executive Oﬃcer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya; wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; Chairman, Ijebu North Local Council, Otunba Olaide Osifeso and Sopen Lukele, OkeSopen, Oba M. A Yusuf during the commissioning of Airtel’s adopted school, St. John’s Primary School in OkeAgbo, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State....yesterday Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)customers in Ozara, Obosi in Anambra State protesting estimated bills at the headquarters in Enugu Electricity Distribution Company in Enugu...on Wednesday PHOTO: NAN

Lawmaker blames building collapse on govt’s negligence By Wole Oyebade HE Deputy Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Lola Akande, has blamed the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for the collapse of a building at Ojodu area of the state on Tuesday afternoon. Akande, who paid a visit to the site on Wednesday, expressed shock over the incident, lamenting that the building situated at No. 15, Bashiru Street, Ojodu , which belonged to the Foursquare Gospel Church, had been marked for demolition, but was left undemolished until it collapsed, killing two people and injuring others.

At the scene of the incident, she sympathised with the victims and members of the church. She said: “I blame the ministry officials who had marked the building for demolition, but did nothing about till it collapsed.” A similar case was on Monday brought to the floor of the Assembly by Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet over a building in Jakande Estate that was yet to be demolished, though it had been marked unsafe by the ministry. OlatunjiEdet, representing OsodiIsolo II Constituency, had sought a motion for quick demolition of the defected building before its

collapse on residents. Akande urged the government to embark on demolition of faulty buildings that were already marked to save lives of the people rather than have them collapse on them. The lawmaker representing Ikeja II Constituency explained that the House had received several letters from the public calling on the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to demolish some defected buildings in the state. Akande said she had personally contacted the state emergency agency to promptly rescue some people feared trapped in the collapsed building.

Emir of Gummi, Aliyu Gummi, dies at 75 From Isah Ibrahim,Gusau HE Emir of Gummi in Zamfara State, His Royal Highness, Aliyu Abara Gummi, is dead. He died on Wednesday at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, at the age of 75. Funeral prayer was held yesterday and was led by the Chief Imam of Gummi Central Mosque, Imam Bala Muhammad Gummi. It was attended by the state governor, Abdul’aziz

Yari Abubakar, his deputy, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Sanusi Garba Rikiji and other Emirs. The late emir was once a member of the National Assembly during the Second Republic, and the Secretary for the Movement of the Creation of Zamfara State during the Shagari administration. Gummi was buried in Gummi, in accordance with Islamic rites. He is survived by four

wives and 42 children. He was appointed the Emir of Gummi on October 20, 2011 after the death of his predecessor, Alhaji Aliyu Isa. Condoling the family, the governor urged the family to consider it as an act of God, and described it as a great loss not only to the people of Gummi Emirate but the North in general. The governor prayed Allah to forgive all his shortcomings during his life -time on earth.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Abdullateef Ibirogba (right), Commissioner for Science and Technology, Adebiyi Mabadeje, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Nike Animashaun and General Manager, the State Residents’ Registration Agency, Ms Yinka Fashola at the 2013 ministerial brieﬁng to commemorate sixth years administration of Governor Fashola in Lagos ...on Wednesday

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

TheGuardian Conscience Nurtured by Truth

SATURDAY, May 11, 2013

Is Education Going To The Dogs? Of the over 1.5million candidates who sat for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination this year, only 10 scored above 300 marks… this and other appalling results of recent exams have raised fresh concerns over the quality of education Nigerian youths get from primary to tertiary levels. This week, we examine the impact on students of the declining reading culture, poor state of public and school libraries, the social media and other social factors like poor remuneration of teachers and pervasive corruption on students’ performance. And the way out of this sorry state of affairs

Trapping The ‘Other Woman’ PLUS

A suspicious wife set out to trap her husband’s mistress… Yes, she caught the prey alright, but victory can be, well…

constant social media Who Wants The buzz about Enugu State Governor’s death even when he

Sullivan

Chime Dead?

is hale and hearty has prompted many Enugu indigenes to ask: “Who wants our governor dead?”

After oil and gas, the textile industry is next as potential money-spinner. Nigeria has all it takes to lead the world in textile production—-the soil, the weather, the raw material —- cotton. What then is standing in the way of a “textile boom”? Former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim (left) during a condolence visit to the widow of the late Pini Jason, Mrs. Oby Onyegbedue in Lagos...on Wednesday

PHOTO: ISAAC TAIWO

Nigeria’s Textile Industry Must Live Again

The Guardian On Saturday...you simply can’t put it down!

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

TheGuardian Conscience Nurtured by Truth

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011)

Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial The naira, the dollar and Nigeria’s economy the Nigerian economy to grow, the nation’s foreign exchange earnings must be FAtOR better managed than is being done now. all times, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) withholds Federation Account (FA) dollar accruals, and replaces that with CBN freshly printed purported naira equivalents for sharing to Federation Account beneficiaries. CBN disburses part of the withheld foreign exchange through the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) and bureaux de change (BDCs). Generally, WDAS rates are lower and more businessfriendly than BDC rates. Also, all genuine businesses operate accounts with Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), which have access to WDAS foreign exchange. Yet, the CBN short-supplies WDAS demand while meeting in full BDC demand for government foreign exchange every quarter. Therefore, to channel official foreign exchange through BDCs amounts to a deliberate CBN policy to subvert genuine businesses. The CBN justifies short supply of WDAS demand on grounds that extreme bid rates should be excluded. But such exclusion violates WDAS’ core principle. As a result WDAS rates are artificial and render the naira overvalued. And so in 2012, even at the average effective central rate of N156.25/$1, the naira was overvalued notwithstanding CBN’s claims in the quarterly reports that the naira exchange rate was stable. No wonder then that WDAS rates lack public confidence and the economy pays a heavy price for the unrealistic naira exchange rate. For instance, in 2012, DMBs transacted $42.1 billion on supposed valid visible and invisible imports while the outflow of foreign exchange through CBN and autonomous channels was $35.2 billion and $1.8 billion respectively. Against the combined outflow of $79.1 billion, the inflow of CBN and autonomous foreign exchange amounted to $119.2 billion. Thus, the balance of some $40.1 billion along with the $5.6 billion sold by CBN and BDCs was left in private hands. And they find ready use in unproductive and anti-economic activities such as rising dollarisation of the economy, illegal and physical dollar transfer abroad, money laundering and smuggling, all at the expense of domestic production. It is CBN’s responsibility to channel foreign exchange available in the economy to the most beneficial use. That is achievable by adopting a procedure that is consistent with international best practice. To illustrate with unadjusted pooled 2012 data for the sake of simplicity, if Federation Account dollar accruals had been allocated appropriately through the beneficiaries’ Domiciliary Dollar Accounts (DDAs), there would have occurred spread over the year in the single and open foreign exchange market operated by banks; a supply of dollars (from government and autonomous sources) totalling $119.2 billion and a demand of $79.1 billion by genuine end-users that was backed with naira funds already in the system. Such supply/demand scenario would have produced a market-determined naira exchange rate that was realistic and offered no cause to be defended by the apex bank. That exchange rate would have been attractive and tended to appreciate, thereby causing funds retained in DDAs to lose value. Partly to avoid suffering any losses and partly to settle naira commitments, banks would have been advised to sell the excess dollar supply of $40.1 billion to the CBN for additional naira funds at the market-determined rate or even at a premium. Such last resort sale by DMBs of excess dollars builds up or swells external reserves. It is absolutely desirable for the approach just illustrated to come into force as it has several and extensive benefits. Firstly, it would lead to a complete reversal of economic fortunes. It would eliminate the unyielding regime of excess liquidity and its attendant negative features of escalating non-investable national domestic debt, hostile economic environment, high inflation, high lending rates, unrealistic exchange rate, monetary tightening measures, restricted access to bank credit, high bank non-performing loans, comatose real sector, mounting joblessness and so on. Secondly, the accretion to external reserves as earlier noted was $11.6 billion. The bulk is made up of so-called CBN foreign reserves whose purported substituted naira equivalents have been shared and spent and so cannot again be released to government to fund necessary projects but are frittered away in the guise of defending the naira while corruptly undermining the economy. By contrast, the illustrated appropriate open-market sale of foreign exchange led the external reserves to grow by $40.1 billion in the same year. Besides, external reserves so accumulated are wholly investable and may be drawn upon when necessary to fund additional government projects at zero interest charge. So a healthy level of foreign reserves would render superfluous any resort to multilateral borrowings at purported low interest charge but which attract conveniently ignored unsavoury conditionalities of foreign interference. Also, a healthily growing national pool of wholly investable external reserves should end dependence on oil sector and break down the CBN-erected barriers inherent in businesses generating their own foreign exchange in order to achieve a diversified export base. As a result, the intensity of economic activity and job creation would be dictated by domestic private and public/private partnership investments in the various sectors of the economy. These investments would rely on readily available cheap bank credit under the restored conducive economic environment for finance as well as source foreign exchange for any external input needs from the open foreign exchange market that is linked to the expanding common pool of foreign reserves. The economy would consequently become indifferent to flighty foreign portfolio investments, fickle foreign direct investments and measly assistance by meddlesome multilateral agencies. The CBN only has to define and constantly redefine the economic transactions that should be eligible for the country’s foreign exchange as well as strictly enforce same with an unwavering view to making the economy produce domestically to the maximum possible level what the country consumes. That is the road to economic diversification and rapid development.

LETTER

Of lawlessness and the right to strike in Osun It appears that Nigeria StryIR:isIstillknow about the only counwhere anything goes. We are about the only country I am aware of in which conducts are purportedly guided by laws, but where impunity is actually the operative rule of behaviour. And the thing about impunity is that it renders law meaningless and makes an outright mockery of the whole exercise of law-making. The real essence of the law is not in its making, but in its enforcement. It is about time we, as a country, got serious about getting our laws obeyed and creating a truly law-governed society. The ongoing strike action by the lecturers of higher institutions in Osun State brings this problem back into focus. The Association of Academic Staff in Osun State Owned Tertiary Institutions had been doing battle with the government over the usual stuffs; wages, retirement age, tax relief, pensions and sundry matters. Apparently, the long series of negotiations between the two parties had failed to bridge their differing positions and this had culminated in a strike action on the part of the academic

members of the four tertiary institutions in the state – Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, and the two Colleges of Education located in Ilesa and Ila-Orangun. The government had since been calling on the lecturers to resume work and return to the negotiating table. The appeals from government had fallen on deaf ears. In frustration at the closure of these institutions and the pernicious impact it would have on the future of its innocent students population, the students had decided to intervene in the matter by having recourse to the law court. After all, the law is supposed to be the basis for defining our relationships, whether as individuals or as groups. Represented by the leaders of their respective unions, the students of the four higher institutions in the state had approached an Osogbo High Court to order the re-opening of the schools, which had been shut due to the strike action. The court on Wednesday, April 17 granted the students’ appeal and ordered the striking lecturers to

immediately return to work. The judge in her ruling on an order of interlocutory injunction ordered the rectors and provosts to re-open the four institutions and resume academic activities pending the determination of the originating summons. But the lecturers had flagrantly ignored the order and have yet to go back to classes. The issue here is not to question the right of a labour union to engage in a strike action, but to point out that that right is not a licence for lawlessness. What makes a strike action right is the law, and the use of strike to violate the same law makes it become unlawful. Therefore, by flouting the law that gives them the right to strike, the lecturers are engaging in lawlessness rather than exercising their right to strike. We must begin to realise that the law was not made to uphold the particular interests of a person or group at all times and at all costs. The law is made to provide for lawful and civilised conducts in everything we do or say. It is the law that makes us what we are – civilised beings. And we must learn to respect it, whether or not it suits our purpose. • Kola Adeyemi, Osogbo, Osun State.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Business AutoWheels P43

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Lagos generates N20billon IGR monthly By Kamal Tayo Oropo NTERNALLY Generated Revenue (IGR) in Lagos State averages a total of N20billion monthly, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ben Akabueze, has disclosed. Akabueze revealed the figure yesterday at the ongoing ministerial press briefing to herald the sixth anniversary of Governor Babatunde Fashola in office. He said the N20billion however was on the average as the figures rise and drop on monthly basis depending on the season and periods. According to him, “IGR trickles in everyday across different agencies of the state, one month it could be up, the next month it could be down depending on seasonal considerations and all of that. At the end, we will have an aggregate for the year and you

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Martin Woolnough (left);Immediate past Chariman, Olusegun Osunkeye; and the new Chairman, David Ifezulike at the company’s yearly general meeting in Lagos. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

‘With adequate funding, DPR can generate N4tr yearly’ By Sulaimon Salau HE National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), arm of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), have renewed their agitation for adequate funding of the agency, insisting it has the capacity to generate about N4 trillion yearly, if properly funded. The workers, who threatened to embark on an indefinite strike from next week Monday, said they would not relent in their agitations, until the Federal Government meets their needs. It was gathered that the department generated about N1.3 trillion for the Federal Government last year. The chairman of PENGASSAN, DPR branch, Amba Naoma-Egba, told The Guardian, that the workers are now fully mobilized nationwide for the indefinite strike, which will involve shutting down of all oil installations, petroleum depots, jetties and terminals across the country. Members of the union have been groaning under

Workers insist on strike what they described as ‘unpleasant atmosphere’ in the operations of the oil industry regulatory agency, including under funding of the DPR, poor working conditions, inadequate welfare package for workers and delayed renovation of its headquarters in Lagos. The union also alleged irregularities in recent recruitment and promotion of trainee staff in the DPR. According to them, efforts to resolve the disagreement amicably with the management have yielded no results, which prompted the unions to issue a 14-day ultimatum, which expires on Sunday May 12th, 2013. A source in DPR, revealed that the department generated over N1.3 trillion revenue for the Federal Government yearly, but it is not permitted to spend from the generated revenue, while its sister organizations like Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF), Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), the Petroleum Training Institute and the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation (NNPC) are allowed to spend from their internally generated revenue to augment the overhead from government. “We generated about N1.3 trillion last year, but only received 0.3 per cent as budget this year. Our overhead is so small that we cannot buy necessary working tools,” he said. DPR is statutorily vested with the responsibility of monitoring crude oil export, monitoring of quality and quantity of petroleum products in Nigeria. A top executive of the Department also confirmed that the inadequate funding has hindered DPR from establishing offices in all states of the federation, adding that Nigeria is loosing a lot of revenue to limited capabilities of the agency. He said if the DPR was adequately funded and allowed to operate optimally, it could generate over N4 trillion yearly. “The situation is uncomfortable, even procuring reagents for petroleum product quality check and assessment is very difficult,” he lamented.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

16 BUSINESS

First Bank stakes $3.3 billion on oil, gas projects From Roseline Okere, Houston, Texas IRST Bank of Nigeria Plc expended over $3.3 billion (N500 billion) in the financing of various oil and gas projects in Nigeria last year. This financing package represents 37.40 per cent of the bank’s portfolio. The amount, the bank said represented its total financing activities for the upstream, midstream and downstream sub-sectors of the oil and gas industry. The bank noted that it has committed $650 million for

the development of selected marginal field operation, while it expended $270 million to offshore pipeline projects and $234 million as local contract support for specialized vessel acquisition scheme. The bank’s Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Kehinde Lawanson, who disclosed this at a dinner organized at the just-concluded Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, United States of America, said financing was in line with the bank's efforts to boost local capacity in the oil and gas sector

He disclosed that the bank has financed Atlantic Energy project of $289 million term loan and working capital; another $15.15 million team loan financing to Fymak Marine and Services Nigeria Limited, $276 million to OPL International Limited. He said: "Our total play in the oil and gas business as at 2012, which was the biggest in the industry was well over N500 billion. First Bank is widely acknowledged as the leading player in oil and gas financing and has a proven pedigree of providing both financial and

Lagos generates N20billon IGR monthly CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

could average it out but as at today it is about N20billion monthly”. He said the state had a projected an IGR of N316.578 billion out of its N499.605billion 2013 fiscal budget, saying it is more than the total budgets of each of the states in the country excluding Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom. To realise this target, the state is adopting measures including the expansion of the tax net to cover more taxable persons living and doing busi-

ness in Lagos. Akabueze said the state government does not intend to introduce any new tax, but would leverage on existing taxes as approved and empowered by the law of the federation, to pursue the realisation of the objectives of this year’s budget. According to Akabueze, major areas the budget has been addressing since commencement of implementation include security, food sufficiency, law and order, building of critical transportation

infrastructure including the blue/red light rail, continuing expansion of the LagosBadagry expressway, ferry services, health and environment. On the state’s debt profile, Akabueze, who would however, not give specific figure Lagos is owing its local and international creditors, said the debt was no threat, as the income accrued to the state’s coffers yearly, outstrips its total debts, some of which are long-term loans due for full repayment 35 years ahead.

advisory backing for players in the sector". He stated that the bank also played very actively in the marginal fields and had funded well over 25 per cent of those who bought the Shell's assets. "We are committed to growing our involvement in the oil and gas industry and assisting particularly indigenous firms take full advantage of the opportunities in the industry in line with the Nigerian local content act," he said. Lawanson who listed some of the Bank's activities in the sector to include: Vessel finance facility of $52.0million for the purchase of two jack-up

badges to be leased to Mobil Producing for the execution of a Mobil contract. The U.S. Exim Bank provided fund for $36,021,786.55 (guaranteed by First Bank); the provision of a $15.15 million Term Loan to finance the acquisition of two vessels to service a fiveyear charter party contract awarded by Chevron Nigeria Limited to Fymak Marine and Oil Services Nigeria Limited, a wholly indigenous company; the $29.04 million Asset Finance Facility for the procurement of a field maintenance vessel for Broron Oil and Gas Limited. The vessel named DSV Avianna was built in

Ghuangzou China in 2001. He also said the bank also extended a $20million contract finance facility to execute the laying of umbilicals to hook up well heads of OK 23 and OK 24 in the OKWORI subsea by Broron, financed the importation of marine equipment required to execute a $207million contract from one of the oil majors to lay 24inch high pressure pipes across Nembe-Cawthorne Channel Trunk Line (NCTL), a distance covering about 44km consisting entirely of swampy terrain. The pipeline traverses six major rivers and about 44 minor rivers and creeks.

‘Why autonomy of revenue bodies is imperative’ By Chijioke Nelson HE Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) said the autonomy of revenue authorities in the country is essential in addressing leakages associated with taxation, while also serving as a panacea for the diversification of the nation’s economy. The President of CITN, John Femi Jegede, made the disclosure at the formal opening of the institute’s conference in Calabar on Wednesday. He said the move would ensure the achievement of targets, set better taxpayer enlightenment programme; simpler assessment and payment procedures; comprehensive and reliable database. Other benefits include training and motivation of staff; accountability on the part of the collecting agencies; fool proof tax clearance certification; relationship with government and private agencies; and increased revenue generation.

On the other hand, the former Vice-Chancellor of University of Ekiti State Prof. Akin Oyebode, tasked citizens, and the government on accountability. He said that it is not all about taxes on the citizenry, though necessary, but also about accountability and efficient utilization of the revenues on ground. He said: "When people pay for something, they value it more. The forum is emphasizing on accountability because if you don’t pay for something, it will look like some goodies from the government. "This is our hard earned money that is being spent, so government owes everyone explanation. Yes, it is good to have more revenue through taxation, but more critical importance lies on accountability and transparency. "I am on record as having said that corrupt public officials are deserving of death penalty, just like you have in China. But my

worry is that the country is too relaxed with corruption. So, life imprisonment without option could be my best option and this would serve as deterrent. "We must develop the capacity to detect ill-gotten wealth’s and follow the movement of transfers internationally through the Internet and entering into arrangements with those countries to help. The funds are part of the proceeds of tax. "The judicial system is presently in mess. The case of James Ibori is a clear evidence. Even the British prosecutor said he wondered how and why a certified thief found his way to Government House and this is the man that Nigeria's judicial system gave a 'clean bill of health.'" Jegede said: "It is our belief that government policies and programmes in the area of increased revenue generation can be best implemented with a state Internal Revenue Service that is autonomous and consisting of professionally competent

TheGuardian SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013

NIGER DELTA: Militants Return To The Creeks S militants resume their nefarious activities in the creeks, The Guardian on Sunday is on their trail, to see why they are back. What went wrong with the amnesty progamme to make them go back? Apart from militancy, criminality is on the rise; kidnapping and other antisocial activities are on the rise in the Niger Delta. Why? Find the answers... on Sunday. SPECIAL

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

African Union: 50 years of twists and turns

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Weekend

50 years of twists and turns

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10 , 2013

AU struggles to achieve

African Union summit

It’s been 50 long years since some great African leaders laid the foundation for a strong, united and economically strong Africa Union. But all through the years, there have been problems, some of them self-inflicted, on how to move along. The first generation of African leaders, who mooted the idea are no more. But faced with economic and political problems, the current leaders have some other ideas. BOLA OLAJUNWON traces the evolution of what started as an ambitious dream and examines why it has been difficult to achieve the African Union dream. HE growing aspiration for unity within T the African continent by some leaders and political actors before and soon after their nations achieved independence necessitated the desire for a unifying continental body that later metamorphosed into the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). It was established on May 25, 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after representatives of 32 governments signed its Charter. Twenty-two other states joined gradually over the years, with South Africa becoming its 53rd member on May 23, 1994. South Sudan joined on July 27, 2011 as the 54th member, after splitting from Sudan. Aside from three members under the hammer of the organisation for coups d’état or political struggles, Morocco decided to withdraw its membership following the admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Historical facts reveal the birth of OAU in 1963 was not the first attempt at inter-African unity. Rather, its formation was a consequence of several years of Pan-African sentiments and pre-independence activities of some foremost African nationalists and statesmen like Kwame Nkrumah, Sekou Toure, Jomo Kenyatta, Modibo Keita, Ahmed Ben Bella, Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo among others. These nationalists contributed immensely to pan-Africanism, to intensify their respective countries’ struggles for independence. However, Pan-African movements and activities were earlier driven by the black intellectuals of African descent in the United States (U.S.), the Caribbean and Europe, who started first as a protest movement of black people against exploitation, racism and also fighting for dignity and upliftment of African peoples. This movement was peopled by intellectuals, such as William Du Bois and George Padmore, who along with others, spearheaded meetings in London, Manchester, Paris and New York as precursors to an all-Africa conference in Accra, Ghana which eventually became the first black African country to attain independ-

ence in 1957. However, before OAU’s establishment, the main protagonists of the lofty dream of a united Africa could not agree on how the envisaged unity could be achieved. Thus, many African states had variously joined precursor bodies, like the Casablanca bloc, founded in 1961 and led by Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana. The bloc wanted a federation of all African states. Apart from Ghana, its other members were Algeria, Guinea, Morocco, Egypt, Mali and Libya. The second, known as Monrovian bloc, led by Léopold Sédar Senghor of Senegal and political actors in Nigeria, believed that unity should be achieved gradually, especially through economic cooperation. This bloc did not support the notion of one political federation. Its other members include Liberia, Ethiopia and most of the former French colonies. A third group, the Brazzaville, consisted of representatives of former French colonies still under powerful French influence and indirect control. It was comparatively weak and eventually submerged. However, despite the differences in ideology and approach, the over-riding dream of a unifying continental organisation was incontrovertible. Through the ingenuity of Ethiopia’s Emperor, Haile Selassie I; Nigeria’s Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa ; President Sekou Toure of Guinea and Léopold Sédar Senghor of Senegal, overtures were made to resolve the differences between the Monrovia and Casablanca Groups,

‘

first at Sanniquellie, Liberia and finally when Haile Selassie invited the two groups to Addis Ababa, where OAU and its headquarters were subsequently established. The Nkrumah, Tafawa-Balewa factor Nkrumah and his Casablanca group had sought to define the roadmap for the proposed body, with a plan for a rapid unification of African countries under a federal political system and a single market. The idea would rapidly eliminate artificial borders and tariffs. Nkrumah had contended that the new pan-African organization, should ‘seek ye first the political kingdom, and all things shall be added unto it.’ But this position was rejected by other representatives at the inaugural meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, held on May 24, 1963. Tafawa-Balewa, at the conference, summed up the position of those who believed in gradual unity: “There have been quite a lot of views on what we mean by African unity. Some of us have suggested that African unity should be achieved by political fusion of the different states in Africa. Some of us feel that African unity could be achieved by taking practical steps in economic, educational, scientific and cultural co-operation, and by trying first to get the Africans to understand themselves before embarking on the more complicated and more difficult arrangement of a union. My country stands for the practical approach to the unity of the African continent. I have listened to speeches in this conference, and there have been only very few members, who spoke on the desirability

Nkrumah and his Casablanca group had sought to define the roadmap for the proposed body, with a plan for a rapid unification of African countries under a federal political system and a single market. The idea would rapidly eliminate artificial borders and tariffs. Nkrumah had contended that the new pan-African organization, should ‘seek ye first the political kingdom, and all things shall be added unto it.’ But this position was rejected by other representatives at the inaugural meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, held on May 24, 1963.

of having a political union. Almost all the speeches indicated that a more practical approach is much preferred by the majority of the delegation.” This speech and similar ones might have informed the earlier aims of the new OAU as it was thereafter agreed that the new body should gradually embrace unity and integration. OAU’s aims, achievements and failures The organisation was soon saddled with promoting the unity and solidarity of the African states, acting as a collective voice for the continent. It set out to secure Africa’s long-term economic and political future; coordinate and intensify the co-operation of African states and was dedicated to the eradication of all forms of colonialism. Since there were several states yet to become independent at that time, the OAU proposed two ways of ridding the continent of colonialism. Firstly, it would defend the interests of independent countries and help facilitate the independence of those still under their colonial masters. Secondly, it would remain neutral in terms of world affairs, preventing its members from being controlled by outside powers. It would also ensure that all Africans enjoyed human rights and improved living standards. It would settle arguments and disputes between members — not through war, but peaceful negotiation. It was also tasked with promoting international co-operation, giving due regard to the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; coordinating members’ political, diplomatic, economic, educational, cultural, health, scientific and defence policies. The organisation was later energised the Abuja Treaty, which established the African Economic Community (AEC) in May 1994. Since many of its members were equally members of the United Nations (UN), this allowed them to stand together in unity to safeguard Africa’s interests – especially in respect of fighting colonialism. The main achievement of the OAU, to date, is eradication of colonialism and minority rule in

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10 , 2013

WEEKEND 21

lofty dreams, 50 years on

Haile Selassie Africa. The OAU and its member-states gave funds, weapons, training and military bases to rebels of colonised nations fighting for independence or majority rule. The African National Congress (ANC) and Pan African Congress (PAC), fighting apartheid. The ZANU and ZAPU, fighting for the independence of Southern Rhodesia, were aided in their endeavours by the OAU. In the struggled against apartheid, African harbours were closed to the South African government, and the South African aircraft were prohibited from flying over the rest of the continent. The UN was forced by the OAU to expel South Africa from bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). Indeed, Nigeria’s active role as a member of frontline states in this regard was immense. Although all African countries eventually won their independence, it remained difficult for them to become totally independent of their former colonial masters. There was often continued reliance on the former colonial powers for economic aids, which often came with strings attached. Loans were being paid back at high interest-rates and mineral resources were sold to the countries giving aids at low rates. Nevertheless, the organisation was widely criticised for “its penchant for barking and being unable to bite.” It struggled to enforce its own decisions, and its lack of armed force made military intervention exceedingly difficult. Hence, total unity was difficult to achieve as the organisation was largely divided. The former French colonies, for instance, were still dependent on France, and there was an additional split between those that supported the U.S. and those that supported the former USSR during the Cold War. Because of these divisions, it was hard for the body to take action against states involved in internal conflicts. The policy of non-interference in the affairs of member states also limited the effectiveness of the OAU. Moreso, the infiltration of politics by military adventurists and coupists without serious deterrent measures against them, contributed as Achilles’ heels of the organization. For 40 years, the OAU battled to achieve some of its aims while at the same time contending with challenges in view of the leeway permitted by member states, external forces and its idea of each state’s “inviolable sovereignty.” The Need for Unity For his clamour for strong unity and integration, Nkrumah was later labeled as farsighted. It is also instructive that while it took Europe 30 years to achieve the Casablanca idea, Africa is still struggling to eliminate the controls on the movement of goods, capital and labour within its regional economic boundaries, with only the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) adjudged as having a semblance of integration on the continent. And contrary to some insinuations that the late Libyan leader, Muammar Ghaddafi was at the forefront of the birth of the African Union (AU), revelations indicate that Gaddafi may have supported the idea because of “his own selfish aim to govern the continent at all cost.” It has been revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo of

Nkrumah

Balewa

Nigeria, Algeria’s Abdelaziz Bouteflika and South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki were the reformists who proved to be an asset and together presided over the remaking and rethinking of the OAU, which now translated into AU. Obasanjo corroborated this fact in a current interview with an international magazine. He said: “Thabo, myself and Bouteflika: we worked just like three peas in a pod.” The transformation of the OAU into AU began with a meeting at the Group of Eight (G8) Summit at Okinawa in July 2000. Bouteflika was then chairman of OAU. Mbeki was leading the Non-Aligned Movement and Obasanjo was chairing the Group of 77 developing countries. The three leaders were taken aback by the apparent imbalance in the participation by African countries, while an invitation was issued to Russia without serious consultation with China, India, South Africa and other African countries. With lopsided participation of others while Western nations called the shots at the event, the three African leaders agreed to call experts to work on plans for a new pan-African institution that would promote peace and security, accountable governments and economic development. But some die-hard opponents of the reform rejected the idea. One of them, Gaddafi, who wanted to relaunch his diplomatic wizardry after the lifting of sanctions by the West, hosted an extraordinary summit in Sirte, Libya in 1999 to create a United States of Africa, that would be run by a president, a unified Armed Forces, a single currency and market. The agenda of the summit was to agree within two days on this new notion. But Obasanjo and Mbeki thanked him for his generosity and smartly pledged to work along with him for a new OAU. Thus, the AU was established on May 26, 2001 in Addis Ababa and launched on July 9, 2002 in South Africa to replace the OAU. And the turning point was the establishment of

its Peace and Security Council to resolve conflicts, African Peer Review Mechanism to assess standards of governance and the New Partnership for African Development, to focus on development projects with private and state finance. With these key steps, Obasanjo, Bouteflika and Mbeki wrote the death warrant of OAU and they will always be remembered as part of those that shaped the past 50 and the next 50 years of the organisation’s African transformation, as the AU’s Constitutive Act to overturn impunity. The Act gave the AU the right to intervene in a member state, to restore peace and security, and prevent war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity, without the consent of a sitting government. It can also deal with “serious threat to legitimate order.” These changes were seen as “being more radical than anything attempted by a continental organization. The new resurgence for pan-Africanism and African Renaissance: Towards an effective AU The theme of the recently concluded 20th Ordinary Session of Assembly of Heads of State and Government of African Union (AU), “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance,” was apt going by the submissions of African and United Nations (UN) leaders and experts among. The theme, according to the leaders and experts, was instructive for a continental organisation that had evolved in last 50 years. It is also appropriate for a continent in need of a re-birth from its problems of elusive peace, instability, insecurity, conflicts, and how to entrench economic development and transformation from widespread poverty. Surprisingly too, the Chairperson of AU Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa, got the backing of the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments to also use the theme as the cornerstone of activities marking the 50 years of the continental organisation this month and how to leapfrog Africa to a continent of the dream of its

Hailemariam

Zuma

Senghor founding fathers, beyond the next 50 years while keying in its constituent units. However, with member states contributing less than half of its budgets, analysts have questioned the economic sovereignty of AU. The AU looks up to the World Bank, the European Union and other development partners to pay most of its bills. Former Acting Director General of Nigerian Institute of international Affairs, Prof. R. A. Akindele, who is now of the Department of Public Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi described the import of this financial insolvency thus: “Unfortunately and regrettably, internally-generated financial resource capacity has proven to be conspicuously and embarrassingly inadequate to meet the increasing demands on the policy and programme agenda of the union. This inadequacy is a function not only of the poverty and gross underdevelopment of virtually all its member states but also, and perhaps more importantly, of failure to pay regularly their assessed dues to the annual budget, a habit which flows from this poverty. Trapped in this financial mess, African Union leaders, for instance, have had to carry the great shame of allowing the new headquarters building of their organisation to be financed, built and furnished by the Chinese government, and having to be habitually and routinely dependent on external financial and logistic support for carrying out many of the responsibilities of their organisation.” Moreso, AU’s financial predicament is further worsening by the demise of Gaddafi, who was known for paying the dues of poor members, even if for self-interest. The new power brokers in Tripoli are no longer ready to play another “Gaddafi.” The revolution in the Arab world and the removal of Hosni Mubarak also affected the fortune of AU and the position of Egypt as a member of the “Big Five.” Algeria too is now concerned about the home front while Nigeria is concentrating more on investment diplomacy than being Father Christmas in the face of a prying National Assembly. South Africa, too, is not ready to issue an open cheque to cover the gaps. Owing to the pathetic scenarios, DlaminiZuma, in January this year, asked Obasanjo to chair a commission investigating alternative sources of for the AU. A report of the commission will be submitted this month during the summit marking the OAU/AU anniversary. Moreso, the AU Commission chairperson also held a meeting in January with President of African Development Bank, Donald Kaberu and Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic Commission, Carlos Lopes on ways to boost the economic status of the union. Lopes, speaking on the priority of the meeting, argued the need to “nurture a highly educated, healthy and skilled population that can imbibe technology and infrastructure” for African industrialization and growth. Meanwhile, experts have canvassed that the AU must act as a united force to tackle problems and challenges affecting Africa and its people. They called on African leaders to look inward to pursue economic independence, development and accelerate integration, without waiting for the contribution of their western partners, who now contribute

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

ExecutiveBrief In association with TRIPPLEA ASSOCIATES LIMITED

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE HEALTH CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE EXECUTIVE FINANCE

ennesaret Resources Nigeria Limited (GRNL) is an indigeG nous company specializing in training and Certification in Non Destructive Testing (NDT), Welding and Safety. They are also involved in the areas of Project Resourcing/Procurement, Pipeline Laying Installation, Pipeline Maintenance, Upgrading of Oil & Gas Facilities, Lifting Equipment Inspection/Certification, Tubular Inspection, Corrosion Monitoring and Prevention, Fabrication and Maintenance of Tanks, Quality Assurance/Quality Control Services, Safety Training and NEBOSH Certifications as well as other services to the Oil/Gas and Industrial Companies in Nigeria. The Managing Director of the organisation Engineer Akinwale Eso, an alumnus of Lagos Business School and Shell Intensive Training Programme (SITP), in this interview speaks on the Focus of a CEO. He had worked for three Oil Service companies before setting up Gennesaret Resources Nigeria Limited.

Empowering Nigerians through International certifications in the Oil and Gas Industry

for low level entry into the Oil and gas Industry; we then saw a need to train people to take up middle level and high level technical positions in the Oil and gas Industry. Also prior to our coming into the scene in 2006, people who were priveledged had to travel outside the shores of Nigeria to get the When you started out in business, what specific idea, purpose same certifications we are offering currently. We discovered a or vision was your key driving force in setting up Gennesaret large training gap of middle level and senior level technical personnel and we filled it up. Currently we train for most resources? International Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria and also a Gennesaret was born in March 2006 with specific focus on Training and Certification in technical fields related to the Oil large number of Oil Service companies and other major secand Gas Industry and other major sectors of the economy. The tors like Aviation, Railways etc. We have the capacity to train for State Governments, Federal Government, Local driving force was to empower Nigerians and bring most of Governments and any agency who want to train their Youth these International certifications to their door step. Prior to or people to take up middle level and high level technical Gennesaret coming into the picture, Technical training was jobs in Nigeria and anywhere in the world. What would you describe as the critical factor that sustained your company? Best Professional and Ethical practices. Ensuring best International standards are maintained. We ensure our clients receive the best tutoring and mentoring with standards comparable in any part of the world. We give room to individuals who want to sponsor themselves all the assistance they require to improve themselves at a very competitive price. We offer various discounts to our clients to encourage them invest in their training. We offer courses Nigerian have been yearning to do for so long but has been far out of their reach. We offer courses such as National Examination Board of Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) International General certificate, International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas, Diploma. This course for instance is the most recognized safety certification in the world. A candidate who takes this course can comfortably be employed as a Safety officer anywhere in the world. The safety industry is so large that if Governments can harness this opportunity we are offering, all the youths will be employed comfortably with good future prospects.

Akinwale Eso

EDITION 266

How have you been able to meet the standards required of a training firm at global level? All our training courses are governed by international bodies and we ensure all their standards are maintained. We follow all the laid down rules governing the training and certifications we do, and from time to time

we get audited by various agencies. We ensure all our tutors are qualified and approved to tutor in the areas we are using them. At our head office located at 1st Floor, Izzi House, 315 PH/Aba Expressway, Beside UBA, Rumuokwurushi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Lagos office at ground floor, Wing B, Elephant Cement House, Alausa, Ikeja, we have established a dedicated customer care desk to handle all old and new customers alike with a swift response. Customers can also contact the help desk at round the clock online by mail on info@gennesaretresources.com or through 08034012002 and 07040805587. Were there any key incidents or life changing events that inspired your decision to become an entrepreneur? I saw a sickening situation where our University and Polytechnic degrees where no longer being recognized by the oil companies and a lot of jobs that should be coming to Nigerians were being handed over to expatriates to do. It was a Nationalistic Anger in me that led me to start off Gennesaret resources to ensure this anomaly was reversed. What has been your biggest challenge since you ventured into business and how were you able to surmount them? The biggest challenge was acceptability and finance. Acceptability was handled by time; consistently doing the right things has endeared us to the heart of all our clients. However we still need good Government back up to help compliment and encourage us to be more acceptable. Finance is always ongoing. We need to be supported by government to help get more technical and practical kits. The financial institutions do not have policies to help finance technical education thereby most times we are caged off financially. We take one step at a time. It is slow but as you move on people buys into your vision. We rely on a lot of private funding and foreign partnerships to fund our business; however it has been a long road. What can government do differently to help the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth? Patronize us. State Governments especially those of the Niger Delta or Governments who desire their people to be trained and certified with courses that can make them partakers in the Oil and Gas Industry as employers or employees. Also government agencies involved in youth empowerment e.g. Niger Delta Amnesty, NDDC, PTDF etc. Government focus should be targeted at launching our people into middle level and high level technical positions in the Oil and Gas Industry. It is painful when Government for instance goes to a community with Oil and decides to train the Youth as carpenters, painters, tailors and expect the Oil companies to employ them. Government should look at the industry and identify technical positions and get people trained in those areas. What are your focus /projections for the organisation? We intend to increase our international training and certification to cover more technical areas relevant to this sector. We are targeting Governments at all levels Community, Local, State and Federal to help train and certify their people to certain standards as to position them for great opportunities. How do you keep current with the latest developments and ideas about oil and Gas Training? We do industry research worldwide, we are members of the American Society of Non Destructive Testing (ASNT), Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), Pipeline Professional Association of Nigeria (PLAN) and we attend a lot of workshops. Do you have mentors, business coach or external consultants that you work closely with to grow yourself and your business? If yes, to what extent would you describe their impact on your business? We have external consultants and business coaches. They have filled our knowledge and experience gap. Our external consultants ensure our international standards remain consistent irrespective of the volume of business. We are in partnership with Quality Control Company Egypt, the only Accredited examination center of ASNT in Africa. How do you identify business opportunities and what metrics do you use to measure their viability? We have our business vision and mission, if a business falls in this category and is coming from a good source we would do. Advice to young entrepreneurs: My advice to young entrepreneurs is to start business by creating a Blue Ocean i.e. look for an area you can specialize in that meets specific needs in a specific industry through in-depth research before starting off. Ensure they have a very good knowledge and understanding of the area of business they want to venture into, get a mentor, read relevant books, attend business seminars, do extensive market survey and trust God to succeed.

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10 , 2013

24 | EXECUTIVEBRIEF

Executive Management The Paradox of Business: HUSTLEpreneurship VS Entrepreneurship By Tito Philips, Jnr. s an entrepreneur, while trying to build your business, never forget to do business. And while trying to do business, never forget to build your business. This is the paradox of business; to do or to build? Mastering it is the definition of business success. Ignoring it is the definition of business failure. To help you master this paradox of business is what this unusual article is about, like a game of chess while trying to make a move always remember to protect your king, read on!

just because they aren’t urgent you keep postponing them till it becomes too late. While being occupied with the day-to-day operations of your business, you realize you’re no longer paying adequate attention to pursuing your vision. You suddenly forget about the change you originally set out to create in the industry. You forget about the very idea that inspired your going into business. You get caught in doing business as usual. While making enough sales with your current product/service, you forget about product/service What Is The Paradox Of innovation. While satisfying Business? If you’ve been in business for existing customers, you fail to pursue new ones. While pursome time now, you will begin to notice some certain suing new ones, you fail to satisfy existing ones. On and on, re-occurring trends; while pursuing more business you you find yourself and your business falling short in one sometimes stray from your or more important aspects of primary/core business. You your business. All these are find yourself doing some the realities of being in busiother business that is not your core business so long as ness and all these are what I they rake in some cash. While refer to as the paradox of busitrying to get your business off ness. the ground, you neglect some The world of business is filled key strategic elements that can help your business on the with so many contradictory roles, expectations and funclong run. Deep down you know they are important, but tions. It wouldn’t be out of

place to say that business is very complex consisting of several aspects that are so contradictory in nature. At one end is the pressure [need] to do whatever you can to keep the business going; this I refer to as hustlepreneurship –doing business. At the other end is the desire [want] to build your business into something great; this I refer to as entrepreneurship –building business. HUSTLEpreneurship: the NEED to do Business Dreams, desires or aspirations are important, but none of them comes true without action, work, execution or hustle. The entrepreneurial journey in most cases begins with a dream, a desire or aspiration to create something significant that will positively alter the lives of many. This is a noble cause and as with all noble cause, there’s need for action, work, execution or hustle. Show me a successful entrepreneur and I will show you a man/woman who hustles. In the heart of entrepreneurship lies hustlepreneurship. You cannot have one without the other! Hustlepreneurship is

Executive Finance 6 Keys to Finding

Fulfillment in Your Finances

By Melissa Krivachek inding fulfillment in your finances can be one of the most daunting tasks that any of us face throughout the year. It can be worse than finding the energy to put on gym shoes and working out. If you’re just plain tired of worrying about money I want to share with you 6 steps to finding fulfillment in your finances. These simple steps can change your mindset and your results.

1. Work to Develop Multiple Streams of PASSIVE Income Developing multiple streams of passive income means working smarter and not harder. The difficulty comes from people trying to re-invent the wheel. One of my favorite ways of creating passive income as a small business is by providing digital and physical products I developed for consumers to purchase where, how, and when they want to online. The secret to creating passive income is YOU because you already have the knowledge, you have a solution to a problem people know they have, and you don’t have to be a techie, have a list, or a lot of income to develop a passive stream of income. Of course that isn’t the only way, you can become an affiliate of products/services you believe in, you can get involved in MultiLevel or Network Marketing, or you can invest in stocks, bonds, trades or even real estate. So when you hear the rich get richer and the poor get poorer the ultimate way they find fulfillment in their finances is they earn more and work less, and now you can to. 2. Invest for the Future - There are two ways to invest- people at work or money at work. Make your money work for you. People at work make a living; money at work creates a fortune. Money at work is why the rich get

richer. Invest money confidently, competently, and conservatively. Money is a touchy and private subject, invest in companies you trust, consult with professionals you know, and talk about the pros and cons as well as length and return of investment before making a decision to invest. 3. Live Below Your Means - This suggestion is contradictory to what most of us believe, because we are accustomed to credit cards, loans, and other debt digging forms of payment. The third key to finding more fulfillments in your finances is to reduce non-essential expenses. Avoid unnecessary debt. Living below your means is a way to give you a measure of control and help you achieve financial freedom. The payments for your mortgage, car, credit cards, and any other debt you have accumulated should be less than 37% of your gross monthly earnings. Sock away 10% or more of your pretax income each month. Question every purchase. Utilize the drives, needs, and awards that motivate you in order to live below your means and incorporate financial discipline into your life. This discipline throughout time will carry over into other aspects of your life

and you will find you are happier, healthier, and wealthier. 4. Improve Your Credit Score. 5. Strive to Achieve Great Results with Fewer Resources - The per-

son who can do this will always be in demand. Don’t throw money at every problem-throw creativity and brain power instead. One of your greatest assets is using the resources you do have to be resourceful because if you can solve a problem with a checkbook you really don’t have a problem to begin with. Creativity allows inspiration to happen at the deepest levels increasing productivity, profitability, and credibility. 6. Embrace Lifelong Education High Achievers go out of their way to pursue educational opportunities. Education does not necessarily mean formal or schooling, it means books, events, or other resources used to gather information on a subject that matters to you. Motivated people are learners, learners are earners. The investments you make in your own education can pay off handsomely, both financially and in the quality of your life. It’s important to recognize all skills are learnable, all business skills are learnable, all investment skills are learnable, and you can master all of these skills. You can learn anything you need to learn to achieve any goal you have in life. Identify your weakest skill and work on it every day until you’ve mastered it. There are many ways that you can find fulfillment in your finances but most importantly finding fulfillment doesn’t mean having money, cars, fancy houses, luxury vacations, etc…It means being able to contribute and give back to the community. One of the most important things we learn as a leader is we have the ability to pay it forward vs. paying it back allowing others the opportunity to finish rich too.

the inevitable art of doing business. It is inevitable because you simply cannot succeed in business if you are not prepared to do business. But what does it mean to do business? What does it mean to hustle? Doing Business Means…. • Selling/closing a sale • Production/manufacturing • Freelancing/doing contracts • Managing your Inventory/stock • Accepting any and every deal • Doing paper/ administrative work • Making contacts/networking • Pursuing more business/ revenue • Servicing existing clients/customers • Day-to-day operations. Here’s the bottom-line when it comes to hustlepreneurship; it’s all about focusing on the NOW, TODAY, SHORT TERM and forgetting or neglecting the future, tomorrow and long term. If you only focus on today as an entrepreneur, your business will not live to see tomorrow. This is what I call the most deadly trap of business; being caught up in doing business –hustlepreneurship. Many entrepreneurs are not aware of this fact and that’s why their

businesses suffer. Ironically, many are aware of this fact and yet their businesses still suffer. Why? Because hustlepreneurship alone is not all that it takes to succeed in business. It is a necessary element of business success, but certainly not the ONLY element. I have met so many entrepreneurs who hustle their hearts out in business and yet they still struggle with their business. It is true you need to take action, work, execute and hustle to do business; but equally true is the fact that you should dream, plan, strategize and create structures to build your business.

Executive Health By Brock Blake ’m a young CEO. I started my company while I was still in college at Brigham Young University (BYU). I was part of BYU’s Collegiate Club National Championship soccer team in 1999. Playing soccer, starting my own business and being a full-time student taught me the importance of maintaining balance in life. It didn’t take long to learn that certain activities can dominate life even when you have the best intentions. When one activity consumes your life, other areas tend to suffer. Playing soccer (or any other competitive sport for that matter) was a great stress reliever for me. It’s something I’ve done since I was a little kid and something that I still do today (though my skills have deteriorated over the years). I found out that when school and my business were eating away at me and causing me stress, the soccer field became my escape. After a practice or game, I’d come away with a clear mind. I found that it was usually after stepping away from work or school to play soccer that I’d come up with the solution to a problem or have clarity on a whatever project I was working on. I decided in college that I would do whatever it takes to be able to maintain a healthy balance between work and other interests.

I’ve had several opportunities to abandon my commitment to managing a healthy work life balance but have remained true. Even when I was fundraising and pitching VCs on investing in Lendio and one potential investor told me, “I don’t know how anyone can try to be a dad and a CEO at the same time. The reality is that the startup will need way too much attention and it’s just not worth it to have a family while being a CEO.” I knew immediately he would not be the right partner. Being a dad is incredibly fulfilling and meaningful. I believe that you can be a successful CEO and

Entrepreneurship: The DESIRE to Build a Business Entrepreneurship is about starting, growing and building a business that matters. It is the deliberate use of one’s life to create a significant company that helps to solve one or more problems plaguing humanity. As I have come to learn in business and also in life, it’s not just action, work, execution or hustle alone that amounts to success, no. What amount to success are strategic action, smart work, organized execution and deliberate hustle. This is what entrepreneurship

Keys to Successfully Maintain a Healthy Work Life Balance

dad. And I’m on a mission to prove it. There are five key lessons I’ve learned that have helped me manage my role as CEO and dad. Most of these principles are applicable to any other role within a company, not just the CEO: 1. Identify Priorities Prioritizing is critical to accomplishing your goals. Jotting down a list of items that are most important allows you to make decisions early about meaningful activities and whether or not they take precedence. Without priorities, the urgent will always take over and you’ll be left frustrated that you missed something of importance for something else that may have been urgent, but less important. The two highest priorities on my list (which I will rarely miss) are: 1) family dinner and 2) daily time with each child.

ing a plan of attack that allows you to accomplish your highest priorities. The plan will likely include a detailed schedule of work, family time, meals, etc. For example, Sheryl Sandberg (COO at Facebook) has set a schedule to leave work each day at 5:30 p.m. It’s obvious she has set her priority (dinner with the kids) and has also created a plan on how she’ll be able to meet her prioritized goals.

3. Be disciplined The hardest part about executing on the plan is being disciplined enough that you can actually meet your goals. Every week, your plans & priorities will likely be challenged by something happening at the office. Appointment requests will come, challenges will arise, meetings will go long, deadlines will be looming, and there will always be excuses to make an exception. During 2. Create a Plan those times, your priorities will Once your priorities have been be tested. However, most of the established, I recommend creatitems can be handled without

Action is the foundational key to all success. Pablo Picasso

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

26 ARTS

Theatre By Omiko Awa ELIGIOUS bigotry, stereotypes, intolerance, R ethnocentrism and their vices, which are some of the problems bedeviling the existence of Nigeria as a nation, were brought to the front burner of live theatre for enthusiasts to savour in the stage play Yoruba Romance. Written by Tyrone Terrence and directed by Williams Benson, the play, which was staged at Terra Kulture, Lagos was produced by Quebic4Productions in collaboration with Theatre at Terra Kulture, an offshoot of Terra Kulture organisation. Adapted from A Marriage Proposal, a 17th century play by the Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov, Yoruba Romance is a hilarious comedy that dispels deep-seated prejudices about intertribal relations in Nigeria. Centred on Ladoja (Omololu Sodiya), Chief Chibuzor (Chris Ubani Robert) and Nneka (Uduak Akrah Egom), the play tells the story of how Ladoja, an affluent 49-year old farmer, makes up his mind to marry Nneka, Chief Chibuzor’s daughter. Ladoja expresses his intent to Chibuzor, who is not only his neighbour, but has a long outstanding quarrel with his family. Chibuzor, a rich Igbo businessman, has been living with his 36-year old daughter, as a single parent since the demise of his wife. However, Ladoja’s desire brings back his joy, as his mien changes; and not bothering about their differences, he arranges for the two to meet in his house. Ladoja, lacking the tact to pass on his intent to Nneka, begins to allude to his family wealth and escapade, thereby unearthing a longburied land dispute matter between the two families. This rekindles old wounds that makes Chibuzor and his daughter to chase the lover boy away from their house. When Ladoja leaves, Chibuzor then let Nneka in on Ladoja’s visit. Thinking that it would infuriate his daughter, Nneka, without mincing words, asks her father to go fetch Ladoja for her, saying since her mother passed away no man had approached her for marriage, especially as she was getting no younger. She accuses her father of finding fault with all the suitors she had brought home, saying he would either reject them on religious grounds, ethnic biases or cultural difference. Nneka, recounting how she lost several eligible suitors as a result of her father’s prejudices, insists that her father should fetch Ladoja. Surprised at Nneka’s sudden fondness for a Yoruba man, a fondness he describes as Yoruba romance, Chibuzor, in spite of the evening rain, goest after Ladoja to pacify his daughter and only child. The two, Ladoja and Nneka, fearing that if they did not overlook their family and tribal differences might end up living the rest of their lives without marrying, as both are already advanced in age. They shun all obstacles to be one in matrimony.

By Kenechukwu Ezeonyejiaku ACK of sustainable growth and development in many African countries has been blamed on insufficient investment in the knowledge economy. This declaration was made at the conference held on Tuesday to kick off the 12th edition of Nigerian International Book Fair currently holding at the multi-purpose hall of University of Lagos. It has over 53 exhibitors from around the world in attendance. Present at the conference were the chairman of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P), Dr. Christopher Kolade who chaired the conference; former Anambra State Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, author and the traditional ruler of Ndi Ikelionwu, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike and Managing Director of University Press Plc and chairman of the book fair trust, Mr. Samuel Kolawole among

Yoruba Romance …

A fight against tribal biases The storyline reflects the true Nigerian story with the characters seamlessly delivering their roles. But going by the geographical representation of the country, Benson could be accused of bias, as the characters that feature in the play are of the Igbo and the Yoruba tribes. Knowing the tripodal politics of the country, a character should have played the Hausa role instead of a mere mention of the tribe in passing. This neglect, to any observer, especially a foreigner, gives the impression that the various ills highlighted are common between the two tribes featured in the play. Apart from that the play teaches that for the country to forge ahead as a nation, the various tribes must learn to tolerate one another, as not one ethnic group can be said to be flawless. It also urges the need to rise up to patriotic duties and for all to stop judging oth-

ers from individual cultural affinity. HILE tasking the director on some of the W challenges facing theatre practice in the country, Benson attributed it to lack of space, sponsorship and funding, noting, “We lack the space, venues and hall to present our plays; but of late Terra Kulture has been very supportive by providing the venue for plays to hold every month.” While commenting on the National Theatre as a space that is not living up to its expectations, Benson noted, “If you look at the National Theatre, you will discover that not most of us can afford the space. Secondly, it is not conducive for most of our audience. When you invite someone to come there for a show, the first thing that comes to mind are the hoodlums that hang around the en-

Invest in knowledge economy, experts tell Nigerians others. While speaking at the conference, the chairman, Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT), organisers of the International Book Fair, Kolawole said the fair was a forum where all relevant stakeholders in the education sector and the book industry meet to examine issues, proffer solutions and implement programmes that would bring about an all-round human and material development in the educational sector. With the theme, “Investment in the knowledge economy as Vehicle for Sustainable Growth and Development in Africa”, Kolawole said that sustainable growth and development had remained elusive for many African countries

due to several challenges such as insufficient investment in the right sectors and conflicts and insecurity. According to him, “If African countries can invest in the knowledge economy and make it prosperous, then our desire for real, sustainable transformation will not only be realizable but accelerated.” He said that the NBFT remains committed to her objectives of improving the reading culture in Nigeria and bringing books closer to the people for better education and for self-improvement. While presenting a paper on the above theme, the guest speaker, Mr. Gbenro Adegbola said knowledge had always played a crucial

role in human development from the beginning of time. According to him, “knowledge is the foundation of development; it is the driver of competitiveness and productivity; it nurtures, cures; it is the enabler of institutions and governance, and above all, it is power. “At no time in history has knowledge been so central and taken greater importance in all areas of human endeavor as now. It has added massive value to economic production through increases in productivity, and the application of new technologies and new ideas -both in the form of new inventions and also new applications of existing knowledge; it has brought revolutionary changes to virtually all market sectors”.

trances. Though all that is being taken care of now, we still don’t know what is going on there with regards to the quality of the facilities. But then, we are looking into going to the MUSON Centre, which is quite expensive for the upcoming producers to keep live theatre going.” On the issues of sponsorship, he said, “No, it not exactly so, because some of sponsors just want to buy into the programme by just doing their banner, sharing their fliers at the venue and they don’t want to have any other thing do with the production. On our own side, the time we go to them matters the most. If the time of asking for sponsorship is too short, they will not listen to you because the approval of fund goes through processes; so, it requires planning. The challenges you see are the ones that border on the time frame, the venue for our production, sponsorship and having the right cast.” If getting funding for production is so much of a trouble, why not cut cost and make use of guerilla theatre to which Benson added, “Well, Guerilla theatre is good, but the truth about it is that Nigeria is not ready for such. Back in the UK, you will see the theatre in the streets. You will also find people come around them to drop money as a way of appreciating what they are doing. But we know what that would be when we say let’s go to Ajegunle to perform. It is not just cordoning the whole area, but will the people support us by putting what they could? “Everybody is struggling to survive and we all live barely below $3 a day. I am not saying it won’t work, but the efforts, the process and security that go with it matters”. What then is the future of stage performance? “The future of theatre will stand if we keep on pushing it, showing integrity and are constant with our production,” he stated. “Taking live theatre to the street may keep the theatre active, but the question is: will we get the right audience to pay for it? “I am not sure about that and until we get that right, street theatre remains a mirage. No matter how you do it, you must pay the actors because none of them will be willing to let go their pay.”

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

ARTS

Revue By Anote Ajeluorou RT practitioners, culture producers, advocates and activists in the country alike are agreed that President Goodluck Jonathan’s interest in the country’s art sector deserves commendation, especially when he has consistently backed up such interest with actual provision of funds. Indeed, for many years, the sector had cried itself hoarse for government’s intervention as noticeable in other parts of the world, where art and culture are held in high esteem and properly funded for their growth and contribution to the economic and social value chain. It largely remained an orphan, as government and corporate Nigeria stood aloof to its plight. But then, Mr. Jonathan’s interventions began to trickle in. First was the $200 million entertainment loan scheme made available two years ago. Only about three players in the sector are said to have been able to access the fund because of its stringent conditions not unlike what obtains in accessing loans from banks with collateral and all. Only recently, Mr. President also pledged N3 billion as grant for filmmakers, also known as Nollywood. This is unprecedented in Nigeria’s culture history. However, this provision has created a little unease in the creative community, as it had turned the logic of proper funding for the creative sector for which practitioners had long yearned for upside down. Some see it as a onesided, biased donation from the country’s number one citizen who ought to see the entire creative community as his own and not just one segment as the grant implies. The President has not hidden his love for the creative community since coming to power, first as deputy governor and then governor of Bayelsa State. Bayelsa was the only state that was receptive to a continent-wide reward system for filmmakers when the state started hosting Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) that was instituted by Peace Anyiam-Osigwe. Indeed, Mr. President is yet to wean himself from that first love romance with the movie sector even after becoming President. But this is where other members of the creative community that are not filmmakers feel unease; they frown at Mr. President’s open bias for Nollywood, the youngest art form to the others, which is only 20 years old. Some have submitted that Mr. Jonathan has simply fallen in love with Nollywood’s klieglights, and the fad that characterise the world of make-believe to which film belongs. Some have argued that if Mr. President were not enchanted by the irresistible charms of Nollywood, he would have paid attention to the entire creative industry and not just one segment of it at the expense of others – literature, visual arts, music and theatre. The entire creative community has long advocated for the formal implementation of the National Cultural Policy, which has as one of its primary pillars the National Endowment Fund for the Arts in which the grant Mr. President has generously doled out to Nollywood ought to be a part. PRO North, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Mr. Richard Ali, is one of those who have voiced out his concerns about the President’s romance with Nollywood at the expense of other art forms in the country. He noted, “President Jonathan has shown his preference for the kleighlights of Nollywood over other organs of culture such as the Association of Nigerian Authors. He recently gave Nollywood another N3 billion after giving it $200 million. How much has he given ANA and Nigerian publishers? There isn’t a lot we can do except continue to speak the truth to power. The President is turning his administration into a philistine one as far as books and publishing are concerned and this is sad, sad in any sort of emphasis you can imagine”. Ali’s grouse stems from the negligence the President’s own pet project, Bring Back the Book, has suffered. It was designed to entrench the book reading culture among Nigerians, but it appears the project is in limbo at the moment, thus, leaving the writ-

Jonathan’s romance with Nollywood… Making an orphan of other art forms Implement instrument on National Endowment Funds for the Arts, Cultural Policy, create Art Commission, say stakeholders

Jonathan ing community in exasperation. A former academic, many in the intellectual community had hoped that the President’s book project would inject a new lease of life into the book campaign , but these were not to be. Former president of Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr. Wale Okediran, said, “Nigerian writers certainly need a lot of support in the form of grants and policies. The President may not be aware of the lopsided treatment of Nollywood industry and so, this is a ‘gentle’ reminder”. However, current president, Association of Nigerian Authors and professor of English at University of Ibadan, Prof. Remi Raji-Oyelade, lent another dimension to the argument, when he proposed a National Arts Commission just like the National Sports Commission and similar commissions for various sectors of the economy. While commending President Jonathan for the grant to Nollywood, he further argued that officials in the culture ministry were yet to do their job properly in giving correct advice to Mr. President on how best to approach issues relating to artists and the culture ministry they are supposed to midwife.

It will be better to have residencies established for writers and other artistes (including musicians, painters, sculptors and actors, handicraft artists and designers) under a properly organised National Art Commission that has a UNESCO grade status. The example of the South African Art Commission with panels and divisions for specialist and particular creative arts is worthy of emulation. A one-off grant to writers, without real enduring institutions, is only half-measure

He stated thus: “The award of N3 billion to Nollywood is greatly welcome. It is unprecedented and a good move in support of the cultural arm of our civilization and development as a nation. Yes, Nigerian writers and industry do need this kind of patronage. The proactive governmental support for writing and writers is long overdue. Commentaries have been made on this issue in the past; suggestions have been made, and arguments have been pushed that lack of funding and support for literary writing in this country may just be one reason why the art of scripting, even in the film industry, is stunted. “I should qualify the nature of grant that Nigerian writers deserve from governments and corporations in this country. The kind of support that we expect from government is one which will outlast individuals and endure. It will be better to have residencies established for writers and other artistes (including musicians, painters, sculptors and actors, handicraft artists and designers) under a properly organised National Art Commission that has a UNESCO grade status. The example of the South African Art Commission with panels and divisions for specialist and particular creative arts is worthy of emulation. A one-off grant to writers, without real enduring institutions, is only half-measure. “I do not think that the President is biased in that award, because it is an ‘award’ which is determined, sought for and granted, a present handed-down to a group, albeit for a purpose. Given past experience, we get and give support depending on different arbitrary terms, and you cannot fault the Presidency on that. You can only say that perhaps there are people in the cultural ministry who are not doing their job properly. There are people who should know better who are not giving the right and dispassionate advice to our leaders when it comes to support for the creative writing industry. Isn’t it therefore a systemic problem? Let the right things be done at the right time. As I said earlier, Nollywood itself suffers from the lack of federal support that Nigerian writing currently enjoys!” But Managing Director of Ibadan-based University Press Plc, Mr. Samuel Kolawole, argued that doling out money never really solved problems unless a holistic assessment of an industry was made and policy issues followed through thoroughly, especially in the book business. He stated, “Yes, the industry needs money, but it may not be by bringing money and putting it down like that. The biggest mistake we make is to think that money solves all our problems; it doesn’t! It’s not all about money. N3 billion grant for the book industry may not solve all its problems. If you’re not careful, that money will split the industry apart. They will see it as part of their national cake and seek means to grab it and lose sight of the reason for the money. “What the publishing industry needs is policy issues, especially policy implementation. That is what we need. Take a look at the copyright commission and strengthen its operations so it can fight book piracy. That way you would be helping the book industry CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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...A President’s preference for klieglights of Nollywood CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 in a long way. It will also help the reading culture because many authors are frustrated right now because they don’t get royalties for their books because of pirates that are at work and they don’t get money from their publishers. They quarrel with their publishers because they see their books everywhere but no money comes to them because the publishers are not the ones distributing them but pirates. “If you want to improve reading culture, it’s not about giving money to authors to say ‘go and write books’. In my own opinion, that is not what the publishing industry needs. Ensure that the copyright system works; fight against book piracy; recognize those in the book chain as important contributors to policy decision-making; carry them along while making policy”. OME have argued that President Sperceived Jonathan’s attachment stemmed from the ambassadorial role Nollywood has played for the country outside. They argue that Nollywood has opened up the space for outsiders to see Nigerians up-close even to their dressing rooms, bedrooms, dining tables and other intimate areas of Nigerian social life. So much so that to see Nigeria as an open book all you need do as an outsider is to see a couple of Nollywood movies. Arguably, Nollywood, as a culture product from Nigeria, has done a lot to open up Nigeria’s social space to the outside world with its peculiar storytelling. As a popular culture, it has been doing its part in exposing the different lifestyles of Nigerians to a wide audience, perhaps, far wider than any other art form has done to date. But hardliners in the more intellectually engaging, stimulating art forms question the real worth of Nollywood’s ambassadorial role and its true significance as a culture export. They point at the poor quality, the often poor usage of language whether spoken or sub-titled English from the local languages and the sheer indiscretion of some of its exposes, especially its inability to subtly, intelligently represent certain aspects of Nigerian culture or ways of life. These artists point at the level of voodoo or witchcraft, where most outsiders see Nigerians as patrons of fetish and magic for vainglorious purposes. Such critics point to Nigeria’s literature (which they, like their literary grandfather Chinua Achebe superbly put it in his famous novel, Things Fall Apart), has a fame that ‘rests on solid personal achievement’. They point out that Nigerian literature has long played a great ambassadorial role before the existence of Nollywood, Nigerian literature’s wayward grandson, was born. Achebe with his famous Things Fall Apart, Wole Soyinka, as Black Africa’s first Nobel Laureate and John Pepper Clark, as Africa’s

Zack Orji; Paul Obazele; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mr. Oronto Douglas; a guest and Kanayo O. Kanayo at the Presiential Diner in honour of the creative industry in 2011

first professor of English had long been great cultural ambassadors for not just Nigeria but the entire black Africa and beyond. Younger generation of writers that successfully followed as successors have won every available international prize on offer: Niyi Osundare – Commonwealth Prize; Ben Okri – Booker Prize; Chimanmada Ngozi Adichie – Orange Prize and Helon Habila, E.C. Osundu and Rotimi Babatunde – Caine Prize. These are all international prizes the entire world of writers strongly covet. In spite of these towering, landmarking achievements by Nigerian men and women of letters, Mr. President hasn’t seen it fit to give a grant to the book industry to help writers and publishers produce more awardwinning books or to properly equip the nation’s dilapidated libraries so the country can continue to produce succeeding generation of writers of immense promise. After 20 years of existence, no Nollywood film has been screened inside any of the major pavilions at Canes Film Festival in

France or any major international film festival. Nigerian filmmakers are usually mostly spectators in these milestone events. Only Jeta Amata’s Amazing Grace managed a side screening at Caines a few years ago. The visual art community isn’t left out in projecting Nigeria’s culture abroad. Names like Ben Enwonwu readily come to mind. He was the first black African whom Queen Elizabeth daintily sat for to have her portrait painted! Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy was another Nigeria to be so honoured with the royal sitting for a portrait. Other visual art masters such as Yusuf Grillo, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Lamide Fakeye and David Dale have all put Nigerian name indelibly on the visual art history of the world. Yet that cerebrally acclaimed art sector is yet to receive a grant for its huge contributions. Of course, there was a time when a Nigerian ex-leader was referred to as belonging to Fela’s country! That was the immense power that the Afrobeat legend possessed outside the country so much so that a head of state was so obscure as to belong to Fela’s country. Now, Fela’s son, Femi Kuti and King Sunny

I am usually not very impressed when government makes such grant pronouncement without consideration given to other sectors of the arts. I believe government should adopt a much more holistic approach in the giving of grants to the art sector rather than being selective. For instance, the visual artists have been crying for years for a purpose-built art gallery for the nation Acting trio: Rachel Oniga; Olu Jacobs and late Justuse Esiri at the diner

PHOTOS: CHARLES OKOLO

Ade had sat alongside other world acclaimed musicians to compete for honours at the America Grammy Award. They did not win, but they shared the stage with some of the world’s best. For now, Nollywood’s best still have a long way to go! former president, National Association FGregOR of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) Mr. Odutayo government needed to either build cottage theatres or empower individuals to build them so as to facilitate the staging of plays at the grassroots and thereby employ those in the performance arts. Odutayo stated recently, “NANTAP’s cardinal objective for 2013 is building theatre audiences across the country, so that practitioners can again start to speak for the people. And to achieve this, we need sustainable development for the sector. “Government must, as a matter of urgency, look into the establishment of cottage theatres in at least in every local government in the country. For this will help bring theatre and the allied arts to the people, aside from creating employment for the vast theatre graduates that are churned out every year from our numerous universities; it is the only way to bring massive development to the sector and generate employment for the youth. Such grant from government can help put cottage theatres all over the country to stimulate theatre practice”. Also, a respected but retired visual art teacher and practitioner, Mr. Kolade Oshinowo berated government for not doing enough in the visual art sector. He said such neglect had huge monetary loss to the country and stressed that government must wake up and take advantage of Nigeria’s vast art talent and potentials and takes its pride of place on the continent. Oshinowo noted, “I am usually not very impressed when government makes such grant pronouncement without consideration given to other sectors of the arts. I believe government should adopt a much more holistic approach in the giving of grants to the art sector rather than being selective. For instance, the visual artists have been crying for years for a purpose-built art gallery for the nation. This is one of the reasons Nigeria is conspicuously missing on list of countries that host International Art Biennials which would have been a major source of revenue earning for the country. What about artistic monuments in our public space? The list is endless”.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

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Film By Bridget Chiedu Onochie HERE is no doubt that Nigerian movie industry has endeared itself to the minds of many T people within and outside Nigeria. It is also true that the industry has provided a platform for job creation and revenue earnings. Yet, in all its contributions to the entertainment industry and the Nigerian economy, stakeholders are concerned about the need for improved content delivery to deepen interest and acceptance from the viewing public. This, it was believed could be achieved by taking the needs and expectations of consumers into consideration in the production and marketing of films. At a Consumer Forum organised early last week by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), consumers in particular were educated on some of the regulatory responsibilities of the agency. The idea was to enlighten them on their crucial position of designing ideas and proffering solutions that would help in adding value to filmmaking in the country. The event attracted participation of stakeholders in entertainment and communication sectors including the former Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr. Tom Adaba; former Director-General, NFVCB, Mr. Emeka Mba; Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communication Commission, Tony Ojobo as well as one of the country’s foremost creative directors, Ruth Sankey. In her welcome address, Acting Director General of the film board, Ms Patricia Bala, emphasised the need for film consumers to maintain synergy between the census board and filmmakers. She informed that the consumer parliament initiative, which was first of its kind, was influenced by the need to endorse consumers as the third leg of the tripod in the film production chain. While describing consumers as the stamina for the film industry, the censors’ boss harped on the need to defend and engage them considerably in the business of film production and marketing. She said, “We must carry them along as critical stakeholders because without them, there would be no us. This is the prime focus of the National Film and Video Census Board. “We acknowledge that Nollywood has done exceedingly well to project and unveil Nigeria in new colours to the world. That stands us out in African and beyond and has placed Nigeria at shoulders with Hollywood and paddling us closer to Bollywood. The industry has created jobs and fame and has contributed significantly to our foreign exchange earnings. “This is the reason the consumer has become indispensable. Truly, there would not be any job and fame if these products were not cherished by the consumer. They buy the content, love it and watch it. They crafted worldwide awards that today have become ‘The Oscars’. These are the efforts of our consumers – the stakeholders that are the driving force behind this session”. Applauding consumers as an indispensable

Board advocates closer filmmakers, consumers ties

NFVCB Acting DG, Patricia Bala and former DG, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Tom Adaba at the forum partner in the industry, Bala pledged the commitment of the board in ensuring that the interest of consumes are protected at all times. She further stated: “The NFVCB remains very committed to the core mandate of identifying and protecting the interest of consumers, to protect and shield their minds from pictures that would harm their passions, sensibilities and destinies. “We believe in the influence of film and videos in shaping the lives of consumers. Nigerian parents, like parents the world over, want a bright future for their children. It is hoped that sex and violence in our films and videos will be cautiously moderated. The voice of consumers will be heard in our films and videos”. It was her hope that at the end of the one-day forum, the board would have succeeded in establishing a new platform of constructive, strategic engagement with both filmmakers and film consumers. In his remarks, chairman of the occasion and former Director General of Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, Dr Tom Adaba, traced the his-

tory of movie making in Nigeria to the days of television. He also reiterated the relevance of taking cognizance of people’s culture in movies and advised producers to balance creativity with responsibility. All those who spoke at the event harped on the need for producers to go beyond the lure for cash to project the image of the country in good light. Filmmakers were admonished to always project the positive side of Nigeria while bearing in mind that these films were viewed beyond the shores of Nigeria. He noted, “Filmmakers should be more creative in the handling of rituals and voodoo in their films in order not to make Nigeria appear a country of ritual killers and fetish people before the global community”. Meanwhile, the censors’ board on its part, was charged to intensify efforts in its enlightenment campaigns to ensure that the general public received sufficient enlightenment on the need to look out for labels and logos of the agency on the jackets of films in the market. Prof. John Ellah was categorical on the need

for government to replace all obsolete teaching equipments and teaching aids in Nigerian universities and replace them with modern ones to help in the teaching of film studies. He maintained that if film students didn’t have the proper foundation, the industry would continue to be confronted with the challenge of ‘garbage in garbage out’. There was also a consensus that the Nigerian movie industry was not child-friendly, as no children’s films were being produced. While commending government for the N3 billion intervention funds for the film industry, participants called for stronger platforms for filmmaker by investing more in the industry. The board was also commended for its initiative in organising the forum and urged that the forum to replicated across the country. Meanwhile, practitioners were admonished to be more professional in the handling of technical inputs for better production. For instance, they suggested that the use of zobo for blood-effect and the fire-crackers for bullets should be deemphasised.

Omotola, Jim Iyke to reward fans with tickets in Last Flight to Abuja MOTOLA Jolade Ekeinde and O Jim Iyke, two of the stars of the action thriller, Last Flight to Abuja,

Jolade Ekeinde

will be available to hand out flight tickets to fans of the Nollywood film, as the movie is set to be released officially on May 20. This is part of the activities scheduled by The Nollywood Factory, the producers of the movie which recently clinched the Best Film by an African Abroad in honour of victims of last year’s plane crash at Iju outskirts of Lagos one year after the tragic incident. According to a statement by the production house, everyone who has a copy of the DVD is qualified to take part in the campaign and only needs to fill a coupon inside the movie jacket, which would be mailed back to the specified address.

“The movie has garnered a lot of fans in the past twelve months, going from one country to another, and from one film festival to another, but now the opportunity has come to let these fans own what they have always desired. Interestingly, some lucky fans would also smile as the Nollywood Factory and her associates would be giving out flight tickets to some of our lucky fans at an event that would have the fans also meeting the cast and crew members so of the film”, the statement said. In all about five tickets would be handed out to winners at an event which would be attended by the members of cast and crew of the movie reputed to have broken box office records in West Africa, following its successful outing at the

cinemas last year. The film written and directed by Obi Emelonye grossed N8.5 million in seven days, according to official Nigerian cinema ratings beating major Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Spiderman’ ‘Think like a Man’, ‘Avengers’ and ‘Madagascar’ and was second only to the highlyrated blockbuster, ‘Dark Knight Rises’ during the cinema screenings last year. Last Flight to Abuja, also the first Nollywood film to be shot mostly on an airplane also featured the likes of Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Ali Nuhu, Jide Kosoko, Olumide Bakare, Franca Brown, Uche Odoputa, Anthony Monjaro, Uru Eke and Celine Loader amongst others. The movie is set in Nigeria and captured a group of everyday Nigerian

travelers who boarded the last Flamingo Airways flight scheduled to fly from Lagos, the commercial city to Abuja, the capital, on a fateful Friday night in 2006. Everything seemed alright as the plane was cruising at 30,000 feet, tranquil and on schedule. But like a snap of the finger, through a mixture of human error, technical failure and sheer bad luck, the plane rapidly develops major difficulties that send it battling on the brink of disaster. So far, the work has been getting critical international acclaim due to its technical details as well as thematic relevance having addressed one of the recurring problems of the Nigerian aviation system, which has recorded so many fatalities in the past decade.

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Stories by Chuks Nwanne

One-on-one with Tadok Boss

‘Tadok is a desire to satisfy my interest as a man who loves music’ N Nigeria, gaining employment with an oil firm is a big deal, Ilength especially among the youth. Many are ready to go to any just to secure the job. Aside from the usual fat take home pay, the welfare package for oil workers seems to be the main attraction. In this part of the world, it’s a status thing. But for Timi Odikeme, who has been with Chevron Nigeria for years now, life is beyond white-collar jobs with fat pay; it’s about passion. Though he’s doing well in the oil sector, Odikeme has never hidden his interest in the entertainment industry. As far as the Bayelsa State native is concerned, music is a passion too precious to let go. Right from his childhood, he has always nursed the ambition of becoming a great saxophonist. Unfortunately, his tight schedule at the oilrig would not allow that dream to materialise. He enthused recently, “I enjoy saxophone; it gives me the rhythm that makes me feel that all the components of music are fussed into sax. I still nurse the dream of becoming a don in saxophone because it gives me pleasure”. A graduate of Petroleum Engineering from the Petroleum Training Institute, Warri (PTI), Timi’s love for music dates back to his primary school days when he led his classmates in folk songs. “My lure to music was generated by my teacher when I was in primary five; she taught us some folk songs and I was the leader of the group. From there, I developed interest in music,” he recalled. Even in church, Timi is always found in the music group. In fact, he’s currently the music coordinator of his parish in Port Harcourt (Redeemed Christian Church of God). “In 2001, I established a programme called Praise Night. The idea was to bring together Gospel music artistes from different Churches to praise God and entertain the audience. It later developed into a yearly programme in 2003.” It was in the course of producing the yearly Parise Night that he discovered his first music group, Vessel of Praise. “It’s a music group comprising of three young men, who have interest in promoting gospel music. They found themselves at the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, so when I saw their talents, I decided to assist them to actualize their dreams of becoming music stars.” Through Timi’s sponsorship, the group made up of M2k, Vitamin C and Mr. Robison came out with songs that caught the attention of audience, especially in the South-South region of the country. “A lot of people appreciated their songs. In fact, one of their tracks became a major praise song in most churches in Delta State. But unfortunately, we were not able to push them. We couldn’t really cross the boundaries, as we had wanted to because I didn’t have all the time to push things.” Discouraged by their inability to break into the mainstream of the country’s music industry, the artistes resolved to join gospel singer, Asu Ekiye as vocal assistants. “For me, it was a good decision to move on because they are talented boys. Working with Asu Ekiye gave the opportunity to learn more. But while they were with Ekiye, we still maintained communication because we had the dream of still working together in the future.” Fortunately for Timi, Mr. Robison, one member of the group resolved to go solo in an effort to actualize his dream. “I took him up, encouraged him and gave him all the support to become a star. I took him to radio station and arranged publicity campaign for him. But at that time, I wasn’t seeing it as a business; it was a desire to satisfy my interest as a man who loves music.” Determined to create a platform that would help music artistes from the South-South region compete favourably with their counterparts in other parts of the world, Timi came up with Tadok Global Production in 2012. “The dream actually came up when I hosted some artistes to a

Barbecue Nite in my house; that was when I hinted my plans to establish a record label. My aim is to create a platform for Port Harcourt based artistes to explore.” With departments such as music and video production, music and video publishing, record label, event management and entertainment outfit, Tadok is poised to change the face of showbiz in Port Harcourt and it’s environs. Popularly called Tadok Music factory, the building boasts of a world class recording facilities for audio-visual production, mass Duplication of CD/DVD, standard dance studio with live band for rehearsals and a well lighten garden with stage for live performances, album listening and other outdoor events. “This is a multi million-naira studio. To be honest with you, it runs over 15 million naira to put this place to this state, minus the building itself.” On why he resolved to start big, The CEO of Tadok explained, “When I started Tadok, I was paying for studio sessions for my artistes in small studios. But after doing an in-depth research about studio ownership, South-South artistes and the Nigerian artistes making waves in the music industry, I discovered that a standard professional studio that would have been able to help our artistes compete favorably with other artistes outside was missing in the region. Most of them still mime their own songs; even when given them an opportunity to play live, it is usually marred with a lot of flaws because they do not have places for rehearsals or professional studios to build their talent.” According to Timi, Tadok Music Factory is a product of long months of research within and outside the country. “I made several fact-finding trips to within and outside the country and I discovered that songs by Port Harcourtbased artistes were missing from the list of songs on heavy rotation. I also found out that in SouthSouth, they have a single pattern of beat possibly, because most of the producers in the area were trained by the same set of people. This is why I decided to hire a good music producer from Lagos and equip him with all he needed to work with. The idea is for him to infuse the Lagos beat into the South-South beat and create something exotic; equipment alone will not make good music,” he said. Driven by an executive team that possesses both depth and dynamism, Tadok

Working with Asu Ekiye gave the opportunity to learn more. But while they were with Ekiye, we still maintained communication because we had the dream of still working together in the future

aims to achieve world-class quality production enhanced by an innovative, Afro-politan sensibility. “Our deep understanding of the local market makes us the goto partner for foreign companies looking to explore the Nigerian media and entertainment sectors and similarly, our vast international experience and contacts give local clients the comfort that we are as up to date, in the mix and in the know as any agency they may find in England, America or other creative capitals.” Already, three artistes, Blunt Ace, M. Tukay and Presh (of the KCPresh) have been signed on to the label, while plans are on ground to discover more talents from the zone. “Presh is a South-South artiste; we discovered him when he was still with KC when they won the Star Quest reality show in 2002. I saw him as a talented; he could sing, but he limited himself to only rap and ended up looking like a back up artiste for KC. The deal to manage him was signed on May 23, 2012, and it runs for three years. He has been on a European tour, specifically Spain, Austria, Italy, etc. to further promote him globally,” he said. With the huge funding he’s giving to music and his passion for entertainment, you wonder why the Bayelsa State native dished music for whitecollar job? “I’ve never seen myself as a musician; I’ve always seen myself as a helper. Not only in music, even in the Church, I’ve always been the supporter of positive indicatives. That’s why for many years, I’ve never thought of becoming a pastor; I’ve always wanted to be the man that supports vision for humanity.” With the way he spoke about church and religion, you begin to wonder why Timi decided to work with secular artistes? “If you looked at the market, most of the gospel artistes are suffering today because the churches do not care to listen to their cry. I remember having a discussion with an artiste, who was to perform at my event. By the time the guy explained to me what he spends in taking care of members of his band, you discover that at the end of the day, he is left with little or nothing. So, to ensure that my artistes don’t find themselves in that situation, I decided that while some of them play gospel music, others would do secular songs. However, I take time to ensure that their lyrics conform to our standard.”

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

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SHOWBLAST

Durban hots up for MTV All Africa Stars LL is now set for the first ever MTV All Stars A KwaZulu-Natal music concert billed for May 18, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, People’s Park in Durban, South Africa. Conceived by MTV Base, the live show, which will parade notable African music stars, will be headlined by America’s rap great, Snoop Lion, formally called Snoop Dog. Nigeria’s D’Banj and Big Nuz will also join in the parade to entretain music fans at the concert in Durban. A charismatic performer, singer-songwriter, D’Banj has risen to stardom, thanks to his innovative fusion of Afrobeat, Afropop and Afrofusion sounds, delivered in a combination of Yoruba, English and Pidgin English. The self-styled Koko Master and multi-platinum selling recording artiste achieved global attention with his 2012 smash-hit, Oliver Twist, which sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and debuted at number 9 on the UK National charts; just behind the likes of Rihanna and Tulisa. Inspired and influenced by the late AfroBeat maestro Fela Anikulapo Kuti, D’Banj has won a host of awards including Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009, the BET Awards of 2011 for Best International Act and Best African Act at the 2012 MOBO Awards. Fresh from their appearance at the MTV Africa All Stars tour in Nairobi, Kenya are the undisputed kings of kwaito, Big Nuz, the insanely talented trio that comprises Jojo (aka Mampintsha), Mzi (aka Danger) and Sbu (aka R Mashesha). Since Camp-Mulla forming in 2002, these award-winning Durban homeboys have confidently transformed the South African dance music landscape, growing under the guidance of their mentor, DJ Tira, and gracing innumerable clubs and stages at home and abroad with banging dancefloor favourites such as Umlilo, Ntombenhle, Serious and Newlands By Chika Onwukwe West.

Discordant tunes in PMAN… • Hajia Amina calls for peace, as Luciano emerges interim leader

members and one National Trustee. They were consequently sworn-in by the unions Legal Adviser V.J. Kara. FTER a biennial National Delegates ConferOther resolutions adopted at the conference, ence organised by a faction of the Perform- according to George, were the discharge of ing Musicians Employers Association of members, who had been involved in antiNigeria (PMAN), that saw the emergence of union activities that had adversely affected Hajia Amina O. Dangaji as the National presithe fortune of the union. He stressed that the dent, the music body has called on members registered office/National Secretariat of to join forces with the new administration for PMAN remains at Ikeja, Lagos State and that it D’Banj a better performance. has not been re-located as published by in the In a communique signed by the General Secpapers last year. retary of the faction, Kenny A. George, the “The present administration under Hajia union maintained that the dissolution of the Amina O. Dangaji should be protected and previous regime led by Ras Murphy van Ansupported since it’s a product of lawful and thony and institution of a new government, legitimate succession order that is ready to reflected the choice of the people in accormove PMAN to the next level,” he said. dance with PMAN constitution. Meanwhile, the Oritz Williki/Bolaji Rosiji facEW months after he joined Naija FM as a preAccording to the scribe, the new executive tion of PMAN has elected Questionmark boss, senter, comedian Erem Emeka Nehemiah, will run the affairs of the union for the next Kevin Lucciano Gabriel, as the PMAN interim otherwise known as Ajebo, has taken a new two years, pending the approval by the office president, with a mandate to serve for 18 twist in his career with a comedy album entitled of the Registrar of the Trade Unions and subse- months. Installed on Saturday, April 27, LucHouse of Ajebo. Ahead of the release, the fast risquent ratification by congress of the new four- ciano was elected after his opponent, gospel ing stand-up comedian and creative writer has year term for both the national and state artiste & showbiz promoter, Skid Ikemefuna dropped his first song, Lie lie. chapters as adopted by the conference. stepped down for him. With House of Ajebo, the past winner of AY Live The conference, which had delegates from 27 To run the union with Kevin Lucciano are fastate chapters including Federal capital Terrimous musician & Time Na Money singer, Mike is confident that comedy fans will experience something new. tory (FCT) elected Hajia Amina O. Dangaji as Okri, who was elected Vice President and “I am bringing humour and broadcasting tothe president, Prince Jerry Demua 1st vice pres- Maureen Ejezie a.k.a Mama Entertainment ident, King Waleman 2nd vice president, David (2nd Vice President). Singer Azeezat Allen also gether, which is what I do on radio. This is my creative gift to give a new face to comedy. We are Olusegun (Alade) Treasurer, Seven Ex- officio emerged PMAN Treasurer. bringing something new to the table by taking comedy to another level. This is trendy and everybody wants to listen to the song. We will release the video soon,” he assured. According to the entertainer, a marketing deal will soon be wrapped up for the distribuAmong Nigerian artistes alpeople locally and globally. HEAD of its debut today at tion of the album, which is expected to hit the ready on the platform are Gone are the days of simply the Four Point Hotel, shelves in June. following celebrities that you Lagos, MeetOrbit.com, a new Trybe Records boss, eLDee, “You know everybody is waxing audio comedy admire. People can come to global social networking plat- Sound Sultan, Koffi Owen CDs, where they just crack jokes from the beginGee, Abdulala, African China the platform and chat with form, has signed up top ning to the end. them from the comfort of Nigerian entertainers includ- and Baba Dee. Others are DJ But I am offering their homes.” ing musicians and Nollywood Vinnie, GT D Guitarman, Jgansta, Laide Bakare, LepaAccording to Ayodele, the aim a comedy album. stars to its platform. cious Bose, Lova Bernard, is to build a site that improves It is a comedy According to Adekunle Ayoalbum where you Marcakay and Moyinoluwa lives and reinvents the social dele, founder and CEO of have about 14 to Olutayo among others. The networking experience. DataBox Technologies, the site has advanced forward “The site is based on a galactic 15 tracks. It inplatform behind the social cludes jokes and thinking features which fotheme and has several sub networking site, skits among othcuses on connecting people sites with unique purposes MeetOrbit.com will revoluers. It is not like both locally and globally and features. They include tionise the global concept of the stereotype, through video chat technolMeet A Friend, Profile Video, social networking. where you just Video Shuffle Chat, Meet A “MeetOrbit.com is gathering ogy. “MeetOrbit.com is the first crack jokes. I am Mentor. Meet A Star and Exmomentum following its online platform with online doing a well change Forum. The vision of launch in the U.S. This is a rounded comedy the site is to create a universal dream come true for me. The celebrity auction, dynamic profile videos, and video shuf- and innovative platform that album, after response has been overfle chat with a galactic planet reinvents how people connect, which we will whelming. As I speak to you, engage and transform their shoot the video of Nigerian acts are excited and theme. For the first time onthe all album.” have signed up with the plat- line, people will be able to in- social media experience stantly collaborate with through video technology.” form.” Ajebo

With Denge Pose, Take A Care Of Me, Skales is set for the big debut AVING worked for months under the shadH ows of the ‘big boys’ of EME Entertainment, EME Soldier Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, popularly know as Skales, seems ready to strike his own chord. In readiness for the release of his debut effort, the artiste has dropped two new singles, Take Care Of Me and Denge Pose. Produced by Legendary Beatz, the two songs are off his soon to be released debut work, All The Above. Known for numerous hit tracks such as Mukulu, Komole, My Baby among many, Skales is expected to drop his album later this year, though no exact date has been fixed. A fast rising act, Skales has wooed many audiences around Nigeria with his unique rap style and charm on stage; from the Zain Tru Search talent competition in 2008, to the Soundcity Blast concert in 2009, where he astonished the crowd with a rap acapella. His journey into the world of music begun way back in 2000, when he started writing his own songs and honing his rap skills in Kaduna, where he grew up. Between 2007 and 2008, this adventurous young man travelled to Jos as often as he could to work with some of Nigeria’s finest producers, Jeremiah Gyang and Jesse Jagz.

Skales

Ajebo drops comedy album

MeetOrbit.com excites showbiz stars A

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

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Jonathan’s N3 billion grant… What ministers told Nollywood practitioners

Okonjo-Iweala, Duke and Okafor th

o mark the 20 anniversary of the Nigerian T motion picture industry known as Nollywood, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan staged a special diner for practitioners in Lagos. Held at the State House Marina, the event, which was held under tight security, equally attracted top government officials and some state governors, who came to show support for the industry. At that event, President Jonathan announced a grant of N3 billion for the film industry, to be

supervised by the Minister of Finance, Ngozi okonjo Iweala and Minister of Culture, Tourism and National orientation, Chief Edem Duke. Also supporting the industry, the Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio donated N50 million to the industry as the President’s reward for creativity. In his speech, the President acknowledged the pivotal roles Nollywood has played in promoting the image of Nigeria both within and outside the continent.

“There are three endeavours that unite Nigerians: sports, music and movies,” he said. However, since the announcement was made, there have been discordant tunes among practitioners, especially from those, who complained of not being carried along in the initiative. Also, some practitioners complain of inadequate information on the modalities for accessing the grant; it has become a heated de-

MoviBuzz

By Chika Onwukwe

‘We are looking beyond Clinic Matters’ LINIC Matters is a television sitcom that C has captured and retained people’s interest for a longtime now. Usually filled with hilarious actions enacted by good role interpreters, the hospital-centered show has won several national and international awards. However, the brain behind this production is not known by many people due to his choice of being behind the camera. But for those who know Paul Igwe, his creativity is never in doubt, An independent filmmaker, Igwe is the eldest from a family of six. A native of oguta in Imo state, he is married with a kid. He stated recently, “My journey into the motion picture industry started 14 years ago and it has been an awesome experience. I ventured as a movie director working for different people. Then in 2007, I decided to go into television; that year I directed a TV sitcom, Extended Family, which was produced by Bovi Ugboma. That was the programme that launched Bovi as a comic actor and a comedian.” When Extended Family was rested, Igwe started Clinic Matters, which is today a big project. “I developed the passion for film when I was in secondary school; we live in Aguda somewhere close to olufemi, where Zeb Ejiro had his office then. I can say that the business of film production started that place and I admire the practitioners a lot, hence I decided to be among these creative minds.” Do you have a formal training in this area? “After my secondary education. I went to ITPAN Training School, where I got trained as a director. I’m also a product of School of Media Communication Pan-African University. If you come into a business and you don’t have a formal training, you will just be floating. Therefore, the training I had helped to shape and strengthen my career,

hence I was able to define what I needed.” To the producer, producing content is about satisfying the demand of viewers. “It came to my understanding that you don’t produce a content because you like and believe in it, rather you produce a content because you want to satisfy the demand of the people. The fact that you believe in a project doesn’t mean that other people will believe in it. You should be sure that what you want to produce is what the society wants.” Before Clinic Matters, a survey was actually carried out by the crew to ascertain what the audience wanted.

Paul Igwe

“We got a positive result and we started. I also believe in professionalism and teamwork; Adekunle Salau created and has been scripting the programme till today. More so, if you watch Clinic Matters, you will discover that there is a feedback page at the end of every episode, from there we get views from our audience. In fact, we are not doing what we want, but we carry people along.” on how he feels working behind the scene, Igwe said, “that’s exactly what I want because I’m a very shy person. Sometimes, when I notice that people around me know who I am, I don’t feel comfortable. Apart from that, I’m determined to leave a legacy. For instance, we all grew up to watch New Masquerade in the 80’s; the show was very famous so as the characters. But we don’t know the producer of that programme. To me, by the time people begin to recorgnise you, there is tendency to loose focus. When people don’t know you, they will criticize your work and say the truth, but when they know you, they may not say the truth.” He continued: “Right now people appreciate Clinic Matters irrespective of the fact that they don’t know the owner and it gives me fulfillment.” For Igwe, there’s comfort working behind the scene. “Sincerely, I feel satisfied; I feel in charged. When you work behind the camera, you control everything that happens before the camera. As a producer/director, I see myself working to actualise my vision and that gives me a lot of satisfaction.” As a filmmaker, Igwe’s greatest dream is, “to do a sitcom that will be on the same pedestal with programmes like Friends, Two & Half Men and others. I really want to do a production that will compete favorably with Hollywood creations and win the greatest award. Clinic Matters has won several awards, but that is not our ultimate goal; we are looking at something bigger.”

bate in Nollywood. In an attempt to clear the air on the issue, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, okonjo-Iweala, in collaboration with the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke recently hosted Nollywood practitioners to a townhall meeting at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Addressing the gathering, okonjo-Iweala informed that the N3 billion intervention fund, which President Jonathan promised the Nigerian film industry last month, would not be shared out as grants or loans. She stressed that the fund, contrary to the impression some stakeholders may be nursing, was to leave behind something solid on which the industry can leverage on and grow to a new level. She stated, “The N3 billion which the President promised is meant to be a catalyst, which will help the industry leverage other sources of funding and expertise and grow to a new level. The money will not solve every problem but it’s a good beginning. We need to use it well for the benefit of this important industry and the benefit of the country”. The minister assured practitioners of Federal Government’s commitment in ensuring that the intervention fund led to sustainable benefits for the industry, noting, “The new grant will not override the earlier $200 million fund presently being disbursed by both Nigeria Export-Import Bank, NEXIM and Bank of Industry, BoI.” In his remark, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke hinted on the need to reach a common position on key issues affecting them, adding that the pervasive hostility and bickering among film practitioners in the country remained an obstacle to the continued growth of the industry. “Nollywood has become an important ambassador of Nigeria and the Presidential intervention fund underscores government’s appreciation of the platform and its great potential to contribute significantly not only to the economy but also to a better understanding of Nigeria by the world.” At the end of the session, participants unanimously agreed on the need to develop a strong distribution system and strengthen expertise to deepen professionalism in the industry. The townhall meeting, according to the organisers, was in line with the decision of the two ministries to engage practitioners in the industry and to get their input and ideas on the best ways to deploy the funds to achieve set goal.

Koga Open House breeds fresh talents o demonstrated its willignness to support the T entretainment industry, Koga Entertainment recently organised an open House Talent Hunt. The session, which was held at the company’s premises in Ikeja, attracted hundreds of hopefuls, who slugged it out with fellow contestatns to impress the 10 judges made up of notable music producers in the country. A two-day talent hunt show, the search aims at discovering new, untapped and talented musicians, singers or songwriters in all genres of music. At the end of the show, 10 people were picked and they get the opportunity of having their songs produced by 10 of the best producers. After two grueling days of wonderful performances of rap, soul, R and B, jazz, reggae, fuji, gospel and soul music, 30 people were chosen to enter the final round. These 30 were narrowed down to the 10 winners, who are to be produced by each of the judges, while the remaining 20 were compensated with a recording session each at the renowned Koga studios. The producers at the show included oJB Jezreel (produced Tuface’s African Queen), Mr Daz (produced Faze’s Tattoo Girls), Puffy Tee (produced olu Maintain’s Yahooze) and Don Adah (producessssssd Christine Ben Ameh’s Daddy). others are Black Jersey (produced Nomoreloss’s ojuri), Kraftmatics (produced Mode 9), Phat E (produced Jodie’s Kuchi Kuchi), P. Edwards (produced B.N.G), Jokaynie (produced Jimmy Jatt’s Stylee) and K.Solo. The winners and the producers would work with Skinny Tweed (ojb Jezreel), D ribs (K Solo), Chindosky (Phat E), Brainchild (Jokaynie), Jammin’ Jones (Mr. Daz), K Prince (Puffy Tee), Meka (Kraftmatics), G6 (Don Adah), John Bliss (Patrick Edwards) and omo Pastor (Black Jersey). According to Nomoreloss, the anchor at the event, “Koga Entertainment hopes to bring these talents closer to their dreams with the talent hunt; we will produce a song for the top 10 finalists under these seasoned producers and sign two exceptional ones from them”. .

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

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Heritage By Michael Omolewa HE question may be asked whether Lugard T was under any obligation to consult or negotiate with the Nigerian population including the influential royal fathers, the traditional rulers, the emirs, the educated elite and the generality of the people; and whether he allowed public opinion to guide his proposals. The fact that he did not do so would raise yet another question about what gave Lugard such power to be able to decide on behalf of Nigerians whom he neither consulted nor negotiate with, and whom he clearly did not consider necessary to share his views with. Perhaps the explanation can be found in the nature of colonial rule with its contempt for the dignity and lack of respect for the rights of the colonised and dominated peoples. It would be difficult to accept the reasons advanced by Lugard about the difficulties of gathering Nigerian people together to discuss issues that affected them. According to him, “the intelligent emirs of Northern Nigeria, whose voices would rightly carry, weight… cannot in any single case speak English, nor could they leave their emirates.” He added that the able and intelligent group of educated natives at Calabar would have such great distances to travel that the cost, “and the time taken on journeys, would prove an insuperable bar to attendance.” He also stated that he had been informed that the Nigerian members on the Legislative Council “devote their undoubted debating abilities largely to opposing each other’s views in Council.” But the main point is that the subject peoples were not considered capable of making intelligent judgments even on matters that were of direct concern to them. Lugard therefore did not see the need to consult the indigenous people. Indeed he made it abundantly clear about where his loyalty rested when he read the Queen’s Proclamation on 1 January 1900 on his appointment as High Commissioner of Northern Nigeria: “Be it known to all men, that by the order of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India, the administration of the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria, hitherto known as the Niger Territories…is hereby assumed by her Majesty.” But although there was no doubt that he was contemptuous of the people whom he had conquered, Lugard was wise enough to ensure that their bitterness was not translated to hostility that could affect his administration. Thus he frequently sent gifts to the traditional rulers whom he also enjoyed visiting. But he did everything in secret and never introduced a dialogue with the people. It should therefore be concluded that he had acted arbitrarily. It may be asked what gave Lugard such authority and influence? The answer seems simple. Firstly we should note that no matter what the historians say about Lugard, it must be admitted that the man was an achiever with great capacity for hard work. Furthermore, he was a committed officer and a patriotic British during the heyday of imperialism. This observation may be confirmed by reading his interesting diaries in which he once made the entry that he was glad to serve in spite of his lack of promotion or financial comfort. Lugard had behind him the powerful force of the British Empire, which was reliable, focused and powerful, the type not possessed by the Nigerian rulers or people who had no one to run for assistance of any type after a defeat, shame or failure. It was the reinforcement that was readily available to Lugard that mostly helped. The support in form of policy and provision of an impressive fighting force The fact that Lugard was the personification of British imperial power was most helpful to him and helped him to wielded imperial control without reservation and with confidence. He ensured that he was properly aligned with the Colonial Office and cultivated the friendship of his superior officers whose support he carefully elicited. For example he named the new port being built in the Niger Delta after Lord Lewis Harcourt, then the Secretary of State for the Colonies. He formed the habit of sending private and confidential papers to the

Lokoja and the migration of Nigeria’s capital cities (3)

Mount Patti Colonial Secretaries before continuing to process them. In that way, he ensured that he always had the assurance that the power and authority of the British Government remained strongly behind him and at were at his disposal. He had also earned the confidence of the Secretary of State for the Colonies by his industry, bravery, military prowess and the determination to succeed and subdue any force that militated against bringing the people under the British imperial rule. With the British military and political might behind him he was set to dominate and impose his will and personal preferences. He was the imperial lord par excellence and the empire spoke and acted through him. The newspapers in Lagos were most critical of the arbitrariness of the military dictatorship of Lugard. Perhaps the most vocal of them, the Lagos weekly record, was loud in its condemnation of Lugard whom it described as “the conquering hero of punitive expeditions” and “the victim of exaggerated personality, induced by the autocratic power conferred upon him through the indiscretion of a Lewis Harcourt.” The paper’s observation confirms the view that Lugard did not consult the indigenous people before taking decisions, and says that “So high was he in the clouds that he saw very little of the people he was called upon to govern; and divorced as he was from their local sympathies and liberal aspirations.” The paper noted that Lugard had contempt for the “educated natives”. As it put it: “True to his disposition, Sir Frederick loathed the Educated native and lived in constant dread of the Native Press, which at every turn foreshadowed his sinister movements.” Lugard did not hide his preference for the capital city to be in the north of Nigeria. For one thing he was impressed by the method of cultivation in the region, which he considered more thorough and more advanced than is usual in Africa. For another, he had a soft spot for Kano. In his address delivered in London in November 1904, he spoke eloquently of Kano, applauding that “It alone, among the cities of Africa which I have seen, with the exception of Katsena, is worthy of the name of city, for its houses are solid mud, with flat roofs impervious to fire, and lasting through the centuries, instead of the beehive-shaped huts of the populous towns of the south.” Thirdly he seems to have taken great delight in creating places and things where they did not exist. That would be the explanation for

the emergence of Zungeru and Kaduna. The south was not an option. For there was no love lost between Lugard and the southern educated elite whom he loathed and who in return haunted him. It was not a secret that Lugard dreaded being in Lagos. For example The Times of Nigeria, which had just resumed printing after two years of suspension, published on March 24, 1914, what it titled ‘Plain Talk and a Litany’ with the prayer: ”Good Lord, deliver us From a prancing pro-consul who must have his own way, From a born and bred in the law Chief justice who mercilessly drafts out oppressive ordinances; From a colonial secretary who, having been influenced by the man on the spot, Deliberately deafens his ears and shuts his eyes to the moans and groans of an oppressed people…” There was some suspicion that the object of the new railway line from Port Harcourt to Kaduna was a deliberate attempt to injure Lagos by diverting all the Northern export trade. Lugard considered Lagos Island as being ill adapted to be the Capital of the Southern Provinces. He remained very critical of the city, complaining that its climate is enervating; with damp winds from the sea. He was most critical of the central role that was being played by Lagos in the administration of the country. As one report put it: “It is precisely this over-centralization of powers in Lagos which in many respects presents a most undesirable factor in the administration of the country at large.” The correspondent, obviously echoing the sentiments of Lugard and the anti-Lagos feelings had observed that “Lagos has become to no little extent a hothouse of social and political intrigue.” Zaria was considered as a possible location for the capital city and it was observed that the city “has many physical attractions”. It was however concluded that it was “probably too far north.” Zungeru was ruled out, as the verdict on the city was that it was “admittedly not a suitable centre for a capital”. And Lokoja came back to the debate as the writer proposed that: A better site in many ways would be the heights of Mount Pattee, behind Lokoja, the strategic centre of the protectorate”. The proviso was that “Lokoja would need to be linked up by a branch line to the Lagos railway”. But there was no enthusiasm to pursue that

line of action. Lugard would indeed have loved to move the capital out of the colony of Lagos. But the outbreak of First World War shortly after the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern parts of the country, with its resultant financial stringency, made it difficult for Lugard to continue with his proposals for the location of the capital city of the country to what he considered ‘central place’. But Lagos emerged as the capital city of Nigeria, in spite of the preference for an alternative location. However, Lugard ensured that Kaduna doubled as the capital city. No further action was taken on the considerations of Lokoja and other cities. Lugard later reported his conscious effort to adopt Kaduna as the capital city of Nigeria. To this end, he had located the West African Frontier Force in the new city from 1912, according to him, “to test the site”. He then began to actively develop Kaduna. During the years 1914 and 1915, he ensured that a number of houses were built in the city. According to him, the houses were of a much improved type, built of brick, and some are fitted with fireplaces. In his Report to the House of Commons, he explained that “Each officer has a separate house, which is situated in its own garden of at least 1 ½ acres, in accordance with the recommendations of a strong Committee and the approval of the Secretary of State. This secures privacy and is popular, but it adds enormously to the size of township, the mileage of the roads, and the distances to be traversed in going to and from daily work. I fear, too, that the obligation to keep these compounds in good order will be found to involve considerable expense upon occupants, and will be a perennial source of trouble, unless my proposals regarding prolonged residential service are introduced, so that each occupant will feel his housed to be his home for an appreciable length of time, and be assured of reaping the benefit of the care he bestows on his garden and its produce. The site was covered with sparse forest, of which the better-grown trees have been retained. The planting of Dhub grass, to supplant the coarse prairie grass, has progressed. A temporary piped water supply, pumped from the Kaduna, is provided. A race -course, polo, tennis, cricket and golf grounds have been cleared and laid out, and are in much request. Exclusive of Government House, 51 residential quarters had been erected by the end of 1918.” The Lagos press warmly received Lugard’s successor, Sir High Clifford. The Lagos weekly Record of June 14 1919 noted that Sir Hugh Clifford’s fame has preceded his arrival on these shores. Clifford reversed many of the decisions of Lugard but he kept the choice of Lagos intact and, unlike Lugard who felt ill at ease with Lagos, Clifford felt at home in Lagos. Unlike Lugard, Clifford settled down in Lagos, which became undisputably confirmed as the capital city of the country. The Lagos Weekly Record comments on the decisive role played by Lugard in all matters concerning the administration of Nigeria in its editorial: “The contests between Sir Frederick, the Educated native and the native Press over his manifold administrative schemes were intellectual contests, pure and simple; and in every such encounter the honours remained with the Educated Native and the Native Press; for Sir Frederick was hopelessly out of date, and it was quite easy to knock the bottom out of any political or administrative scheme deriving its solitary sanction from the bottom of my will is my law and the autocratic power conferred by the indiscretion of a Secretary of State for the Colonies.” • Prof. Omolewa, from 2000 to 2009, served as Permanent Delegate and Ambassador of Nigeria to UNESCO. michaelomolewa@yahoo.co.uk

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

40 ARTS

VisualArts tional stage. Nigerians have made marks at such global gatherings as the Documenta 11 exhibition (2002) in Germany, which was curated by Enwezor. He is currently the director at Haus der Kurst, Munich. Also, Bisi Silva, as a Nigerian curator, led Africa to its recent, perhaps, first ever largest representation at any visual arts event of global strength last March when 22 artists from West Africa showed at the Marker section of Art Dubai Fair 2013. The yearly Dubai art fair is a gathering of over 75 art galleries, 30 countries from across the world.

By Gregory Page-Nwakunor and Tajudeen Sowole HAT Nigeria does not have a pavilion at the T 55 Venice Biennale holding from June 1 to November 24 is belated news. However, what th

should not be surprising is that come 2015, the country will make a bold statement at the art ‘Olympics’, no thanks to the efforts of a private initiative led by Ego Boyo. Nigerian art supporters and promoters can calm down and take some deep breath. Again and again. Oh yes, everything good is a coming, apology Sefi Atta. In fact, preparations for the country’s participation at the show have begun and possible challenges gradually been identified. The Biennale has, over a century, been one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world. It holds every two years — odd number years — and is 118 years old. Ever since its foundation in 1895, it has been in the avant-garde, promoting new artistic trends and organising international events in the contemporary arts in accordance with a multi-disciplinary model, which characterises its unique nature. Famous for the International Film Festival, the International Art Exhibition and for the International Architecture Exhibition, it continues the great tradition of the Festival of Contemporary Music and Theatre, now flanked by the Festival of Contemporary Dance. The Biennale promotes numerous publishing initiatives in the same sectors and is an agenda-setting moment, when the most significant trends in art are presented to a huge audience of art lovers, artists, curators and collectors. Already, the list of participating artists in Massimiliano Gioni’s exhibition, titled, The Encyclopedic Palace, has been announced. The list has a fair number of artists who have been featured at the New Museum, where Gioni serves as associate director and director of exhibitions. Among them are George Condo (who had a show there in 2011, curated by Laura Hoptman), Phyllida Barlow (a 2012 show organised by Gary CarrionMurayari), Otto Piene (who was included in the 2012 show, Ghosts in the Machine, organised by Messrs. Carrion-Murayari and Gioni), Ellen Altfest (a 2012 show by Jenny Moore) and Tacita Dean (a 2012 show by Margot Norton and Gioni). The show will also feature a dizzying array of artists as well as cultural items such as Shaker Gift Drawings and Haitian Vodou Flags and young British artists who, according to Gioni, are “dealing with media culture in an innovative and unusual way.” The Biennale has always been closed to Africa. The few exceptions being Egypt, South Africa (before the international boycott) and, in 1990, ‘Five Contemporary African Artists’ were invited to represent the continent. Since then, the art scene has considerably changed. Dak’Art, the Senegalese contemporary art biennale, has sustained itself since 1992. South Africa hosted two biennales, in 1995 and 1997, the latter curated by Okwui Enwezor who subsequently was appointed artistic director of Documenta 11 (2002). And, in 1999, with the support of the Ford Foundation, the Forum for African Arts, was created, whose mission was to secure and sustain an African presence in Venice. Headed by Salah Hassan, the Forum put on two successful exhibitions: Authentic/Ex-centric (2001) curated by Salah Hassan and Olu Oguibe and Faultlines (2003) curated by Gilane Tawadros. These are but a few examples of shows that demonstrated contemporary art practices from Africa and the Diaspora. Yet, it apparently took an ‘African tour’ to Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso and South Africa, to convince Robert Storr to make a rather belated call for proposals for an African Pavilion in 2007. HE discussion on Nigeria pavilion in 2015 T drew stakeholders in the visual sector to the Moorehouse Hotel, Ikoyi, courtesy of Ego Boyo-led Temple Productions with the support of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Abuja and assistance from the British Council, Lagos. “Nigeria’s participation at the event will ensure the country is seen as a serious player in

HEMED Nigeria Rising: Journey to Venice BienT nale, the discussion was robust and healthy, though there were vituperations. As laudable as

Commissionaire, proposed Nigeria Pavilion for Venice Biannale 2015, Ego Boyo during the meeting organized by the British Council, in Lagos, recently.

Nigeria Rising… A long walk to Venice Biennale the contemporary art scene especially as it shows it takes its artists seriously enough. It also shows a certain commitment to engage with discourse of contemporary art, but ore importantly, it is a great platform for commissioning new artworks, and exhibiting them to one of the widest possible audiences that can be hoped for,” said the British Council in a statement to support Nigeria’s journey to the Biennale. Though participation of countries in the Biennale is usually effected at the governmental level, maybe, because of the large funding required in mounting a national pavilion at the six-month long event, Nigeria, is going to the 56th edition in 2015 on the platform of a private initiative. For Boyo, Nigeria’s current plan to be part of the global art event is inspired by her visit on holiday in Venice in 2008, where she met a gallery owner, Adriano Berengo. During conversation with Barengo, she got to know the importance of Nigeria participating in future Venice Biennale. And “I began to research the possibility of such an exhibition which would then include a possible appearance of Nigerian Film and eventually Architecture.” The focus, she insisted, “stayed on art as a medium, I felt the country had ‘conquered’ and would be able to participate at interna-

tional levels without any problems of quality.” She recalled how an attempt to take Nigeria to the biennale in the past was not successful as it was “challenged by the fact that a country’s participation in the Biennale is usually at the behest and sponsorship of the nation state, which was not forthcoming at the time.” Currently, the missing government support of the past, Boyo assured, has been secured. “This was done and with the necessary institutional and governmental support in hand by way of commitments from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, the NGA and the great support from The British council, Lagos who gave invaluable advice”. The planned Nigeria Pavilion, according to the initiators, will focus on just visual arts. Reason? Art from Nigeria is not likely to raise questions about quality or technical format ‘the way film did during the 2007 edition’. Some Nollywood films had been presented at the 2007 edition, which drew flaks and comments about standard format at such an event. Indeed, Nigeria’s creative professionals such as artists and curators in the visual arts sector of the culture industry may not have been represented via a national platform, but they have been impressive, individually and in non-governmental outings on the interna-

Nigeria’s participation at the event will ensure the country is seen as a serious player in the contemporary art scene especially as it shows it takes its artists seriously enough. It also shows a certain commitment to engage with discourse of contemporary art, but ore importantly, it is a great platform for commissioning new artworks, and exhibiting them to one of the widest possible audiences that can be hoped for

it sounded, the challenges have started emerging. Some of the challenges addressed shortly after three background presentations by art promoter, Boyo, who currently carries the toga ‘Commissionaire, Nigeria Pavilion’; Katrina Schwarz of Visual Arts section, British Council, London; and visiting director of National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Doreen Sibanda The complexity of having a non-government group spearhead Nigeria’s participation in the Venice Biennale started emerging as the presentation of National Gallery of Art (NGA), Abuja, which was ‘misunderstood’ nearly turned the gathering into a tumultuous one. However, Boyo, who had earlier disclosed, “we almost made it to the 2013 edition”, appeared to have scaled through the apprehension raised, particularly, of a possible hurdle from government. Anxiety started when the artist and teacher, Mike Omoighe, of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos drew attention of the gathering to the Director-General of NGA, Abdullahi Muku’s address. Omoighe had cited a “threat” tone of the remark read by Muku’s representative, Mufu Onifade. While Muku expressed NGA’s delight about the proposed-Nigerian Pavilion, he however drew the attention of the British Council to the “essence of collaborating with the NGA in all matters relating to contemporary Nigerian Art.” Muku reminded the gathering that it is the NGA’s ‘statutory responsibility’ to ensure that contemporary art of Nigeria is preserved and “properly propagated in accordance with the Country’s legal provisions.” Muku warned foreign organisations to stop taking Nigerian art outside the country without consulting with the NGA. He cited what he described as lack of consultation in a project of acquisition of Nigerian art involving UK-based Tate Gallery. “Only recently, the Tate Gallery was in Nigeria for acquisition of Nigerian Art. The action was precipitated without consultation with the NGA. Such actions are expected to be expedited in consultation with the National Gallery in order to preserve and sustain the mutually benefitting cultural relationship that exists between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” Muku pointed out. However, Boyo doused the rising tension that emanated from the perceived threat tone of the DG’s remark by disclosing that the government has been very supportive, so far. Also, there was an assurance from Onifade that “the NGA fully support the ongoing plan for a Nigeria Pavilion at the 2015 Venice Biennale. With the presentation of Schwarz and Sibanda, which showed how the British Council provided logistics and other supports for the successful hosting of Zimbabwe Pavilion at the 2011 Venice Biennale, there is an indication that the Boyo-led proposed-Nigeria Pavilion has a stronger chance of success: the private sector blend offers by Boyo is an advantage given the challenges within the civil service system. Perhaps, suggesting that the NGA is waking up to its responsibility, the D-G used the gathering to disclose the plan of government to give Nigeria its first biennale this year. He stated: “I must, at this point, quickly remind this august gathering, of the lofty efforts of the NGArt at organizing the first-ever Abuja Biennale coming up later this year,” With this development, the NGA has added to its yearly, Art Expo Nigeria, but yet to revive African Regional Summit on Visual Arts (ARESUVA), which only had two editions, the debut in 2008 and another a year after.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

ARTS

New entrants set to shine in art auction By Tajudeen Sowole S the secondary art market in the country A continues to grow, another set of new entrants have been given opportunity to pitch their tents in the premiere art auction house, Arthouse Contemporary Limited. The debutant artists in the next auction, drawn from established and young artist circles, join regular masters when the auction opens tomorrow with a preview, ending with the actual sale on Monday, May 13, at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos. Also, for the 10th auction, the charity section, Seeing Is Believing, ‘administered’ by Standard Chartered Bank, is aimed at supporting the funding of ‘avoidable blindness’. And in strengthening the growth of visual arts, the auction house has disclosed that it will set up a foundation to help young artists prepare for the challenges of professional career. The established and new artists who are making their debut appearances include Mike Omoighe, Marcia Kure, Gary Stevens, Godfrey Okorodu, Ogbami Alenosi, Ato Arinze, Titus Agbara, Shola Fakeye, Babalola Lawson, Nana Nyan Acquah, Kate Badoe, Frank Asomani, Larry Otoo, Cheri Cherin and Olumide Onadipe. Others are Chris Atuba, Dan Ifon, Issac Emokpae, Moris Adoro, Mary Evans, Ndidi Emefiele, Denis Osakwe, Albert Ohams, Uche Peers and Obinna Makata. Manager and Specialist at Arthouse Contemporary, Nana Sonoiki, said the aim of the auction house is to keep expanding the scope of African art. The 10th auction, she said, is therefore, featuring “117 lots of Nigerian and Ghanaian artists, spanning the medium of painting, sculpture, mixed media and photography.” Over 200 entries were received from artists and consignees within and outside Nigeria, Sonoiki disclosed. “As usual, it was difficult selecting 117 lots from as many as over 200 works we got. Standard and quality were priority in selecting the final lots. At the last auction, 111 lots were on sale with about 80 per cent sale.” She noted that with every auction, “we keep getting higher quality works, particularly from the old collection.” In fact, the ratio, she said, is “50:50 between the old and new works.” N the charity lots, Sonoiki argued it’s a traO dition, which the auction house has kept going in the past few years “starting with a charity sale for the artist, David Dale.” Four lots, she explained, would be sold for the Seeing Is Believing charity. According to a statement from the bank, See-

HE Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) has flagged of its golden jubilee celebrations with a visit to the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, National Assembly, Abuja. Chairman of the committee, Senator Hassan Barata, who received the SNA delegation, bemoaned the state of facilities and financing of the Nigerian arts sector. He also called on more public and private investment in the arts, as the creative industry remains a viable sector that will lift the country out of an almost sole dependence on crude oil. During the visit, leader of the delegation and President of SNA, Mr. Oliver Enwonwu, told the committee members that the Nigerian visual arts community is very keen at working with the legislature and other arms of government to achieve the country’s goal of radical economic and social transformation. According to him, the visual art sector is behind government’s visionary and timely “Transformation Agenda and the Senate for providing the vital oversight legislative impetus for the advancement of the country and the maturity of our democracy.” He informed the Senate that the SNA, established since 1963, supports the laudable national advancement recorded through the legislative activities of the lawmakers who currently represent the people of Nigeria in the National Assembly. Enwonwu, who was elected on Au-

ing is Believing is a global initiative to stop avoidable blindness. “With an ambitious target to raise $100 million by 2020, we’re committed to help eliminate avoidable blindness and visual impairment. We continue to partner with leading eye-care organisations and charities to create sustainable eye-care services in impoverished communities. Having raised over $55 million since 2003, we’re over half way to our target. Standard Chartered will continue to match every donation, dollar-for-dollar,” Sonoiki said. The charity lots are Oyerinde Olotu’s Old Lagos, 2011 Oil On canvas; Olu Amoda’s X-Ray Pot 2012, mixed media; A. Akande’s Mask, oil on board; and Bruce Onobrakpeya’s Emedjo, metal oil relief edition. N its 10th edition, Arthouse will continue to IManager, add more value to art from Africa, Accounts Sumbo Biobaku, assured, stating that the auction house takes “only 10 percent premium from each sale, yet all the works are insured” so long as they are within the possession of Arthouse. On provenance, Sonoiki assured that Arthouse would keep trying its best to maintain standard, working with whoever submits a piece of work for auction. One of such measures, she added, is to get everybody involved. “Every consignee signs an undertaken to take responsibility for provenance.” While the auction house hopes that the new entrants will impress, star sale of the auction remains within the circle of the masters such as Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, El Anatsui and others in that cadre. At the last auction of Arthouse, Anatsui’s Grandma’s Cloth Series VI (Oil on wooden panels, 132 x 262 cm.) was the star, as it went for N11.4 million. Also, Yusuf Grillo’s painting, Sango Worshipper (Oil on board 122 x 56 cm., 1961) estimated to fetch N7.5 -8.5 million added strength to the auction as it was sold for N7.4 million. On helping young artists face the challenges of professional practice, the CEO of Arthouse, Kavita Chellaram, said the auction house would soon flag off a foundation. The foundation, she explained would include a scheme for young artists to work under mentorship with established artists. “We are setting up a foundation to support art students at the university level; through a competition and after graduate we put the winners into a space where they can work and under a mentor to create work and also support exhibition. We are going to get the foundation off the ground this year”.

A mixed media piece by artist, Alex Nwokolo titled Head, 2013 Mixed media on canvas 152 x 122 cm. (60 x 48 in.) is one of the works for the tenth Arthouse art auction

“We have also opened windows of contact with relevant global bodies for visual arts practitioners and associations such as the International Asmemoration is all through this year gust 25, 2012, said the national body on recent activities of his body. He sociation of Artists and the world with programmes set to hold across of visual artists has since it’s estabsaid: “In our efforts to keep playing intellectual property organisation. lishment been not only a non-govthat role of connecting all members the country. The SNA leader also disclosed that it “Through this thrust, the SNA seeks to is keen on winning young converts to ernmental collective equity of all fine of the Nigerian art community with artists, applied arts specialists and in- the pulsation of state at all times, we highlight and appraise ways through the arts through a new project it which the visual arts can contribute dustrial artists but “worked as an efdedicate our 50th year anniversary, tagged the ‘catch-them-young’ art economically, socially, politically, infective connecting organ between art which is holding this year, to issues workshop programmes. The project is practitioners and government. So of core importance to the current na- tellectually and diplomatically in for secondary and primary schools. far, it has played it’s role well in main- tional agenda. Hence part of our mis- shaping our country. The celebration One of such programmes was conwill feature in several platforms such taining a very warm relationship be- sion here today is to intimate cluded in the first week of March in tween the state and artists even in distinguished senators of the golden as intellectual the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), conferences/webfrences; topical art ex- Abuja. periods when the nation face social jubilee celebration of SNA, holding hibitions; book publication and an art challenges.” under the theme: The Role of Art in Enwonwu further told the legislatour within and beyond Nigeria. All Enwonwu also intimated senators Nigeria’s Transformation. The comtors: “We are here to appreciate the efstate chapters of SNA are also staging forts of the National Assembly in relevant events under the same energising the economic advancetheme.” ment of Nigeria through the reposiAccording to him, “SNA has begun a tioning of the arts sector. This is thorough reappraisal of the art curevident in on-going legislative work riculum in all art schools in Nigeria. To on bills to democratically strenghten this effect, the body has held several the constitutional duties of MDAs in corporate interactions with such rele- the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and vant bodies as the National UniversiNational Orientation such as the Naties Commission (NUC); the National tional Gallery of Art (NGA) Bill, which, Board for Technical Education (NBTE); as at the last time in it’s process, it was as well as the organs for overseeing during it’s First Reading in November colleges of education, secondary and 2010 at the floor of the House of Repprimary schools. The major thrust of resentatives, and at the behest of the all meeting has been the need to re-ar- then House Committee on Culture ticulate the programmes of art study andTourism headed by Hon. K.G.B. in Nigeria so as to meet standard 21st Oguakwa Esq. all stakeholders, comcentury practices. We are happy to inprising SNA, Ministry of Culture, form you that in all the organisations Tourism and National Orientation, they were enthusiastic about inculcat- NGA and the clerk of the committee ing SNA’s views in the new editions of arrived at a harmonised document. SNA President, Mr. Oliver Enwonwu and Chairman Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senatheir art study curriculum. But ever since, we have not heard of tor Hassan Barata, at the Senate Building, National Assembly, Abuja any development on the bill.

Artists’ body begins golden jubilee celebrations

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

ARTS

ArtHouse Abuja International Film Festival calls for entries th

HE 10 Abuja International film festival has called for films T entries to be screened for the competition. Interested candidates should send their films on DVD to AIFF, 85 St. Finbarrs Road, Akoka, Lagos. Submission of entries ends on July 31, 2013.

Oju for exhibition an exhibition of recent works by Gbenga Orimoloye OJU,opens tomorrow, Saturday, 11 May 2013. Time is 5pm.

To Love a Ghost at Terra Kulture @terra will present Wole Oguntokun’s To Love a THEATRE Ghost every Sunday in May at 3pm and 6pm.

Wheatbaker, Ikoyi to auction art works ONTEMPORARY art auction opens with previews tomorrow C and Sunday while sales hold on Monday, May 13, 2013 at The Wheatbaker, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Promasidor holds Quill Awards soon OME May 18, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of C Cowbell milk, will hold its maiden edition of Quill Awards. The event is billed to take place at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Time is 5pm. The award is a platform in Nigeria to reward journalists for dedicated news reportage on industry, education, corporate social responsibility & nutrition issues all year round. The award covers five categories among which are the Brand Advocate of the Year, Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Report of the Year, Most Educative Report of the Year, Best Report on Nutrition and the Best Photo Story of the Year.

Amusing the Muse continues RTIST and designer, Victor Ehikhamenor’s new body of A works titled Amusing the Muse continues at Temple Muse, Victoria Island, Lagos, for the next three weeks.

Artmosphere holds in Ibadan HE fifth edition of the monthly art and entertainment event, T Artmosphere will hold next Saturday, May 18 at Nustreams Conference Centre, KM 110, Abeokuta Road, Off Alalubosa, GRA, Ibadan. Time is 3pm - 6pm.

Encased opens on Sunday UKE Asidere’s art exhibition titled Encased opens on Sunday, June 12 and ends 18, 2013 at Alexis Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos.

-Compiled by Florence Utor

Legend’s draw for ‘Dubai Shoppers’ holds today HE first set of lucky winners that Legend Extra Stout will take T to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for a unique shopping experience will emerge today. Nine of the 25 winners will be picked via a special raffle draw, which will be held at De Dems Park, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Lagos State. To win a Dubai ticket for the Legend Real Deal promo, a consumer has to look under the crown corks of 33cl or 60cl bottles of Legend Extra Stout for a numeric code. He or she would then text this number to 30380 at the cost of N10. Winners get the opportunity of shopping at selected stores in Dubai. The catch however is that they have to pick items of their choice up to a value of one million naira within a specified period.

Nitroso Dance Group in performance at the Federal Printng Press, Broad Street, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Goethe Institut...in Lagos PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

Ketchup Steps in with Show Me Yur Rozay By Daniel Anazia ITH his impressive monster W hits and street demand, Show Me Yur Rozay, Emmanuel Nkemjika Onyido a.k.a Ketchup has gradually warmed his way into the hearts of many fans within and outside Nigeria and the music industry. The award-winning dancehall act grew up listening to music of Dr. Ebenezer Obey, Sir Shina Peters, Bob Marley and Shakademus & the players. He had his education in Lagos and Ife before heading to Atlantic College, Kuala Lumpour, Malaysia, where he studied Mass Communications. While in school, he kept alive his love and passion for music. He released his first official single, Nuvo in 2010, got major airplays and bagged him an award at the Malaysian AEA Music Awards. He returned to Nigeria in 2012 to register his presence in the music industry with another single, On The Beat featuring Rayce. He met with producer, EmmyACE

and together they created a new direction for his music, a relationship that mid-wife the released of the club banger, Show Me Yuh Rozay which is getting massive airplay on radio stations and clubs across the country. Not resting on his oars, he immediately followed with a chart-topping video for the hit single, which was directed by Squareball Adasa. Asked how he got into music, he said, “Music was something I realised I was going to do very early. Since I relocated back to Nigeria, the reception from fans and the Nigerian industry has been overwhelming.” Currently working on his debut album, scheduled to be release later in the year, Ketchup has become a household name with an increasing fan base. He advices young and upcoming artistes like him to focus on their dreams till they achieve the best. “Stay strong…work on your music and don’t let people make you feel any less than what you are. Work hard and dream big because it is achievable.” Ketchup

By Bertram Nwannekanma USICAL Copyright Society M of Nigeria (MCSN) has initiated a N10 million suit

Former Minister for Aviation, Chief Femi Fani Kayode; author of High Life: Amazing Lifestyles of Nigeria’s Rich and Famous, Lanre Alfred; Publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu; and Publisher of Encomium magazine, Kunle Bakare at the public presentation of the book on Wednesday… in Lagos

against Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) over alleged fraudulent misrepresentation of facts during its registration as collective Management Organisation (CMO). In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos by MCSN’s counsel, Yemi Salman of Banwo and Igbokwe law firm, MCSN is seeking a declaration that COSON did not fulfill the standard requirements of registration as a collecting society or a sole Collective Management Organisation. Specifically, the plaintiff is asking the court presided by Justice Okon Abang to declare

MCSN sues COSON for N10m over alleged fraudulent registration that COSON failed to meet provisions of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended and Copyright (Collective Management Organisations) Regulations, 2007, (Gazette N0. 96 of 2007 and as such should not be registered, licensed or approved as a collecting society or a CMO to its exclusion. The plaintiff therefore want an order revoking the licence or approval as collecting society or collective Management Organisation granted COSON by the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC). Which it said was applied for, granted and issued through a process

fraught with fraudulent misrepresentation. Other reliefs sought by MSCN in the suit, which also has NCC as the second defendant include, A declaration that the approval or licence granted by NCC to COSON as the sole a collecting society or a sole Collective Management Organisation/ collecting society deprives it and its members, assignors and affiliates of their fundamental and constitutional rights to freedom of association, freedom to own and enjoy property in copyright and access to justice and as such unconstitutional, null and void.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

AUTOWHEELS 43

AutoWheels Metamorphosis of Land Rover engineering

Sport ge Rover 2013 Ran

First Land Rover buit in 1948

e 2013 Rang

rt Rover Spo

By Yetunde Ebosele T was a gathering of the old ILand and new generations of Rover siblings. From the first product rolled out of the production line in 1948 to the latest edition, scheduled for unveiling later this year were present at the 65th anniversary held recently in the United Kingdom. Over 130 heritage products were on display at the event held at Packington Estate, near Solihull. Interestingly, Packington Estate served as the testing ground for the original 194748 Land Rover prototypes through to the Range Rover development vehicles of the late 1960’s and early 70’s. Indeed, it was a mixture of the old and the new as Land Rover’s current model lineups – the Defender, Discovery, Freelander, all-new Range Rover, all-new Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque and the brand’s latest technological innovations in the form of the new electric Defender research vehicle and the world’s first nine-speed transmission for a passenger car In attendance at the event designed for stocktaking and

to mark the 65th anniversary of the premium automobile manufacturer were who is who in the Land Rover family and international motoring journalists. The Guardian was the only Nigeria media at the event. The ceremony was also charactersised by various activities of which the climax was the visit to the biggest car aluminium factory in the world and the revealing of the latest addition to the Land Rover family, the all new, all aluminium Range Rover Sports billed to be launched later this year. In his welcome address, Land Rover’s Global Brand Director John Edwards, said: “Land Rover is celebrating 65 years of proud heritage. It is in fact a dual celebration, as March saw Land Rover deliver the strongest ever monthly and quarterly sales performance in its history”. He added: “Since 1948, every component in our vehicles has been designed and engineered with intent and Land Rover continues to this day, to build the world’s most capable allpurpose vehicles. A blend of refinement, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability make Land Rover vehicles distinctive and unique, ready to tackle the world’s most challenging and inhos-

pitable terrain.” According to him, the new Range Rover and Sport variant were the result of significant investment in technology, engineering and manufacturing facilities. “Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of Land Rover and we will continue to develop innovative new technology and sustainable motoring solutions for the future, whilst retaining the class-leading and legendary breadth of capability that Land Rover’s heritage is built upon,” he said. Obviously contended with its achievements so far, the automaker, which is represented in Nigeria by Coscharis Motors, produced a limited edition of just 65 unit of the Defender LXV, which it referred to as a celebratory Edition, a special edition two-door, Defender 90 Hard Top. The LXV borrows the same 2.2-liter diesel engine from the standard Defender, good for 120 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, and equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. Available in Santorini Black or Fuji White, the vehicle features 16-inch sawtooth alloy wheels, as well as contrasting Corris Grey at the roof, grille and headlight sur-

rounds. The interior is crafted with seats, steering wheel and a center compartment wrapped in black leather, distinguished with contrast stitching in bright orange. Major highlights of the events were media tour of the auto maker’s two big factories in the UK, the Solihull all aluminium factory and the Carwood factory in Gaydon where the prototypes of the yet to be launched all new range rover sports were subjected to some test drives to get a firsthand feel of the new

Anniversary edition Rover

wonder on wheels built in an all aluminium form. To achieve the greatest feat in its innovations, land rover under the new management of the Tata group has invested over one billion pounds in new factory to be able to produce about 100,000 units of vehicles a year. Besides, the company the Guardian gathered is not relenting in its efforts to shun out more state of the art vehicles as it is presenting investing in technologically advanced innovations. Speaking on the milestone

achieved so far, the brand’s chief programme engineer, Stuart Frith, said the company under the new management has been given so much independence that has evolved into the unique innovations currently being witnessed in the Land Rover models. He noted while welcoming the media to the Solihull factory that the company had in the last two years invested over 370 million pounds into technological advancement and human capital and capacity development.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Special Report On Companies That Produce Quality And Nutritious Fruit Drinks In Nigeria (Part 1)

…Experts Call On Nafdac To Flush Out Sub-Standard Fruit Drinks In Nigeria ESPITE the efforts of the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to flush out sub-standard and fake products in Nigeria, our findings have shown that there are some companies that are still producing or selling sub-standard fruit drinks in the Nigerian market and this ugly trend has become a source of concern to genuine stakeholders in the country. In the same vein, the

findings also revealed some companies that have distinguished themselves in the production and marketing of quality and nutritious food/fruit drinks in Nigeria. Indeed, the research further showed that these companies do not only produce fruit drinks with essential vitamins but also promote healthy living and of international standard. In Nigeria, for any product to assume a top quality position in the market such a product must be certified by

NAFDAC, SON and other regulatory agencies. These agencies have over the years performed creditably well in ensuring that Nigeria products measure up to international standard. Today, we can proudly say that some fruit drinks in Nigeria are not only certified by NAFDAC but they also meet EU, FDA and other international standards. This portrays a strong corporate commitment to give the best to Nigerians. Genuine stakeholders therefore call on NAFDAC,

DANSA FOODS LIMITED …First Choice Quality & Nutritious Fruit Drinks In Nigeria ANSA FOODS LIMITED has carved a D niche for itself through innovative production and sales of quality and nutritious fruit drink in Nigeria and other Countries in Africa. The Company is the beverage arm of Nigeria’s biggest conglomerate, the Dangote Group. Dansa Foods Limited was established in 1994 but started commercial production in 2006 with one Tetra pack line to multidimensional fruit juice production in the country. Also, the Company is one of the Nigeria’s technologically most integrated companies with 16 beverage state-of- the-art production lines which include Tetra pack, SIG Combibloc, Krones, Sidel etc. Indeed Dansa is the only Company in Nigeria producing in 6 categories of the Non-Alcoholic .Beverage sector and also the first to pioneer the 500ml Prisma pack in Nigeria. In addition to 100 percent pure fruit juice produced by the company, Dansa has wide range of quality and nutritious fruit drinks that cater for varied tastes and needs of the consumers. These products are Dansa Fruit Juice: available in Orange, Tropical, Mixed Fruit, OrangeMango, Pineapple, Apple, Citrus, Ruby Grape in 500ml and 1 liter packs. Fruit Nectar, Dansa Fruit Nectar in Pineapple & Coconut, Orange & Pineapple and Cherry& Grape in 500ml and 1 liter packs. Dansa Fruit Drinks: – Blackcurrant, Passion Fruit, Lemon-Lime, Pink Guava in 250ml packs, Fruit Punch and Strawberry in 200ml AND also Dansa Fruit Drinks in mono flavours and 200ml doypacks Pineapple, Orange, Citrus, Apple and Blackcurrant. Dansa products also includes Sparkling Soft Drinks – Sparkling Kally - Guarana Twist & Red Orange, (exclusive to Dansa pan Nigeria) Apple Bite and Cola Thrill. Dairies (wet and dry)- Ziza Flavoured Milk and Ziza Yoghurt. Ziza Yoghurt include Blackcurrant, Plain, Strawberry, Peach-Banana, Orange etc, in 250ml, 500ml, 1 liter packs. Ziza Flavoured Milk: Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Peach Banana in 250ml and 500ml. Premium Drinking Water – Mowa Premium Drinking Water is produced in 50cl, 75cl and 150cl packs. As a one stop shop in the production and marketing of quality and nutritious fruit drinks in Nigeria, Dansa products are widely available in every town and village nourishing, replenishing and refreshing Nigerians. With its mission statement “to provide nutritious refreshment, be the preferred choice of consumers and create value to all our partners” Dansa fruit drinks are fortified with essential fibre, minerals and vitamins that promote healthy living. To give the best to its customers as a preferred choice in the fruit drinks

sector of the Nigerian economy, Dansa offers to the consuming public across the country premium brands (A – Brands) in all categories. Moreso, all Dansa foods brands are duly certified by NAFDAC and meet EU and FDA standards and those of other local and international regulatory agencies. According to Mr. Chibuike Kafor, Dansa's Head Marketing, we are pioneering new and major innovations that will drive volume of our business and check grey imports into Nigeria and also within Central and West Africa. Also, our current massive investment in infrastructural facilities, human capital and logistics are certainly clear evidences of our strong determination to attain and sustain a leadership position in Nigeria and give the best to the consuming public in Africa and beyond as a whole”. As a mark of distinction and appreciation of quality products of Dansa, the company has won several awards. For instance in 2009, the company won Product Excellence Award from ThisDay Newspaper. In 2011, the company received West African Best Milk Beverage of the Year for Ziza flavoured milk by Nigeria / West Africa Direct Marketing institute. The company also received 2011 and 2012 Juice of the Year from Nigerian Brands Celebrities. Dansa equally received Product Excellence Award of 2012 from CSR, just to mention but a few. To create more positive impacts in the lives of Nigerians, and entire humanity. Dansa made it a policy to partner with groups, associations and organizations as avenues to touch the lives of the people. For instance Dansa became Official Beverage Partner for 2011 Miss Earth PageantNigeria, Official Beverage Partner for 2011 Ovation Red Carol, Official Beverage Partner-World Food Day-Lagos in 2011 and 2012, Official Beverage Partner, for 2012 South-South Summit. Beverage Refreshment partner for Nigerian National Honours Award Ceremonies 2011 and 2012. Also, in 2011 and 2012 Beverages Refreshment partner for the Nigerian Economic Summit Group International Conferences, consistent Beverage Partner 2009 – 2013 Lagos Polo tournaments and many others. Moreover, to set high standard for other fruit juice manufacturing companies to follow, the company is now harvesting quality fruits from its farms in Calabar, Kano etc and strict quality guidelines to ensure that quality is not compromised in any form. The company is manned by experienced and seasoned professionals. Dansa is poised to make Nigeria the Beverage destination for Africa, Europe and Asia, as you all know African fruits and their squeezes are hot demand in throughout the world..

SON and other regulatory agencies to flush out substandard and fake products in the Nigerian

market. In this special report, we bring to you companies that have shown

consistency in the production of quality and nutritious fruit drinks in Nigeria.

CWAY FOOD AND BEVERAGES LIMITED … Foremost Name In Quality And Nutritious Milk/Fruit Drinks In Nigeria NE company that has distinguished O itself in the production and marketing of quality and nutritious Milk / Fruit drinks in Nigeria is CWAY FOOD and BEVERAGES LIMITED. Since inception as a company in Nigeria, CWAY Food & Beverages has made it a policy to give the best quality Milk / Fruit drinks to the consuming public. The company parades wide range of products catering for consumers with varied tastes and diverse age groupings. These products include: Nutri-Milk, available in apple, orange, pineapple and pear tastes. Another is Tigo Milk drink, in 210ml bottles, specially formulated for growing kids (available in apple, orange and pineapple flavours. These Milk drinks are creamy, and enriched with vitamins and nutrients. Fruit Drink: Peach, mixed fruit and apple contain fruit concentrates which are ideal for adults. Also, Tea Drinks – Iced Tea which comes with therapeutic advantage, good for calming the nerves and reducing stress, a great drinks for adults. Being a foremost producer of nutritious Milk/Fruit drinks that are fortified with essential vitamins, CWAY brand of Milk/Fruit drinks are approved by NAFDAC and duly certified by relevant regulatory agencies in the country. According to Mr. Auscar Ikoro, the Group Brand Communications Director, “in order to give the best to our customer and at the same time sustain our leading position in the sector, we have put in place strict quality guidelines, up-to-date laboratories for constant testing of products, latest production lines and constantly improving

Mr. Auscar Ikoro, the Group Brand Communications Director on our already installed lines. In addition, our staff welfare and safety are also upper most in our daily operations and this enables us to deliver on our brand promise." Furthermore, it is worthy of note to mention that CWAY is not only a household name in Nigeria but also a traditional reference point whenever quality and nutritious Beverages are discussed in Nigeria. CWAY Food & Beverages is a subsidiary of the larger CWAY GROUP, The renown name in Dispenser Water / Dispenser Machines. The company is managed by seasoned and experienced expatriates and Nigerians.

CHELLARAMS PLC The Home Of Quality Food Drinks hellarams Plc, which emerged as a business force in Nigeria in the 1920s, C has grown into a diversified conglomerate with array of numerous investments spanning distribution, manufacturing, brand development, services and packaging of quality food drinks, to mention but a few. With brand development being one of its core objectives, Chellarams investment in the dairy and malted food drink market has been an important growth strategy which has seen it developed and marketed three quality dairy brands and a malted food drink. The journey into dairy and malted food drink began with the marketing of Oldenburger milk, butter and cheese in 1999. This was followed by the establishment of an ultra – modern packaging plant for the packaging of milk powder in 2005 and subsequently, butter and cheese plant in 2008. The milk packaging plant packages Oldenburger milk powder, Regal milk powder; Real milk powder and Real Activ malted food drink. All these milk and malted food drink are packaged into various pack sizes of 7g., 10g., 25g., 375g., 400g., 500g., 900g and other pack sizes, as desired. The quality of all these milk and malted food drink brands are not in doubt, as the hygienic condition under which they are produced has the internationally recognized ISO 9001: 2008 certification. Moreover, the state – of – the – art food packaging equipment alongside the quality control laboratory, are used to maintain quality standard. All available laboratory equipment in the packaging plant satisfies the global standard for

packaged products. As a major player in food packaging, Chellarams is not oblivious of the demand by the Nigerian consumer for quality products of international standard. Therefore, Chellarams ensures that milk powder and malted food drink from its packaging facilities are packaged in more durable flex materials. Moreover, all products are packaged in such a way that does not allow any moisture into the pouch, hence retaining its good taste for a long time. Also, in packaging all its food drinks, Chellarams ensures that 99% nitrogen is blown into the pouch to help flush out air from it, thereby reducing the residual oxygen content. This action prevents decomposition and rancidity of the packaged milk powder, thus helping to increase the shelf life of the products. This is done to ensure that customers get satisfaction and good health they desire. In furtherance of ensuring quality packaged foods, all packaged foods from Chellarams are expected to undergo leakage analysis, microbiological analysis, environmental analysis, chemical analysis, bulk density analysis, sensory analysis, to mention but a few. As an acknowledgement and show of confidence in the production process cum quality of the food drinks packaged by Chellarams Plc, renowned food drink companies and multinationals have entered into an agreement with Chellarams, for the packaging of their premium milk and coffee brands. This is an endorsement of Chellarams Plc as the home of quality food drinks, conforming to the ISO 9001: 2008 certification.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

BusinessTravel

A customised Private jet

Nigeria, a burgeoning market for business aviation Stories by Wole Shadare S other countries witnessed their general A aviation sectors shrink during the economic downturn, Nigeria’s has thrived. According to experts, the industry is expected to grow by 3.5 per cent this year. This follows a 2.5 per cent increase year over year in 2012 and a 2.5 per cent increase in 2011. This growth has come from all sectors of the general aviation industry especially from business aviation, according to experts who spoke at the Nigeria Business Aviation Conference, with theme, “The Emerging Market In Business Aviation”, held in Lagos on Tuesday. Business aviation is a specialised form of aviation catering for business travel, charter services and private jets ownership. Meanwhile, the total private jets in Nigeria has been valued at $3.75 billion, just as stakeholders put the total entire private jets in the country at 150. On the average, each jet costs $25 million, which carries both local and international registrations. The total number of private jets in the country has made Nigeria the continent’s largest market of private jets. Across the nation’s airports and private hangars are state-of-the-art Gulfstream (300. 450, 550, 650); Bombardier Challenger (604, 605) Global Express; Embraer Legacy; Dassault

Falcon; and Hawker Siddeley (125 - 800, 900XP), with supply countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil and South Africa. Acquisition cost goes from $10 million to $65 million; excluding other associated costs like registration and legal; remuneration of pilot and crew; fueling and maintenance; insurance, landing, parking and overflying. Depending on the jet usage and size, the associated costs can be $250,000 to $1,000,000 per year, according to experts, just as 70 per cent of jet purchases are made with cash according to industry sources. South Africa is, unsurprisingly, the business aviation leader in the region, but that is not to say there aren’t other contenders moving up in the ranks. Data shows that Nigeria and Ghana are quickly emerging as the second and third strongest markets in the region. Nigeria and South Africa are the two largest economies in Africa. With over 160 million people, Nigeria is the biggest market for private jet operators and other investments, after South Africa . The country is home to close to 150 corporate aircraft, a number which is expected to rise as Nigeria’s economy continues to flourish. It’s no secret that sub-Saharan Africa is one of the next big growth markets for business aviation. With an emerging class of high net worth individuals (HNWI) and growing political stability it’s no wonder that companies around the

world are looking at the region as a budding business aviation hotspot. Bolstered by poor ground transportation infrastructure and a lack of commercial airline connections, business aviation has found a welcoming home in Nigeria. However, even private aviation has problems to overcome before business can really flourish. Among the largest issues facing operators in sub-Saharan Africa today are the lack of an established regulatory environment leading to a variation of regulations from country to country, poor infrastructure, a lack of maintenance facilities and safety requirements, and a general shortage of experienced aviation personnel. Within the region, South Africa is by far the strongest business aviation market, accounting for 18 per cent in the region. The growing markets of Nigeria and Ghana, however, are beginning to make an impact with the former accounting for nine per cent of regional searches and the latter accounting for eight per cent. For this sector to continue to thrive, the banks would need to play crucial roles. But how much role have the banks played to ensure that the business thrives? Their supports have been enormous. It is ironical that while these finance houses shied away from supporting general aviation, this newfound business is receiving huge

financial backing because of the low risks involved. The description of aviation in Nigeria as highrisk industry has negatively hampered financing of aircraft by local banks. While in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and some parts of South America, financial institutions are willing and ready to finance aircraft acquisition. It is also the reason airlines like Emirates, British Airways, Air France, Ethiopian Airways, KLM and many other strong carriers can make over 30 aircraft orders in one fell swoop. In these climes, interests on loans are single digit based, repaid over a long period of time, mostly between 10 and 20 years. The reverse is the case in Nigeria where interest rates range between 25 and 34 per cent with short term repayable arrangement. Also, because of the classification as a high risk nation in aviation, insurance premiums are very high for aircraft operated in Nigeria. The Managing Director of Guarantee Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, in his presentation at the forum, which brought together aircraft manufacturers like Embraer, Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, aviation service providers among others, disclosed that the global private jet industry had experienced a resurgence since the downturn in the market between 2008 and 2009 occasioned by the global financial crisis.

Challenges of aviation in Nigeria, by World Bank HE major problems confronting the nation’s aviation sector were on Wednesday espoused by a team of aviation experts from the World Bank at the West and Central Africa Air Transport Safety and Security Programme for Nigeria’s aviation sector reform held in Lagos. Lead experts, Jean Marc Bourreau, David Crowther and Samuel Stein, in their presentations, analysed the aviation agencies like the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and came with a verdict that the sector in Nigeria should be free from political interference as being hindered

by political interference. For the NAMA, they noted that huge political interference had done incalculable damage to the agency with absence of managerial autonomy, absence of long term plan, safety and serious communications gaps in the airspace. These they noted have stunted the growth of the agency, which they also admitted, suffers from financial dependence on the ministry for survival. The disclosure underscores what many have come to accept that NAMA has serious work to do to close up the gaps in the airspace and to ensure that all obsolete navigational and communication tools are replaced to boost air safety. Experts, especially air traffic controllers and pilots have voiced their displeasure over alleged inefficiency

of some of the airspace safety tools. According to the trio, “whatever navigational aids that needs to be replaced should be done immediately. Most of them are obsolete”. For the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), the experts stated that the agency needs to be structured in a way that it would only report to the Presidency and not the Ministry or Minister of Aviation. The AIB frailties were exposed after the release of over 30 accident reports penultimate months. The release of the report was as a result of enormous pressure from Nigerians and stakeholders who criticised the idea of keeping accident reports on the shelf for years without making them public. The practice, according to sources, is for AIB to investigate accidents, write

their reports and submit them to the Ministry of Aviation, which is accused of sitting on them. Many, including Bellview Airlines, expressed their displeasure over the reports, particularly the one involving the airline. The carrier cried blue murder when it discovered that the report released to it some years ago by the AIB was different from the one released in February. In saner climes, the Ministry of Aviation’s interference in aviation matters is minimal or non-existent. The ministers of Aviation under the contracting state of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) are confined to policy making and economic regulations, while day to day running of the sector are done by experts who are trained in aviation issues.

The civil aviation community is actually larger than we all think. The World Bank experts were less complimentary in their presentations as regards the FAAN, stressing that FAAN as is it currently constituted, cannot provide the needed drive to make the country’s airports what they should be. They noted that private sector should be invited to assist the country in the provision of infrastructure through Public Private Partnership as it is done in most parts of the globe. To them, FAAN as presently constituted would hardly provide enhanced service delivery unless the authority is privatized to boost efficiency. With over 23 airports across the nation, these aerodromes have over stretched the finances of the agency with little or no effort to create other avenue for revenue generation to enhance its bottomline.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 8/5/2013 PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS

tHe GUArDiAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

CAPITAL MARKET 49

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 8/5/2013

PriCe GAiNers

LOsers

Global stocks dip, as Nigeria’s rally by 1.7 per cent By Bukky Olajide around the world syeartOCks slipped after setting a five high yesterday, while the U.s. dollar strengthened in the wake of better-thanexpected U.s. job market data. investors took profits in major global equity markets, but relatively upbeat economic data and ongoing support from central banks kept equities near multi-year highs. emerging Markets’ stocks also dipped but stocks in Nigeria gained 1.7 percent. Financial analysts attributed this to the consistent growth that Nigerian stocks are experiencing.

U.s. stocks were mostly lower despite data showing claims for unemployment insurance fell to a five-year low in the latest week, with Wall street coming off a sustained rally that has taken the s&P 500 to record closing highs for five straight sessions. Pull-backs have been short

and shallow despite recurring calls for a correction in U.s. equities. Globally, the expectation of continued accommodative monetary policy from central banks has maintained support for stocks. Britain’s central bank bucked a recent trend and

held off easing its policy any further after a string of improving economic numbers pointed to a pick-up in growth during the second quarter. the U.s. dollar strengthened against the euro and yen as demand for the American currency increased broadly

N2.1 billion for the full year ended December 31,2012. According to the company, its profits after tax rose to N2.1 billion, which represent an increase of 208.1 per cent

high of $1.3177. it was recently down 0.4 percent at $1.3102. the euro was also pressured by slightly softer-than-expected demand at a spanish debt auction, while spanish government bond yields rose on talk the country was planning another deal in the near future.

shareholders laud Nestle’s dividend payout for 2012 By Helen Oji Or increasing shareholdFthrough ers’ value on investment robust dividend payout and adherence to

N18.50kobo per share. the company had earlier paid an interim dividend of N1.50 kobo , and a final dividend of N18.50 kobo yesterday, making a total dividend of N20.00 per share

corporate governance principles, shareholders of Nestle Plc, yesterday commended the company’s board on its 2012 performance, as they approve a proposed dividend of

ADH records N2.1 billion profit in 2012 ssOCiAteD Discount A House Limited (ADH) has posted a profit after tax of

in the wake of the betterthan-expected initial jobless claims. Against the yen, the dollar turned higher to touch the day’s peak of 99.40 yen. it was last at 99.32 yen, up 0.3 percent on the day. the euro hit session lows at $1.3085 after earlier hitting a

while profit before tax increased to N1.2 billion, representing a growth of 76.7per cent. Commenting on the results, the Managing Director, Abubakar Jimoh, said: “Our performance for the year was in line with the

groups expectations justifying the effectiveness of our strategy and implementation proficiencies. We achieved these results by focusing on our “core business” while recording significant improvement in our operating efficiency.

“Net operating income was up 44per cent, even as cost-toincome ratio declined by 900 basis points to 52per cent. Going forward, the Board of Directors and Management are committed to sustaining and improving on this performance.” he said.

for the year 2012. the shareholders who spoke at the company’s 44th yearly general meeting in Lagos yesterday, applauded the appointment of the new Chairman of the board, noting that the company has continued to stick to its ‘old tradition’ in terms of appointing its board members over the years. they commended the management for the impressive performance and efficient running of the company, amid harsh economic environment. the President of the independent shareholders Association of Nigeria

(isAN), sir sunny Nwosu expressed satisfaction with the state of affairs in the bank especially for abiding by strict corporate governance principles and sustaining its profitability. He however urged the board to do everything within its powers to give bonus to shareholders in the next financial year end. Nwosu explained that there is need for the company to commence crayfish and coffee production, noting that the successes achieved in cassava production can be replicated in the two products.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Opinion Pentecostal spirituality and noise pollution By Emeka Nwosuh NE of the front burner issues in contempoO rary international discourse is the environmental problem of global warming. In spite of skepticism expressed by some, world leaders, scientists, environmentalists and other concerned institutions are becoming increasingly convinced that human activities are significantly impacting on our environment in ways that are degradatory, thus occasioning some climatic shifts and changes of which global warming is one of its effects. Although, Nigeria’s economic and industrial capacity and their resulting pollution that contributes to global warming is highly insignificant when compared to those of the industrialized nations, the Nigerian government, characteristic of its profligacy and its superficiality has tried to play leading roles in international conferences on global warming while paying no attention whatsoever to a different kind of industrial pollution that is presently ravaging our country. I am speaking of the noise pollution emanating incessantly from the neo-industries called churches and prayer houses, and of course mosques. Since the collapse of our manufacturing and production industries is more or less coterminous with the rise of Pentecostalism in Nigeria, the industrial pollution has somewhat not ceased. What we have is only a change in the type of pollution taking place. The industrial noise pollution and other waste pollution have given way to a different kind of noise and waste pollution, call it if you like, religious noise and waste pollution. This pollution is by no means as devastating as the pollution emanating from manufacturing industries, if not more devastating. The advent of Pentecostalism in Nigeria and in the rest of Africa has come to mean an increase in the number of sources of noise pollution in our environment. Thus, one can, indeed, say that the rise of Pentecostalism has led to a proportionate rise in noise pollution in our villages, towns and cities. Although Nigerians and Africans are generally said to be boisterous and perhaps loquacious, these have, however, nothing in common with the kind of scourging noise that have invaded our public and private spaces. With the number of so-called churches and prayer houses springing up like mushrooms, the

noise decibel has risen astronomically as each prayer house or prayer centre tries to outdo each other in their bid to attract gullible and hapless believers to their business centers or corporate establishments. And so, in this highly competitive industry the loud speakers get bigger and louder each passing day. Like a typical capitalist mogul who would not lose any moment or opportunity of expanding the size of his profit margin, and so is ready to work night and day without consideration of the welfare of his/her workers, our neo-industrial entrepreneurs have also ensured that no moment of the day or night is lost in advancing not the kingdom of God but their own kingdoms in the name of religion. For this, reason, they have also turned our nights into theaters of the absurd. The silence of the night, which is God’s providential gift to humankind to rest from the toil and heat of the day and recoup new energies for the next day has been sacrilegiously transgressed and defiled by religious lunatics all in the name of vigil. Since these mushroom churches can be established at any available space, not even our private homes are insulated from their irritating noises. And so, one is willy-nilly often forced to keep awake and participate in their nocturnal absurdity. I still cannot fathom how these self-deluded men and women honestly believe that they are praying to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when their actions are deliberate acts of violence against their fellow men and women. How can their prayers rise like incense before the throne of God when they do not understand or practice the first and most important commandment of God, which his Love of God and Love of neighbour? How does their keeping thousands of men and women from having their deserved rest and peace after having toiled in the heat of the day constitute an act of love of neighbour? How about the sick man or woman who needs that night rest to regain his health? Or the student or teacher who needs some serenity and silence to prepare for an examination or his/her lecture notes or some academic paper but cannot do so by reason of the endless ranting and raving of these insensitive “Christians” and “Moslems”? In fact, after several unsuccessful attempts to concentrate and meditate on the Holy Scriptures before writing my Sunday homily I give up in frustration and

then settled to write this piece. The noise coming from a Church prayer kiosk at 1:30 am would not allow me to meditate silently on the word of God. How can one violate one’s neighbour in a conscienceless manner and honestly believe that he/she is praying? This is the problem with the kind of religion practiced in our country. I would like note to be taken of my qualification. The problem is not religion itself but the kind of religion that we have here. It is a religion that is completely bereft of simple and basic reason. It is a kind of religion that is a complete antithesis to the Catholic tradition that always insists on faith and reason. When faith is held without reason, then we have this sort of lunacy dressed up as religion. A religion that does not stop to reflect is a scourge, a plague to humankind. Were it not for ecumenical sensitivity, I would have, without mincing any word, categorically state that the kind of religion practiced in Nigeria since the advent of Pentecostalism is, indeed, a scourge, a plague worse that the bubonic plague or black death that ravaged Europe in the late middle ages. But I even wonder if Pentecostalism can be a true partner in ecumenical dialogue since one needs the use of reason to confront or dialogue on some matters. But what surprises me is that there are socalled academic dons and other “educated” men and women who are at the head of these prayer houses who cannot and do not stop for a moment to ask themselves how their faith and action square up with the Christian Gospel and with basic Christian moral demands. But this only goes to show that there are more capitalist motivations than godly or spiritual motivations undergirding these spiritual industries and warehouses. Although our constitution guarantees every citizen the right and freedom to religious expression, yet that right does not envisage that religious expression become a nuisance to others. Religion must be practiced within the bounds of reason and the Christian Gospel would add, within the bounds of charity. Any religion that lacks these is no religion but a human contraption that masquerades as religion. If these peddlers of false spiritualties, who are often the first to quote the Scriptures, have any understanding of Scripture, then they would have known that if one must keep vigil, one

must do so in quiet and lonely or separated place, but above all in SILENCE. Let them go read how many times Jesus kept vigil and how he did that. Let them go read about what Jesus said about praying like the pagans: their interminably winding and repetitious prayers all in the name of speaking in tongues. Let them go read Paul’s advice to the Corinthian community about turning the liturgical gathering into a cacophony of lunatic voices. These scriptural passages never enter into the radar of these religious pests. But this chicanery and trifling are not just found only among Pentecostal religious merchants, but also among some Moslem sects who seem a moderate Islamic sect, yet their all-night vigil akin to the Pentecostals has made them equally obnoxious and reprehensible as their Pentecostal counterparts. I would not end this article without also indicting some groups within the so-called mainline churches, that also contribute their own quota of religious noise pollution. But of course, the blame lay squarely on their pastors who rather than insist that they follow the traditional spirituality, allow them to follow the infectious Pentecostal spirituality. It is important to point out that vigil has always been part of Catholic spirituality and tradition from the outset. This practice is what, in fact, marks its ascetic, monastic, and religious life spirituality. But vigils were done in silence and with minimum or no inconvenience to others. So when a parish priest encourages or allows any kind of prayer session or religious gathering to constitute a nuisance to others, he departs from the authentic spirituality of the Catholic Church. It is the responsibility of those entrusted with the custody of the life and mysteries of the Church to step in and put an end to such aberration. Meanwhile, the lawmakers should put aside religious sentiments (real or feigned) and enact laws against noise pollution whether of a religious kind or of any other kind since this constitutes a nuisance and worse still a danger to public and individual health. I know some might find this article rather belligerent towards Pentecostalism, but I would dare anyone to try having one or more Pentecostal churches or prayer houses as neighbour, with a mosque as jara, and then you will know what I am talking about. Enough of these prayer warriors! • The Reverend father Nwosuh, OP, wrote from Lagos.

Creativity: Next generation in Nigeria By Terence McCulley IGERIA’S cultural patrimony includes contributions by immensely talented artists known around the world: musicians like Fela Kuti, poets like Wole Soyinka, and writers like Chinua Achebe, among others. April 26 marked World Intellectual Property Day, a day on which we recognize the contributions creative individuals and industries bring to our global community and highlight the importance of preserving their intellectual property (IP) around the world. The theme of this year’s World IP Day, “Creativity: The Next Generation,” reminds us that, as we honour the rich creative history of Nigeria, we must continue to look for ways to encourage and foster Nigeria’s future artists, musicians, poets, and authors. Supporting this next generation will advance an already notable legacy and provide a cultural and economic platform to support their creativity. “Intellectual property” is the globally recognized term we give to creations of the mind and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is the label used for assigning ownership to protect human creativity. These rights are enforced through legal mechanisms – copyrights, patents, and trademarks – that ensure the products we buy are genuine, and that our inventions and works are attributed appropriately. Copyright laws encourage the creation of artistic and literary works, computer programmes, and expressions of national culture. Patent laws encourage the invention of new and improved products and processes, while ensuring the freest possible public access to information regarding those new products and processes. Trademark laws encourage the development and maintenance of high-quality products and services, and help companies to promote customer loyalty. So, intellectual property rights protect not just inventors and creators; they also protect consumers – those whose safety depends on product reli-

ability all over the world, including in Nigeria. Why should we care about protecting intellectual property? Consider the number of times every day you hear a new song on the radio, see a Nollywood movie, buy a trademarked product that you can be confident is produced to high standards, or use a piece of technology, like a cellular telephone, that relies on the latest patented technology. The protection of intellectual property rights enhances a country’s development and promotes its business and artistic environments. Such protections stimulate advances that benefit the entire world – in the form of technology, medicine, and other processes. An intellectual property rights regime that effectively and efficiently addresses protections and enforcement encourages innovation and consumer and business confidence, all of which can lead to strong economic development and highpaying jobs. We commend the Nigerian Government’s commitment to improving the protection of IPR, strengthening the ability of Nigerian officials and organisations to enforce existing laws, and developing its creative industries. This includes the reform effort announced in November 2012 by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to modernize the legal and regulatory framework for copyrights in Nigeria. These reforms will bring Nigerian copyright regulations in line with international norms. But the U.S. and global community remain concerned about inability to effectively enforce Nigeria’s IP laws. This lack of resources is a major obstacle to protecting IP rights in Nigeria. It also restricts access by Nigerians to U.S. works and innovations; the lack of enforcement to prevent infringing IP rights in the digital environment is a challenge to U.S. companies that seek to distribute licensed, or legally protected content in Nigeria. In Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, the problem of fake

medications is so rampant that pharmaceutical companies have had to develop methods to help combat counterfeit medicines, such as the use of a mobile telephone verification system to identify authentic drugs from fakes. A society with modern IP laws and institutions that effectively enforces these laws, however, would not have to ask its citizens to confirm the authenticity of the medications they are consuming. To help highlight the very real threat of counterfeit and substandard medications, the U.S. Mission has partnered with the Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration of Nigeria to promote awareness of the dangers of counterfeit medicines through a student poster campaign and a series of public service announcements broadcast on radio stations throughout the country. We encourage the Government of Nigeria to devote additional resources to policing the sale of illicit goods. Protecting intellectual property is crucial to protecting public health and safety in countries across the globe. The pace of new technological developments means that IP is constantly evolving and, as a result, so must the laws and regulations designed to protect these materials. These developments create new opportunities for rights holders and consumers alike, but they also open new avenues for infringers to take advantage of another’s creativity and innovation. We all have the capacity to create, the right to protect that creation, and, most importantly, a responsibility to respect and adhere to IP laws. Information and communication technologies, safe medicines, and all the other innovations that form a growing part of Nigeria’s economy are only possible because of intellectual property rights. The hopes we all have for a better future depend on those inventors and innovators who will make the world more bountiful – if their creative efforts and hard work are protected. • McCulley is the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Opinion As BPE awakens By Obinna Uzoka HERE have been debates as to what Napoleon exactly meant T when he reportedly described China as a sleeping giant, and added that when she wakes up she will move the world, or the world will take note, or something to that effect. The debaters, like mind readers, must be right in giving the impression that the great French general and military strategist could have meant a number of things, from simply urging everyone not to mess with China or risk serious repercussions, to suggesting that China is an all-round world power waiting to manifest its great potentials. And though Napoleon did not elaborate on that remark, I think both interpretations are right. In any case, the remark now seems like prophecy in the light of how China has been transformed into one of the world’s greatest economic and political powers, which anyone ignores, or messes with, to their own peril. Besides, Napoleon’s description of China as a giant could be taken literally considering that, for size and population, China is indeed one of the world’s gigantesque nations, comparable – for size, or land mass – to such countries as the United States, Canada and Russia, and for population to only India, whose population, like China’s, has since crosses the one-billion mark. I suspect the reader would wonder why I have begun a piece titled “As BPE Awakens” with such mention of Napoleon and China. I can imagine the reader asking: What has what Napoleon said about China got to do with the BPE – Bureau of Public Enterprises in full – whose mandate is not to engage in such military exploits that made Napoleon famous, nor is it, as a government agency, so physically huge as to be comparable to the giant to which Napoleon compared China? To be sure, the broad mandate of the BPE includes such responsibilities as implementing the policies of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), advising the NPC on further public enterprises, which may be privatised or commercialised and on the capital restructuring needs of Nigerian public enterprises to be privatised. It also includes preparing public enterprises approved by the NCP for privatisation and commercialisation, managing accounts for all commercialised enterprises for financial discipline, and vetting candidates for appointments as consultants, advisers, investment bankers, issuing houses stockbrokers, solicitors, trustees, accountants and other professionals required for the purpose of

either privatisation or commercialisation. Finally, it includes managing post transactional performance monitoring and evaluation, minimising economic inequalities by promoting public welfare activities and promoting balanced regional development by developing industries in every part of the country. In sum, the core mandate of the BPE is to manage the process that ensures the smooth and successful privatisation or commercialisation of government-owned concerns, and thereby transform Nigeria from a public-sector driven economy to a private-sector driven economy. Ironically, in this role, the BPE, though not a large establishment by size, has superintended over the fate of gigantic organisations like the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), leading to the successful privatisation of the Nigerian telecommunications sector. It is also now superintending over the fate of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), a behemoth of a public concern like NITEL, which is currently transiting fully to private ownership. And it is in relation to the huge, almost incalculable, impact of its discharge of its responsibilities, successfully or otherwise, that I think the PBE should be regarded as a giant, a sort of “corporation” Atlas on whose shoulders the future of the Nigerian business/economic world rests with all the potentials inherent in that world. If it bears that responsibility lightly or trifles with it, then that world and its future risks crashing with dire consequences to all stakeholders. But let it bear it responsibly, and that world and future could blossom, resulting in Nigeria’s much-expected and long-overdue emergence as an economic powerhouse, one of the world’s 20 most industrialised nations by the year 2020. In my view, it must take a giant, however physically “small”, to superintend over the fate of such giants as NITEL and PHCN to (potentially) huge consequences for the future of the Nigerian people. Those Nigerians familiar with the grave consequences of any failure of the BPE to discharge its mandate have been critical of the bureau as occasion demands, though sometimes without seeming to take into account the various factors that may reside outside the bureau and its operations that could be blamed for such failure. For sad as it must be to say, it is true that sometimes, in spite of the best efforts of Nigerian public officials and the agencies under their charge, the notorious “Nigerian factor” could make nonsense of their good work. And the “Nigerian factor” manifests sometimes as various types of overbearing pressures from powerful vested interests

in high places, which the heads of such agencies can only ignore at great cost to their tenure, not excluding sudden loss of office. And those who criticise such agencies and their heads often ignore the fact they operate within a larger socio-cultural and political context, and that one cannot work in a chimney and be expected not to end up with some soot on one’s body. It is reassuring to note, however, that the BPE has apparently awakened to the need to discharge its duties with strict efficiency and patriotism, especially taking into account the manner it has conducted affairs related to the privatisation of the Nigerian power sector since President Goodluck Jonathan reportedly urged it not to trifle with its responsibilities under the privatisation programme. Specifically, this efficiency and patriotism has manifested as the improved amounts received so far for the assets of the privatisation-bound PHCN successor companies. Not a few eyebrows were raised when it was first touted that the assets were valued at N200 billion. But by March 21, 2013, eleven bidders for the 12 PHCN successor companies had paid $469.03 million for those same assets, which approximates to N75 billion. And considering that this amount represents 25 per cent payment for the assets of 12 out of 18 of such companies, it is clear that the total amount that would eventually accrue to the country for the sale of such assets, where applicable – after the payment of the remaining 75 per cent – would far exceed the controversial N200 billion. Thus, the BPE’s awakening has manifested, among other ways, as its realisation of the need to engage in improved bargains for Nigeria in monetary and other terms. Not to commend the bureau for such improvement would be to overlook the import of the Igbo saying: “E too dike n’nke omere eme omekwa ozo.” (“Acknowledging a hero for what he has done encourages him to do more”). Yet one should proceed from taking note of such evidence of the awakening of the bureau to its patriotic responsibilities to urging it and its administrators to remain wide awake always, as even a few moments of relapse into somnolence could mean loss of momentum in its current progress and with dire consequences for any gains recorded so far by the country from its new-fangled efficiency. Like China, I believe this awakening of the BPE hints at greater prospects of efficiency in carrying out its functions under the power sector reform. • Uzoka wrote from Lagos.

Food in Nigerian politics By Tony Afejuku HERE must be a huge reason that explains T perfectly the hugely huge appetites of our hulking politicians. I am perfectly sure, if not hugely so, that a good number of them must have read or heard of the eternal William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. In their consciousness is the eternal statement therein that lean men are prone to committing the eternal sin of conspiracy. Anyone who wears a thin or lean shape or frame, naturally or un-naturally, needs to be suspected and feared. Such a one never must be trusted. Not only must he be dangerous, but he certainly also is dangerously dangerous as a dastardly dastard conspirator. And, indeed, in political circles, Nigerian brand and style, all lean and thin politicians must beef up their lean and thin hulks without a huh and a hum. It doesn’t matter if they become gluttonous gluttons in the act and art of hum-bugging their respective lean hulls, with or without fear of any hubble-bubble from any quarters. But the quarters of the great Nigerian masses shall send their deafening or earthquake of a hubblebubble very soon. None of them shall escape it. Not even the ACN chaps and helmspersons in the respective states where they do their propaganda and hoy every now and then shall escape the earthquake hurrying nigh. They niggle us with their hoy even though they are not very successful yet in the beefing act and art. Take Edo State, for instance. The chief helmsperson for more than four years now is still maintaining a bearing that does not betray any sign of beefing. Perhaps he is yet to know how to navigate his route

in the Benin mangrove full of mangrove-meat. But the man may not seem what he seems. If he is not a perfect devourer of mangrove-meat pepper-soup, he surely must be a night-raven who can do a night-long beaking of bearded meat, a special delicacy of several of my Etsako pals in or not in government. And the Edo State helmsman is a thorough-bred Etsako personage! We do not know how much he budgets for food and drinks and tantalizers beyond the reach of, for example, the mass of his state’s teachers and civil servants who are “truly hearing it,” to quote a phrase of this category of Edo State’s suffering workers, many of whom have been booted out of work and service for flimsy reasons, and many of whom also, since their genuine and mandatory retirement, are yet to get their benefits. Yet they voted for Mr. ACN Governor whose office may be hoisting a Labour flag! Did they cooperate with him to enter government house to be so treated? So he and his hangers-on are chopping alone while the masses are salivating in vain? And is there any from his special school of politics whose persons have retired from service and are yet to receive their gratuities? Is it even right for retired civil servants or retired workers who gave our various states the best parts of their lives to no longer have access to mangrove-meat pepper-soup or Badagry cuisine or desert tuwo shinkafi (pound rice) or Etsako bearded-meat? Perhaps we may be right to say that our ACN “comrade” helmsman of Edo State is a conspirator after all, a conspirator against the suffering workers in his state, workers and ex-workers who can’t eat well and who are, to boot, taxed beyond measure and without qualms.

Is there any from his special school of politics whose persons have retired from service and are yet to receive their gratuities? Is it even right for retired civil servants or retired workers who gave our various states the best parts of their lives to no longer have access to mangrove-meat pepper-soup or Badagry cuisine or desert tuwo shinkafi (pound rice) or Etsako bearded-meat? Festus Iyayi, where are you? Dipo Fashina, where are you? Jonathan Ihonde, where are you? Baba Omojola, where are you? Our comrade is in power! Where are you, O worthy comrades? Our comrade is in government! O you worthily tested comrades who never failed your flock, your once-fellow comrade is in power, is in government and is in authority. He is no longer eating with the masses. He is no longer dining with workers. He is no longer dining with comrades. His table is even beyond you now, I put it to you. Again, I put it to you: you no longer follow or understand his food-politics. I put it to you: he does not even listen to you anymore. In fact, he does not even hear you any longer and he will never hear you again, I put it to you… I put it to you… I put it to you… He is now an outsider whose current food-politics is that of the noncomrade who is beefing up his fragile frame that is seemingly rejecting to be fatly and fattishly fat despite the fatty beefing up and the fatty food-budget whose true billions are locked up in the cellar-heart of the erstwhile comrade. What you planted, watered and nur-

tured to fruition is not what we truly have now, O true comrades! And the other governors, ACN and non-ACN ones? How spicy is their food-and-drinks budget? Are they eating and drinking their teachers and civil servants and workers dry via burdensome taxation and unpaid allowances, benefits, gratuities and merited sundry claims due them as and when due even after meritorious service and duties? Of course, we don’t know who among them are true governors of the masses, if any of them truly is. What we know, however, is that the majority of them are foodpolicy players, food-policy players whose foodpolicy is perfect fun that has no place for “food processing factories” for the persons and persons and the people who constitute the broad but hungry masses of Nigeria. Some of the governors have been doing six kilometres road for about five or more years now. Na six kilometres road man go chop? Nay! No! • Afejuku is a poet and professor of English and Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Benin, Benin City.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

FridayWorship By Afis A. Oladosu In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful “And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning (period) is thirty months... (Q46-15)

Reflections on Mother’s Day

RETHREN, I had planned to engage an uncanny topic for our sermon today. I tentatively titled it “Mad Men in Our Cities”. But just before I concluded the piece, I got information that the Mother’s Day comes up in a couple of days. I then paused a moment and said to myself- perhaps that should take precedence. Is it not because the status and circumstance of our mothers have not enjoyed the necessary attention that has led to the hiatus and disjuncture in the circumstance of humanity today? Is it not because mothers in our world today have failed to guide and nurture their children to the best path that we now have ‘bad’ men and women’ in our cities? What does Islam say about women as mothers? What does Islam say about women as wives? What does Islam say about women as daughters? Is it not true that young girls who are properly nurtured by the wombs that bore them often become good women who in turn become good wives and ultimately good mothers? Is it not true that when girls are nurtured and acculturated to live in the abyss that they become women of crisis and ultimately mothers of commotion and infamy?

While pondering the above questions, I became attentive to yet another salient one. I asked myself: where is my mother? Let me also ask you: where is your mother? When last did you visit her, ask after her welfare and seek her blessings? What roles and responsibilities have the child, male or female, to the bosom that suckled him or her while in the cradle? Is it possible for you to hope and pray for success in your earthly pursuits while your mother bewails the day she brought you to the world because of your waywardness and lack of care for her? Brethren, is it possible for the child to attain eternal redemption while his mother is angry with him? Brethren, the idea of marking or celebrating “Mother’s Day” could be described as a noble one. But a more passionate contemplation of the status of mothers across cultures and religions would compel the suggestion that dedicating a day to our mothers is not enough. In fact, it could be seen at least by the cynic, as an infraction in and of their status. The cynic could even say that once that day is passed then mothers could jolly well revert back to their state of insignificance. This is because all other days belong to the fathers. But the religion of Islam says no. If the

“Surely, the religion with Allah is ISLAM,complete submission”... Qur’an 3:19

days of the year were to be apportioned at all and distributed between fathers and mothers, the latter should take three quarters while the remaining quarter would go to the fathers. A man came to al-Rasul (s.a.w.) and said: “O Allah’s Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?” al-Rasul said, “Your mother.” The man said. “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man further said, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked for the fourth time, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your father.” In the above text, the al-Rasul is explicating on the Quranic instruction which reads: Your Lord has decreed to you that: You shall worship none but Him, and you shall be kind to your parents; if one or both of them live to their old age in your lifetime, you shall not say to them any word of contempt nor repel them and you shall address them in kind words. You shall lower to them your wings of humility and pray: “O Lord! Bestow on them Your blessings just as they cherished me when I was a little child. “Your Lord knows best what is in your hearts. If you do good deeds, certainly He is most forgiving to those who turn to Him in repentance” (Q17:23-25). The reason mothers occupy such an

iconic status in Islamic weltanschauung is simple. It derives from the major responsibility they shoulder in the course of preserving the human race. Theirs is the task of experiencing a combination of pain and pleasure, that at conception. Theirs is the task of going through indescribable pain in the labour room. To the mothers is the responsibility of suckling and nurturing the child for a maximum period of two and a half years (Q2: 233). Somebody asked al-Rasul: “Is it possible for the child to recompense the good done to him by his mother?” AlRasul replied in the negative. He said: “Your mother loved and nurtured you while you were in the cradle because she wanted you to survive and be successful. But you care and nurture her at her old age because you know she would soon pass into eternity!” Thus no matter the care we give our mothers such shall remain inferior to the care they gave to us while we were still young. In fact, when it is time to reward our parents for the good they did to us, we always look for alternatives. In America, the aged are condemned to the homes of the “seniors”. When you meet an elderly woman begging for alms in our garages and on our streets, do you not wonder where her children

could be at that point in time? Brethren, those who make their aged parents suffer deprivation are sowing the wind: he who sows the wind will reap the whirlwind.” Further, Ibn Al-Jawzî (d. 1201CE) explicates on Q2: 23-23 thus: “To be kind to one’s parents is to obey them when they order you to do something, unless it is that which the Almighty has forbidden; to give priority to their orders over voluntary acts of worship; to abstain from that which they forbid you to do; to provide for them; to serve them; to approach them with gentle humility and mercy; not to raise your voice in front of them; nor to fix your glance on them; nor to call them by their names; and to be patient with them.” But what about those whose mothers have passed on to eternity? Glory be to the Almighty for Islam. I guess you know that the death of your parents does not mean the cessation of your responsibility to them. Those whose parents have died are still expected to do the following for them and on their behalf: offering of prayers for them and embarking on noble projects in their names and with the intention that the Almighty should reward them for their good deeds. When you recite chapter112 of the glorious Quran and request that your Lord bring His reward to them in their graves, you are sure that it shall be accepted. The Almighty Allah specifically commands us to pray for our dead as follows: rabbir ham ummah kama rabbayyani saghiran –O! My Lord! Bestow your mercies on them the same way they were merciful unto me while I was in the cradle.” guardianfridayworship@gmail.com.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Sports Madrid Masters

Nigeria Professional Football League

Nishikori ousts Federer, Nadal cruises

El Kanemi hit ABS 4-1, Pillars regain lead

• Serena also marches on EFENDING champion, D Roger Federer was dumped out of the Madrid

Kwakwanso inaugurates new Pillars’ board keep the team abreast of modern trends in sports L Kanemi Warriors moved d e v e l o p m e n t . The governor, who gave the up in the Nigeria Professional Football League charge while inaugurating (NPFL) table when it defeated the members of the board Abubakar Saraki (ABS) FC 4-1 in yesterday in Kano, said that a Week 10 game decided in there was the need to run the club as a business enterprise. Maiduguri yesterday. “The most successful footThe win lifts the Borno side to the 16th position in the 20- ball clubs in Europe and elseteam league with 12 points where in the developed by private from 10 games. world are owned Okpokwu Ebube opened the i n v e s t o r s . “So, Kano Pillars must move floodgate of goals for El Kanemi barely two minutes at par with the world and in into the game, with Ezekiel the nearest future, be able to Thompson making it 2-0 stand on its feet and conin the drive for before 30 minutes. tribute Five minutes into the second improved revenue for our half, Reuben Ogbonnaya sent state,” Kwankwaso said. The governor told the a freekick beyond the ABS goalkeeper, while Ebube net- board, headed by Abba Yola, ted his second in the 68th that in most places across the minute to complete the rout. world, governments are not ABS got its solitary goal the sole financiers of football through Otegbeye Ajibola in clubs. He said that rather, the 89th minute. they benefited in terms of revfrom the Earlier on Wednesday, enue activities. defending champions, Kano clubs’ Pillars beat Nasarawa United 2-0 to regain top spot on the table with 19 points. Pillars could be toppled by Enugu Rangers, who will play By Adeyinka Adedipe their Week 10 match against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi IGERIA Customs t o d a y . Basketball Club got the Pillars got their goals in the better of GT-2000 in yesterseventh and 67th minute day’s opening game at the through Buhari Musa and second phase of the Zenith Rabiu Ali respectively. Bank Basketball League in In Katsina-Ala, Enyimba Asaba, winning 72-58. forced Lobi Stars to a goalless The teams observed draw, their first away draw Wednesday as rest day and this season. were refreshed but it was At the Uyo Township Customs, who emerged vicStadium, Akwa United beat torious to record their fourth basement side, Sharks, 3-0, victory of the second phase. with Ubong Ekpai and skipper Coach of Nigeria Customs, Nnamso Edo (twice) doing the Scott Nnaji told The Guardian d a m a g e . that the injection of young Meanwhile, Kano State players into his team has Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso made it more mobile and has charged the new govern- competitive. ing board of Kano Pillars to “What we have done is to

By Christian Okpara

American Serena Williams celebrates after winning her tennis match against Spanish player, Lourdes Dominguez Lino at the Madrid Masters at the Magic Box (Caja Magica) sports complex in Madrid. PHOTO: AFP

Customs’ take fourth game, beats GT-2000 N

bring in young players to play alongside the more experienced ones and this had brought some balance to the team.” Nnaji, however, said that they would have to recruit more experienced players if they hope to break into the elite rank. “Our ambition is to be in the final in Lagos and that is motivating the players to do well. Also, we need to contin-

in the league was good for the development of the game. He said that playing more games would also help keep the experienced players in shape. In some other games played, IGP Queens defeated Plateau Rocks 52-51, FCY Angles beat AHIP Queens 6034, Delta Force beat Oluyole Babes 51-34 while Taraba Hurricanes lost to Coal City Queens 45-46.

Denver’s Ujiri wins 2012-13 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year award IGERIA’S Masai Ujiri, who N is Denver Nuggets’ executive vice president

Ujiri

ue winning because that is what will take us to the final,” Nnaji added. The custom’s coach also stated that the team’s ability to correct its mistakes and solve its defensive problems have also contributed to its improved performance in Asaba. He noted that the new teams have found the going tough but stated that the involvement of more players

(Basketball Operations), is the recipient of the 2012-13 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year award, the NBA announced yesterday. Ujiri was instrumental in assembling an ensemble cast – nine players averaged between 8.0 and 16.7 points and Denver’s bench ranked second overall in scoring (41.3 ppg) – that finished with the league’s fourth-best record (57-25, .695) and secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Denver’s league-best 38-3 (.927) mark at Pepsi Center tied for the 14th best home mark in league history.

Over the summer, Ujiri augmented Denver’s roster by acquiring Andre Iguodala from Philadelphia in a fourteam, 12-player deal, and he re-signed JaVale McGee and Andre Miller. Since joining the Nuggets front office prior to the 201011 season, Ujiri has drafted Kenneth Faried (No. 22 overall in 2011), and in addition to Iguodala, McGee and Miller, has acquired Corey Brewer, Wilson Chandler, Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari and Kosta Koufos via trades. With those players comprising the bulk of the roster, the Nuggets opened the 201213 campaign, as the NBA’s third-youngest team with an average age of 24.9 years.

Despite their youth, the Nuggets compiled two of the seven longest winning streaks in the NBA in 2012-13, including a franchise-besttying 15 straight wins (Feb. 23March 23). Additionally, according to NBA.com/Stats, Denver was a Western Conference-best 244 (.857) after the All-Star break. Ujiri, who spent three years with the Toronto Raptors before joining the Nuggets, was named to his current position on August 27, 2010. He worked for the Nuggets organization as a scout from 2003-07, and served as the team’s director of international scouting during the 2006-07 season.

Masters yesterday by world number 14, Kei Nishikori, as the Japanese came through 64, 1-6, 6-3 in their third round clash, reports Associated Press. Second seed Federer, who had just returned to the tour after a two-month break, joins world number one, Novak Djokovic, in being eliminated early in the Spanish capital and his lack of match practice showed. One break was enough for Nishikori to take the opening set 6-4, but Federer roared back in the second to take it 61. However, with the momentum seeming to be with the 17time Grand Slam champion, it was Nishikori, who edged ahead when he broke to move 3-1 in the third. And after comfortably holding serve in his next two service games, the 23-year-old broke again to seal a first career win over Federer. “He was my idol actually, so to beat him, that was one of my goals for my tennis career,” Nishikori told a press conference. “That it happens on clay is amazing because, you know, it’s not my really favourite surface. I feel good, of course. I wasn’t really expecting this, it is not easy, 6-2 in the third, that’s not easy against him.” Three-time champion, Federer, who beat Nishikori in straight sets in their only other previous clash in Basel in 2011, admitted Nishikori was a deserving winner. “I’m disappointed with my match. Today Nishikori played better and the best man won,” said Federer. Rafael Nadal eased into the last eight with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Mikhail Youzhny and will next face either Tommy Haas of Germany or Spanish compatriot David Ferrer. The 26-year-old Nadal now stands at 28-2 on the season as he looks to reach his seventh final since his comeback from a seven-month injury lay-off in February. “Since I’ve been back I haven’t had the security that I am in my perfect moment or that I can give myself definite goals,” said Nadal. “I just to have try and feel that I am getting better and better day after day. I have to have my feet on the ground. I’ve made it to the quarter-finals of Madrid, which, for me, it’s lovely to be able to say that today. “I’ll try to enjoy the quarterfinal match tomorrow.” On the women’s side, world number one Serena Williams eased into the last eight as she dismantled 13th seed Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 6-1 in just an hour and four minutes. Williams didn’t even face a break point during the match as she steamrollered the Russian, and now faces Spaniard Anabel Medina Garringues in the last eight.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10 , 2013

SPORTS 55

Ezekiel is one of European football’s hottest youngsters LREADY awash with plenA ty of striking expertise in the shape of Emmanuel Emenike, Brown Ideye and Ikechukwu Uche, freshly crowned African champions, Nigeria may have unearthed another gem of a goalscorer. Signed in January 2012 from Nigerian second-tier side, 36 Lions – initially on a six-month loan deal, which then evolved into a permanent €600,000 transfer – the teenager only managed a total of 273 minutes in the Belgian club’s first team last season and he started this campaign on the bench. But when new front-line signings Marvin Ogunjimi and Dudu Biton failed to deliver, the Nigerian made the most of his opportunity to impress. “Imoh is the type of forward coaches love because

he’s always on the move,” says ex-Belgium marksman, Nordin Jban, who is now a TV pundit. Although he still has much to learn, especially when it comes to improving his left foot and his tactical awareness, this son of a Lagos police officer could certainly not be accused of arrested development. Explosive and fearless, he is already attracting plenty of non-Belgian interest and Standard Chairman, Roland Duchatelet, is reported to have turned down hefty offers from a number of Russian clubs, with several French, Italian and English sides also thought to be hovering with serious intent. “For the moment Imoh is only thinking about his sporting challenge at Standard, not money,” insists his agent, Luan Ahmetaj.

“Leaving for an elite championship would be premature. He needs to play, not figure on the bench at a big club.” His performances this season will have hurt Club Brugge more than most as his first European trial was with Standard’s archrivals. However, his try-out in Bruges was ended by a bizarre dressing-room incident in which the youngster burnt his feet after rashly putting them in a bowl of scalding water without checking the temperature. “Club Brugge were unwilling to give him the time to recover and continue this test,” explains Ahmetaj. “A few weeks later Standard decided to look at him and they were convinced of his qualities after just one session.” •Culled from WorldSoccer magazine.

New NBB of C board promises boxers new lease of life Aboderin said. HE newly-elected board of According to him, the priT The secretary then the Nigeria Boxing Board mary objective of the board is appealed for more manof Control (NBB of C) yester- to regulate the activities and day promised to partner with international regulatory bodies to give boxing a new lease of life in the country. The NBB of C SecretaryGeneral, Remi Aboderin disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He said the body would work with the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA), the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and the World Boxing Council (WBC) for boxing growth in Nigeria.

give adequate reports on amateur boxers, who were ready to turn professional. “We are poised to ensure that the Nigeria’s professional boxers are given a new lease of life by working in synergy with recognised international regulatory bodies like the AIBA, WBO, WBC and the rest. “We will also ensure that professional boxers cases are properly presented to the regulatory bodies, to ensure that they are equally rated in the international scene,’’

16 officials invited for camping ahead of the 11th African Junior Championships to strictly adhere to camp rules. AFN Technical Director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that this was to maintain and ensure discipline at the camp. Nesiama said the camping, scheduled to open on May 13, would hold at the High Performance Centre (HPC), University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. “Athletes and officials should maintain strict camp rules and discipline. I urge them to abide by the code of conduct,’’ he said. Nesiama said that the African championships would hold in Pretoria, South Africa from June 27 to 30, to select qualifiers for the 8th IAAF World Youth Championships. He added that the world championships would hold from July 10 to July 14 at the Regional Sports Complex

Former Falcons’ coach, Jossy Lad, is dead From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan FTER a fierce battle to save A the life of the former coach of the Super Falcons by friends

ary in an ambulance provided by the Southwest zone one of National Sports Commission (NSC). Reacting to the death, his close associate, Banji Akintayo, chairman of the Ibadan Football Association (IFA), who also witnessed his last moment said, “he lived a fulfilled life, as a footballer, a coach and an administrator, he distinguished himself at his chosen career and left promising children behind. Also his team-mate, Niyi Akande said, “I have lost a great teammate, colleague

and well wishers, Joseph Ladipo, popularly known as Jossy Lad, died yesterday at his Apata, Ibadan, residence. The deceased was moved back home on Friday, May 3 from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, where he was twice admitted for heartrelated ailment. His first son, Wale Ladipo said his dad, who was earlier said to have improved before he was discharged by the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Temitope Alonge, sufOlimpiyski, Donetsk, fered a set back which made Ukraine. the family to resolve on taking Nesiama said that different him abroad for further and trials would as usual hold better treatment. But that during the camping, adding arrangement was delayed by that athletes, who fail to HE Sports Medicine cash constrains. measure up to the expected Department of the When his death was constandards would be firmed, his body was taken National Sports Commission decamped. from his home for the mortu- (NSC), led by Dr. Abdulkadir Mu`azu says it will hold a three-day course at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) Auditorium, package B, National Stadium, Abuja, from Monday to Thursday, next week. According to a release by the department, Sports Minister/ Chairman of the NSC, Bolaji Abdullahi is expected to present a keynote address and declare the course open. “The main objective of the course is to provide a basic sports medicine training in form of lectures in the areas of diagnosis and management of sports injury, sports injury prevention, assessing athletes fitness through conduction of pre-competition medical assessment (PCMA), issues relating to exercise in heat and fluid replacement, doping in sports and need for further training for good pracAthletes compete at the maiden Premier Lotto Lagos Schools Athletics meet. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI tice in line with international

AFN tasks invited junior athletes, officials on camp rules HE Athletics Federation of T Nigeria (AFN) yesterday advised the 54 athletes and

agers and promoters to come on board to take over the bunch of amateur boxers, who are ready to turn professionals. He said this would further ensure the promotion of professional boxing beyond the country. Aboderin also urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment to attract both individuals and corporate organisations to promote professional boxing in the country. “Our job is not to find sponsors, but to regulate professional boxing. I hereby urge the government to make laws that will favour individuals and corporate organisations for professional boxing to thrive in the country,’’ Aboderin said. Aboderin was returned unopposed as the board’s secretary-general for another four-year term. Godwin Kanu also retained his board’s Presidency by defeating boxing promoter, Damola Omotosho 11-9 in a keenly contested election held on April 29 at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Ezekiel Imoh in action for his Belgian club

and good friend, I feel so sad and short of words.” Chairman of 3SC, Toyin Akintunde, who was in Abuja for a meeting of NPFL Club managers with League Management Committee (LMC), said via telephone that Jossy Lad’s death was shocking. “There is virtually nothing we can do when God says the time has come… we tried our best but our dad has gone to rest with the Lord. May God give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable lost.”

NSC holds three-day sports medicine course best practices,” the release said. T It added that the course would also provide a forum for interaction between the Sports Medicine Department of NSC and states Medical Personnel with the view of finding out the latter’s challenges, especially Medicare during Sports Festival and way forward. “The course shall have as participants, two medical personnel, one of which shall be the chief medical officer drawn from the 36 states and FCT, staff of the NSC’s Sports Medicine Department, and sports medicine practitioners under the umbrella of NASMED.” “The department wishes to make it an annual programme considering the vital role of Sports Medicine in sports development. Moreso no school in Nigeria offers Sports Medicine as a course at both undergraduate and post graduate level,” the release stated.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Heroes Of Ukpong: Versatile athlete, who found KON Ukpong is not one to shy away from O competition. At an early age, he learnt that to achieve success, one has to strive hard and put in his best in whatever he is doing. This was his guiding principle as he stepped out into the world of sports and education in the early 1960s before he made his first step into school. When others would have given up hope if they had no money to finance their education, the former cricket star used his excellence in sports to raise money to sponsor his education up to the university level. Growing up, Ukpong’s family house on Campbell Street on Lagos Island was close to Race Course, which had sporting facilities that afforded him the opportunity to engage in events like football, cricket and tennis. He also frequented the Club Arcade to play squash and at a tender age it was clear that he had a great passion for sports. Since he had few kids to play with in his neighbourhood, he was a regular face at Race Course and Club Arcade where he linked up with other young boys to learn the rudiments of the sporting activities they loved. At a tender age, his versatility was evident and he did all within his reach to stay focused. When it was time to start school, he enrolled into St Andrew’s Primary School, but to his surprise, there were no sports facilities in that school. So, he knew from the beginning that he had to do something to further his interest in sports. Because he was not deterred by the absence of sporting facilities in his school, Ukpong located areas where he could hone his skills. He made the Obalende Police Barracks the venue for football practice, and also joined a boys club at Campos where he added table tennis and athletics to the list of sports he was doing. At the boys club, Ukpong took to goalkeeping and within a short time, he was adept between the sticks, earning himself rave reviews. He said, “growing up for me was very eventful despite doing so in that part of Lagos Island, which was serene because of the presence of many offices. “We had only three houses there and I learnt to play cricket because I made friends with the kids of an expatriate, who lived next to my house. I also picked up interest in football, tennis and squash. I was also a regular face at the Race Course and Club Arcade where I did all manner of games. All this was because I realised early in my life that I had love sports.” The school annual inter house sports always presented Ukpong the chance to show his athletics prowess. He was particularly good in the long distance races, where he won laurels while still in primary five and six in the 880 metres and the mile. “What really motivated me during the inter house meets was the little presents given to winners after the event. Also, people praised us for our efforts and each time I got complements from my mates and fellow competitors, I felt on top of the world,” he added. As a school footballer, Ukpong rose quickly on the pitch and became the school team’s goalkeeper. His team took part in different competitions within Lagos Island and outside it. He explained, “we played so many games and our fiercest rival was the St. John’s Primary School in Aroloya. While in primary school I was selected in the Lagos Island team that played against teams from other part of the state. “We played at grounds like the Campos Square, Lagos Island, pitches in Ijora, and Mushin, among many others. I remember vividly that we defeated Olowogbowo area in 1971 or 1972. I was in the same team with former Stationary Stores player and former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, (LSFA) Taiwo Afinni,” he added. After leaving St Andrews, he moved to Methodist Boys High School in 1973 also on Lagos Island. Here, it was difficult for Ukpong to break into the school team and so he concentrated on playing for his class during the inter class com-

Ukpong

For 15 years, Okon Ukpong was the captain of the cricket national team out of the 20 years that he spent in the team. Although he was involved with many sports at an early age and showed a lot of promise in them, he settled for cricket in his senior years at Methodist Boys High School in Lagos. From the school he was selected to represent Lagos State at the 1977 National Sports Festival in Kaduna. He was then a class four student. After his secondary education, he moved to the University of Ife where he teamed up with other top cricket players to win laurels at the Nigeria University Games (NUGA), while playing for the national cricket team for 20 years. After retirement, he embraced the administrative side of the game, rising to become the only advanced cricket administrator in the country. He also holds the ICC level two coaching certificate. Fielding questions from ADEYINKA ADEDIPE, Ukpong, reminisces on his days as schoolboy athlete. He stated petitions. There was no junior team in the school then and to play for the main team as a junior boy, according to him, one had to be exceptionally skillful. He had goalkeeper Egeleke as a role model and fashioned his style along that of his idol. “At Methodist Boys, I had the intention of improving my goalkeeping skills and breaking into the school team, but it was impossible because they were a lot of very good senior boys. “So, I decided to focus on doing well for my class in the inter class competition.” Apart from this, Ukpong also continued his participation in table tennis, tennis and cricket. In his third year, he became a member of the school’s cricket team and the fact that the school had a standard field and facilities contributed to his development. Though, he did well in other sports, he still thought he could develop his football skills to a level he would be able to get into the school team while he was in class four. He, however, jettisoned the idea when it became clear that he would have to dedicate more time to football to the detriment of his academics. Ukpong was also adept at athletics, but he also faced still competition in that, so he stuck to

cricket, which he had been exposed as early as when he was a nine-year old. “At some point, I still thought I could play football for the school team and I started working hard to realise that ambition but at a point I knew it was impossible so I concentrated mostly on cricket and also did tennis, table tennis and squash. The athletics turf was also a tough one for me and I played second fiddle to some of the top athletes in the school. “So, I settled for cricket and became a member of the school team in class three.” The disappointment he experienced in football and athletics soon turned to a blessing in the cricket oval. He quickly built a reputation for himself and became one of the top players in his school, while the Lagos State team selectors invited him to camp in preparation for the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Kaduna in 1977. He was still in class four and very young but, according to him, he competed well among the top players Nigeria had at the festival. “My participation in the sports festival while still in school was a very big experience for me because we had many top players in the country not only playing for Lagos, but also for other states that came for the festival. “I was very small but my skill helped me stay in

the team and I won a bronze with Lagos State. This experience actually prepared me for what to expect in future,” he added. After leaving the secondary school in 1978, Ukpong concentrated on becoming a top player and he pursued this ambition with vigour and in 1979, he was in the Lagos State cricket team that won gold at the NSF in 1979. “I was very happy to win gold in my second attempt at the sports festival. It was team-work and I would say we deserved the top prize. I can remember that I took part in the festival for the last time in 1990 in Rivers State.” Ukpong went on to win gold in the 1981 edition in Benin and was also a winner with Oyo State in 1983 after gaining admission into the University of Ife to study International Relations and later had his Masters degree in Financial Management from the same university. In 1981, he was one of the young players selected and groomed for the future national team. He was in the team that went on a tour of England in preparation for the West African Cricket series of 1982. His performance during the tour was enough to convince the national handlers of his prowess and he was drafted into the main team on returning from the tour.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

School Sports fame in the gentleman’s game According to Ukpong, the tour was the catalyst his career needed at that time. “The tour of England exposed us to top class facilities and the best of training. It was on the tour that I worked on some of my weaknesses. “After each game or training, the handlers would play the video tape to us, showing what we did well and the areas of our game we needed to improve. We played against teams like Bambury, the London City Council team, West Bromwich Albion Cricket Club and the British West Indies Airline team (BWIA), which I later played for in 1986.” Making his debut at the West African Cricket championship in Banjul, he picked up the gold medal. But he had some senior players in the team to look up to for inspiration. These include Prof. Jide Bademosi, Segun Elliot, Ewa Henshaw, Dr. Biyi Ayodele, Dr. Bode Karonwi, Dr. Deji Otegbeye and Dr. Onyechi Jacob. As a young man playing in the midst of educated people, he vowed to also pursue his education with the same energy with which he pursued laurels in cricket. His performance also earned him a place in the West African team that played at the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in Birmingham in 1982. Back to the University of Ife, Ukpong had no problem breaking into the school team. He was in the team that played in the Nigeria University Games (NUGA) in Zaria in 1982. They won the gold medal. The fact that he was seeing himself through school, he had to play for the school and the national team so that he could have funds for his education. Because of his situation, he rarely had time for social events as he concentrated on sports and his degree programmes. He explained, “my life at the University of Ife revolved around sports and education. I didn’t have time for social activities and the fact that I sponsored myself in school made it difficult for me to do other things.” He also played 1984 NUGA in Ife, where they won silver, and also won another silver in University of Ibadan, losing to eventual winner, University of Lagos. He won gold again in 1988 at the University of Port Harcourt. Apart from doing well in the oval, he also played squash and tennis at the NUGA level with a bronze medal in squash in 1988 to show for it. At the Ife varsity, he played alongside Seye Fadahunsi, Soleye Hughes, Gbenga Akinyombo, Vincent Oliseh and Kome Agodo. For these players, travelling became the norm, but they did their school proud wherever they went to play. Ukpong was the national team captain for 15 years having played in the team for 20 years before retiring in 2002 after a few years break in the late 1990s. He recalls, “I had a fruitful time in the national team… we won all the West African events I went for, losing once in my last year as a player in 2002. I had a very poor outing and it was clear that it was time for me to move on. We lost to Sierra Leone that year and I was really sad because I ended my national team career on a losing note.” As a professional cricketer, Ukpong started his club career with the Lagos Amateur Cricket Club where he played from 1977 to 1984, he was in Ikoyi Nomads from 1985-1992, Cosmopolitan Cricket Club from 1993 to 2003 and ended his career with Ibadan Cosmopolitan Cricket Club, from 2004 before retiring early this year. He is currently the team manager of the National under-19 team. The high point of his career, Ukpong stated, was when he went to the ICC World Cup in 1994 in Kenya. He scored 103 against Singapore, 72 against Singapore and also had high runs against Israel and Denmark. He said, “my greatest moment in cricket was at the ICC World Cup in 1994 where I had an outstanding tournament. I scored a lot of runs against our opponents.” Ukpong played for three generations of the

Ukpong at the International Cricket Conference (ICC) All rounder course at the National Stadium, Lagos in 2010

Ukpong (standing fourth from left) with members of the Ibadan Metropolitan Cricket Club

Right now, we need to encourage many states to start playing the game. For instance, we need to have under 13, 15, 17 and 19 teams so that we can start grooming players for the future. Softball can also be used to encourage new players and states that are coming into the game. This will open opportunities for youngsters to embrace the game. national team, with his first starting in the 1980 to 2000. That was his first stint in the national team with such stars as Prof. Jide Bademosi, Segun Elliot, Ewa Henshaw, Dr. Biyi Ayodele, Dr. Bode Karonwi, Dr. Deji Otegbeye and Dr. Onyechi Jacob. His second generation include such players as James Okedara, Dr. Yinka Gbotosho, Kwesi Sagoe, Uthe Ogbonmi, Dipo Idowu, Seye Fadahunsi, Soleye Hughes, Segun Elliot, Bayo Thompson, Uche Ntinu and Gbenga Akinyombo. The third generation comprised Dotun Olayinka, Tayo Okusanya, Dapo Adegoke, Femi Olayiwola, Oboh Omoigui, Endurance Ofem, Adewale Adeoye, Chuka Ahuchogwu and Emeka

Ahuchogwu. On quitting the game, Ukpong went fully into stock broking haven taken professional courses while still active. He is a certified pension manager, but he is still involved in the coaching and administration of cricket. Ukpong was the technical director of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) before he quit last November, but he has been re-elected to be on the board of the NCF for another four years. As a certified ICC level two coach, Ukpong has been involved with the training of coaches and players. He is also Nigeria’s only advanced cricket administrator and he teaches courses in cricket organisation, budgeting, cricket administration and how to prepare meetings to

enhance the administrative part of the game. The courses he runs have taken him to Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gambia, and Cameroun, apart from the ones he undertake in the Nigeria. Looking back on the days of the country’s glory in cricket, Ukpong is pained that the game that brought him fame has declined considerably over the years. He laments, “for me, cricket has sank to an all time low and I was forced to leave the last board because I told them this simple truth. It is unfortunate that Nigeria still plays on concrete when other countries play on turf. We are only fooling ourselves and we will start doing well when we switch to the turf.” Not satisfied with lamenting the downward spiral of the game, Ukpong has promised to use his membership of the new board to ensure that cricket is played in most parts of the country. “Right now, we need to encourage many states to start playing the game. For instance, we need to have under 13, 15, 17 and 19 teams so that we can start grooming players for the future. “Softball can also be used to encourage new

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

SchoolSports Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship

Yusuf inspires Niger to victory at Central Confab final By Olalekan Okusan ESPITE losing to Benue’s Joseph Secondary School in the group stage, Abdulbasit Yusuf singlehandedly inspired Niger’s Government Secondary School to claim the title ahead of their opponent in the Central Conference final of Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship. It was Yusuf’s prowess that aided the Niger team to triumph over Benue side in the boys’ final of the championship held at Akure Township Stadium. Although both sides had met during the group stage with Benue team winning 2220 points over the Niger side. But things turned out differently in the final as captain Yusuf motivated his side to win the encounter at 26-24 points. Yusuf, who was voted the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), could not helped his side in the first quarter as they lose 7-4. But the team rediscovered its form in the second quarter to win 6-5 and this promoted the team superb form in the last two quarters to dominate the encounter throughout. An excited coach of the Niger side, Solomon Abiodun Tanko said, “we are proud of these boys because they played to instructions. We won because we worked on our inadequacies noticed when we lost to Benue in our first match. Out target is to improve because it is going to be very tough in Lagos.” For the victory, Yusuf admitted that it was not an easy task for them to overcome

the Benue side. He however, lauded their Benue counterpart, adding that the win would spur them on in Lagos finale. “I knew we will emerge champions despite losing the first set to the Benue boys but I drew inspiration from the first game which we lost and incidentally, it was our first match at the Akure zonal qualifier. That gave us more determination because our coach kept reminding during the game that they must not defeat us again and that helped us,” he said. He added, “we all know that winning in Lagos is the ultimate and that is why we will be going back to work once we get back to Minna because Lagos will host the best teams from the various zones of the country.”

Action from the Confluence Conference final in Lokoja….last week

NASCOM will encourage schools to organise sports tournaments, says Idowu By Olalekan Okusan O drive sports across the T country, National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) has promised to encourage schools to stage regular competitions within and among themselves. With the poor performance of the Team Nigeria at the London 2012 Olympics, NASCOM believes focusing on few selected sports at the school level will improve the standard of sports in the country. According to Chairman of NASCOM, Yemi Idowu, there is need to invest in school

sports and this was what prompted the presidency to mandate the National Sports Commission (NSC) to come up with a proposal on how best to improve sports. “Having reviewed the performance of the Nigerian athletes to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the president had mandated the Ministry of Sports to come up with a proposal on how best to improve sports, while NASCOM is dealing with children who are in school and out of school,” he said. Idowu, said NASCOM has embarked on a reversible revolution for sports in

CCSF’s Inspire Future excites pupils UNDREDS of pupils that featured in the Chika Chuwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) Inspire The Future programme at the weekend in Jos are still excited about the experience they had during the one-day exercise. The event, which was bankrolled by the grassroots sports department of the National Sports Commission (NSC), had parents and guardians in attendance with the participants between age four to 14 taking through the rudiments of taekwondo. For the duo of Fortune Williams and Miracle Chidi Uba, the programme was exciting and fun. Williams, nine year-old pupil of First Baptist Model

School, he was able to acquire skills in taekwondo as well as meet with other pupils. “I now know how to

defend myself and one thing that interest me in the training was that it was full on fun,” he said.

schools with a special focus on the children, whom they believe are the bedrock of sports development. He added that the few selected sports are less expensive, adding that this would be easier for any school to organise any of the sport, as it does not require expensive sports facilities. According to him, athletics, combat sports, (Taekwondo, Karate, Judo) ball games (volleyball, basketball, table tennis, tennis, squash), football and calisthenics (Dance and Gymnastic) are the six selected sports NASCOM has adopted, stressing that the they would meet with States Governors to embrace the programme, while the committee would require the support of States’ Ministry of Education in its efforts to make the programme a reality by including it in their schools curriculum.

Sharks House lifts trophy at Standard Bearers sports meet By Olalekan Okusan T was a display of athletics prowess at the 12th Inter house sports competition of Standard Bearers School, Lekki, in which Sharks House emerged overall winner with 18 gold medals, 12 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Tagged: ‘2013 Mini Olympic, the competition, once again witnessed parents’ total support for a child’s athletics potentials, as they cheered their wards with passion and excitement during the one-day event. Lions House finished second with 12 gold, 14 silver and 13 bronze medals, while Eagles House has 12 gold, 13 silver and 18 bronze medals to settle for third place. The pupils competed with great zeal from the commencement of the game to win the

Red House lifts trophy at Greenwich athletics tournament By Isaac Taiwo ED House has emerged the overall winner of the maiden inter-house sports competition of Greenwich Schools. In all the events that featured, Red House was superior to Yellow, Blue and Green Houses to clinch the golden trophy. New Life Schools, Eko International Schools and Christ Lifeforte participated in the invitational relay also added colour to the event. Speaking at the occasion, the school Proprietress, Mrs. Folashade Ogunkolati described the maiden edition of the competition as a milestone for the school. “For the past three years, we have been trying to organize this event but have been impeded by circumstances

Kids in action at the CCSF-organised training in Jos…last week

coveted trophy as evident in the medals but it was Sharks House that got the coveted trophy for their steady efforts in all the activities. An elated founder and school Superintendent, Mrs. Modupe Adeyinka-Oni said that the school attached importance to every activity that aids child’s total development. “We lay great deal of importance to every programme that develops the total wellbeing of a child. This is because a child’s gift makes way for the child and if a child excels in his or her talents it motivates them to excel in other areas. That is why we created clubs for football, golf, swimming and we are introducing basketball. At the end of the day, we have a child that is fully developed to face higher challenges and excel in line with his/her hobby.”

beyond our control. In School curriculum, it is not all about academics as we also have cognitive, affective and psycho motive,” she said. “All along, parents have been complaining that the area of sports have been neglected or segmented whereas state of good health is enhanced through sports and exercises. It is also important that cognizance should be taken of students not all ending up being medical doctors, lawyers among others but some as athletes. “ This therefore, compels government to provide facilities that will enhance sporting activities in schools while the cooperation of parents and schools too can help to set up standard sports centre,” she said.

SPOrTS 59

THE GUArdIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Moyes is Ferguson’s natural heir AVId Moyes hails from a d different side of the river Clyde to Sir Alex Ferguson, but they have both ended up at the final destination of Manchester United and Old Trafford. The 50-year-old, confirmed as Ferguson’s successor yesterday, is from Partick, while Ferguson is a famous son of Govan, but the Glaswegian pair now stand on common ground. As Ferguson prepares to take his leave after a 26-year reign as United Manager, Moyes will move from Everton as the chosen one to pick up the mantle carried by his fellow Scot with unprecedented success. Moyes’ only silverware is the 2000 division Two title with Preston and he has limited European experience - but in so many respects it is not a surprise that United regarded him as the heir to Ferguson. He ends 11 years of punching above his weight at Everton to join one of the game’s superpowers. When many cry out for good British managers to be given a chance at the top Premier League clubs, here we have one being handed the biggest of them all. All with Ferguson’s blessing. Moyes first impressed the 71year-old Ferguson when he was leading Scottish FA coaching courses, brainstorming events also attended by the young Jose Mourinho. Moyes recalled, “they were really vital. Those SFA courses, the staff coaches were Alex Ferguson, Walter Smith, Jim McLean, Craig Brown and Archie Knox. What players or coaches of the future would ever get a chance to work with people like that? “These guys gave up two weeks of their summer to help develop people for the future. I was mad for it. I wanted to hear from them. Part of it was going to the pub in the evenings with them. I would do anything to get close to their company.” Moyes heard enough and Ferguson saw enough for a lasting good impression to be forged. The pair were almost together at United early in 1999 when Moyes, forging a reputation at Preston, was just beaten to the role of assistant manager at Old Trafford

With Ferguson

by Steve McClaren. Even then Moyes was drawing comparisons with a young Ferguson, not simply because he was showing a natural flair for coaching and management but also with his firebrand nature. In July 2001 it even led to what he described as a “regrettable” incident in a nightclub on a pre-season tour when an angry Moyes confronted North End midfield player Paul McKenna and goalkeeper, Tepi Moilanen after two poor results against German Third division side SV Wacker Berguhausen and Turkish First division club Kocaelispor. “It is interesting that Manchester United are going for another British manager because a lot of big clubs, such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have hired foreign coaches with big names. “United have had all their success with British managers so why go in the opposite direction? It makes sense to go down the same route.” It was all part of the education and he succeeded one of his coach mentors Walter Smith at Everton in March 2002, first moving the club away from relegation trouble before laying the building blocks that have brought a succession of top-10 finishes, European football and a place in the Champions League qualifying stage in 2005, when they lost to eventual semi-finalists Villarreal. The long apprenticeship served by Moyes moved him to the top of Old Trafford’s list of successors to Ferguson when he decided to step down. Some will regard following arguably the game’s greatest manager as a poisoned chalice but the

appointment has Ferguson’s fingerprints on it - he will surely have assured those in control at Old Trafford that Moyes fits the bill. Moyes was schooled in the same way as Ferguson, learning his football on Glasgow’s streets before taking his thirst for knowledge into a playing career that started at Celtic and finished at Preston, where he figured alongside young loan signing david Beckham in 1995. Moyes said, “you had to look after yourself in Glasgow. You had to be sharp with your tongue, or a good runner to get away from people, you had to handle yourself. In Glasgow you call it being gallus.” They are qualities Ferguson will have recognised and remembered as his thoughts turned to retirement and United’s line of succession. Married with two children, Moyes won instant favour when he walked into Everton and - much to the chagrin of Liverpool supporters declared them “The People’s Club.” He will walk into “The World’s Club” when he settles behind his new desk at Carrington. United have appointed a coach, as well as, a manager. Moyes craves the training ground as much as the manager’s office. He will delegate to trusted staff but still wants to put on sessions himself. And, like Ferguson, he can be spotted watching football matches in the most unlikely places. It is an all-consuming passion that mirrors the man he succeeds. They even share a love of the horses. It seemed Moyes’ lack of European experience might count against him in United’s considerations, but his willingness to give youth a chance and ability to work on

It seemed Moyes’ lack of European experience might count against him in United’s considerations, but his willingness to give youth a chance and ability to work on a strict budget at Everton removed the doubts. United will operate at the top end of the market, but Moyes has been a shrewd judge elsewhere when signing players such as Tim Cahill for £2m from Millwall and Phil Jagielka from Sheffield United for £4m.

Everton’s Scottish manager, David Moyes PHOTO: AFP

Fact File TArTEd playing career at Celtic and finished at Preston, where he played alongside young STenloan signing david Beckham between February and March 1995 months after guiding Preston to the division One play-off final, Moyes took over at Everton from Walter Smith in March 2002 Gave Wayne rooney his Premier League debut in August 2002 before selling him to Manchester United two years later for a deal starting at £20m Steered Everton to fourth in 2005 and place in qualifying stages of Champions League Took Everton to FA Cup final in 2009, where they lost 2-1 to Chelsea after beating Man United in semi-final a strict budget at Everton removed the doubts. United will operate at the top end of the market but Moyes has been a shrewd judge elsewhere when signing players such as Tim Cahill for £2m from Millwall and Phil Jagielka from Sheffield United for £4m. If there has been a criticism of Moyes during his Everton years it has been a suggestion that caution is his default option at the real pressure points. Everton have often stumbled at their big moments under Moyes, notably in the FA Cup final against Chelsea in 2009, a desperate FA Cup semi-final loss to Liverpool at Wembley last season and this campaign’s calamitous 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Wigan Athletic at Goodison Park. He will never have a better opportunity or bigger stage to put matters right. Moyes has also faced questions about Everton’s playing

style - with an emphasis on work ethic and organisation often highlighted to damn him with faint praise - but he will respond by saying he was operating within his means. The Everton budget did not lend itself to the regular signing of match-winners. It was no coincidence that when Moyes had his full squad available earlier this season, Everton’s followers believed they were watching the most attractive attacking football they had seen since their 80s pomp. Manchester United were well beaten, despite a narrow 1-0 scoreline, on a thunderous night at Goodison Park in their first game this season. Tactically, Moyes has long favoured the use of a lone striker with a midfield player dropped off behind, for many years Cahill and earlier in this campaign Marouane Fellaini, with a solid midfield base. This season fullbacks Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman

have consistently provided attacking width to augment Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas. If one of Moyes’ greatest strengths has been to cut his cloth accordingly, then it would be no surprise to see him utilise the full range of United’s attacking talents - it would be foolish not to. Moyes will now face new pressures but he has been a very popular figure with the Merseyside media he has worked alongside for his time at Everton. He has a reputation for honesty and straight dealing which will serve him well in the Old Trafford hothouse. The Manchester United experience has broken men as well as made them, but after observing Moyes at close quarters for so long, Ferguson, who will now take his place in the boardroom, will be confident the right man has taken his place. • Culled from BBCSports

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

Golf Weekly Nigerians in contention for Cameroun International tourney ESPITE playing 36 holes in phone. According to them, though D one day at the ongoing Cameroon International Golf the course, where the concludChampionship, two Nigerian players Gift Willy is in contention for the lion share of the $30, 000 tournament winning purse. Gift was delayed in Gabon by the airline that was to ferry him to Cameroun after he finished runner-up at the Port Gentil Open Golf Championship in Gabon. Having arrived behind schedule, he had to two rounds the same day and in the process carding -1 and +1 in that other to place one shot behind clubhouse leader. Compatriot Oche Odoh is hot on his heels placing joint third in the contest at the end of round two. Both departed the Yaoundé Golf Club, where the first two rounds took place and were having their practice rounds at the Likomba Golf Course in Tiko, near Douala, when The Guardian reached them on

ing part of the contest would take place was very challenging, they were prepared to beat it and walk away victorious. They also said that even though the greens were not in great shape, they were poised to play the course the way it was and return home victorious. Defending champion and Nigeria’s best ranked professional golfer by virtue of his pre-eminent position on the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN) Order of Merit, Ghana-born Emos Korblah was placed joint 4th behind Odoh. Korblah, who holds dual tour cards from Nigeria and Ghana also told The Guardian that he was poised to take the tournament in his stride in order not to commit blunders that would derail his successful title defence.

Remo, Epe monarchs, others for WellManned Amateur Open EVERAL dignitaries includSleaders ing royalties and business are expected to tee-off in this year’s WellManned Amateur Open Golf Championship at the Blue Elephant Cement Club, Sagamu, Ogun State. Some of the dignitaries, who have indicated interest in the tourney, which is in its fourth edition are Paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, the Elepe of Epe land, Oba Adewale Osiberu and the Alaperu of Iperu among others. Plant Manager, Wapco Lafarge, Sagamu, Jerzy Sobala and Managing Director of WellManned, Uwem Udoh will also be part of the compe-

tition, which sponsors include Coastland Energy Logistics Ltd, AOS-Orwell, Anbas Energy Systems Ltd, Lafem Oil & Gas Services Ltd, Oceanwind Marine & Logistics Ltd., and Recharge It Now Nigeria Ltd. Captain of the club, Segun Onabolu, while speaking ahead of the championships billed to tee-off May 17, said the club was ready to host and entertain visitors to the club during the event. Invited pros drawn from the South West region of the country, are expected to open proceedings on Friday, May 17th. They will be playing for a prize money of N1m while lady golfers would also take their turn same day.

Odoh

PGA Nigeria Tour CEO office vacant, 17 months after Stories by Eno-Abasi Sunday VER a year and a half after O Mr. Shola Lawson (Jnr.) resigned his appointment as the maiden chief executive officer (CEO)/ Tour Commissioner of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Nigeria Tour, he is yet to be replaced by the Board of Directors of the body. This development has led to the office being held in abeyance, thereby truncating the dreams of the founding fathers of the body. The PGA Nigeria Tour was established in 2007 by some stakeholders of the sport in the country, including

Olusola Adekanola, Uyi Akpata and Ted Iwere. Its objectives include, but not limited to securing tournaments for the Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria (PGAN) helping better the standard of Nigerian pro golfers and generally improving the lot of professional golf in the country. Lawson had, upon his resignation, said he was proud to have made contributions to the development of professional golf in Nigeria by raising tournament prize monies, as well as, bringing in more corporate entities to sponsor events and recognise with pro golf. “The last four years have given me the privilege of

making modest contributions to the development of pro golf in Nigeria. We have raised the bar in terms of tournament organisation, winning purses, sponsor returns on investments, media support and player remunerations. “It has been a privilege serving as the first CEO of the PGA Nigeria Tour. I hope that the history of Nigerian golf will find my humble contributions and service worthy of mention for posterity,” Lawson said. However, when the views of the PGAN were sought regarding the impact of the absence of the Tour CEO/Commissioner on its activities, its Director of

Special Duties of the PGAN and one of the members representing the body on the Board of the PGA Nigeria Tour, Dominic Andrew claimed they were just fine much as they were avoiding pitfalls of the past. “A lot of things did not go down well in that office before now. So at the moment, a lot of work is going on because we do not want to make the same mistake twice. That is the reason we are quiet with what we are doing for now. Even without anyone in that office, I can say that Nigerian pro tour is getting stronger and there are a lot more activities on the part of the PGAN even with absence of

the PGA Nigeria Tour. He continued, “on the part of PGAN we are only trying to make sure that things are okay before we begin to talk or make pronouncements regarding that appointment. PGA Nigeria Tour is a subsidiary of the PGAN and we gave it some form of autonomy to operate on its own so that we can form a tour in this part of the world. But the office, as then constituted, gave us a jamboree of some sort and not what we wanted. We do not want that to happen again. “Even though the outfit is not functional now, it is in still in existence and we want a proper golf tour like what is obtained in other parts of the

world. Until all the necessary things are put in place, required steps taken, we will not rush to make any pronouncements regarding that office, he stated. Andrew added, “what we want to do is to see how we can sustain our own activities in the PGAN for a period of two to three years. If we do that successfully, we would convert them to become activities of the PGA Nigeria Tour and eventually draw up a calendar, which will take us beyond the shores of this country. We are doing a lot of work in that direction already, but we can’t say much until we have achieved a certain level of success.”

GOLFWEEKLY

THE GUARDIAN, Friday May 10, 2013

The Players Championship

McIlroy makes solid start as Love returns ORY McIlroy hit a careerR best six-under-par 66 at Sawgrass in the first round of the Players Championship, yesterday. The world number two trails early leader Roberto Castro, who equalled the course record with a 63, by three. “It’s my best score around this course by a long way,” he said. “I kept my ball in play for the most part and didn’t make any stupid mistakes.” World number one Tiger Woods and former Masters champion Bubba Watson were among the late starters in Florida. Meanwhile, Davis Love III returned to the PGA Tour just in time to extend his streak at The Players Championship. Love, who turned 49 last month, missed the last three months while recovering from back surgery. He’s making his return this week at TPC Sawgress, playing The Players for the 28th consecutive year. His run started in 1986, when he tied for 14th. He has won the tournament twice since, in 1992 and 2003. ‘’It’s hard to stay competitive for that long,’’ Love said Wednesday, a day before the opening round. ‘’If I started back over again, I tell you in

2013 there is no way I’d make 28 in a row. It’s too competitive now. ‘’One, that means you’re old. And two, it means you’ve stayed pretty competitive. I’m hoping that after this and the hard work I’ve put in, it’s just going to get better for a while.’’ Love had a two-level disk fusion. He started putting and chipping shortly after surgery and was hitting balls eight weeks later. He’s been playing full rounds for a month, still trying to regain strength in his left arm. He considered coming back a few weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, but opted to wait for The Players. ‘’I’m excited to be here,’’ he said. ‘’I’m excited to be on the golf course. I’m excited to continue that streak. Obviously, it was a big point in the schedule that I don’t want to miss. I obviously wanted to play before this, but I’m glad to be back on the golf course, and Lord willing, continue this streak of feeling well for the rest of the week.’’ Love said his back has been bothering him for more than a decade, even recalling conversations with his doctor in

Mcilroy

2000 about having surgery. The pain reached a new level at Phoenix in early February. ‘’I was at the point in Phoenix where I was very frustrated mentally,’’ Love said. ‘’I knew physically I couldn’t do it. ... I was just grinding away, and

there was no reason to be doing it. So finally I called my doctor ... and said, ‘I’m just beating my head against the wall, aren’t I?’ And he said, ‘Yes, you are. You’re going to have that surgery. You can have it now, you can have it

in the summer or you can have it in the fall, but you’re going to have it this year. ‘’So I just went ahead and I did it. I literally woke up after surgery and I knew I was fine. I felt so much better. The pain was gone. The tingling

was almost gone in my fingers. And since then all it’s been is trying to get my arm strength back, and that’s been a longer process than I’d like, but my therapists think I’m ahead of schedule, so I’m excited.’’

THe GUARDIAn, Friday, May 10, 2013

Tennis

In association with

Lessons from a world-class teacher By Steve Smith eLby VAn HORn was both a world-class player and a worldclass teacher. Dr. Alex Mayer, whose two sons, Sandy and Gene, both had Top-10 world rankings, once said that Van Horn was in a class by himself when it came to ranking tennis teachers. As a player, Welby reached the US Open final at the age of 19 in 1939. Pete Sampras surpassed his record in 1990 when he was 19 (and was further away from his 20th birthday). Van Horn’s playing career was interrupted by world War II. He only played three Grand Slams because he accepted parttime lesson money while he worked full-time in an aircraft factory. In the 1940s, Welby won both the national Professional Singles and national Professional Doubles titles. As a teacher, Welby developed his own system of instruction. It was his intellect and independence that allowed him to assemble the best pathway for beginning a player. The Van Horn format was based on logic and principled on “balance.” Welby, a Californian, taught a small number of kids on a small number of courts (4), on the small island of Puerto Rico. but his results were big. For example, in 1959, five of his students were ranked in the Top 24 in the 15-and-under age group, which was as many as came out of Southern California that year, and more than all of Florida produced. I worked for Welby and his system worked for my students. I have only worked with developmental players; avoiding being one who recruits players with previously accomplished results. yes, Van Horn’s fundamentals have stood the test of time. For example, I have had my students win titles at the boys’ national Championships in Kalamazoo, and my student’s students win titles at Kalamazoo.

Finding the best Recently I returned to the well—the well of true tennis genius. Welby is almost 90. I spent a couple of days talking ten-

HEALTH & FITNESS By Patricia Price He PASSIOn TO PLAy a sport often is compromised by injury, but it is particularly upsetting when one’s body signals a problem due to overuse or an underlying problem. The good news for tennis players, as well as other athletes, is that orthopedics has advanced to provide so many ways to get them back to their active lifestyles and onto the courts. One has only to look back to the 1960s to realize the progress in relieving the pain and restoring function occurring, for example, in the hip. Dr. Harlan Amstutz, who practices orthopedic surgery at the Joint Replacement Institute at St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, has been at the forefront of hip care since the 1970s as an investigator and inventor of solutions. He points out that hip pain often is activity-related, and when it becomes persistent and more constant, especially if there is also a loss of motion, then osteoarthritis may be the cause. Mild arthritis often is controlled by over-the-counter antiinflammatories and held at bay for

nis with one of my mentors. Like all great teachers, Van Horn is a life-long learner. He was excited to share new insights and new discoveries that he has made observing the game today. I arranged for Ademola Oduwole, the publisher of TennisLife Africa, to interview Welby. He asked Van Horn who was his best student. Van Horn gave Charlie Pasarell honorable mention. Charlie was one of Welby’s beginner’s that he grinded and polished into the no. 1-ranked player in America. but then Welby answered the question with a true and detailed story. He said he did not remember the name of his best student, but that he was a man in his mid-30s who attended one of his summer camps. He had played three sports; changing with the seasons. The student, as Welby explained, got his toughness from football, his footwork and touch from basketball and his service motion from baseball. Welby’s best student was an entry-level adult beginner. This camper was a successful businessman on a mission. After attending five days of camp he went home and did exactly what Van Horn had told him. He made arrangements to return to the camp at the end of the same summer for another week. Welby’s best student was at the airport on his way home but he intentionally missed his flight to drive back and ask Welby one more question: “How do you keep score?” It was that question that made him Welby’s best student. Van Horn, as always, was making a point. I understood. I have the privilege of being a disciple of Welby. The student did what he was told. First control your grip, then control your swing and your balance. Strategy is meaningless without strokes. Practice slowly and endlessly. Stand in front of the mirror and shadowswing thousands of times. Hit the wall with a dead ball off of two bounces. Let the body and mind connect by doing the routines over and over. Don’t let your impulses become your habits in the

beginning stages. Let the first steps be steps. Developing Champions Takes Time Tennis teaching and tennis learning are not “fast food.” you cannot microwave a tennis game. It has to be built—and wellbuilt—slowly, over time. Van Horn’s best student simply listened and followed directions. He knew practice ratios such as 15 minutes on a backboard is equivalent to one hour on court because of the number of balls hit. What’s the rush? Most tennis players generally are going nowhere fast. A Welby-ism: “Most people play at tennis. Less than 5 percent of people play tennis.” Van Horn is an artist and to him tennis is art. He expressed during our get-together how appreciative he is for having lived long enough to watch and study another tennis artist, Roger Federer. Welby, like Federer, showed that efficient and effortless strokes are aesthetically appealing. Virginia Wade, the former Wimbledon champion, once said, “Winning tennis will not lead to beautiful tennis, rather beautiful tennis will lead to winning tennis.” Parents, understand Welby’s point. One must ask a long, long list of questions and practice a long, long list of routines before their energy goes into winning. The tennis industry has gone almost totally to a “gamebased” methodology. The method is to make it fun, so the students come back and pros make more money. but let’s slow down, have some reflective thought, and learn from a true tennis master like Welby Van Horn. Teach a “form-based” system, at least for part of practice sessions. Maybe you’ll make a bit less money, but fellow tennis teachers, you’ll make more players. That’s what Welby did.

Shooting from the Hip

Steve Smith has 35 years of diversified experience. Academically, he designed and developed the first accredited comprehensive degree program for tennis teachers. Six of his former students, once developed in their formative years, have won NCAA National titles. Clinically, he’s studied under and worked for tennis teaching legends.

Hip “resurfacing,” rather than replacement, may be the answer for tennis players looking to get back in the game.

some time by a regimen of drugs and activity reduction. However, sometimes the pain can’t be controlled. A baby-boomer has options today that his grandfather did not have. After a thorough consultation, physical exam and X-rays, the patient will be able to consider new options to regain his sporting life.

‘Resurface,’ Don’t Replace Again, the good news is that there are options. Amstutz has a substantial number of patient-athletes who have returned to vigorous sports—tennis players, cyclists, mountain climbers, skiers and dancers to name a few— after a procedure called “resurfacing of the hip” with metal-on-metal bearings. Amstutz pioneered the technique of resurfacing, an alternative to total hip replacement. Resurfacing does not require removal of part of the head of the femur. Hip resurfacing was developed initially as an alternative to total hip replacement for younger, active patients. (Often hip replacement means numerous revisions and follow-up surgeries as patients grow older.) Resurfacing buys time, saves bone, achieves equal leg length due to it being anatomically neutral, has

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 10, 2013

HEALTH & FITNESS

Shooting from the hip proven thus far to have good longevity, and is now viable for older players as well. As the name “resurfacing” connotes, the surgeon removes the arthritis by a series of steps, reshaping the head of the femur and covering it with a metal cup, which then fits into a thin boneconserving shell that attaches to the pelvis. By contrast, total hip replacement requires that the head and neck of the femur be removed and a stem inserted into the bone shaft. In the resurfacing prosthesis the large femoral component, which is the same size as the original head, reduces the risk of post-operative dislocation while the manufactured metal-on-metal bearing has very low wear rates. The femoral head and neck of the hip joint are preserved; bone mineral density is preserved and maintained. These two factors also provide the best conditions for a successful conversion to a conventional, stemmed-type total hip replacement should this ever be necessary.

Active Lifestyles Again With the recently FDA-approved Conserve Plus metal-metal surface hip replacement device designed by Amstutz, there have been no femoral fractures in his last 700 cases, and patients with implants are enjoying highly active lifestyles without pain, discomfort or other impairments. Optimal component design, technique and patient selection are the keys to success. Some of his early patients are now 11 to 13 years post-op and are regularly playing tennis, other racquet sports and competitive volleyball, and one is even ballet dancing. A lover of tennis, Ronald Luce was experiencing severe right hip pain that was prohibiting his ability to play. After suffering for 2-1/2 years and putting off surgery for as long as possible, which can often lead to further bone deterioration, Amstutz performed surface hip replacement surgery in 2000 when Luce was 49. Now, 10 years later, Luce plays singles four times a week and works out four to five times a week. “I couldn’t speak more highly of this procedure,” he says, adding that he feels completely “normal” when playing tennis and exercising and is grateful to have had the chance to get his lifestyle back. For more information on hip resurfacing and on the Joint Replacement Institute at

St. Vincent Medical Center, visit www.jri-docs.com or call 888-674-3627.

THE ART OF PRACTICING By Tom Veneziano HAVE BEEN A STUDENT of the art of learning for many years. It fascinates me. I do not teach players how to learn tennis. I teach players how to learn to learn tennis. My understanding of learning was born from much curiosity about the process—trial and error, and years of teaching experience, plus studying coaches and athletes, and being fortunate enough have had good leadership and mentors. After working with students for over 30 years I concluded that most people are just not attuned to learning and all the myriad phases and complexities involved in learning. Take for instance intellectual knowledge (knowledge you can understand and repeat back) versus application knowledge (knowledge you can apply automatically). Players constantly mix them up! For example, students have told me many times, “I know that already, why do I have to do it again?” My answer is always the same. You may know it but you are not doing it. Until you can do something automatically in application form, you do not own that shot or stroke or serve. Application form means applying the technique instinctively in match play, not just in practice.

Integrating Technique into Match Play You must integrate what you learn in practice into your matches. Just because you can perform a technique in practice does not mean you can perform that technique in match play. You must slowly integrate that technique into your match play by continuing to practice until it happens automatically in your match play. If you can perform a stroke only in your practice, then you do not have “application knowledge” yet. But if you are patient and continue practicing, the technique will come around in your match play. Just relax and keep up the repetition. Here is an example: At my club I was coaching one of the pros who was experiencing a huge breakthrough in application knowledge. One day, after months and months of practice on his forehand and backhand groundstrokes, he got on the court to practice and out came these fluid, beautifully balanced, well-timed strokes. With renewed optimism, he thought he had arrived! Or had he? I explained, to no avail, that this is only the genesis of true success. There is still a ways to go to own these strokes. Another pro at my club has won every tournament around. He is a tough, resourceful player. The pro I coach often plays him to test how well he is performing. He loses every time, but has improved to 6-4 and even 7-5 set scores. Well, after this breakthrough he thought, “I’m ready to take on the best, right now!” After his practice and a word of caution from me, he went off to find the other pro. Unfortunately he found him! They hopped on a court and played a set. The result: 6-1. My student went down in flames! He overplayed everything, trying to emulate how he had performed in practice. He came back disheartened and discouraged, but still eager to get back to

You Need to Learn to Learn Tennis! match play, your rate of learning must exceed your rate of forgetting. When you are in the beginning stages of learning a technique, your rate of forgetting exceeds your rate of learning. Learning in Increments You must keep practicing to allow the natural The point is, you learn in increments and baby steps. There are no exceptions. Everyone learns in learning process to mature. One day the rate of learning will exceed the rate of forgetting and increments. Once you have learned a stroke or bingo! The stroke or technique will be all yours technique you must take that technique to an extremely high level of development in practice in a match. before you can apply it in a match. Usually, with Learning is tricky business. You must slowly enough practice, the application in a match hap- prepare your mind and body to accept new information, and then once this information is pens by itself—automatically. A phrase I like to learned, integrate it into your body’s automatic use to describe this concept is, “When the stunature. dent is ready, the stroke will appear!” To be able to apply a technique from practice to Stop being frustrated by attempting to use what you have just learned too soon. Remember to learn in increments and do not forget that integrating what you learned in practice into your match play is one of those increments! work and own the new strokes he had the privilege of briefly experiencing.

“If you are patient and continue practicing, the technique will come around in your match play.”

Tom Veneziano, a tennis coach for over 30 years, teaches at the Westheimer Indoor Tennis Club in Houston, Texas. As the developer of the Tennis Warrior System, Veneziano has produced books and audio CDs that are available at www.tenniswarrior.com.

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TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Musa Efukun Jeremiah N the developed countries particularly, the European countries, women dominated numerous positions in the media houses. About 60 per cent of all field reporters are female, behind the camera, more than half of newscasters, producers and writers are female. Several reasons are behind this shift. Equal opportunity of employment laws and the journalism profession’s promotion of diversity have certainly helped. Additionally, news director realised that half their potential audience are female and might welcome a women’s perspective of news events. Some observers find the dwindling percentage of male in video journalism a disturbing trend that might lead to the “feminisation” of television news, and the alienation of the male viewers in the audience. Others note that today’s male audience is more accustomed to seeing females in powerful roles, and the growing journalistic gender disparity should be of little consequence. At any rate, it is highly probable that the television newsroom will continue to be a place populated by a majority of female. The recent trend in broadcast news shows that, when television news first started it was a male-dominated profession. Female reporters were rare, and female anchors even rarer. All this has changed. Starting in the 1980, the number of female anchors steadily increased. By 1990s the number of the female anchors equated the number of male anchors. But today, female anchors outnumbered male anchors. The male pairing is the typical co-anchor arrangement, but female-female teams are more common, as are solo female anchors. What is rare these days is what was typical a few decades ago: a male-male anchor team or a solo male. However, in Nigeria the reverse is the case. Over the years, research has shown that the prevalence of women stereotypes in the mass media can be damaging to the status of women in the society. Tuchman and others had called the mass media portrayal of women, a symbolic annihilation of woman which could be brought about by trivialization or the absence of women could well have its roots in the formal education, training given to the media practitioners. It has been noted with regard to communicating the status of women in terms of content, it is not simply what the media said or how they say it that bolsters stereotypes and limited or skewed perceptions of women. Equally important is what they do not say. The stereotyping of women whom the mass media are guilty of can also have its origin in mass communication departments dominated by andocentric tendencies. Most of the editorial board members for training newspapers or magazines published by departments of mass communication in Nigeria tertiary institutions are dominated by male students except the token one or two female students who may be appointed as either society page editor or her assistant or as entertainment editor and her assistant in the editorial board. However, stereotype is even among the women themselves not only in the mass media. It was observed in a situation where a head of mass communication department, IBB University in a routine task which constitutes supervision of an editorial board for one of the training newspaper publication (IBBU trumpet) by the department. The HOD set up editorial board base on the inauguration by students, the female students were busy inaugurating the male counterparts without voting themselves. At the end, the editorial board was dominated by the male students with a token of a female student for soft duty. As a matter of fact, enrolment figures show that roughly equal members of male and female students are admitted into the country’s communication schools. From this simple action, the stereotyping of women journalists are only fit for the soft and feature aspects of mass media work is already being inculcated in the student journalists. The veiled admonition here is that men

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Nigerian women and the practice of journalism play the strong and important roles, women the weak and unimportant one. When the students join the workforce, women journalists both as reporters and editors are more likely to handle feature stories while hard news is made the exclusive province of their male counterparts. The inferiority complex with this kind of division of labour breeds in the media women could condition them regard themselves as incapable of making any significance contributions to mass communication, thus causing those among them who are not very determined to give up any effort to make an impact in their jobs. In the face of this kind of division of labour, it appears inevitable that packaging of media content will be done to reflect a male perspective, thus giving rise to problems of sexism and gender bias in mass communication. In this type of situation, one guess is as good as

another what type of news will they make? In explaining gender bias, it has been noted that news is not one reporter view of an event but a social, consensual product molded by a variety of consideration. Thus, it might be possible that journalists internalise popular perceptions and social stereotypes into consensual definitions of what is news. As these perceptions and stereotypes are perpetuated in Nigeria, it becomes doubtful that sexism and stereotyped presentations of women will soon disappear from the country’s mass media content. Poverty is a multi-faceted condition in most countries of the world; women represent more than half this population. It is documented that they performs the lowest paid activities and are concentrated in the low-end jobs and occupations. MacClintock writes that women do two thirds of the world’s property. In a country like Nigeria, culture and religion help

Mohammed Garba, NUJ president

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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Friday, May 10, 2013

Nigeria media seem to maintain the status quo through excluding women, giving them little voice demeaning them through various forms of behaviours and increasing their vulnerability. Yet it is vital that this cycle is broken for the liberation of women as Roach suggests would imply the liberation of the host of other poor.

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to keep women in the chains of poverty, silencing and excluding them and allowing men to take the larger share of resources. Nigeria media seem to maintain the status quo through excluding women, giving them little voice demeaning them through various forms of behaviours and increasing their vulnerability. Yet it is vital that this cycle is broken for the liberation of women as Roach suggests would imply the liberation of the host of other poor. The culture of silence need to be addressed in Nigeria media as poverty seem gradually to disappear in media reports, obliterated by stories about the rich, top government officials, head of government and their relations. Ordinary Nigerians which include the Nigerian women are not key players in the media; this can be observed in Nigeria where media houses are dominated men single media house. Issues concerning the majority are simply avoided. The Nigerian media like her counterpart in other developing countries have been criticise for its empty content in emphasising news and reports such as a former head of state has called for improvement in life for rural dwellers, the head of the civil service has said that structures are being put in place that will generate job opportunities and fight poverty. Often time who said what becomes more pronounced than what was said, that is, what was said become less bearing than the actual news. One thing is clear; the presence of Nigeria women in the media is inhibited by governmental bodies, media owners even among journalists who are still not gender satisfied. Despite some growth in a female employment in areas such as programming, the status of women in this sector reproduces women’s subordinate status in the broader society. For every one woman employed in the state radio stations and state and federal television stations, there were seven male employees. However, female journalists are concentrated in the lowest status positions and tend to be relegated to coverage of woman’s and social issues rather than news and current affairs. The factors responsible for the low representation of woman in broadcasting are cultural factors, male chauvinism and lack of dedication. Greater visibility of female broadcasters in the higher ranks of the industry and in news-oriented reporting positions is essential to undercut stereotype of woman as wives and mothers only. It is pertinent to say here that gone are the days when the media was considered to be no place for a woman, times have changed to more and more women joining the fourth estate. However, just as woman in the larger society have broken many traditional barriers on politics, economic and social areas while their male counterparts have undergone less of an attitudinal change, women journalists too have to cope with similar biases within the profession. In the coming years, the number of women covering hard beats will undoubtedly grow, just as more men will become interested in writing on softer issues but whether this will also be accompanied with a change in perceptions is the moot point. • Musa Efukun Jeremiah, 300 Level Department of Mass Communications, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University. Lapai, Niger State.